What kind of bike do i need for a hilly neighborhood?

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Iam Cherry

I live in a neighborhood with a lot of different sizes of hills (small, steelp, in between) and i want to get a biike that is good for just riding around the neighborhood and can go up and down the hills. i also prefer a bike with brakes on the handles. as for gears, i know nothing about( where they are, what its used for, or what they even do and if it will serve any kind of purpose to me) im not a PRO biker and im not trying to be and i dont plan on riding every single day ( maybe 3-4 times a week). i just want to ride it to simply travel around the neighborhood. the sidewalks are really smooth as well if that helps. and theres a lot of turns. so based on all thaat, what kind of bike should i get?

Answer
Number 1 rule...stay OFF sidewalks! Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Streets are for "VEHICLES" - such as the bicycle. Little kids learn how to ride on sidewalks. R U still a little kid? In many parts of the country it's highly ILLEGAL to ride on sidewalks, i.e. Chicago, Manhattan Borough of New York, any business district in St. Louis, etc.

You NEED something like a hybrid or pure road bike. As you are a newbie, I'd go with a hybrid. Bicycle gears are EASY to comprehend. On a typical 21 or 24 speed bike, you have a triple crankset up front & either 7 or 8 gears on the rear cog.

1st gear up front is used for uphill climbs & slow conditions. On the rear, use ONLY gears 1 through 4 while in 1st gear up front.

2nd gear up front is the one most used for flat terrain & rolling hills. Use any of the 7 rear gears. Or on an 8 speed cassette - use gears 2 through 7.

3rd gear up front is for very fast or downhill conditions. Use ONLY gears 4 through 7 on a 7 speed cog & only gears 5 through 8 on an 8 speed cassette.

Why? This prevents "cross chaining" the bike - putting too much lateral (side-to-side) stress on the chain, gears & derailleurs.

G.T.A.B.S. Means Go To A Bicycle Shop - where test riding a bike before the sale is both FREE & ENCOURAGED. Avoid discount stores at all cost. Minimum wage "associates" who know nothing & can't even assemble a bike correctly. Start looking at bikes like a Raleigh Cadent FT1 (man) or an Alysa FT1 (woman).
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/fitness/cadent-ft1-13/
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/fitness/alysa-ft1-13/

Add a rear rack & either a trunk bag or panniers (saddle bags) and you have a nice "commuter bicycle". http://s382.photobucket.com/user/OldHippie_01/media/2013%20Raleigh%20Cadent%20FT1/100_0364.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

See additional links...
http://sheldonbrown.com/gears.html
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU

What can I make that sells well at a garage sale?

nunemak

I am having a garage sale soon and thought about making things to sell to gain a little extra money. Has anyone had any luck selling homemade items at a garage sale? Please share!!!

Answer
Well, the first thing I'd do is post your garage sale on gsalr for free. http://www.gsalr.com

For things that you can make, I've seen cookies and brownies sell well, and then you need something to wash it down, so lemonade or pink lemonade, or bottled water. Those aren't really why people are there in the first place, but it's what will entice them to look more.

I've seen people make embroidered items specific to the local area. Hats, sweatshirts, bags, etc. Maybe with the highschool logo, or grade school mascot, etc. I haven't researched machines yet, but may in the future as my wife is interested. I've seen Husqvarna (http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/428.htm) I've also seen people dress up stock teddy bears with local school clothing which seem to sell.

Oddly enough, I've seen people make buttons like this -> http://www.politicalshop.com/sku/FRONTRUNNERGOLD.jpg
With it being political season and all, you could make pinback buttons of each candidate (even magnets and mirrors) and sell them.

My wife has a 2 1/4" machine and loves it, but haven't really sold them anywhere, but know many many people do. It was mainly for our kids, friends and family. You can buy the machine and supplies here -> http://stores.ebay.com/Button-Safari

You could make antenna balls with your local schools mascot. But I agree with a poster above, custom lawn ornaments, signs about your dog, your kids, etc. I saw about a dozen signs on my bike ride this weekend that said "2 spoiled dogs live here" with different numbers depending on the # of dogs in the house.

And don't stop with garagesales if you will be making homemade/customized items. Take your offerings to the Internet. eBay seems to be a great way with low overhead and low startup cost to test the waters.

Good luck!
-Ed

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How to do outdoor activities when you have kids?

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Neyo

I have 2 kids and they are toddlers.I miss doing trekking, hiking and rafting activities..We do not have a nearby family but are willing to have babysitters.How much do baby sitters usually cost for a whole day?

Also, any tips to still have fun in life despite kids is appreciated.

Answer
If they're toddlers, they're still little enough to strap to your backs and go for a hike. Let them walk as much as possible, and you'll be amazed at how much they'll enjoy nature and how much they'll discover. I know plenty of people who hike and camp with small children. You might not be able to go as far as you used to, and you'll have to stop more often for snacks and/or diaper changes, but you can still have a good time.

My youngest is 4, and we have recently tried kayaking/canoeing, and he loved it, so it may not be long until you can do those things, too.

And if you like biking, just get a couple of child bike seats or a child trailer, and they'll probably love to ride along.

