“Rediscover your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling” FREE at Kindle Store

Hey everyone, and anyone who doesn’t read either of the other blogs, we’re giving away our cycling eBook again over at Mile-Hi Cycle Guy. All you have to do is click on this link, “Rediscover Your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling,”  and it will take you to the Amazon Kindle Store where you can download a free copy of the eBook.

The free download is only available for three days, from January 2nd through January 4th.

Helpful information for New and Returning Cyclists in this FREE Cycling eBook

If you or someone you know received a new bike for Christmas, this little book will be a big help to them – especially if they are new to cycling, or returning to cycling after a long time away from a bike. I wish I’d had a book with the information that this one has when I returned to cycling 4 1/2 years ago. I would have made many fewer mistakes with the choices I made at the time!

Since we just transitioned into a New Year, it seemed like the perfect time to offer the book for free again, like we did last summer. I mean, how many people, kids and adults alike, get new bikes for Christmas? This eBook makes a perfect complement to a new bike, especially when it’s FREE!

So, if you know anyone who likes free stuff, tell them about this. Even if they don’t actually ride, they may be thinking about starting and they very likely know someone who does ride. We want to give these books to everyone we can!

Later

MHCG Cycling eBook on Sale for Just 99¢

On sale now, and for a Limited Time, at the Amazon Kindle Store Rediscover Your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling, the eBook we created for beginning and returning cyclists over at Mile-Hi Cycle Guy. We put it ON SALE in time for Christmas giving!

This is one of my favorite reviews, not only because it is so complimentary, but also because it came from a friend I haven’t seen in decades.

“Thorough yet brief and easy-to-read…Increased knowledge for shopping wisely; better understanding of types of bikes available; good pointers about safety and cycling-related, off-bike exercise … I recommend it whole-heartedly! This book should be read – and re-read – as much as necessary, especially before shopping and buying things – by anyone who is a novice about riding, or anyone who may have interest in using a bicycle more often for a variety of purposes … It helped a great deal to see the must-haves, should-haves, and “cools” as far as what to buy and own for maximum riding enjoyment and safety, and to understand more clearly which are which.”-Martin “Tex” Maier, Houston, TX

Here is an excerpt from the Must-Haves Section of the book, mentioned by “Tex” …

“What Are Your Bicycle Necessities: 7 Must-Haves for Enjoyable Cycling

There are certain necessities, besides a bicycle, required for a consistently safe, comfortable, enjoyable cycling experience. By being prepared for any eventuality, you can make every ride a joy, even when something goes wrong!

Hydration … Hydration is critical to an enjoyable cycling experience. A simple water bottle, with bottle cage attached to the bike frame, provides a convenient source of water. Many, if not most, bikes will have two cage mounting positions, called braze-ons, where two water bottles may be carried; perhaps one would contain water to keep you hydrated, while the other might contain something like Gatorade, to provide other vital fluids and electrolytes.

Tube/Tire Repair … Experiencing a flat tire while far from home is no fun at all, however, being able to repair the flat quickly, or replace the tube, can salvage an enjoyable ride. Just remember this; if you actually use your bicycle – you will get a flat tire … so, be prepared with a basic repair kit … including an inflation device (e.g., a pump or CO2 inflator). These need not be expensive but are critical to consistent, enjoyable riding.

For more Cycling Tips, visit us at: Mile Hi Cycle Guy

Wedge Pack … Having a convenient place to carry your tools will also make your ride more fun. Putting your tools in your pockets can be uncomfortable, while a small bag tucked beneath the seat makes carrying tools, your ID, some emergency cash, and your cell phone convenient, but won’t interfere with bike handling. 

Helmet … Surprisingly, the debate over whether or not to wear a helmet while cycling is a very contentious one. We say this, for children … ABSOLUTELY ALWAYS wear a helmet. For adults … wear a helmet MOST OF THE TIME. In some states a helmet is required by law. Where it is not, I recommend this … anytime you ride in the street you should be wearing a helmet. This is why it is under our “must-haves” list.

Shoes … Cycling shoes are designed to aid in the transfer of power from legs to pedals; from pedals to cranks; from cranks to drive train; from drive train to rear wheel. They are supremely well suited to this purpose. However, they can also be quite expensive. A good quality comfortable shoe, with a stiff sole, can accomplish much the same thing for the novice or returning cyclist.

Clothing … Riding in comfort will also, of course, make the cycling experience much more enjoyable. Cycling-specific clothing is, again, very well designed to enhance the cycling experience. Once more, however, these items can be pricey. Athletic clothing, clothing designed to wick perspiration away from the body, can be worn just as comfortably for cycling; without being prohibitively expensive.

