Jan 22, 2008 09:40 AM
9295 Views
(Updated Jan 22, 2008 10:20 AM)
A bicycle as an instrument of romance? An exercise machine - certainly, good for the environment - pretty obvious, cheap reliable transportation - cannot be denied, a major sport - very much so. But again; "An Instrument of Romance?". Bollywood & Hollywood seem to think so, their films have major stars on bicycles. Not just stars by themselves, but in some cases one male and one female on the same bicycle.
TRANSPORTATION
The first use of the bicycle, and even today a vast number of people use it as their primary means.
It requires less energy to bicycle a mile than to walk a mile.
Bicycles equipped with carriers/baskets can also transport a limited amount of groceries/luggage.
EXERCISE
One of the best CardioVascular workouts, especially since it does not tax your joints like running/jogging.
Mostly exercises your leg muscles, but is slightly beneficial to your back and abdomen as well.
Stationary bicycles are good for everyone, but more so for people with joint problems and arthritis.
They are also good for people who would otherwise just sit in front of a TV.
Needless to say, if traffic safety and weather and other health matters are not an issue; outdoor bicycling is preferred.
ENVIRONMENT
Non-Polluting emissions-free mode of transportation.
No explicit fuel required.
Requires much less space than small cars.
SPORT
Bicycle Types - Racing or road bicycles(ultra light with slim wheels and slim tires) are used for bicycle races on paved roads. Mountain bikes(wide wheels and tires and shock absorbers) are used for cross-country and mountain biking. Hybrid bikes are in-between, but still closer to road bikes; and are used for paved road racing.
Clothes - A helmet is essential, bicycling shorts and jerseys are a must in any serious event. Really loose clothing should not be worn. You can get away with sneakers, but special bicycling shoes are recommended.
Peloton - The peloton(from French, literally meaning ball and related to the English word platoon), field, bunch or pack is the large main group in a road bicycle race. Riders in a group save energy by riding close(drafting or slipstreaming) near(particularly behind) other riders. The reduction in drag is dramatic; in the middle of a well-developed group it can be as much as 40%(From Wikipedia)
Diet- Load up on carbs like bread/pasta before a long ride. Remember to keep yourself well hydrated with water and sugar & salt liquids(Gatorade). I would stay away from carbonated soft drinks and alcoholic drinks and certainly no smoking.
Alright, alright, alright; I will say it before you do:-
1) This reviewer is a genius at stating the obvious.
2) Most people still cannot be bothered to bicycle. Top excuses include lack of time, boring, inconvenient.
AHA! This is where romance comes in. For instance, I bet that instead of luggage it was your significant other you had to transport; you would be raring to go(especially in the early stages of the relationship.). Your cardiologist(and I hope that you never need one) would certainly recommend adding your significant other onto your bicycle - aids in getting your heart rate up to the desired. However, your trauma surgeon(again I fervently hope that you do not need one) would insist on the both of you wearing helmets. Not very romantic is it, the two of you with helmets on a bike, how can you er eer!. Leave that for later, hopefully all this exercise together has oh well! I am under strict instructions from my wife to keep this PG(U certificate).
BTW, doubleseat riding is only recommended for mountain bikes, and not for road or hybrid bikes.
Also, it may not be legal in many places; so only do it if the law permits.
I usually bicycle outdoors with a group, weather permitting, during spring summer and fall months. If possible, I also like to bicycle on vacations; aids in covering more ground. In most cases this is preferable to riding in a car/bus; you get better acquainted with the scenery and landmarks.
Some of my favorite songs picturized on bicycles
1) He Maine Kasam Li - Tere Mere Sapne(Dev Anand & Mumtaz doubleseat)
2) Raindrops keep Falling on my Head - Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid(Paul Newman & Katharine Ross doubleseat)
3) I want to ride my bicycle - Queen(Freddie Mercury)
4) Ho Gaya Hai Mujhko to Pyar Sajna - DDLJ(Shahrukh Khan & Kajol, SRK briefly on a bicycle)
Ride a bicycle for your health & the health of the planet; but always wear a helmet.
