@skinnyjeans PSA for wearing bike helmets and "go ride a bike"

If you are interested in a little physical activity while vacationing in Maui, you should consider biking down the Haleakala Volcano.
There are close to ten different companies that are available to book biking tours that head down the volcano. The prices charged and the experiences offered during your biking tours will be different. Before you book your Maui biking tour down the Haleakala you should inquire about what you are paying for and what type of rules or regulations there will be for the tour.
For example, some tours will pick you up at your hotel and others will have you meeting at their place of business or on the Haleakala volcano. It is important that you are aware of these things before you make any decisions by booking a tour.
Cruiser Phil’s
Cruiser Phil offers two tours that have you biking down the Haleakala Volcano. The first tour occurs at sunrise allowing you to see the sun come up over the horizon in a dazzling array of colors. It includes a continental breakfast and a chance to stop at a restaurant, Paia’s, at the end of your ride for some excellent food. This trip is $135. The second trip is the morning trip and offers no real difference other than the price of $120.00. In either case, you receive a helmet, windbreaker suit, motorcycle jacket, insulated gloves, and all the equipment needed to enjoy a safe ride.
The Haleakala Bike Company
Averaging about $80 a trip, Haleakala Bike Company offers Maui biking tours at a slightly lower cost than the competition. The reason for this is they do not pick you up, drop you off, or offer you any type of food or beverage. They do offer excellent service and an exciting time though. Haleakala differs from other biking companies because this company does not make you stay with the pack. If you want to speed down the volcano, you are free to do so. On the other hand, if you want to make an entire day of your trip, you can do that, too.
Maui Downhill
Maui Downhill offers a number of different tours for biking down the volcano. Each tour offers transportation to and from various hotels and resorts and all the equipment you need to have a successful biking expedition. Many of the tours allow for admission into Haleakala National Park, continental breakfast, lunch in Kula Maui, and photos to remember your trip. Maui Downhill tours generally range from $100 – $150.
Maui Bike the Volcano
The Maui Bike tour begins as you watch the sunrise from on top of the volcano. You are picked up from your hotel and taken up to the summit. Coffee and continental breakfast are offered with your tour. You will be given all you need to successfully enjoy a biking tour, and then your tour will really begin. You will be traveling 38 miles downhill. You will be able to enjoy a small groups that allows for more instruction from the guides should you need additional help.
These are just a few of the tour companies that offer biking tours of the Haleakala volcano in Maui. If you are unsure which company to go with ask the employees at the resort or hotel where you are lodging. This should help you to find out a good company with a tour that is acceptable for you and your experience level.

Dave Huffman owns and operates rental by owner vacation rental websites. For great lodging on Maui go to Maui Rental by Owner
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If you’re like most people in America, you’re probably looking to get in a bit better shape. Of course, we all know this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Finding the time can be difficult, but find the motivation can be even harder when all you have to look forward to is a long slog on the treadmill. You need a way to exercise that you’ll love, rather than dread. If you can’t wait to go do your workout, you’ll certainly be in much better shape.
For me, and for many others, road biking fits this description perfectly. Nothing else is quite like the sensation of freedom and speed you get from riding on a road bike, watching the miles fly by as you proppel yourself under your own power through the scenic countryside. You’re getting one of the best workouts there is, but you won’t even notice. Instead, you’ll be pushing yourself to race your buddies to the top of the hill, or taking tight corners as you fly down a curvy mountain road at car-like speeds.
The reason road biking is such a great workout, besides the fact that its a ton of fun, is that it works multiple body energy systems. Most of you are probably familiar with the concept of “aerobic” and “anaerobic” exercise. Without getting into the details, we can summarize aerobic exercise as long, slow, gradual exercise that keeps your heart rate up, and anaerobic excerise as short, very high intensity effort. Working both systems is essential for optimal fitness, and road biking does just this.
For example, when you’re do a long, slow, flat ride, you’re helping work your aerobic systems. When you’re sprinting that last portion of a steep hill climb, you’re getting an intense anaerobic workout. You control what kind of workout you get but what kind of ride you take. It’s that simple.
So, what does it take to get in on a great sport like this? Well, its fortunately quite simple. With just a bike, shoes, helmet, proper clothing, and a few other accessories, you’re off and ready to go. Since its just ride a bike, you don’t need to take any special classes to learn what you need to do. Of course, there will be a slight learning curve if you’ve never ridden a road bike before.
Compared to the inexpensive, heavy, clunky cheap bikes most people spend their lives riding, a road bike will feel like a highly tuned sports car. In other words, it will be twitchy and fast, and you need to pay attention to keep from crashing. Don’t worry, though, you’ll catch on soon enough as you start riding.
In fact, once you get going with the riding, you’ll discover one of the best things about road biking: progression. The more you ride, the faster you’ll get. Soon you’ll be timing yourself on your favorite rides, attempting to break your previous records. By doing this, you are literally watching yourself getting in better shape, and having a blast while doing it!
So, I hope all this has helped you see a little what road biking can do for your fitness. It’s easy, fun, and can last you a lifetime. Visit your local bike ship today, or read more to find out even more about this great sport.

