Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/11137
Get Going! Now that the hard part is over and you have been inspired to start riding again there are a few things you will need to know. Find that bicycle you stored away for safe- keeping. Inspect every detail to see what needs replaced or fixed or pumped up. Get your bucket of suds and a sponge and get to work. With all this summertime coming up you don’t want to miss a day of outdoor enjoy- ment. I cannot keep up with the latest not-to- eat product where research proves that by partaking of such-and-such your healthy body will fall apart or cough uncontrollably. And who wants to take a chance with tox- ins in their perfectly groomed appearance? Funny thing about all that chatter from a flawless exterior is a missing smile. I for one know exactly how to obtain a smile without undue strain. I challenge the healthy hall-monitors to stop looking at labels, put down that food item and walk outside. Look up and take in a sweet breath of fresh outdoor air. Recall with closed eyes how you felt as a kid riding away from the confusion in an adult world. Where the air was fresh and you felt a freedom beyond description as it expressed itself with an honest smile. Something happens to your face when you pull out your bicycle. It starts with a grin and ends with a smile. It comes in days like this when the sky is an honest blue allowing an embraceable sunshine that orders you outside. Yes, bicycle riding and freedom. That is a healthy lifestyle. Freeing your troubled mind by adding vigor to physical weakness is the ultimate fringe benefit while riding a bicycle. Choosing the Right Bicycle 1) Borrow a bike and try it out. Be sure to go on a ride longer than a lap around the park- ing lot where at least twenty minutes should let you know how comfortable you are with the way you sit on a particular type of bike. 2) Resist the temptation to go cheap. Typically, you get what you pay for and chances are if you want a bicycle to take you places for a while you should invest in your ride. 3) Spend some time at your local bicycle shop. Those people are your best resource on bicycle buying because they are knowledge- able, and can offer tips, advice and service that you can never get over the internet. 4) Consider buying used. Take the opportu- nity to ride the bicycle for a test ride just like you would with a new bicycle. Types of Bicycles An observation from an amateur or pleasure rider, such as myself, reveals that most bicycle riding is for fun. Depending on the type of fun you want to experience you should discover the type of bicycle you want to ride. For instance a sleek road bike is often seen swoosh- ing by where the rider is decked out in spandex and Armstrong glasses. Those riders keep the wind turmoil at a minimum for racing. Mountain bikes are sometimes intimidat- ing, depending on where you are riding. But they are necessary if you want to be in that bike club our editor, Steve Smede, par- ticipates in. They hit some rough trails in the mountains where a smooth cruiser wouldn’t make it. Personally, I have fallen for the new ergo- nomically correct technology bicycle or the Commuter Bike. I can ride all day on a comfy seat, upright position, wide-view of the road, forward ped- aling and at relaxed cruise speed. Not to mention the stylish colors and basket accessories with the cha-ching of the bell securely attached to help with safety issues. According to the Electra Bicycle Company brochure, I read that this bicycle was inspired by the idea that a bicycle “should feel as if it was built around the rider and not vice versa.” (Electra Bicycle Company, Ergonomic Genius Reinvents the Pleasure Ride.) Thanks Idaho Mountain Trading for the delightful spin around the parking lot on those fabulous bicycles. The cruiser, which is an American Classic has been reinvent- ed and splashed with sassy paint making a fashion statement. Touring bicycles are also an updated vintage made to take you where you wanna go. Now, in addition to the traditional or con- ventional bicycle types there are a few inter- esting options worth noting. Recumbents are WALTER HOOGERBEETS PHOTO bikes that look like a chaise lounge on wheels. They are much lower to the ground and feature a wide chair-type seat and backrest usually made of a mesh material. Instead of being over the pedals and pumping your legs in an up-and-down motion, your legs extend straight out in front of you. Tandems are two-seater bikes, ideal for pairs who like to ride together but who have differing levels of strength or stamina. Tricycles are just what you picture where the three wheels on a full-sized tricycle are the same size and have inflated rubber tires. Also, instead of pedalling directly on the front wheel, the rider on an adult trike makes use of pedals attached to a chain drive and fre- quently a three-speed set-up in the gearing. With so many choices there is certainly one that will fit your style and budget. Just do it. IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM | 37