Actually, the more you gradually introduce them to these activities when they're young, the more interested they'll be in doing them as they get older.

What should i do about my cousins neibors?

justin

im 15 and My cousins live a few houses next to me and they have realy annoying neibors. They are bothering my younger cousin. So far they have swore at him,steal things from his yard,and when it was the fourth of july the kids ripped the seat off my cousins bike,broke his nerf gun and threw rocks in their yard. And now their bothering me. Yesterday one of the kids swore at me. How do i get these annoying kids to leave me and my cousin alone?

Answer
I would be tempted to report them to the police. But Im not saying to do that. You could go and speak to their parents? Its up to you. Hope it works out ok. :-)

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Where can I find a bicycle trailer for three or more children?

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Alasdair

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried to get more than two children aged between 1 and 6 years old in a bicycle trailer. I currently have a Schwinn trailer that is great for two at a time, but the two older kids have to be jammed in pretty tightly.

Answer
A standard carrier type child seat plus the trailer will let you carry three. (assuming the trailer attaches to chain stay)

I've seen a trailer attached to a tag a long. A bit dodgy though. With a good strong mount for the tag a long it might be O.K.. (preferably not a standard seat post mount.)
Your 6 year old will probably be too small for a Tag a long. (unless you can find a 16" version). Be very careful there is a lot of weight to pull up.

You should be able to get your 6 year old on a tandem with a set of kidback cranks. Pictured on this link (Late Great Sheldon Brown)

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tandkids.html

This would be the best option as it should give a few more years service as the kids grow.

Edit ******as an after thought. Custom fitting one of these trailers with seats could do the job also, but it will be a bit of a fiddle getting it balanced.

http://www.bikesatwork.com/bike-trailers/

Throw on a 2 into 1 brake lever and fit brakes to both trailer wheels. Use instead of your normal rear brake then you will be able to pull up the extra weight.
http://www.trimuter.com/BL2-1-P13C4.aspx

Has anyone yet designed an infant seat for bike trailers?

Arwen

Years ago we sold our car to get a slower lifestyle in our suburban town, and for 10 years we lived by bike and bus. We used the bike for short trips and for going places the bus didn't go. At the time the bus service didn't run on Sundays or holidays, so if we wanted to go anywhere, we had to take the bikes.

At the time we had three children - age 7, 4.5 and a newborn. The 7 year old rode his own bike, the 4.5 year old rode behind his dad on a trail-a-bike, and we jury-rigged an old infant seat into a bike trailer for the infant. I also carried all our groceries in that trailer, and once, a door (without the baby!). Eventually they all rode their own bikes, but it started this way.

My brother's wife is about to have a kid, and I want to give them a bike trailer to go riding with their new baby.

Has anyone invented/marketed a better system for infants in bike trailers? If so, what bike trailer does it work with, and where can I get it?

Answer
@Old hippie, the infant car seat could be secured to the bike trailer and have it rear facing. In the car, it needs to be reclined no more than 45 degrees, but a parent could recline it more than this on a bike trailer to keep their newborns airway open and to prevent their child's head to their chest (especially going uphill)- more at 60 and 80 degrees from vertical on a bike. Remember that if the seat is installed in the car, it needs to be no more than 45 degrees.

This is because they aren't going to use the seat to withstand crash forces- just to secure the child for the ride.

Here is an article about the American Academy of Pediatric policy regarding bike trailers. They recommend that, "...adults should carry only children 12 months or older and weighing less than 40 pounds."

These are just recommendations and a parent can take what they want from what the AAP says. Because I don't agree with all policy decisions by the AAP.

Instead of having the child ride in the back with a jury-rigged infant car seat why not wear the baby with a wrap? There is the Moby Wrap or the Ergo carrier.

*Sigh* Many people haven't lived or visited Cambodia. You would never know how people ride on motorcyles and their bikes with their infants. That being said, I'm not sure if it is safe though. I just haven't heard about children dying in bike trailers.

Here is an article about why bike trailers may not be as dangerous as people think: http://www.mnn.com/family/protection-safety/blogs/bike-trailers-child-safety-and-the-medias-fear-
agenda

Whoops! Forgot to put the AAP article in: http://aapnews.aappublications.org/content/30/7/18.6.full

Why all the thumbs down? I haven't ever heard of many children getting killed being hit by a vehicle in a bike trailer. In contrast, I have heard plenty of children getting killed while in a crash being *in* the vehicle. Statistics just don't lie.

I'm all for safety, but I just don't understand by these trailers are just deemed as so dangerous. What magically happens when a child is 12 months old? If the car seat can be tightly tied down in the trailer, I just don't see how that would be any different.

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Where is the best place to live in Colorado?