David Wilson is a road biker and webmaster. He invites you to visit his sites and learn how to road bike, shop for road biking gear, and simple read up on the great sport of road biking.
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Mountain biking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, exercising and having fun. Racing down a mountainside is exhilarating; however, it can also be dangerous.
Although it is consider a dangerous sport, if done with utmost caution, mountain biking can be enjoyed by the whole family.

As with any outdoor sport, selecting the right equipment and an understanding of the sport will be the key to a great adventure.

Styles of Mountain Biking

Mountain biking can be categorized into three different styles. There is downhill, free riding, and cross-country. Although the styles are similar in some respect, they all require different skills. The style you select will determine the type of bike.

Mountain Biking Locations

Typically, this sport is known as biking on an unpaved surface. Most regions have areas specifically designed for this grand sport. State and federal parks are a good place to mountain bike. However, you should check with your local parks to get the routes and other regulations or rules they may have. In addition, if you venture off to some state or federal land or any wilderness type area, it is best to know about the surroundings should there be any unexpected accidents.

There are also groups that have mountain bike rides and competitions. You could search the internet or local newspaper to see what is available in your area. There may be groups for the advanced rider as well as the novice.

Criteria to be a Great Mountain Biker

A prerequisite for a great mountain biker is endurance and stamina. In addition, it takes discipline to practice and the ambition to succeed and conquer the course. A novice mountain biker will have to overcome the bumps and bruises from falling of the bike. Like all sports, it takes practice and the constitution to keep trying.

Selecting Your Bike

Selecting your bike is a personal choice and contingent on the type of riding you will do. Bikes come in all different styles, shapes, and prices, therefore selecting the perfect one for you can be difficult. Again, do some internet research or venture out to do some comparison-shopping before you get ready to make a purchase. Ask to try out a bike before you buy. A good mountain biker becomes one with his or her bike. Check for comfort, fit, and how it is geared, all these factors need to be considered.

Staying Safe

As mentioned earlier, mountain bike riding on unpaved roads can be hazardous. The typical safety gear is a helmet, knee and elbow pads. You should also consider goggles if riding in a very dense wooded area or if following a group of bikers. Safety should be your top priority and not taken lightly when riding no matter what the terrain.

