Tag Archive 'sports'

Aug 31 2010

Profile Image of Keith Rejino
Keith Rejino

SoCal MTB Racing - Elings Park

Filed under mountain biking

[youtube:82DzpLZ547I?fs=1;[link:Elings Park SoCal Mountain Bike Racing_Dreamscape Images];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82DzpLZ547I?fs=1&feature=related]The pale gray sky reminded me of the east coast, not the beautiful horizon of Santa Barbara. Some local hikers trekked up the path and I asked what happened to the California weather. They reminded me it was June glum; the weather condition occurring mostly in June when the fog rolls into the California coastline to paint a dreary scenery.

Today, the beneficiaries of June glum were the Cat 3 riders at the Elings Park mountain bike race. The cool weather was sure to keep dehydration problems to a minimum. For the late Cat 1 starters, that was not the case as the sun pierced the morning fog by midday.

The Elings Park mountain bike event is one of the largest in the area and sure to remind people that Santa Barbara is one of the premier places in California to take a trip with the family. With its lush green hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s a good idea to bring a camera along for the memories.

To capture some speed in motion, I decided to bring out the video camera today. With its mix of single track trails and fire roads on a multi-lap course with plenty twist and turns, there would be many opportunities to capture some good footage.

With the hills on this course, a solid warm-up is mandatory. Shortly after the start of the race…you are going vertical. The race is made up of fire roads and single track trails, which climb to the top of Elings Park before descending. During the second lap near the beginning, the course turns off from the first lap trail and tackles plenty of winding trails and U-Turns to the top.

After capturing some video and still images, I found an excellent shooting position on the second lap ascent. The day was going as planned. So far, I had not fallen down any hills with my camera gear. Later in the day, I realized the day was still young.

The Cat 1 and 2 riders looked strong as the sun welcomed the riders with high 70 degree temperatures. My goal today was to capture these mountain bikers at close range so I climbed the hills surrounding the course to find the best angle and the heart beat of this race. After slipping down a few hills, I managed to create some serious ventilation in my clothing - an eight inch rip in my jeans from the crotch down the pant leg. Thankfully, anyone coming my way only cared about one thing going fast.

The MTB racers were given a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean once they climb to the top of the course. However, with the winding trails, the view was short lived.

Deep in some bushes with the winding, single track trail looping around me, I managed to find a good shooting point where I could capture the MTB competitors riding the twisting trail in front of me.

After capturing a few riders and satisfied I got the footage necessary, I managed to checkout my surroundings. It was at that moment that I realized one of the disadvantages of being in the zone. There I stood with an eight inch tear down my pant leg surrounded by poison ivy! The Elings Park mountain bike race will always hold a special memory for me. It reminded me that I too have to watch the path in front of me.

If you are looking for a great race to take the family for a few days, the Elings Park mountain bike race is one of the best. Put together by Team Big Bear, the race is sure to challenge your mountain bike fitness level.

Staying on the trail is highly recommended.

Keith Rejino is a sports photographer for Dreamscape Images, a personal trainer, triathlete and MTB rider. His Socal Mountain Bike website provides mountain bike event coverage, training and sports nutrition tips for the mountain biker. For more mountain bike event coverage, check out Dreamscape Images MTB site.

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Jun 11 2010

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Gregory Graham

Underwater Pictures

Filed under Digital Camera

Some of the most stunning pictures you will create are actually pictures captured while you’re underwater. The environment will be completely different from what you will find on land. As such, underwater camera is considered as some of the best creation ever by outdoor enthusiast.

Aside from recreational purposes, underwater digital camera is also essential to the work of marine biologist and scientist for research and study purposes. Please bear in mind that an underwater camera is not created equally like a waterproof camera!

The difference with an underwater camera and a waterproof one is that the waterproof camera cannot withstand the pressure when submerging, as such a waterproof one is only meant to withstand water, not pressure unlike the dedicated underwater digital camera.

