Preserve and Expand Bike Path Systems

Now here's a headline for you, "Maryland awards millions for bike paths".


With the current trend of people young and old converting to bike commuting, we need to take care of America's roads and bike paths even more. Although the above headline is great and extremely uplifting, we are still seeing headlines looking quite grim popping up all over the country. For example too recent headlines we found went as follows... "Why Spend Millions For a Bike Path?"  and "Lacking funds, City pauses on new South Waterfront path"...

There is still quite a bit of work to be done in order to ensure bike paths and commuting routes are properly taken care of. There's a lot of hype right now thanks to the recent National Bike Summit. We want to make sure this conversation and motivation keeps on full throttle, long after cyclists return home to their respective cities.

Here is just one example of a great grassroots effort taking place in Yorkville, IL in trying to raise funds to support the creation of a 2.72 mile bike path. http://pushforthepath.org/

Community is key! Let's keep this conversation going on a National level. If you know of paths in your area that need work, whether it be heavy path damage due to weather and heavy use, to a closed restroom you'd like to see reopen. Maybe you would like to see something as simple as water fountains installed. Let us know what you'd like to see happen in your town. Together we can preserve and expand the bike path systems.

Bikepath Country was established as a way to engage outdoor and health enthusiasts with socially responsible advertising while helping municipalities raise money for their parks and recreation department. Our goal is to help preserve and expand this country's bike path system, as well as promote a clean and healthy environment for the community.

Tales from the Road (in photos)

What kind of bike are you riding this season? Where have you and your bike gone? Yesterday we received these 2 photos from a reader. Share your photos with us, and show us the scenes from your handlebars (of course we don't advise you do it while riding!)

Hudson River from 9W in Tomkins Cove NY

5 Tips for Bike Riding in the Rain

"April showers bring May flowers" - a phrase we know well. As Spring is just around the corner here are some safety tips for riding in the rain.

1. Exercise Caution

Slow down your speed! When it rains, roadways will naturally get slippery. But also be sure to pay special attention to manhole covers, roadway paint, leaves, and train tracks,  as they will become extremely slick when wet. Are you familiar with those rainbow patches in the road? Well beware, those patches may be a sign of oil on the road. Make sure you do your best to avoid puddles. A deep puddle could have a surprise sewer grate or pothole underneath it leaving you with a flat. Ultimately, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. This will help you to stay focused on the conditions and hazards of the road.

2. Brake, Brakes, Braking!

As the road gets wet, braking will become increasingly difficult. Remember to start braking early, and in wet conditions it can be helpful to gently squeeze your brakes in order to ease into the stop. It's important to take care of your brakes. Brake pads can wear faster with the buildup of water and dirt, so be sure to wipe down your brake pads and rims after riding. Also remember to dry off your bike to help prevent it from rusting. This is especially important for chains, so be sure to keep them properly lubricated.

3. Increase Your Visibility

When it rains, visibility is decreased for both the cyclist as well as any car on the road. As windshields get wet, foggy headlights from other cars cause quite a bit of glare. This can easily cause a driver to not see a cyclist in their periphery. Make use of front, rear and even side lights in order to ensure you and your bike remain visible during all conditions.

4. Rain Ready Bike

Fenders are key! You don't like getting mud and dirt spitting up in your face? Invest in some fenders for your bike. There are multiple options from quickly attachable clip-on fenders, to metal fenders that require a screw. Take your pick, but don't leave home without them!

5. Rain Ready You

Dressing for the weather may seem like a no brainer, but make sure you are fully prepared for the conditions of the day! Dress in layers in order to ensure you remain warm. But, keep in my mind that rain in shine your body will still sweat. So make sure whatever clothing you make use of is properly ventilated. Keep your shoes dry by using neoprene booties which will help with insulation. Using a visor on your helmet will definitely help to prevent water from dripping in your eyes. In addition to the visor, find a good pair of glasses to help prevent water and mud from getting in your eyes and to help with visibility.

Feel free to share your rainy weather cycling tips with us! Happy Riding!

