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Flower Power: History of the Tour De France: From 1960-1980

Sponsored Teams Again The 1960s saw a return to sponsored teams and commercialism yet the Tour still offered lots of intrigue and drama. The Tour was the most watched event in cycling and the sponsors badly needed the publicity. The Tour's biggest rivals, Poulidor and Anquetil, truly disliked each other and this drew fans in. Anquetil Rules For many years, Anquetil was the greatest time-trialist in history. He won 12 of these tests in the Tour de France and even set a world record before he first won the Tour. Anquetil had a bit of a reputation as a rebel. He once said that his idea of training included "a few whiskies, blonde cigarettes and a woman." His wayward ways extended into his private life. He an affair with a doctor's wife, a woman named Jeanine, and when he learned that she couldn't bear him a child, he persuaded her to let him have a baby with her adult daughter, a woman named Annie. They had a child named Sophie. Of course, Annie and Jeanine began to quarrel. Annie moved out and Jeanine invited her son and his wife, Dominique, to move in. Anquetil promptly seduced Dominique and a son, Christopher. Anquetil took his wild ways to his cycling events. Most riders always go for a ride on the rest day because their bodies are so used to cycling. Jacques Anquetil, however, liked to enjoy life. He would go to a picnic and enjoy himself on big portions of barbecued lamb and lots of drink. Anquetil, the five-time winner, sat out 1965 and returned in 1966. But this would be his last Tour. Tragedy Strikes, Doping Raises its Ugly Head In 1967, tragedy struck and this would be the year the Tour would first become tainted by a doping scandal. Tom Simpson was the best British rider of his day. Sadly, he fell victim to doping but actually died due to the heat as he crossed Mont Ventoux. His death led to the first drug testing in 1968. Tom Simpson was a very well regarded racer. His sole goal in life was winning the Tour. Simpson knew he had to deliver. He turned to drugs, something that wasn't new to the Tour. For some time now many riders had been using a life-threatening cocktail of drugs: amphetamines as a stimulant, Palfium to kill the pain in their legs and then sleeping pills at night to counteract the amphetamines.







Cycling began to grapple with this problem The first races were staggeringly long and tested the limits of human endurance. Stages in the early Tour could take over 17 hours to complete. From the beginning riders took various substances to allow them to complete their ordeals. When the Pélissier brothers withdrew from the 1924 Tour and gave their famous interview to Albert Londres they described the long list of drugs they took. "We run on dynamite," Henri Pélissier said. Before World War Two amphetamines were synthesized and athletes immediately understood the advantage they gave. Through the fifties it was clear to observers that riders were doping. There were pictures of racers with dried foam on their faces or of riders driven mad by a combination of heat and amphetamines stopping in the middle of a race to find relief in a fountain. After riding until he collapsed Jean Malléjac lay on the ground still strapped to his bike, his legs convulsively pumping the pedals. Others would remount their bikes and go the wrong way. Sometimes one could almost follow the route of a race by the trail of syringes left by the side of the road. Roger Rivière crashed in 1960 because he had taken so much of the opiate Palfium to kill the pain in his legs that he couldn't feel the brake levers. Bahamontes said that he loved a good hot day in the mountains because the riders juiced up on amphetamines couldn't take the heat. Was Tom Simpson a bad person or a hero? He was neither. He knew that riding without dope wasn't possible, The day after Simpson's death. the peloton agreed to ride if one of Simpson's British teammates would be allowed a ceremonial stage victory to honor Simpson's memory. Merckx Rules the Road Eddy Merckx of Belgium won in 1969, a stunning debut that earned him the nickname "cannibal," a rider ready to devour everything it takes to win. Merckx flew into Paris with a 17 minute lead. Merckx dominated the cycling world, winning 250 major races, one a week for six years. Without a doubt he was the most complete and capable rider alive. In 1975 Merckx was finally beaten by Bernard Thevenet. Merckx had been punched and knocked from his bike by a jealous French fan. This is the first year that the race finishes along the Champs Elysees France celebrated Thevenet's second win in 1977. He was a bit of a wonder boy, with seven more home wins until the last, in 1985. The race's next hero was a blunt Frenchman from Brittany, Hinault, who would become the third man to win five Tours. The years between 1978 and 1984 became known as "le blaireau" (the badger's) golden era. Then France cheered a new hero, a sophisticated bespectacled young Parisian called Laurent Fignon. Fignon rode into his home city of Paris in yellow, beating Hinault by 10 minutes and proving that 1983 had been no fluke. Winners * 1960 Gastone Nencini (Ita) * 1961 Jacques Anquetil (Fra) * 1962 Jacques Anquetil (Fra) * 1963 Jacques Anquetil (Fra) * 1964 Jacques Anquetil (Fra) * 1965 Felice Gimondi (Ita) * 1966 Lucien Aimar (Fra) * 1967 Roger Pingeon (Fra) * 1968 Jan Janssen (Ned) * 1969 Eddy Merckx (Bel) * 1970 Eddy Merckx (Bel) * 1971 Eddy Merckx (Bel) * 1972 Eddy Merckx (Bel) * 1973 Luis Ocana (Spa) * 1974 Eddy Merckx (Bel) * 1975 Bernard Thevenet (Fra) * 1976 Lucien Van Impe (Bel) * 1977 Bernard Thevenet (Fra) * 1978 Bernard Hinault (Fra) * 1979 Bernard Hinault (Fra) * 1980 Joop Zoetemelk (Ned) If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at: Tour de France stags & schedule & history 2007 tour de france World's greatest bicycle race - Le Tour du France

The Tour De France - A Beginner's Guide

The Tour de France is an incredibly exciting event which is followed by fans all across the world. However, the Tour de France can also be intimidating to people who are not familiar with the sport of cycling, or the race itself. Let's go over a number of the basics, so that you will be able to follow this year's Tour de France having a superior understanding of the events taking location!Very first of all, the object of the Tour de France is, needless to say, to finish the overall race with the fastest time. What complicates issues is that the Tour de France is a race which is divided up over a period of about 3 weeks. It is important to know that the race itself is divided into different parts known as stages. Each and every stage lasts one day, though the stages may be really lengthy. There are a total of 21 stages, as well as the complete race is normally well over 1,800 miles (or over three,500 km) lengthy! Even though the object of the Tour de France would be to win the overall race as a complete, each stage is treated significantly like its own individual race. Winners of stages obtain prize funds, and winning a stage of the Tour de France is normally regarded as a larger accomplishment than winning other single-day races. The stages themselves might be flat, mountainous, or anyplace in between, and normally you will discover individual time trials that serve as stages. Competitors typically get a couple of days to rest in the course of the race, as well.







If you have seen footage of the Tour de France prior to, or heard other people speak about it, you in all probability desire to know what the yellow jersey is all about. The famed yellow jersey is one of four diverse jerseys that designate that the rider wearing it has achieved a particular feat. The rider wearing the yellow jersey is the overall leader of the race. To determine who has earned the yellow jersey at any point inside the race, officials merely take the lowest overall combined time from all of the stages.The green jersey is awarded to the points leader in the race. Points are earned based on passing order at the finish line or in intermediate sprints. For this reason, riders who specialize in sprints are commonly those found wearing the green jersey.The distinctive polka dot jersey goes to the leader of the 'mountain classification', with points being earned based on passing order on mountain stages. Thus, it can be usually said that the rider wearing the polka dot jersey is the top climber of the race.Finally, the white jersey is only worn by riders aged 25 years or younger. This jersey is intended to spotlight the rising stars of the cycling world as well as the Tour de France. Several riders who wore the white jersey have also gone on to win the coveted yellow jersey in their careers.There are actually other awards given throughout the Tour de France too. The combativity prize is also recognized as the fighting spirit award and is awarded by a panel of eight cycling specialists. There's also a team award called the team classification, which is given soon after adding the times of the top 3 riders for each and every team for each stage to get a total time. Riders in teams often assist every other by 'slipstreaming' behind 1 yet another for much better speed, or using other team tactics. Teams are grouped by widespread sponsors.It also bears mentioning that finishing straight stages inside the top three can earn you bonus seconds, which assist you to shave precious seconds off of your total time. Also, the final mountain climb of the Tour de France is for double points, which is an excellent incentive for climbers. The double points had been added to the official race rules beginning in 2004.Now that we've addressed the basics of the Tour de France, you'll be much better ready to appreciate one of the world's most prestigious and historic sporting events. Be sure to pay attention to what's going on throughout the races, and you'll discover that it's not nearly as complicated as it could have seemed. Just before you know it, you'll be cheering your favorite rider on towards the yellow jacket!