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Candy

My husband and I live in Texas and we are considering moving to Colorado in about 2 or 3 years, but where is a good place to raise kids?( We have an 11 and a 7 year old) I'll be an RN, and my husband is a welder, and we want to get involved in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, jogging, white water rafting, and snow boarding..I was thinking Fort Collins. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Answer
It all depends on what you're looking for. Fort Collins is a little bit of a college town, what with CSU. But it's still good. I grew up in littleton, a suburb outside of Denver, and I loved it. The schools are great (best in CO). It's close enough to Denver that you can get into a city, but its not too overwhelmingly close. Highlands Ranch is nice too. Colorado is pretty great in general. Even in the Burbs people are really active. Plus there's the platte. My friends and I used to go tubing every weekend in the summer there. There's also lots of families in Littleton. You might try Golden, too, which is closer to the mountains, but still has really good schools, while not being too far from Denver. Boulder is interesting too, if you're okay with college towns. You also might like the Highlands. It's a very young neighborhood, with lots of people in their late 20's-30's. It's probably the hippest neighborhood in CO, but people still bike a lot there.

Good luck! You'll love Colorado. It's such a great place!

What a great place to go visit in Colarado?

Lucy

Do you know any good museums over there? I'm from the east coast so i'm willing to travel.
I know what travel, i just wanted your opinion.

Answer
the nature and science museum in Denver is good. There are also great natural places to go and see. The garden of the Gods is good. Right now a drive up the mountains is great because of the fall colors. There are lots of great hiking and biking trail here. When are you coming? Down in southern Colorado is the Great Sand Dunes, that is about a 3 hour drive south of Denver, but great to see. The Air Force Academy is on Colorado springs. There are lots of lakes, and camping in the state. If you like the city, Denver has a great night life downtown for all types of fun. There also a butterfly pavilion, and an Aquarium, and a great zoo. There is also a six flags amusement park, and a water world here. This all depends on what you want to see and if you have family or singles or kids with you. Let me know if you have any more questions. I have been living here for a few years.

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Totally confused, good advice needed please?

kids bike helmets target image

*What if*

My husband and children all have bikes so I thought it's about time I got myself one. I want to be able to go on bike rides around the park with them and eventually use it to get to college.
I haven't been on a bike for 15yrs and I'm VERY unfit. I've been into three independant bike shops now and been given totally different info in each of them.
1, I have a sensitive back and neck after an old car accident injury so I was told... go for dual suspension only, don't go for dual as they're heavy and harder to keep pedalling momentum and only go for front suspension as dual will hurt my neck bouncing around.
2, Only buy a bike with shimano gears and levers as they're better and safer, don't but a bike with shimano stuff on it as it's much more expensive to fix and isn't any safer.
3, I'm only 5ft 2 but overweight, each shop adviced me to get a different size frame and wheels.

I've sat on the bikes but don't want to try them out in the shop as I need to learn to ride again.
Thank you for reading my lengthy explanation.

Answer
After outfitting many "new-old" riders with bicycles, I have helped many in your position. Since you numbered your questions I will respond as such... this is a looooong answer!

1) Dual suspension is not for you. You didn't mention where you were going to ride, but assuming you're going to stay on the road or groomed trails I would suggest a comfort bike, especially if your rides are going to be limited to 10 miles or less. Comfort bikes provide an upright position which has advantages and disadvantages... the upright posture does tend to be more comfortable for short rides (under 10 miles) but this same thing makes the bike fatiguing and harder to handle on longer rides.
2) Shimano is on 80% of the worlds bicycles and they are well known as reliable and precise. Another brand that is up-and-coming is SRAM. Either of these brands will serve you well and are comparable in price (for the level of bike). Neither have significant service issues unless you buy a REALLY cheap model... say, under $200.00. Never buy a bike from a department store like Target or Walmart although some chain sporting goods stores are OK (DON'T go to Sports Authority or Garts).
3) Weight has little or nothing to do with frame size, although I would definitely recommend a "mens" or "womens specific diamond" frame rather than the old fashioned ladies models.

Find a bike that you like and stand over the frame. Pull up on the handlebars until the frame touches you. There should be 3" to 5" between the ground and the front wheel.

Next, raise the saddle so that when you are sitting on it with a foot on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke that your knee is slightly bent. Place your hands on the handgrips while seated. The angle between your arm (with your elbows locked) and torso should be 75º to 85º.

Stick out your fingers- in line with your arm... the brake levers should fall directly under your fingers without having to pivot your wrists. Make sure that the shop adjusts the levers so this condition exists.

Now, to dispel some myths before I get yelled at... No, you should not be able to sit on the saddle and put your feet on the ground flatfooted. Tippytoes are more like it since you should be on the saddle only when pedalling. Other times you should be standing on the ground, straddling the top tube. No, a top tube is not dangerous... men and women have just as much to lose "down there" and there is little chance of injury with a correctly sized bike. ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding... what would your husband and kids do without you? Helmets aren't worn because you are a bad rider, but because of the idiot screaming around the corner that isn't watching for you. Everyone in the family should wear the best helmet you can buy... even the most expensive helmet is cheaper than a trip to the hospital.

Good luck!

BMX GIrL <3?

sweettart

IM 13 years old and I think it would be really fun to do bmx. I was wondering what kind of bike I should get and what size. I weigh 102 pounds and Im 5 foot 2. I want to eventually get into competition riding but for now I just need to practice. Also, do you have any tips?? thx <3

Answer
Look around for a local bike shop that sells BMX bikes. Do not buy a bike from Wal-Mart, Target, or any other big box store. The bike shop will have staff who know about the best bike for you. They will also be able to tell you about the local racing scene.

