weather http://www.sportales.com/tags/weather New posts about weather Winter Biking 101 http://www.sportales.com/Cycling/Winter-Biking-101.436931 Biking in Chicago year round has left me with years of experience. Winter here ranges from below zero temperature to high winds and feet of snow on the roads. Before you plan on leaving, always check the local weather. Is it snowing? Raining? Windy? Is there unmelted snow on the road or are the roads still wet? If there are any hold ups such as these, allow yourself 25%-50% more travel time, depending on bike and pace.

When riding in the winter, always be on the look out for black ice. Black ice is thinly spread ice across the surface of concrete from frozen rain or sleet. If you’re riding and hit black ice, be ready for an almost instant wipe out. Always keep an eye out for the conditions, in which it has rained recently and is below freezing. If you’re riding and black ice is present, be cautious, ride slower and if you hit a patch, pull your feet off the pedals and stabilize yourself to prevent a fall.

Make sure when riding in winter conditions to never go as fast as you would during the summer. Black ice, sliding cars, pedestrians and other slow moving bikers leave you with an array of hazards and potentials mishaps. Keep your head up and give yourself 30%-50% more braking room incase you hit ice, snow or see a reckless car.

Keep yourself, your bike and your pathway well lit. In the winter, not only is it harder for you to see the road, but difficult for drivers to see you. If it’s night and snowing, it will be impossible for a driver to see you without a light. That driver will have no idea you’re there and could easily slide into you or rear end you in a dense fog or storm. Keep your path lit so you can prepare for and stabilize yourself for upcoming patches of ice or snow mounds.

When riding during harsh weather conditions use your legs as stabilization incase you begin sliding. Drop your legs down to brace yourself and brake simultaneously. When braking during extreme weather conditions, always apply the same amount of pressure to both brakes, which helps distribute your weight evenly, preventing further sliding.

If there is snow on the ground and you live in a big city, it’s usually plowed from the roads. This is great for cars, but the snow gets plowed into the bike lanes. An easy solution to this is to simply bike in the lanes of traffic used for cars. What this allows is you more traction on the road and the cars more visibility. Don’t worry about them because usually they can’t go much faster than you in dicey weather conditions.

Always keep your head up, wear a helmet and allow extra braking and sliding room. Keep in mind that the drivers in the car usually can’t see you and be aware of slick patches of ice. Happy biking, hopefully you can enjoy a safe and productive biking schedule through the cold winter.

]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:00:54 PST Extreme Snow Sledding: Worth the Risk? http://www.sportales.com/Extreme/Extreme-Snow-Sledding-Worth-the-Risk.68579 Have you ever been sledding? I haven't because here where I am at it never gets that cold. I was reading news reports on yahoo and they said sledding could be "the next big extreme winter sport."

I must say that if it was ever cold enough here for a sledding competition, I'd most definitely like to see one if not be in it. It takes resilience and extreme perseverance to be a sledding champion I'm sure.

Overwhelming odds, miles of frozen land,risk of life and limb, it is indeed a sport. One of the most dangerous at that, yet many people find it worthwhile.

Would you?

I think there is an adventurous,thrill seeking,adrenaline junky in all of us. Sledding would be a great release for some while others might think it too risky. To those brave souls that risk life and limb for that adrenaline rush, cheers to you dear friends, but don't over do it.

For those not so brave souls I will say this, go and support your friends and loved ones that are those risk taking,life on the edge,"I'll get enough rest when I'm dead but I can't slow down" types.

To sledders and fans alike I say, cheers. P.S. can you mail some snow this way? Kidding, have fun all

]]> Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:47:58 PST Quick Tips for Mountain Climbers http://www.sportales.com/Extreme/Quick-Tips-for-Mountain-Climbers.121575 Mountain climbing is getting popular now for various reasons. Here are some useful tips for mountain climbers. It is important that before you climb a mountain, you know your limitations and motivations. Go through these tips before you go for mountain climbing.

  1. Always travel in group. Never go on a climbing expedition alone.
  2. Make sure you know the weather. This is by keeping close watch on the weather for your climb.
  3. Get regular weather reports and updates and learn to look for signs of bad weather.
  4. Make sure you pack a proper backpack. What is in your backpack is very important as your life depends on it. Be packed for all possible weather conditions.
  5. Stay hydrated all the times - very important.
  6. Drink plenty of water when climbing.
  7. Wear proper clothing. It is better to wear warm clothing.
  8. Wearing sunglasses helps to protect your eyes.

By following these tips, your mountain climbing outing will be a more pleasant one. Have a happy and memorable mountain climbing! Cheers!

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