The History Of Le Tour de France Cycling Event

Tour De France is a cyclingcontestwhichoriginatedin 1903. Ittakes21 daysin addition ,beyond 2,200 miles. There are day-long sectionsthat areoften called stages. Quickly aftereach and everyend, the exact time for each and everybikewill betakentherefore thevery least score of all thecyclistswould make thechampion. Annually the race is put on, the locationchanges. Stilleventconsistentlyleads to Paris.OriginsThe beginningsthat belong to the Tour de France go back to the Dreyfus Event, an eventthatsplit France during the late nineteenth century. Alfred Dreyfus was asoldierwho wasfound guilty ofa criminal offence, sellingsecrets to the German military services, neverthelessended up beinglater on exonerated.Interestingly enough, there werefollowsfor Dreyfus appearingnot guiltyas well as ,against Dreyfus being accountable. A nearbypaperguessed Dreyfus wasinnocent and anotherthoughtthe guywas in factblameworthy. They bothproceeded to goface to faceand due to the bikeabilityof 1 of the particularauthorsand so therivalrywas developed.The Very First Tour de France







The very first Tour de France was previously staged in 1903 alsowasmeant to bein fivesteps. This wassupposed togo from May 31 to June 5fromearly morningthrough tillnight-time. Howeverthere had beenchallenges. I would say theadmittancerate was toolarge. It wastwenty francs and also thiswasratherlimited. Due to this fact, the actualfeewaslowereddown to ten francs.The period of timeturned out to betoo lengthyas well. They reduced the amount of daystonineteenand furthermoreadjustedthe time periodfrom June 1 to June 19th.A FastFinishThe competitorshad beenin fact disqualified as a result of cheating. Disgranges wrotein hisnewspaper, "The Tour de France justcompleted and its nexteditionwill, I'm afraid, be thelast. It will haveexpired of its owngood results, with thecoveringintereststhat have beenunleashed, on theneglectand ofthe verydoubtsthat have already come right fromignorantand ill-intentioned people. However, it looked to usand itcontinue tolooks likewe hadput together, with this particularmarvelous event, probably the mosttoughand in addition the most impacting monument to actionsport. We'dhopedto each and everyseasonprovidea little moresports activitythroughout themajority of France. The outcomes of last annumshowed thatsome of ourthoughthas beenpreciseand here we are at the conclusion of one more Tour de France, sickened and disappointed, havingsurvivedwith these3 weekswith themost severe slander as well asmistreatment.A result offightsand alsomistrustregarding thetop notchathletes, quite a few were disqualified anddeliveredmajordisgrace to thesporting activity. As Disgranges explained, "ill-intentioned people", were thereason of the misfortune.Fresh newBeginningButthankfully, Disgranges did not hold on to hisdispleasure for long. By the nextEarly spring, he wasarranging the subsequentcompetition. The blazeget spread around to largepeople of in excess of a quarter of a million by 1908.This seemed to be the freshbeginning for the bicyclingaudienceas well as France. The Tour de France ishere to stay.

The Tour De France

Before I came on my first mountain biking vacation in Morzine, when I heard the connection of the words bicycle and France, I thought of the Tour De France. There is no doubt the Tour De France had an immense affect on France's biking culture. Road biking and mountain biking have been in the center of public awareness in France for the past century - the Tour de France has a lot to do with that fact. That is probably one of the reasons that Morzine has developed into one of the leading mountain biking resorts in the world.







Almost anyone in the world knows about the tour de France, yet most of us don't know much more about it. Here are some facts about the Tour de France that most people aren't aware of: The Tour de France was first thought of by a sports magazine editor in order to promote the magazine. The race was planned to be a challenging and demanding long race through many parts of France. Over the years the Tour de France has become a popular event that captured public attention in France. The Tour de France is a 21 to 23 day long race. Its course is different every year. The course of the race is always circuits around France and sometimes goes through neighboring countries. The race is divided into stages. Each stage is considered as an independent race. The contestant who achieves the lowest total score is declared the winner of the race. The Tour definitely added to the biking culture in France. I recommend coming to a biking vacation in Morzine especially in the summer months. The experience of being in France in the peak days of the Tour De France is one of a kind.

History Of Le Tour de France

Going back to 1903 we look at The Le <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/4809945']);" href="http://www.tourdefrancehistory.com">Tour De France History</a>. Tour De France is a bikingcontestwhichstartedback in 1903. The eventtakes21 daysandmore than 2,200 miles. There are also day-long segmentsthat aregenerally known as stages. Immediately followingeachfinish, specific time every singlebicyclewill betakenand thevery least score out of all thecompetitorswould make thewinner. Every year the contest is held, the sitechanges. Stillcontestat all timesleads to Paris.OriginsThe originsto the Tour de France go back to the Dreyfus Affair, an eventin whichsplit France in the late 19th century. Alfred Dreyfus was asoldierwho had previously beenfound guilty ofa criminal offence, sellingsecrets to the German army, butended up beinglater on exonerated.Interestingly enough, there had beenfollowsfor Dreyfus appearingnot guiltyand alsoagainst Dreyfus being responsible. A nearbypaperthought Dreyfus wasinnocent and an alternatethoughthewasguilt ridden. Both of themdecided to goface to faceand due to the bikingprowessof 1 of thefreelance writersbecause thecompetitionappeared.







The Earliest Tour de FranceThe earliest Tour de France was staged in 1903 on top of thatended up beingsupposed to bein 5stages. It previously wasmeant torange from May 31st to June 5frommorning hoursthrough tilldark. Butthere had beenchallenges. Theadmittanceprice was tolarge. It had beentwenty francs and thatended up beingextremelyrestricted. Due to this, the actualfeewasdroppeddown to 10 francs.The timeframeturned outtoo longtoo. They trimmed the amount of daystonineteenas well as ,changedthe occasionfrom June 1st to June nineteenth.A QuickFinishThe competitorswerein fact disqualified simply because of cheating. Disgranges publishedwithin hispaper, "The Tour de France has justwrapped up and its nexteditionwill, I'm afraid, be thelast. It will havekicked the bucket of its very ownsuccess, from theblindpassionsthat wereunleashed, on theneglectand ofthe particularsuspicionswhich may have come right fromobliviousand ill-intentioned people. However, it turned out to all of usand iteven soseems thatwe hadfounded, with thisgreat event, one of the mosttoughand the most impacting monument to cycleoutdoor activity. We hadhopedto everycalendar yeardelivera little moresports activityover themajority of France. The outcomes of last seasonindicated thatourthinkingwas reallyaccurateand here we are at the end of yet another Tour de France, sickened and discouraged, havingexistedthrough these3 weekswith thetoughest slander andneglect.Because of thefightingand alsotrying to cheatregarding theleadingcompetitors, quite a few were disqualified anddraggedreally seriousdisgrace to the particularsports activity. As Disgranges mentioned, "ill-intentioned people", were the actualreason of the disaster.Fresh newStartYetfortunately, Disgranges did not hold on to his ownunhappiness for much longer. By the followingEarly spring, he ended up beingpreparing the subsequentcompetition. The firespread to largefollowers of in excess of a 1 / 4 of a million by 1908.This turned out to be the freshstarting for the bicyclingworldas well as France. The Tour de France was in factright here to stick around.

History of the Tour De France: Post World War Tour

Post World War Rivalries Henri Desgrange, the Tour de France founder, died in 1940. His successor was Jacque Goddet. The Germans tried to persuade Goddet to hold the race during the war years, but he refused. He considered the first race following the war, in 1947, to be an act of faith given the post-war shortages. Jean Robic of France won and this did much to improve the country's morale. The government even allowed the Tour to break the food rationing rules. Italian Rivals Go at it Full Swing The French win didn't last long. Two Italian rivals, Gino Bartali, tour winner in 1938, and Fausto Coppi, had lost most of their cycling careers to the war. But their bitter rivalry made the post-war Tours as exciting as ever. Bartali's 10-year gap between wins is still a Tour record. Louison Bobet had grabbed the yellow jersey early in the race but Bartali showed who deserved to win when he flew through the Alps. Bartali won by 26 minutes in 1948. Rene Vietto– France's King of the Hill After the war, Vietto was one of the few surviving members of the old guard. For awhile, it looked like Vietto might win the 1947 race. Although he didn't win, he became the Tour's king of the mountains. It's been said that wherever there were steep roads and thin air, Vietto was right there. The winner that year, Robic, had promised his young bride that he would win the Tour de France because he didn't have a dowry. In 1948, Bobet's popularity would increase. The Italian coach, Alfredo Binda, said, "If I had coached Bobet, he would have won." By this time, Bobet was known as "Louison." The Italians arrived at the 1949 Tour prepared to win. They have with them, up and coming star, Fausto Coppi. Coppi and Bartali battle it out. Bartali loses by more than 10 minutes. Coppi won for the second time in 1952 by a stunning 28 minutes.







