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  • The iSimangaliso MTB Multi Day Tour 2018 – A Bucket List Experience

    Welcome to ‘Safari in the Saddle.’ The saddle referenced here has nothing to do with riding a horse. You are going to be on a bike exploring everything the iSimangaliso Wetlands have to offer. This isn’t an event that you can book just anytime you like. It is a three day event that is held annually. It used to be for four days in years past, but in 2018, they are jam packing the same amount of fun into three days.

    Not only is it a limited time event for this year, but there are only going to be 80 riders allowed to sign up. Therefore, time is of the essence if you want to participate. The group of 80 riders is going to be broken down into smaller groups of about 10 to 12. Each of the groups is going to have expert guides and sweeper teams.

    Are you familiar with sweeper teams? They are teams of individuals who help out when bikers have any mechanical issues. You will be glad to know as well that some of the expert guides used to be park rangers. You are going to be able to count on a very knowledgeable staff as you make your way around exploring the wetlands. They know the area well and have what is called extensive bush knowledge. You can count on them to show you around during your three day adventure.

    This is the type of bucket list experience you want to have if you like exploring different areas by bike. The iSimangaliso MTB multi day tour is a one of a kind experience. There are also some helpful tips you need to know as you prepare to sign up for this event. For example, while you have expert guides, you can familiarize yourself with the route beforehand. You are going to be covering hundreds of miles, so you might as well get to know that route.

    Do you train regularly? You want to focus on training for an event like this. It is going to be both fun and challenging. Without the proper training, you could end up in the sweeper vehicle too often. You want to spend time on your bike along with the rest of the crowd. You never know what you’re going to see in the iSimangaliso Wetlands.

    Did you know that there is a kit list for the event? That will help you get prepared and make sure you have everything you need. For sure, the guides and sweeper vehicles will be prepared for all kinds of situations, but you want to come prepared, too. You want to have the best experience, and the kit list helps you pack for your trip and this three day event in the wetlands.

    You are going to want to think in terms of logistics, too. You want all of your travel accommodations taken care of ahead of time. Think about all expenditures and preparations. Have all your ducks in a row and be organized and ready for the time of your life. You are going to be biking through the iSimangaliso Wetlands like a pro.

    On the site for the event, you can view the standings for the prior year. That will clue you into a little more of what to expect. It’s going to be a blast, but you’re going to want to be ready. Not only can you view the standings for the event in 2017, but you can also check out the gallery. See images of what it’s like out there biking through the wetlands. Naturally, you’re certainly going to find out for yourself soon enough.

    You do have to make sure that you register for the event by the cutoff date. The cutoff date is July 16th, 2018. Make your travel plans, start training and prepare for the road ahead. It’s going to be miles and miles of beautiful scenery through the iSimangaliso Wetlands, and the iSimangaliso MTB Multi Day Tour is going to be a blast. Get all your gear ready to go based off of that kit list, and prepare to come in 1st place. You just never know. It could be that moment you’ve been waiting for as a biker.

    Other amazing safari based endurance races include the Tour de Tuli in Southern Africa and the Zambezi Man race around Victoria Falls and into the gorge of the Zambezi river. After a hectic race such as these it is always a good idea to book a few extra days to explore the location in at a more leisurely pace. If you participate in the Zambezi Man competition think about relaxing in one of a great Victoria Falls hotel for a few days afterwards.

  • A Glimpse into the Stay Wider Of The Rider Campaign

    Without question, a lot of people are becoming avid cyclists in order to boost their health and enjoy a great hobby. Because of this, it is also very important that people become more aware of the ways that they can stay safe any time that they are riding. This is a dual responsibility between cyclists and drivers, so that everyone can share the road and make the most out of it. Because of this, South Africa has been promoting an initiative known as Stay Wider of the Rider. To learn more about this, read on and learn all that you can.

    What is the Stay Wider of the Rider campaign?

    This is an initiative from the Pedal Power Association, which has close to 20,000 members. As part of this campaign, bicycle riders are encouraged to wear highly visible clothing that is a bright yellow, in order to make drivers aware of their presence. It also encourages drivers to be more cognizant of the fact that cyclists share the road and that there are potential hazards that come with this process. By understanding this campaign, you will be able to give yourself the opportunity to stay safe and sound when on the road whenever possible.

    Why is this campaign important?

