AMC Outdoors, January/February 2002
By Michael Lanza
Though the ground may be deep beneath a layer of snow right now, trail planners are spending the winter hard at work. In our trail-laden region, the notion of cutting a new path is somewhat foreign. But two new ones — the 10-mile Bold Coast Trail through the Cutler Coast Public Reserve in Maine's Washington County and the 42-mile loop under construction in the Grafton Notch area of western Maine — offer an instructive lesson to anyone who's…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on June 2, 2009 at 7:18pm —
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For as long as humans have been following trails, we've been making mistakes on trails. Still, our missteps - whether they left us in the digestive tracts of saber-toothed beasts or wandering the intestinal roadways of trail-encroaching suburbs - usually only affect ourselves. When trail builders make mistakes, however, they affect everybody. Trail users, land managers, vegetation and wildlife all feel the sting of the well-meaning but inexperienced trail builder. In our travels, we often see th…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 30, 2009 at 2:04pm —
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As Spring blossoms all around us we are all eager to get outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking are some of our favorite activities as the weather warms. While we should concentrate on having fun, we should also remember spring is a time of severe weather and we will need to be observant. Severe weather can strike quickly, and with devastating fury. You will always want to keep a close eye on the sky, and if possible keep a weather radio with you at all times. Pay attention to watch a…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 25, 2009 at 11:33pm —
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Finding time to ride your bike can be a tough challenge in today's crazy modern world. Family, work, sleep and other hobbies leave very little opportunity to spend time on a bike much less train at a vigorous level. However, it is mostly a matter of being organized and proper planning to find the time to train and ride. The following are tips to finding the time to train.
Set goals for yourself. You should have a long-term objective like riding a century or competing in a race. Short-term goals…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 25, 2009 at 12:36am —
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There are many obvious benefits to cycling that many people choose to ignore. Sure, it seems like it would be faster to drive to the store during dinner time rush hour, but is it really? Chances are it is not faster. In fact, you could probably get to your destination within a much shorter period of time if you took your bicycle than if you drove your vehicle. Many people who live in big cities are finding that taking their bicycle to work is actually faster than driving there.
Of course there…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 25, 2009 at 12:33am —
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Mountain bikes are specially meant for rough and rugged terrains. These extra traction and shock absorbing mountain bicycles are provided with fat knobby tires.
However, a full front and rear suspension is becoming quite a common factor nowadays with bikes meant for mountain rides. Some bikes of this particular variety are fitted with bar ends on the handlebars, but with recent trends the use of handlebars and extensions are becoming less and less popular.
Mountain bicycles have both 26 and 29…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 24, 2009 at 11:58pm —
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You are a biking champ - ruler of the vast mountain trails. But your fame will become dull if you do not understand the various parts of your mean machine. So to become a complete champ it is necessary to enhance your knowledge about different mountain bike parts.
The Basic Parts Of A Mountain Bike
The Frame
The frame of a mountain bike is smaller than that of a road bike. But the angle is very relaxing for the rider so that he can maneuver the bike with skillful agility over different ground…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 24, 2009 at 11:55pm —
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This week there are several large MTB recalls involving suspension forks and frames:
Trek is recalling 16,000 mountain bikes due to faulty suspension forks that can become misaligned leading to a loss of wheel control. No one has been injured yet but the recall affects 2009 Trek 7300, 7300WSD, and 7500 bikes. The suspension forks are marked “Bontrager SPA” and are manufactured by a Taiwanese company called JD Components.
Cannondale is handling a similar recall, though far fewer bikes are a…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 23, 2009 at 8:02pm —
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The mountain biking survival tips are as follows:
Water and food
Whether it is summer or in the middle of the winter season, you as a biker need to drink plenty of fluid and eat substantial amount of food. Bring high energy food and enough water or energy drink to stay keep you hydrated during the course of the trip. Powerbars are recommended since they are compact and easy to carry. If powerbars are not available, you can bring fruits such as bananas and apples. Always pack extra food in case…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 19, 2009 at 10:30am —
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How To Keep Your Hydration System Clean
There is no need for your hydration bladder to become a microbiological testing ground. With a few simple care guidelines and some basic household supplies, it's easy to maintain a clean, fresh hydration system.