Switzerland Wins and France has a Golden Age Switzerland has had only two victories on the Tour– in 1950 and 1951. In 1950, the Italians look like they're ready to claim a third title. Bartali, and French rider, Jean Robic, are battling for the lead in the mountains. Aggressive fans cause them to fall. Bartali is constantly harassed and in disgust, he quits the race. To show their support for their team mate, the entire Italian team also quits. In 1951, Hugo Koblet was clearly the strongest rider. He claimed the yellow jersey after Wim Van Est had a spectacular crash over the cliffs of the Aubisque pass. Van Est survived the crash but was in shock and couldn't continue. With Bobet, Kubler, and Koblet all out with injuries, the 1952 race was wide open. Coppi won again in 1952 but not until after being challenged by Robic most of the way. Robic was the victim of a flat tire. Television was introduced to the Tour in 1952. France succeeds again with the Tour's first hat trick. Louison Bobet won in 1953, 1954, and 1955. In 1955, Bobet destroyed his competition on Mount Ventoux, and this was the key to his third consecutive win. France won again in 1956 with rider, Roger Walkowiak. He took the yellow jersey early on, and held onto it. France reveled in its golden age with another record-breaking ride and a new great rivalry. Jacques Anquetil won five Tours between 1957 1nd 1964. But it was the story of Raymond Poulidor, the "eternal second," who placed second five times and third three times and he never once wore the jellow jersey. It was during this time that the Tour switched back to sponsored teams. This movement embraced commercial reality but still left plenty of room for theatrics. Enter Jacques Anquetil, winner in 1957 and winner again in 1961, 1962, 1963, and again in 1964. Despite these victories Anquetil was not well loved in France. Poulidor would win a popularity contest in a heartbeat. In 1959, France looked like it had a winning team with Anquetil, Riviére, Bobet, and Geminiani all on the national team. But instead of working together, the work against each other. The Spaniard, Ferderico Bahamontes , won. In 1960, it looked like young Riviére was all set to win. He broke the world hour record and at Stage 15 he looked like he'd win. Then, at the Perjuret Pass he crashed into a ravine and never rode a bicycle again. Gastone Nencini, from Italy, won. Winners 1947 Jean Robic (Fra) 1948 Gino Bartali (Ita) 1949 Faust Coppi (Ita) 1950 Ferdi Kubler (Swi) 1951 Hugo Koblet (Swi) 1952 Faust Coppi (Ita) 1953 Louison Bobet (Fra) 1954 Louison Bobet (Fra) 1955 Louison Bobet (Fra) 1956 Roger Walkowiak (Fra) 1957 Jacque Anquetil (Fra) 1958 Charly Gaul (Lux) 1959 Ferderico Bahamontes (Spa) 1960 Gastone Nencini (Ita) If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at: Tour de France stags & schedule & history 2007 tour de france World's greatest bicycle race - Le Tour

History of the Tour De France: Armstrong's Pantheon and Beyond-- the Tour De France Since 2000

The years since 2000 have seen Lance Armstrong achieve a record breaking total of seven victories in the Tour de France - the most victories ever by a single rider, and he did them seven-in-a-row to boot. Despite many setbacks, Armstrong shows that focus and precision pay off. During the 2000 Tour de France all eyes are on Lance Armstrong as he goes about attempting his second consecutive win. He rides with the taint of doping scandals chasing him. If 1999 was the year of the comeback, then 2000 would be the year of vindication. This would also be, very sadly, the year a 12 year old boys dies after being hit by a publicity vehicle during the race. Despite a public lack of confidence in his abilities, Armstrong wins again. In 2001 Armstrong is seeking the "pantheon" of Tour De France as he rides for his third straight win. Only four others have gone before him– Louison Bobet (1953-1954-1955), Jacques Anquetil (1961-1962-1963), Eddy Merckx (1969-1970-1971-1972) and Miguel Indurain (1991-1992-1993-1994-1995). The odds are definitely against him. But overcoming enormous hurdles has become a way of life for Armstrong. His fight against testicular cancer is known throughout the world. Will this be the year that Jan Ullrich dominates? Three consecutive mountain stages with three mountaintop stage finishes present a difficult challenge for both the defenders of and the pretenders to le Maillot Jaune. In 2001, Armstrong begins by truly destroying Jan Ullrich in the Alps. Then he wins the mountain time trial. When Lance Armstrong does win his third straight victory in 2001 he says it was his best win so far.







And now with the focus and precision he is so well known for, Armstrong sets his sight on a fourth win. He says, "The Tour de France is the most beautiful, the biggest, and most special race in the world for me, and for the United States." Basking in the radiance of being King for the Day, Armstrong ends the race nearly seven minutes ahead of Jan Ullrich. He clearly enjoys his win. And he is now America's best Tour rider. He's definitely on a roll and in no time he's focused on a fifth Tour victory. Only Miguel Indurain has won five times straight. Oddly enough it is the wife of a rider that dominates the 2002 race. Lithuanian cyclist Raimondas Rumas is suspended because his wife is found with doping paraphernalia. Suspicion is first raised when Rumas won the 2000 Tour of Lombardy. "It's true that he won the Tour of Lombardy but he didn't have the reputation as a rider capable of challenging in the biggest races, capable of a podium finish in the Tour de France," Leblanc said. In the midst of this controversy, Armstrong wins again. Armstrong continues stronger than ever, winning in 2003, and 2004. In 2005 Armstrong now cycles for an unheard of seventh win. His only challengers are the German team of Jan Ullrich, Andreas Klöden and Alexandre Vinokourov. There is no doubt that Ullrich will be a formidable opponent. This year, 2005, will go down in cycling history no matter who wins as this race will mark the end of Armstrong's shining career. And Armstrong pulls it off with an astounding cycling victory– seven Tours de France wins, eighty-three yellow jerseys, and twenty-one stage victories. The Post Lance Era In 2006 the Tour de France has the most open field in memory, after some leading contenders are disqualified just weeks prior due to doping allegations. Another American, Flolyd Landis, wins the 2006 Tour with incredible efforts, only to have the honor removed a day later due to failing a doping test. Floyd vigorously disputes the doping test and is continuing to dispute it to this day. If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at: Tour de France schedule 2007 Tour de France stage, route & history Tour de France stage details

The Tour De France Tragedy

Fabio Casartelli, like many young cyclists, dreamed of achieving infamy in the Tour de France.  Unfortunately, in an unprecedented bike crash, Casartelli lost his life and remains only the third rider to ever die during the Tour de France race.  Fabio Casartelli was born in Como, Italy in August of 1970. Throughout his amateur cycling career, he showed a lot of potential, most notably with his win of a gold medal in the road race event of the 1992 Olympic Games. He finished one second ahead of the Netherlands" Erik Dekker, who went on to win four stages of the Tour de France in his own career.The first Tour de France Casartelli competed in was in 1993, although Casartelli didn't accomplish much in his debut.  For the 1995 Tour de France, Team Motorola selected Casartelli to competed in the race, and Casartelli was hoping to improve upon his first appearance in the legendary race.
Casartelli was in the 15th stage of the 1995 Tour de France when he was suddenly involved in a crash with several other riders. The crash occurred during the descent on the Col de Portet d"Aspet in the Pyrenees.  During the crash, Casartelli struck his head on the concrete blocks that lined the roadway, immediately causing him to lose consciousness.  Sadly, Casartelli didn't make it to the hospital, as he stopped breathing during the helicopter flight and couldn't be resuscitated.  