Depending on where you live there is probably a track somewhere nearby with regular races and practices. Other than the bike, you'll need an approved BMX helmet but that's it. You have to wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants but you don't need special clothes if you're just starting out.

I guarantee there are tons of kids your age doing BMX. Once you find them you'll have plenty of chances to learn, practice, and race.

Good luck and have fun!

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Which is the best bike in 150 cc which has longest seat ideal for family and kids?

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Manish

The seat should have good cushioning and the bike good mileage. How about Hero Achiever?

Answer
Your question is relevant, in India 150cc is good medium of transport.

I would suggest you to get Suzuki GS 150 or Yamaha SZR 150 if you are on budget or if you can spend a bit more Yamaha FZ-S without any doubt, best bike in 150cc segment.

Since these bikes are having good build, will require less maintenance. They have comfortable seats.

Dont go for Pulsar 150, rtr 160/180, Hero achiever, Hero Hunk those bike have lot of vibes and will not last long.

My butt bones hurt sooo bad when I ride my bike! Does anyone Know how to remedy this?

apriljayme

Those two bones right under your butt...mine feel like they are grinding on bruises every time I pedal on my bicycle. I have tried a different 'softer' seat, and I've even tried wearing jeans instead of yoga wear or bike shorts. The jeans helped a little bit, but I hate how restricting denim is! Not very good to work out in. I have seen gel cushions...do these help any? Has anyone dealt with this or know a solution? Thanks!

Answer
There are probably at least two things going on here.

First, your bottom will toughen up over time and not hurt. For now, though, you are probably a bit bruised and sore. It will get better.

Secondly, your saddle may not be the right width for your anatomy. Men generally have narrower pelvic structures than women, thus men's seats are narrower than women's seats. Specialized has done a nice job of making a pretty foolproof system for saddle sizing. You sit on a gel pad, measure the width of the indentations and buy the correct width of saddle. (When I was fitted, I found I had a very narrow pelvic structure. My kids like to say I am a tight a$$, but I think that may be a different matter.) In any case, their saddles are very comfortable.

Some people like gel saddles. In general, though, the further you bike, the harder you want the saddle. (Soft saddles tend to mush and cause more friction.)

Finally, you really want to get some cycling shorts with a chamois. The chamois reduces friction and very tender skin and provides a bit of cushioning.

Hope this helps.

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What are fun things to do around or in the Aspen Colorado area?

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Cookie777

Will have about 5 days to do stuff. On a budget but love western history.

Answer
Indoor Climbing:
Aspen is the home of two great indoor climbing facilities:
Aspen Athletic Club and Aspen Recreation Department

On Horseback:
The T-Lazy-7 Ranch is the only place left in Colorado where you can ride to the world-famous Maroon Bells. They specialize in top quality lunch rides, unmatched in scenery. Miles of trails wander around the Ranch and through the mountains.
(970) 925-4614

Capitol Peak Outfitters offers a full range of horseback opportunities: from hourly rides, to all expense wilderness pack trips, to fully guided hunting and fishing expeditions.
(970) 963-0211

Ride a Bike:
Aspen Bike Tours does everything but pedal your bike.
(970) 920-4059

Aspen Velo is Aspen's kick-a-Roo bike shop. Located in "old" Aspen. They feature "next-day" service, a super-knowledgeable staff, and an attitude towards customer-service that would make your Grandma smile. (970) 925-1495

Go Rafting:
Blazing Adventures offers rafting trips on a number of local rivers, with everything from calm float trips designed for the entire family (including children as young as six) to hair-raising plunges through the awesome rapids of the Arkansas River, and just about everything in between. Blazing Adventures also offers bicycle, jeep, hike trips, and on mountain dinners. Blazing Adventures is permitted by the State and US Forest Service for all of these activities. (800) 282-7238

Since 1979, Colorado Riff Raft has brought the excitement of white water rafting not only to families and first time rafters, but also to veteran boaters looking for the ultimate in Class V thrills. (800) 759-3939

Go Fishing:
Aspen Trout Guides is a fly and spin fishing service based out of Stefan Kaelin Pro Shop in Aspen, Colorado. Offering one-on-one with specialized fly casting instruction on the Roaring Fork or Frying Pan Rivers, or take a family for a spin fishing trip to one of our local mountain lakes. (970) 920-1050

Whether you want to fish Drakes on the Pan, chase cuts in the high-country, or splash sofa pillows to pigs off the bow of drift boat, spend a day with the Frying Pan Anglers guides for the time of your life! (970) 927-3441

At Timberline Bicycle Tours, is in their 13th season of guiding mountain bike trips around Aspen and the Colorado Rockies. (800) 842-BIKE

Get Culture:
Aspen Art Museum is one of the few year-round cultural institutions serving the Roaring Fork Valley. They have a great rotating exhibition which is geared towards contemporary art, but also features work from other historical periods and cultures. (970) 925-8050

Aspen Theatre in the Park provides a professional theatre and school in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley that produces contemporary, classical and new works, offers educational programs, and integrates local and national talent. (970) 925-9313

The Wheeler Opera House presents the finest performers in the country in the 1889 Opera House. (970) 925-8043

You could also contact Aspen's Chamber of Commerce and inquire about other points of interest in their city. Enjoy and have fun!

