August 31, 2009: Local Drivers Urged to Share the Road During RiverRide
RiverRide Chairman Tom Richardson urged local drivers to welcome the 600-700 cyclists expected for the September 25-27 weekend event by driving safely, carefully, and patiently.
Richardson cited the upcoming Virginia Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week, September 13-20, as an indication of increasing concern statewide in Virginia for bicycle safety. Sponsors for the week’s observance are DRIVE SMART Virginia, Bike Walk Virginia, and DMV.
In 2008, 90 people died walking or cycling on Virginia roadways, Richardson said. Additionally, 716 cyclists and 1,696 pedestrians were injured.
Richardson said motorists are required by law to approach and pass bicyclists at a reasonable speed and to allow at least two feet between their vehicle and the cyclist. Motorists are required to use signals to notify other roadway users of their intent, and cyclists must do the same using hand signals. “Behaving in a predictable manner while driving, biking, or walking can reduce the risk of crashes,” he added.
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August 26, 2009: Donate your Running Shoes
If you are like many runners, you probably have a collection of running shoes cluttering your closet and mudroom. Besides retiring them as you gardening shoes or contributing to the landfills, you can donate them for a good cause. There are several organizations across the world that would benefit from your used running shoes.
If you’d like to support this cause, many athletic and running stores are happy to help. Quite a few have donation collection facilities, and some even offer a discount towards a new pair of running shoes when you donate your used pair.
Here are a few organizations:
Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program. Nike’s goal is to help communities begin successful programs.
Individuals wanting to donate smaller quantities of used running shoes may visit Nike's website to find drop-off locations. Shoes can also be mailed to Nike's recycling center . This facility grinds the shoes then uses them to make many new products. (Light up shoes contain hazardous waste, so the batteries in these shoes should be removed.)
One World Running collects, washes and sends new and “near-new” athletic shoes, T-shirts and shorts, along with medicine and school and art supplies, to Third World countries.
If you’d like to support this cause, many athletic and running stores are happy to help. Quite a few have donation collection facilities, and some even offer a discount towards a new pair of running shoes when you donate your used pair.
Here are a few organizations:
Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program. Nike’s goal is to help communities begin successful programs.
Individuals wanting to donate smaller quantities of used running shoes may visit Nike's website to find drop-off locations. Shoes can also be mailed to Nike's recycling center . This facility grinds the shoes then uses them to make many new products. (Light up shoes contain hazardous waste, so the batteries in these shoes should be removed.)
One World Running collects, washes and sends new and “near-new” athletic shoes, T-shirts and shorts, along with medicine and school and art supplies, to Third World countries.
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August 21, 2009: 2009 Heart of Virginia Bike Festival
Date: Sept.19 & 20, 2009
Location: Patrick Henry Family YMCA, 217 Ashcake Rd.,Ashland, VA 23005
Cycle along the paths of Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee, and U.S. Grant over Hanover County's beautiful, historic countryside to benefit the Hanover Habitat for Humanity.
There is something for all riders: 30 mile family ride; 35 mile Short Ride; 35 mile Historic Ride: Metric Century; Metric Century Plus; and a new, and less challenging, 100 mile English Century.
Fees: Download the brochure (a PDF file) for more details
Please register at: Active.com Note: Online registration closes on 09/17/09 at 11:59 PM
August 14, 2009: Northern Neck RiverRide 2009
August 11, 2009: How to Buy the Right Running Shoes
By Christine Luff
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Choosing the right running shoes is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a runner, especially if you're just getting started. A little investment in time and effort for finding the best running shoes will help keep you comfortable and injury-free.
Here's How:
Go straight to the experts at a running specialty store. Plan on spending some time there because the salesperson should ask you lots of questions and have several running shoe options for you to try out.
Make sure the salesperson looks at the shape and arch to figure out what type of foot you have. Determining your foot type is key to making sure you get the right running shoes. The salesperson should also measure your foot. Your running shoes should be 1/2 to a full size bigger than your regular shoe size because your feet will swell when you run and you need plenty of room in the toebox. If your toes are crammed in the front of the running shoe, you could develop bruised or black toenails.
Have the salesperson do a running analysis for you. He'll watch you run in the running shoes, either outside or on treadmill, and determine your running style. He'll observe whether you're overpronating (your foot rolls inward) or supinating (your foot rolls outward) when your foot strikes the ground.
Give the salesperson information that will help him with his running shoe recommendations. He should be asking you questions about what type of running you do, how often you run, where you typically run, and what type of surfaces you run on.
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Choosing the right running shoes is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a runner, especially if you're just getting started. A little investment in time and effort for finding the best running shoes will help keep you comfortable and injury-free.
Here's How:
Go straight to the experts at a running specialty store. Plan on spending some time there because the salesperson should ask you lots of questions and have several running shoe options for you to try out.
Make sure the salesperson looks at the shape and arch to figure out what type of foot you have. Determining your foot type is key to making sure you get the right running shoes. The salesperson should also measure your foot. Your running shoes should be 1/2 to a full size bigger than your regular shoe size because your feet will swell when you run and you need plenty of room in the toebox. If your toes are crammed in the front of the running shoe, you could develop bruised or black toenails.
Have the salesperson do a running analysis for you. He'll watch you run in the running shoes, either outside or on treadmill, and determine your running style. He'll observe whether you're overpronating (your foot rolls inward) or supinating (your foot rolls outward) when your foot strikes the ground.
Give the salesperson information that will help him with his running shoe recommendations. He should be asking you questions about what type of running you do, how often you run, where you typically run, and what type of surfaces you run on.
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