Road Cycling: Biking On the Road
Road biking is a popular sport that almost everyone has experienced and can enjoy. You don't need special skills and the equipment it is relatively inexpensive.
Road biking first became popular in the 1790s when a French man, M. de Sivrac, invented the first bicycle. Although bicycles started out being more like scooters, over the years, technology has transformed the bike into what it is today.
Biking on the road is not only an efficient way of traveling, but it is also an excellent form of exercise. It provides your entire body with the benefits of aerobic exercise as it strengthens muscles throughout your body.
As your road biking skills improve, you can adjust your workouts to push yourself further. While you may decide to increase your speed, you can also start riding uphill or increase the distances you travel for an added challenge.
Because biking on the road comes with its own set of challenges, road bikes are designed differently from mountain and racing bikes to meet the challenges of this unique sport. Road bikes have a specific type of tires and tend to have a distinct suspension system equipped to absorb the shock of riding on the road.
The articles in this section describe how to get started and excel in road biking. We explain the rules of safety and etiquette on the road, as well as the equipment you need.
Rules Of The Road
Knowing the rules of the road when road biking is of paramount importance for your personal safety. As you take to the streets on your bike, be sure that you understand how to properly signal drivers and other cyclists so that you can avoid accidents.
Along with knowing the proper signals, you also need to be familiar with right of way laws for cyclists and drivers, as well as how to properly use bike lanes. Similarly, to stay safe on the road, wearing the proper safety equipment is essential. Helmets and reflectors are two of the necessary pieces of equipment you will need.
Changing a Flat Tire
A flat tire is easy to fix, as long as you understand what it involves. To prevent a flat from ending your cycling trip, be sure that you know how to change a bike tire. However, before you jump into changing the tire, evaluate whether the hole or puncture in the tire will be easily repaired with sealant spray. If not, then roll up your sleeves and get ready to start changing.
Other methods for changing a flat tire exist, as do the methods for different types of bikes. Beyond the basics, it's a good idea to learn all the necessary steps to
changing a flat tire.
Road Bikes
While some cyclists enjoy riding for a few hours, others like longer bike trips that can last a day or longer. Road cycling can be a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors and be up close and personal with dramatic scenery. People of all age groups can enjoy trips on
road bikes.
Resource
ThinkQuest: Library (n.d.). Road Biking. Retrieved April 19, 2007, from the ThinkQuest Web site.
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