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May Is Bike Month: Here's How To Go By Bike
May 04, 2008May Is Bike Month: Here's How To Go By Bike
2008/05/06
National Bike Month; May 12-16th is Bike-To-Work Week; and May 16th is Bike-To-Work Day. If you haven’t already put down the car keys and started to “Go By Bike,” here’s how to get started pedaling to wherever duty calls. You’ll improve your fitness. You’ll save money. And you’ll help ease pollution and traffic congestion. What are you waiting for?
Step 1: The Bike. If you don’t already have one, get a bike. There are all kinds of bikes available these days: road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, recumbent bikes, and even commuter bikes. The list goes on and on. Some are better suited for commuting than others, but don’t worry if you don’t have the latest and greatest model. As long as it rolls, and as long as it’s safe, pretty much any bike will work as a commuter. But whatever bike you decide to ride, make sure it’s up to the task. Stop by your local bike shop and have them throw a tune-up on it. While you’re there, ask the shop for some commuting tips. These people ride bikes more than anybody you may know and you can learn a lot from their experience.
Step 2: The Bike Stuff. Make sure you have the biking essentials. To ride safely and comfortably, you’ll need things like a helmet, pump, tool kit, and water bottle. While not absolutely necessary, cycling-specific clothing will help make your ride more enjoyable. Cycling clothing is designed for on-bike performance and offers the latest in moisture-wicking, technical fabrics. You can ride in jeans and a t-shirt, but you’ll be more comfortable in a pair of cycling shorts and a jersey. If you’re not comfy in the tights, that’s ok. There are liners available that will put padding in all the right places and that are great for shorter commutes. Ask your local bike shop about the range of clothing options available and decide which one is right for you.
Step 3: The Route. You might be able to ride on the same roads you drive to work on, or you might need to find a more bike-friendly way to work. Consult your local bike shop to see if they have any maps showing bike-friendly routes in your area. Or, use an on-line mapping service like MapQuest to help design a route. Make sure you select the “Avoid Highways” options. Once you have a route plotted, keep in mind that it generally takes about twice as long to ride as it does to drive, so plan accordingly. You may want to ride your bike to work and back over the weekend to gauge the time and distance that will be required. A test run will also help you understand your route and make any necessary changes. If you can’t commit to a long commute, consider cutting the route in half. Drive half-way and ride the rest. Or, drive to work with your bike and then ride home. The next morning, ride to work and then drive home at the end of the day.
Step 4: The Packing. If you’re riding to work, you’ll likely need to bring a few things with you: a change of clothes, lunch, possibly a lap top. One of the most popular options is a simple backpack. Another option is a bike messenger bag. If your bike’s compatible, a rear rack is a great way to carry a load. Talk to your local bike shop about your options and select the one that’s right for you.
Step 5: The Knowledge. It’s important that you’re safe when you ride, so make sure you understand the rules of the road. Bicycles are required to follow the same road rules as cars, so make sure you obey traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings.
Step 6: The Preparation. Before you hop on your bike, make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes are adjusted properly and are working. Adopting a simple bike-check routine before each and every ride will help make sure your bike is safe and operating at peak efficiency.
Step 7: Enjoy The Ride. Riding a bike lets you see the world at a different speed that you’re probably used to and you’ll probably start to notice the things you’ve been missing sitting behind the wheel. Birds singing. Flowers blooming. Quaint neighborhoods and intriguing little shops. Soak it all in as you save money, get in shape, and help cut pollution.
Step 8: Make It A Way Of Life. Now that you’ve started, don’t stop. Set a goal to ride a certain number of days a week or a month. Before you know it, you’ll be riding more than you drive, and you’ll feel better than ever.
For more information, check out the “How to Go By Bike” section of the 1World2Wheels.org website. Also check out the "Bike to Work Commuter’s Booklet" put out by the League of American Bicyclists.
Ride Of Silence May 21
April 28, 2008THE RIDE OF SILENCE™ WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence™ will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.
The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.
I am working on organizing a Ride Of Silence in memory of our friend and riding companion Koos Bester who was tragically killed while riding his bike a few years ago. If you would like to volunteer your services contact me at the shop @ 767-2405.