So if you are looking to take picture while you’re submerged in the sea, you will need an underwater camera, whereas waterproof camera is sufficient to be used around the pool.

That said, if you are not a marine biologist or scientist which spends a lot of time underwater, you might not need to invest in such expensive equipment just yet. Underwater casing for your digital camera can actually help do the same as an underwater camera, this is a cheaper alternative for those who do not spend too much time underwater, and they too can withstand pressure.

Using these casing can help turn your digital camera into equipment that can withstand heavy pressure associated with submerging underwater.

Here are some underwater pictures shooting tips:

You need to know that the deeper you dive, the less light will be available and as such it can really affect the quality of the pictures you take underwater. What you can do to compensate a lack of light is to adjust your white balance, as it can help give you more lights and provide you with more natural colors when you’re diving deep.

Another thing you can help improve your pictures underwater is to use external flash instead of your internal camera flash. Using an internal flash will most likely result in white particles in your picture because it does not flash the area beforehand like what you will find in an external flash.

You also want to make sure that after every dive, you immediately remove the salt water from your equipments. The salinity in saltwater can deteriorate the quality and durability of your equipments if you do not do wash them away with freshwater.

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May 30 2010

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Jason Iamin

The Best Mountain Bikes Must Have The Following

Filed under mountain biking

Finding the best mountain bike isn’t as hard as you may think, but there are some things to look at that will help you to make a better educated decision. While not comprehensive, the following six points should be considered when looking for the best mountain bike.

Best Mountain Bike Six Points: 1. Price 2. Frame 3. Brakes 4. Shifters 5. Tires 6. Size/Fit

Price: There are mountain bikes that can cost you $4,000 to $5,000 for a top of the line bike with all the bells and whistles. For one of the best mountain bikes ridden competitively you can expect to pay upwards of $10,000. Have a price in mind when you decide to start looking for a new mountain bike. If you are willing to spend between $400 and $800 you can get a really good mountain bike. If you don’t have at least that much then you can always go and get a cheapo from your local big chain store. The problem with this is that for the most part you will be changing parts rather quickly and the cost of that cheap mountain bike is no longer cheap.

Frame: It would suffice it to say that the best mountain bikes have the best frames. With today’s technology you can expect the frame to last a long time. They are light weight and very durable. Most of the frames you will find are made out of aluminum but there are some that are carbon fiber. For the sake of this article and your price range lets assume you will be getting the aluminum frame. One consideration would be whether to get a hardtail or not. The hardtail frame has no rear suspension. This will make for a very rigid mountain bike and is better suited for more flat ground riding. if you are going to be getting aggressive on the trails you may want to opt for a full suspension bike that will help absorb impact of a rough terrain.

Brakes: Disk brakes are found on most of the best mountain bikes. You will still find that some people prefer the rim brakes because they are lightweight. The problem is that the rim brakes don’t perform very well in wet weather. If I has a choice I would always opt for the disk brakes.

To read the rest of the article please checkout my site at The Best Mountain Bikes and take a look at our picks for the best mountain bikes and their prices. My favorite is the Diamondback Mountain Bike but the Smith and Wesson is a close second.

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May 29 2010

Profile Image of Keith Rejino
Keith Rejino

California Golden State Mountain Bike Championship In Fontana

Filed under mountain biking

Beads of sweat poured down my face as I trekked up the sloped hill looking for the best photo shoot location. I was back shooting sports again after my short sabbatical. Today’s photo shoot was at the California Golden State Championship mountain bike event in Fontana, CA on May 15th.

The cross country mountain bikers flying down the rocky trail on the multi-lap course I’d seen before, or at least, most of them. Today, I preferred to shoot the MTB riders looking good on the downhill portion of the course. A race volunteer advised that most of the mountain bikers were walking up the tough uphill portion.

This was the third race in a four event series put on by SRC and major sponsor Kenda. With the Fontana sun blaring down, it was a reminder that the next SRC summer event in August would be more challenging for these mountain bike riders.

