There are plenty of facts out there about nutrition and well-being, telling us both what is good and what is bad. However, many of you will be pleased to know that some of these facts are actually myths! That chocolate bar that you are craving at 3pm to get you through those last hours of work may in fact have some potential, and those foods containing carbohydrates are made up of nutrients and fibre that are vital to our health. Check out the article linked below to find out 13 of the biggest nutrition and food myths.
There are always a numerous amount of organised charity bike rides being held in Queensland, including the upcoming Brissie to the Bay ride to fight MS and the ride to Conquer Cancer in August. These rides are a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the great outdoors while supporting a great cause. An awesome reason to get on those bikes & get riding this winter!
From Monday 3rd June to Friday 28th June there are scheduled works for the cycle centre bike ramp. Between the peak hours of 6:00am – 10:00am Roadtek are providing an alternate path via the vehicular entry ramp with traffic control to guide all traffic.
However, between the hours of 10:00am – 4:00pm the ramp will be CLOSED and all members are asked to both enter and exit the centre via the lift.
Got some time off this winter? Why not kick it up a notch and head to the slopes for an action-packed ski adventure! Although it might be tempting to escape to warmer climates or curl up on the couch with a good book and hot chocolate, a ski holiday offers a unique balance of adventure and relaxation that you won’t find from the comfort of your sun lounge.
This week, Morgan Lee from Snowcentral has given us some great insights into why a snowboarding holiday might be just what you need this winter.
Cycling and snowboarding in a sense are very similar. You might find many of the reasons listed here match up with the reasons why you started cycling! So as the snow begins to fall, let’s have a quick look at why you should try snowboarding this season.
1. Fitness
Snowboarding can significantly improve your physical and mental fitness. It tests your vision, balance and coordination while providing an intense cardio-vascular workout. Exercise is also key to a good night’s sleep, guaranteed after a big day on the slopes. What’s more, if you spend most of the day skiing or riding, chances are you’ve burnt off those apres-ski beers from the night before.
2. Mountain Lifestyle
Even if you only get to experience it for a few days, there is something special about being on a mountain. After a solid day of snowboarding, kicking back in front of the fire in one of the many lounges dotted around most ski resorts,means kicking back with great people. Snowboarders are adventurous and open-minded, and more than happy to listen to your stories of how you got some big air or almost hit a tree. Like cycling, snowboarding is a social experience and a great way to meet like-minded people.
3. Family Friendly
Nothing beats a family ski trip. There are heaps of things to keep the kids entertained from sledding to building snowmen and even the occasional snowball fight. But the real gem is ski school. Ski schools offer lessons for all ages at every skill level and while the kids are busy making friends and tearing up the bunny hill, you’re free to duck off to a more challenging part of the mountain or perhaps a quiet, kid-free lunch.
4. Natural Beauty
Standing a few thousand metres above sea level, looking out at the valley below is a pleasant reminder of just how breathtakingly beautiful this planet can be. The fresh air, free from the stench of exhaust fumes invigorates your body, and the rush of the cold wind in your ears as you cruise down the run awakens your senses. There’s no need for motors here, just you, your snowboard, and nature.
About to shred down the mountain
Okay, so who’s ready to hit the slopes? All you need now is some comfy snowboard boots and a board and you’re well on your way! Snowboarding is a fantastic sport that improves your wellbeing and opens you up to the beauty of nature. If you do manage to get to the mountains this winter, I guarantee you will come back feeling a million times better than if you spent your holiday lazing on the beach!
Cycling is a healthy and green way to commute for work or pleasure, and although many states are taking steps to help make cycling safer with bike lanes, hundreds of cyclists a year are still being killed in fatal collisions with inattentive or aggressive drivers. Many of these drivers aren’t even punished for their crimes. In addition to tougher penalties, there needs to be more public service announcements targeted toward motorists that reinforce the rights of cyclists and encourage both parties to Share the Road. Cyclists have a legal right to use the roadways in Australia and shouldn’t have to endure the road-rage of drivers who think that they alone are entitled to it. The majority of cyclists follow the rules of the road; it is only a small handful of bicyclists, either through ignorance or impairment, who choose not to follow the rules. That handful should also be held accountable for not following the rules of the road.
In order to increase awareness of the necessity to Share the Road, a petition has been put forward that aims to enforce a distance of 1.5m between cyclists and motorists. Whether this distance is realistic remains to be seen. Others have suggested 1m is more attainable, however any step towards knowledge, increased awareness and safety is a step in the right direction.
To vote in the petition follow the link below. Do your bit to help make the streets safer for all
“Ouch! My hamstrings! I’m feeling yesterday’s ride today”. How many times have you or one of your friends or teammates fallen victim to over-used, under-stretched muscles? These days many cyclists practice yoga to alleviate muscle tightness from logging long hours in the saddle.
Some key areas that we can suffer from overwork or strain during a ride are the hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and the lower back (caused by a constant forward flexion of the spine). The muscle groups in these areas become sore and tired because they are being used in the same way for hours at a time. The same or similar motion is repeated, without properly unwinding or re-energizing.
Physiologically, here is what happens:
Quads get tighter as they get stronger
Hamstrings contract, tighten on back of legs (plus, they are never fully extended)
Shoulders get rounded over straining upper middle back thoracic spine
Low back (lumber area) gets pushed out if core strength is not maintained
How yoga helps:
Yoga poses help open what is contracted. Yoga creates flexibility where there is only strength, which balances the action. Many find relief from muscle pain caused by tightness in lower and upper body while practicing yoga. Others have brought spines back into optimal alignment.
Many cyclists are also often surprised to find something beyond the physical from yoga. Anyone on two wheels knows that cycling often requires intense concentration and focus to succeed (especially when Mountain Biking, or cycling in traffic). The work we do on the mat focuses on breathing, cultivating a mind-body awareness and increasing resonance with the energy of the earth, which is transported to the bike to maintain a calm mind and zen-like clarity.
Many of you have probably already flirted with the idea of practicing yoga, or at the very least basic stretches, but find it is too difficult/time consuming/inconvenient to learn the traditional poses.
Below are a couple of links to some informative Youtube videos which you can practice in the comfort of your own home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhoR36BY_20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCYSEgvwxWQ
And here is a basic guide to some of the poses mentioned.
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