4ucycling

Cycling has become an up and coming sport for Americans during the last two decades. Many American professionals, including Lance Armstrong, Greg Lemond, and George Hincapie, have done wonders for growing the sport of cycling in America. They have inspired many juniors to get on their bike and ride in hopes of maybe participating in the most competitive cycling event in the world, the Tour De France. Cycling can be confusing for those who do not understand it, let alone not sure how to get in to racing. In this article, I will lay out the steps necessary to race and move your way up the ranks in becoming a professional cyclist. First and foremost, to get started you will need to have a bike to race on. You can either borrow one from a friend or buy one, either way, you have to have one. After you get your hands on a bike, you can begin riding. If you have never ridden before, you will have to spend some time training and learning the techniques to handle a bicycle efficiently. Once y...

While training the cyclists, one should keep in mind that they must not go after how much distance they cover every week, it is around 400-600 k/m per week is enough. The time should not be wasted on spending extra kilometers which are of no use. For your on satisfaction, you can go to any limit of the extra kilometers but you will not achieve anything extraordinary. Registering in the cyclists training sessions with a calculated number of kilometers and a proper schedule must be followed. It includes various races along with the period of recovery and the divided training sessions. Endurance is very necessary part of any training however in cycling it must be kept in mind that having a session of anaerobic is more necessary than endurance. There is another training given to how to take a break and get recharged while cycling and still win the race. Anaerobic sessions are given more significance in the training and it requires a high level of attention during the training. It m...

As with any sport, to be the best possible, a cyclist has to know the best foods to eat. It may seem like an obvious fact, but the food a cyclist eats should go down easy and stay down. Variety and moderation are two words to remember when racing or touring. Moderation means there are no good foods or bad foods, but rather healthy foods and not-so-healthy foods. Variety is important because nutrients are distributed in many foods. No one super-food contains everything you need. A cyclist will burn more calories than a sedentary person, but that doesn't mean the cyclist has a license to eat anything they want. The correct eating plan will give you energy for an entire race or tour. A diet of low fat and high carbohydrates will provide the needed energy. While a high carb diet is normally taboo for a normal dieter, they are not evil as many are taught to believe. Carbohydrates are actually the body's preferred source of energy. Good sources of carbohydrates are fruits, vegeta...

Dutch cyclist Monique van der Vorst is one very fortunate cyclist. At the age of 13 she was an extremely sporty child, who enjoyed playing hockey and tennis. Unfortunately, when she had to go into hospital for a routine operation on her ankle, she sustained considerable nerve damage to her left leg. This became paralysed from the hip down, ending all her dreams of becoming an accomplished athlete. Undeterred, Monique learnt to master 'hand cycling', operating a specially modified bicycle where the wheels are powered from a crouching position by spinning the pedals by hand. She then went on to compete both nationally and internationally. Kitted in Holland's traditional orange, she won six European titles and three World Championship titles. Tragedy overtook Monique once again that same year, when she was struck by a car. This time the damage was far more severe than her earlier leg injury. Her spinal cord was affected, leaving her paralysed from the waist down. Where les...

I'm sure that we are all looking for speed workout for cyclist for the same reason. We all are too slow when we race. I always felt pretty bad lagging behind the rest of the pack in every race I was in. I started to workout hard trying every workout I could get my hands on. Finally, I found one that really worked. Eventually, I started placing higher. But I still could not win. I don't know what was worse, being last and knowing I couldn't win or coming in the top 10 and not being able to get that extra boost of speed no matter what. I bet you can understand exactly how I felt. That is until I found workouts that actually helped me. One workout for cyclist I found that really helped me to increase my speed is interval training. I bet some of you have heard of this style of training, but some of you have not. For the latter group let me explain. Intervals are periods on intense work followed by a little longer period of rest. These are repeated for a certain number of ...

Bicycles are one of the most efficient forms of transportation and energy use. With proper use, they can offer a much better alternative to walking, and sometimes also to driving a car. However, when the bicycles enter the road, they cause trouble. Cyclists have no protection, thus making them very vulnerable, even to tiny touches by cars. During the road test, some students make mistakes that make them fail the test. Some mistakes repeat much more often than others. Bicycle lanes, even without bicycles, cause very much trouble to driving students. Some of them drive in the bicycle lane, others just don't notice it. When they turn right, they don't check for cyclists on that special lane. Even if the lane is empty, the examiner might write a minor error, and many minor errors accumulate to one major failure. Not checking nearby lanes when turning can bring a much bigger issue: hitting a cyclist. When turning right and crossing a bicycle lane, there is a good chance that a c...

Both cyclists and pedestrians can be responsible for a collision on the road. An irresponsible cyclist may fail to follow the rules of the road, or a pedestrian may not take care when they cross the street. Unlike car accidents, where the car itself provides a level of protection, pedestrians and cyclist's bodies are exposed. It is almost certain that injuries will be sustained if a collision occurs between a cyclist or pedestrian and a motor vehicle. There are several different ways a cyclist can be negligent and cause an accident. The chances for collision are exponentially increased in large cities. Walking in cities is dangerous enough without even considering the negligence of a cyclist. The most common error cyclists make is the failure to follow all the rules of the road. Sometimes bikers believe the rules do not apply to them. However, failure to adhere to the laws can have deadly consequences. Running stop lights and stop signs or riding under the influence will increase...

