Bell Bike Helmets you can Buy Lowest Prices at Bell Bike Helmets Best Cheap Shop

Schwinn Pulsar Micro Bicycle Helmet (Child 3+)

2012-02-09T22:05:00.001-08:00

Discount Schwinn Pulsar Micro Bicycle Helmet (Child 3+) Online Shop

Schwinn Pulsar Micro Bicycle Helmet (Child 3+) Overviews
The product is Schwinn Pulsar Micro Bicycle Helmet (Toddler).
Schwinn Pulsar Micro Bicycle Helmet (Child 3+) Features

Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Snug Fit retention system

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 09, 2012 22:05:11 ***

Kent V9 Toddler Bicycle Helmet (White Age)

2012-02-07T14:38:00.001-08:00

Recommendations Kent V9 Toddler Bicycle Helmet (White Age) For sale

Kent V9 Toddler Bicycle Helmet (White Age) Overviews
"KENT" BICYCLE HELMET * Adjustable helmet strap ensures comfortable fit. * Extended rear coverage provides extra protection. * Top vents keeps little heads cool. * Ergonomic padding to protect. * Color : White/Black * For ages 1-4. * Toddler - V9
Kent V9 Toddler Bicycle Helmet (White Age) Features

Ergonomic padding to protect.

" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">

Top vents keeps little heads cool.
Extended rear coverage provides extra protection.
Adjustable helmet strap ensures comfortable fit.
"KENT" BICYCLE HELMET
Ergonomic padding to protect.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 07, 2012 14:38:08 ***

Mongoose Boys' Traveler Camo Helmet, Black

2012-02-05T23:43:00.001-08:00

Shopping Online Mongoose Boys' Traveler Camo Helmet, Black Reviews

Mongoose Boys' Traveler Camo Helmet, Black Overviews
Keep safe using the Mongoose Traveler Youth Micro Bike Helmet in camo. It has all the safety features you need and the style that you want. This helmet is great for biking, inline skating, and other activities. The snap on visor will keep he sun out of your eyes and the vents will keep you cool while being outdoors!
Mongoose Boys' Traveler Camo Helmet, Black Features

Dial-fit retention system for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment
Snap-on visor for protection from the elements
Dual-stitch straps that are soft to the touch
Rear exhaust ports for enhanced air flow
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 05, 2012 23:43:32 ***

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Hardshell Helmet and Pads

2012-02-04T02:40:00.001-08:00

Recommendations Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Hardshell Helmet and Pads For sale

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Hardshell Helmet and Pads Overviews
Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Hardshell Helmet and Pads designed for better airflow and comfort and an integrated visor/brim provides shade from sun, Pad set included for knees or elbows, Snug-fit retention system, Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit.
Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Hardshell Helmet and Pads Features

Pad set included for knees or elbows
Protective multi-sport design with gloss finish
Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 04, 2012 02:40:08 ***

Schwinn Toddler's Carnival Helmet

2012-02-02T12:24:00.001-08:00

Discount Schwinn Toddler's Carnival Helmet Online Store

Schwinn Toddler's Carnival Helmet Overviews
Schwinn Toddler's Carnival Helmet
Schwinn Toddler's Carnival Helmet Features

8 Flow vents to keep you cool
Dial Easy Fit Retention for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment
Extended coverage for added security and safety
Built in sun brim for protection against the elements
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Feb 02, 2012 12:24:11 ***

Giro Spree Toddler Bike Helmet

2012-01-31T12:06:00.001-08:00

Affordable Giro Spree Toddler Bike Helmet Reviews

Giro Spree Toddler Bike Helmet Overviews
New Giro kids models with Xen inspired styling and revolutionary One-Step Fit Technology for ease of use and proper fit.
Giro Spree Toddler Bike Helmet Features

In-mold hardbody with full coverage shell.46 - 50cm
7 upper vents, 5 rear vents, and an in-molded bug net
One-Step Fit Technology with self-adjusting fit and LED flashing lights.
Fixed webbing position eliminates need for time-consuming Tri-Loc adjustment.
Universal Toddler Size: 46-50cm

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 31, 2012 12:06:33 ***

Raskullz T-Rad Rex Helmet - Ages 3+

2012-01-27T12:29:00.001-08:00

Best Raskullz T-Rad Rex Helmet - Ages 3+ Reviews

Raskullz T-Rad Rex Helmet - Ages 3+ Overviews
Finally a helmet that kids WANT to wear! This full 3D helmet is ment to protect your childs head and inspire their imagination.
Raskullz T-Rad Rex Helmet - Ages 3+ Features

Fun kids helmet--designed for radical protection and safety
Molded Exotuff 3D construction with a shock absorbing EPS inner shell
Adjustable straps and aerodynamic cooling vents
Meets ASTM international and USA Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
Fits most children aged three to five years old (18.9 to 20.5-inch head diameter)

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 27, 2012 12:29:08 ***

Schwinn Boys' Urban Helmet

2012-01-23T06:41:00.001-08:00

Shopping Online Schwinn Boys' Urban Helmet Online Shop

Schwinn Boys' Urban Helmet Overviews

16 Flow vents to keep you cool. Dial-fit retention system for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment. Extended coverage for added security and safety.

Recommended Ages: 5 - 8 years
Always read the Owner's Manual for Detailed Fit instructions before use
Warning: This helmet should not be used when playing or while climbing

Schwinn Boys' Urban Helmet Features

16 Flow vents to keep you cool
Dial-fit retention system for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment
Extended coverage for added security and safety
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 23, 2012 06:41:45 ***

Schwinn Toddler's Skull Boy Helmet

2012-01-19T09:22:00.001-08:00

See More Schwinn Toddler's Skull Boy Helmet Online Store

Schwinn Toddler's Skull Boy Helmet Overviews
Schwinn toddler's skull boy helmet comes with 8 Flow vents to keep you cool, Dial Easy Fit Retention for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment,Extended coverage for added security and safety
Schwinn Toddler's Skull Boy Helmet Features

8 Flow vents to keep you cool
Dial Easy Fit Retention for comfortable on-the-fly adjustment
Extended coverage for added security and safety
Built in sun brim for protection against the elements
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 19, 2012 09:22:05 ***

SpongeBob Child Pacific Nickelodeon Hardshell Helmet and Pads

2012-01-15T19:09:00.001-08:00

Discount SpongeBob Child Pacific Nickelodeon Hardshell Helmet and Pads Online Store

SpongeBob Child Pacific Nickelodeon Hardshell Helmet and Pads Overviews
Pad set included for knees or elbows Protective multi-sport design with gloss finish Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit Master carton of 2.
SpongeBob Child Pacific Nickelodeon Hardshell Helmet and Pads Features

Pad set included for knees or elbows
Protective multi-sport design with gloss finish
Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 15, 2012 19:09:47 ***

Giro Flak Multi-Sport Helmet

2012-01-14T05:05:00.001-08:00

Recommendations Giro Flak Multi-Sport Helmet Online Shop

Giro Flak Multi-Sport Helmet Overviews
The Flak is a straight-up skate-style helmet. It offers great coverage, it doesn't get in the way and doesn't shout out for attention. That's a perfect fit for riders who don't really want a helmet in the first place.
Giro Flak Multi-Sport Helmet Features

Straight-up skate-style design
Constructed with high-impact ABS shell
13 vents allow cool air in and warm air out
Weighs 410 grams and comes in three Super Fit sizes
Complies with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety standard for bicycle helmets

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 14, 2012 05:05:00 ***

My New Blue Cushman Motor Scooter

2012-01-09T08:07:00.001-08:00

Whenever I see one of the new and modern motor scooters traveling briskly along, a brief, sharp pang of emotion traces through my thoughts. A bit of memory causes me to stop for a moment. Although the modern motor scooters are much classier than my first scooter, there is still a connection. The first scooter that I enjoyed for many years was a Cushman and a lot of enjoyable memories return when it come to mind.

Although it was just over six decades ago, the memory is clear as yesterday. Never will I forget the moment I laid eyes on my sparkling blue dream, the first motorized vehicle that I had ever owned. Just slightly past the end of the big world war, I recall that the world had just begun to return to normal. A beautiful fall day, my attention wandered to thoughts of my Cushman that my dad had managed to purchase something in a very difficult buyers market. After years of rationing and shortages of autos, motorcycles ... and scooters ... all were difficult to come by but he managed to order my pleasant imagining dream.

Bell Bike Helmets

I found it very difficult to keep my mind on whatever my teacher was valiantly trying to propose to the class and my mind continued to wander. Only noting bits and pieces of her instruction amongst visions of my forthcoming scooter, I really was trying to be attentive but it was very difficult. To make it more difficult, my dad was, beyond the obvious station of being my father, was also the principal of the elementary school which I attended earlier in life. Earlier, on passing by to the cafeteria that was in the grade school, I had noted that dad was not in his office as usual and I briefly wondered where he might have been this day. Of course, in his position as principal of the next door elementary school, it was always necessary for him to always be going out on different chores.

My New Blue Cushman Motor Scooter

My thoughts were brought to life with the appearance of the student proctor appearing in the doorway of the classroom. Barely hearing my name, a strict demand that I should go to the office brought me back to life quickly. Knowing that dad was not in his office, a cold feeling washed over me as I realized that I was being instructed to go to the office, now. Not having any idea of what could be wrong, I quickly picked up my books and nervously made my way to the office of the principal. To say that I was anxious might have been an understatement.

The principal of my high school was a very stern and, I must say, an austere man, of whom I harbored no little fright. Not knowing what to expect, he grimly spoke to me in his firm manner and told me that I must go home immediately. I managed to offer a shaky, "Yes, sir," and hastily made my exit.

It so happens that my home was just a few short yards from the school complex and when I removed myself from the building, my home was in full view. Suddenly, my heart skipped a beat as I could see my dad standing next to a shipping crate in front of my house. Peeking out from between the crate frames, the sparking, shiny, wonderful blue of my new Cushman shone through. My fright turned to rapturous delight and, probably, I made the few yards to home quicker than any time before. My father beamed as only a dad could under similar circumstances. My new scooter had been delivered by the local dray and was waiting for me to enjoy.

Such was the beginning of ventures that was beyond my wildest dreams. I found myself enjoying a sense of freedom that I had never know before. Just of a tad of a boy, I suddenly discovered a new world filled with adventures far, far past what I had ever known before. Suddenly, I was able to venture past the closeness of home and family. Suddenly, I became a part of the world that had never been available to me. Like a normal kid, I had a bicycle, of course, but limits kept my close to my abode. Now with my new Cushman scooter, I found that I could enjoy ventures whose results were not always certain but certainly exciting.

