Entertainment executive on wheels.Cyclist tackles cross-country ride during down time Remember the thrill you got from racing around the neighborhood on your bicycle as a child? You owned the world. Although many of us have tucked away the memory of that fun-filled freedom, Melanie Bell of Santa Monica, California For other uses, see Santa Monica (disambiguation). Santa Monica is a coastal city in western Los Angeles County, California, USA. Situated on Santa Monica Bay of the Pacific Ocean, it is surrounded by the City of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades and Brentwood on the north, , still makes the sensation of biking an integral part of her fitness, stress reduction and recreational regime. Whether on the beaches of Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, or in the French countryside, Bell continues to seek and enjoy the excitement of the trails. "I love biking because it allows you to go places inaccessible by other modes of transportation. You gain a different perspective on things and notice aspects of life missed by car or train," says the Director of Business Development for Virgin Entertainment, the United Kingdom-based company. She cites her recent five-day group tour through the South of France South of France south n the South of France → le Sud de la France, le Midi as one of her highlights. "I love France, but had never experienced the South on my own terms," she raves. Not everyone is ready for a week-long bike tour in a foreign country. "I asked several friends and they all thought I was crazy. They just weren't interested in a strenuous stren·u·ous adj. 1. Requiring great effort, energy, or exertion: a strenuous task. 2. Vigorously active; energetic or zealous. week of riding all day. I typically woke up at 7:00 a.m. and hit the road by 8:00 a.m., which was a trial for me since I am not at all a morning person. Additionally, getting in and out of the small towns was challenging with road traffic of honking cars and trucks, not to mention speeding bikers." Despite the physical demands of biking, Bell says the sensation is worth it. "During those moments when I'd get a good pace, when I'm really connected with the bike and the road, I'd feel a huge smile on my face with the sun on my shoulders and the wind against my brow brow (brou) the forehead, or either lateral half of it. brow n. 1. The eyebrow. 2. See forehead. brow the forehead, or either lateral half of it. . Those times could never be replicated, especially not in a gym. It's a powerful feeling because you can use your own energy to move ahead." Getting started COSTS: Mountain bike average starling price $300 Road bike average starling price 600 Helmet 35 Repair kit and other accessories up to $100 Source: Metro Bicycle Stores (212-663-7531) BOOKS: Bicycling for Dummies by Allen St. John (IDG IDG International Data Group IDG Integrated Drive Generator IDG Installation Design Guide IDG Internet Discussion Group IDG Inset Dielectric Guide IDG International Dangerous Goods (mail, shipping) Books Worldwide, $19.99) Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book of Road Cycling Road cycling is the most widespread and popular form of bicycle riding. It takes place primarily on paved surfaces. It includes recreational, racing, and utility cycling. Experienced road cyclists generally obey the same rules and laws as other vehicle drivers and are often Skills: Your Guide to Riding Faster, Stronger, Longer and Safer by Ed Pavelka (Rodale Press, $15.95) Cycling the USA: Bicycle Touring Bicycle touring is a leisure travel activity which involves touring, exploring or sightseeing by bicycle. Bicycle tourism can be likened to backpacking on a bicycle. Distances vary considerably. Nationwide by John M. Smith (Motorbooks International, $15.95) WEBSITES: Bicycling Magazine Online: www.bicyclingraagazine.com--tips,, events, company listings, tours. Bike-alog: www..bikealog.com--bike shops by area and prices. The Cycle Source: www.cyclosourco.ne--links to other sites, bike finders, swaps, etc. |
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