One of the most common cycling training program for improving your cycling endurance is riding over long distances periodically and systematically. This cycling training program is aimed at building your muscles strength and and improving your cardiovascular system so that you will have good oxygen uptake, body recovery and to build up your leg muscles strength. In this article, you will learn about a cycling training plan that will help you to boost your cycling endurance. I have broken down this cycling training program into 5 steps for easier understanding. Here are the 5 steps; 1. Determine your target distance. If your reason for training is so as to compete in a long distance cycling race, then your target distance is the distance of your race. So whatever your reason, determine an average distance of how far you would like to ride. 2.Select a route that is almost similar to your cycling route. If the route you are training for is hilly at some parts and flat in other a...

1. TEST YOURSELF IN AN ALPINE SETTING Even though the Alps can challenge the toughest of Ironmen, the mountain range has something to offer for everyone. Feeling like a professional or at least a determined amateur? The Alps allow you to test your skills at the heart of French Alps, where the best of the best world's cyclists meet to compete in Tour de France each year. And while this route might not be for everyone's capabilities, it is well rewarding with the dramatic and enjoyable scenery. Meanwhile, in the East, you'll find the Via Claudia Augusta - the first real road used as a Roman trade route in 15 BC. The historic road is now turned into a modern cycling trail, which stretches across the Alps at a comfortable altitude of 1600m. Know what that means? It means that to enjoy this trail, you don't necessarily have to be a fitness head. While more relaxing, this route is as exciting with its ever-changing landscapes, variety of orchards, and vineyards keepin...

A new cycle route between Lancashire and Yorkshire has been opened up. It is to be called The Way of the Roses. Local Morecambe and Lancaster business and individuals are invited to find out how a new cycling route can benefit both themselves and the district. The Way of the Roses is an 180 mile route linking Morecambe with Bridlington and due to be officially opened in September. The route is being developed by a partnership of organisations led by cycling charity Sustrans. Sustrans is a UK sustainable transport charity. Their vision is a world in which people choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. They work on practical, innovative ways of dealing with the transport challenges that affect us all. To give local people the chance to hear about how they can help and make the most of the route, an event is taking place at the Platform, Morecambe on 10 May from 10.30 until noon. More and more people are spending their breaks on two wheels. It is ...

What cycle data is being released? A digital geographical description of the off-road cycle path network that is used in the Transport Direct cycle journey planner. This includes details of many off-road cycle paths, as well as cycling -specific features present on the road network, such as cycle lanes and toucan crossings. The off-road data includes the geometry of the routes, but the road data is referenced to the Ordnance Survey digital road network and doesn't include road geometry. The data is free and will be made available under the Open Government Licence. The data will be refreshed every few months, taking account of feedback from users and local authorities. How extensive is the geographical coverage? The data covers local areas throughout England and includes the national and regional cycle routes in England and local cycle routes in most urban areas within England. It does not include all local cycle routes in rural areas. What types of information is given abou...

Cycling through Britain is the perfect way to discover the intense natural beauty of the countryside while getting fit and having fun. Although many of Britain's best cycle routes are extremely challenging, experienced cyclists will soon discover that their efforts are rewarded by the picturesque scenery that they will see along the way. Hardknott Pass in Eskdale, Cumbria This is one of the most challenging cycle routes in the whole of Great Britain, and although it runs for less than two miles the height gained is nearly 300 meters. Cyclists who follow the steep climb from the east start at Jubilee Bridge will make their way through woodland into two sets of punishing switchbacks. After the route briefly levels out cyclists must push themselves to the limit to conquer a second set of switchbacks with 30% slopes. Pause for a moment to take in the stunning scenery at the top before tackling the terrifying decent. This is a route that adrenaline junkies are sure to love. Fakenha...

Many of us have tried to find a good workout that not only gives us results, but is enjoyable enough that we will stick with it. One exercise that many individuals find fun and rewarding is cycling. Cycling is an excellent choice if you enjoy the outdoors and want to get a good cardio workout and burn a lot of calories. You will also engage your leg muscles throughout most of your ride building and toning your entire leg. To get started with a cycling program, you will have to invest in some equipment. First, of course, you will need a bike. You could go to your local bike shop, and they can fit you with the right size of frame for your height and weight. If you are just beginning and want to hold off on a large investment, you will need to make sure that you are comfortable in your current bike. You will want your legs to have a slight bend at the knee when on the pedals. You will need the angle of your seat to be horizontal to the ground. Your handlebars should be at a comfortable ...

