DIY Network

Biking Fun From "Family Outdoors" episode FAO-102

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

Following are some simple games and bike-related activities that help kids enhance their biking skills or just provide some good, plain fun.

• Bike decorations. Colored drinking straws make good decorations for a child's bike (figure A). Slit them lengthwise and slip them on the spokes for a colorful effect. Some kids also enjoy customizing their bikes and helmets with colorful stickers and decals. Just make sure that the decorations don't cover reflectors or otherwise interfere with bike safety.

• Balancing race #1. Pick suitable location, such as an empty parking lot or park, and set up a short riding course. Using sidewalk chalk, draw out a finish line (figure B) and a lane for each contestant. The course can be as straight or as curvy as you like. Each contestant must navigate the obstacle course while riding with a beanbag balanced on his helmet. The first to cross the finish line without dropping the bean bag is the winner (figure C).

• Balancing race #2. Another balancing game involves drawing straight lines on the pavement leading from a starting point to the finish line. The objective is for riders to slowly ride on the straight line while keeping both their front and back wheel from straying off the chalk line. Whoever crosses the finish without wandering off the straight line is the winner.

• Create your own obstacle-course races. Use plastic safety cones to set up the course (figure D). If you don't have cones, empty plastic bottles will do fine. Riders must navigate through the course without knocking over cones. The rider to finish the course in the shortest time -- without knocking over a cone -- is the winner.

Experienced cyclist Chris Jacobson offers tips on maintaining proper posture in order to get the most out of your ride. The correct posture helps you stay comfortable and also maximize your cycling efficiency as you expend energy.

• Back straight. Before getting on the bike, stand up tall and straight and note the small indentation or "dimple" that forms in your lower back. You'll want to maintain that lower-back position when you ride.
  
  
• Relaxed elbows and shoulders. Once on the bike with your hands on the handlebars, make certain your elbows are relaxed and not rigid (figure E). Relax your shoulders so that you don't have tension in your upper body while riding.
  
  
• Eyes forward. Hold your head upright with eyes forward, and concentrate on looking about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you.
  
  
• Pedal quickly. When pedalling, you'll want to maintain an average rate of 80 to 100 revolutions per minute (a fairly rapid clip) to make best use of your legs and your breathing.

RESOURCES :
Bicycling magazine
Web site: www.bicyclingmagazine.com

Pedaling History Bicycle Museum

Web site: www.pedalinghistory.com

Bell bike helmets

Bell Bicycle Helments
are available from Bell Sports
1924 County Rd., 3000 North
Rantoul, IL 61866-9512
Web site:
www.bellbikehelmets.com
or
www.bellsports.com

International Bicycle Fund

The International Bicycle Fund is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization, promoting sustainable transport and international understanding. Major areas of activity are non-motorized urban planning, economic development, bike safety education, responsible travel and cycle tourism, and cross-cultural, educational programs.

Web site: www.ibike.org

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI)
Web site: www.bhsi.org

Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Web site: www.ridewrc.com