THE PHOTO ABOVE WAS TAKEN IN AUGUST OF 2009 IN MADRID SPAIN. THE PHOTO SHOWS
THE FOLKS WHO RUN AND OPERATE TRIXI OUR KICKBIKE ASSOCIATE IN MADRID. ON THE
LEFT IS GAIZA WHO LEADS TOURS THROUGH MADRID ON KICKBIKES. HIS KNOWLEDGE
AND PASSION FOR EUROPEAN HISTORY AND CONTEMPORY ISSUES MAKE THIS TOUR A MUST
SEE. IN THE MIDDLE IS MICHAEL, THE OWNER OF TRIXI, THE BIKE/ KICKBIKE SHOP
IN MADRID. OUR THANKS TO MICHAEL FOR HIS GENEROUSITY TO MY FAMILY DURING OUR
BRIEF STAFF IN MADRID. I AM THE ONE HOLDING THE KICKBIKE AFTER THE THREE
HOUR TOUR WITH MY SON JESSE AND MY WIFE DIANNA. IT WAS ONE OF THE HI-LITES
DURING OUR STAY IN SPAIN.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TRIXI IN MADRID PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT
www.trixi.com
The following are fitness related articles and personal notes on afternoon
"kicks" that may be of interest to Kickbikers.
- MOST RECENT KICK -
Model used: Millenium Racer - hybrid
Terrain: paved - about 3 miles
Date: Sunday May 13th , 2012
My Weight: 145 lbs-147 lbs
My Music- Beatles, Springsteen, Kinks , Eagels, Stones etc.
Distance: about 3 miles
Weather: A warm afternoon workout - 2:00 p.m.
Temperature about 19c - some wind.
Total time : about 11-12 min.
Average Heart Rate: did not wear monitor
Maximum Heart Rate: did not wear monitor
*** disregard next line - totally flat 3 mile run***
Speed going uphill (about 400m) - 20 km/h at top - there is a
digital traffic speed display at top of hill. Sometimes I wish it
wasn't there !
ALSO - THE RESULTS OF A RECENT EXPERIMENT
The following results are from an experiment that I did with 50 lbs in
weights and walking - NO KICKBIKE - NO RUNNING. Performed Sat. Jan. 21st/12
1. WALKING 400m without any weights at normal speed.
Time: 5:09
Avg Heart Rate: 88 bpm
Max. Heart Rate: 99 bpm
2. WALKING 400m with 50 lbs in weight carried in my hands
Time: 5:41
Avg. Heart Rate: 115bpm
Max. Heart Rate: 126 bpm
3. WALKING UP A 300m Hill with no weights
Time: 3:29
Avg. Heart Rate: 101 bpm
Max. Heart Rate: 110 bpm
4. WALKING UP THE SAME 300m Hill with 50 lbs. in my hands
Time: 3:47
Avg. Heart Rate: 108 bpm
Max. Heart Rate: 141 bpm
Thanks for stopping by.
The following article appeared at Ezine Articles.com
AN ALTERNATE FITNESS TOOL Fri. Aug.
12th /05
Any competitive or recreational athlete will use a variety of cross-
training methods or tools to complement their particular sport or to meet
their fitness needs. One such tool that is
becoming increasing popular is the Kickbike. The Kickbike is a high end
adult version of a scooter. Although new to North America , the Kickbike
has
been around for about 20 years in Europe and the Netherlands where national
and international Eurocups are held yearly establishing national and world
records for distances ranging from 200m to 30km.
How does one train on a Kickbike?
The Kickbike is propelled forward by kicking back as you would on
any
scooter. The only new skill needed is learning how to switch kicking legs.
There are two techniques that can be used for switching kicking legs. One
is called the �Heel Roll� and the second the �Hop- Step� technique. How
often you switch kicking legs is dependant on the person but usually a
cadence of 3 to 10 kicks before you switch is normal. When attacking hills
your cadence will increase. When descending hills you are best to just stop
kicking and enjoy the ride. For those who would like to see both techniques
you are invited to visit Kickbike Ontario�s website at
www.kickbikeontario.ca
were a short 36 second video clip is available.
What muscle groups are utilized ?
Training on a Kickbike utilizes the large muscle groups that are
used
in running as well as cycling. When riding a Kickbike the standing or
support leg uses primarily the quadricep and lower leg muscles, ( tibialis,
gastrocnemius, (calf), and soleus). Most of the load while riding is
handled
by this support leg which is constantly flexing thoughout the kicking
cycle.
The kicking
leg itself makes use of a pendulum type of kickback beginning at the hip
which draws in the glutes, hamstring and calf muscle groups. As the
kicking leg is brought forward and up the abdominals come into play. With a
little practice a pushing motion can be added with the arms that will
involve
the pecs and forearm muscles.
Who will benefit from using a Kickbike ?
The Kickbike can be used by those who are interested in light
exercise while cruising the harbor front or bike paths though out the city
or
as a means of commuting to work. The Kickbike can also be used by those who
have a more intense interest in cardio fitness and would like to avoid the
high impact nature of running. Because it is low impact the Kickbike has
become a popular tool with those mature athletes who have had to give up
running due to knee or hip problems. The Kickbike is very light weight at
13
kg. making it ideal for just about any age group from 10 to 60 years of
age. When you factor in the cardio and its low impact nature along with
the utilization of the muscle groups discussed above the Kickbike is an
excellent cross-training tool for any walker, runner, cyclist or for those
who are recuperating from an injury. It is truly a fun and unique way to
exercise .
Rodger Knight
Coach at Bramalea Secondary in Peel
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