Well, such was my introduction to a new Cushman motor scooter and a new world. I really have no idea how many miles I managed to put on the scooter but it did not matter, I guess. I seemed like hundreds or, maybe, thousands of miles and we traversed with a tank-full of gasoline as often as my studies allowed. I sped well beyond the limits that had cooped me in before. With a sense of discovery, my blue scooter and I were suddenly a part of the world and enjoying all about us.

Starting up early in offering various mechanicals for the motorized world, the beginning of Cushman was near 1903 in Lincoln, in the state of Nebraska. Founded by brothers Everett and Clinton, it was officially legalized as Cushman Motor Works in 1913. Initially the company produced an extensive large industrial quantities of engines for farm equipment, various fuel and water pumps, lawn mowers and equipment for boats. Beginning in 1936 and continuing until 1965, Cushman produced a range of motor scooters. Included was a model that was used by the US military. In World War II, scooters were used as a mode of transportation whenever standard vehicles were impractical. Production of scooters came to an end in 1965 and the company picked up slack with golf carts, industrial vehicles and maintenance equipment for turf.

The Cushman Eagle motor scooter, as the most successful product, was continually produced for some sixteen years. Resembling more motorcycle than scooter, it sported an exposed engine and a teardrop shaped top tank. Most Cushman models sported the step-through most common for the style of scooters and adopted as Vespa's standard. Models in the fifties, known as Road King and Pacemaker, sported a more style of the age. Sears and Roebuck even got on the scooter craze with an Allstate. A singular and famous vehicle from Cushman, called the Model 53, was a part of US Army Airborne, which served valiantly worldwide. Intended to be dropped by parachute, it came to be called the Cushman Airborne. Other models served base messengers.

Probably the Trucksters that was produced by Cushman beginning in 1958 and continuing through 2002. A small and light utility vehicle, their utilization include delicacy marketing, maintenance of malls and stadiums, parking control by police and others. Equipped with an automatic, centrifugal clutch, the rider simply had to turn the right grip to go and press a single pedal to stop. Strangely, the throttle grip was required to turn forward to go, completely opposite that which is normal on motorcycles. Step-through design and simple operation was popular with both men and women. Claiming almost 100 miles per gallon, Cushman advertised cent-a-mile operation. Weighing 250 to 335 pounds, some had up to 9 horsepower (6.7 kW). Manufacture ceased in 1965 but some Eagles were sold from 1966 inventory.

Strange as it may seem, a promotional flyers for Cushman scooters in 1937 claim over 100-mpg fuel performance, years before green vehicle was even mentioned. The scooters found their place early on but their wartime heriocs gave Cushman scooters their spot in history.

A movement for creating replicas of the well-known Cushman motor scooters, such as the Eagle, has found a place in our world. An ever-growing group of people that share common interests in motor scooters is growing, and will continue to expand. The company has been owned by several different groups, currently the Textron group from Rhode Island. Other companies owned by this consortium are Bell Helicopters and Cessna Aircraft. At one time, Cushman became a division of the Outboard Marine Corporation in 1962. Ransomes (of Great Britain) purchased Cushman in 1989, and then Textron purchased Ransomes.

My New Blue Cushman Motor Scooter

Bell Helmets Fraction Helmet - Boys'

2012-01-07T11:54:00.001-08:00

Recommendations Bell Helmets Fraction Helmet - Boys' For sale

Bell Helmets Fraction Helmet - Boys' Overviews
Give your little ripper the gift of the safety with the Bell Youth / Kidsa Fraction Bike Helmet so that they can bike, skate, and bang their head against the wall with full protection. Bell infused the Fractionas shell with EPS foam for added durability and strength rather than combining two separate layers. The easy to adjust Ergodial, pinch-proof chinstrap, and camlock ear straps all work together to give your child a dialed-in fit.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 07, 2012 11:54:20 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads

2012-01-05T10:50:00.001-08:00

Deals For Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads Online Shop

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads Overviews
Pad set included for knees or elbows Protective multi-sport design with gloss finish Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit Master carton of 2
Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads Features

Pad set included for knees or elbows
Snug-fit retention system
Top vented design for better airflow and comfort and an integrated visor/brim provides shade from sun
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 05, 2012 10:50:17 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

How To Customize A Bike

2012-01-03T10:45:00.001-08:00

How are a kickstand, a helmet cover, a seat and tires all connected? They are all things associated with biking. Some items are very easy to personalize. For example, helmet covers, which hug the bike helmet like a second skin, come in a wide assortment of styles and colors for both adults and children. Beyond that, what are some other options that make a bike unique to an individual?

Several areas to be considered should include the kind of bike the person is interested in as well as that individual's biking habits. There are a variety of bikes available and the use for each type of bike differs. Many people only wish to ride their bikes occasionally. They like the exercise, but they see biking as more of something fun to do, rather than a rigorous form of exercising. Bikes commonly referred to as cruisers could be the most beneficial for them. For the more serious athlete, those that do use biking as their exercise, road bikes might suit these individuals better. These people typically are interested in sporting events like the Tour de France and enjoy riding for long stretches at a time. A sizable group of the younger generation enjoys biking as more of an extreme action sport, so X-Game bikes are designed for them. Lastly, for those individuals who might use their bikes for a wide variety of activity, mountain bikes might be most appropriate for them.

Bell Bike Helmets

Once a person has their bike, accessories can be added to further personalize it. For the individual using their bike for leisure, items such as a basket, lock, horn, lights or bell are popular extras. Serious riders who spend more time on their bicycles will often invest in additional equipment such as jerseys, bike shorts, repair kits, shoes and even special sunglasses. Those that enjoy the more extreme version of bicycling do not necessarily concern themselves with clothing gear. Their focus is more on accessorizing their bikes for stunt performances. Cyclists, who own mountain bikes, do not have much need for specific cycling apparel. They can instead use a variety of comfortable, casual attire.

How To Customize A Bike

The bike itself can be revamped to the personal style of its rider. Flip through a bike store catalog or walk into any bike shop and a person can find just about any bike part they desire. From seats to tires, tail lights and pedals, the avid road bike cyclist has many choices to custom tailor their bike. X-Game bikes are often fitted with parts picked specifically by their rider as well.

Bicycling is an easy and fun exercise for people of all ages. Whether it is using a bike for running errands in town, cycling on the rough terrain for adventure, pushing the limits of gravity with eye-dropping stunts or crossing over hundreds of miles of scenic highway, there is a bike for everyone. And just as each person is unique, so too, their bike can be just as distinctive, offering an individual the ability to reflect their personality in a variety of ways.

How To Customize A Bike

Mountain Bike Skills - Your Best Guideline For Learning Mountain Biking

2012-01-01T20:29:00.001-08:00

Chris Ball, a former UCI World Cup competitor knows all about the cutting edge of downhill racing. He was competing for a long while and then continued racing alongside studying for a degree in sports science and then fell into coaching really. He got a knee injury and it sidelined him so then he started working with Ruaridh Cunningham. He has drawn on his knowledge of the sport and contacts with leading riders to author a new MTB skills and technique guide: Mountain Bike Skills: The Manual.

A lot of normal riders could learn a lot of really basic Mountain Bike Skills to make their riding more enjoyable. There's a lot of knowledge out there - some of which he picked up during his sport and exercise degree - which is involved in cross country, and is starting to come into downhill. These are techniques which are already being used in rugby and most major sports. Actually simple things like psychology, nutrition, making sure you eat the right amount of the right food. The basic mountain bike riders don't have to be measuring amounts of food and drink like the top riders and it's not meant to be an academic text book, but he tried to write the book to get the message across that the basic rider who's just out and about can get a really good overview of these Mountain Bike Skills they should be doing health wise to increase the level of their riding. It's a wide ranging sport with a range of abilities and backgrounds.

Bell Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Skills - Your Best Guideline For Learning Mountain Biking

Cars Toddler Microshell Boys Helmet (Red)

2011-12-30T21:44:00.001-08:00

Deals For Cars Toddler Microshell Boys Helmet (Red) For sale

Cars Toddler Microshell Boys Helmet (Red) Overviews
Featuring the hero of the popular Cars AB7movie, character Lighting McQueen rides over a durable hard shell design, this helmet is sure to make children love to ride safely and with the most delightful fit possible. Lifetime collision replacement warranty, guaranteeing a replacement of the helmet in the advent of an accident is available along with a limited ninety day replacement warranty available for manufacture defects. PAcific Cycle helmets are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality impact absorbing foam to prevent degradation of its collision protection. Thoroughly tested under CPSC standards, comes with a cars bell
Cars Toddler Microshell Boys Helmet (Red) Features

Integrated visor/brim provides shade from the sun
Top and front vented design for better airfloeamd comfort
Cars bell included
Easy to adjust webbing for a confortable fit
Snugg fit retention system

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 30, 2011 21:44:38 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Motor Scooter Reviews - A Wide Range Of Brands

2011-12-28T15:32:00.001-08:00

Back in the old days when motor scooters were not widely available, owning one was always a problem when it came to the availability of spares. Although scooters were available from foreign countries, the parts were not that easily available which made it difficult to own scooters. But now, with the wide range of brands available from many major companies, owning these vehicles is much easier today.

Immediate access to spare parts and service centers is one of the most crucial factors in owning any vehicle. But with the introduction of major scooter brands in the US, the likelihood of failure and repairs is getting extremely rare. Some of the major vehicle manufacturers from Japan like Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki have come out with nice scooter models in the higher price range. Some of the best vehicle manufacturers in the world are naturally high, making the quality of these vehicles. Vespa scooters from Italy's Piaggio are another famous Italian brand, which has been around for so many decades.

Bell Bike Helmets

People who prefer US brands can opt for Cushman motor scooters, which are made in Augusta Georgia. Textron, Inc, which is also the owner of other famous brands like the Cessna aircraft, and Bell Helicopters own the company. Cushman scooters were even used by the military instead of bigger automobiles and some of them can be seen in the war movies of yesteryears. These scooters have a long back as well as a long history.