The multi-lap course was a mixture of rolling fire roads and single track trails with one major climb and descent. Near the top of the course on the big downhill section, the mountain bikers navigated an almost 90 degree turn before shooting down the rocky fire trail. Many of the MTB riders smiled for the camera, but after the first few laps, most had no energy for a pose.

David Santos captured 1st place in the XC mountain bike race in 1:29:07 with 2nd and 3rd place going to Griffith Vertican and Garnet Vertican in 1:34:07 and 1:41:05, respectively. For the women’s race, Heather Rose took 1st place and a fourth overall finish against the men in 1:53:12.

For the women’s downhill competition, Gabriela Williams captured 1st with Kelly Damschen taking 2nd place. In the men’s division, David Klaassen VanOorschot was the fastest of the day with Rich Houseman and Ryan Egusquiza picking up the 2nd and 3rd place slots.

Heather Rose, the women’s XC mountain bike winner, captured another victory in the women’s Super D. The men’s division leaders were Ryan Equsquiza in 1st followed by Eric Bierman in 2nd place.

For Mountain Bike Information, check out Keith Rejino’s website at Dreamscape Images mountain bike website for mental training tip, mtb news and sport nutrition guidelines.

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May 07 2010

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David Strife

Areas In The United States Where People Like To Go Mountain Biking

Filed under mountain biking

Looking for a way to unwind while exploring new parts of the country? Try a mountain biking tour. Many companies offer mountain biking tours, complete with scenic routes and accommodations. Couples looking for a way to explore the country together will get a lot of out these tours.

From major mountain trails to lesser known trails with hills and rough terrain, mountain bikers will find great adventure in biking trails in each and every region in America.

Some of the most popular mountain biking regions include the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast. States such as North Carolina have many scenic trails.

While the American West area has long been a popular place for mountain biking vacations, many people are beginning to explore the Southwest area as well!

If you are going to be in the Southwest, be sure to check out the South Boundary Trail of New Mexico, the Flume Trail of Nevada, and the Piney Canyon Road in Arizona.

While these trails are over 20 miles long, even new mountain bikers will enjoy them. You can ride as much of the trail as you want to. There is no pressure, for example, to complete the 50 miles of rough terrain at Piney Canyon.

Some of my personal favorites are in the Pacific Northwest. Surveyor’s Ridge in Oregon, Mount Tamalpais in California, and the Methow Trail System in Washington are both beautiful and relaxing while offering a challenging workout.

Mountain biking is a great sport and can make for an even better vacation. Both challenging and relaxing, it is a great vacation for couples, families, or groups. You’ll create life-long memories as you challenge both your mind and your body. Gather a group of family members, neighbors or old friends and set out on an adventure you’ll never forget! You may just decide to make this an annual tradition with your loved ones!

Refer to more educational articles created by this same writer dealing with products including stretching carpets and commercial carpet squares.

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Apr 09 2010

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Dan Goulski

Bike Accessories: 5 Gadgets for the Road

Filed under mountain biking

Whether you ride competitively or just for enjoyment, we all seem to love gadgets on our bicycles. Some items offer extra convenience and some a bike rider should not be without. Here are our top 5 bicycling gadgets.

The extra items you put on your bicycle will depend on how you ride your bike. Are you a hard-core rider, going on trails for hours at a time? Or do you just ride for an hour here and there at a leisurely pace?

1. Bike rack

If you want to explore different locations, you’ll need some way to get your bike there besides riding it. Your bike rack needs to be able to carry more than one bike especially if you ride with family. For competitors, you can bring a spare bike for practice or in case of problems. What you are looking for is one that secures the bikes without too much wiggling of the wheels or handlebars. If you choose a rack that sits on top of your car remember the increased height when going under overpasses or through tunnels.

2. Bike computer

Some may think this is excessive, but it really is a handy tool to have if you want to track how far you have ridden. A bike computer can keep track of speed, mileage, elapsed time of the trip, and clock time, among other things. Some computers are more sophisticated than others and track more things.