After Casartelli's tragic death, there was some speculation that his life could have been saved, had he been wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the accident.  However, the senior doctor of the Tour de France, Gerard Porte, refuted such claims, as he said that the helmet would not have covered the area of Casartelli's head where he received the damage that led to his death.If anything positive could be taken from Casartelli's untimely death, it was the way the riders participating in the 1995 Tour de France came together after the tragic crash.  In tribute to Fabio Casartelli, his comrades in Team Motorola finished the next stage as a unit, crossing the finish line together.  The rest of the pack finished right after, riding slowly in a show of respect to their fallen peer.Fabio Casartelli left behind a wife and an infant son, and cyclists and the Tour de France officials themselves made sure they weren't forgotten.  A fund was established for Casartelli's family, and all of the riders who received money for their participation and performances in the 'tribute" stage donated their prize money to the fund.  The Tour de France organizers matched the amount donated to the fund, and many individuals also pitched in to help do their part and help Casartelli's family.Fabio Casartelli's death also helped to accomplish stricter helmet regulations for Tour de France riders.  Over time, helmet rules have consistently been strengthened, and now riders can be fined for not wearing their helmets during any portion of the Tour de France.  Even if Casartelli's death couldn't have been prevented by the use of a helmet, the fact that helmet use has become more widespread and required by race organizations means that his death was not in vain.The thought of a sportsman like Fabio Casartelli losing his life in the midst of a competition is a dreadful one indeed.  While there's no guarantee that a tragedy like what happened to Casartelli won't ever happen again, it's important to know that precautions are being taken to keep such things from happening, and that Casartelli has not and will not be forgotten. When will YOU Die!
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Culture Tours in France

France has played a huge role in art, cinema, architecture, sculpture, and fashion because the seventeenth century. The culture tours in France would take you to definitely the different museums, galleries, and offers you using the chance to watch some theater performances and play in the various cultural activities.
The culture of France is reflected within the festivals, theater performances, cinema, cuisines and fashion. When you're going to the country attempt the different France culture tours look around the unique culture of the nation.
France includes a unique and rich cultural heritage, dating back 1000's of years. The enthralling medieval Gothic architecture, magnificent museums and galleries, and delectable cuisine and wines attracts tourist from worldwide.There are numerous tour operators who offer various culture tours in France. The especially designed cultural tour packages to France offer historical accommodations, sightseeing of important cultural attractions, gourmet dining plus much more, making your cultural visit to France a memory a person can have.








Nearly every region of France features its own exclusive cultural attractions. To find out the cultural richness of the nation only one visit to France isn't enough. An expert and experienced guide can assist you to find the most significant cultural attractions of France. You can begin the cultural tours in France having a trip to the colorful Provence and picture-perfect Côte d'Azur parts of France where one can admire paintings from the renowned 19th and Twentieth century artists for example Renoir, Gauguin and Matisse. Paris may be the cultural of the France. The town of Paris is recognized for its cosmopolitan culture, captivating architecture, supreme collections of museums, galleries, theaters, operas, plus much more. Find the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Orsay Museum and Rodin Museum among other cultural attractions of Paris. With no trip to the splendid Palace of Versailles, Fontainebleau Castle, and Mont St. Michel no cultural tours in France can be viewed as complete. Cultural tours to France range from the major destinations of France such as the scenic Loire Valley famous because of its well-preserved and beautifully decorated Renaissance chateaux; Reims and Chartres recognized for their Gothic-style architecture and historic sites. Cultural tours to France likewise incorporate a trip to the world-famous wine producing parts of Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace.
There's a many cultural tours in France packages such as the Da Vinci Code Walk that involves a trip to the Louvre Museum in Paris, to determine the paintings through the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci. This tour package can be obtained for Euro 325 to Euro 525 per person. For that lovers of French cuisine, the wintertime in Provence Tour is ideal that takes you to definitely the cooking school of Provence region where one can check out the truffles, wines, and duck preparations. Additionally, it features a 5day and 6 nights remain in among the luxurious accommodations of the nation.
Moulin Rouge Dinner Show package is really a short cultural tours for One or two days in which you see live cabaret performances and taste the best French dishes within this famous bar or theatre. The Paris-Versailles Tour goes to s special fountain show, along with a trip to the Royal Apartments, hall of mirrors and also the queen's bedroom. The fun-filled cultural tours in France like Au Lapin Agile, Paris on Two Wheels, Lunch, Dinner and Theme Cruises yet others features a remain in luxurious accommodations, visits towards the major cultural attractions, gourmet dining plus much more.

Mountain Bike, Street Bike, or Combination?

In the true sense of the word, mountain bikes are built for "off-road" riding only . . . forest, mountain, and cross country trails.How Does A Mountain Bike Differ From A Street Bike?Frame - Mountain bikes are built to be durable and maintain functionality under very rugged conditions. To maintain this durability under rugged conditions, mountain bike frames are constructed of much stronger material than the normal street bike frames. True mountain bike frames are titanium.Ground Clearance - Mountain bikes are also built with a higher ground clearance, making it easier to negotiate rocks, logs, and ruts, etc.Tires - Mountain bikes generally run with wider, knobby tires providing more substantial grip and traction on varied terrain. Even greater traction and stability is provided by these tires because they carry a lower pressure.Handlebars - Mountain bike handlebars are generally flat and extend straight out from the stem forming a wider grip, usually about shoulder width. Thus the rider sits upright with better vision and has more stable control of the bike.Gears - Because of the diverse and varied terrain encountered on trails, mountain bikes have many gears, generally 16 to 27. However the gear range on mountain bikes is much lower than the gear range on street bikes. Mountain bikes are built for power to negotiate steep climbs.







You Have A Decision To Make...We have just reviewed the basic features of a pure mountain bike, a bike built solely for trail riding. Generally speaking, a good, durable mountain bike starts at about $600 and goes up from there.However, for the most part, people are not looking to be a mountain bike enthusiast, they do most of their riding on the street, and only occasionally ride light trails.If you find yourself in that group, perhaps you need to be looking for a mountain/street bike combination.Mountain/Street Features...Each specific bike will have its own blend of mountain to street features.However, one thing they all have in common is a mountain bike frame. Many of these bikes offer a mountain bike frame built of aluminum. These aluminum frame bikes are lightweight for street use, however the aluminum frame limits their use to light trails only.These mountain/street combination bikes utilize the mountain bike handlebars, giving the rider an upright position.Some of these combination bikes offer disc brakes front and rear, steel frames, twist grip shifters, and shock absorbers front and rear.Tires can also be changed to meet the needs of the rider. Smoother tires for street riding, knobby tires for trail riding. How To Select The Proper Bike For Your Needs...How will you be using the bike?If you will be spending more time on the streets, you'll want a bike with more street bike features, and visa verse for mountain bike features.Go to a local bike dealer and test ride, checking out a variety of features. Test ride bikes on each end of the spectrum so you understand the characteristics of certain features. If you can, do more than just ride around the parking lot. Spend a few minutes riding on trails, over rocks, and gravel roads.Make a conscious effort to check out tire tread performance under various conditions. Determine the blend you need between smooth and knobby.Check out shifters. There are two major systems on the market 1) Rapid Fire, and 2) Grip Shift. Rapid Fire works from buttons/levers under the brake lever. With one finger or thumb, the rider works up and down the gears. Grip Shift is similar to a motorcycle's throttle control grip, gears are changed by the twist of a wrist.Be conscious of the pedals. Note which pedal type feels the most stable and secure to you.Make sure the seat is comfortable. The seat can always be padded later if it is uncomfortable, however choosing a comfortable seat from the beginning will eliminate future problems.Relax, have fun making your decision. Discover everything you can about bikes, if possible, test ride.

Finding the Best Mountain Bike

Mountain bike is a very wide umbrella term that applies to a wide variety of bikes.  By far one of the most popular styles of bikes, mountain bikes are built to be durable and take the abuse of off road riding without leaving the rider battered and bruised.  These bikes have to be able to handle large obstacles like logs, rocks and debris, while also being fast and easy to control while going down fast mountain trails.

History
References to mountain biking go all the way back to 1966 but new styles of bicycles didn't gain any noticeable popularity until the 1970's.  In Northern California's Marin county, riders started taking advantage of the mountainous surroundings by taking classic cruiser style bikes and modifying their heavy and sturdy frames with better brakes, home made suspension systems and other innovations.  The sport caught on, especially on the west coast of North America and large groups of riders started popping up from California's Sierra Mountains to Canada's now famous North Shore Mountains.  It wasn't until the late 70's and early 80's that new and previously established companies started seriously making mountain bikes.  They used technology, design techniques and materials from their road bikes and adapted them to mountain biking uses and developed new innovations to meet the needs of this growing set of riders.  In 1982, Specialized brought out the first mass produced mountain bike, the Stempjumper.
Features
Mountain bikes cover a wide spectrum of bikes, but on the most basic level, they usually share similar features.  These include:
Frames:  Mountain bikes are built with strong and stiff frames for durability and stability while dealing with unpredictable and rough terrain.  Depending on the specific style and needs of the bike the frame can be made from a variety of materials.  The most common are variations of steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber composites.