The specialized mountain bikes are the ones, which are specially customized to meet the requirements of the rider. The bikes have a fundamental version, with specially customized parts and accessories. These specialized parts turn the bike even more powerful. The specialization brings more comfort to the riders, resulting in their ultimate satisfaction.
You can purchase a specialized mountain bike from a dealer or can customize it yourself by assimilating different parts. This would be possible if you are an experienced biker and is acquainted with the intricacies. However, if you are a beginner, then a basic mountain bike model without customization would be sufficient. The more the knowledge grows, the more you would be confident in using different parts all by yourself.
A specialized mountain bike is manufactured with added and better parts; the look gets improved and even more fascinating. In order to customize your own bike, you can add new paddles, brakes, gears and handlebars. You can even change the frame, suspension system or tires. The color of the bikes may also be changed, to suit your taste. However, if you are more interested in purchasing the mountain bike, then you must have the idea what parts are needed to make your ride safe and enjoyable. There is no limit to the amount you may pay for customizing your bike. However, you should be quite particular about your budget, and must keep your expenditure under control.
Processes for customization
1.Customization can be done by getting new handlebars that better suit your mountain bikes.
2.Do not run after spending too much money on buying new parts. Use a bit of intelligence in customizing your bike, and make it powerful and worthy.
3.The new parts that you will purchase, should match the bike you have.
4.You should contact the manufacturer to be in the safe side, and must check the return and exchange policies of the online and offline exchanges.
5.There is huge number of models available in the market. However, you must discreetly choose the model you exactly want.
The way to specialize bikes
There are many processes to specialize bikes. The specialization would depend on your choice of bikes, and the amount you are willing to pay. Sometimes, only the new frames cause a makeover to the bikes. A large majority want specialized, ultra smooth suspension seat posts or fully adjustable handlebars. There are specialized tires, suiting different terrains.
Disadvantages of specialization
There are some disadvantages of specialization as well. Specialization does not always serve you in the way you should. You would not know, whether you are the only person with the specialized bike or not. Only a branded manufacturer can give you the guarantee.
Thus, a specialized mountain bike can bring you full satisfaction, if it is chosen rightly.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at
http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/Mountain-Bikes.html
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Halong Bay cruise biking tours are conducted by various tour operators and these biking sessions provide the travelers time to bond with the nature and observe the beautiful sights there.

Biking on Halong Bay Halong Bay, located in the Tonkin Gulf, includes around 1600 islets and islands forming spectacular seascapes of limestone pillars. Due to the precipitous nature of the islands, most of them are unaffected and uninhabited by human presence. The outstanding scenic natural beauty of the site is further complemented by places of great biological interests.

One of the ideal ways of exploring the place is through Halong Bay cruise biking as it brings the travelers face to face with many of the varied aspects of the bay. There are various tour operators who conduct biking trips along with the cruises, which includes cycling, boating and visits to fruit gardens, cottage industries, locals’ homes and floating markets. Biking offers the travelers a great opportunity to explore the place in an entirely different way. Types of Halong Bay cruise biking tours: If you are the kind who want to experience a diverse adventurous sensation along with fascinating trails of the bay, you can choose a cruise biking program offered by the various tour operators out there. The different terrains and varied topography of the place offer one of the greatest opportunities to practice biking here. The programs are offered in different difficulty levels so that everyone can take part in it, regardless of his or her previous experience or physical condition. There are different types of biking tour programs which include those designed for observing mystic forest vegetation and the interesting bird life in these, those for highlighting beautiful landscapes of the place and those for observing impressive coral reefs, caves, grottos and hidden ponds. Some of the tours are also conducted for exploring the beautiful sandy beaches along the Halong Bay. The biking sessions can be conducted during day or night for a duration of about 2-5 hours, depending upon the interests and physical condition of the guests. Cruise biking is an exciting and different kind of adventure, which provides an opportunity to enjoy unseen corners of the bay and to bond with the nature. The travelers can choose to cruise their favorite destinations in a distinctive manner and get to enjoy the moments from off beaten tourist tracks with these guided biking excursions. The experienced guides provided by these tour operators will lead the tourists and show them some of the most interesting and sought after sights and places of the area. These tour operators offer biking tours with varied difficulty levels so that whether you are a passionate biker or a novice, there is surely something waiting for you to explore. Whether looking for relaxation or for adventure, you are welcomed at these biking excursions so that you can have a memorable holiday experience. You will be accompanied by qualified guides who will give you valuable tips and interesting information about different destination coming your way. These tours will provide you more time for sightseeing and relax on beaches or in cafes along the coast. These biking tours also provide sufficient breaks so that you can click pictures, relax, enjoy the picturesque views and explore the points and sights of interest. Before going on a biking excursion, make sure that you have a well-maintained bike, a helmet, rucksack, fitness bar and a bike bottle. Recommended tours for biking on Halong bay: Indochinasails and Active Travel Vietnam

I have worked as a tour guide and an online sales executive for Tour Operator in Vietnam. I have graduated in Tourism from Hanoi National University in 2001 and in English at Hanoi Foreign Languages University in 2003. I have spent a long trip to Indochina include Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia as a traveller because I want to impart to customers my true experience about this exotic destination.

