Guidelines for biking on trails

Your Comments

• m van geest wrote:

  Aug 02, 2005

  2009-09-22 10:48 AM

  Interesting articles, however our community has a change to offer wonderful opportunities for mountain biking aswell as leisure biking .The problem is insurance.The trails would be on private properties .If anyone out there knows where our eco association can find affordable insurance to protect the landowners and the association we can offer the public the best biking experience you can find.You can find us at www.eea.ca.tf Looking forward to your feedback

• Dan wrote:

  Aug 02, 2005

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  This article is lame. You have provided no valuable information specific to trail riding that would keep the novice safe and having a good time. This sounds like it was written by someone who has never venutured off paved path. For example, missing is are tips on how to deal with obstacles like logs, roots etc. Also, off road riding etiquette and respect for nature is important. Oh, but I have my tire pump and snacks, so I will be okay. Don't write about what you don't know. D

• leslie wrote:

  Apr 15, 2009

  2009-09-22 10:49 AM

  For Rebecca, If you do not know to put sunscreen on, then you deserve to get burned. This has nothing to do with biking, rather being sensible.

• VW wrote:

  Aug 02, 2005

  2009-09-22 10:50 AM

  Guidelines for biking on trails is the title but article only gives advice as to how to prepare. I read the article hope it would mention how to bike on trails.

• Greg wrote:

  Aug 02, 2005

  2009-09-22 10:51 AM

  Should point out one of the most important aspects of bike riding -- a bike that fits! Research bike fit on the net, or go to a local specialty store to find out the correct bike size for you. WalMart salespersons probably have no idea what they are talking about. A correctly fitted bike will reduce chance of injury, and increase comfort and enjoyment while riding. More so than buying bike gloves to relieve pressure put on nerves in the hands, usually due to an improper riding position, BECAUSE THE BIKE DOESN'T FIT PROPERLY!

• Henry Westendorp wrote:

  May 30, 2008

  2009-11-18 2:59 PM

  Great article. It would be good to also add the rules of the road (ex. Ont. has quite a complete set of rules) especially for all the signals and visible standards.

• Henry Westendorp wrote:

  Apr 15, 2009

  2009-11-18 2:59 PM

  I am an avid cyclist (my bike has about 100,000 km on it. I have done many sponsored rides (M.S., Christian Childrens Fund of Canada, Diabetes rides, and three years ago for Sea to Sea (Vancouver to Halifax) a celebration of the Christian Reformed Church in Canada. We had about 130 cyclists on the road each day. In 99 I biked with one person from Jasper to Harriston, Ont. while carrying all our gear for camping. The biggest expence at that time was water (one litre every ten km.). In regard to the right bike, I have a mountain bike but 1.5 size and with highway tread and since of two back operations I have an old set of handlebars and an adjustaable stem to keep me more upright. The seat height as you said is very important. With the proper spot of the foot on the pedal I can staighten my leg by putting my heel down. When stolpped I can touch the pavement with the front part of my foot. For usoing the proper gear while cycling, my computer gives me my cadence. On my long trips and when in shape i run at a 90 RPM. You keep that rpm by changing gears especially when going up a hill. Most times you know when you are going to stop so yoou put it in the first gear at the back and the middle chain ring up front unless you are on a climb already. Of course, you only use the first chain ring for the first three at the back. The middle is for all and the largest chainring is for the last three or four. I bike on several rail trails. The tracks are not there any more and many are maintained quite well and some are even paved. I think this is enough for now and I thank you for all the good things you wrote about especially about the helmets because I would not be here if it was not for the helmet.

• rebecca wrote:

  Aug 25, 2005

  2009-11-18 3:00 PM

  i noticed that there was no mention of sunscreen in the article. a day spent cycling without protection can result in a night of agonising sunburn (ive been there). also a little disapointed that kids aren't mentioned. i have a great trailer tot that i can take my toddler in. cycling is a great family activity!

• Steven Hurdle wrote:

  Jun 02, 2009

  2009-11-18 3:00 PM

  The article recommends people purchase a CSA approved helmet. Have you looked at how the CSA standard stacks up against other standards? The CSA standard in Canada is set by industry, not by government. The best safety standard is the European "CE" standard, and helmets that meet this standard have to go through more stringent testing and are decidedly safer. CSA-approved helmets are typically sold through department stores and CE-approved helmets are typically sold through bicycle shops.