Bicycle Suspension - Virtual Pivot Point

The VPP (or Virtual Pivot Point) is a linkage designed bike frame that is built to activate the suspension differently depending on what inputs the suspension has received. The "Virtual Pivot" system used in bikes by Santa Cruz and Intense use a specific type of Virtual Pivot design that was originally developed and patented by Outland Bicycles in the late 1990s. The patents cover a specific linkage configuration and rear wheel travel path that is designed to aid the pedalling performance of a rear suspension bike without negatively affecting the overall bump absorption capabilities of the suspension. Yeti Cycles has created a unique rail system to eliminate pedal jacking (aka "bob"). Giant's Maestro is yet another design that works well, and is considered by many to be an attempt to replicate aspects of the dw-link design. Patents have drawn definite lines among the manufacturers.
The VPP family of suspension systems fall into the four bar linkage category. They have short links instead of the longer links on a conventional four bar (chainstay and rocker).
The VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) system used by Santa Cruz and Intense, also claims to have reduced the problem of pedal bob. Soon after the VPP was introduced, the creation of the Progressive Suspension 5th Element rear shock (based on Currnut's platform damper) near the beginning of the Millennium allowed riders to adjust almost any frame, regardless of design, to be pedaled without the pedal bob that plagued earlier designs. Other companies have followed Progressive's lead (mainly Manitou with its SPV system based on the 5th Element and Fox's ProPedal which uses a shim stack rather than an air pressurized valve) and new designs in suspension design have come out. These 'intelligent' shocks always have to compromise between their resistance to bob and performance with smaller bumps. VPP designs typically use shocks that include some sort of platform damping.
However, the four bar linkage may cause pedal bobbing, lockout, and brake jack. With the rise of more complicated shocks and a larger market share for full suspension bikes, mountain bike suspension tuners have now arrived. It is now possible to have shocks tuned to each individual rider's desires.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_suspension#VPP

Gowes Soka Indah

Mission accomplished!!!
Itulah kira-kira yang kami rasakan saat finish di areal parkir Soka Indah.


Perjalanan dengan bersepeda yang semula berupa wacana akhirnya menjadi kenyataan dan terlaksana pada hari Sabtu 21 November 2009, 8 biker start dari Renon jam 6 pagi, 1 lagi biker start dari Canggu, 1 lagi start dari Munggu jam 7.30, total 10 biker melaju mengikuti rute yang sudah disurvey oleh duet surveyor (Ermil "Eric Xtrada" & Kenik "Pangeran Hussar") menggunakan sepeda motor beberapa hari sebelumnya.

Namun dikarenakan sesuatu dan lain hal, 5 biker berhenti di pantai Kedungu, sedangkan 5 biker lain melanjutkan perjalanan menuju garis finish di Soka Indah, mereka adalah Ermil "Eric Xtrada", Kenik "Pangeran Hussar", Andi "Shrek", Ferry "uCoX", Oket.

Rute lengkapnya bisa dilihat di http://gpsed.com/track/3915656525327543381, thanks to Ermil "Eric Xtrada".


Singkat cerita, sesampainya di Soka Indah, yang memang benar-benar indah, kami beristirahat sejenak, lalu mencari warung untuk makan siang sambil menunggu mobil pickup yang akan mengangkut 4 biker beserta sepedanya untuk kembali ke rumah masing-masing.


Lho... kok cuma 4 yang pulang naik pickup???

Crank Length

Subject:      Re: Crank Length Suggestions
From:         Roger Marquis (marquis@roble.com)
Date:         1997/03/12
Newsgroups:   rec.bicycles.racing

In rec.bicycles.racing Tony Pinto (tony@cttc.org) wrote:
>I was planning to purchase new cranks in a slightly longer length (175) but
>read a section in "Serious Cycling" that said someone of my height 5'10"
>should be using 170's. I have other books that do not seem to agree with
>this recommendation but now I am wondering what the effects will be of an
>increase.

At 5'10 you're borderline for 172.5 cranks, assuming a normal leg
length.  The best all-around crank length could be either 170s or
172.5s depending on your inseam.

Watch out for long cranks, they cause a very sharp bend in the knee
at top dead center right where you begin to apply power.  Too short
cranks don't pose a risk to the knee joint but they also won't be
efficient unless you spend a lot of time at high cadence.