Motor Scooter Reviews - A Wide Range Of Brands

Shopping Online Bell Abby Sesame Street Let's Ride Toddler Fun Pack (Purple) For sale

Bell Abby Sesame Street Let's Ride Toddler Fun Pack (Purple) Overviews
The Let's Ride Toddler Fun pack is perfect for toddlers learning to ride! Oversized Elmo decal brings graphic to life. Extended rear coverage for added protection. Cute, coordinating horn for all adventures. Fits head sizes 19" - 20-1/2"
Bell Abby Sesame Street Let's Ride Toddler Fun Pack (Purple) Features

helmet and horn
Seven top vents keep little heads cool
PinchGuard buckle to eliminate pinching
Half Nelson Fit system helps to ensure correct, comfy fit

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 28, 2011 15:32:13 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

More Asian brands from countries like Korea and Taiwan are becoming popular in the mid-range category. Although these are not high-end models like those from the Japanese manufacturers, these are moderately priced models which are good in quality and reliability as well. For people who are looking for functional models with a great price tag, models from these upcoming eastern countries would be an ideal choice.

The cheapest models of motor scooters are available from various companies in China. Some of these brands are good for the price at which they are available and others are mediocre at best. If some one is looking for a model at rock bottom prices that they can use for a couple of years before discarding, Chinese models would be quite suitable for the purpose.

Motor Scooter Reviews - A Wide Range Of Brands

Feel Safe at Home

2011-12-26T17:51:00.001-08:00

Getting to see a near and door one at your doorstep even as he rings the bell or makes his way in through the gate could be a facility not only one that delights but also one that assures you that are safe at home and free from the threat of intrusion.

Most often, unsuspecting occupants of a house fall prey to predators who roam in the garb of salesmen, plumbers, electricians, or even cops. The doorbell rings and they open the door and let in unknowingly their misfortune. In this day and age, when no neighbor has the time to be bothered about your safekeeping and your children's while you are away, it is of utmost importance to have a security system at your home.

Bell Bike Helmets

While burglar alarm and fire-safety or electrical load-stopping devices ensure a safe living, a camera that shows you who's at the door is an added advantage. Most of the camera security systems to be fixed at home come along with a speaker unit, through which it is possible also to interview the visitor if he is a stranger or one who is dropping in for the first time. Any time you are not satisfied by a caller's credentials, you have the freedom to keep the door bolted and ask the person whom you don't want to come in to just leave.

Feel Safe at Home

Deals For Fairies Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Hardshell Helmet and Pads For sale

Fairies Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Hardshell Helmet and Pads Overviews
It comes along with a pad set for the knees or elbows. It has a protective multi-sport design with gloss finish. Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort. Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit.
Fairies Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Hardshell Helmet and Pads Features

Pad set included for knees or elbows
Protective multi-sport design with gloss finish
Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Master carton of 2

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 26, 2011 17:51:30 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Besides, it is also possible to keep record of who came in and in case of any untoward happening; the investigators would have at least a lead to follow.

Kids could easily be familiarized with the working of the camera security system installed at home and they should be made particular about which person they are letting in. It makes them independent and conscious about the issue of security. A camera system is a sound investment giving you the advantage of a home safe and free of intrusions or even larceny. The presence of a camera pointed at the person standing at the door itself could be unnerving for visitors with a nefarious intent and keep all such unwelcome guests at bay.

Feel Safe at Home

Giro Rodeo Youth Bike Helmet

2011-12-25T03:43:00.001-08:00

Best Giro Rodeo Youth Bike Helmet Online Store

Giro Rodeo Youth Bike Helmet Overviews
The Giro® Rodeo child cycling helmet rounds up easy-to-use features and colorful images that kids enjoy and parents prefer. The shape has been adapted from a traditional cycling design to fit easily into child seats and strollers, and an in-mold construction technique creates a durable design that's both well-ventilated and lightweight.
Giro Rodeo Youth Bike Helmet Features

Helmet has a microshell with built-in bug net
Adjustable AcuDial fit system
Buckle under the chin that won't pinch skin
Colorful shell has a built-in visor
Fits youths size 19.75 to 20.75 inches (50 to 55 centimeters)

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 25, 2011 03:43:46 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Dirt Bike Maintenance

2011-12-23T13:39:00.001-08:00

Dirt bikes need regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance and longevity. Each brand is different, so it is important to refer to the service manual for your particular bike. There are specific areas on every dirt bike which should be checked regularly to keep it running smoothly. These areas include the oil, air filter, tires, wheels, brakes, and carburetor. You should take care about your dirt bike maintenance.

The oil needs to be changed much more frequently on a dirt bike than on a street bike or a car. An oil change should include a filter and needs to be done based on the hour schedule in the owner's manual. Doing this regularly with the correct, quality motorcycle specific oil is critical for the life of your dirt bike.

Bell Bike Helmets

Air filters are subject to an extremely dirty environment. They should be checked and often cleaned after every trip. Not doing this critical procedure will allow dirt into the engine, which can eventually destroy it.

Dirt Bike Maintenance

When checking the tires, you should insure that the tire pressure is correct, per the user manual. There should be no cuts in the tire and the tread or knobs should be in good shape.

The wheels should not have any missing spokes, and they should not feel loose or bent when you spin them. There should not be any dents or chips in the rim through which air can leak.

It is important to check that the wheels fully lock when the brakes are applied. There should be adequate brake fluid in the master cylinders and the fluid should be clean. Brake pads and liners should be checked to make sure they are in good condition.

The vent hoses in the carburetor should not be melted or clogged with mud. Check to make sure the throttle cable is not frayed or kinked. Occasionally rebuilding a motorcycle's carburetor should be done, especially prior to a new off-road season. When disassembling a carburetor, make sure that fluids have not seeped inside the floats. The tip of the float needle should be in good condition, and the air passages at the bottom of the bell mouth should not be clogged with dirt or oil.

Washing the dirt bike should be a part of routine maintenance, especially after a day of cross country biking. You can wash your bike easily with a garden hose, as long as you are careful to avoid getting water into the air box or seals. After washing, you can dry the bike with a towel or compressed air. The engine can be started briefly to dry the exhaust pipe, engine, and carburetor. After the bike is dry, it is helpful to lubricate the chain and spray rust inhibitor on bolts and other exposed steel parts.

If you find your bike needs work you cannot do on your own, you may need to hire a technician. When choosing an individual or company to service your bike, it is helpful to evaluate the services they offer and their turnaround time, as well as the cost for parts and labor. It is also a good idea to get references from friends and fellow dirt bike enthusiasts.

Dirt Bike Maintenance

Harley Davidson Turbo Chargers

2011-12-21T21:10:00.001-08:00

Enhancing your Harley Davidson is a great hobby. The parts you add to your bike can not only make it look cool, but can change and improve how you ride it. Many bikers find their thrill in speed. If you are one of these bikers and you want to enhance your bike with speed and excitement, consider purchasing a Harley turbo charger. These wild additions will give any biker the ride of their life.

Before shopping Harley Davidson turbo chargers, there are many things to consider. First, how will you be riding your bike? Are you looking for speed just going through every day life? You might want to look at the smaller turbo chargers. On the other hand, if you are into Harley Davidson bike racing, you may be interested in the biggest, fastest and wildest turbo charger on the market today.

Bell Bike Helmets

The second thing to consider when purchasing a Harley Davidson turbo charger is your budget. A lot of the turbo chargers available can really put a squeeze on your wallet. If price is no concern, then of course you should consider getting the biggest turbo charger with all the extras. If you are on a budget, however, you should consider purchasing your turbo charger used. Used turbo chargers are widely available and easily affordable.

Harley Davidson Turbo Chargers

Finally, if you are a professional motorcycle racer, then you have specific needs all your own. A Harley Davidson turbo charger is absolutely necessary when you are riding professionally. You shouldn't spare any money or hold back when purchasing your turbo charger; you should get the very best. And if you are hoping to go pro soon, purchase the best now so you don't have to buy another charger later on.

Harley Davidson Turbo Chargers

Dora Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler)

2011-12-19T03:20:00.001-08:00

Affordable Dora Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler) Online Store

Dora Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler) Overviews
Featuring the heroine of the popular cartoon Dora the Explorer, character Dora rides atop a durable hard shell design, this helmet is sure to make children love to ride safely and with the most delightful fit possible. Lifetime collision replacement warranty, guaranteeing a replacement of the helmet in the advent of an accident is available along with a limited ninety day replacement warranty available for manufacture defects. PTI Sports helmets are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality impact absorbing foam to prevent degradation of its collision protection. Thoroughly tested under CPSC standards, our helmets last over five years of use before they are recommended for replacement, ensuring safe cycling for years to come.
Dora Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler) Features

Pad set icluded for knees or elbows
Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort
Integrated visor/brim provides shade from sun
Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
Bonus knee and elbow pads

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 19, 2011 03:20:30 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Motorcycle Bill Of Sale - Why It Is Recommended That You Use A Motorcycle Bill Of Sale Form

2011-12-15T18:40:00.001-08:00

Motorcycles will often devalue a lot faster than automobiles do, so purchasing a bike second hand can get you a near new model for a bargain price. You do need to do your homework before purchasing a motorcycle and it is recommended that you use a motorcycle bill of sale form to document the sale.

One of the first things you need to do before buying a bike is to check the market price for a comparable make and model. This will tell you straight away if the bike is worth following up. This can be done quickly online using the NADA price guide.

Bell Bike Helmets

Other things you should ascertain for any bike you are considering of purchasing include whether the bike has ever been involved in an accident. Has the owner performed any modifications on the bike? Is the registration valid? What's the mileage like? Has it been routinely serviced and maintained? It is also a good idea to find out if any money is still owing on the bike.

Motorcycle Bill Of Sale - Why It Is Recommended That You Use A Motorcycle Bill Of Sale Form

When you have come to a decision about a bike and are ready to finalize the sale, you should write down the following pieces of information on your motorcycle bill of sale form. It is suggested to include both your own name and that of the seller. The make and model of the bike as well as the vehicle identification number also need to be obtained. Lastly, both the date of the sale and the price you paid need to be recorded and when agreed upon, both buyer and seller should sign the document.

It does not take long to use a motorcycle bill of sale. It is required in many states as proof of ownership and will need to be produced in order for you to register the motorbike in your name. It is a simple thing to do to guarantee that the purchase of your new bike is without dispute and stress free.