    This campaign is so critical, because there has been an uptick in bicycle accidents on a regular basis. For example, these accidents have increased by upwards of 80% in recent years. Fatalities have increased by upwards of 40% in recent years. By spreading awareness in this regard, you will be able to make sure that your community is safer and that you are doing your part. By understanding the ins and outs of this campaign, you will have everything that you need in order to allow yourself the opportunity to prevent injuries, deaths and property damage.

    What should I know about bicycle safety?

    It is very important that you do your due diligence to remain a safe bicycle rider to the best of your ability. Visibility is crucial, so make everyone aware of your presence by wearing the shirt and any other reflective coloring that you are able to use in that regard. You also need to be sure that you wear a bicycle helmet and any other gear that will allow you to protect your cranium. Make sure that you learn how to ride the bike to the best of your ability and stay in bicycle lanes whenever possible. Be a safe rider and give yourself the opportunity to prevent accidents whenever you can.

    How can I support the campaign?

    The best thing you can do for yourself is make sure that you spread awareness. Purchase the shirt in order to get the word out and let people know how important this is. By setting the example, you will be able to support the initiative to the best of your ability. In order to do this, you will want to learn as much as you can about the PPC as a whole and figure out everything that they are trying to accomplish.

    By taking part in these circumstances, you will be able to give yourself the opportunity to make the absolute most out of cycling safety. This will allow you to be a good steward of everyone’s health, while also making the most out of your community as a whole. You will be able to support this campaign accordingly, so that you are able to get all that you need in order to keep the roadways as safe as they can possibly be.

  • Top Tips To Bicycle Safely

    If you want to be sure that you are able to get everything that you need to ride your bike, focusing on safety is crucially important. In order to give yourself the opportunity to become a safe rider to the best of your ability, there are some crucial tips that will be helpful to you. When you factor in these points, you will be able to provide yourself the opportunity to stay safe, avoid accidents and protect your life. With this in mind, focus on the tips below and use them the best that you can.

    #1: Buy a quality helmet

    By giving yourself the opportunity to wear a helmet, you will be able to protect yourself from the most substantial injuries that occur when riding a bike. Make sure that your helmet is comfortable and that it fits snugly as opposed to shaking around while you ride. This will be the most important investment that you make when it comes to becoming an experienced cyclist who is able to stay safe each and every time that you go out.

    #2: Make yourself more visible

    Visibility is crucial when it comes to staying safe on the road. Because of this, one of the best things you can do is increase your visibility through what you wear. Make sure that you wear bright colors, particularly if you were riding in the evening hours. This will allow you to let drivers see you so that they are able to stay out of your way. In this regard, you will have the opportunity to prevent injury and greatly decrease the likelihood of getting into any kind of accident while you are on the road. Companies sell vests that you can wear that have reflective material — so purchase what you need.

    #3: Learn to ride

    The most critical thing that you can do to stay safe on the road is to learn to ride to the best of your ability. The more experienced you are with the bike, the more comfortable you will be. The more comfortable you are, the more easily you will be able to steer clear of danger. By taking advantage of these comfort levels, you will also have a fun time on your bike and would know the ins and outs of shifting gears, maneuvering and applying your brakes.

    A great way to learn how to ride safely is by spending time with professional riders. A good place to do this is on a bicycle tour in Cape Town.

    #4: Stay in the bike lanes

    Finally, make use of bike lanes whenever you can. There are a lot of localities that incorporate bike lanes so that you have a safe place to ride without worrying about cars. Stick to these lanes and trails whenever you can so that you are able to avoid accidents. Doing this will allow you to have your own space without worrying about in the other vehicles crowding you. You will be comfortable and will be in a great position to give yourself everything that you need in order to make the most out of your bicycle safety.

    So if you practice these tips, you will be better able to get what you need out of your bicycle riding. These tips will help you out exponentially and will allow you the opportunity to be as safe as you can. With this in mind, focus on the factors issued in this article and use them so that you can be as informed as possible every step of the way. These tips are great and will be helpful to you every step of the way, so make the most out of this and provide yourself everything that comes with the territory.