The general rule of thumb is:

  * below 5'10 use 170mm cranks on for general (road) racing and
    training,

  * 5'10 to 6'1 use 172.5mm cranks,

  * 6'1 plus use 175mm cranks,

And modify for specialized events:

  * subtract 2.5mm for track racing (or more on short steep tracks
    or short events),

  * subtract 2.5 to 5mm if you have frequent knee problems,

  * add 2.5mm for time trials and hilly races, (and MTB races),

  * add 5mm for pure hillclimbs.

Roger Marquis
(www.roble.net/marquis)

Source: http://www.roble.net/marquis//crank.length

JH B2W in Hong Kong

	Please welcome our new JH B2W Hong Kong member, Jeff Mok, he's in Hong Kong and looking forward to biking together with us here on his next visit...

Polling Bike Tag B2W Bali

Why WD-40 is Bad for Your Bike Chain

Near the end of last week’s tutorial, I mentioned that WD-40 should never be used as a chain lubricant. Quite a few people wanted to know what I meant by that. Here’s an explanation.

WD-40 was developed by the military in the 50s as a rust preventative solvent and de-greaser to protect missile parts. It quickly became a household item when people discovered it had thousands of other uses as a cleaner, rust-prevention agent, squeak-stopper and more. It also works wonders as a light lubricant on small items like hinges, locks, and toys.

Bicycle chains, on the other hand, are far too heavy and fast-moving for the lubricating power of WD-40 to have any effect at all. As a matter of fact, WD-40 will actually strip away any existing lubricant and leave your drivetrain dry – metal on metal. Basically, spraying this stuff on your chain is worse than using no lubricant at all!

Obviously, I strongly recommend using chain oil purchased from your local bike shop. Just go down there and ask them for regular waterproof chain oil. It shouldn’t be any more than 10 or 12 bucks, and it’s the best thing you can buy for your bike. My personal favorite is Cross Country, but if you want the Caviar, you can get quality oils from companies like Phil Wood. We’ll talk more about lubricants later…

Source: http://bicycletutor.com/no-wd40-bike-chain/

Bike Events: SE' Fun Bike' 09, Hidup Sehat (Back to Bike), Minggu, 15 November 2009

Bike Events: Denpasar LPD Fun Bike 2009, Minggu, 1 November 2009

Rute Denpasar LPD Fun Bike 2009 ini bisa dilihat secara visual di sini (powered by veloroutes.org)

Strategies to Promote Bicycling

Encouraging bicycling requires first considering what issues and attitudes could be leveraged for support and what perceptions and realities get in the way of bicyclists riding more.

Environments where people want to and choose to bike have three main components:

• PLACE—people need room on the road or a designated bike path. They also may need other facilities that make bicycling more convenient, such as bicycle racks out side of businesses and shower facilities at workplaces. For more on making safe places for cycling, visit the Engineering section.
• CONSIDERATE MOTORISTS—riders are most comfortable around motorists who give room and watch for bicyclists. For ways to encourage motorists to drive safely and considerately around bicyclists, visit the Education or Enforcement sections.
• REASON—people need a purpose for riding, whether for recreation, physical activity, or utility. Part of promoting bicycling involves making the reasons to bike more apparent.

Below is a list of ideas that an agency, employer, or coalition may choose to help promote bicycling, often by making it more appealing or easier to do. If there is not yet an established coalition in your community, then find out more about how to build a coalition.

1. Spread the word: marketing campaigns

Campaigns get people thinking about bicycling. They can give the message that the community is a place for biking. Marketing campaigns can convey reasons to bike or include safety reminders for drivers or cyclists.

See how several campaigns around the country work:

• Houston, TX—Houston's "on a roll" program promotes bicycle use through informational material, city-wide bicycle maps, training courses, and public service announcements (PSAs).
• San Francisco, CA—San Francisco's program educates drivers of safety involving road bicyclists and promotes proper biking techniques.
• Charlotte, NC—The City of Charlotte has several active community bicycle organizations that promote cycling as part of their activities, including Bike Charlotte, the Charlotte Area Bicycle Alliance, and the Bicycle Commuter Mentor Program.

