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With their spectacular and often mysterious scenery, mountains always lure hikers, whatever the season. But their high ramparts also endure some of the roughest weather on Earth. In the lower 48 states, mountain hikes from the Pacific coastal ran...
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A sudden emergency on the hiking trail is frightening at any time of year, but in the cold and snow of winter, it can be particularly unsettling. Your own mobility is often restricted by deep snows or ice glazes, and the ability of would-be rescu...
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Training in the right zone is essential to becoming a better cyclist. Wearing a heart rate monitor and knowing your cycling specific lactate threshold are the keys to finding and staying in the correct zones for your workout and race goals.
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Bike trailers serve many purposes. You can cycle around your normal routes while carrying a pet in the carrier to enhance your fitness workout. Choose from many style models with features that focus on quick and easy handling.
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Walking puts a strain on your feet, especially if you enjoy walking long distances with elevations and rugged surfaces. Wearing protective and supportive shoes that have arch support can reduce stress on your feet. New Balance offers walking shoe...
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Adventurers have been around throughout history. Some of their quests have taken them to the edge, forcing them to face life and death circumstances. Not all survive, but those who do gain a higher appreciation for life. Some even achieve prominence.
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When it comes to tales of survival, that of Aron Ralston will certainly be long remembered. In 2003, while rock climbing alone in southeastern Utah, Ralston became trapped and eventually was forced to amputate his own arm in order to survive.
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Rock climbing is an endurance sport that tests your strength and agility. Rock climbers climb either up or across rock structures or artificial climbing walls. With the appropriate materials, build your own artificial rock-climbing wall in the co...
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"Oktoberfest" started in Munich in 1810 at a royal Bavarian wedding attended by only a handful of guests. Soon word spread and towns across Munich, Bavaria and Germany organized annual festivals for locals to ring in the fall season, particularly...
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Despite his countless accomplishments in the outdoor space and all that he has gained from years spent climbing, mountain biking and canyoneering, Aron Ralston will always be remembered for what he lost. His name is synonymous with sacrifice, and...
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Rock climbing is a great sport to use to build children's strength, balance and stamina. The sport also brings families together, whether outside at the crags or indoors at a climbing wall. Building a small version of a climbing wall allows child...
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Bicycle pumps push air into the tire tubes through a sealed and enclosed chamber. When the handle is moved up and down, air is forced out of the chamber through a hose and into the tire tube. Various areas of a bicycle pump erode over time necess...
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Autumn brings the melancholic reminder of summer's past and winter's inevitable arrival. The bittersweet cooling of the air also brings the bright, sharp colors of the fall leave palette. As the leaves change, there is also the migration of colle...
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Search and rescue teams, whether professional or volunteer, give of themselves to rescue others in the backcountry. When the distress call comes out, team members often place themselves in dangerous situations for the sake of others. If this adve...
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Compacted into your binocular case is a series of lenses and prisms. They work together to enlarge the image of objects far away and bring them into focus. Field binoculars are smaller in size and weight, skipping the prisms and relying only on ...
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Shoes are a key element of running, whether you run a few blocks to catch the bus or run marathons every weekend. Never is the cushioning, stability and support provided by a running shoe more important than when you're running great distances. W...
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Using a pet jogger is a useful way to take your favorite companion with you during outdoor trips. Numerous products are available in the market that cater to animal owners who enjoy jogging and carrying their pets along for the exercise. Pet stro...
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Climbers that wind their rope carelessly before chucking it in the dust are doing more than saving a moment of time. They are putting their lives at risk. Like your climbing shoes, you should treat your climbing rope as a delicate tool. Dirt, e...
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Keeping track of your calorie consumption and expenditure can be a useful way of maintaining a healthy weight. Counting calories is one way that you can balance your physical activities versus eating habits. The amount of calories burned is indiv...