* Cleaning
* Storage
Cleaning
To clean a bladder made of food-grade polyurethane or vinyl you should:
* Fill the bladder and hose with warm water and no more than a teaspoon of chlorine bleach.
* Soak overnight
* Rinse very well with wa…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 18, 2009 at 11:08pm —
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One of the most important components on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.
So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many different manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy que…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 18, 2009 at 10:30am —
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Before you go mountain biking, be sure to bring along some standard items each time to avoid problems. It is essential that you have tools, supplies, food and water. Since you won't want to carry any extra weight, only take what you need. With careful planning you can be prepared with a minimum of items.
One of the most important things is a spare inner tube, and the tools to change it. Nothing can stop your ride faster than a flat tire, and if you are far out on the trail, it can mean a very l…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 17, 2009 at 10:36am —
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Mountain Bikes for Sale
Mountain biking has become an increasingly popular sport and form of exercise in the past couple decades.
With an onslaught of bicycle companies manufacturing bikes for any and every use, there is a style and price point for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned cyclist. If you are considering buying a mountain bike, whether it's your first or your fifth, you would do well to consider some advice from people who have purchased bikes and had good luck, and not so go…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 13, 2009 at 8:00pm —
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About a year ago I purchased an entry level hardtail mountain bike. At the time I did not want to spend a lot of money and I did not want poor quality. So I purchase a bike that had a good frame and basic components.
After riding for a year I have decided that I want to improve the comfort and control of my bike on the trail. Therefore I made the decision to upgrade my front suspension fork on my hardtail mountain bike.
My initial research concluded that there are a lot of different brands…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 13, 2009 at 7:49pm —
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If you're like most people in America, you're probably looking to get in a bit better shape. Of course, we all know this isn't as easy as it sounds. Finding the time can be difficult, but find the motivation can be even harder when all you have to look forward to is a long slog on the treadmill. You need a way to exercise that you'll love, rather than dread. If you can't wait to go do your workout, you'll certainly be in much better shape.
For me, and for many others, road biking fits this desc…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 12, 2009 at 12:11pm —
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Walking into a shop to buy a mountain bike can be quite a task, especially when you don't know a lot on this bike. However, if you're planing on buying one, I would definitely recommend trek mountain bikes. This is one of the ancient brands in the market today and as they say old is gold. Did you know that even Lance Armstrong rides a Trek? Well, if you dint now you know. In fact, if I were a professional or a racing rider like you, then this the way I'll go for a booming career.
One amazing th…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 9, 2009 at 7:30pm —
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To excel in any field, be it sports or any other, one has to have a certain technique. Having a technique gives you a edge above the others. Training with experts help you develop these techniques, or you can develop your own as you put in your time.
To excel in any field, be it sports or any other, one has to have a certain technique. Having a technique gives you a edge above the others. Training with experts help you develop these techniques, or you can develop your own as you put in your tim…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 8, 2009 at 10:38pm —
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Kona mountain bikes are the specially designed mountain bikes manufactured by a bicycle company in the name of Kona Bikes. The company also has other product lines, which includes racing bicycles, frames, parts and accessories
The company has been dubbed as the fun bike company for its unconventional yet crazy bike names.
Whats more, it is believed that Kona is the first principal company to be on board as far as Freeride, or "North Shore" riding was concerned. Moreover, they are also known to…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 8, 2009 at 10:31pm —
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Various games are popular among the sports and adventure enthusiasts around the world. Any game that tries your physical power, specific skills, and stamina is worthy of being called a challenging pursuit. Mountain biking certainly fits the bill as a skill and endurance testing game.
Mountain biking means riding a bicycle on a rough terrain. Usually the mountain bikes are specially made bikes or hybrid road bicycles. A typical mountain bike has wide and knobby tires, big, round tubing frame, ex…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 8, 2009 at 10:25pm —
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I was going to write an article about dept store bikes, but this article sums things up a bit better.
Source
Here is the story: you just got your paycheck and all of your bills are paid. You decide to buy a bicycle because you have been wanting one for awhile now. So you walk into Walmart, Costco or Toys "r" us and your eye catches some nice rides for low prices. So you figure it is a good buy right? Here is the reasons why you…
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Added by Tim Tanguay on May 4, 2009 at 10:11am —
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