3. Water Bottle

This comes as a standard on many bicycles today, but if you don’t have one, you need to add it. The first time you take a long drink after a hard ride, you’ll be happy you added it.

4. Pedal Clips

Clips are very useful for keeping your feel from slipping off the pedals. It may seem that this makes it more difficult to stop, especially to a new bike rider, because you have to take your feet out of the clips before putting them down. But in reality, pedal clips make it easier on your feet.

5. Bicycle Panniers

These are bicycle bags that attach to the bike. They are much better than carrying stuff in a backpack because they leave the rider free to concentrate on the ride instead of worrying about the bag shifting and making the rider unbalanced. You can put all kinds of handy things in them such as your phone, a first aid kit, a tool kit for unforeseen repairs, food, and a jacket (you never know when a storm will come up suddenly). Having all this gear on the bike itself allows the rider to just enjoy the ride.

Dan Goulski knows the importance of biking gadgets, such as the cycling water bottle. That’s why he created a site all about it, called http://www.cyclingwaterbottle.org.

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Dec 04 2009

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Monique Mertrandes

Find Your Biking Trail on Breckenridge Mountain

Filed under mountain biking

Mountain biking is very popular in Breckenridge. It is a natural consequence of the presence of various kinds of trails that brings the bikers closer to the stunning views of the mountains. And finding a bike is not a problem - there are a lot of hassle-free rental options.

Gains of Biking Breck: The biking season begins in spring, when the bikers can have their fill of colors wherever they look, as flowers start to bloom and the aspen leaves start budding. When summer comes, mild temperatures and the spectacular view of the mountain continue to create the ideal environment for a full day of biking. Lastly, fall brings its unique charm as the colorful aspen trees turn shimmering yellow to confirm that it is truly fall in Colorado.

Totally Friendly Biking: The wide range of terrain and trails is another major attraction why bikers find their way to Breckenridge. Extreme bikers can get as much challenge as the novice or group riders. For example, taking the Boreas Pass, an undemanding trail that is suitable for biking groups or families, brings bikers to a relaxed and educational trip. Along the way, bikers can stop by and examine the old water tanks or the old rail beds which are part of the historical remains of Breckenridge. Possibly, a trouble-free way to reach Boreas Pass is to leave everything except your bike by the Breckenridge Ice Rink, then embark on the climb to Boreas Pass Road, a wide path that takes riders all the way through the stunning aspen groves.

Gain from Your Pain: For bikers who want to ride to elevated trails, Breckenridge can provide those for them. They can try riding eleven miles to the highest part of Hoosier Pass, which is at the southern end of Breckenridge. The experience is a thrill for riders with the stamina to face the challenge. Bikers have the added thrill of sharing switchbacks with motorists as they persevere to reach the top which is over 11,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, the biker is rewarded by the exceptional view and the thought of conquering the top. No doubt, the combined difficulties from biking with motorists and the sharp elevation gain to Hossier Pass are challenges that only experienced bikers should attempt to try.

Mountain Biking: Perhaps, riding a bike is the best way to have a really good look around Breckenridge Ski Resort. Move toward Peak 9, going to the Beaver Run Resort in order to reach the Burro Trail, a perfect ride to forests and other beautiful part of Breckenridge. It is important to know that from Burro Trail, each turn brings visitors to other scenic places in Breckenridge. For instance, going to Spruce Creek Road is a good starting point to go down the mountain or proceed to McCullough Gulch.

Borrowing is Allowed: Going to Breckenridge can be trouble-free. Travelers need not worry about excess baggage since equipment like mountain bikes and their accessories needed for going to the trails are available at the Breckenridge rental shops. And one can rely on the options offered by Breckenridge rentals to find the right vacation homes, condos or townhomes. Visitors can instead spend more time on the trails or at any desired destination.

Mountain biking brings you to the best places in Breckenridge. So, do not wait any longer. Discover more beautiful places in Breckenridge with your bike.