Tyres:  Mountain bike tyres need to be wider, stronger and more knobby than road bikes.  Rims usually are 559mm but are commonly called 26" inch tyres, even though that isn't quite accurate given the variations of the bike.  These tyres give the bikes the traction they need in rough and ever changing terrain.
Gearing:  Mountain bike gearing can range from single geared bikes all the way up to 30 speeds.  The amount and kind of gearing you need will depend on the style of riding you're up to.
Brakes:  Higher end mountain bikes come with disk brakes, while lower end versions are outfitted with V-brakes.  Disk brakes work a lot better when you're traveling at high speeds but are substantially heavier and more expensive than V-brakes.
Suspension:  Mountain bike suspensions are usually judged by the amount of travel they allow.  The more travel, the more the bike absorbs impacts instead of your body.  The different suspension variations can be broken down into three main categories:  hard tail, front suspension and dual suspension.
Hard Tail:  Hard tail versions feature stiff frames but no suspension.  If you're doing any sort of serious off road riding, you're going to feel every bump.  These bikes are designed for the average rider who enjoys off road riding but also plans on doing some city or path riding too.
Front Suspension:  Since mountain bikes land on the front wheel first, generally, these suspensions are great.  The suspension system is loaded in the front and provides good but not great protection from serious off road impacts.
Dual Suspension:  The newest innovation in mountain bike technology is dual suspension.  Often referred to as full suspension or full-susser bikes, this system is in both front and back wheels.  While heavier and more expensive, if you're doing big jumps and tackling the roughest courses, this is the suspension you want.
Mountain Bike Styles
What was once a niche market made up of tinkerers making their own mountain bikes in garages out of spare cruiser frames and their own custom components, mountain biking has blow up into a full scale industry.  Today mountain biking is just an umbrella term that encompasses a large variety of bikes and riding styles.
As the sport exploded in popularity many riders found their own personal styles and bikes started getting made to meet the needs of those unique markets.  Many bikes fit several categories and can be used effectively across a variety of styles, while others are specifically designed for just one.
Here is a sample of the most popular mountain biking styles today:
Cross Country:  Abbreviated XC, cross country bikes place a high degree of importance on speed and endurance.  The bikes are lightweight and not meant for the roughest off road environments.
Trail Bikes:  These evolved from XC bikes and are commonly used for recreational trial riding and can handle rougher terrain than the bikes that spawned them.
All Mountain:  This style of mountain bike is designed to climb and descend well and are perfect for all day rides up and down mountains.
Free-ride:  Bikes in this discipline are built to be heavier and more durable.  They can be ridden uphill but handle much better going downhill.
Downhill:  DH bikes have large gears, plush travel and are specifically designed to handle the stresses of downhill racing.  Their frames need to be strong but light, which leads to the use of high quality but expensive materials
Dirt Jumping:  DJ bikes are a mix between BMX bikes and free-ride mountain bikes.  They are made to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the high impacts they are frequently subjected to.  They usually only have front suspension systems.

Biking For Fun

Everybody has something they like to do for fun and biking is a favorite activity that is suitable for the entire family. Many people enjoy biking because on a windy day there is no better experience to have than the feel of wind blowing through the hair while sitting high on a bike seat riding along on a favorite trail. Riding bicycles is a productive way to enjoy the spare time away from the office and a way to exercise.Riding a bike is a good way to work all of your muscles in your body and ensure that all muscles are trim and free from unnecessary fat. Bike riding is a fun way to maintain a great shape and get a chance to enjoy the warming rays of sunshine at the same time. The movements for riding a bike are very similar to running but are most certainly easier on the joints.Riding a bike during the hottest part of the day will rid the body of impurities by causing the rider to sweat. Dehydration from biking during this time of the day can be alleviated if bikers will simply remember to drink lots of water to replenish the fluids that are lost while biking. For long trips, bikers should concentrate their fluid intake to water only.







Riding bikes is a good ice breaker for people who are just beginning to date. There is plenty of time available while riding on a bike to engage in conversation and get a good feel about the person before the relationship gets more intense. Biking will let you know how much the person likes outdoor activities and if there are other interesting sports that can be shared too.People all over the world like to ride bikes and some countries use them as transportation to work and other areas of interest. Children as young as four or five are learning to ride bikes and enjoy every minute of it. Their parents even ride their bikes with them and environmentally friendly people ride them to work in the United States. Riding bikes is a good way to spend the day as a family. You can ride your bike to an ice cream shop or to a restaurant and spend the day with your family.In order to ride your bike the weather has to be just right. You can not ride a bike in the rain or in the snow. If you ride your bike in the rain you will probably get sick. The best days to ride your bike are in the spring when it is not too cold or too hot. In any weather condition that bikers choose to ride they should also choose to hydrate up and have a good time while the weather conditions are still friendly.Riding your bike is a good way to meet new people and make friends and interact with them. All you have to do is ask somebody if they want to ride their bike with you and eventually you will have made a lot of friends. After you have finished riding a bike for the day it is always a good idea to cover the seat up with a rubber cover to protect it from rotting away from dew and other moisture.

Shift Motorcycle Jackets For Women - Ladies Wear Riding Gear

If you love riding bikes, you'll know that wearing the right kind of protective gear is absolutely essential. Shift motorcycle jackets for women provide the protection, comfort and style that's ideal for women who enjoy riding whenever they can.You'll find jackets made out of all kinds of materials: leather, mesh nylon, or synthetic leather. So whatever your style, you'll find something that works for you. The designs are versatile as well and often when you choose a jacket that you like, you'll have a range of colors to pick from so you'll get exactly what you want.In terms of comfort, Shift jackets are designed to keep you cool but protected in warm weather. A lot of their mesh jackets are ventilated so you don't feel like you're overheating. Most of their designs are adjustable in terms of size, which is convenient as well. You can pull in that excess fabric on your sides, for instance, so you have the most aerodynamic and form fitting jacket possible.







And while they're cool and breathable for the warm weather, they also have designs that come with wind liners that you can zip into the lining of the jacket. When the weather turns cool, you'll be protected from the cold air and you'll be as comfortable as ever in this jacket. They also have flexible accordion ribbing on the sides so that you have maximum mobility without compromising protection.Shift motorcycle jackets for women are a good choice because of their safety features as well. In addition to being made from strong, durable materials, they have extra armor in the impact areas, such as the elbows and shoulders. If you hit the ground at high speeds with these jackets you'll be very well protected.Shift has also thought of other safety features such as reflective piping on the jackets so that other motorists will be more likely to see you at night. And you have belt loop connections to tie your jacket to your pants for ultimate coverage and protection.Being dressed for safety as well as style is a big part of riding. You want to invest in gear that looks good, but that most importantly protects you from potential motorcycle accidents. You also want to be comfortable and have ease of mobility. Shift motorcycle jackets for women combine comfort, style, and safety to bring you the best experience possible in protective gear.

Bikes Direct Lauds Design of Hardcourt Bike Polo

Still a relatively new incarnation, Hardcourt Bike Polo originated in Seattle in the early 2000s by a cyclist introduced to traditional Bike Polo, reports Bikes Direct. Without regular access to turfed areas, Seattle players took to the pavement. Soon Hardcourt Bike Polo emerged as its own sport, adds Bikes Direct, still bearing traces of its roots in traditional bike polo but distinct enough to be recognized as its own entity. As Hardcourt Bike Polo spread to other cities, each city contributed its own unique aspect to the sport. As such, Bikes Direct points out that Hardcourt Bike Polo represents the diversity of its players, and Bikes Direct is happy to see that it has been emerging within the fixie community in its own hometown. Hardcourt Bike Polo games can be played on any paved surface, from parking lot to outdoor basketball court to street. Bikes Direct explains that the game consists of two teams, each with three players. Players use handcrafted mallets, similar in appearance to croquet mallets. Players hit a plastic ball into the opposing team's goal area, and contact is not prohibited between players on opposing teams, notes Bikes Direct. Some players end the game by time, others when one team reaches a pre-determined score. Many Bikes Direct staffers have been spectators at Hardcourt Bike Polo games and have noted with interest the many modifications players make to their bikes, typically either fixed gear or free-wheel single speed. Bikes Direct staffers familiar with the sport explain that these modifications are made in order to maximize playing potential on the court. These modifications include changing drop bars to riser bars so that the rider can maintain a more upright position during game play, shortening the width of the handlebars so that he or she has room to swing the mallets, and most expressive of all, creating solid covers for the wheels in order to block the ball. Because the wheels have such a large surface area, these covers provide a great canvas for players to decorate, adds Bikes Direct.