Motorcycle Bill Of Sale - Why It Is Recommended That You Use A Motorcycle Bill Of Sale Form

Pacific Cycle Boys Batman Child Hardshell Helmet (Blue)

2011-12-14T04:29:00.001-08:00

Discount Pacific Cycle Boys Batman Child Hardshell Helmet (Blue) Online Store

Pacific Cycle Boys Batman Child Hardshell Helmet (Blue) Overviews
Featuring the hero of the popular Batman cartoons, character Batman rides atop a comfortable hard shell design, this helmet is sure to make children love to ride safely and with the most delightful fit possible. Lifetime collision replacement warranty, guaranteeing a replacement of the helmet in the advent of an accident is available along with a limited ninety day replacement warranty available for manufacture defects. Pacific Cycle helmets are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality impact absorbing foam to prevent degradation of its collision protection. Thoroughly tested under CPSC standards
Pacific Cycle Boys Batman Child Hardshell Helmet (Blue) Features

Protective multi-sport design
Top, front and back vented design for better airfloeamd comfort
Batman bell included
Easy to adjust webbing for a confortable fit
Snugg fit retention system

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 14, 2011 04:29:17 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

How to Avoid a Bicycle Accident

2011-12-12T12:40:00.001-08:00

Cyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users. A combination of factors means that cyclists are exposed to dangers that most motorists don't even have to consider. For example being less visible to drivers and being completely without the protection of a tonne of metal means that your average cyclist is pretty likely to be badly injured if they come head to head with a car. In fact there were 114 cyclists killed in 2003 and 2,297 seriously injured. Although a cyclist has the advantage of being able to stop quickly if they encounter an obstacle a car driver is less likely to see a bike until the last minute.

The first and most obvious safety pointer that applies to everybody who takes to the road on a push bike is to wear a helmet. Cycle helmets are only designed and tested to withstand an impact equivalent to an average weight rider travelling at a speed of 12 mph falling on to a kerb from a height of 1 metre. Because of this riders shouldn't become complacent and rely on their helmet to save their life in an accident. The best way to avoid serious personal injury is to try and avoid being hit by a car in the first place.

Bell Bike Helmets

Secondly, you should wear reflective clothing and always use front and rear lights if riding at night or if the light is impaired in any way. Another useful safety device is the mirror. This can help you to judge the traffic from every angle. Many bike accidents occur when the car behind you clips your rear wheel. This is not as serious as an accident from the front or from the side, but can still knock you off and cause serious injury. By looking in a mirror from time to time you can assess any potential dangers. Basically if you are prepared to ride on the roads you should take the measures to protect yourself. Motorists can't always see you and unfortunately for much of the time haven't learnt to look out for cyclists. Everyone has a right to be on the road so protect your self as much as you can.

How to Avoid a Bicycle Accident

Common accidents and how to avoid them

You are more likely to be seriously injured in a collision with a car than in a bike only accident. There are one or two car versus bike accident types that are fairly common and that with a bit of foresight can be avoided. They are shown below with some tips for avoiding a deadly collision.

If a car pulls out of side road to your right

oYou will either cycle into the side of the car or it will drive into the side of you. If you're riding at night the motorist may not have spotted you at all so you should have a white light on the front of your bike that they are more likely to be able to spot

oSecondly you could consider shouting at the driver as you approach the vehicle; although bells are now mandatory on bikes again you may not be heard just by tinkling a bell. You should also consider slowing right down. You may want to get to your destination in a hurry but by slowing down just a little you can potentially avoid an accident

oThe final way to avoid an accident of this kind is to ride closer to the centre of your lane. The car driver will be looking down the centre of the lane for other cars not along the kerb for cyclists. You can also pull further away from the car if it doesn't notice you and pulls out. Obviously when you are on a busy road with few side roads it is safer to stay nearer to the kerb but on a slow road with lots of junctions, stay slightly to the left

A car door suddenly opens

If this happens you won't have very long to stop, so the best option is to ride closer to the middle when you are riding down a road with lots of parked cars. Again if the road is fast and narrow avoid this, but judge the road you are on and ride accordingly.

A car passes you and then turns left directly in front of you

oDon't ride on the pavement as motorists won't be looking out for you when they turn into a side road

oTake up more of the road. If a motorist has to sit behind you until the road is clear to overtake then they are unlikely to cut across you. Judge the road and give yourself space

oCheck in your mirror as you approach a junction. Once you arrive at the turning you will have to be paying attention to what is going on around you

A car coming towards you makes a right turn right in front of you or into you

oDon't overtake slow moving cars on the right as cars turning right will not be able to see you

oWear bright clothing so that drivers can see you. Yellow and orange vests will make it impossible to miss you

oRide slowly. Again, you will be able to stop more easily if you are riding slowly in the first place. Whilst it may be a pain you will be grateful if a car does cut you up

Check your bike

It pays to check your bike over before you even get on it. Every time you take it out you should give it the once over to see that the tyres are pumped up and the brakes are working.

oPat the tyres to check they are tight in the frame

oSqueeze the tyres to check that they are properly inflated

oPut the bike on the ground and apply the brakes, check that the brake pads bear evenly on the rim, push the bike forward to see if the brakes work

oCheck all the levers on the handle bar are correctly fitted

oGrasp the saddle and ensure that it is correctly fitted with no side to side movements

oMake sure you have lights that work so that you are safe on the road in the dark

Personal injury compensation

Cycling should be an enjoyable and healthy pastime. It can save you money on fuel and is environmentally friendly. The only drawback is the risk of being involved in an accident. Sadly this does happen and many people are left with serious injuries. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident or cycling accident or motorcycle accident then you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim. For more information and free legal advice go to http://www.car-accident-claim.com.

Editorial notes:

Car Accident Adviceline http://www.car-accident-claim.com, 0808 143 43 42, is an independent company that works towards claiming compensation for people who have had a non fault road traffic accidents. Their services are completely free to use as all car hire charges and legal fees are recovered from the person at faults insurance company or written off.

How to Avoid a Bicycle Accident

Building Strength For Cycling With 2 Exercises!

2011-12-10T22:01:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for strength training exercises to enhance your cycling experience then you have got to include kettlebell training into the equation. By now you may be familiar with the ancient kettlebell and have heard of just how hard hitting this ancient device can be in terms of getting your body in optimal physical condition. Check out the following 2 kettlebell exercises I have included below to take your cycling ability to the next level.

1. Kettlebell Thrusters: This particular exercise is tremendous for helping your cycling by strengthening your core, hips, glutes, back, and shoulders. You can do this exercise a couple of different ways, but for the sake of this article I am going to talk about the single arm thruster. For this strength training exercise you will need the availability of a single kettlebell of moderate resistance. Place the bell on the ground between your feet. From here properly clean the bell to your chest. Make sure that you have a good squat base by keeping your feet about shoulder width or slightly wider apart. From here simply perform a front squat keeping the bell racked in the triangle of your arm as you descend. Make sure that you lower yourself to a depth that your elbow can either touch or almost touch the inside of your knee. From here simply ascend in the squat to lock out and push press the kettlebell above your head. Make sure that the elbow is locked and that your shoulder is secure in the socket. This is a great muscle exercise for cyclists.

Bell Bike Helmets

2. Dual Kettlebell Front Squats: For this particular exercise you will need the availability of a pair of kettlebells of equal weight and moderate to heavy resistance. Place the bells on the ground between your feet to begin. From here execute the clean and rack the bells at your chest. Next, simply perform a front squat by descending to a depth so that your elbows touch the insides of your knees. As you come back up simply lock out at both your hips and knees. Just make sure not to allow the bells to pull you forward as you go into the squat. This is a highly effective strength exercise to perform with weights, but especially with kettlebells. If you are looking to develop strong powerful legs, a solid core, balance, and superior hips then the dual bell front squats are right down your alley for cycling performance. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only champions train smart!

Building Strength For Cycling With 2 Exercises!

Meeting Lance Armstrong

2011-12-08T15:55:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday six hundred of my closest friends and I got together for a chat at the Network Convention (Annual Fitness Industry Shindig) here in sunny (drought-stricken) Melbourne.

Well I spoke, they listened.

Bell Bike Helmets

Being the insecure only-child with a constant need for attention, that worked well.

Meeting Lance Armstrong

Best Bell Faction Multi-Sport Helmet Cheap Shop Online

Bell Faction Multi-Sport Helmet Overviews
The Bell Faction sets a new standard in skate-inspired helmets with superior style, fit and comfort. Two signature colors each from Dave Mirra and Tony Hawk along with eight other inspired designs.
Bell Faction Multi-Sport Helmet Features

Skate-inspired helmet design
Constructed with an ABS hard-plastic shell and a dual-density EPS liner
12 vents allow cool air in and warm air out
Weighs 426 grams and comes in three sizes
CPSC bicycle safety standard certified and ASTM 1492 skate certified

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 08, 2011 15:55:40 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

"I'll stand up here and you all look at me for ninety minutes... okay?"

Perfect.

We had a great time, lots of fun.

Seriously, the people from Network (Nigel and Lisa Champion) put on an amazing two days of education and inspiration for two thousand (or so) of Australia's information-hungry fitness professionals.
Well done team.

While I really enjoyed presenting and no-one threw stuff at me (always a good sign), it was the trip into the city on my scooter which provided the comic relief and inspiration for my morning.

So there I was at seven thirty in the am, perched at an intersection waiting to turn onto Beach Road (the main road running along the Beach and into the city here in Melbourne) to head into the conference. I was sitting at the lights lost in my own thoughts when all of a sudden I became aware of a presence... no, not a poltergeist; a bloke on a mountain bike had pulled up along side me.
Three feet away.
Coulda touched him.

Game face on... waiting for the green signal.

Like an Olympian waiting for the starters gun.

Focused.

Committed.

And dressed atrociously.

Didn't matter... it's all about function.

I actually laughed in my helmet, he looked so funny.

(No, he didn't hear me).

Here's the picture:

Chubby guy, maybe thirty five years old and twenty kilos (44lbs) overweight.
Ten year-old bike (at least) accessorised with one of those white and yellow foam helmets from the eighties strapped too tightly around his unshaven cheeks.
Kind of like a chubby Adam Sandler.

Some twenty five year-old sneakers providing a home to two lovely brown business socks!
A sweat-stained grey training-shirt, not quite covering the totality of his ample tummy.
Some too-small black track pants revealing some pretty significant (and hairy) calves and just a hint of ass-crack.
Nice.
Classy.

All in all, quite the picture.

So glad I hadn't eaten.

I looked over at him.

He looked back.

I gave the obligatory head nod.

As us hard-core(!) scooter riders do.

He looked back, smiled and opened his mouth to speak.

'He's up for a chat', I thought.

I lifted up the visor on my helmet.