The ride will begin at the Essex Plaza parking lot at 7:00 PM Wednesday May 21 rain or shine. The ride will be approximately 10 miles. All riders MUST wear helmets.
More info on The Ride Of Silence can be found HERE
Consumer Guide: How To Buy A Bicycle
April 19, 2008 Consumer Guide: How To Buy A Bicycle
Clarke Cycles Offers Basics on How To Find A Bicycle You’ll Enjoy Riding For Years
Essex ,Ct. As the bike riding season begins, millions of consumers will be shopping for a new bicycle. In cooperation with the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA), Clarke White of Clarke Cycles is offering consumer tips on how to find the right bicycle.
“We’ve looked closely at the main consumer issues and complaints around buying a new bicycle,” says Clarke White, owner of Clarke Cycles . “If a bike buyer pays attention to these tips and works closely with their retailer, they will find a comfortable, fun bike they’ll want to use, one that won’t just gather dust in the garage.”
If you're looking to buy a bike this season, Clarke Cycles offers these consumer tips:
Think Comfort + Fit Make certain you really feel comfortable on the bicycle. Your retailer will take the time to fit you to the bike. Take a test ride to make certain the frame size and adjustments are perfect. Learn how to tweak the handlebar and seat adjustments to your liking.
Think Safety A bicycle is a vehicle. Make certain you’re clear on safety issues where you ride, and that you get good advice on shifting, braking, maintenance, etc. for your particular model. Of course, always wear a bike helmet when riding.
Think Ahead A good bike purchase is one that lasts after the sale. Get clear on after-the-sale tune-ups, maintenance and what warranty your dealer offers. This is where mass merchandisers fall short. Your local bike shop will stay with you for the life of the bicycle.
Think Where What type of riding do you want to do and where? Some people opt for more, or less, bike technology than they need. A fully-rigged mountain bike may look cool, but perhaps you need a city bike because you mainly ride on pavement. If speed is your game, a road bike is your choice.
Think Selection Don’t buy at retailers with limited selection. This is another arena where mass merchandisers are limited. Your local bike shop can find exactly what you want or order a model if it is not in stock.
Think Accessories Most new buyers leave the shop with a least one accessory. Customizing your bicycle with an eye for fun, ease and performance can enhance the riding experience
Hartford Curant Editorial
April 18, 2008Courant.com
Watch That Cyclist
April 14, 2008
With the price of gas possibly reaching $4 a gallon this summer, more residents will think about bicycling to work. If only bicycle commuting were less harrowing. A bill before the legislature could help.
The bill would create a safe passing zone of no less than three feet for cars passing bikes; it would direct the Department of Transportation commissioner to improve bike and pedestrian access; and it would develop a Share the Road public awareness campaign.
Some motorists do not understand the rules of the road concerning bikes. Many bike commuters have been cut off or brushed by cars passing too closely. The three-foot passing space would be publicized in the Share the Road campaign.
Share the Road would be modeled on the DOT's highly successful campaign to slow traffic in highway work areas. It would make cycling safer.
One provision of the bill needs a little work. That item requires the DOT to include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in all highway projects. The thrust is correct: The department should be thinking of bike trails when it builds or relocates a highway. But there may be unintended financial implications or instances — certain bridges, for example — where a bike path isn't practicable. We'd rather see this section of the bill clarified for later consideration, and the rest of the bill passed this year.
We'd also like to see more dedicated bike trails. If bike commuting were safer, more people would try it. They'd get exercise, save fuel and cause less pollution — which all should be encouraged.
Copyright © 2008, The Hartford Courant
Welcome To The New CLARKECYCLES.COM
April 01, 2008Welcome to our new website! We have added some new features that we hope you will find useful.
- New and improved calendar allows registered users to submit events.
- We added a forum area to discuss all kinds of topics related to cycling in our area.
- We now have a catalogue up with specs and pictures of the majority of the products we sell.
- We have added many new links ,and have made it really easy to submit a link to your favorite website
Please explore the site and let me know what you think.
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