1. Introduction to Biking

2. Bicycles : *Renewable source of energy *Clean (no fumes) *Relatively inexpensive *Easy to maintain *Lasting if maintained *Healthy (low impact, good cardiovascular)

4. Types of Bikes: What kind of biking will you do? Price is a good indicator

5. BMX: Off Road and Tricks

6. Road Bikes. Reduced Friction: Narrow tires. lightweight. Speed

7. Touring bike (Hybrid/Trekking): Long trips: Durable. Comfort.

8. Mountain Bikes: Big tires. Better traction for off road. Body position more upright. Comfort.

9. Recumbent: Comfort: Easy on body

10. Aerodynamics: Reduce wind friction

11. History of Bikes:

12. Hobby Horse: 1816 Better than a horse: Don’t need to feed, not clean up!!!

13. Velocipede: 1825 Push pedals to turned shaft. Hard work!!!

14. Pedal Bike. 1835 Pedal on front tire. Better energy transfer

15. Penny- Farthing: aka Big Wheel Larger tire for more speed!!! 1872

16. Safety bike: 1885 Chain Driven, pedals

17. 1896 Bike Craze: *Threatened economy. Only the rich could afford them. *Watch and jewellery business fell to almost zero. *Piano sales cut in half. *Theatre attendance dropped *Farmers and general public resented cyclists. *Restaurants refused to serve cyclists especially females in outlandish costumes. *Cyclists clubs organized for protection *Song “Daisy” was written *Wired spoke tires

18. Bicycle Structure: Bike frame: Diamond shape: Standard type of bike frame, very strong. Women’s frame: Dropped top tube, weaker frame. Good for dresses!!! Old School, but still in our society. Know all parts of the bicycle!!

19. PHYSICS OF BICYCLE: * Sprocket combos for gear ratios: 10, 15, 21, 24, 27 speeds (multiply # of front sprockets times # of rear sprockets) Cogs also important!! Need to shift gears often to maintain the proper cadence!!

20. Wheels: Spokes: More spokes, greater strength. Most bikes have 36. Tire width Narrow – Faster, less friction, high pressure - Bumpy Wide - Better cushion, better traction, less punctures Valves: Schrader - common / low air pressure Presta – higher air pressure

21. GENERAL SAFETY TIPS: * Night riding - lights required. Reflectors recommended. * Always ride with traffic to reduce the relative speed differential * Don’t assume drivers will see you. * Use caution at intersections. Don’t assume right of way. * Cycle in a straight line, even while looking back. * Head radios are illegal

22. WATCH FOR: *Cars doors opening in front of you. *People and animals darting in front of you. *“Sunday drivers” *Cars next to you that want to turn right *Storm sewer grates (tires could drop through) *Rail road tracks (if not perpendicular to road) Other things to look out for... Other things to look out for...

25. How Riding a Bike Reduces Global Warming Ride for Climate EU Research Findings

26. *Most trips Americans make are short: 50% are less than 3 miles, 40% are less than 2 miles, and 28% are less than 1 mile. (US Department of Transportation, 2009) *The average American household spends $7,179 per year on owning and driving their cars. (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010) *On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily. (Commute Solutions, 2011) *Traffic congestion wastes nearly 3.9 billion gallons of gas per year in the U.S. (Texas Transportation Institute, 2010) *For every 1 mile pedaled rather than driven, nearly 1 pound of CO ² (0.88 lbs) is saved. (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009)US Department of Transportation, 2009Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010Commute Solutions, 2011Texas Transportation Institute, 2010US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009 Other Statistics

27. Bicycling Equipment Shoes: Stiff soles for power transfer. Some models actually attach into the pedals. Pedals: Clips and straps hold your foot on the pedal to allow 360 degrees of energy. Cycling Gloves: Padded palms to cushion hands help prevent wrist problems. Shorts: Padded shorts for comfort. Prevents PNN (Perineum Nerve Numbness). Shirts: Bright colored shirts for safety.

28. Bicycle Racing TOUR DE FRANCE: Super bowl of bike racing. * Broken down into different stags. * Some steep mountain climbs can be gruelling. “Pyrenees”. *Average overall speed: 25.9 mph. 55+ down hill!!!! * Down hill descents can be fast and dangerous. * Some stage events are timed trials, short sprints. * Team work important. (Drafting) (Peloton ) Greg Lamond. Native Minnesotan three time winner. Gunshot wound. Lance Armstrong, (Texan), 2nd American ever to win the Tour de France. Seven time Winner (1999 – 2005), testicular cancer. Yellow jersey is worn by overall leader

29. Tour De France TOUR DE FRANCE: Super bowl of bike racing.

30. Techniques Drafting: When one racer rides immediately behind another to avoid blocking the wind with your body. It provides better aerodynamics and saves energy. Good for long distance rides.