Cycling Honor - Advanced

Recreational Activities

Requirements

  1. Have the Cycling Honor.
  2. Describe how to select the right size of frame and handlebar and the height of the saddle, so that it best fits the size of the cyclist.

    Answer: The frame should match the cyclist's height and reach (measured in cm/inches, or S/M/L): standing over the frame, there should be a gap left between the body and the top tube. The saddle height: with the foot on the pedal in the lowest position, the leg should be almost straight (slight flexion of the knee). The handlebar: at a height and distance that allow a comfortable posture, without straining the back and shoulders. — A bike of the right size with a well-adjusted saddle/handlebar provides comfort, efficiency, and prevents injuries on long rides.

  3. Briefly describe the characteristics of a bicycle used for long-distance routes.

    Answer: The bicycle for long distances (touring/road) is light, with a comfortable geometry (less aggressive posture), suitable tires (thinner and smoother for asphalt), a good range of gears, a comfortable saddle, and racks (carriers/panniers) for cargo, in addition to little or no suspension (which steals energy). — For long distances, lightness, comfort, good gears, and carrying capacity are worthwhile — efficiency for pedaling for hours on end.

  4. Disassemble, clean, and reassemble the rear and front wheel hubs.
  5. Align the rear wheel, making sure it is properly mounted.
  6. Select the best combination of front and rear chainrings/sprockets in order to obtain the best results in the following conditions:
    • Ride on mountainous terrain
    • Carry packages on the bicycle
    • Ride on flat terrain
  7. Explain how the riding characteristics of a bicycle are affected by:
    • The geometry of the bicycle frame, including:
    • The type of wheels used, including:

    Answer: 1) Geometry of the bicycle frame: the geometry defines handling and comfort. Frames with steeper (more vertical) angles and shorter measurements make the bicycle agile, sporty, and fast in turns, but more 'nervous', sensitive, and tiring over long distances. Frames with slacker (more relaxed) angles and longer measurements make the bike stable, predictable, and comfortable for long rides, but less agile and slower to change direction. The frame height and the wheelbase length also influence the body position and the absorption of impacts. 2) Type of wheels used: larger wheels with thin, low-tread, smooth (slick) tires roll faster and lighter on asphalt because they have less friction, being ideal for speed on smooth surfaces. Wider and knobby wheels and tires (with lugs) offer grip and absorb the irregularities of the terrain, being better for trails, dirt, and mud, but they weigh more and roll more slowly. Light wheels accelerate and climb hills with less effort; heavy wheels maintain speed but are slower to get going. — The frame and wheels define the behavior: sporty vs. comfortable, and fast on asphalt vs. firm on the trail.

  8. Make a list of the equipment that should be taken on a cycling trip of more than one day.

    Answer: Take: a helmet and suitable clothing (including for cold/rain), a repair kit (spare tube, patches, pump, wrenches), spare links/chain and oil, water and food, documents and money, a first aid kit, lights and reflectors, a map/GPS, sunscreen, and, if camping, a tent and sleeping bag — all in panniers/a carrier. — On a multi-day trip, take a repair kit, water, food, safety, and shelter — preparation avoids being stranded on the road.

  9. Review the safety rules that should be observed in cycling.
  10. What are the advantages of having softer (less inflated) tires? Know how to let the air out of the tires.

    Answer: Tires with less pressure increase the contact area with the ground, giving more GRIP and COMFORT (they absorb irregularities) — useful on dirt, trails, and sand. In exchange, they roll more slowly, use more energy, and there is a risk of puncturing the tube (pinch flat) or damaging the rim. To let the air out: press the valve pin (on a Presta valve, open the nut and press it; on a Schrader valve, press the central pin) until the desired pressure. — Less pressure gives more grip and comfort on dirt; more pressure gives speed on asphalt — calibrating means adjusting to the terrain.

  11. Know the clothing and safety equipment used in cycling, and the advantages of each.

    Answer: • Helmet: protects the head (essential). • Gloves: protect the hands and provide cushioning. • Glasses: protect the eyes from the sun, wind, and insects. • Cycling clothing (padded shorts/jersey): comfort and less friction. • Suitable footwear. • Lights and reflectors: to be seen at night. • In some cases, knee and elbow pads. Each item increases safety and comfort on the ride. — Helmet, gloves, glasses, proper clothing, and lights — each piece of equipment protects a part and makes cycling safer.

  12. Fulfill the following objective during the time you are working on this Honor:
    • Take three rides of 35 kilometers each, in different locations.
    • Ride 160 consecutive kilometers in less than 15 hours, or:
    • Take a bicycle ride of at least 200 kilometers over three days and write a report about the trip.