Cycling Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

1. Make a list of the names of the parts of a bicycle. Describe the purpose of each one.

   Answer: Frame (structure), handlebars (steering), saddle (sitting), pedal (propulsion), chain (transmission), wheels (rolling), brakes (stopping), derailleur (changing gears). — A carbon steel or aluminum frame supports everything. The handlebars control direction. The saddle supports the cyclist. The pedals transfer force to the chain. The chain connects the pedals to the rear wheel. Wheels with tire/inner tube. V-brake or disc brakes. The Shimano/Sram derailleur has 7-21 gears on modern bicycles. Each part is essential for the bicycle to function properly.

2. Repair a flat bicycle tire.

   Answer: Remove the wheel, take out the tire/inner tube, inflate the tube to locate the puncture (water or by ear). Sand the area, apply glue, wait 2 min, stick on the patch. Put the tire/tube back on. — Common punctures: a nail (1 hole) or a tear (several). A tube filled with air in a bucket of water shows bubbles at the puncture. Sanding removes oxidation so the glue adheres. Rubber cement (Maxxis, Veloflex) dries in 2-5 min. The patch must be larger than the hole + 1cm margin. Bike tires cost R$30-150; an inner tube R$15-30. Easy maintenance for beginners.

3. Disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble a bicycle.

   Answer: Remove the pedals/wheels/chain. Wash with water + mild soap. Dry everything. Lubricate the chain, axles, and cables with oil (WD-40/Singer). Reassemble everything. Test before use. — A deep cleaning is recommended every 6 months or 500 km. Mild soap does not attack components. Lubricating the chain is essential — a dry chain breaks. Singer machine oil (R$10) or WD-40 are standard. Test the brakes and gear shifts before riding. A professional bike shop charges R$100-300 for a complete overhaul in São Paulo, the market average.

4. Adjust the rear and front brakes correctly.

   Answer: Tighten the brake cable. The pads should sit 2-3 mm from the wheel rim (V-brake) or disc (mechanical). The lever should hit your hand before halfway. Test at low speed. — The V-brake (most common, R$30-100) is adjusted with a 5 mm Allen wrench on the pad. The mechanical/hydraulic disc brake (more advanced, R$200-800) is adjusted with a tension screw. Pads too close rub against the wheel; too far and they don't brake. The lever should have some initial play but brake before hitting the handlebars. ALWAYS test at low speed after adjusting to be sure.

5. Know and practice the rules of cycling courtesy and safety.

   Answer: Wear a helmet and gloves. Signal turns with your arm. Ride on the right side of the road. Obey traffic laws. Don't use headphones. Courtesy: yield to pedestrians. — A helmet reduces deaths by 60% (NHTSA). Signaling: left arm extended = left turn; elbow bent upward = right turn. The CTB (Brazilian Traffic Code, Law 9,503/97) defines the cyclist as the driver of a vehicle — following the same rules. Fine for riding on the sidewalk: R$130. Headphones drastically reduce sound perception, greatly increasing the risk of accidents.

6. What are the advantages of wearing a cycling helmet?

   Answer: Advantages: it reduces the risk of death/cranial injury by 60-70%, protects in falls and collisions, protects against branches/insects, the foam absorbs impact, and it is light and ventilated. — NHTSA studies: a helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by 88%. The EPS (foam) layer deforms, absorbing the impact energy. The rigid plastic shell distributes the force. Professional helmets (Specialized, Bell) have CPSC/EN1078 certification. Brazil requires INMETRO certification. Cost: R$80-500. Replace every 5 years or after a hard fall with impact.

7. Ride 80 kilometers by bicycle consecutively, in 10 hours or less.

   Answer: Ride 80 km in up to 10 h. Train beforehand (gradually). Hydrate every 15 min. Eat carbohydrates. Wear a helmet. Carry a basic repair kit. Document the route. — 80 km in 10 h = an 8 km/h average (including stops). Trained cyclists complete it in 4-6 h. Gradual training: 20 km, 40 km, 60 km, and 80 km in separate weeks. Hydration prevents cramps. Carbohydrates (banana, cereal bar) replenish energy. Kit: spare inner tube, pump, Allen key. Use Strava or Komoot to record it.

8. Know how to read a map to plan the route for your 80 kilometers, and follow this route accurately.

   Answer: Use a physical map or an app (Komoot, Strava, Google Maps). Mark the starting point, the end points, and the intermediate ones. Carry a printed copy + GPS. Follow the route precisely. — Komoot specializes in bike routes (R$30/year). Strava has popular segments. Google Maps shows bike lanes. A physical map at 1:50000 scale covers 50 km per sheet. A compass helps with orientation if the GPS fails. Marking water/snack points is essential on long routes. Safety: tell someone your route and expected time before the trip.