There are many blogs dedicated to Hardcourt Bike Polo, says Bikes Direct, and these blogs often feature photo galleries of players' bikes. Bikes Direct is always excited to see customers' bikes that have been modified for bike polo play. Both the Mercier Kilo TT and the Windsor Hour, two of Bikes Direct's best-selling fixed gear bikes, make regular appearances in these galleries. An interesting development, according to Bikes Direct, is the increased use of mini velos by Hardcourt Bike Polo players. Bikes Direct is especially happy to see these bikes being used because they will soon be stocking mini velos by both Windsor and Mercier. Long popular in Japan, mini velos have only recently begun making waves here in the United States, reports Bikes Direct. What differentiates mini velos from their standard-sized counterparts is their 20 inch wheel size, explains Bikes Direct. Due to their small wheels, mini velos are incredibly nimble and are a natural choice for Hardcourt Bike Polo players. As talk in the Bikes Direct office has increased around this style of bike, Bikes Direct staffers have become more and more intrigued by these quirky bikes. Mini velos have frames very similar in style to regular road bikes, and the Windsor and Mercier models that Bikes Direct will soon be stocking bear a striking resemble to the companies' popular fixies, the Windsor Hour and the Mercier Kilo TT. And just as fixie riders love to customize their bikes with different styles of bars, saddles, colors, and wheels, Bikes Direct has noticed the same trend amongst mini velo riders. Bikes Direct hopes that mini velos will reach a wide audience in the United States as they have in Japan. Originally designed to provide a minimal footprint in a country where space is a premium, Bikes Direct says that mini velos can provide that same convenience to United States customers who lack large amounts of storage space. Bikes Direct hopes that the mini velos they will soon be offering will be as well-received as the track bikes they carry. Bikes Direct staffers who have had the opportunity to ride samples of these mini velos have been won over by the speed and agility of these bikes, and Bikes Direct wants to assert that although mini velos are diminutive in appearance, they sacrifice nothing in the way of parts and components. Bikes Direct says that these bikes are meant to be ridden, and are equipped to provide a high quality ride. Bikes Direct staffers are eager to hear customer feedback on what they think is a really exciting addition to Bikes Direct's already great line-up of bikes. All contact information can be found on the Bikes Direct website at http://www.bikesdirect.com/contact.htm.

The best things to carry with you on a mountain bike ride

Mountain biking is a fun sport that almost everyone can take part in, all you need is a bike. It's a great way to get out side, burn calories, and become a healthier person. Although it may be fun there are some things you shouldn't leave home without before hitting the trails. Some are obvious such as water, but you should also pack in a spare tube, food, a pump, and other tools you will need to make small repairs.
You will want to pack away some food such as a sandwich, or energy bar. Most people don't think about it but riding bike burning a lot of calories. It is not uncommon to burn over 1,000 calories per an hour of riding. When you are burning that many calories you need to replenish your bodies energy or you will eventually hit the wall and bonk. Having an energy bar during a ride can be a life saver. One of the worst feelings on a bike is the one when you are absolutely fatigued and are a few miles from your car or home. The ride back will be a long and painful one. Water is an obvious thing to bring on your rides. You always want to stay hydrated to help avoid cramps, dehydration, and replenish your body as you sweat. Just like food, you don't want to be stranded in the middle of a trail without water, that too is a horrible feeling and one you wouldn't want to experience twice.








Another thing I would bring on a ride is a spare inner tube and a pump to pump up the inner tube. It is possible to get a flat while on riding and you don't want to end up having to walk home. Having to walk your bike 5 miles can end up taking hours. Carrying a tube can save you a huge headache and a lot of time.
Mountain biking is a great sport but you need to be prepared before you venture out onto the trails. If you don't, you can find yourself in a bad situation out in the middle of a trail.
 

Bikes Direct Discusses Ways to Get the Most Out of Recreational Cycling Clubs

Recreational cycling clubs, reports Bikes Direct, have been forming all over America for generations. Bikes Direct applauds the nation's local cycling clubs for their part in promoting bicycle riding and bicycle safety. Recreational cycling clubs, explains Bikes Direct, are not based on regional competition or professional riding. Bikes Direct says that instead, a primary purpose of these community based bicycle clubs is to cultivate good relationships between the cyclists and motorists in a given city. By exhibiting a very visual respect for the law, says Bikes Direct, cycling clubs make motorists and non-cycling citizens more likely to take heed of cyclists. One of the greatest benefits of cycling clubs, notes Bikes Direct, is the organization of periodic group rides. These rides, says Bikes Direct, usually take place monthly and in some cities even weekly. Nearly every recreational cycling club, explains Bikes Direct, welcomes non-members to their riding events. But to really get the most out of a cycling club, Bikes Direct recommends joining the club and taking full advantage of membership. Joining a city cycling club, adds Bikes Direct, usually costs between $30-$50 per year. However, Bikes Direct says that the perks of membership far outweigh the membership fee. Bikes Direct explains that cycling clubs are dedicated to increasing community awareness of cycling activity. Recreational cycling clubs, continues Bikes Direct, also work to make cycling safe and fun for riders of all experience levels. With year round group rides, explains Bikes Direct, cycling clubs get riders together to exchange information and experiences. Working together, says Bikes Direct, community cyclists can train, learn, and reach riding goals. The support and camaraderie that comes with riding in a cycling club, adds Bikes Direct, also extends to other facets of the community. If looking for a local cycling club in your city, Bikes Direct suggests starting by contacting larger umbrella organizations that can tell you who is operating in your community. Bikes Direct suggests contacting organizations such as the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). These groups, explains Bikes Direct, are affiliated with numerous local biking groups across America. Bikes Direct says they can help riders find clubs and groups of other like-minded riders, to enrich the cycling experience for everyone.








What people are saying about Bikes Direct:
Thank you so much!
I absolutely love my new [Bikes Direct] bike! I got to take it for a couple rides so far and it is so smooth. It has been the envy around the office lately as well. Many people told me that I got an awesome bike [from Bikes Direct] for a really great deal. Thank you again for helping me out. I really appreciate it!
Best Regards,
Laura

About Riding Bikes

If you are into enlarging your penis, exercises are the way to go. They are considered the safest and most effective route to getting bigger. A common question is "what are the most effective penis growing exercises"? Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for great female abs? Abs-olutely! To make this list, the female abs exercises must be safe, effective and can be done nearly anywhere. Your abs can be worked out every day. Here are great flat tummy exercises:
- diastases resolved (separation of abdominal muscles), do not serve to prevent the abdominal muscles. - which may be strained by weight of the fetus, low back care.
Let your eyes enjoy the soft warmth and brightness. You may gently rotate the head so that the first contact with the eye has the full sun and heat, turns his head to the other eye has full exposure to heat. sunbathing while, feel the tension drain from the eyes and, at least at first, you experience better vision when you first open your eyes. As you can tell, eye exercises are exercises in your mind, because the eye muscles to relax tense.
5 This type of exercise will help define the lateral pull-downs. Thanks for all these years will be able to find useful tips to achieve the goal. Every body part must be properly trained, because the program is not doing an exercise routine is vital to get.








If you do not use needles in China can not keep your body healthy for themselves. Dieta: Diet alone can throw the balance is achieved in two ways described above. If you eat too much junk food all the time, not alternative medicine, or exercise in the world will keep you healthy.
way to quit is often full of useful tools that complement and substitute products are we talking about in the media. However, many smokers choose to go cold turkey only to find that it is a difficult road to a healthier life.
as follows (in no particular order) are our top choices for bodybuilding exercises all the time. square square Most authorities consider to be the best move the leg. A set of squats will do more for all of your body more than 10 sets of leg extensions. Squat is one of the most natural and all the basic movements (let's face it, how often do you run to mimic the leg extension days!) And for virtually the entire lower body.
Exercising during pregnancy can also keep your weight within recommended limits and helps prevent gestational diabetes. It also helps you more easily get in shape after giving birth. Now that we have created to use during pregnancy is good for you and explained the benefits can take a look at some options and guidelines for women.
Feeding an excess of cardiovascular fitness, but uses a lot of postural muscles. At a very different racquet or ball sports, the body uses both right and left side. Go to the gym or for a career instead of a horse rider required for the establishment of a special exercise program to have a power level. Core stability and postural muscles of the body of all riders need to focus on the building. Winter squash hummus
Most people in the gym, they tend to work mainly in the upper body. This may be good for looks, but not OK for skiing. I would like explosive leg power to share some of the best skiing exercises.
Singing can not harm your vocal cords when you're tense. Remember to practice breathing exercises glory. People breathe through their bellies, use only half the muscle.
3: Increase sit side same set on a bench and begin the celebration of a kettle on top of the cable machine handles. In a broad sweeping motion, pull the cables back and forth.
Some manufacturers of these devices into walls. The Pilates exercise machine can be fitted side of the tower ladder barrels are made of a design suitable for home use . This is no special equipment to help strengthen back muscles. This is done through the back extension exercises.