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Between each vertebra on the spinal column is a disc, acting as a cushion for your spine. A fall or accident can cause the disc to rupture, creating a herniated disc. Resuming heavy activities, such as surfing, before the hernia heals can cause ...
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Edward Abbey wrote of hiking and exploring the deserts surrounding Moab, Utah in his famous "Desert Solitaire." Since the publication of the tome in 1968, Moab has seen hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and mountain biking popularity increase. T...
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Aside from raking leaves and gearing up for winter, the fall season is an ideal time to watch the foliage and enjoy trail running. The weather is cool, crisp and much less harsh than summer. Lace up your trail running shoes and run through some o...
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The barometer has long been one of the more important weather instruments used by the National Weather Service. To produce an accurate modern weather forecast the weather bureau requires thousands of barometric readings from all over the country....
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Whether it's running, sailing, birdwatching or hiking that you enjoy, there is a mobile application available that can enhance your outdoor activity. Applications or "apps," for short, can be easily downloaded to your mobile device, allowing you ...
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Fall is an ideal time for mountain biking. The surroundings are free from the scorching heat of summer but abundant in autumn's serene colors of oranges and reds. Tune up your mountain bike and tackle a terrain that climbs through rough surfaces ...
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An important element of road safety is making sure that your tires are road worthy. Check trailer tires at least once a month for uneven wear, cracking and for suitable inflation.
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People recovering from a heart attack must start slowly with exercise, gradually increasing their workouts. Skiing is an exceptionally straining activity on the heart, according to the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Patients should alw...
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Take an invigorating walk during the autumn months and view splashes of yellow, orange, red and russet as the leaves change hues before winter tips its hat. The crisp, cool air and and breadth of colors can do wonders for the spirit. Lace your wa...
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Learning how to identify and read clouds to predict the weather can be helpful while out on a trail. Cloud reading can aid in warning hikers or runners of impending rain or thunderstorms. Knowing how to read clouds and weather patterns allow you ...
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The western third of the United States contains many massive mountains, some of which soar to a lofty 14,000 feet. Avoided by the local Indians, these lonely summits were first reached by a host of rugged adventurers, who often endured severe con...
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A runner can cover great distances across trails, highways and indoor running tracks. To safeguard your feet against stress and injury, invest in a pair of running shoes that are designed for your foot type. By taking the design and the construct...
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In efforts to sleep as many people as possible, RV manufacturers have carefully customized bed sizes. The result is that some mattresses are smaller than their domestic counterparts and use a built-in bed frame without box springs. Though the si...
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The first Sting-Ray bike was manufactured by Schwinn in 1963, followed by the Fair Lady model---a female version of the Sting-Ray---the next year. According to Schwinn Sting-Ray's website, "The Sting-Ray design dominated bike sales in 1963 with o...
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The number of calories you can burn hiking in the mountains has many variables, including the grade of the trail and the speed and size of the hiker.
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If you have a need to transport up to four bicycles and your vehicle has a tow receiver, consider making your own four bike hitch mount carrier. Use the metal tubing available at home improvement stores to fashion a rack mount to fill your bike a...
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You don't have to stop turning the pedals just because the sun goes down. Mounting a light to your mountain bike gives a level of visibility that allows trail riding after sunset. If you want to save some money, you can fashion a bike light at ho...
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If you have talent working with metal, you can fashion your own hitch mounted bike carrier. When welding and cutting with a torch, keep your work area well ventilated. Gather the needed materials from hardware stores.
I you wish to save mo...
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Climbing shoes are an important part of your climbing gear and equipment arsenal. Knowing how to size and evaluate climbing shoes is the key to ensuring a good fit. As with any new footwear, product features and construction are very important. N...
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The running sandal was invented in Ancient Greece for use in the Olympic Games. The discovery that the sole of the sandal increased traction was the beginning of the track shoe, and that basic idea is the essence of track shoes today.