Mountain biking, as the name suggests, is a biking sport in which bicycle-riders ride along mountain trails. Biking through a mountain terrain is pure fun, but it also has its share of adventure and excitement. The best-known locations for biking in mountainous surroundings have unpaved surfaces and so you need to be an expert biker to truly experience the thrill.

History

Since their invention, bicycles have been used on all terrains, including rugged mountainous territories. However, it was not until 1970s that biking in the mountains became an organized sport. Groups of bicycle-riders from different parts of the United States played a pivotal role in the evolution of this thrilling biking-sport – experimenting with bikes of different makes and modifying them so that they could take the rigors of riding in the uneven, craggy mountainous lands.

The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, however, bestows the honor to a group of bikers in Marin County, California. The group (consisting of famous names in this field like Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Keith Bontrager and Otis Guy among others) undertook bike-ride down Mount Tamalpais (Mt Tam) on old 1930s and 40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with advanced brakes and fat tires.

The first ‘proper’ mountain bike was built by Joe Breeze in 1977. The present-day mountain bikes are based on the bicycle first marketed by the MountainBikes Company. The frame of this particular bike was built by Tom Ritchey and it was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly.

Types

Bikers usually engage in four different kinds of cycling tours in the mountains:

1. Cross-Country (or XC) biking is the most familiar type mountain riding sport and naturally has the maximum number of followers. The sport involves riding between points or in loops. It includes ascents and descents on different terrains. (Cross-Country racing competitions are different from cross-country biking). A typical XC bike weighs some 22-28 lbs and it has 0-4 inches of suspension travel front and rear.

2. Freeride is the other popular type of biking in mountain trails. It restricts the biker with no specific rules rather allows the rider to do ‘anything and everything’ – downhill rides (without clock), jumps, stunts – that require skill and are hence meant for professionals. Freeride biking requires the rider to assemble the bike as per convenience and style, but these bikes are a bit heavier (weighing between 30 and 40 lbs) and are amply suspended (generally has 6 inches of suspension front and rear).

3. Downhill, as the name suggests, involves riding mountain bikes downhill. It is generally associated with racing-oriented downhill riding. Downhill biking does not require the rider to pedal up the hill. The bikers along with their bikes are transported up the hill with the help of a truck or ski-lift. The downhill climb is indeed challenging including jumps and drops as well as physical hindrances. Tough mentality, physical strength, swiftness and mounted heavy bikes weighing some 40-50 lbs make you eligible for these races.

4. Trials riding, which is quite similar to skateboarding, involves hopping and jumping over obstacles with your bike. It demands great sense of balance and control. The riders make use of special bikes that make use of 20″, 24″ or 26″ wheels fitted to small, low frames.

The following tips will prove helpful if you are planning a bicycle-trip in the rocky, hilly terrains for the first time:

1. You must have stamina and endurance to bike down a mountain.

2. Selection of a superior quality bike, especially one that perfectly meets your type of mountain riding is also very crucial.

3. You cannot avoid minor cuts and bruises but you can certainly prevent major mishaps by resorting to precautionary measures, buying yourself some protection in the form of helmets, knee-caps and elbow-caps. A good pair of goggles will also prove handy.

4. Special competitions are organized by various mountain bikers’ groups and you can join in with them. If you choose to go on your own, you will need to collect all relevant information – routes, rules, et al.

5. Whether you go with a bikers’ group or go biking all by yourself, you must remember to carry your equipment kit so that you can take care of all your bicycle-repairs.

BMX Bikes are specially designed bicycles for racing on sandy and hilly tracks. Apart from racing on hilly terrains, BMX bikers also perform tricks on flat grounds, wooden ramps and trails.

Earlier, bikes were manufactured with an assembled frame and fork, with two wheels and a seat. BMX bicycles originated in the state of California in the late 60’s but it was not before the beginning of 1961, that the bikes achieved popularity, and the manufacturers began to produce BMX bicycles frequently.

BMX tricks and stunts are now very popular among the teenagers. There are numerous clubs and organizations where people can come and try their hands out on the BMX bicycles and practice the skills and tricks. With these early practices, the young bikers get acquainted with the probable problems that may occur during the ramp performances.