  • Following Safe Cycling Techniques South Africa 

    Practicing Safe Cycling Techniques South Africa

    If you need to give yourself the opportunity to stay safe on the road, you will want to practice some safe cycling techniques that will be useful to you. Because South Africa is so lush and beautiful, you will need to give yourself the opportunity to check out some of the wonderful bike trails and nature opportunities that the country offers. Additionally, you will need to be sure that you are best able to stay safe on the road. Doing this will give you the opportunity to prevent accidents and injuries.

    #1: Purchase a helmet

    When it comes to making the most out of your time riding a bike, the very first thing you need to do is invest in a high-quality helmet. There are a lot of helmets on the market, so sink some money into purchasing a high-quality helmet. Doing this will allow you to protect your cranium from any kind of injury and will make sure that you are not dealing with substantial injuries as a result. You only get one brain, so protect it to the best of your ability.

    #2: Learn bike signals

    You also need to be sure that you do all that you can in order to use turning signals. This should be one of the first things that you learn any time that you become a serious cyclist. You will be able to notify drivers that you are about to make a turn, so that they see your intent and that they do not cut you off or put you in harm’s way. The bike signals can be a lifesaver for you, so become familiar with using them.

    #3: Share the road whenever you can

    It is also very important that you do your best to share the road. In many localities in South Africa, they have incorporated bike lanes. Because of this, you will be able to have space and will not need to worry about drivers crowding you. Because you have the access to this space, you will be able to give yourself the room that you need to stay as safe as possible. By sharing the road, you will keep yourself safe and will also prevent accidents from happening anytime that you are on the road.

    #4: Make yourself more visible

    It is very important that you increase your visibility to the best of your ability. Start by purchasing a vast that has reflective material and bright colors. The more visible you are, the easier it is for drivers to see you. This will help you to decrease the likelihood of getting into an accident and will allow you to also react accordingly any time that you are riding your bike. Many people also purchase helmets that have headlights, so consider purchasing one of these helmets in order to continuously see clearly and prevent accidents.

    By factoring in the tips in this article, you will be giving yourself access to some safety practices that will help you out any time that you decide to ride throughout South Africa. This will allow you to get everything that you need in order to prevent serious injuries and potential fatality. This is critical because bike accidents have increased by upwards of about 80 percent in recent years. The last thing you would ever want is to put yourself in harm’s way without any kind of recourse. By capitalizing on the tips in this article, you will have everything that you need to make the most out of such a situation.

  • Tips To Improve Your Mountain Biking Skills

    Mountain biking is an exciting and thrilling sport. That is why many are getting hooked on the sport. Not only does it offer many great health benefits, it also offers enjoyment while working out. Mountain biking is a dynamic sport that requires speed, finesse, and fitness. The more reason why you should improve your mountain biking skills.

    Here are some tips to improve your Mountain Biking Skills

    Trust Yourself

    You should start trusting yourself if you want to improve your mountain biking skills. When riding, use your judgment. Follow through and don’t hesitate at roots, bridges, rocks, or small jumps. As the saying goes “believe that you can and you’re halfway there.”

    Relax

    This is probably the most important tip you should remember when riding your bike. Keeping yourself relax while riding can be very challenging especially when you are riding a difficult trail. Remind yourself to relax because a tense body magnifies all of the bumps on the trail and bounces you around. One way of relaxing is learning how to properly position your body in relation to the bike. Once you get comfortable in the position, it will be easier to relax.

    You might also like our Top Tips To Bicycle Safely

    Learn About Bike Maintenance

    It is difficult to improve your skills if you’re bike isn’t tuned up properly. Taking some time to understand the mechanics of your bike, how it works, how to do a pre-ride inspection and how to recognize when something is not right can be a great help in improving your mountain biking skills. Knowing that your bike is capable of handling any terrain, you’re going to feel more confident and comfortable regardless of what the trail throws at you.

    Ride On Different Terrain

    If you only ride a local trail you could ride with your eyes closed, you will never improve your mountain biking skills. Improvement happens when you ride diverse and more challenging trails. New trails and varying terrain will help you train your biking skills and at the same time give you the adrenaline and excitement. Once you conquer trails you think are too difficult for you to handle, you will have the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction which will make you want to ride more.

    Ride With More Advanced Riders

    Join a group of riders that will make you push your limits and challenge yourself. Learning from other riders will increase your skill set and increase your cardio. A good group of friends goes a long way in helping you improve your mountain biking skills. Your group should both push you to be better, as well as support your growth as a biker. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed to try new things, or pressured to ride above your ability level too quickly. Another benefit of riding with more advanced riders is that you will get to hear their various experiences and learn something from their stories.