What is the best gift for UC SantaBarbara incoming freshman?

Smasian

My boyfriend and I are going to be celebrating our two year anniversary soon. He just got accepted to UC Santa Barbara and I want to get him a present that'll help him adapt to the new environment. I was thinking a beach cruiser bike, but I don't know anything about them. Does anyone have more information about it or more ideas? Money isn't really a big issue, but I don't want to overspend. THANKS!

Answer
Found this, Should be helpful:

Gifts according to your sign:
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Active Aries is always looking for ways to stay in shape, particularly during the holiday season... so athletic equipment is usually a good choice. People born under this sign are also fond of the color red, so a cranberry scarf or a scarlet hat could win their favor. If romance is in the air, let Aries know that you put his or her needs first. Buy tickets for two to a sporting event you loathe... or a CD by an artist you can't stand... to win big points with your favorite Ram.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taurus appreciates any gift that appeals to his or her sensual side. A box of gourmet chocolates, a richly colored tapestry or a soft cashmere blanket are all great options for Bulls. This sign also enjoys having money to play with, so a gift certificate to their favorite store is a welcome option. Always remember that quality is more important than quantity â Taurus would rather have a small bottle of expensive cologne than a carafe of the cheap stuff.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Quick-witted Geminis enjoys gifts that appeal to their sizable intellects. A challenging book is always welcome, as is a magazine subscription. This sign rules the hands, so some scented hand lotion or a sparkling ring might delight. Geminis also love to entertain, so a set of glassware might fit the bill. If you want to splurge on a special Twin, give them the latest cell phone or PDA, so they can keep in touch with their gazillion friends.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Sentimental Cancer loves gifts that have personal meaning. Handmade items always delight, whether it's a finger painting, angora sweater or mincemeat pie. This sign also has a special affinity for silver â a monogrammed hand mirror or picture frame would be very well received. Since Crabs have an affinity for liquids of all kinds, a special bottle of wine, a fancy cappuccino maker or a shiny tea kettle are also good possibilities. And don't forget that these Moon children love the domestic arts â a cookbook specializing in comfort food is another sure winner.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Lions love gifts that make them look and feel terrific. Hair accessories, cosmetics and grooming items are all good choices for this image-conscious sign. Leos love drama, and enjoy presents that involve a bit of flair. Opera tickets, gold jewelry or animal print lingerie are right up this cat's alley. Leos also love to gamble, so a sheaf of lottery tickets or a weekend getaway to the casino could make them purr with delight. When shopping for clothing, remember that Lions have a special affinity for red, gold and purple.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgins love practical gifts...so avoid dust-catching baubles. A bread-making machine or a power drill would be equally welcome. These folks are also known to pride themselves on their impeccable appearance. Scented soaps, lotions and shampoos made by an earth-friendly company might be just the ticket. Virgos are also incredibly organized and might appreciate a good watch or a leather-bound date book. Or try a health-conscious basket of organic foodstuffs.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Librans have a special affinity for music, and always appreciate a good CD to add to their voluminous collection. If you want to do something really special for a Libran friend, splurge on a two concert tickets â this sign hates to do anything alone. Born beneath the sign of the scales, they also need plenty of balance in their lives, so a pair of candlesticks or bookends might appeal. If you're still stumped for ideas, have a lavish bouquet of red roses delivered accompanied by a loving handwritten note.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpions are secretive by nature and enjoy gifts that obscure their appearance in some way. A pair of designer sunglasses, a filmy scarf or a slouchy hat are all great choices for this sign. These mystery-lovers also enjoy moody, atmospheric stories. A collection of film noirs on DVD are sure to go over well with your favorite Scorpion. The rumors concerning this sign's sexual appetite are happily true, so seductive lingerie would get plenty of use. Since Scorpions also like to get beneath the surface; a gift certificate for a deep-cleansing facial will be appreciated.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
As far as Archers are concerned, half the fun of getting gifts is ripping them open! If Sag doesn't like a present, though, he or she will tell you outright. Avoid awkward scenes this holiday season by giving this outdoor enthusiast some camping equipment. Hiking boots or a water-proof parka would also be appropriate. These animal lovers adore any gift associated with their pets. A calendar filled with pictures of dogs or horses is sure to elicit a big smile. Finally, you can always feed this sign's wanderlust with a comprehensive atlas.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Career-oriented Capricorn always enjoys gifts that will boost their job status. A leather laptop carrier or monogrammed briefcase would be welcome. Contrary to popular belief, though, Goats aren't all work and no play. This sign is blessed with a wicked sense of humor, so try the BBC's "The Office" series on DVD. Capricorns also love luxurious presents they'd never buy for themselves, like a silk bathrobe.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
You never know what this unpredictable sign will be doing from moment to moment â one week it's skydiving and the next it's yoga! Still, this quirky sign always appreciates technological gadgets, whether it's an all-region DVD player or an iPod Nano. If you'd like to choose something a little more personal, why not make a photo album detailing all of your exploits with the Water-Bearer? Aquarius may not show it, but they harbor a special fondness for their friends. Still stumped for ideas? A basket filled with brand new socks is both weird and practical enough for this sign, which rules the ankles.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
These mystics love gifts of all kinds, but especially ones that help them escape the harsh realities of life. A bottle of champagne, a kaleidoscope or a book of fairy tales will appeal to your Fishy friends. And because Pisces is a Water sign, it's a good bet they'll appreciate bath salts, foaming cleansers and shower gels. If you'd like to give something really special, a digital camera will make a bit hit with this natural-born photographer. Looking for a romantic gift? Choose a gilt-edged volume of love poetry.