Cycling through the Nilgiris

Here is a great article on the BSA-tour of the Nilgiris.
Click here for the article

Bike Path Fitness

It's up to us to decide to take the first step. Make the decision that now is the perfect time to commit to achieving your health and fitness goals. But how do we do it? Health is a multidimensional experience of the mind, body and spirit and should be thought of as a process that is constantly evolving. As you begin to make small incremental changes in your eating habits, activity levels and mind set you will start to feel better and better mentally, emotionally and physically.


"Take the first step of faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step". - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


We discussed the importance of keeping a daily journal. Your first entry was to determine your "why". Find your compelling "why" that will inspire you to take immediate and consistent action towards better health and well being.
Next we need to be honest and specific about where we are right now as we begin this journey towards optimum health and fitness. A great place to start is to contact you physician and schedule complete physical examination and blood profile before undertaking any dietary or lifestyle changes. It's important to make sure you are healthy enough to begin and exercise regimen and to discuss the important base line numbers with your doctor. Also, nothing is more motivating than to watch those number improve over time! Your doctor can also help you figure out your BMI. Your Body Mass Index can help you identify your goal weight. Body Mass Index equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Your doctor can help you set a healthy goal weight using a BMI chart and an appropriate time frame to achieve your weight loss. On average a healthy body can lose 1-3 pounds of fat per week. But there are many factors that come into play and this should be discussed with your health care provider.
Once you and your health care provider have discussed all your important base line numbers, your goal weight based on your BMI and the time frame in which to accomplish your goal weight you need to write it down in your journal and give it a deadline!


"Goals are dreams with deadlines". - Diane Scharf Hunt


Tomorrow we will discuss cleaning out your unhealthy environment...get out the trash bags!


To your success,


Nancy DiCioccio, M.P.H.

The Goal for 2012- Fit and Healthy

Blog Post Provided by Nancy DiCiocco at putnamcountybootcamp.com 

Welcome!  Over the next several weeks we will be working together to help you attain the healthy body and lifestyle you desire. We all deserve to live more joyful, abundant and healthier lives, but for many it is emotionally difficult to start a new fitness program.  When working with clients, one of the first challenges we work on is the healthy mindset. We need to get your mind set for success.  I don’t want you to just “try” a fitness program or healthy menu.   I want you to decide right now that it is time for you.  Decide right now that you are fully committed to making 2012 your healthiest year ever and you will work towards becoming the healthy person you deserve to be, finally and forever.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.-Mahatma Gandhi

So make the commitment.  Each time you take action towards your personal fitness and wellness goals, you will find that you reaffirm and deepen your commitment.  One of the first steps that my clients are required to do on a regular basis is to write down their goals and keep a daily journal.  This is to ensure that they become totally accountable to themselves.  So your first step is to get a journal and start writing!  So what should you write in your journal?  A good place to start is to answer a few questions - Why do I want to start exercising consistently?  Why do I want to lose weight?  Why do I want to kick the bad habits? More importantly, why right now? Discovering your why will motivate you, will inspire you and will help you consistently make healthier decisions and help you get more out of life both physically and emotionally.

 looking for fitness tips check our website out here

Our Trailways

North County Trailway, Westchester County, NY
Located in beautiful Westchester County NY, the North County Trailway is a paved bicycle and walking path that spans 22.1 miles from Eastview in the Town of Mount Pleasant to Baldwin Place in Somers. The North County Trailway is one element of an extensive countywide trailway system that includes the Bronx River Pathway, Briarcliff- Peekskill Trailway, South County Trailway and many planned bike routes along the county’s roads.

Putnam Trailway, Putnam County, NY

The Putnam Trailway is an extension of the North County Trailway. The two trailways connect in Carmel with the Putnam Trailway extending 7.5 miles. There are future plans to extend the trailway and additional 5 miles.

Nassau Trailway, Nassau County, NY
One of Long Island's most popular "low-impact" trails, the 7.6 mile Bethpage Bikeway connects Bethpage State Park with Merrick Road in Massapequa.


Bergen Trailway, Bergen County, NY
This trailway consists of 20 paths totaling 20 miles of trailways.


Florida
The Florida Office of Greenways & Trails oversees trail systems in 23 counties. Among them are Putnam, Marion, Citrus, Levy, Santa Rosa, Leon, Wakulla, Union, Clay, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Lake, Polk, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, Hendry, Glades & Monroe.


Contact us for more info