2. Provide guides: bicycling routes

Bicyclists appreciate being able to share routes and view recommended routes that indicate bike paths, bike lanes and other bike-friendly features. These maps can also include local attractions, connections to mass transit, as well as locations of practical amenities such as restrooms. Providing tools that allow bicyclists to map their own routes and calculate mileage is also helpful. Also, some regional transit organizations have trip planners that incorporate walking and biking to reach destinations. See the A Train link provided by the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign for an example. To see examples of bike maps, visit Find a Bike Map.

3. Capitalize on commute trip reduction programs

Large employers are being encouraged to reduce their employees' single occupant vehicle travel. Surveys of employees can reveal what might motivate them to ride to work and the necessary initiatives can be put into place. Employers can offer shower and changing room facilities as well as secure bicycle parking. Loaner car programs like Zip Car help employees get errands done without driving their own vehicle to work.

4. Support the carless commute

"Bike buddies" programs match experienced bike commuters with those interested in trying it out. For other examples of what can happen on a city or community-level, see Chicago's Cycle Center and the Bikestation Long Beach Case Study.

5. Seek group rides

Bicycle clubs sponsor weekly group rides that are a good way to increase comfort for less experienced riders and provide a reason to try out cycling. Group rides are also a good way to help newer riders learn their way around town by bike. Some bicycle clubs have partnered with cities to close roads to motor vehicles on certain days of the week. Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle helps organize group commute rides. Search Bike Meet Up for group rides near you! Also, an expansive list of bicycle co-ops and other community groups can be found at Wiki's Community Bicycle Organizations page.

6. Conduct classes

Sponsor classes on bicycle commuting or bicycle handling skills. Search for classes or instructors near you!

7. For a cause: special events

Large bicycle riding events like the MS 150 and Ride for the Cure raise money for charities and provide motivation and an opportunity for cyclists to meet other cyclists and for novice riders to try out cycling in a supportive environment.

8. Celebrate bicycling

In May, Bike Month offers the perfect opportunity for people to try riding. There are many ideas for activities that can be borrowed from other communities.

9. Involve children and families: Safe Routes to School programs

Organize a Walk and Roll to School Day to encourage children and families to walk or bicycle to school. This event can also be a way to attract media attention and involve community leaders. Safe Routes to School programs sometimes include group bicycle rides—called Bike Trains—where adult leaders ride to school with students.

10. Jump on the bandwagon: partnerships with popular endeavors

Look for locally-popular issues and consider how they might relate to bicycling. For example, if environmental groups are active and successful in a community, it makes sense to find ways to partner with them to promote bicycling. For many tools on how to develop programs that promote behaviors that help the environment, go to the Tools of Change web site.

If there's an annual community event, look for a way to add a bicycle ride to the list of activities or encourage people to ride bicycles to the event.

Need more ideas?

For more ideas on how organizations (particularly employers) can encourage bicycling, visit the website for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

Or, check out the Portland By Cycle Bicycling Campaign for more examples of how bicycling can be promoted.

How do you make these ideas happen?

Having a group of people that care about increasing the safety and appeal of bicycling will help make this possible. There are different ways to find strength in numbers and coalitions and to organize an effective outreach campaign so you can get your ideas across-and generate solutions that support bicycling.

A coalition or group can be the most valuable tool in promoting bicycling in your community, through the strategies listed above or through policy change, infrastructure improvement, etc. Make the most of its resources and energy, and build working relationships with agencies, the private sector, and the media to gain support for your projects.

Source: bicyclinginfo.org

Susunan Kepengurusan Baru Komunitas B2W Indonesia

Rekan-rekan Komunitas B2W Indonesia tercinta,

Pada hari Minggu, 9 Agustus 2009 bertempat di Saung Ranger, Kampung Rancamalang, Desa Kadusirung, Kec. Pagedangan - Tangerang telah dilakukan Rapat Pleno Pengurus B2W Indonesia. Salah satu agenda utama pada rapat tersebut adalah penyusunan kepengurusan B2W Indonesia periode 2009 - 2011. Berikut adalah susunan Pengurus Komunitas B2W Indonesia periode 2009 - 2011 tersebut:

Dewan Pembina :

1. Fauzian Sjarindra
2. Hendro Poernomo
3. Indra Ghrawita
4. Susila Oktabri
5. Taufik Hidayat
6. Tekad Adiyono
7. Toto Sugito

