Cycling

Follow this Bike Tune-Up Checklist Before your Next Ride

Follow this Bike Tune-Up Checklist Before your Next Ride

What's the one thing that cycling enthusiasts dread? Having to take your trusty steed into a shop for a tuneup after not riding it for a while. The thought of having your bike out of commission, stuck in the garage collecting dust, is enough to make the most hardcore cyclist shudder. So whether you are an occasional rider or cycling fanatic, follow this tuneup checklist before your next ride.

Best Pre and Post Cycling Food

Best Pre and Post Cycling Food

While it is true that cycling or doing any other cardio workout on an empty stomach can burn major calories, it can also result in a lower intensity workout that may not yield the results you’re looking for. Whether you bike to compete, for weight loss or to live a healthier lifestyle, it is very important to make sure your body is fueled both before and after your ride. Here are a few suggestions for both pre and post workout snacks.

5 Bike-Themed Valentine Gifts For That Special Someone

5 Bike-Themed Valentine Gifts For That Special Someone

Some people are hard to shop for, and some people are just terrible at giving gifts. I’m definitely the latter. It’s easy to over think things and stress about if the person is going to like what you get them, especially when it comes to new romance. You want to get it right for that special someone so they know you truly see them. If you’re like me (and even if you’re not) and you have a cyclist in your life that you need to shop for, then this list is for you! 

Biking Around Austin: The Best Trails for Bikers of All Levels

Biking Around Austin: The Best Trails for Bikers of All Levels

Austin is home to some of the most beautiful bike trails in the country. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging workout, there's a trail for you - and your friends.

Travel Tips to Plan Your First Bike Tour in Austin

Travel Tips to Plan Your First Bike Tour in Austin

If you’re planning your first bike tour in Texas, there are some things you need to consider. Here are 5 tips to help you plan your first bike tour in the ATX.

10 Father's Day Gifts for the Cyclist in your Life

Do you want to show your dad how much you care this Father’s Day? While there are plenty of inexpensive ways to do that, such as experiences (like one of our unique bike tours) or just spending time together, gifts are always nice too. We’ve curated a list of some of our favorite bike-inspired gifts for dad.

The easiest road to go down is a subscription box. Why yes, there are even boxes for cyclists! The Rider Box has an assortment of products that any cyclist will love, from snacks to deodorant, they’ve got you covered. Each box sent will be full of different products but will contain just the right nutrition and gear to get the cyclist in your life riding happily.

This bike shop tote bag is ideal for the cyclist who has a few things to drag along with them on their next ride. Though, for the cyclist who has much more to carry, a custom satchel might be a better choice.  

Does the cyclist in your life love art? This metal bicycle wall decor would look good on any wall, from the vivacious common area to the intimate bedroom. If that’s not so much your style, this style of unique decor might peak your interest. A custom cartoon portrait is always a win.

Is the cyclist in your life also a beer lover? We assume so if you’re here with us :) This bicycle bottle opener is perfect for the beer (or even just soda) lover in your life. Small enough to take on rides, it won’t weigh anyone down.

Does the cyclist in your life prefer more practical gifts? While the Rider Box and bags are definitely practical, maybe they’d prefer some safety gear. Osloch makes a great bike lock holder that has a 5-star rating on Google. This Kryptonite bike lock on Amazon is rated 4.5 stars with over 2,700 reviews. Another great practical gift is the rearview mirror cycling glove. If cycling in a busy area, especially with car traffic, it can be very helpful to have eyes everywhere.

6 Tips for Effective Muscle Recovery After Cycling

6 Tips for Effective Muscle Recovery After Cycling

Cycling can be tough on your body, especially on your hips and legs. It’s important to allow those muscles to recover properly. Moreover, it’s important to note that muscles don’t actually develop while you’re cycling, but during the next few hours that they’re resting.

5 Reasons To Plan A Bicycle Adventure With Your Group This Year

5 Reasons To Plan A Bicycle Adventure With Your Group This Year

Have you noticed that cycling holidays and tours are becoming ever more popular? Over the past two decades, cities all around the world have introduced affordable bike-sharing schemes to cope with the increased demand. And if you check out the list of most popular activities and tours in a city like Austin, Texas, on TripAdvisor, you’ll find bike tours near the top of the list. 5 reasons to plan a bicycle adventure with your group this year.