Cheers!

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What can I do to get ready for Rugby?

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I'm 14 average height, have a layer of fat covering my muscle, I'm not exactly a runner more of a thick and strong kid, and i wanted to play rugby for my first year. What kind of work out and all that will help me get ready?i know rugby is tough and painful, but I've played lacrosse ( Defender) for 3 years and can take the punishment. please help me. Thanks!

Answer
Good question. Here is the answer.

Rugby fitness is mostly about developing explosive power. What this means is that the weight-training portion of your rugby training should be built around compound exercises (those which exercise more than one muscle or muscle group). Classic compound exercises include the squat (and their variations), the lunge, the power clean, the bench press, and the push-up (there are many more). Make sure that during the lifting (concentric) phase of the exercise, that you try to move the weight very quickly. While machines can be a useful tool (like when you don't have a spotter), free weights have the advantage of requiring more muscles, including stabilizer muscles, making them overall a better choice. (One book I would recommend for you, if you'd like to follow organized workouts, is Robert dos Remedios's "Power Training". It is in most bookstores these days, and is also available through www.amazon.com.).

The other part of your training should be building up your overall capacity for intense exertion over a short period of time. This sort of training is often called "high intensity interval training", and it is simple to do, but very effective.

What you do is this. Select an exercise like swimming, running, or biking, set aside ten to fifteen minutes, and then get a stopwatch or timer. Your session begins with you doing the chosen exercise lightly. Once you've warmed up for a minute or two, start your stopwatch and begin exerting yourself at 100% capacity. As in, move from light jogging to full-on sprinting, and keep going until ten seconds have expired. Then go back to the light jogging for a couple of minutes until you're ready for another 100% burst. Do these ten second bursts four times in a session, and then call it a day.

The goal is to do this consistently (every day or two), each time extending the length of time you exert yourself fully, until you can go for thirty seconds at 100% capacity. Because rugby requires sprinting, sprinting is a good choice of an activity for these bursts. However, you can also choose activities like running or jumping up flights of stairs or hills (since these will also help build explosive muscular capacity in your legs), or even the "burpee": a push-up followed immediately by a crouch and a sudden explosive jump, throwing hands toward the sky. Doing burpees flat-out for thirty seconds is a killer!

One caution: One respondent on here has recommended doing 5K runs. This is the *wrong* kind of training for rugby, because you will be building up slow-twitch *endurance* capacity, like a marathon runner, at the expense of the *explosive* muscle and exertion capacity you actually need.

Just a bit about where this is all coming from: I play rugby under a former professional player, have several training books and DVDs by professional rugby team trainers, and one of my best buddies was the head strength and conditioning coach for the national rugby team for seven years. What I've outlined here is the approach advocated by all the rugby fitness coaches I know of.

Good luck mate, email me if you have any more questions.

What were those little plastic bikes we had as kids in the 80s?

Summer Day

They had 3 wheels like a tricycle and were low to the ground.
What were the called?

Answer
You are definitely thinking of Big Wheels. Here's an example of a Classic Big Wheel: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Wheels-16-inch-Original/dp/B0001A866O My grandmother saved up toothpaste upc's and sent for a Crest Big Wheel for me when I was a young child in the 1980s. I loved it!

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Bicycles ...what are the best kind..?

electra kids bike seat image

ladyslippe

What are the best kind of bikes brandwise?

Im in my 40,s

have not ridden a bike in ages

Im looking for a bike with big tires (mountain bike?)
and a comfy seat would be nice too...

and lightweight would be good i think

also i dont think i want alot of speeds...maybe a one speed if that even exists anymore?(open to suggestions here)

Thanks !
are there certain brands or features to look for when im out bike shopping?

Answer
Sounds like you may be looking for a comfort bike. Yes you can get a one speed but you may want some gears. You can get bikes with internal gear hubs with anywhere from 3 to 14 speeds. These are easy to shift and require little maintenance. They stand up to abuse and neglect very well. You may even consider a cruiser. I am a bike enthusiast with thousands of dollars in bicycles but none of them brings out the kid in me like my cruiser. I have an Electra Straight 8. Its a 3 speed with coaster brakes and resembles a 'bobber' style motorcycle. I would highly recommend any of the bikes by Electra, especially if you haven't ridden in a while. They cover the spectrum from cruisers to commuter style bikes that can be used to cover long distances. Their geometry is well suited to the 'born again' bicyclist. They are longer and lower which allows you to comfortably place your feet on the ground while seated and still get good leg extension while pedaling. Good leg extension is important if you want to avoid knee injury. They all have comfy seats and you sit very upright reducing any wrist and shoulder pain. If you haven't ridden in ages you are going to have pain at first so start off easy and your body will eventually adapt to the new activity.

