The Reason Cycling Makes Us Feel Good

If you’ve ridden a bike for very long you have probably experienced cycling’s version of “runner’s high”, that feeling of euphoria first described in the 1970s during the running boom. It has since been attributed to the release of brain chemicals called endorphins.

Now, according to a study from researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of California, that dogma is being questioned.

This study found that “the same family of chemicals that produces a buzz in marijuana users may be responsible for runner’s high.” According to the study’s principal investigator, Arne Dietrich, the body releases cannabinoids to help it cope with the prolonged stress and pain of moderate or intense exercise.

This may help explain why we cyclists are always hungry too!

See the full story here: http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/01/11/marijuana.exercise.reut/index.html

29-ers are here to stay

One of the biggest stories to hit the mountain bike market the last few years is the surging big-wheeled bike – the 29er. The larger circumference tire swallows up small to medium size roots, rocks, and bumps – allowing the rider more control and comfort. On the flip side, the larger wheels also offer more rotating weight, so accelerations are a bit harder to come by. So is the trade-off worth it? That’s up to the rider to decide, but we feel it is.

The lack of selection of 29ers has been the biggest impediment to the growth of the bikes up to this point. The big manufacturers have taken the wait and see approach up to this point, giving the smaller guys lots of business building big-wheeled bikes for riders. Now that more than a few manufacturers are sticking their collective toes in the 29er water this year, many more models are lining the shops for riders to try out for the first time. Many of these riders are seeing the light, and making the switch over to the big wheels after the test ride.

The folks at BioWheels Cincinnati are in the midst of stocking the floor with as many 29ers as they can get their hands on. Jamis has introduced 2 models for the 2007 season, the Dakota and the Exile. We also recently became the exclusive dealer for Niner bikes, the industry’s first and only line of bikes dealing only with the big wheels. Up to this year, we were building up custom Independent Fabrication Deluxe steel and titanium hardtails in 29” wheels to the tune of about 10 a year. The majority of the staff and shop racers have switched from 26” hardtails and full-suspension bikes to hardtail 29ers to tackle the Ohio Valley’s singletrack with.

We chose Niner bikes this year for their unparalleled dedication to the 29″ bikes. It’s all they make. Hardtail frames in scandium, steel, and double-butted aluminum. Single-speed or geared. And now, full-suspension with the hot Rip 9 frame. We’ve got a single-speed steel Sir 9 built up on the floor for you to take out for a spin.

Find out why so many are making the switch to big wheels for yourself - get on down to BioWheels and take a test ride!

Randoneurring, what the heck is it?

Are you ready for a new kind of challenge on the bike? Are you interested in riding long distances on seldom traveled roads, being self-supported, riding in any kind of weather, and challenging yourself like you never have before? Well randonneuring just may be what you are looking for!

Randonneurs USA, or RUSA, defines randonneuring as “long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring.”

These types of rides are called brevets and range from 100K to 1200K in length. These rides are not races. Results are sorted by name and the first finisher gets the same prize as the last - pride in completing a personal challenge to the best of your ability!

The core of randonneuring lies in the self-sufficiency of the participants. Fueling properly, being prepared for all types of weather, and riding a comfortable, well-fitting bike are keys to completing the long distances. BioWheels employees collectively have completed many brevets, toured across this great county & Europe, and completed many 24-hour mtb races. We know how to ‘go long’. Come chat with us any time!

BioWheels’ Front End Manager, Kris Kjellquist, is currently working to become a regional brevet administrator for Asheville, NC. RUSA sanctioned 200K & 300K ride routes are being scouted for the summer of 2007. There are also several brevet series a short drive from Western NC. Check the RUSA web site, www.rusa.org, for rides in Spartanburg, SC, Raleigh, and Highpoint, NC. Don’t forget the biggest brevet in the world - the 1200K Paris-Brest-Paris is happening in 2007 and won’t happen again until 2011. Some BioWheels customers have already booked thier hotel rooms!!!

So you’re interested, and now you are thinking, “what should I do next?” The MOST important thing you can do is check out RUSA’s web site and become a member. Read everything you can about randonneuring and brevets, and stay in shape over the winter. Come in to BioWheels and talk to Kris or email krisk@biowheels.com and let him know you’re interested.