Category Archives: Bikes & Cycling

Everything to do with bikes and cycling.

It’s Hunting Season! How to NOT Look Like a Deer When Biking and Hiking

Every year there are unfortunate incidents during hunting season, and this year is no exception. A mountain biker on a popular French trail was shot and killed by a hunter who mistook him for a deer. So do your bit to avoid a similar tragedy, and that does not mean having to stay out of the woods.
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by Tamia Nelson | October 19, 2018

In France, close to the border with Switzerland, a 34-year-old mountain biker was shot dead by a 22-year-old-hunter while the cyclist was riding a popular mountain track. The hunter is reportedly suffering deep shock, and his father claims that the young man mistook the cyclist as a deer. This tragedy is a sober reminder to all cyclists and hikers who take to the trails during hunting season to do what you can to avoid “looking like a deer.” I don’t know of any deer who wear “hunter” or international orange clothing. (I have never seen a deer that rode a bike, either, but that’s another issue.)

Most of the year, I’m … Continue reading »

How to Haul Groceries in a Bike Trailer

Bicycle trailers designed to carry kids works for hauling groceries home, too. Want to know how? Tamia has a few suggestions for you.
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by Tamia Nelson | May 4, 2018

Bicycle Hauling Article on Tamiasoutside.com

For many cyclists, panniers are the preferred method of hauling the load, but for accommodating awkward or heavy loads, it’s hard to beat a bike trailer. Even well designed shopping panniers have their limits before they burst their seams, sag dangerously into the spokes, or overwhelm fasteners or racks and cause a structural failure. They’re also not well adapted to containing awkwardly shaped items like French bread or cases of wine. And there’s no doubt but that loaded panniers alter a bike’s handling. That’s when a bike trailer comes into its own.

The good news is that with a variety of bike trailers to choose from the chances are good of finding a design that fits your budget. Even Big Box retailers sell economical models that are entirely serviceable, even if they don’t sport trophy logos. You might even find a preowned bike trailer in … Continue reading »

Put a Sock in It… Your Toolbox, That Is

This ain’t no sock puppet, nor an expensive piece of high tech equipment, but you can’t beat it for getting the job done.
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by Tamia Nelson | May 4, 2018

If you’re looking for the best rag ever for cleaning a bike, look no further than your worn out socks. I have a box full of old cotton crew socks with a terry cloth footbed, and they’re perfect for the job. Just turn the sock inside out, slip it over your hand, dip it into sudsy warm water, and give your bike a rub-down. What could be simpler? Better still, I’ve a lifetime supply, and these rags are free!

Socking It To You - (c) Tamia Nelson - Verloren Hoop - Tamiasoutside.com

Verloren Hoop Colophon - (c) and TM Tamia Nelson/Verloren Hoop Productions… Continue reading »

The Fine Art of Installing Bicycle Pedals

Some simple jobs aren’t really so simple, and are more involved than they at first seem to be. For example, installing and removing bike pedals isn’t difficult, but you need to know how or you’ll do damage. Tamia shows you the way to do it.
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by Tamia Nelson | April 7, 2018

Pedals are important. Very important. They join your feet to your bike, and since your legs are the pistons that drive the wheels, this is no small matter. Yet despite their vital role, pedals appear to be simple devices. Don’t be fooled. There’s a lot about pedals that doesn’t meet the eye, beginning with the way they’re fastened to the crank arms.

Why would you want to know this? These are the reasons why…

  • Pedals loosen, and a loose pedal can destroy a costly aluminum crank in just a few hours, leaving you stranded in the process.
  • Pedals need regular maintenance, and you have to remove them to maintain them. And…
  • …many new bikes come without any pedals fitted, requiring that you fit
… Continue reading »