Three Things Thursday

Alot of bloggers out there have there Three Things Thursday posts every week. I am going to start one with a bit of difference. I am going to blog about 3 things in the area of sport that have caught my attention over the week.The first on my Thursday list is cycling helmets.

1. Cycling Helmets. Should we wear one?

The law in Ireland does not require us to wear a helmet. there has being much discussion on this subject. James Cracknell was taking part in a documentary for Discovery when a  wing mirror from a lorry smacked into the back of his head. He had a helmet on but his skull was broken in two places.
The big question here was the helmet ineffective or did it save James's life.  Well, we are not going to find out unless we get James to redo his accident without a helmet. Maybe get mythbusters to run an experiment.

But no matter what side of the argument your on. Bicycle safety goes way beyond wearing a helmet or not.  Educating cyclists especially the young in the best way to stay protected on the road.  Here is a good article on How to ride safe, it is an American version so cars and cyclists are on the other side of the road, but good information is provided and not to be ignored.  Last note on this subject. I wear a helmet.

2. Bicycle Locks

I haven't got a bicycle lock yet. As I live in the country, I only use my bike for exercise. On a cycling forum site, you get many people joining and telling their story about their bike being stolen. I remember going back as a kid, Id get that loop lock for about £10.  that lock could be cut in a few seconds and id be left in a rutt.

If you have a good quality bike, you need to look at the value of individual pieces on the bike. For example many would tie the lock around the frame to the back tire. So whats left, Front tyre which are usually a quick release, saddle with a simple allen key and also could come in a quick release. So that could knock you back 200euros and a shameful walk home. I heard many good things on the Kryptonite locks but everyone has there own opinions. Check out other opinions here
I definitely recommend you check out this video on locks below.

 














3. Changing a Tyre

This one caught me out last week as you can see from my earlier post. After making sure this does not happen to me again, I researched some information online and checked out some YouTube's videos in changing a tyre. I would like to consider myself a fast tyre changer now and is sure not to be embarrassed again.
For a text version on changing a tyre. CLICK HERE
For a YouTube video version of changing a tyre. CLICK HERE

Don't throw out the tube, patch it up and re-use. it is said you should only patch a tube three times. Check out demostration. CLICK HERE.

On a final note. Saddle bag, main items to have.
Tubes * 2
Puncture Repair kit (3 Tyre leavers)
Phone (Never know when you run into more trouble then a puncture)
Money (Around a Tenner)
Multi-tool (Had my seat post slip on me and no allen key to get it back up)

I carry the pump just by my drink holder. Some people go for them CO2 canisters. Other People recommendations (CLICK HERE)

If you got any information you would like to add to the above topics, please post in the comment below. All comments welcome.

Shame on you Paul, Shame on you

Where to start, where to start.  It is rule number one to make sure you know how to change a tyre before going out on spins. Bringing out spare tubes, tyre leavers is all good but making sure you can change it properly is the friggen main thing ya need.

Just half hour into my cycle, i decided to give it hell for leather down hill. Keeping a good watch out for cars going around a bend at 50mph, I ended up flying over a stone, i was like thank god i didn't flip off but then came that dragging sound of a puncture.

On my old bike tyres, I was alright in changing them, they were wider. I did practice changing the new ones but it took me ages and I knew I was going to have trouble changing this one. Not being in a hurry, i relaxed, took a sip of water and began taking of the tyre. That took less then 30 seconds, putting in the tube,  whatever way i ended up trying to put in the tube, it would have being better if a four year old had a go.  But running around the bend was a few guys from the predator / seven springs club. The lads asked if I wanted a hand, and i was like thank god, feeling a little bit embarrassed i couldn't change a tube but I wanted to get back on the road. one of the lads had a go and after a few minutes, the little piece of air swished out of the tube. A second one gone. 

I thanked the lads for their help, well we joked about it. His advice was, if someone offers ya help the next time, just say your alright and wave them on. Good thing about chatting to the lads as i was thinking of joining the Seven springs cycling club. Will do a few more sessions on the bike and Plenty,Plenty, Plenty of practice in changing tubes. 

In hindsight, Bring two tubes and more practice in changing tyres,

Back Running

Well i went to the hospital yesterday. They took bloods and chest x-ray. Won't get results until two weeks time.  But that's not what I'm here to talk about. Will discuss the results when I get them.

So its being on my mind to get out running.  I was still a bit nervous to get out there. At the end of February, I was knocking up 7km and was comfortable. Then this incident happened and I tried a run in the middle of March and the pain in the chest was so hard. I nearly thought it was going to pop out and look at me and say 'what the hell are ya thinking?'. Well I walked 2k of that 5k run that day. I was afraid the same thing was going to happen today

So I took of very slowly, I wasn't interest in time, Not interest in much only putting one foot in front of the other. I could feel pains around the chest and heart area. They weren't so severe so I kept tinkering on. I just put it down to out of shape and hopefully after a few runs it will go away. Now that's wish full thinking.

After around 2.5km, I said i couldn't keep on going, now that's motivational talk for ya. I stopped and walked for about 30seconds and said feck this, its only a another km to home. I began to run again at snails pace but I got home.  The run reminded me of my first time I ran outside in Loughrea.  I ran up the Lake and back and it was so tough.  That's the level I'm starting at again, lets hope i can build up some decent distance this time.

Could it possible be

I have being off the tablets now for nearly two weeks now. in the latter stage of the first week, the pains in my hand returned with some hard chest/Heart pains. I was on the verge of ringing the Doc and heading back to the hospital. I decided against going in. Since then, the pain has eased off and I have being feeling great. At the moment I just feel a little bit tight around the chest/heart area but nothing to serious.

I am still going to return to hospital for my appointment on Wednesday. Might as well get the tests done and an x-ray to make sure there is nothing there.  Right now I'm feeling great and have being on the bike twice.

I was all happy out today until i watched the news and heard about the disaster in the Giro d'italia. My deepest condolences goes out to Wouter Weylandt and all his family and friends.