How to Keep Your Bike Safe

How to Keep Your Bike Safe

As most of you know, we had several bikes stolen from our headquarters recently. We were very lucky to recover eight thanks to social media. In lieu of this, we wanted to share some tips and some products that can help you keep your bike safe.

6 Reasons Why Bike Tours Are Perfect For Corporate Events

6 Reasons Why Bike Tours Are Perfect For Corporate Events

Team building has a very important place in a business’ cultural and operational fabric. It’s an integral way to build trust amongst employees, teach conflict resolution, and encourage communication and collaboration. Here are 6 reasons why your next team building activity, off site or corporate event should be a bike tour!

Top 7 Podcasts to Listen To While Biking

Everyone has different ways of staying motivated during long workouts. Some people choose a custom music playlist full of their favorite tunes, others listen to audiobooks and some prefer to run or bike without headphones and concentrate on the sounds of nature. But I’ve found something else that can really do the trick of not only getting motivated but also staying that way: a good podcast.

By now, you’ve surely heard of podcasts, even if you don’t personally listen to them. There are literally thousands to choose from and everyone from comedians to scientists to your neighbor, Joe, seems to have one. Finding the right podcast can be daunting, which is why I’ve created a list of the best podcasts to listen to for those long, or even short, bike rides. Ranging from the news, true crime, comedy and health, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

TED TALKS DAILY

The famous TED Talks videos now offer daily talks from previous conferences, each lasting around and average of 15-20 minutes each. With a vast array of subjects like technology, health and wellness, business, politics, and psychology, these talks are a great way to distract your mind from tired legs while learning something in return.

 

THIS AMERICAN LIFE

Probably one of the more well known podcasts, This American Life is a weekly show that changes theme and stories each time. Running an hour long per episode, the podcast sends listeners on emotional roller coasters full of humor, plot twists and some of the craziest stories you won’t believe are all true.

 

THE DOLLOP

Comedian Dave Anthony spends an hour and a half each week telling a story from (mostly) American history to his friend in the most hilariously educational way possible. The two men spend equal time asking questions and mocking each other in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the room, laughing a long with them. After each week, you’ll find yourself asking “how have I never heard of that before?” And then telling all your friends about it afterwards.

 

SERIAL

An investigative journalism podcast, Serial first rose to fame when it shone light on a murder case from 1999 and had everyone talking. Now featuring three seasons, each covering a different story, Serial is a podcast that will keep you wanting more and on the edge of your bike seat.

 

MY FAVORITE MURDER

One of the most popular true crime podcasts to blow up in the last couple of years features two women, Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff, taking turns each telling a story of murder and crime, mixed in with a bit of comedy. Not for the easily offended, My Favorite Murder touches on topics of abuse, mental health, and the psychology behind true crime all while reminding listeners that they are comedians first and, in no way, experts in the matter.

 

ASK A CYCLING COACH

A podcast created by the cycling app TrainerRoad, Ask A Cycling Coach is a weekly podcast where the hosts answer listeners’ questions about cycling and triathlon trainings. Great for anyone looking for some more insight to becoming a better, healthier and faster cyclist.

 

SHREDED BY SCIENCE

Ever wondered whether you should do cardio before or after lifting weights? Or more personally, why all that cardio makes you gassy? Be prepared to get some weird looks, as this podcast will have you laughing out loud while you ride. SBS features fitness gurus, experts and personal trainers who discuss real-world fitness problems in a light-hearted yet scientific approach.

What are some of your favorite podcasts? Tell me below (I love finding new things to litsen to!)

The Rules of the Road For Bike Riders in Austin

The Rules of the Road For Bike Riders in Austin

Here's a comprehensive list of safety tips and bike laws that could affect your day-to-day, whether you're a bike rider who's only visited Austin a few times or a proud Austinite.

3 Reasons Cycling is Good for Your Health

3 Reasons Cycling is Good for Your Health

Most people think of riding a bike as just a leisurely activity. Some do it for sport (like when you see the pack of cyclists riding on the side of the road, training for the next ride.) But a lot of people don't know much about the health benefits cycling actually provides. 

Best Biking Trails in the Hill Country

Best Biking Trails in the Hill Country

The Texas hill country offers some of the most scenic routes around with no shortage of wildflowers, lakes, parks and wildlife.