Dewan Penasehat :
Bayu Sukmana Pasi
Ramadhani Achdiawan

Pelindung :
Kusmayanto Kadiman
Fauzi Bowo

◊ Ketua Umum :
Toto Sugito

◊ Sekretaris :
Fahmi Pahlevi A.
Rifa Ilyasa
Winna Ananda

◊ Bendahara :
Naning
Imelda

◊ Ketua 1 :
Rivo Pamudji

◊ Humas & Publikasi :
Fannie Waldhani
Lucy Iskandar

◊ Penelitian, Pengembangan dan Informasi :
Wahyu Diartito
M. Lutfi
Ripto Gatut

◊ Kegiatan :
Alfa Febrianto
Wido Kris
Yudha Bahua
Widi Asmoro

◊ Ketua 2 :
Afan Mendrofa

◊ Kewilayahan :
Poetoet Soedarijanto
Endra Datta (Bali)
Ella

◊ Keanggotaan :
Sukartono
Bimo Tjahyono

◊ Merchandise :
Dani Dewanto
Lukman Hakim

Selanjutnya tanpa membuang waktu, susunan kepengurusan baru ini secara efektif mulai bekerja sejak hari ini, Senin 10 Agustus 2009.

Dengan segala kerendahan hati, atas nama pribadi maupun Pengurus Komunitas B2W Indonesia periode 2009 - 2011, kami mengucapkan terima kasih kepada rekan-rekan Penugurus periode 2006-2009 atas segala bantuan dan parjuangan bahu membahu selama ini, dengan diiringi permohonan doa restu serta dukungan rekan-rekan semua demi kelancaran kerja dan suksesnya program-program yang yang akan disusun.

Terima kasih dan salam berjuta sepeda!

Toto Sugito

Ketua Umum

Sumber: B2W Indonesia

B2W - Jumat, 21 Agustus 2009

Rabu Biru

Kata “Biru” selain untuk menggambarkan warna juga banyak dipakai untuk melukiskan suasana kalbu. Kita pasti sering mendengar istilah wedding blue, ato baby blue. Begitu juga suasana pagi ini.. begitu melek jam 5.00 am karena baby shrek nangis minta ASI, langsung deh papa shrek buat kopi dan mati2in lampu.. (Bukan hanya karena hemat energi tp biar irit bayar listrik) J sambil menikmati hangatnya kopi dengan “big ahhh” sesudah tegukan kopi pertama sampai di bibir. Tiba2 terdengar Tiitt.. tiiitt.. sms masuk bos..!! kata N95 yang terkapar di atas meja makan.. begitu baca isinya ternyata memberitakan salah satu teman gowes pagi ini gugur karena nggak enak badan.. yang berarti; dari 3 teman gowes, 1 sudah mengundurkan diri dan yang 1 lagi menyatakan “mungkin ikut” dengan pengertian selama “Tamu kecil” masih ada dia harus lebih fit melayani “Tamu kecil” jadi belum tentu bisa ikut gowes.. tapi yach sudah.. nanti tunggu aja sampai jam 6.15.. lalu buka jendela intip si Erica xtrada ternyata sudah siap buat dinaiki.. lalu isi botol minum, ganti celana yg pake pad, beres2 baju, pasang lampu, cium anak istri, pas jam 6.08 mulai start gowes.

Cakrawala masih biru gelap.. setelah nunggu sampai jam 6.18 akhirnya langsung gowes ke arah utara menuju rumah si mbeek.. cakrawala sudah jauh lebih biru terang dan sambil sesekali diselingi awan kelabu, udara masih sangat segar, pelan2 terdengar musik dangdut mengalun dari warung bakso, dan sesekali berpapasan dengan anak2 sekolah yang gowes ke sekolah (jadi inget masa smp), sambil terus menyusuri nangka utara yang mulai menanjak seiring detak jantung yang mulai turut berdetak kencang.. mppuufhh.. sesekali menghela nafas yang mulai memburu.. sambil menyesali diri kenapa dulu nyobain rokok.. mungkin nafasnya masih jauh lebih ok sekarang..