"G'day Mate".

"G'day."

"How's the scooter go?"

"Yeh, pretty well."

"That's what I need; a motor."

"You're doing okay."

"I'm givin' it a crack anyway.."

"In training for something?"

"Yep, gettin' married in six weeks."

"How's the progress?"

"Great, lost six kilos (13lbs) in three weeks so far."

"Good for you man, that's awesome."

He certainly was 'giving it a crack' and he turned out to be a really nice guy.

Just then the lights turned green and a large group of cyclists (all on their five thousand dollar road bikes and clad in the obligatory lycra) sped through the Beach Road intersection heading into the city also. Lance Armstrong (my new friend) and I pulled away from the lights and the funniest thing ever happened... Lance decided that he would attach himself to the back of the peloton (bunch of cyclists) and ride with them!!

This was amusing for all kinds of reasons... but here are my top five.

1. He was outa shape and relatively unfit - they were all serious, fit riders.

2. His bike was worth fifteen bucks (max), weighed fifty pounds, had knobbies (off-road tyres) and a bell.

3. They were all 'in uniform' and he looked like he'd just escaped from a shelter.

4. His helmet made him look like he was about to be shot out of a cannon.

5. He wasn't one bit worried about what anyone thought - I loved that about him.

So we were off...

Lance and I followed the pretty boys on their over-priced 'Giants' and 'Cannondales' down Beach Road.

His legs pumped like angry little pistons and I laughed so much that my helmet started to fog up.

Within one minute he had caught the group and I thought he was about to expire.

I tried to recall my first-aid... "is it five compressions per breath... or four?"

He looked in pain.

"C'mon Big Fella", I yelled through my helmet.

His work rate increased.

He was lovin' the love.

I decided not to overtake the group (not hard to do considering I was the only one with a motor) and to coach my boy to the next set of lights.

Such fun.

Lance and I sat at the back of the pack, I offered more encouragement and his rapidly fatiguing pistons continued to pump.

About two km's (just over a mile) into the journey he turns and yells to me "how fast am I going?"

How funny is that?

I laughed my guts out.

Again.

Only an Aussie bloke who's near death would still care about... 'how fast he's riding'.
If he was a she... not a chance.

I looked at my speedo.

"About forty (25mph)."

"I'm flying."

(more laughs)

"Yes, you are.."

And with those words.. the big man started to 'hit the wall'.

His legs began to turn to rubber, his pink cheeks started to turn a lovely shade of grey and the friendly dialogue came to a standstill.

Lance began to drop off the back of the pack.

"C'mon Champ... don't let those pretty boys get away."

He mustered one final heroic burst, kind of like Sly in the first Rocky movie (the only good one) and momentarily caught the group again... he hung on for a bit and then surrendered to his screaming body.

He was exhausted but triumphant.

Strangely, I understood his triumph.

To anyone else, me and my chubby athlete would have been a bizarre sight, but to us it was a significant moment.

The ex-fat kid was delighted to invest five minutes into the friendly chubby guy 'training' for his wedding day.

We pulled up at the next set of lights and Lance was breathing like an eighty year-old smoker with emphysema.
But he was happy.

"Thanks Man."

"You're welcome... keep up the great work and have fun on the big day."

"I will..."

We exchanged a few more pleasantries, the lights turned green, we gave the alpha-male nod and I left the exhausted, but happy, groom-to-be to finish his training session.

I rode away with a big smile on my face.
He was happy, I was happy... and the 'real' cyclists thought we needed help.

As I continued my journey into the conference, I thought about what Lance had taught me:

1) It's really easy to connect with people when we want to - especially when we make it about them.

2) Everyone responds to encouragement.

3) Most people like some attention and care.

4) It's amazing what a little support (even from a stranger) can do to a person's level of performance.

5) When we slow down and notice what (and who) is around us, there are lessons to be learned.

6) Helping a stranger can make me feel better than helping myself.

Thanks Lance.

Enjoy your wedding day and your life with Mrs Lance.

Meeting Lance Armstrong

Motorcycle Jackets Give Riders A Stylish Look

2011-12-06T14:25:00.001-08:00

The main rationale behind wearing motorcycle jackets is protection. In fact, motorcycle jacket is protective clothing that offers considerable protection to the rider from accidents, foreign elements, etc, apart from providing the best protection against the wind and rain. Apart from potential accidents, motorcycle jackets add to the glamour it adds to the riders.

Today, various types of motorcycle jackets are available in the market, and these consist of simple cotton motorcycle jackets, leather motorcycle jackets, and riders jackets made of various protective materials depending upon the specific requirements. A great deal of efforts are nowadays put into design of motorcycle jackets and riders jackets so that they can serve for a two-way purpose, first to offer protection, and second to give a stylish look to the rider. When buying a leather motorcycle jacket, try to find out whether it is made from cowhide or sheepskin. Cowhide jackets are thicker, offer better protection, and are durable. Sheepskin jackets, on the other hand, are more fashionable as color can be easily and effectively imparted.

Bell Bike Helmets

You can get fashionable sheepskin jackets in a variety of zippered, patch worked and other fashionable designs. Whatever jacket you choose, any good motorcycle leather jacket should not be stiff, should have a usable pocket space, and should offer weather protection, adjustability, and usability. The thickness of the leather determines the kind of protection and hence checks it out, depending on your requirement. You may also choose between short skin tight rider jackets which facilitate greater speeding, more comfortable jackets for city cruising, and leather jackets for racers. Whatever jacket you choose, your jacket should always serve the purpose for which you are buying it.

Motorcycle Jackets Give Riders A Stylish Look

Speed Factory Cycling Training Program For Intermediate Cyclists

2011-12-04T23:36:00.001-08:00

As I type this it is only a couple of months until Spring. If you want to be at your best for next season you better be training now. You may have had a bit of lay off over the holidays but it's time for full speed ahead. It takes more than just cardiovascular fitness to go fast on a bike. It doesn't matter how strong your legs are if you can't get the power to the pedals. The whole system has to be strong to go fast and no fatigue over the long haul.

This week I'm going to post the Intermediate plan for those who ride regularly but haven't done rides or races over 60 km this season. If you want to make fast progress, you need synergy. Workouts that hit more than one system at a time so you see maximum progress.

Bell Bike Helmets

To do these workouts you need a bike trainer or spin bike, a pair of dumbbells and an inflatable exercise ball.

Speed Factory Cycling Training Program For Intermediate Cyclists

Best Bell Splash Youth Bicycle Helmet Cheap Shop Online

Bell Splash Youth Bicycle Helmet Overviews
With extended rear coverage, OneStep™ fit system, and integrated flashing lights, the Bell® Splash toddler cycling helmet is perfect for parents and kids. The fit system requires no guesswork; on the initial fitting, simply snap the buckle closed and make the one-time adjustment of snugging the chin strap to the proper length. The helmet will fit properly and securely every time your little rider heads out.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 04, 2011 23:36:24 ***

Please Check Update Here!!!

Amazon.com Widgets

And you know the Drill:

Consult with your doctor before undertaking any exercise program
(most people who have a adverse reaction to hard exercise have an underlying medical condition that went undetected)

The Speed Factory Crash Training Plan consists of on the bike workouts that can be done inside or out depending on weather and 3 weekly Cross Training Workouts off the bike. You make quicker gains from working harder rather than longer so the focus is on quality intervals. The plus is that the bike portion of the workouts is a total of around 3 hours per week including your warm-up and cooldown.

Bike Warm-Up - 10-15 minutes of spinning with 3 X 20 second hard efforts to kick in the lactate clearing process.

Cross Training Warmup

3 rounds

15 Squats
30 Seconds per Leg - Sampson Stretch
10 Halos per direction
5 pushups
10 Trunk Rotations

Stretching/Yoga

Stretch after every workout. Look up the Yoga Series called Sun Salutation to incorporate after your workouts to keep the muscles loose and speed recovery.

Intermediate Program

This includes 3 Bike Workouts and 3 Cross Training Workouts. You can do a bike workout and then your cross training on the same day or you can do bike one day and cross train the next. Aim to give 48 hours between cross training workouts.

Sample Week

Monday - Bike Workout
Tuesday - Cross Training
Wednesday - Bike workout
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Bike and Cross Training
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Cross Train

You can juggle it how ever you like as long as you get the work in and don't do all three workouts back to back.

Bike Workout 1 - Speed and Cardio

15 min warm-up

3 X 6 intervals of 10 second hard / 10 second easy / 2 min easy riding between sets (rev up to a cadence of 100 rpms in a hard gear)

2 min easy recovery

6 X 30 seconds hard / 90 seconds easy ( do each 30 second interval as hard as you can aiming for 100 rpms in a hard gear)

10 minute cool down

Total Workout Time: 49 minutes

Bike Workout 2 - Muscular Endurance

With this muscular endurance ladder you will do the shorter intervals in a harder gear than then longer ones. Choose the gear and trainer resistance that feels like a 8 / 10 for each effort. Your heart rate will be up and your legs will burn. After your last 4 minute interval just do a 10 minute cooldown rather than the 4 minute recovery and then the 10 minute cooldown.

15 minute Warm-up

2 Sets of:

5 seconds hard / 5 seconds easy
10 seconds hard / 10 seconds easy
30 seconds hard / 30 seconds easy
1 minute Hard / 1 minute Easy
2 Minutes Hard / 2 minutes Easy
4 Minutes Hard / 4 minutes Easy

10 minute Cooldown

Total Workout Time: 52 minutes

Bike Workout 3 - Time Trial Intervals

With these intervals you need a bike computer that has distance and time or a trainer that records this information. This is based on distance not time. You are aiming to cover the distance as fast as you can so the faster you go the shorter the workout but the more load you will get. Use the same resistance setting on your trainer each time so the load is repeatable each workout.

15 minute warm-up

3 X 5 km time trial / 4 minute recovery between efforts

10 minute cooldown

Total workout time: Approx. 60 minutes

Cross Training Workouts

With the cross training workouts, time them. Aim to get the workout done as fast as possible while maintain good exercise form. You will be breathing heavy and your muscles will burn but this is the aim of these workouts. Full body exercise with lots of lactic acid, oxygen debt and muscle activation stimulates the body to increase production of growth hormone and testosterone which helps with fat burning and recovery.