Does anyone still sell bicycles with "tall" handlebars?

MyFireElf

In order to save on gas I'd like to buy a bike to ride to work, but all I can seem to find online are the sleek (expensive!) sporty bikes with the low speed-racer handles that make me feel like I'm falling over. I'm short already - I don't need to be any closer to the ground! I want something like I rode as a kid, with the tall handlebars that let you sit up straight in the seat and the fat tires with the guard thingies over them to protect you from the mud. Like this:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w88/phantomsdib/IMG_0911.jpg

I know it's a vintage look, but surely someone still sells them? For adults even?

Answer
The type of handlebars you're talking about are "upright" or "cruiser" bars. Cruiser bicycles have come back into vogue in the past several years, and most bicycle manufacturers have one or two models of cruisers. Electra is a company that manufactures a wide variety of rather stylish cruisers. You can visit their website at http://www.electrabike.com Trek, Specialized, Masi, and Bianchi all make cruiser bikes as well.

Before you buy any bicycle, especially if you are not an experienced rider, go talk to your Local Bike Shop. They will help you find a bike that is right for what you want to do with it at a price you're comfortable with (hopefully.) You'll also get to test ride some bikes, which is always fun.

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Are there any fun places for toddlers in Springfield, Illinois?

kids bike victoria image

daniko

I am driving from St. Louis, MO to Watseka, IL. I am going to stop halfway there in Springfield, IL for lunch and to let my daughter get out of the car and have some fun. Any suggestions on where to take her? She is 13 months old, walking, and very active. I would like a place where she can see other kids her age and get some exercise. Something like a children's museum or even just a nice playground near a good restaurant. Please help!

Answer
I love Springfield IL there is a ton of stuff to do there here are some suggestions for you and your daughter:

Lil Princess Wishes, Inc.
2205 Wabash Ave
Montvale Plaza
217-787-8814
Springfield's Coolest Place for GIRLS!!! Glam Makeovers, Themed Parties, Gifts, Home Decor and an all New Kids Furniture Line, Jewelry and Princess Dresses make this store a destination for girls of all ages. Walk in Glam Makeovers are welcome and our 1000 ft party room is always a hit for your next party or get together.
http://www.lilprincesswishes.com/

Cozy Dog Drive In â This traditional Route 66 diner became a part of the history of the Roadâ¦and the history of Springfieldâ¦when inventor Ed Waldmire introduced the Cozy Dogâ¦the famous âhot dog on a stickâ in 1946. The Waldmire family still makes the delicacy daily, Monday â Saturday. Inside the diner, located on Old Route 66 since 1949â¦youâll find an amusing selection of Route 66 memorabilia, souvenirs, and delightful taste treats.
2935 S. Sixth Street. Springfield. (217) 525-1992
I love this place!!!! They have the best food, cheap and kids have fun here. The place has lots of things for them to look at!!! If you daughter likes corn dogs this is the home of them!!!

Dreamland Park
2400 Taylor Avenue.
Picnic shelters, playground, fishing pier & pedestrian trail.

Henson Robinson Zoo
1100 E. Lake Dr.
Phone: (217) 753-6217
Hours: Open: Mar.-Oct. Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am
The Henson Robinson Zoo is home to more than 300 animals native to Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. Over 90 species of native and exotic animals are housed here among naturalistic exhibits. Special events are held throughout the year and provide many hands-on experiences for children and adults alike. Also, take a Zooper Edventure with the zooâs education programs for children ages 5 to 17. Facilities include a gift shop, concessions and a petting area.
Your daughter will like the zoo, it is not the STL zoo but it is really nice! We always have a great time when we go!!!

Lake Victoria Park
Normandy Road & Victoria Drive.
Fishing, picnic area & shelter.

Lincoln Park
1601 N. 5th Street
Nelson Center outdoor pool, indoor skating rink, bike path, ball diamonds, fishing, horseshoe courts, pavilion, picnic area, shelter, playground, shuffleboard courts, soccer field, Disc Golf, tennis courts & restrooms.

Westchester
Westchester Blvd. & Concord Drive
Very nice playground at this parks

There are tons of other parks in the area that are really nice and have great playgrounds. Great for the kids to get their energy out! Here is their website for more:
http://www.springfieldparks.org/

I would check out this site for more, we use it to plan our trips from STL to Springfield. There is no science center or "Magic" House type place. The little princess place is a lot of fun, we have taken girls of all ages there! When in doubt find a playground and let her run! Have a great trip!
http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/Route66/

Who else thinks the Worldwide Day of Play is stupid?