Tiba di rumah mbeek sekitar jam 6.29, terlihat dia sudah pake helm sambil ngeluarin sepeda. Begitu dia ngerasa diliatin, dia berbalik menghadap jalan dan langsung hormat ke arah gw.. dipikir gw tiang bendera kali pake hormat segala.. tp yah.. gw bales juga dehh hormatnya.. dan langsung kami gowes menuju KTI. Perjalanan diiringi dengan small chat seputar sepeda dan sekelumit cerita tentang track yang dilalui JH B2W kemaren.. dan diselipi kompor agar gw ikut track XC after work.. tp gw pikir pingin juga sihh nyoba..

Obrolan terhenti di tanjakan darmasaba yang cukup menguras tenaga.. dan gear pun sudah menunjuk angka 3 yang berarti seharusnya sudah ringan.. tp koq masih berat genjotnya? ini yg salah gearnya apa dengkulnya? Lalu gw dikagetkan si mbeek nanya mau istirahat nggak? ini yg membuat gw mikir.. apa gw kelihatan payah banget yach?? tp koq kayaknya masih nyanggup..?? walau memang agak mpot2an nafasnya.. langsung gw jawab nggak usah dah.. langsung aja.. (dalam hati klo gw kuat) hehehe..

Lalu karena jalannya landai jadi perlahan gear mulai melasak naik ke angka 6, dan perlahan berjalan mendekati salon yg dimiliki oleh istri bli Suda yg sudah terlihat terbuka separuh tapi nggak kelihatan manusianya. Dan terus perlahan memasuki keramaian pasar, diiringi belnya si mbeek yg bendenting semangat seperti bel sapi.. dan tak lama masuk ke jalan aspal diantara persawahan yang cukup landai tp sebenernya agak menanjak sehingga gear pun kembali turun sampai menunjuk ke angka 4 dan sambil terus disuguhkan segarnya udara persawahan dan birunya cakrawala. Sampai akhirnya memasuki pekarangan parkir KTI yang menandakan gowes pagi ini berakhir selamat, sukses, tanpa istirahat.

Bike Events: Tour de Village Fun Bike 2009, Inna Grand Bali Beach, Minggu, 18 Oktober 2009

SAMAS event

Sabtu pagi 15 Agustus 2009, pagi hari yang cerah seakan-akan mendukung SAMAS event sore nanti. Bangun pagi, cuci muka, langsung ambi selang buat cuci sepeda. Sisa -sisa perjuangan menuruni bukit kemaren sore membuat si Mbeek (panggilan sayang buat Wim Cycle yang selalu setia mengiringi perjalanan Polygon) kotor penuh tanah lumpur. Untung saja SAMAS dimulai jam 15:00, jadi masi ada waktu buat mandiin sepeda dan persiapan lainnya. Event yang dihadiri oleh Walikota Denpasar ini bertujuan untuk meresmikan "Car Free Day" untuk wilayah Denpasar, Renon pada khususnya. Dimana mulai 16 Agustus 2009 akan ada jalan2 yang bebas kendaraan bermotor dari pagi hingga jam 2 siang. Bahkan isu-isu yang beredar, setelah Renon akan berganti-ganti ke jalan protokol laennya seperti Teuku Umar, dll.

Tak terasa waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 13:00, saat nya berangkat menuju Lapangan Puputan tempat berkumpulnya semua bikers sepeda sebelum start pukul 15:00. Perjalanan siang yang sangat melelahkan, sinar matahari terik yang terasa menguji mental bisa dilalui dengan semangat "Pantang pulang sebelum dapet door prize ... ".
Beberapa bikers JH-B2W sudah tiba di lokasi dan sedang memeriksa sekali lagi kondisi sepeda sebelum akhirnya benar-benar start mengelilingi denpasar dengan rute Hasanuddin-Gunung Agung-Buluh Indah-Gatot Subroto-Nangka Selatan dan kembali lagi ke lapangan puputan. Tetapi ada yang kurang sepertinya... Hari ini terasa sepi tanpa kehadiran pemandu sorak (bikers cewe) dari JH-B2W. Wah ternyata semua pemandu sorak berhalangan hadir , hanya Satu pemandu sorak yang datang membawa lampu buat salah satu biker.

Semangat tetap menyala meskipun tanpa pemandu sorak hari itu. Semua bikers bersiap-siap start sebelum dilepas oleh bapak walikota. Tampak ribuan sepeda memadati garis start. Dari anak-anak sampai kakek-kakek terlihat antusias menyambut gembira event ini. Termasuk golongan sepeda tua yang ikut bergabung meramaikan acara ini.





















