Posted by admin on November 30th, 2009 — Posted in Bikers Center
Biking is a useful means to improve your aerobic capacity, economise financially, while helping in keeping the air clean and unpolluted. Bicycling doesn’t damage your muscles that jogging and working out in the gym can. Not only that, it’s pragmatic as one is able to get exercise by biking to work, or doing the shopping, so you don’t have to to put time aside for working out as nearly all other sorts of exercise impose on your schedule.
But what variety of cycle to buy? A bicycle that’s comfy for you as you’re riding, and has many gears to enable you to tackle inclines with general comfort - after all, not everyone lives in a completely flat area! One should be able to pick up your bike with comparative comfort as you will discover this is necessary sometimes, for instance up some stairs.
In addition, make sure you have decent add-ons for your bicycle : a bike pump, front and back light, bike mudguards, reflector lights, reflective jacket, helmet and strong lock. These will assist you in staying safe at nighttime, and your bicycle secure from robbery. Ensure you lock the bike in a fairly public place.
And finally, it’s a good idea to invest some time into cycle repairs. There’s no need to be an expert, but it’s handy if you can find out how to adjust your brake cables and brake pads as these frequently require fine-tuning following heavy usage. Also ensure you keep the cycle well oiled and the tyres pumped up to a reasonable pressure to make it that much easier to actually cycle. And it nearly goes without saying, take great care on the streets - indicate with your arms while turning, and keep on the left-handside on all roads.
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Posted by admin on July 1st, 2008 — Posted in Bikers Center
When dirt bike racing was in it’s infancy riders wore whatever was available to protect themselves. Open faced helmets, Jofa pants, leather protection… as the protective equipment was not specifically made for dirt bike racing, riders looked more like confused hockey playing bikies than dirt bike racers!
As the sport (best sport in the world mind you 
became more popular, the growth was then able to sustain ‘parallel’ or complimentary manufacturing industries. Companies like JT USA, Sinisalo etc. could now focus primarily on making only motocross gear.
More money was now being pushed into research and development of motocross gear, sponsorship of riders and marketing programs
More emphasis was being placed on style so colour was added to gear to match dirt bike colourings or just to be outrageous and different. Pink was big mid eighties (I did not say it was always in good taste).
Body armour moved to be worn over the top of race jerseys therefore they became more stylised to appeal to users. In itself becoming a fashion statement, but was researched and tested to also be practical and offer maximum comfort. Today’s body armour has ‘floating’ shoulder cups as well as flexible back and side panels to cater for both sitting and standing positions when riding. Can come in a range of colour options including clear as well as built in kidney belts on some models.
Race pants received there own special treatment made out of heavy duty nylon with doubled stitching, extra room in the butt to cater for the crouched/sitting riding position as well as cordura, kevlar and leather panels in high wear areas such as the seat and knees. Spandex panels are used to allow for movement where necessary. A quality race pant will offer extra room in the knee area to allow for knee braces that more and more riders are wearing.
Jersey material went from cotton to sweat/moisture wicking polyester/cotton blends to offer greater comfort for prolonged periods of riding. Vented panels were placed in ‘hot spots’ and even little touches like rubber strips in the tail to hold them into the race pants on even the roughest ride.
Boots were being designed to deal with high impact landings and ultimate ankle protection. Replaceable soles and buckles prolonging their use. They are now carefully constructed to avoid the damaging lateral and hyperextension movements around the ankle area.
Dirtbike gloves - choose them wisely and make sure they fit correctly. Some gloves are better suited to certain types of riding than others. Motocross gloves offer better feel for the rider with less padding in the palms. Enduro gloves can be the opposite with more padding to give greater comfort for longer rides.
Elbow protection can be found in a “sleeve” that also covers the forearms. Knee/shin guards are lighter as well as stronger and some hinder ‘lateral’ movement of the knee (gone are the days of using skateboarders protection). Although with the onset of lightweight, composite materials it is possible to have the ultimate in protection with knee braces.
All this protection would mean nothing if you cannot see. So it is very VERY important to properly protect one of your greatest assets (as well as one of the five senses) in your sight. Different goggle manufacturers have their own registered names for their lenses, but they basically mean the same thing - scratch resistant, shatterproof protection for your eyes.
So next time you go for a dirtbike ride, dress in the latest motocross gear and be comforted in the knowledge that you have minimized risk to your body as much as possible. That will allow you to focus on what you are there for… enjoying the ride!
The old saying is still as true as ever - “dress for the fall, not for the ride”
Mark Sturge is the webmaster at http://www.dirtbike-action.com A site where visitors can find information on motocross gear such as the motocross helmets as well as useful hints and tips for dirtbike enthusiasts.
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Posted by admin on April 1st, 2008 — Posted in Bikers Center
To really understand the women and her ride, one needs to go back in history to explore the courageous women who defied the norm and road their horses in the freedom of the wind. Who could forget Joan of Arc or Annie Oakley. Two completely different women who followed their own council and fought for their right to ride in a man’s world. Or the women warlords who fought while on horseback and brandished their swords with the best of them. (and yes, women really did that) What man could resist such a women?
Women’s love affair with the motorcycle began with the bicycle back in the 1800’s. They became hugely popular with women. Susan B. Anthony once said, “A bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women more than any other thing in this world”.
When the motorized bicycle was developed in the early 1900’s, it opened up a whole new realm of adventure for the high-spirited woman of the day. Many women took to the open road not on horseback, but on the iron horse. Adventurous women enjoyed many long distance rides. Some were skilled enough to do stunt riding. No mean feat, especially on the earlier bikes.
The ride for men and women are uniquely different. A man on his ride is master of the iron muscle and his testosterone kicks in while he uses his arms and upper body to control the beast. He is lord and master of his ride. Women take a more subtle approach. They use their lower body and their curves to hug the open road. It’s a sensual bond between the bike and the woman. She is also master of the ride but she controls it with more passion and finesse.
There is something about seeing a woman on a motorcycle that makes you take notice. You can see the iron muscle being controlled with femininity. It’s the combination of power and aesthetics that make it an irresistible combination.
There is nothing like the open road for both men and women. To experience the freedom and the wind, the sites you see and people you meet along the way that fuel the spirit and feed the soul. This experience is something no one can take from you.
Enjoy!
About the author
Willie Jones
http://www.barneysmotorcycles.com
Willie is a freelance writer, researcher and artist who’s adventurous spirit loves to share with others. Barneys Motorcycle
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