Best cruiser ride bikes of 2011

Thinking of changing your commute from a one mile ride to an eight mil ride? Or, are you simply looking for the trendiest cruiser bikes of the season? Whatever your reasons, here is the information you want.Cruisers have dominated many parts of America, particularly the Northern parts. What makes them so widely loved is the laidback design coupled with a wide variety of styles and designs. Even though modern stylistic designs are available, most people still seem to be in love with bikes that look like the classics like Harley Davidsons.ruiser bikes are a popular choice for casual driving. However, depending on the models and the power (and the money you are willing to invest), they may also offer great solutions in long distance riding.Some of the best models that have rolled out (or will soon be rolling out of) factories include:







Harley Davidson Dyna: This Switchback allows riders to switch between a smooth, cool and casual ride to a moderately powerful touring machine. A number of features make it a wonderful buy. Examples include quick release passenger backrest, a cranked up engine, a brand new front end, better shock absorbers and of course a great sound system that can even play MP3!Victory Cross Country Cruiser: Victory has already announced its new line of touring cruisers. The new bike is supposed to beef up storage capacity with hard shell lowers. The bike's music system can now be connected to an iPod. Heated seats and grips are optional but worth the investment if you live in a cold place.Ducati Diavel: If the summer heat is driving you up the wall, the new Diavel from Ducati can cool you off. The latest model is a high performance bike. Changes have made the machine a more efficient one. The better design provides for reduced effort while driving. The design of the new bike is alluring too.Hyosung ST7: The sporty offering from this Korean manufacturer is affordable and stunning. The futuristic style of the bike, electronic fuel injection, enlarged fenders, easy steering dynamics and small diameter wheels make this a lightweight vehicle that is a dream to handle. That it looks great is an added bonus. Low height of the seat makes straddling the bike very easy. The engine may seem moderately powerful but its punch is much more than expected.

Safety While Riding Bike Outdoors

Biking is an excellent form of exercise, whether you want to lose extra weight, stay in shape, or simply want to keep your heart healthy. By incorporating a daily routine of intense cycling workouts in your exercise regime, you can make significant difference in your body's calorie burning capabilities. Depending upon your preferences, you can either choose to stay indoor cycling in a stationary bike or you can go outdoors biking on roads, mountains or streets. I personally believe that cycling indoor or inside a gym get monotonous after time. So, to get a variety of resistance during workouts as well as to enjoy experiences of different kinds of biking, it is ideal to bike outdoors.
While you add biking to your workout routine, it is important that in addition to sweating out you also take care of your safety. This is especially important if you are biking in a city or in mountains. In both these places accidents and injuries are common. You can enjoy biking without worrying much about your safety if you have the right safety gear.








Some of the commonly used safety equipment for bike includes:
Helmet: Needless to mention, it is one of the most important safety gears that protects your head, brain and skull in case you fall. You can choose from different types of biking helmets such as full face helmets, BMX helmets, MTB helmets, etc.
Elbow and knee pads: The elbow and knee pads are important to protect your elbows and knees in case of fall. In the absence of this vital safety gears, your elbows and knees may get scratches or a direct hit getting injured severely. You can choose to wear elbow pads underneath your T-shirt or above it. Some bikers wrongly believe that wearing full-sleeve T-shirt offer similar protection as elbow pads, but that is not true. Elbow pads and knee pads fit tightly over their respective areas and do not move even during a fall. You can browse the Internet to get good discount while buying a combo pack of elbow and knee pads.
Sunglasses: They prevent your eyes from sun and reflected light. In addition to this, they also safeguard your eyes against the entering of dirt and debris while driving in a dusty area or in a windy day.
Gloves: It is important to prevent your hands from blisters as well as to give you a strong grip even in a very hot or very cold temperature
Some people have the habit of listening to music while riding bike. If you are riding bike in a city, it is important that you keep the volume low so that you can hear what is going around you.

Teach a child to ride bike

Some children them selves and will be quite good at it too. However, most young children need parent involvement. This is an excellent thing as it provides you with the opportunity to show your son or daughter the best way to ride a cycle with the necessary bike safety rules mixed in to prevent any troubles or accidents.There are numerous factors included in teaching a kid to show how to ride a bike and these factors are essential when choosing a bike for your child. One of these is the child's bicycle. These days' kid's bicycles have a large variety to choose from; however the most crucial factor is that the child needs to be comfortable perched upon it and that the bike should be compared to his body. The fit of the kid's bike should be such that the legs need to touch the ground when they are astride. The seat must be adjustable and one really should insist upon being shown that it is, so that you can lower it based on your child's height or raise it when he or she grows up. The other aspect to look out for is the handle bar. It shouldn't be a long way away since your child needs to stretch to getting a very good grasp. Most children's cycles will have this in mind whenever they design however it is always good to check for it is unsafe when the kid can't handle the bike.Another factor is to ensure the kid gets the right basic safety gear. It is wise to invest more in this that whatever else for the safety of your child will come 1st. You can get a good set of headgear, knee pads as well as safety gloves in any retailer that carries cycle equipment. Also be sure that the child wears footwear that protects his or her toes like a pair of athletic shoes. This will not only put your thoughts at rest but also reassure the kid.Training wheels may also be a great add-on, for they assist a young child achieve self-confidence to really ride a cycle. They are also useful in case the child is just a bit younger will be graduating from a tricycle to a regular bicycle. However, it should be noted that these training wheels must be correctly installed, ie, slightly raised for they may avoid the brakes from operating. The negative effects of those wheels is that they might slow up the learning process of the kid.The following phase is to locate a good open area to train in. It could be the playground or if you live in a quite housing area where there isn't a lot traffic, the footpath also is really a wise decision. When you get started out, allow the child to get acquainted with the bike by explaining the some other part of the cycle and its purpose. Let the child pedal once you keep your cycle fixed simply by holding the seat. When he / she gets acquainted with the pedaling as well as holding the handle bars, you can let go of the seat in small durations. Thus, with a little patience, the child will be riding the cycle by himself.

How Riding Bikes Can Benefit You And The Environment

We have all heard of what is happening to our planet. Global warming is something we have all heard of or read about online or in newspapers and magazines, and have seen on TV. If every person in the world was to make a small contribution towards the betterment of the planet, it would definitely go a long way in reversing the effects of global warming. Riding bikes for short distances like going to the store or the house of a friend not only helps the environment, but you and your health as well. You do not have to be a professional biker to ride a bike, you can even be wearing cheap cycle clothing and no one would even notice. Plus, bike parts are not that expensive and are very easy to find. Here is a closer look at how riding bikes can benefit you and the environment.
Does Not Cause Pollution
Riding bikes is one way for people to contribute in helping save the environment. As we all know, bikes do not cause any pollutants and do not emit any harmful gases into the atmosphere. So if you are only going a short distance away, consider riding a bike instead of taking your car. You will be saving the environment from the harmful emissions of your car if you ride your bike.
A Great Form of Exercise
Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise. If you cannot make time to visit the gym, riding your bicycle for short distances every day, or at every opportunity you have, is like getting a workout in itself. You can get your heart rate up and burn calories while riding a bicycle. This is a great cardio workout to help you sweat as well. A real bike is a lot better than a stationary bicycle, so consider getting a real one and get to enjoy the fresh air and outdoors while getting a work out.








