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Event Forecast
| Fri Jul 30 @12:00AM - 11:59PM Alkek Velodrome Friday Night Races |
| Fri Jul 30 @12:00AM - 11:59PM Alkek Velodrome Saturday Night Races |
| Fri Jul 30 Free Family Nights |
| Fri Jul 30 King Daddy August Junior Open |
| Sat Jul 31 @12:00AM - 11:59PM Alkek Velodrome Friday Night Races |
| Recreation |
The Perfect BikeBicycles can be used for a number of purposes, including recreation, fitness, transportation and sports. If you are planning on purchasing a new bike, consider the terrain you will be riding on, as well as your bodyweight. Are you finding it difficult to choose a new bike? Here’s a look at some popular models.
ROAD BIKES Road bikes are built for paved roads. They have thin tires, dropped handlebars and lightweight frames made of aluminum or carbon. The majority of these cycles have 21 speeds. Sport Bikes, touring bikes, racing bikes, triathlon bikes, cruisers and choppers also fall under this category.
Mountain bikes are durable enough to withstand serious off-road racing. Sturdy frames, strong brakes, flat handlebars and 26-inch wheels make these bikes highly popular. Their low gears assist you in off-road racing, especially when going uphill and riding through mud. These cycles are heavy and can withstand rough handling. In a few models, the front suspension and rear suspension offer comfort, even while riding over uneven ground.
These bikes are good for beginners. They come with adjustable vertical handlebars, comfy seats, 26-inch wide and low-pressure tires and suspension forks. They are made for short rides on well-maintained bike paths.
These all-purpose bicycles combine the features of road and mountain bikes. They have a wide gear ratio, upright handlebars and narrow tires. Their frames are lightweight, making these perfect for pavement riding and minor off-road racing. They usually come with mudguards.
If you cannot handle the physical strain associated with traditional bicycles, consider a recumbent. These bikes can go fast and provide comfortable seating. However, they do have some pitfalls. They are expensive compared to most standard bikes and their transportation by car may prove to be more difficult as well, especially long wheelbase models.
These bikes can be ridden through woods or around dirt tracks. Though BMX cycles resemble mountain bikes, their wheels and frames are comparatively smaller. These bikes are suitable for kids and young riders. BMX racing bikes are built for racing on dirt tracks. BMX freestyle bikes are designed for doing tricks, whereas BMX dirt jumping bikes are made for getting airborne on dirt tracks.
These bikes are based on chopper motorcycles. They feature wide rear tires, large cushioned seats and extended handlebars. These bikes are not recommended for off-road racing.
These are smaller, designed to suit the build of the average woman. They have narrow handlebars, short top tubes and wide saddles.
Is your child pining for a bicycle? Compact bikes with small frames are ideal for children. These bikes are easy to ride and durable. Many kids bicycles come with training wheels attached. Other cycles give you the option to attach separately sold training wheels. Go for kids bikes with spoke guards and coaster brakes that allow children to stop when pedaling backwards.
Looking to make cycling more fun? Get a tandem bike that accommodates two or more people at one time.
NEW WEST U REC CENTER OPENS The residents of West University Place now have a state-of-the-art recreation facility in their own backyard. The 33,800 square-foot West University Place Recreation Center, located at 4210 Bellaire Boulevard, opened its doors in April and already, more than 1,000 West University residents have joined as members. “We believe we have a very unique facility,” explains Brittney Bakes, West University Place recreation manager. “We have a heated indoor fitness and instructional pool that makes you feel like you’re swimming outdoors. There are huge, retractable doors that we can open when the weather is nice. It looks like a lodge and you feel like you’re on vacation. When we drew up plans for this facility, we tried to pull out all the stops to put unique components into the entire building.” SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT It’s got a funny name, but it’s a sport that’s guaranteed to give you a good workout. It’s called Pickleball and, believe it or not, it’s been around since 1965.The sport is played on a badminton-sized court with the net lowered to about 34 inches at the center. Players swat a perforated ball (think Whiffle ball) with wood or composite paddles about twice the size of table tennis paddles. Played in either singles or doubles format, it can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. So exactly where did the name come from?
According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), the sport was invented in Bainbridge Island, Washington by three dads whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities. “Pickles” was the name of one of the co-inventor’s family cocker spaniel who chased stray balls and hid them in the bushes.
So if you’re looking for something different to chase away the summer blahs, give Pickleball a try. For more information about local Pickleball groups and tournaments, visit Usapa.org.
CLASSY CHASSIS
BOOK REVIEW
Learn the secrets that helped legendary coaches like Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher, John Wooden and Tubby Smith reach the top of their profession. Actor and lifelong sports fan Christian Klemash presents an inspiring and helpful book that gives readers a rare glimpse into the mind of some of sport’s greatest coaches. 288 pages. Andrews McMeel Publishing. Andrewsmcmeelpublishing.com.
DID YOU KNOWSixty-six percent of travelers in a survey by communications agency Euro RSCG Worldwide consider themselves “citizens of the world,” while 73 percent believe extensive travel is the key to making a person more interesting. Fifty-nine percent of respondents say where and how they travel says a lot about who they are.
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The perfect way to beat the oppressive heat? Checking out a great selection of rare vintage cars, exotic hand-built sports cars, hot rods and racing machines in the air conditioned splendor of Reliant Stadium. The Classy Chassis Concours is scheduled for June 13 and benefits Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Houston/Galveston. In addition to getting an up close look at some great cars, you can also ride in a super car thanks to the Ride and Drive program. For a $30 donation, you ride in an exotic, such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin in a special course set up in the Reliant Stadium parking lot. The show runs form 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for details, visit 
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