Breckenridge Mountain Biking: A Trail for Everyone

Having lived in Breckenridge nearly all her life, Monique Mertrandes is a true local who loves seeing visitors get the most of their stay. She writes about everything from Breckenridge Lodging Deals to finding bargains on Breckenridge Vacation Homes.

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Oct 20 2009

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Jack Luna

Shop for Mountain Cycling Shoes With These Thoughts In Mind

Filed under mountain biking

Extreme sports requires special gear. Appropriate bike shoes are the absolute most significant piece in addition to a helmet when riding a mountain bike through grueling terrain.

Historically, the material for this sort of footwear was made from sturdy leather. Later on, it was changed because a good amount of bikes no longer had the toe clip or strap, which is very kind of like the hard rubber found on mountain bike tires.. Tough stuff!

Because the facility in pedaling originates from the ball of the foot, it is only correct for engineers to make certain that the sole is slightly curved and very cushiony and spongy. This is for the reason that there will be times that you will have to get down and carry the bicycle. When this happens, the mountain bike shoes happen to ideal for hiking until such a time which it looks safe to cycle once more.

Astoundingly, this characteristic still makes the pair very durable and will last a few months before being replaced with new ones.

There was even a point in time which mountain biking shoes had laces the same as most sporty footwear. Here were removed later since the lace had a knack of getting wrapped up with the pedal. This single-handedly has caused a lot of undoubtedly avoidable accidents, the laces for that reason had to be replaced with the velcro strap.

Here are a few thoughts that you simply must contemplate when buying a pair of mountain biking shoes.

1. It is important to check on the hardness of the sole. A lot of bike shoe makers say which the kind of material which was utilized in making it makes it more resilient. Not factual. You can ask what material it’s made from but for a biker it ought to be ideally made from carbon.

2. The mountain biking footwear should be each comfortable and breathable. A good amount of bikers can be on the path for more than two hours plus it’s definitely right that the pair purchased is in a position to give you reasonable amount of air flow.

3. The last thing to consider is the shoe’s heaviness. It ought to be lightweight so you will not have a tough time in the future going onward as you journey long distances with the extra weight of your shoes on the journey.

Apart from an excellent pair of shoes, you should additionally get a bike helmet, a jersey, as well as a pair of shorts. Nothing should hinder the biker from bycycling onward especially when pushing uphill.

Every one of these items can be found at a area sporting product store or on the web thus you will be able to join a growing club of folks who also have the will to be close with nature and their bicycle.

Northwave Biking Shoe and Northwave Bicycling Shoes

categories: Bicycling,bicycle,mountain biking,bikes,bicycling,shoes,shoe,sportswear,footwear,extreme sports,sports,recreation,feet,general

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Sep 19 2009

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James Weir

How to become a better rider by knowing information before hand

Filed under mountain biking

Before you plan to go for a mountain biking, you need to be aware of few tips for mountain biking and you need to learn this first and this would make you more knowledgeable and informed beforehand. Mountain biking is after all a extreme sport, and hence it is surely not something which you would like to involve yourself and if you don’t know the important issues.

Mountain Biking Tips

The fore most important tip for mountain biking is simple - do wear a helmet. Some people have the thought that they need not wear a helmet since they are experienced cyclist or talented and this is obvious that it’s not true. No one ever knows when things might go wrong and odds shows that something might go wrong the one time when you go without a helmet for mountain biking.

Specifically since with mountain biking once goes to biking up rough and steep terrains, you have to ensure that you protect your head. After all, your helmet is the one equipment that would most of the times protects your life if things might go wrong.

One more important tip for mountain biking is with regard to hydrating yourself. Especially if you plan to go for a long biking trip, you have to ensure that you get adequate fluids and water along with you so that this helps in keeping your body hydrated properly and prevent you from getting nauseous, dizzy, faint or even worse.