BMX tricks are not at all easy for any biker. The stunts are quite tough to perform. You should undergo tough rehearsals, in order to get fully ready. Some of the difficult tricks are like standing on the front pegs, and spinning the rest of the bike around. The skillful bikers can even summersault in air. So, these are tricks that can be gripped after a long practice session.

While riding the BMX bicycles, you would need ample of protection. You must protect your elbows, knees and most importantly your head with the helmet. If you are interested in having a primary look at the toughest BMX competitions, then the X games on various sports channels can help you out.

The Designs Of BMX Bicycles

The main features of a BMX bike:

1. Straight tubes

2. Gusseted frames

3. Reinforced handlebars

4. Powerful mag wheels

5. Long crankarms

6. Steel rims

7. Coaster brakes

The BMX bike producers manufacture bikes with light body. The body of a BMX bike is made of aluminum or chromium and molybdenum for frames and steel for the rims. Aluminum is also used for rims, freewheels and caliper brakes. The 24-inch versions of BMX bicycles are called ‘Cruisers’.

The frames on BMX bicycles are made to be very light and maneuvered accordingly, so that it can weather the blows while racing and jumping. Moreover, a light bike can save your minutes, in a close fought BMX race.

The tiers of BMX bicycles are quite different from the road bikes. They are knobby with excellent traction and power. Another aspect that distinguishes the BMX tires from the others is the construction of their wheels. Generally the rims are of 20 inches, but there can be different sizes too.

Sometimes the BMX bicycles fall hard on the ground; that is why, the manufacturers have introduced ‘Cro Moly’ tube sets to the BMX bicycles. A BMX bike with smaller gear set-ups reduce the weight of the bikes by using chain rings, smaller rear drivers, and shorter chain length.

Sales of BMX bicycles are much higher than the other ones. Bikes can be seen with every fashionable bike rider, on sidewalks and in their natural habitat. Instead of competing with anyone, a simple ride would be much more comfortable. While riding you have to be very conscious, and should not make too much experiments with your tricks. Don’t forget to wear a helmet whenever you are riding.

Thus, the BMX bicycles are both, fashionable and powerful, providing you the ultimate passion for fashionable biking.

Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner ofhttp://www.bicycles-are-us.com Visit Robert And
read more about bicycles at http://www.bicycles-are-us.com/BMX-Bikes.html
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When mountain biking was introduced into the world of sports, it became a big hit instantly among avid fans of anything that is heart pumping. With the different varieties of outdoor fun that anyone can get from this extreme sport, there is no doubt that thrill-seekers will have the best of both worlds. Mountain biking has truly provided a dimension of what an extreme sport is all about.
Speaking of all thins that talk all bout mountain biking, both the newbies and the experts would be glad to know the latest news about this sport. All about mountain biking is always treated with zest and anticipation. When one talks all about mountain biking, there are actually plenty of things to start with., Perhaps one of the topics that mountain bikers would like to hear is the latest innovation of products and accessories related to this sport.
Obviously there are hundreds of name brands that will be remembered regarding the latest fashion in mountain biking gears. To start with, gears are worn from head to toe. All about mountain biking, more often than not, begins with the helmet. So from the top, a good brand of helmet is always a necessity. Helmets can be fashionable in their own ways, but most importantly these helmets should be able to provide the protection that the riders need.
Another important protective gears are those worn around the arms and knees. Knees and arms are the most vulnerable body parts thus an excellent protection is also very important.
Sheen guards are also helpful in giving the riders extra protection. These protective gears should be comfortable to wear, otherwise they all defeat the very essence of their purpose that is to provide protection and comfort.
Goggles are also necessary in making sure that the riders will enjoy a safe yet challenging ride. Because of the inherent nature of the trails, the eyes should also be protected from dust and from almost anything that can destruct the riders clear vision. Other parts of the ensemble are the suits, the shorts, and the shoes.
Any brand will certainly do for as long as they are able to provide the riders the comfort and the protection that they truly deserve. Most of all anything that can meet their budget is always welcome. The mountain biking gears are just few of the many considerations when a newbie or a seasoned rider ask all about mountain biking.
Of course there are more to know about mountain biking but knowing the necessary safety measures are of paramount importance. So if you want to know all about mountain biking, better yet consider safety first.

If you want to get more information please visit my blog at http://gadgetgoblin.blogspot.com
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