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How to Deal With Bad Dogs

By Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka of www.RoadBikeRider.com

Dog attacks are high on the list of cycling fears. Maybe you can’t stop Fang from giving chase, but you can outsmart him if you know how dogs thinkassuming that stinkin’ mutt even has a brain!

• Know dog psychology. The majority of dogs who chase cyclists are merely defending their territory. When you pedal off the section of road that they consider their turf, you no longer pose a threat to their ancestral instincts and they lose interest. Incidentally, this is why you’ll rarely be chased by a dog you encounter way out in the boonies. He’s not on his turf so he couldn’t care less about you.

• Know dog tactics. Dogs want to attack from the rear, coming up from the hindquarter. Even one who sits up in his yard ahead of you may wait till you pass before giving chase. You can use this to your advantage in the next tip because it gives you a head start.

• Sprint! You often can outsprint Fido when he’s more interested in fooling around than in actually attacking. You can tell his intent by how hard he’s running and his expression. An easy gait with woofing and ears and tail up, no problem. A full-out sprint with ears back, tail down and teeth out, problem. Still, the territorial gene can save you. If the road is flat or downhill, stand up and sprint to get past the dog’s invisible boundary.

• Guard your front wheel. When a dog sees you coming, he might make a beeline for your bike, then attempt to turn up beside you. The danger here is that his poor little paws will skid on the pavement and he’ll plow into your wheels. If he hits the front one, you’ll crash. Sprint so that you move forward faster than he expects, and give him a margin for error by steering farther into the roadif traffic permits!

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There is a common misconception that towing a trailer by motorcycle is a self-defeating and pointless pursuit. After all, a motorcycle is not a “beast of burden,” and how much can one really pull behind a two-wheeler? That may have been true in the past - in these days of aerodynamically and space-optimized trailers, motorcycle camping has become a popular diversion.

When properly chosen and attached, motorcycle trailers can be towed with the greatest of ease and few complications. Many people even tow small canoes all across the country with their motorcycles. The secret lies in lightweight, highly maneuverable, yet sturdy trailers. An open cargo trailer can be used to transport almost anything under the sun. And, while customized motorcycle camping trailers are available, most enthusiasts prefer the open cargo kind for its versatility.

It takes approximately forty-five minutes to install a hitch under the rear fender of a motorcycle. The hitch and trailer should be so designed as not to interfere with a pillion rider’s comfort or the driver’s ability to handle the bike. In most cases (and especially when one is just beginning to learn the ropes of motorcycle towing), it is advisable to go camping with a buddy. This not only provides an extra pair of hands in case of mechanical trouble but also extra stability on the road.

A diametrically opposite variant of motorcycle towing is where motorcycles themselves have to be transported over large distances, such as from the manufacturing plant to retail outlets. This is usually done with flatbed transporters and is a rather specialized operation, since the motorcycles in question are usually brand new. Motorcycle towing companies are usually heavily insured against transport mishaps. Individual motorcycles also tend to get stranded on highways, in which case towing units are usually available just as they are for other vehicles.

Towing provides detailed information on Towing, Car Towing, Trailer Towing, Truck Towing and more. Towing is affiliated with Windshield Repair Experts.

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Many couples don’t exercise together because one partner is much more fit than the other. Riding a tandem bicycle is a great equalizer. The amount of work you do on a bicycle depends on how hard you push on the pedals. Pushing twice a hard on the pedals takes twice the work, so a world-class bicycle racer can ride with a novice and still get a good workout. Even a beginner will be able to keep up with the spinning pedals, no matter how fast they go. The less-fit partner just applies little or no pressure so he or she will not get tired. No matter how hard one partner tries to leave the other, you will always be together.

You can go faster together than the faster person can go alone. The more experienced rider sits in the front seat. If both are equally good riders, the taller one usually sits in front. The person who sits in the back copies the motions of the person in the front. At first it may seem strange not to have any control over steering, shifting or braking, but the you have the big advantage of being able to exercise only as hard as you like while enjoying the scenery.

Many cities have tandem bicycle clubs that organize rides and social events. They welcome newcomers and will give you lots of help when you’re getting started.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Someone looking for a mountain bike that can run flawlessly in scary downhills, a rocky and muddy bay and long hard rides should consider either the hard tail or the light to medium weight suspension mountain bike. The full suspension is the popular choice for mountain bikers but have the following disadvantages:

- A full suspension mountain bike is heavier by at least two pounds compared to a hard tail.

- A full suspension mountain bike is more expensive, as it is designed to soften the impact of bumpy roads.

- More maintenance work needs to done in a full suspension bike particularly on its rear shock absorbers and pivot lubing.

- The increased weight of a full suspension bike makes it more difficult to use in climbing hills.

However, full suspension mountain bikes offer the following advantages:

- They are safer on the bail out line given that the mountain bike is running at moderate speed.

- Improved control and higher downhill speed.

- Long hard rides are less strenuous and fatiguing.

Given the following, full-suspension are inappropriate for:

- Those that want to be competitive in a cross-country race.

- Those that want to be competitive in an uphill race.

- Bikers on a tight budget

- Bikers that do not want to be bothered too much on maintenance.

A hard tail is ideal for those with limited funds, as this type of mountain bike can perform almost similarly to a full-suspension mountain bike with the additional benefit of being cheaper and easier to maintain. Lightweight full-suspension bikes are considerably better in terms of performance compared to those retailing for slightly below £800 and weighing at least 30 pounds. Bikers buying a hard tail should make sure that what they are getting is equipped with a strong suspension fork.

Those that choose full-suspension bikes claim that their rides are more fun to use, as they can ride swiftly in rough terrain. However, bikers that want to experience the benefits of the two selections should choose a £800 hard tail and a full suspension.

Bigger is not always better

Mountain bikes are designed with a low profile to ensure that the rider will not land on the cross bar if he bounces off the saddle. Those shopping for a new mountain bike should first lift the seat pin an inch about the top end of its travel. The bike might be too big if you cannot reach the pedals or the floor. The frame can be concluded as too big if the seat pin cannot be extended by more than half. However, a biker might need a larger frame if he can still pedal comfortably even if the seat pin is just slightly above its limit mark.

Mountain bike buyers should also consider a chainset with replaceable rings and choose those produced by established companies such as Giant, Specialized and Trek. These brands offer competitively priced quality mountain bikes. Good mountain bike shops add a free helmet, which is a necessity when riding on the road.

Important factors in choosing a mountain bike:

- Buy a product that fits your budget.

- A mountain bike should never be too big.

- Choose a bike appropriate for your riding style.

- Try to push for discounts and possible freebies.

- Purchasing from a local shop is advisable, as you can easily avail of after sales service.

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