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Before you can shred the trails you have to get to the trails. If you need to transport your bikes a long distance and need the interior space in the vehicle, consider making a bike mount for your vehicle's hitch. You will need welding tools, a c...
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Air vortexes, also called tabs or scoops, mount to the back ends of trailers and RVs to give added aerodynamics. The result of these devices is reduced fuel consumption due to the air moving more efficiently over the trailer's surface.
The...
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Just because the sun is setting doesn't mean the riding has to stop. Night trail riding gives you a new feel for the bicycle and how you react to the trail. Night riding also hones your skills. However, you can't do it without a good headlight. I...
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Hip pain is a common complaint of bicyclists. Most often the hip pain is caused by a tight iliotibial band, or IT band, of tissue than runs from the hip to the knee, and/or by a tight, overused iliopsoas muscle.
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Night riding is an enjoyable and thrilling way to get around. You develop a new feel for your mountain bike not seeing each and every bump in the trail. Even so, this does require a solid light to illuminate the trail, or if you are riding as a c...
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As with any medical condition, the first thing you should do before engaging in a new physical activity is get the advice of your doctor. Biking is no exception.
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Heel spurs get enflamed due to irregular gaits in your walking and hiking stride. One method to alleviate this pain and these ailments is by wearing a proper fitting pair of hiking or walking shoes that give the right support.
You want a s...
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Sometimes it would be nice to have a trailer for your ATV to get your gear where it needs to go. If you dread those long portages to and from the lake, or need a trailer to help get gear and supplies into the river camp for your canoe or kayak to...
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Neck pain is a common pain complaint of cyclists. If you are new to cycling, have a new bike, just got a bike fit or are coming back from injury, easing into riding again in intensity and duration is recommended.
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Running can cause strain and stress on the joints, knees and feet. To combat the aches and pains typically associated with running, invest in a pair of running shoes specifically designed for the shape of your foot. Runners with flat feet must pa...
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Cycling provides outdoor enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience natural scenery along city or back country roads and trails. As an added benefit, cycling also improves cardiovascular health and increases leg strength. If you prefer to ride...
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A bicycle seat keeps your bottom firmly adjusted to the bicycle's center of gravity and allows the efficient power transfer through the drive chain. It also helps keep your bottom comfortable. As counterintuitive as it sounds, softer and bigger b...
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An étrier is the most commonly used type of aider. It is a short portable ladder that is made of loops of webbing and is used to assist in mountain climbing sections of rock that are too difficult to climb.
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Few sounds are as horrifying to cyclists as the sound of their bicycles crashing to the ground. Storing a bike in a crowded garage or against an outer wall means the possibility of damage. You can protect yourself against this unfortunate scenari...
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Marin and Raleigh bikes produce higher-end road, hybrid, touring and mountain bicycles. Both makers are known for resourceful design, quality materials and solid components. Both bike makers are considered quality producers of bikes. Telling the ...
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From the quaint home of Limerick to the castles of Blarney, Ireland offers the bicycle traveler many sites, sounds and historic regions to tour. Touring Ireland by bicycle typically sees you traveling on cobbled roads, rural pathways and often co...
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You can't avoid it. If you are a mountain or road bike rider, sooner or later your tires are going to flat out on you, usually when you least want it to happen. Don't despair when it happens, unless you happen to have not equipped yourself with a...
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You are in your rhythm, the pedals are turning and you finally are in the lead of your Saturday ride group. Pow. Wouldn't you know it, you blow a tube in your rear tire and now face a change in the field. Changing your rear tire requires a few mo...
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In the latter half of the 19th century, riding a bicycle could be a very dangerous sport. Injuries and even death occurred when riders would fall off the enlarged front wheel. Around 1890, the arrival of the safety bicycle with wheels of equal si...
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Wildlife watchers treasure optical aids to bring distant animals in closer and to better detect subtle patterns of behavior. Most commonly used are binoculars and spotting scopes, which are small telescopes. Comparing their assets and characteris...