Tampak pula dari kejauhan 1 bikers "nyeleneh" dengan "Mbah Surip style" nya mencari posisi start. Ini pertanda bahwa untuk bersepeda tidak ada pengaruh nya antara harga sepeda, kualitas sepeda, dll. Tapi kuncinya kemauan untuk hidup sehat dengan bergowes ria.
"Badan Sehat"











Setelah start dan menempuh perjalanan panjang, akhirnya rombongan Kuning (JH-B2W ikut didalamnya) tiba di Lokasi semula. Acara dilanjutkan dengan peresmian / deklarasi SAMAS, pelepasan burung merpati , hiburan, dan diakhiri dengan door prize.
Pak Kolonel Collosus terlihat gagah mewakili JH-B2W (PT.KTI CC.) dalam acara deklarasi SAMAS oleh Walikota Denpasar dan berikut video cuplikan deklarasi dan pelepasan burung merpati di lapangan Puputan Denpasar, Bali. Para bikers lainnya disuguhi "Nasi Bungkus" yang cukup banyak. "Makan Lahap"

Akhirnya acara ditutup dengan pengundian door prize. Ini saat yang ditunggu-tunggu oleh para bikers. Hadiah utama 8 buah sepeda MTB siap dibawa pulang. Pak Budi - PLANET BIKE secara sukarela memberikan kupon door prize sebanyak 7 buah tapi memang belum beruntung. Hanya 3 bikers dari JH-B2W yang berhasil membawa souvenir cantik dari TELKOMSEL dan POLYGON. Acara selesai dan para bikers kembali ke rumah masing-masing dengan wajah gembira. "Tidur Nyenyak dan Hati Gembira"

Sampai berjumpa di event berikut nya ... ^_^

B2W - Jumat, 14 Agustus 2009

B2W - Selasa pagi, 11 Agustus 2009

Suasana pagi menyeruak di tengah keheningan malam, membuat kita masing-masing mempersiapkan diri untuk B2W di pagi ini. Jam 07:45 tiba di checkpoint darmasaba, WHOAAAA.. ada 2 bidadari muncul diantara para JH Biker

2 bidadari ini adalah member JH Biker, tapi karena kesibukan jadi agak jarang bisa mengikuti B2W.
Akhirnya kita pun berangkat ke kantor dengan suasana yang lebih segar sembari bersama "bidadari". "Eiitt stop dulu ada view yang bagus neh, mari kita photo bersama dulu" teriak salah seorang JH Biker. Lalu bersiap-siap kita untuk ambil photo, sembari memperhatikan kendaraan yang lewat.

Sampailah kita di kantor dengan badan segar, hati senang, perut lapar :D

B2W - Jumat pagi, 7 Agustus 2009

Tiba di darmasaba checkpoint sekitar jam 06:40 wita, disambut oleh gerimis hujan yang membuat suasana hati bertanya, "Apakah B2W kali ini dilanjutkan di bawah guyuran hujan?". Tetapi dengan melihat teman-teman JH bikers group RODERET (Rombongan Denpasar Coret) telah tiba duluan, kegundahan hatipun lenyap. Beberapa saat berikutnya JH Bikers ROSELA (Rombongan Denpasar Selatan) juga tiba di checkpoint darmasaba.

Berklebat bayangan merah ditengah kerumunan JH bikers di darmasaba checkpoint. Ternyata JH Bikers baru tiba dengan tunggangan Xtrada 3.0. "Hallo mas Kis selamat bergabung di JH B2W.. senang punya temen bergowes ria bareng" demikian ungkapan beberapa JH Bikers laennya.

Gerimis hujan pun tetap bertahan di darmasaba checkpoint, sehingga mau ga mau akhirnya kita terobos gerimis tersebut. Langit pun berubah menjadi cerah ketika kita memasuki wilayah sibang. kita akhirnya sampai dikantor tetep dalam kondisi kering (basah2 dikit sih, keringet campur hujan gitu deh :D)

Akhirnya jiwa narsispun menyeruak kepermukaan sehingga kita menyiapkan tampang fotogenic kita masing2, ketika kamera salah seorang JH Biker dikeluarkan, kemudian meminta team security untuk ambil photo kita.