Is indoor cycling an important part of your overall fitness routine? If so, here are five tips that will help you blast the most fat and banish boredom... Indoor cycling is one of the best ways to get and remain fit. Almost anyone can do it, and it is ideal for those looking for a low impact workout. However, like many other pieces of cardio exercise equipment, people often hit a wall of boredom, thereby stalling their progress toward fitness goals. Here are five tips to help you get the most from your indoor cycling workouts and improve your overall fitness level: Tip #1: Join An Indoor Cycling Class Most larger gyms and fitness centers offer indoor cycling classes. Normally they are 60 minutes long and include an extended warm up and cool down, along with 45 minutes of challenging cycling. The general idea behind indoor cycling classes is to motivate you to work harder than you would peddling a bike on your own. The classes are led by a trained instructor and set to music, ...

While nothing compares to the excitement of cycling training outdoors, you can get all the health benefits from indoor cycling that you desire. With the technology that indoor cycling bikes have nowadays, you can pretty much simulate what you would typically experience when out on the road. Cycling indoors is a wonderful alternative for those who face cold winter temperatures, frequent rain, or incredibly hot temperatures. No matter what is going on outdoors, you can always turn to indoor cycling. When indoors, you have the control. You can select from a wide range of resistance levels with most bikes to get as intense of a workout as you want. While you can certainly get a highly effective workout from indoor cycling, some may find it rather boring in comparison to being outdoors. The result is that many don't push themselves quite as hard, or find it difficult just to get started. One approach is to keep your workouts relatively short. When you get started, see if you can g...

Training to ride your bike fast will not only increase your cycling pleasure and improve your overall skills; it will also increase your general fitness level. Cycling for fitness should include speed training in your training plans. Don't start speed training until you have built a good fitness level. Look at your fitness like a pyramid. The broader the base the greater peaks you will reach. Here are a few drills to increase your speed training. Sprints Incorporate sprints into your training rides. While you are out riding pick a spot, a lamp post or tree or parked car as your sprint target. Begin accelerating towards it and change up the gears, build some speed up, get off your seat and cycle as hard as you can, give everything you have and get the bike going as fast as you can. When you reach the spot you have chosen ease off, go down the gears and slow down. Resume your normal cycling speed and allow yourself to recover, if you need to go slower then do so. It's imp...

GPS or Global Positioning Systems are a relatively new invention for consumers although they have been around for the military for a while now. While we're used to seeing in car navigation systems to help us navigate our countries streets. We're less than used to seeing GPS used for sports. The thing is they are incredibly useful for sport. They can help improve your performance in your chosen sport as well as your enjoyment. What is GPS GPS uses the network of 24 satellites that orbit the Earth. The GPS system works when the GPS receiver can "see" 4 satellites at once. When this is the case it can accurately plot it's location. The signal is continuously received and as your location changes then differences or speed of differences can be recorded. The GPS system are advanced electronics and can now fit into the palm of a hand and their reliability is now unquestionable. Why GPS is so useful in sports GPS is so useful in sports because the measurements th...

If you are an intermediate cyclist, then you will be more likely to be interested in sports drinks. Although drinking water is already a good habit, consuming sports drink can elevate your cycling performance, especially during long distance rides. One of the common sports drinks is "Gatorade". So are they really beneficial to us? Some cyclists might question the use of these products, especially beginners. In learning about the truth, we need to find out about glycogen. Glycogen is the compound in which sugar is stored in the liver for release to other parts of the body. In simple sense, glycogen is your energy. The truth is, your muscles themselves are fueled by glycogen. They are also stored in muscles, other than the liver. However, long cycling rides will last approximately 3 hours or more. This is a problem because the glucose reserves can only last you about 90 minutes, provided that you give your best effort when cycling hard. Experienced riders who have exper...

Some claim that a simple bicycle ride through an urban landscape will do more to educate about urban ills/joys, and sell the joy of cycling better than any other kind of communication. Some contend that the bicycle is "an instrument of experiential understanding" through which complex civic and environmental issues are graphically conveyed. There is no question that the experience of cycling as serious transport is powerful stuff. It is also true that, like many things, actually trying something may be the best way to understand its value and that cycling revolutionizes one's view of one's surroundings. Back to Reality However, it is still a massive challenge to get enough people in the saddle long enough to have that revelation. Acquired Taste I've been actively recruiting new cyclists for years but I can still count the converts from my personal life on one hand. Even when you get new butts in the saddles, the first thing those butts do is complain tha...

Cycling has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. Cycling gives the heart and lungs a work out, thus minimising the risk of heart disease. It trims and tones muscles, manages weight,relieves stress and is environmentally friendly. According to reports from C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and prevention) 500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms as a result of Cycling accidents. A shocking 7-8OO people are KILLED each year. I hope the following tips and advice will help you avoid a fatal crash when cycling... (1) Never cycle into a road or street without stopping first. Children are the worst culprits. You should follow the age old rule, look right, then left, then look left a second time as cars coming from the left are on your side of the road, and so closer to you. (2) Check behind you before turning or changing lanes and always signal. This involves practice, especially for young children. To practice go to a quiet area of the parking lot or playground....