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Huffy has been the No. 1-selling bike brand in the United States for over 30 years and focuses on a wide variety of affordable bikes for all ages. Mongoose focuses on bicycle performance.
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Anglers can fish the bottom more effectively by fishing with an underwater fishing camera. Bottom feeders and fish species such as walleye, crappie, perch and panfish can be hard to find, but with an underwater fishing camera you can look before ...
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The Schwinn World Sport bike uses sidepull caliper brakes. While dual pivot caliper brakes come standard on modern road bikes, the sidepull caliper was the staple on vintage models.
Common sidepull caliper brake adjustments include changin...
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Bike computers let you log the distance and speed of your rides, helping to monitor your training. Sigma's Sport BC 1200 computer offers 12 functions to help keep your training on track. After you install the computer mount and fork sensor, it's ...
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Binoculars are made of two small telescopes attached side by side. People look through this optical device to get a close-up view on things far away. Its small size allows users to easily carry it while traveling, hiking or at special events. A...
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The rifle scope can be the most important part of a rifle. The scope allows you to see the target and place an accurate and effective shot. If the scope has not been correctly adjusted for windage and elevation, you will never hit the target. Zei...
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Successful fishing trips often result in photographic images with happy smiling participants holding stringers of large fish, showing the lake or river in the background. Too often these pictures are minus the fisherman's head or dominated by bri...
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When camping or hiking, a lightweight emergency light is something that should be in every outdoorsman's pack for those times when flashlights break, batteries run out or you are out longer than expected. A simple portable emergency light can be ...
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Coleman lanterns burn propane fuel through a cloth mantle treated with metallic compounds that burn brightly when ignited. Though durable under normal use, Coleman lantern mantles will need to be replaced occasionally. Lanterns for camping and em...
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Shotgun choke tubes determine the pattern size of shotgun shell pellets. By using different levels of constriction, the choke tube can make the shotgun disperse pellets in a large or small group. This is useful when in the field hunting. The hunt...
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Harnesses are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment for such activities as climbing and canyoneering. Before each use, check your harness to ensure that it is in good shape and properly attached.
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Hiking with a disability or condition such as arthritis can be painful if precautions are not taken to prevent inflammation, joint stiffness and muscle cramps. Incorporate techniques and tips specifically designed for sufferers of arthritis into...
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Knowing for sure that your safety harness is in good working order is necessary to create the best safety conditions. Climbing enthusiasts can check the equipment for damage using a safety harness inspection checklist. For a comprehensive inspect...
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Making a custom bike allows you to pick and choose parts that fit your body and meet your needs as a cyclist. Some cyclists turn to custom bikes to find the perfect fit, while others want a mix of components that don't come stock on any bike. Put...
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Coleman has a large product line of comfy, convenient air mattresses that spare campers the need to sleep on the hard ground. Yet as an inflated air mattress is essentially a big, tough balloon and all camping gear absorbs a considerable amount o...
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The Bob Marshall Wilderness in the northern Rockies of western Montana is lauded for its scenery and wildness. Part of an even larger, 1.5-million-acre-plus complex of wildernesses shared by four national forests, this vast tract of mountains, ri...
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Bicycle tires come with one of two different types of valves--Presta valves or Schrader valves. To be the most useful, a bicycle pump should be able to accommodate both types of tire valves without difficulty or without requiring adapters. The Sc...
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Athletic shoes cannot cure back pain, but poor athletic shoes can aggravate back problems. Plus, using the proper shoes can prevent back problems. Athletic shoes can give your feet and core, including your back, support to withstand physical acti...
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It takes time for your body to adjust to a bike seat. It's not uncommon to feel sore when you first start riding or if your ride only occasionally. If you plan to ride on a regular basis, give yourself time to adjust to your saddle. If you still ...
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Aluminum bike frames do not last a standard period of time. Many factors including craftsmanship, miles logged and overall care can determine lifespan. Many bike manufacturers provide frame warranties but they generally are limited lifetime warra...
