GEAR PROFILE Look ahead If you turn your head and look in the direction you want to go, you’ll instinctively head in that direction. In a similar vein, stopping distances are magnified. So if you don’t spot trouble early, you need to always be one step ahead of the action.
Photo by ©Robert Faubert www.holeriders.com
Stay off your seat and keep your pedals level If you’re off your seat, you can shift weight quickly. As well, keep your pedals level. This prevents them from bottoming out on turns or on rocks and roots. It also lets you bounce and absorb when necessary. Hold on Grip your handlebars securely and use your brakes lightly. It sounds like a contradiction, I know, but when the ride gets bumpy you don’t want to lose control of the bike. But you still need to apply only the correct amount of force on your brakes. This is truly a physically demanding, often overlooked, aspect of riding. Train those forearms. Use the seat and your legs On steeper descents, control the movement of your bike by applying pressure with your inner thighs to bring the rear end of the bike around to one side or the other. This technique is especially useful when you apply the rear brakes, and slide through a steep turn. Following these tips and techniques for getting down steep hills should make your cycling trips more invigorating and less intimidating. In fact, with practice, you should be able to ride with the speed, and not reckless abandon, that makes downhill riding so much fun in the first place.
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O T TAWA O U T D O O R S FA L L
Rack ‘em Up Get the right rack for the occasion
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o you’ve got the bike or kayak or canoe, but it just won’t fit in the trunk. What to do? Before purchasing a vehicle rack, you’ve got several things to consider. First, the rack needs to be relatively easy to use. You don’t want to return from a long day of skiing or snowboarding, with your hands stiff from the cold, and try to load a rack that is difficult to use. Next, make sure the rack you’re purchasing is durable, and will last a long time. Lastly, and most important, make sure the rack will be secure on your roof. Ideally, components should be made from metal – not plastic – so you can lock it up and feel safe leaving your equipment unattended. Also, consider these questions: • How many items do you want to transport (now AND in the future)? Most racks carry at least two bikes or kayaks. Some carry even more. • How frequently do you plan to use the rack? The more use your rack gets, the more rugged, durable, and easily installable it needs to be. Quality racks are stronger and last longer. • For how long a time or over what distances will you be transporting the equipment? Bikes and bike racks left on cars for long periods of time are more likely to get stolen (especially when unlocked), scratched or covered in abrasions. Now let’s take a close look at some sport-specific racks. Ottawa’s local suppliers will help you make the right decision when you’re ready.
Bike Rack
Swagman Twister Fold-Down Rack, Approx. $180 This unique three-bike carrier (which slides into a 2 inch, class three receiver) allows you to add an optional fourth bike cradle. Each cradle adjusts independently, allowing maximum ground clearance by rotating cradles. It comes with integrated cable locks for bikes, and a fold-down foot. As well, it has quick-release, micro-adjustable ratchet straps. Roof Box Rack Thule 676 - Cascade 1100, Approx. $500 This is the perfect size of box; it provides tons of storage room, and still leaves space on your roof rack when you need to carry other gear, like bikes or boats. Special features include: • Smooth aerodynamic design for minimal wind resistance. • Universal mounting design; it attaches to all types of after-market and factory installed roof racks. • Mounts quickly with time-saving, new Variable Quick Mount™ system. No need to adjust load bars when mounting the box. • Easy, single-side opening and closing. • Rugged construction with impact resistant ABS material. • 11 cubic foot capacity. • Carries five to six pairs of skis.
Head over to any of these local outdoor gear stores. Their friendly staff will be able to set you up!