Garrett

I mean, c'mon, anyone can just change the channel, not to mention that it's raining in a lot of places. I'm 13 and i ride my bike at least 20 miles everyday, i dont need some fake holiday to make me go outside, and i probably do 5 times more exercise than miranda cosgrove and victoria justice anyway. Anyone else agree?

Answer
i do agree but if they like but that on all the channels it kinda would matter but you could just go online and do something on facebook or youtube. I do excersise everyday outside i play football (luvv ittt) and i clean floors and ride my bike and walk around to random places! and yeah it could be raining in a lot of places but i getg what theyre trying to get little kids to go outside its just like why they changed the cookie monster to the veggie monster they see studies that more yound kids are getting obese more than ever so its 50/50 for me.

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Why do many kids bicycles' pedals not rotate freely in reverse direction?

kids bicycle no pedals image

Nash R

I have to buy a kids bicycle (20"). I noticed that pedals in many of these bicycles do not rotate freely in reverse direction. Is that a feature or a bug? It's useful to have them rotate freely so that you can easily bring to them to starting position when you're just starting your ride.

Answer
As others have noted that style of brake is known as a 'coaster' brake and is very common with bicycles designed for younger kids. It operates much like a drum brake in that when operated by pedalling backwards small internal plates are pressed against the internal shell of the rear hub. Kids bicycles have coaster brakes because smaller children for the most part do not have enough hand strength or have not developed enough coordination to operate a hand brake that you would see on most adult or larger kids bikes. Yet they do need to be able to stop, hence the coaster brake. On larger kids bikes -- with 20" wheels or BMX style frames -- you will often see a combination of a front hand brake with a coaster brake. This is sort of an inbetween bike, if you will, designed to allow the developement of the hand strength and coordination necessary to operate a normal hand brake.

How old were your kids when they started riding a bike?

K Woww

I would love for my little one to ride a tricycle when we go for walks in the neighborhood, but she is too young. How old were yours when they got the concept of pedaling?
Thanks, y'all. Looks like we have a few more months before we should try again.

Answer
My son starting riding a bicycle at 2 years old - no training wheels. The other kids rode a tricycle until about 5 years old. Each one learned how to ride a trike in their own way, but my youngest got a tricycle that had a pole in the back that an adult could push to help them move the bike. All she had to do at first is keep her feet on the pedals. This was a tremendous training aid, and also helped when the little one was too tired to pedal all the way home.

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How do I convince my mom to let me get that BMX bike?

kids bike kijiji image

Isabella

First, let's get this straight- I gave my old bike away and I bought it in like 2005 so please don't call me a snob lol.
So I saw a kijiji ad and the owner was posting this post about a custom bmx worth over $1000 and he's only selling it for $450. My mom thinks it's too expensive. How do I convince her? (oh yeah, and it's gonna be an early birthday present so.. ;D)

Any help would be awesome. Thanks.

Answer
If I were a parent I would rather buy my kid a bike then a xBox. Tell her you would rather a 400$ bike then a 8,00,000 dollar iPad or phone

Bike trailers.......................?

Malia

I am asking this in a few sections by the way.

How many of you mommies/daddies/caregivers have bike trailers/seats for your child/children? I am looking into getting a trailer, the kind that sits on the ground. My husband's bday is today. I see a few on craigslist.
Another question...if you do have a bike seat or trailer, do you wear a helmet when you take your little one out? And does your little one wear a helmet?

Thank you :)

Answer
I have two kids, so I take advantage of the bike seats and the trailer. When my husband goes riding with me we use the seats and divide the children up. When it's just me going for a ride I use the bike trailer. Regardless of if my kids are in the trailer or on the bike itself they wear a helmet and so do I. I could probably get away with not bothering since I ride on the hiking trails, but I think it's important to teach my kids bike safety. If mommy didn't wear a helmet I would have to face the "well you don't have to wear a helmet argument". So we all wear helmets when riding a bike. My kids are 20 months and 3yrs.

The bike trailer was a great invention. I would highly recommend one for your husband if he likes to take the kids out for bike rides. I use mine two - three times a week. I also recommend getting a used one to save money. All mine I have gotten used off of craigslist or kijiji. They were all in good condition and I paid half the price I would of normally paid for them. =)

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How to get rid of a magpie?

kids bicycle helmets image

That Guy

I live in New South Wales, Australia. There is this magpie in my street that attacks anybody that walks down the street. My neighbour's kids' bicycle helmets have multiple dents in them from the magpie pecking them. I have heard of at least two times where the magpie has pecked somebody not wearing a helmet, and caused blood.

What can I do about this as it appears to get worse each mating season?

Answer
I had the same problem at my old house. All you do is try to hit them with a stick and they will sometimes try not swoop you so much. Once the breeding season is over you should have no trouble at all. At my new house we have no problem at all with the magpies they are really friendly (they eat bread from your hand). I live in Queensland, Australia.

Can I use a regular bicycle helmet for crusing on a longboard?

Sami

I don't think I need to spend more money if I use my bicycle helmet which is almost the same thing. I'll cruising around on it

Answer
haha! I know a guy who makes his kids wear bicycle helmets when they surf.
the other surfers think he is crazy.

Get a regular surf helmet.

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