Seattlepi.com has a nice article up discussing how riding up hills makes for a better workout. I typically try to plan my route to be as flat as I can make it ... but I agree that the ocassional hill is a nice change.
"It's a lot like skiing once you get into it," explained Undem. "There is a lot of technique."
Some highlights: Sit more upright in the bike saddle when you're climbing a hill. Don't pull your arms back too hard or too much when navigating the upward slope. And breathe deeply as you work.
One more tip for climbers that applies to all cyclists as they roll back outside this spring. Undem said too many recreational riders forget to drink water during the ride and eat something if they are going more than a hour nonstop. Sports nutritionist will suggest a snack and water is good idea some time in the hour before your ride.
And from the New York Times: It's All About the Bike
The article refers to the Strategic Plan for the New York City Department of Transportation 2008 and Beyond, which you can peruse HERE
New York's high density and flat terrain make it an ideal city for cycling. New York City DOT is creating safer bicycle facilities and more bicycle parking to protect existing cyclists and attract new ones. Based on our bicycle counts, we estimate that commuter cycling has grown by 77% between 2000 and 2007, but cycling still accounts for less than 1% of all commuter trips in New York City. Our goal is to double the number of bicycle commuters by 2015 and triple it by 2020.
To promote cycling, we will build 200 new lane-miles of bicycle facilities by 2009 and 15 miles of protected bike lanes by 2010. We will also work to ensure completion of the city’s 1,800 mile bicycle master plan and install 5,000 new CityRacks by 2011. We are also pursuing legislation that will require large commercial buildings to provide indoor bike parking. We are committed not just to quantity but also quality. Our innovative new designs for on-street protected bicycle lanes and high-visibility green painted lanes prevent double parking and promote more awareness of cyclists. We are also reclaiming street space for bicycle parking in heavily-cycled areas that need it the most.
Also in the plan:
o Test new lane designs, expand implementation of designs that work well
o Install 37 bicycle parking shelters by 2011.
o Conduct design competition to develop a new, better–looking CityRack.
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