Another quick thought about helmets and cycling…

I am a huge proponent of freedom of choice and independence. In fact, I oppose mandatory helmet laws for both cyclists and motorcyclists. I believe that adults have the right to make the choice for themselves so, why do I so strongly advocate the use of helmets when riding a bicycle? After all, a helmet will do little or nothing to protect you if you are hit by a two-ton truck, right?

Quite simply, I recommend the use of a helmet because cyclists fall down – a lot – and a helmet will help protect you from serious injury when you fall from your bike. That’s it.”

 An eBook is a great way to stuff a stocking electronically and now, for just 99¢, you can give a great little gift to the beginning or returning cyclist in your family. Just choose the “Give as a Gift” button on the Kindle Store Page and enter their email address and, within minutes, they’ll receive their copy of Rediscover Your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling.

If you would be so kind, after you’ve read the book, please return to the Kindle store and write a review.We live for feedback.

Later

Lance Armstrong vs. USADA

USADA vs. Lance Armstrong – The “Reasoned Decision”

Well, I’ve read the whole damn thing, all 202 pages last evening and, it is damning. It is virtually impossible to argue against the conclusion that Armstrong and his teams were using PEDs over a protracted period of successful racing. As a result, I find I must reevaluate my opinion of Armstrong and many other cyclists I have held in high esteem for years. Admittedly, that is a difficult thing to do.

However, it must also be said that the Reasoned Decision from USADA, while damning, is also thoroughly peppered with hearsay and editorial commentary as opposed to factual reporting; as well as a variety of self-serving statements and claims which are completely inappropriate to the purpose of the Decision. In many ways, the Decision reads more like an editorial than as a factual report, and I find this highly offensive.

Further, it must also be said that, while it is true that these men cheated, they were and are some of the most talented, dedicated, and committed athletes in the history of sport. No athlete works harder than a professional cyclist and, while their actions were reprehensible, the win-at-all-costs culture of the period in question had a powerful effect on virtually every rider at the top levels of the sport. As a result, it seems to me, there is plenty of blame to be shared throughout the world of professional cycling during this time.

If it is true, as Jonathan Vaughters has said, that doping was the most effective way to get that last 2% of performance out of each team member, then their natural talent was already beyond belief, and it is truly awful that these incredible athletes felt the need to cheat to achieve that little bit extra.

Many professionals, in all areas of human endeavor, have made the choice to go beyond what is reasonable and acceptable behavior in the pursuit of excellence and success. These men are not unique in this. The changing of the culture in professional cycling today is admirable, and I hope it will be successful.

Now, to help me process my disappointment and refocus my mind, I am going to go for a ride on my bike.

Later

 

Free Cycling eBook Promo is Going Great!

Yesterday was quite a day, what with the Great Kindle eBook Experiment under way.

This is the first time we’ve tried this and the numbers are gratifying. The book, Rediscover Your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling, went from a ranking of #4375 yesterday morning, to #691 this morning – that is out of more than 50,000 free Kindle eBooks at Amazon! And, we remain #1 in the Cycling category.

For an obscure little cycling book, in such a specialized category, by an unkown author – ME – that sounds pretty good. Don’t you agree?

To the more than 300 folks who’ve downloaded our little book – Thank You. We very much appreciate your interest. If you would be so kind, after you’ve read the book, please return to the Kindle store and write a review.We live for feedback.

Here is a little taste of the book…

5 Tips for Buying the Perfect Bicycle

Riding a bike is a great way to spend time with family or friends, or to get to work, or run errands, while at the same time getting some great exercise. Why doesn’t everyone ride a bicycle nowadays? For one, they are intimidated when it comes time to buy a bicycle. Here are five helpful tips for choosing the perfect bike for you.

Where will you be riding your bike? This question gets the ball rolling. There are bike shops, fitness stores and department stores all carrying bikes, but just a few main types of bikes: mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, and cruiser bikes. How often you will ride and the route you choose determines the best type of bicycle for you.

How tall are you? This factor is important because a short person doesn’t want to have a bike that will cause them to hit the crossbar, or top tube, every time they try to stop the bike. A bike that is the wrong size for you can mean cramped legs and sore knees or stretched muscles. For the answer to this question, you’ll actually have to sit on a bike, or at least stand over one, to check for clearance.

Ride a bike. Don’t let the first bike you ride be the one you purchase from the store. Try different models and types or, ask a bike riding friend to borrow their bike to “test drive,” in advance. Most bike shops will also rent you a bike. Try a couple of different types, if you like, to see how they handle and feel.

Buy the best bike you can afford the first time. In a recession especially, people have the tendency to stay on the cheap side. However, there are some things that don’t pair well with “cheap.” A bike and a car fall into that category. You will be riding this bike alone or perhaps with a carrier for your child. You want to know that you can depend on your bike to keep you safe while you ride. You don’t have to spend a thousand bucks to get a good bike, but try to get all the features you need for the best possible price. However, as with most things, you get what you pay for when you buy a bike.