Workout 1

3 Rounds

10 Pushups
20 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls w/ dumbbells
30 Dumbbell Swings

Workout 2

3 rounds

20 Thrusters w/ Dumbbells
20 Russian Twists per side (10 lb dumbbell)
10 pullups or body rows
10 Burpees

Workout 3

3 rounds

15 Manmakers w/ dumbbells
15 Lunges per leg
30 Dumbbell Swings

Overview

Do each workout once a week for the next four weeks. Drink lots of water, eat natural foods and get lots of sleep.. If you find yourself feeling really tired after a few weeks, take 2-3 easy days to allow the body to recovery. With these workouts you get as much out of them as you put into it. Work hard and you will see results.

Speed Factory Cycling Training Program For Intermediate Cyclists

Trendy Motorcycle Jackets for Street Bike Riders

2011-12-03T07:15:00.001-08:00

Every sport needs proper clothing requirement. More dangerous the sport more stringent the need for proper outfit. Street biking is a game that is dangerous as well as thrilling. Hence, proper outfit is necessary for Street Bike Riders. Earlier, it was not so pleasant for street bikers when street bike gear weren't available in such great options. Quality street bike jackets not necessarily used to be glamorous while glamorous street bike jackets used to be a compromise on quality.

The scenario is not the same now. Today, many motorcycle gear manufacturers have evolved and are producing quality street bike jackets, leather motorcycle jackets, and other types of motorcycle jackets that are not only protective but fashionable. You can find fashionable motorcycle jackets, fashionable street bike jackets, fashionable leather jackets and other fashionable motorcycle gear at affordable prices.

Bell Bike Helmets

Check out our collection of motorcycle jackets. We offer high quality stylish motorcycle jackets, street bike jackets, leather jackets of various makes and levels of protectiveness. Be it street biking, racing, or simple city riding, stylish motorcycle jackets, leather jackets, and street bike jackets that we offer are evenly picked and categorized so that choosing for our customers are never difficult.

Trendy Motorcycle Jackets for Street Bike Riders

Bell Abby Sesame Street Let's Ride Toddler Fun Pack (Purple) Overviews

The Let's Ride Toddler Fun pack is perfect for toddlers learning to ride! Oversized Elmo decal brings graphic to life. Extended rear coverage for added protection. Cute, coordinating horn for all adventures. Fits head sizes 19" - 20-1/2"
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 03, 2011 07:15:54 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Cost is often a major concern when buying motorcycle jackets, and we realize how dangerous it is when people just go for ordinary clothing just to feel easy on their pockets. Everything that we offer, be it trendy motorcycle jackets, street bike jackets, or other apparels, we make sure that they are affordable and quality certified so that compromise is not what you do when you shop for leather motorcycle jackets.

Trendy Motorcycle Jackets for Street Bike Riders

Motorcycle Gloves: Types and Purpose

2011-12-01T11:53:00.001-08:00

Most novice riders consider gloves to be of no importance in riding bikes because all they have to do is twist the throttle and cling to the handlebars. Another category of riders wear motorcycle gloves for the sole reason of them looking good. But the fact is gloves play a vital role in motorcycle riding. Let us now take a look at a few reasons to wear motorcycle gloves.

• Hands tend to sweat a lot during extensive riding periods. This results in the hands getting wet and hence losing grip on the handle bars. Gloves prevent this from happening. The perfect kind of gloves would be the ones that provide protection on the outside and comfort on the inside. Leather, Kevlar and carbon fiber are the commonly used materials to create high quality motorcycle gloves. Cotton is also used in the inner parts of the gloves to avoid the rider getting sweaty hands.

Bell Bike Helmets

• When a biker meets with an accident in which he/she is skidding forward because of the momentum, our immediate action would be to stop skidding by using our hands. In such a scenario our hands would get badly battered and bruised. Wearing gloves can protect the rider's hands from getting cuts or bruises because of an accident. Higher quality racing gloves protect the rider's hands from twisting or bending beyond a certain level and hence protecting them from injuries.

Motorcycle Gloves: Types and Purpose

Bell Faction Multi-Sport Helmet Overviews

The Bell Faction sets a new standard in skate-inspired helmets with superior style, fit and comfort. Two signature colors each from Dave Mirra and Tony Hawk along with eight other inspired designs.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 01, 2011 11:53:54 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

• Gloves also protection in different weather conditions. Gloves are most useful in icy conditions. Our fingers become numb when they are constantly in touch with cold or chilly winds. Biking in cold weather will do the same. Our hands and fingers when cold and numb do not react fast enough even though we are alert. Thus a glove can prevent this from happening by keeping the palm and fingers warm.

Gloves are normally classified into two main types:

• Full Fingered Gloves - These types of gloves are further classified into four different types. The Gauntlet gloves are the best among them as they provide really good protection and can be used in any weather. Plastic gloves or better known as rain gloves are used as covers and are worn over any existing pair of gloves. Lightweight gloves are the best for summer or hot conditions as they allow cooling of the hands. Winter gloves or leather gloves are the best alternative for winter. They help in keeping the hands warm and hence active even in cold conditions.

• Half Fingered Gloves or Fingerless Gloves - This type of gloves do not provide really high quality of safety but are ideal for regular motorcycle riding. They keep the hands cool and allow better ventilation.

A rider may choose any kind of motorcycle glove according to his choice. But the main things that he should keep in his mind are quality, size and comfort.

Motorcycle Gloves: Types and Purpose

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Helmet and Pads

2011-11-29T21:43:00.001-08:00

Toy Story Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Helmet and Pads Overviews

Pad set included for knees or elbows and snug-fit retention system. Top vented design for better airflow and comfort and an integrated visor/brim provides shade from sun. Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit with a Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit and a master carton of 2.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 29, 2011 21:43:53 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet

2011-11-27T08:07:00.001-08:00

Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet Overviews

The Me2 features thoughtful touches that parents adore and kids appreciate, like simple strap guides, an adjustable fit system and a buckle that won't pinch soft skin. It's the perfect start to a lifelong bond with helmets.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 27, 2011 08:07:31 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

The Fun and Educational Side in a Basketball Camp for Kids

2011-11-26T07:25:00.001-08:00

Last day of school - every kid in school is anxious to hear the last dismissal bell of the year. During summer, parents encourage their kids to participate in productive activities like sports. A number of interesting sports camps and clinics are available in summer time. Molding a kid in sports in an early age could contribute to his or her maturity. Basketball is one of the sought after sport for kids during summer. Former and current basketball players design camps and clinics especially for kids, this clinics are not to be taken lightly. Some of the famous basketball players nowadays started their careers in these camps.

Basketball is a fun sport. It could also be the kid's ticket for education and perhaps stardom. Let us enumerate the positive characteristics the sport of basketball could contribute to kids.

Bell Bike Helmets

• Teaches kids the meaning teamwork. Five players working as one finding ways to score in basketball and at the same time stopping the opposition from scoring in their hoop.

• Basketball emphasizes the importance of hard work. Learning how to dribble and shoot the ball requires a ton of effort. Camp coaches and trainers are there to monitor the progress of the kids. To them nothing beats the feeling of passing their basketball knowledge to kids.

• Camaraderie as a team sport. This is very important; making new friends is one of the objectives of basketball camps. Friendship not only inside the court, but outside the court as well.

• The camp coaches do not only teach the game of basketball in these camps, they also teach the importance of education. As mentioned, basketball is a potential ticket to college education; college educations don't come cheap these days. Another possibility is that the kid might be a future basketball star, and mind you, these things actually happen.

• Keeping kids off from the street, away from drugs and gang life. People are judged by the company they keep. This quote is a reminder for all of us to choose our friends wisely. Living in the streets could expose the kid to the life of crime, and any activities that could ruin his or her future.

Basketball camp is not only about serious stuff. We go to the fun side. all the kids love this part of the camp.

The Game of Horse

You think playing basketball is fun, well, try playing the horse version of the game. Horse is a skill game; starts with a player shooting the ball successfully from anywhere on the court in an unlikely manner. The next contestant must match his or her performance. For instance, the first player misses the shot, and the second player would have the right to choose the manner and the style of the attempt. Every miss shot has a corresponding letter, the first player to spell the word horse losses the game.

The Knockout Version

Shooting is the name of this game; the objective is to make each attempt possible before the person behind beats you. Each contestant is positioned at the top of the key three point line. A participant who made the shot must pass the ball to next player for his or her attempt; played continuously until one player is left standing.

The Magic Number of Twenty One

This is somewhat similar to the game of basketball but in this version, you have no teammate. The rules are simple. You must make a basket while depended by a lot of players. Once a player makes a basket he or she is awarded three free throws. If the player misses the free throw, any player can rebound the ball and attempt a shot of his or her own. The process will continue until a player reaches the score of twenty one.

The Fun and Educational Side in a Basketball Camp for Kids

Biker Bells: The Story Behind the Tradition

2011-11-25T06:01:00.001-08:00

Putting biker bells on motorcycles is an old tradition. There are a variety of stories about biker bells, and no one really knows the exact origin of the biker bell. The most popular story takes place decades ago.

On a cold December night a lone biker rode the highways, working his way home after a trip to Mexico. His saddlebags buldged with toys and trinkets he had bought for some orphans who lived at a group home near his home. The old biker had lived a good life, and as he rode that dark night, he thought about how blessed his life had been. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things of life. As he thought of all the good in his life, he was thankful to have a loving partner who understood his need to ride the highways and he was thankful for his bike that had never failed him. As the miles rolled by, he thought about the many road trips he had taken. As he rode, the miles slipped by and he was happy. As he entered the high desert about 40 miles from the border his life would forever be changed. As luck would have it, the lone biker came around a curve and was ambushed by the gremlins. As was their practice, they had scattered across the road an old pair of shoes, a board with a nail in it, pieces of tires and trash. And they had dug holes in the road for bikers to run over and, they hoped, crash.

Bell Bike Helmets

And every time a biker wrecked, the road gremlins rejoiced over the evil they had done. While the old biker fought to stay upright, the gremlins traps proved too strong and he crashed to the road, sliding to a stop next to his saddlebags that were broken open. Laying on the road, bruised but not broken, he watched the gremlins come out hiding. Slowly they moved towards him. Unarmed, the old biker saw a bell that had spilled from his saddlebags and thinking there was nothing else he could do, he began ringing it, hoping to scare the evil gremlins away. Not too far away, a couple of bikers had stopped for the night to make camp. While sitting around the fire, they heard a ringing bell. Curious, they investigated and found the wounded biker now surrounded by gremlins. They hurried to his side and frightened the gremlins away. Grateful for what the bikers had done, the old biker took two of his bells and tied them to his rescuers bikes as low to the ground as possible. Before he left them, he told the two bikers that should they ever need help to ring the biker bells that he had put on each of their bikes, and a fellow biker would come to their aid.