Selasa Pagi Ceria

Selasa pagi 4 Agustus 2009, hari yang cerah untuk bersepeda. Komunitas Bike To Work BALI, JH-B2W khususnya sudah mulai bersiap-siap menikmati embun di pagi hari. Waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 5.30 wita, saatnya bikers bersiap-siap. Pagi yang dingin menusuk tulang sekejap hilang diimbangi semangat gowes dipagi hari .

Tak lama berselang, matahari menyeruak ikut meramaikan suasana B2W pagi ini. Satu, dua, tiga bikers sudah mulai bergowes bersama dan sampai akhirnya sampai di Darmasaba - Bali (Posko bikers berkumpul). Sambil menanti bikers lain yang belum datang, kami semua melepas penat dan memeriksa kondisi sepeda.

Tak lama kemudian, tampak dari kejauhan bikers lain datang beserta rombongan yang tak kalah banyaknya dengan rombongan yang pertama. Tetapi ada sesuatu yang tidak biasa dari rombongan itu ... kami semua saling menduga-duga ... siapa itu?

Selamat bergabung!!! ujar salah satu bikers yang dikenal sebagai Kolonel-nya sepeda. Ternyata kami kedatangan anggota baru yang akan menambah daftar bikers JH-B2W. Demam sepeda memang belakangan ini menyeruak seiring tingginya tingkat polusi kota dan meningkatkan harga BBM. Tak heran B2W merupakan salah satu alternatif terbaik saat ini untuk membentuk pola hidup sehat dan sederhana.

Akhirnya kami semua melanjutkan perjalanan menuju Mambal-BALI untuk menyelesaikan rute rutin pagi hari setiap Selasa dan Jumat menuju tempat kami bekerja, PT. Karya Tangan Indah. Waktu menunjukkan pukul 6.45 dan bikers siap untuk bergowes lagi.

Tak terasa 25 menit berselang tibalah rombongan bikers tepat pukul 7.10 di parkiran kantor. Semua bikers sibuk menyusun sepeda dengan rapi dan saling mengikat sepeda satu dengan yang lainnya. Luar biasa!!! Satu kata yang pantas diberikan kepada bikers yang dengan semangat tinggi tak kenal lelah mengayuh sepeda sepanjang kurang lebih 25 km tanpa mengeluh dan tetap ceria.

Bike Riding for Exercise

Are you looking for a way to lose weight and get in shape? Consider riding your bike. Bicycling is a great way to raise the heart rate and see the world from another level.

Whether you choose an actual bicycle or a stationary one, cycling works the entire body. And, best of all, cycling is fun. You can do it any time of the day all year round. You’ll change your clothing for comfort but bicycles are durable and can withstand being out in both cold and hot weather.

What specifically does cycling do for your body?

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. When you choose an exercise to perform, you want to know if it will actually help you. There’s nothing worse than spending your time and sweat with zero results.

1. Riding a bicycle is easy to stick with.

When it comes to regular exercise, you want an activity that you can get behind for the long haul. Cycling does that. You can ride your bike around the neighborhood with family or in the park alone. If you work close to where you live, ride your bike to work in good weather. Because bike riding is versatile, riding one increases the amount of exercise you do on a daily or weekly basis.

2. Cycling builds leg muscle.

We all have been told that muscle burns more calories than fat. Biking up a hill or choosing a harder gear on flat ground puts most of the work of moving the bike on your quadriceps and hamstring muscles. You will also feel a burn in the calf (gastrocnemius) muscles. That burning will be hard to handle at first but as you get into cycling, your muscles will adjust.

3. Cycling works the abdominal muscles.

For exercise, any piece of equipment that has the potential to lead to a flat tummy is a jewel. Riding a bike is about balance. You realized that the first time you hopped on one. Maintaining your balance requires you to hold your stomach muscles tight. Also, bikes are designed with posture and alignment in mind. The longer you ride the stronger you will get.

4. It is a family activity.

Obesity has become an epidemic in youth. Kids are notorious for starting and stopping something when they get bored. Bike riding can even stop their boredom. Take a ride after dinner or on the weekends. You can bike and talk at the same time to have a lively conversation while you burn calories.

Like walking, bike riding is another exercise that can be done alone or with a group. It is easy to begin and fun to stick with. By riding your bicycle consistently you will realize all of these health benefits in a short period of time and you will definitely be glad that you took up this activity.

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