Saves You Money
Obviously, bikes do not need gas, so they are basically a onetime investment. Occasional fees for maintenance are normal, but with the proper care, your bike will last for many, many years. The fact that you do not have to buy gas to use your bike is a great money saver. You can easily sit down and ride it without having to worry about anything else. A bike is obviously a lot less expensive compared to buying a car, and you can use it for a very long time. If you need some form of transportation for short distances, a bike is your best bet.
Saves You from Traffic
In case you are riding a bike to the store or a couple of blocks away to visit a friend, riding a bike saves you time in getting there. This is because bikes are smaller and will allow you to squeeze through small spaces where cars would not normally fit. So even if there is a traffic jam ahead of you, you can get your bike through by either passing between the vehicles or riding along the sidewalk. Of course, this should be done with caution.
Low on Maintenance
Another reason why bikes are great is the fact that it is low on maintenance. Unlike cars which need regular tune ups, bikes just need a change of tires when they get worn out and oil on the chains and that is pretty much all it needs. Even if your bike may need a part or two replacing, it does not cost as much as replacing parts of a car would. Plus, most bike parts can be replaced by you without the need for a mechanic to do so.
Riding bikes is a great way for you to help keep yourself fit and help the environment at the same time. Every small thing you do helps in a big way for the environment. There is plenty of cheap cycle clothing available to help make riding bicycles a lot more comfortable, and there are also different types of clothing available to help you stay cool even if the weather may be hot. There are also a multitude of stores which sell different bike parts at reasonable prices, so be sure to check those out. Compare different online stores to find out which bike store has the best parts at the best price.

On-Road or Off, Make Sure You Are Safe When Riding Bikes

Cycling is a versatile pastime, it is obviously a great source of exercise but it can also be a form of transportation, or a platform to perform eye-popping tricks and stunts.  These days there are plenty of bikes on the roads, with many people not only trying to get fit but also trying to limit the costs of motoring (both environmentally and fiscally).  As more people are riding bikes it is becoming increasingly important that people take care on the roads, as well as when off-road cycling such as mountain biking and when performing BMX stunts.There are a number of safety issues to bear in mind when riding any bike, chief of which is wearing the required safety equipment.  A cycling helmet should be worn at all times, especially when riding a bike on the roads. The looming threat of other road users in cars, vans and even motorbikes means that the cyclist will usually come off worse in the event of an accident.  Many severe injuries or even deaths involving cyclists could have been avoided or limited if the cyclist had worn a helmet. This highlights how important this piece of kit is when riding your bike.  Some situations call for other safety gear such as elbow pads, knee pads and shin guards, BMX riders are advised to wear these pads as the tricks that they perform on a BMX could go wrong. Protecting vulnerable areas such as arms and legs will help avoid any nasty cuts or scrapes.







Many people will ride bikes at night or early in the morning when the sun is just coming up, this low level of light can make cyclists barely visible to motorists, up to the point where it is too late and an accident could happen.  Attaching bike lights to the front and rear of your bike is crucial in making sure you are seen in all weather and at any time of the day - flashing, bright LED lamps help make sure that any cyclist is visible to other road users.Another way to ensure you are seen on the roads at night or even during the day is to wear bright clothing, even high visibility clothing.  High visibility clothing or reflective strips worn on your body will also help to make sure that you can be seen in the dark and avoid any potential accidents that may have happened if a motorist was not as vigilant as they should be.Riding a bike shouldn't be seen as dangerous as it is a leisure activity and should be enjoyed; having a sense of awareness and caution when riding bikes particularly when riding in towns and cities will help avoid any accidents.   With the right equipment and a bike that is right for you and well maintained then you should be able to enjoy riding your bike free from worry.
There are many important cycling clothing and safety equipment available to purchase online and at your local bike shops. Make sure to ask about what items you'll need for the type of cycling you will be doing to make sure you are safe and prepared.

Several Benefits of Riding Bike

When talking about exercise, you will find that there are many benefits that you can get from it. Many people have proved the benefits that exercise offers. One of exercises that you can do easily is riding a bike.Both of riding stationary and other types of bikes will be very useful in improving our fitness. This will also be very great to make our joints flexible. The flexibility of joints will enable you to do your daily activities so that you will not get tired easily.Riding bike is very fun to do. We can do it with our family or our friends. Additionally, this type of exercise is suitable for all ages. This means that the whole of your family can do this beneficial activity. Additionally, this is a type of exercise that has low impact toward our body. This means that the risk of getting hurt from doing this activity is very small. Therefore, you do not have to worry of hurting yourself if you do it safely.







You can make a routine of riding bike everyday. You can do this when you want to go to workplace, to school or even to supermarket. By making this good activity as a habit, you will get the maximum benefits from it. Furthermore, other the benefits that you can get will be mentioned in the following.1. This will improve the cardiovascular system quality. Your blood flow will be fluent. This will make your heartbeat better so that your body will always fit.2. This will loose your weight. For you who have overweight, it is better for you to do routine exercise such as riding bikes.3. This will shape your body and muscles. You will find that this will be very fun way for you to do when you want to have ideal body.Those are some benefits that you can get. No matter your business is, spend some times to exercise such as riding bikes or other exercises. If you cannot do this regularly, you can do it once a week in weekend. The main point is that you can keep your body stays healthy.

Knowing The Facts About Riding Bike

Riding bike regularly will make your body healthy. This is a very good activity that works to almost whole part of body. Additionally, you will find that there are many other things that you can get. The followings are some facts about this beneficial activity.Riding bike and heartBy doing this activity regularly, you will be able to get longer breath compared to those that do not do this activity. You will find that this is more effective exercise than aerobic. This is also more fun to do. You will find that this is a type of exercise that is very effective and cheap for you to get the best result toward your body. For instance, this can reduce the risk of getting heart attack, controlling blood pressure and diabetes. That is the reason why this will be a great way to stay healthy. A research results that riding bike in a short distance regularly will decrease death rate by 22%.







Riding bike and weightYou will find that riding bike can be an activity to loose weight. When you do this activity, you will burn your energy that is produced by food that you eat. Doing this exercise for 15 minutes within 5-6 times in a week will reduce your weight 11 pound in a year.Riding bike and moodThere is another good effect that you can get from riding bike. This activity can make your mood good. This can decrease stress and depression. For example, when you are doing this activity, you will be able to view the surrounding and socialite with others. You will also be able to enjoy fresh air. This means a lot for your health. This activity can also motivate you to do your daily activities.Riding bike and air pollutionWhen you do this activity, you do not have to worry about the pollution. People who take motorized transportation when they have to go to somewhere have higher risk of suffering the air pollution than those who take non motorized transportation such as bike. This may because those who take non motorized transportation breathe more regular. Also, they breathe oxygen more.However, when you do this activity, do not forget to wear your helmet when you are going to ride your bike. This thing can protect your head so that you will have a safe ride. You can get this in the store in your area. In this case, make sure that the helmet that you choose fits your head well. So, you will feel comfort when you wear it.Finally, those are some facts about riding bike. When you pay attention to those, you will know that this is a great thing to do. Thus, start doing this activity now and get all the advantages for your body.

Attention Cyclists, Here Are Some Tips For You

These are some of my favorite cycling tips for avid bicycle riders. I have learned these over the years and from other cyclists. If you are new to cycling, rather take it slowly and build up your strength and stamina over time, and your cycling experience will be a far more enjoyable one.Tip Number 1:Cycling takes a lot out of you, so within twenty minutes of completing a hard cycle, rehydrate yourself and eat something nourishing, or you will feel sluggish and will be ravenous later on. An energy or a protein drink will make you feel like new again.Take extra vitamin C and E as these will help to repair muscles and abrasions if you happen to have a fall. In the mornings, make sure to eat breakfast. A nutritious cereal is normally best, and it will help to stop unhealthy cravings throughout the day. If you eat well, you will perform better.Tip Number 2:







Even if you have never had an accident, replace your helmet as you need too. Your helmet does get worn out. Most manufactures recommend replacing it after about seven years, but it could be sooner if you are an avid cyclist. Factors such as sun exposure, cracks, and loss of form of the foam on the inside are all points to take into consideration.Tip Number 3:Use grease rather than oil on your chain. This is particularly true of mountain bikes where you ride through a lot of mud. The grease will last a lot longer than oil. Try mounting a 'Crud Claw' onto your cassette as this helps to scrap the mud out of your gears. Spray with Pam or WD-40 to stop the mud from building up on your bicycle.Tip Number 4:If you want to avoid a seized seat post, the best thing you can do is to grease the seat post, stem and bottom bracket often. Sealed bottom brackets can seize too, and this is a costly experience. Try wrapping a piece of electrical tape around your post and stem to mark the position, then remove them and wipe them down. Grease them and reinsert. You can avoid expensive problems later on if you do this every six months. Your bottom brackets should also be removed and cleaned once in a while, especially if you sweat a lot or ride in the rain.Your spoke nipples will need a good oil about once a year. Put a drop of oil on every spoke nipple where the nipple meets the rim and where the spoke meets the nipple, working your way around the wheel slowly. In this way your spokes will be easier to adjust in the long term.There are loads of useful cycling tips, and the above four are just the tip of the iceberg. Remember to have fun with your cycling, as the moment it becomes hard work, you are likely to quit.