    Don’t Forget About Strength Training

    Mountain biking requires the engagement of many more muscles than just your legs. It also requires a strong upper body and core muscles to effectively overcome the difficult trails. You have to be strong enough to hurdle the ride. Strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being, including increased bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament strength, improved joint function, reduced the potential for injury and increase fitness. This, in turn, will help you improve your mountain biking skills.

    Practice Tricks

    Some of the tricks you can practice outside of MTB trail are skinnies, track stand, manual, bunny hops, wall ride, steps, and cornering. Learning to do these tricks will enhance your mountain biking skills and increase your comfort on the trail when facing obstacles.

    Develop Proper Braking Technique

    Developing a proper braking technique will really help improve your sense of control when riding. Try to evaluate an obstacle before you reach it, and look for good braking on either side. Avoid exclusively using your back brake. Remember that the front brake provides excellent control and stopping power when used properly. The good thing is that modern mountain bike brakes have tremendous modulation and adjustability. You just have to know how to use them, and they’ll be your best ally.

  • Choosing the Perfect Type of Bike for You

    There are a lot and growing number of different types of bikes to choose from which makes choosing the perfect bike for you a difficult task. Learning about the different types of bikes will help you decide which one to buy. So here is a list of the different types of bikes and what you need to know about them.

    Mountain Bike

    Mountain Bikes are for perfect for riding rocky, rough, off-road and steep trails. The gearing of mountain bikes is designed to help the rider overcome the steep terrain. They usually have 26″ or 29″ wide knobby tires which allow them to be ridden in loose dirt and over obstacles. These bikes have flat handlebars and rugged frames and components. Mountain bikes often have a suspension to help any rider navigate rocky mountain trails. Full-suspension bikes are mountain bikes with both front and rear suspension. While mountain bikes with front suspension only are called hardtails. A rigid mountain bikes are bikes with no suspension. Mountain bikes also have powerful brakes that use motorcycle-style discs for better control over rough ground.

    Road Bike

    A road bike is a type of bike which is designed to be ridden fast on smooth pavement. They are known for their extreme efficiency and speed. Road bikes are usually lighter than other types of bikes and are not capable of carrying heavy loads. The lightweight frames and skinny tires are intended to help the biker achieve maximum speed for minimum effort. They also have dropped handlebars that allow the rider to get into an efficient and aerodynamic riding position and gearing. There are a few subcategories of road bikes like commuter bikes, sportive bikes, track bikes, aero bikes, cyclocross bikes, and touring bikes.

    Triathlon/Time Trial Bike

    Triathlon or time trial bikes are built specifically for triathlon or time trial events. They are road bikes with a special design that maximizes their aerodynamic properties. These type of bike have forward bull-horn shaped handlebars and aero bars that allow the rider to crouch forward while riding, to minimize the wind resistance against the body. The shifters on these bikes are located at the end of the aero bars.

    Hybrid Bike

    Hybrid bikes are combinations of mountain bikes and road bikes. Hybrids are more comfortable, better able to handle potholes and capable of tackling easier off-road tracks and trails. These bikes take the comfortable riding position of a mountain bike and pair it with a lighter frame and fast rolling wheels more like those of a road bike. Hybrid bikes often use more powerful disc brakes that give a more consistent performance in wet weather. In addition, the tires are usually a medium-width with a semi-smooth tread, to provide a fairly smooth ride on pavement, but enough grip and cushion on unpaved trails. Most hybrid bikes have a front suspension to smooth out small bumps, but some are fully rigid.

    BMX/Trick Bike

    Bicycle Motor Cross, commonly known as BMX bikes, is another type of bike perfect for performing jumps and tricks. The term BMX is used to describe any single-speed bike with a 20″ wheel. These bikes are popular with kids because of their small size, but they are used by adults and kids alike for various styles of trick and stunt riding. These bikes are often very robust and durable to be raced around a short dirt track similar to the motorsport.

    Tandem Bike

    A tandem bike is a type of bike built for two. Tandems do not require any special skill to ride and can be great fun. Two riders of different abilities can enjoy a ride at the same pace when riding a tandem. They come in many styles and are the great leveler of the cycling world.