Dehydration is very much a serious concern, and you should keep in mind to get extra water, if you trip may time much longer than you anticipated, you might get lost or get tired and might need to walk a little part of your path for example. You can find so many various scenarios which might happen and hence need to ensure that you are well guarded and prepared for all these as much as you can be.

Another key tip for mountain biking would involve getting the correct equipment and this would include bike, bike gloves, bike shoes and so on. You have to make sure that you would be comfortable and safe enough as much as possible and you would surely appreciate the effort and time you expend in getting the information beforehand you go for a ride.

Considering the above discussed tips seriously you will not only protect yourself better on any of your future rides, but also make sure you become more informed of the thins and become a better rider. It’s never easy to learn so much and hence doing as much research as possible on this topic would only result in you being benefited. Be sure to check and get comfortable bicycle seats.

Read more articles about mountain bike training and cycling available at this web.

Alison Addy is the copywriter of http://www.cyclingmind.com .A focused website that offers the articles on mountain bike training.

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Aug 03 2009

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David DuPont

Biking is Thriving Where Mountain Biking Began: Marin County, CA

Filed under mountain biking

Whatever type of bicycling you prefer ” BMX, Mountain or Road bicycling, Marin is a great place to do it. The terrain popular with BMXers, as well as established biking trails, and paved bike pathways are all found throughout the County. It is quite well known that Marin County was the birthplace of Mountain biking. BMX and Mountain biking aside, the most popular form of biking nowadays is Road bicycling.

Beginning with some history, its interesting to know that well-known BMX biker Billy Savage lived and biked in Marin from 1976 to 1983, but BMX, as a category, isnt as common in Marin as the other types of biking.

Designed for stunts, tricks, and racing on hilly dirt BMX tracks, BMX bicycles have a have a single gear ratio with a freewheel and are built with smaller frames and wheels with wider, treaded tires. They have to be extremely sturdy machines because they take a beating during some extreme sporting events!

When BMX events were part of the 2008 Summer Olympics in China it was clear that BMX had finally arrived. There were events in four different venues, which was a first for the sport. Half of the first six medals in BMX racing ever awarded in the history of the Olympics went to U.S. cyclists.

Mountain biking is rough and tough going and a good day isnt complete without getting at least some mud in your teeth. The Web site www.klunkerz.com provides complete information about each of the individuals who participated in mountain biking in Marin during the 1970s to make it the world-class sport that it is today.

Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher and others converted cruisers and balloon-tire bicycles into machines that could weather any type of road conditions. Mountain biking pioneers did a lot of their biking on downhill trails they carved out around Mount Tamalpais in the 1970s.

Billy Savage recently directed a film about the early days of mountain biking in Marin called Klunkerz. In the process of making his film, what he found fascinating is that all the pioneers are very committed to the bicycle as transportation, and to the ecological and physical benefits of cycling to this day. They gave those old Klunkerz a new life, rescuing them out of trashcans and junkyards. They were reducing, reusing, and recycling long before it was hip to be green. They all continue to live this way in all aspects of their lives.

Road bicycling has become very popular in recent years as the county establishes more bike paths where serious road cyclists can do some serious biking. The Marin County Bicycling Coalition (www.marinbike.org) promotes safe bicycling for everyday transportation and recreation. Marin County is one of only four counties nationwide that are engaged in a federal Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program that promotes road bicycling, particularly commuting. The goal of The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is for 20% of trips in Marin County to be made by walking or bicycling.

All the latest about this and other initiatives underway under the umbrella of this ambitious organization may be found on the MCBC Web site. One of the Web pages has links to a marvelous array of information-packed pages, including:

* (More than) 50 Good Reasons to Bicycle

* Basic Cycling Essentials

* Bike Riding for Fun

* Bicycle Etiquette

* Commuting By Bike

* Bicycle Map of Marin (free when joining the Marin County Bicycling Coalition)

* Riding directions via the North-South Greenway from San Francisco to Petaluma

* Riding over the Golden Gate Bridge

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