Biker Bells: The Story Behind the Tradition

Fairies Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Hardshell Helmet and Pads

2011-11-24T12:43:00.001-08:00

Fairies Child Pacific Disney Tinkerbell Hardshell Helmet and Pads Overviews

It comes along with a pad set for the knees or elbows. It has a protective multi-sport design with gloss finish. Top and front vented design for better airflow and comfort. Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 24, 2011 12:43:24 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Bell Paul Frank Stunt Monkey Helmet and Bike Bell

2011-11-24T12:42:00.001-08:00

Bell Paul Frank Stunt Monkey Helmet and Bike Bell Overviews

The 'Best Time Ever' Biking Accessory! Hard-shell construction offers protection on the trails or at the skate park.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 24, 2011 12:42:45 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Bell Transformers Bumblebee Toddler Helmet & Horn

2011-11-23T10:37:00.001-08:00

Bell Transformers Bumblebee Toddler Helmet & Horn Overviews

Protect your noggin Transformer style! Includes coordinating horn!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 23, 2011 10:37:49 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Getting a Motorcycle Helmet

2011-11-22T04:07:00.001-08:00

Most cities in the world have a law requiring people to wear a helmet if you are riding a motorcycle or any other 2 wheelers. And this is great, because a helmet is one of the most important safety items. Think about this as an accessory too.

There are so many helmets today on the market on any taste and cost. What style helmet you decide to buy and how much money you decide to spend is a personal choice. All depends on how much you value your neck or even life. You should spend as much as you can afford. Just think about hospital's bills or your family. And remember: you'll get what you'll pay for!

Bell Bike Helmets

First of all, don't buy a used motorcycle helmet. Even if this is your friend's helmet! You don't know for sure how it was stored. You don't know for sure what temperatures and for how long it was used in the trips. High and very low temperatures melt composites inside of helmets. Fallen helmet on the concrete gradually damages it. It may look like a new, but important changes inside of it are not visible. As you wear your properly fitting helmet it gradually fits to the shape of your head. Used helmet will be fitted to someone else's head. If lining is not removable, means you can't wash it, then you might get someone "problems". If you want to safe money on your helmet and want to buy it online, make sure the helmet is brand new and hasn't been used. Buying a helmet takes a time and research. Even if you tried helmet for 5 minutes and liked it, doesn't mean this is right helmet for you. You need to wear helmet for 1 or 2 hours, before you will know for sure. That is why most riders have 2 to 10 helmets. That is why always good to buy helmets online- you will safe lots of money! Today market offers different types of helmets, like:

o "Open Face" or the "motorcycle half helmets"; these are most popular among scooter owners. They have less protection for your face than other types of helmets but many manufacturers make more designs. The helmet market is growing quickly as more people buying motorcycles. Open face helmets are very popular among riders of cruiser style bikes, like Harleys, as well as classic bike riders. German helmets bring some variety to the market There are many "retro helmets" around today too. Most "open face" helmets do not provide any eye protection (some do come with a handy flip down shield-visor so you should think of buying a good pair of motorcycle sunglasses to protect your eyes.

o "Full Face" helmet is a type of helmet that offers the best protection for you head and face,they are available in a big variety of styles and colors. Helmets from Shoi, Caberg, Bell, Arai, BMX, Icon, kbc, Harley-Davidson helmets are probably most popular brands on the market today.

o "Flip Front" type: these helmets are great for long trips. It is two in one helmet. They give a choice to wear them as an open face helmet or full face. Used widely. Some of them have removable Visor-shield. That gives an ability to replace it easy once it has been scratched.

o "Off Road" helmets are widely used by motocross and "enduro" riders. More and more of these helmets are coming on to the market with the rising popularity of motorbikes. Most "off road" helmets don't provide eye protection, so make sure you have a good pair of goggles. When choosing a motorcycle helmet look for approval rating labels.

They called approved helmets. Most of them are DOT helmets. You don't want to be penalized by police officer for wearing helmet without this label. Another important thing is a proper fit. When you shake your head side to side, helmet must not move around or up and down. It has to sit slightly tight on your checks. With time it will get loose. When it sits properly on your head, it will provide good sound proof. Noise from the wind can make you tired, especially for long rides. And with time it may cause damage to your ears. Earplugs are always welcome too. The other advantage in a good helmet you might want to seek is ventilation. Especially if you gonna ride in hot temperatures. Stay tuned with more news on motorcycle helmets.

Getting a Motorcycle Helmet

Disney Princess Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Child)

2011-11-21T02:20:00.001-08:00

Disney Princess Hardshell Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Child) Overviews

Disney Princess Child Hardshell Helmet, Knee Pads, and Elbow Pads
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 21, 2011 02:20:44 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Mickey Mouse Club Micro Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler)

2011-11-20T09:45:00.001-08:00

Mickey Mouse Club Micro Bicycle Helmet and Protective Pad Value Pack (Toddler) Overviews

Featuring the hero of the popular Disney cartoons, character Mickey rides atop a comfortable micro shell design, this helmet is sure to make children love to ride safely and with the most delightful fit possible. Lifetime collision replacement warranty, guaranteeing a replacement of the helmet in the advent of an accident is available along with a limited ninety day replacement warranty available for manufacture defects. PTI Sports helmets are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality impact absorbing foam to prevent degradation of its collision protection. Thoroughly tested under CPSC standards, our helmets last over five years of use before they are recommended for replacement, ensuring safe cycling for years to come.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 20, 2011 09:45:12 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Keep It Cool in Your Motorcycle Helmet

2011-11-19T13:05:00.001-08:00

So you did it. You dipped into your savings and splurged on a motorcycle (to your husband or wife's dismay), hoping that what you lost in dollars you'll more than gain back in a sense of freedom, rebellion, and pure on-road pleasure. Unfortunately, in the chaos and excitement that occurred when you bought it, you forgot that you have no idea how to be a part of biker culture. You don't want to look like a tool blazing down the road on your bike, like some displaced yuppie who just wants to fit in. And since you can't change the bike you've already bought, there's really only one thing left you can pick that helps define you as a biker.

A motorcycle helmet.

Bell Bike Helmets

Custom helmets for bikers can dramatically improve your authenticity as a motorcycle rider, someone who's not alienated from biker culture but who, in fact, relishes in it and takes to the open road with ease. It may sound crazy that something as simple as a motorcycle helmet can encapsulate so much, but helmets and biker jackets are to motorcycle drivers what pinstripes and high socks are to baseball players. There's legitimacy portrayed through the gear you wear, and understanding these nuances can help you adjust to the new lifestyle you purchased on a whim.

If you're looking for an easy fix, you can always go with a helmet for a trusted, reliable brand that has a good name in the biker community. Shoei helmets and Bell helmets come to mind as particularly popular, and if you're really not sure what you want, you'll be hard-pressed to go wrong with one of them. However, if you really want to make a statement and not sell out just to fit in, you'll want to put just a little more thought into your motorcycle helmet choice. There are so many custom motorcycle helmets available that you can literally succumb to decision-making overload, so you'll have to decide what matters most to you. Most people want a safe, reliable helmet, and nowadays that's pretty easy to find. But you can definitely match style with safety, and if you want a black helmet with red and green stenciling, you'll be sure to find something out there that meets your desire. What you'll want to avoid are tacky helmet designs, things that are way-too over the top (if you have to ask whether a helmet is going too far, it probably is. Though with a reasonable amount of confidence, it really won't matter... that is, if you have the courage to back it up).

Style matters. Substance matters. No smashing your skull to bits matters. Find a way to fit into biker culture without 'sucking up' or selling out, by picking out a helmet that suits you and simultaneously fits with conventional biker culture.

Keep It Cool in Your Motorcycle Helmet

Aviation Sights of Long Island

2011-11-18T23:00:00.001-08:00

1. Long Island's Aviation Seed

The aviation seed planted on Long Island's Hempstead Plains in 1909, when Glenn Curtiss had first flown above it in his Golden Flyer biplane, had sprouted and grown over a six-decade period until it had ultimately connected its own soil with that of its moon.

Bell Bike Helmets

Its many aerospace sights, depicting its general aviation, commercial, military, and space branches, and geographically spread between Garden City and Calverton, recount this journey.

2. Cradle of Aviation Museum

The Cradle of Aviation Museum, located on Museum Row in Garden City near the Coliseum, Nassau Community College, and Hofstra University, tells most of Long Island's aerospace story.

Tracing its origin to 1979, when then-County Executive Francis T. Purcell designated funds to restore two aircraft hangars at former Mitchel Field, it displayed several dozen aircraft until it closed for renovation in 1995. The 130,000-square-foot, million facility, opening on the 75th anniversary of Lindbergh's transatlantic flight in 2002, showcases more than 70 air- and spacecraft, 11 of which are one-of-a-kind designs, associated with or constructed on Long Island and uncovered during a 20-year search which had stretched from the bottom of Lake Michigan to Guadalcanal. They had then been restored and preserved by retired airline and defense aircraft manufacturer volunteers who collectively contributed some 650,000 man-hours to the project. The result had been Long Island's largest, year-round, educational, recreational, and cultural institution.

According to New York State Governor George E. Pataki, museum visitors "can see the brief span of years that brought Long Island from hosting the fragile biplanes of 1911 to building the Lunar Module that took mankind to the moon in the sixties. Through these displays, the Cradle becomes a powerful mirror that reflects our own skills, intellect, and ability to conquer time and space and pays tribute to American innovation and pioneering spirit."

The Cradle of Aviation Museum, dominated by its impressive, four-story, glass atrium Reckson Center, greets visitors with a ceiling-suspended Grumman F-11A Tiger supersonic fighter in Blue Angels livery and a 1929 Fleet 2 biplane trainer, symbolically representing the soaring ascent of Long Island's aviation heritage.

The main exhibits, located in eight galleries in the two restored Army Air Corps Hangars 3 and 4 which still bear the words "Mitchel Field. Elev 90 Feet" on their facades, and now designated the Donald Everett Axinn Air and Space Hall, are accessed by a second floor skywalk at whose entrance a third ceiling-suspended replica of a 1922 Sperry Messenger biplane designed by the Lawrence Sperry Aircraft Company of Farmingdale hangs.

