Sports: Cycling
[ Background |Equipment |Where ]
Background The bicycle was invented in the 1600s, originally a wood vehicle to be powered by people instead of horses. By the early 1800s, bicycles were consistently being built of metal, with two wheels, and were being driven by one person. The sport of cycling, and more recently mountain biking, has gained in popularity. Many us it as an environmentally-friendly form of transportation.
Cycling provides good exercise, fresh air, and a competitive challenge. It exercises most parts of the body including the legs, arms, hands and cardiovascular system. Cycling is also an Olympic racing sport with track and cross-country events. Mountain biking competitions continue to grow in popularity, combining speed with rugged terrain.
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Equipment There are thousands of brands and types of bicycles, from touring to mountain bikes, even tandems and unicycles. Costs range in price from under $100 to thousands of dollars. It is important to maintain the bike so it is at peak running condition. Check for thinning tire treads, squeaky brakes, sticky cables or a bent frame. Before each ride, squeeze the tires to make sure there is enough air pressure (the tires shouldn't squeeze much).
Riders should also invest in a CSA-approved helmet, with costs ranging from $20 to more than $100. This means the helmet design has completed the Canadian Standards Association's durability testing. Other accessories include a quality lock & cable, a water bottle, and a tire pump. Many cyclists also want toe clips, to improve peddling efficiency. Serious cyclists also invest in cycling clothing including cycling shoes, spandex pants shorts (usually with soft chamois crotch padding) and cycling gloves.
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Where
New Brunswick is a place that seems to be made for cycling. Quiet drives in the
photogenic but relatively hill-free countryside alonside either the Saint John River
or along the miles of coastline, suited for either day-long tours that test skill and endurance,
or bone-shaking terrain that will challenge both bike and rider. A number of organized
cycling events are organized by the Fredericton Freewheelers (506) 472 - 0338 .
The iggest challenge in the very open countryside is the steady wind. Road
shoulders are minimal expect for the Trans-Canada and some other primary
highways. Cycling helmets are recommdended.
Fredericton Trails
Ther are many great cycling trails in and aournd Fredericton
Trans-Canada Trail
This trail passes wetlands and hardwood groves, goes through quaint villages and meanders along sparkling rivers.
The trail is nearly flat due to its origins as an abandoned railway line, and the finely crushed gravel surface makes it very easy to negotiate both on foot and by bicycle. Bright plum-coloured gates which mark the various entry points. In winter, the trail provides snowmobilers an excellent tip-to- tip network, that even connects to several motels for a door-to-door snow-bound adventure.
When using the Trans-Canada Trail please respect The Code of the Trail:
- Keep to the trail
- Respect private property
- Guard against all risk of fire
- Keep your dog under close control
- Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
- Take your litter home and keep all waterways clean
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees
- Make no unnecessary noise
- Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
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