Cycling for health

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Aug 17, 2003 by Capital-Journal

Bicycling gives women opportunity for fun, exercise

Cycle-ology, part two

Moonlight ride

Each year, about harvest time, Capp's Bike Shop, 2917 S.W. Topeka Blvd., sponsors a "moonlight" ride, a good part of which is done on the Shunga Trail.

On a clear night, the big, orange harvest moon lights up the night. The ride is an "out and back," usually about five to eight miles and always a good time.

It begins about dark (around 7:30 p.m. in the fall), and there is a catered feeding frenzy afterward at Holliday Square. The food includes caramel apples and hot apple cider.

This year, the ride is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 20. Interested riders should check with the bike shop, (785) 266-5900, and register early.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE

Last month, I discussed many aspects of biking that I wish someone had shared with me when I decided to give it a try. If you are one of the many women who have been thinking about riding a bicycle for fun and fitness, here is more.

The new 2004 bicycles available in late August to early September, according to Jerry Armstrong, owner of Capp's Bike Shop in Topeka, promise features of special interest to women.

"Trek offers Women's Specific Design models through their line --- a total of eight different models designed just for women," Armstrong said. "Giant offers a line of compact road bikes that fit women especially well, a hybrid line that offers a higher level of trim than the competition and seems to be following Trek's lead in offering more slope to the top tube on their comfort bikes --- another feature that appeals to many women."

Suspension and the third chain ring, otherwise known as the "granny gear" are what make it possible for some women and seniors to ride a bike up hills. The suspension cushions the ride, making it softer and safer.

Armstrong said: "Good rear suspension simply lets you ride faster with greater control. The comfort thing is just a natural byproduct of all that shock absorption."

The small chain ring enables you to ride up hills rather than walk up them pushing the bike. I used to have to walk my old 10-speed up the hills. Suspension and "granny gear" are my two most favorite things about the "new" bicycles.

Car racks

"The most popular type of rack is the trailer hitch type," Armstrong said. "They offer ease of use, easy access to the bikes and do minimal damage to your gas mileage. They keep the bikes separated from each other and away from the vehicle so there is not much worry about damage to either."

Shoes, clips or cleats?

"Everyone benefits from the stiff sole and increased efficiency a cycling shoe provides," Armstrong said. "Toe clips with straps allow the rider to apply power over a wider range of pedaling motion. Mini- clips (ones without straps) offer most of the advantages of the 'cage' variety and are great for beginners or anyone who might feel intimidated by clips with straps that hold the foot in.

"Clipless systems offer the absolute maximum efficiency. With these, the shoe locks onto the pedal directly by means of a cleat."

Clipless cleats can be a bit overwhelming at first. Everybody falls at least once! Armstrong said, "Their benefits are unequaled and they are actually safer once you get used to them."

Mountain, hybrid or road bike?

Women often wonder whether they should choose a mountain bike, a hybrid or a road bike.

"The type of bike you buy is determined by the kind of riding you do," Armstrong said. "If most of your riding will be casual, around town, buy a comfort bike like a hybrid or a mountain bike."

Ask as many questions as needed in order to make an intelligent decision on your own, he said.

Packs and grocery bags

Bikes can be set up to carry things. There is probably a pack or bag for any purpose you can imagine --- from going to the grocery store to camping overnight. They tend to be expensive, and the shop may not have all types.

Hydration systems

Water bottles are standard. There are pouches that can attach to you in a pack with long tubes that lead to your mouth. I have tried several of these. I think it is simply a matter of preference.

Fall is coming. The "dog days" of summer are almost over. Soon the weather will be perfect for tooling around on your bicycle, enjoying the fall colors and burning off a little of the leftover summer barbecue fat.

If, for some reason, you can't run or power walk at a high enough intensity to burn significant fat from your body, the bicycle is the next best thing. Bike riding could be the best part of our day. hk