Important biking tips & Tour de France “swag” giveaway (ends 8/01/12)

The Tour de France competition ends this coming Sunday, July 23, 2012. The Tour de France is an amazing event that has extraordinary deliverables as an annual global event. The Tour de France is the single most important competition in the entire sport of cycling with billions of viewers each year. With more than 10 million spectators lining the roadway the inherent brand media exposure for Le Tour de France far exceeds the media footprint of all other bicycle brands combined.

The Tour de France is the single most important competition in the entire sport of cycling with billions of viewers each year, and more than 10 million spectators lining the roadway. Cycle Force Group is an importer of bicycles, parts, and accessories serving all facets of the cycling industry and produces TDF bicycling gear. Cycle Force Group is excited to share with you bike tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer.

Road Safety

• Pump check: Before going for a ride, check your tires! Pump the tires with your pedals to make sure that it will be a safe ride.
• Get a headlight: For those that are bicycling at night do not forget to add a headlight. It not only is required by the law but will keep you safe.
• Wave: Always wave at the driver! It is easier for drivers to see arms indicating your direction instead of seeing a bicycle coming.
• Arm Signs: Learn the different arm signs that will let drivers know the direction you are turning.
• Road Rules: Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights.
• Direction flow:  Ride in the direction of traffic so people can predict the movement and direction of a bicyclist. In some states such as Florida, bicyclists can get a citation for not riding in the same direction as traffic.
• Keep Your Distance: Stay away from parked cars, for doors can open suddenly.
• Crossing An Interaction: When you arrive at an intersection, walk your bicycle across the crosswalk.
• Leader Of The Pack: If riding with a group of people, always ride behind one another to share the road with motorists.
• Avoid Noise: Avoid wearing listening to music while biking. Many bicycle accidents could have been prevented if riders were not distracted.

Choosing a Bicycle and Helmet For Your Child

• Maturity Level: The most important component of buying a bicycle is the child’s age and the environment they are going to be biking.
• Be Bold: Make sure that the bicycle is visible to drivers and other cyclists.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Each certified helmet will have a sticker that indicates that the helmet is a quality helmet.
• Check Your Helmet: Because they lose their ability to absorb shock, routinely check your helmet each season.
• Tight Fitting Helmet: Do not wear a hat underneath.
• Love Your Helmet: Do not throw your helmet around. A damaged helmet may be unable to protect you in the event of an accident.
• Spacing: There should be a space of 1-2 inches between your body and the top bar of a road bike, and 3 to 4 inches between your body and the top of a bike.

Caring For Your Bicycle

• Inflate Tires: The recommended pressure to inflate your tires is listed on the sidewall of the tire.
• Regular Maintenance: Oil the bike chain regularly and remove any dirt.
• Adjust The height: Change the handlebars to appropriate height as children frequently have growth spurts.
• Complete A Break Check:  Look for frayed cables and worn-out brake pads.
• Checking The Tread: Check your tread regularly. By letting the tread on your bicycle wear out you are setting yourself up for danger.

Health Benefits Of Bicycling

• Activation Of Muscles: The muscular system is made stronger and is able to function more efficiently through cycling.
• Balance: Cycling improves balance through the circulation of oxygen.
• Calorie Burning: Bicycling not only is good for the environment, but it also burns calories.
• Exercise Alternative: Bicycling is an alternative exercise for people who are unable to run.

Hydration and Nutrition

• Hydration:  For each hour riding drink 20-24 ounces of water. By taking the time to rejuvenate your body you are helping to prevent Charlie Horses & muscle cramps.
• Weigh Yourself: If you have lost a significant amount of weight, such as a few pounds after a ride, it means that you are dehydrated.
• Nutrition: Take time to plan your meals to ensure that you are getting your daily need of vitamins to prove ample energy for your ride.
• Professional Advice: Seek advice from a nutritionist and your general practitioner to help with your training.

For more information you can connect via these online social networking sites.

TourdeFranceCycles.com

Facebook.com/TourdeFranceCyc

Twitter.com/TourdeFranceCyc

Pinterest/TourdeFranceCyc

YouTube.com/TourdeFranceCyc

In honor of the Tour de France I have a special giveaway. The winner will receive the following items: Tour de France licensed bike seat, racing glove, & water bottle.

This giveaway is open to US residents and will end at 12:01 AM (EST) on August 1, 2012. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail.

To enter please leave a comment on this post and share with my something special about bike riding – OR – tell me which tip mention in this post you liked the most.

For extra entries you can us the Rafflecopter widget (below).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kimberly

*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the benefit and enjoyment of my site readers. Any opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.

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