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Since the early days of sport, athletes have used athletic shoes to not only heighten performance but protect their feet. As sports have progressed, so have the features of athletic shoes.
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Bladder infections and irritation are one of the complaints that cyclists have. The bladder infection is especially common in female cyclists. You should consult a doctor if you develop irritation or an infection of the bladder caused by cycling.
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While commercially available harnesses are obviously superior in both safety and comfort, an emergency safety harness can be tied out of nylon rope as long as you have about 9 feet or more. This type of harness, tied out of a single piece of rope...
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Air mattresses are a versatile compact sleeping system for campers. They fold up small, don't weigh a lot and provide comfort while away from home. They can also spring a leak, and if undetected, will leave you flat on the cold hard ground. An ex...
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Aerodynamic bike wheels have long been a topic of debate and study as cyclists and triathletes find ways to go faster speeds. The rim depth (45 to 60mm) is what makes the wheels quicker through air.
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When buying a new kayak, finding the right fit can mean the difference between many happy days on the water and many miserable ones. A boat without enough volume is hard to control. A boat that doesn't fit your body size and shape can be very unc...
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If you've been in a foreign country you may have noticed bicycle ice cream or snow cone carts. Bicycle wheel carts have been around for a long time. Third world countries use them as mobile vending stands and for hauling produce to market. You ca...
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If you use your bike for errands or long-distance touring, a trailer can make life easier. While it's possible to use panniers, handlebar bags and rear racks to carry loads on your frame, it affects the handling and performance of your bike and m...
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Every bicycle rim has has a multitude of parts that each serve a specific function. The hub flange is found on the hub of a bike wheel and provides a place for the spokes.
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Countless plants and animals inhabit the diverse Georgian mountains, different in climate and environment. These plants and animals inhabit Stone Mountain as well as the larger hills and mountains making up the start of the Appalachian Trail.
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The making of running tracks matters--and thanks to new technologies, runners are breaking records because today's tracks help athletes go even faster. Well-manufactured running tracks, indoors or outdoors, focus on facilitating safety, comfort a...
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Giovanni Pinarello fell in love with the bicycle when he was young. From an early age, he used his creativity to build his own two-wheelers despite his meager upbringing.
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Bristol kerosene lamps use special fabric mesh wicks to "wick" the liquid fuel and burn effectively in a partial vacuum and oxygen regulated glass mantle. Without the wick, the fuel would burn in an intense flame, with no filtering of the light. ...
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You can use the Camp Chef Smoke Vault to easily smoke your fish, meat and wild game while camping or at home. This small propane-powered smoker is designed to make jerky as well. As the Camp Chef Smoke Vault uses propane instead of wood chips li...
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Bike carriers were invented so people can have an easy way to haul gear around without it interfering with the ability to maneuver the bike. A bike rack will allow you to pedal to work or the grocery store carrying everything you need while not s...
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Cycling is a form of low-impact exercise seniors can enjoy. It also offers seniors a sense of freedom and way to get from place to place if driving is no longer an option. Plus, you never forget how to ride a bike.
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Grackles are a nuisance bird that most bird watchers want to keep out of their bird feeders. You can prevent grackles from taking over your bird feeder by converting an ordinary tube feeder into a cage feeder. A simple wire mesh screen around the...
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When problems with Polar heart rate monitors occur, you can troubleshoot them on your own and often discover the issue. From an old battery to interference from electromagnetic waves, there are a few things that may cause your heart rate monitor ...
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Sunblock and mosquito repellent are must-brings for any outdoor activities, from camping to hiking. They make an outdoor adventure more pleasant by keeping you bug and sunburn free.
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Sea kayakers make frequent use of the boat to get out and explore new areas, waters and islands. Fog, marine layers and other visual impediments keep the paddler from navigating by site, necessitating the need for alternate methods of navigation....
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