Global Sports: Wisconsin Bike Rides Provide Great Exercise

Monday, June 10, 2013

Wisconsin Bike Rides Provide Great Exercise

By Freida McCall


Wisconsin bike rides are a great experience for nearly any age. Not only do they help improve your fitness level but they are also good for the environment. While many riders are professionals, most people just enjoy touring the scenery and Wisconsin has some of the best scenery around.

Bicycles were first made in the 19th Century but have expanded widely since then. Today nearly a billion people ride bicycles around the world. In fact, this is the primary mode of transportation in many countries. Society benefits as well, since it reduces fossil fuel consumption and traffic congestion.

There also are many benefits for the rider; including the well known health advantages associated with regular exercise. Also, parking is easier, it is easier to maneuver through traffic, and access to roads is much easier. There are also reduced financial costs, especially as the cost of gasoline continues to rise.

Some people ride bikes professionally. In the west, this is primary with racers. Professional riders race both mountain bikes and high performance racing cycles. Some of these competitions provide huge prizes for the winners, for this reason racing organizations put restrictions on both the bicycles and the riders. In other countries, utility bikes are reinforced to ensure they can carry heavier loads.

The scenery and geography in Wisconsin is diverse. It includes highlands as well as low. In fact, 46 percent of the state includes forests. It is quite hot and very humid in the summer but usually stays under 85 degrees F. In the winters it can be extremely cold and typically has around 40 inches of snow every year.

One of the nicest biking trails in the state is the Great River Road Bikeway. This trail runs 250 miles and, while some choose to ride the entire way, some people will choose a smaller area to suit their experience level. Part of the trail runs through the Great River State Trail and other parts run along highways. These include both light and heavy trafficked areas. There are also villages along the route that riders can stop in to buy food or rent a hotel room.

There are risks associated with riding bicycles. One of these involves the risk associated with vehicle drivers on the same roads. Some places have clearly marked bicycle lanes but in many rural areas these do not exist. Other risks include those from poorly fitted seats, overuse by the rider when they are first learning, poor preparation, and choosing a gear that is too high for the hill. These can cause nerve damage or knee injuries. It is important to make sure that you have the correct equipment; such as helmets, shoes with a good grip, and proper lighting.

Wisconsin bike rides are available all over the state. The Department of Tourism supports this and, in fact, they issue a biking guide. It includes a list of trails, mountain bike systems, and road routes. If you do decide to go cycling you should make sure you have the correct equipment and you should also evaluate your experience and fitness level to ensure you have chosen a safe trail.




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