Visit a bike shop for advice. When you want to know something you go to the experts. Those who sell bikes for a living know about bikes. Go to your local bike shop (LBS) first to get sized for a bike, to learn the type of bike you need, and find out all the nuances of bike riding. You might decide not to buy a bike from a specialty shop because of the price, but you will now be armed with the knowledge to choose a bike from another source without feeling as if you’ve been “taken for a ride.”

 There is more to cycling than just riding a bike. That’s the easy part. Choose your bike wisely to get the greatest value and enjoyment for your money.”

Later

FREE eBook on Bicycles and Cycling this Weekend! from Mile-Hi Cycle Guy

As a way to celebrate the Big Bicycle Race in Colorado this week, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, I have decided to offer the new Kindle version of my cycling eBook for FREE.

The book may be downloaded, free of charge, for the final weekend of the race, beginning Friday, August 24th through Sunday, August 26th. You could really help me kick off this promotion for the book if you could tell as many people as possible about this free download. Here is the link to the FREE Kindle Download: Rediscover Your Joy with Bicycles and Cycling.

The book is a great way to help your friends and family get started or return to cycling, with everything you, or they, need to know to begin riding and enjoying a bike. Learn what, and how, to ride with joy today.

As children, the ability to experience joy was a constant in our lives. As adults, we tend to lose this sense of joy. Cycling renews this ability, allowing a sense of freedom and joy unlike virtually any other activity available to us in today’s high-tech, high stress world.

The almost childish rush of freedom and pleasure which is inherent to cycling makes it easy to enjoy, and continue enjoying, regardless of whether we ride simply for pleasure, or for a purpose; such as, commuting to work, running errands, exercise, racing or for any other reason. Exercise with a purpose can be one of the most rewarding motivations for regular riding. Cycling to work while burning excess calories, for instance, is its own reward.

Here are a few reviews from others who’ve already sampled the book:

“Good information.  Lots of good information, covers a wide range of topics. Just what I was looking for to help me get back into the sport.” – by Darryl, Colorado

“Not just a fluff piece about riding bicycles. What I liked most about this book is that it isn’t just a lot of fluff and touchy-feely about riding bicycles. This includes the basic maintenance things you need to think about, as well as what clothing and accessories you should get to make your riding experience so much more enjoyable, and general rules of sharing the road with cars. I love the chapters about the health and fitness benefits and what cycling does for you. Hats off to the author for taking the time to explain what is important.” – By Andrea Kalli, Colorado

“Thorough yet brief and easy-to-read…Increased knowledge for shopping wisely; better understanding of types of bikes available; good pointers about safety and cycling-related, off-bike exercise…I recommend it whole-heartedly! This book should be read – and re-read as much as necessary, especially before shopping and buying things – by anyone who is a novice about riding, or anyone who may have interest in using a bicycle more often for a variety of purposes…It helped a great deal to see the must-haves, should-haves, and “cools” as far as what to buy and own for maximum riding enjoyment and safety, and to understand more clearly which are which.”–Martin “Tex” Maier, Houston, TX

Thanks for your help, and I will let you know how we did when the promotion is finished!

Later

Update – for anyone who’s interested…

Hey y’all…

Sorry I haven’t been posting lately. I’ve just been too busy with the new business, SEO Writer Pro. I guess that’s a good thing, right?

I’ve also been neglecting Mile-Hi Cycle Guy, even though we’ve been pretty busy with bike service and bike builds too.

I now have 14 regular clients for SEO Writer Pro. I’ve been writing like crazy for the past couple of months, generating copy for a podiatrist, a therapist, and a few virtual assistants; as well as Realtors, lawyers, management consultants, and web designers. The range of subjects has been amazing. The types of content, from blog posts and articles to website page copy has been challenging.

It’s also been fun, and quite profitable.

The bike season kicked into high gear early this year, thanks to a very warm month of March. Unfortunately, this means I have not been riding much at all. I put on some pounds this winter, now I have to get in the saddle and re-lose them. Yuck!

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for me to keep acquiring clients and new business. I need a new bike!

Later

In a winter wonderland – again…

Good old Colorado weather…it’s playing with us again.

Yesterday it was bright and sunny, with a high in the mid-50s. It was a beautiful day. Today, the forecast is for a high of 22°, with snow. As you can see, the snow has already begun.

No riding for me today!!!

Cleared a path for Darryl’s truck this morning.

A winter wonderland?

It looks like I’ll be breaking out “The Beast” later today. The last couple of times we had snow, all we had to do was shovel it. Today though, I’m going to need the snow blower. It does move a lot of snow, but that machine can provide a real workout too.

Wish me luck…

Later