According to the skywalk's plaque, "Long Island has been at the forefront of American's aviation and space adventure for the past one hundred years...It all started here on Long Island's Hempstead Plains."

A one-flight descent leads to the first of the museum's galleries, "Dream of Wings." Depicting the triumph of flight with lighter-than-air craft, it demonstrates how balloon, kite, glider, and airship experimentations turned the dream of flight into reality and led to its heavier-than-air successors, displaying aerostatic lift generation, Alexander Graham Bell's tetrahedral kite, an Otto Lilienthal glider, and a 1906 Timmons kite built in Queens, the museum's oldest flying exhibit. A 20-hp Glenn Curtiss airship engine, designed two years later, and a Mineola Bike Shop, demonstrating, in the Wright Brothers' vein, the technology transfer from the bicycle to the aircraft with propellers and wings, round out the exhibits.

The "Hempstead Plains" gallery, the next encountered, represents a 1910 air meet. Amid recordings of turning propellers and accelerating aircraft, a collection of early designs graces the grass-carpeted field and includes an original Bleriot XI of 1909, the world's fourth-oldest, still-operational airframe; a spruce-and-bamboo replica of Glenn Curtiss's Golden Flyer, the first heavier-than-air airplane to fly over Long Island; a replica of a Wright Brothers' Vin Fiz; a Hanriot monoplane; a Farman biplane, a 1911 Anzani engine; and a 1913 Studebaker "motor car."

During World War I, as evidenced by the succeeding gallery, the triumph of flight was transferred into the destruction of man, as the airplane assumed the reciprocal role of a weapon, and Long Island had become the center of military aircraft design, testing, and production during this time. On display is the first airplane acquired by Charles Lindbergh, a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny purchased in 1923 for 0; along with a 1918 Breese Penguin trainer, the only one of the 250 originally produced remaining; an airworthy Thomas-Morse S4C Scout biplane with its original Marlin machine gun; and the F. Trubee Davison World War One wooden hangar, which sports the ribbed, uncovered airframe of a Curtiss Jenny with its engine, propeller, and fuel tank; and a 160-hp Gnome Monosoupope, 1916 engine from France.

During the Golden Age of Aviation, which spanned the 20-year period from 1919 to 1938, aviation matured, evolving from a dangerous sport to a viable commercial industry. The motley collection of aircraft in this gallery includes the sister ship to the original Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis and used during the filming of the epic tale; an Aircraft Engineering Corporation "Ace," which became America's first sport plane; a replica of a Curtiss/Sperry Aerial Torpedo; a 1932 Grumman F3F-2 Navy Scout fighter; a Brunner Winkle Model A Byrd biplane built in Glendale, Queens; an American Aeronautical Corporation/Savoia Marchetti S-56 amphibian made in Port Washington; and a Grumman G-21 Goose in blue, Pan American Airways System livery.

During World War II, as reflected by its respective gallery, the aircraft produced by Repubic and Grumman had been crucial to US victory, and within the six-year period from 1939 to 1945 depicted, some 45,000 airframes had rolled off the production line. On display are a powerless Waco CG-4 Troop Glider, which had been used to deliver soldiers behind enemy lines; a Republic P-47N Thunderbolt; a Grumman F6F Hellcat, a Grumman TBM Avenger, a Grumman F6F Hellcat, a Douglas C-47 cockpit and nose section, and the Sperry Type A-2 lower gun turret which had protected the undersides of B-17 and B-24 long-range bombers.

The pure-jet engine, as evidenced by the Jet Age Gallery, revolutionized military aviation by endowing aircraft with unprecedented speed, range, maneuverability, and attack capability, and Grumman Aircraft Corporation had been instrumental in this development, having designed more than 40 civilian and military types which totaled some 33,000 airframes and provided employment for 200,000 Long Island residents. Its military aircraft, particularly, had played crucial roles in numerous conflicts, including those in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. On display are several Grumman designs, inclusive of an E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning/command-and-control aircraft, an F9F-7 Cougar, the forward fuselage of an F-14 Tomcat, and an A-6 Intruder cockpit simulator, while Republic Aviation is represented by an F-84B Thunderjet, an F-105B supersonic fighter, and an A-10A Thunderbolt cockpit section. A Boeing 727 nose and cockpit section and a Westinghouse J-34 turbine engine round out the exhibits.

The "Contemporary Aviation" gallery features air traffic control radar screens which emphasize the congested JFK, La Guardia, and Newark airport triplex, along with their secondary airports of Long Island MacArthur and Westchester County's White Plains, and Farmingdale's Republic Airport, the states' busiest general aviation/reliever field.

The "Exploring Space" gallery, the last of the eight, depicts the dramatic transition from atmospheric flight to vacuumless space and emphasizes Long Island's rich contribution to this aerospace sector. Its exhibits include a Goddard A-series rocket; a Grumman orbiting astronomical observatory; a Grumman echo adapter; a life-size model of the Sputnik satellite which had been presented by the Soviet Union and whose original hardware had launched the Space Race; a Grumman Rigel ramjet missile from 1953; a Grumman Lunar Module simulator; and a Rockwell Command Module which had been used during a 25,000-mph earth reentry test in 1966 prior to the manned Apollo flights.

A "Clean Room," representing the environment in which all Lunar Modules had been hand-made, leads to the gallery's-and the museum's-most precious exhibit, an actual, 22.9-foot-high, gold foil-covered LM-13, the thirteenth and last Lunar Module built, dramatically lit with its legs nestled on a simulated moonscape. Designated an historic mechanical landmark, the Lunar Module had been the first-and thus far, only-spacecraft to have ever transported human beings from earth to another planet or its moons.

The Museum Annex Jet Gallery, which shares facilities with the Long Island Firefighter's Museum, features a Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, the forward fuselage of a Grumman F-14A, a full F-14A Tomcat airframe, a Grumman A-6F Intruder, and the forward nose section and cockpit of an El Al Boeing 707.

Other museum facilities include the seven-story-high, 300-seat, 76-foot-wide Leroy R. and Rose W. Grumman IMAX Theater, New York state's largest domed venue and Long Island's only IMAX screen; the Martian-themed Red Planet Café, which displays a 1961 Grumman "Molab" Mobile Lunar Laboratory designed for lunar surface travel, habitation, and testing; a balcony-located Aerospace Honor Roll; and the Mitchel Field Outpost gift and bookstore.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum is a world-class facility which preserves, showcases, and interprets Long Island's rich aerospace heritage.

3. American Airpower Museum

The American Airpower Museum, located at Farmingdale's Republic Airport, oozes with history. It is housed in an historic hangar, where historic World War II aircraft had been built, and these had then been tested at this historic airfield.

Republic Airport itself, founded in 1928 as Fairchild Flying Field when Sherman Fairchild's existing facility had become too small to support continued FC-2 and Model 71 production, had passed the torch to Grumman for a five-year period, from 1932 to 1937, when the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Manufacturing Company itself had relocated to Maryland.

Seversky, establishing its presence on the field in 1935, continued its tradition of aircraft building and testing, redesignating itself "Republic Aviation" and considerably expanding its facilities with three new hangars, a control tower, and a longer runway. A major supplier of military designs, it churned out more than 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolts during the Second World War and 800 F-105 Thunderchiefs during the Vietnam conflict.

After acquiring the airport in 1965, Fairchild-Hiller sold it to Farmingdale Corporation, which turned it into a public facility the following year, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), purchasing it for million in 1969, renamed it Republic Airport, lengthening existing Runway 14-32, constructing a 100-foot FAA control tower, and building a small passenger terminal.

The 526-acre general aviation/reliever airport, whose ownership once again changed to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) in April of 1983, exerts some 9 million of economic impact on Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Its 546 based and transient aircraft record 190,723 annual movements, of which 93 percent encompass general aviation, six percent air taxi, and one percent military, in a full spectrum of aircraft types, including single-engine, multi-engine, piston, turboprop, pure-jet, and rotary wing, and these utilize its two runways: 5,516-foot Runway 1-19 and 6,827-foot Runway 14-32. As New York's third largest airport in terms of take offs and landings after JFK and La Guardia, and its largest general aviation field, it handled 1,634 enplanements, mostly due to charter flight activity, in 2005.

Amidst this atmosphere, off of New Highway, is the American Airpower Museum. Hangar 3, its location, had been completed in 1927, along with other structures at a 0,000 cost and had served as the incubation point of some 9,000 Republic P-47 Thunderbolts during the Second World War. As a result, it had once been considered part of the "arsenal of democracy." The museum, launched after a 0,000 grant from Governor George E. Pataki and dedicated during the airport's annual Pearl Harbor Day Commemorative Service in 2000, had been built to serve as a living tribute to Long Island's veteran population by honoring the past with the present, and to create a regional tourist destination, along with the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Colonel Francis Gabreski, who scored most of his World War II victories in Republic P-47s, had been the highest ranking ace on Long Island and had initially served as the museum's honorary commander.

Complementing the static displays at the Cradle of Aviation Museum itself, the American Airpower Museum features the sights, sounds, and experiences of operational World War II fighters and bombers, the first time in 54 years that the New York metropolitan area can boast of such an accomplishment. As the Williamsburg of military aviation, the facility accurately proclaims its mission as "where history flies."

Its varied collection of pristinely restored aircraft encompass trainers, fighters, carrier-based Navy, ocean reconnaissance, bombers, and post-World War II jet types.

The North American T-6 Texan, for instance, first flew in 1935 and was one of the most widely used advanced fighter pilot trainers during the war.

Of the fighters, the Curtiss-Wright P-40 Warhawk, which also first flew that year, attains 363-mph speeds and currently wears Flying Tiger livery. No aircraft could be more at home in the American Airpower Museum's Hangar 3, however, than the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, the very design which was assembled here in the thousands. First taking to the skies from the runway only yards away in 1940, it was the largest, heaviest, single-engine, single-pilot piston fighter ever produced, attaining 467-mph speeds. The P-51 Mustang, whose maximum speed had been 30 mph lower than the Thunderbolt's, flew high-altitude escort missions of B-17 and B-24 long-range bombers, shooting down more enemy aircraft than any other World War II European theater fighter.

Of the Navy aircraft, the Grumman TBM Avenger, a carrier-based torpedo bomber, had hunted German U-boats off the coast of Long Island, while the Vought FG-1D Corsair had been used by both the Navy and the Marines and had achieved 446-mph airspeeds.

The Consolidated PBY Catalina, a high-wing, amphibious ocean reconnaissance aircraft flown by a crew of eight, searched for enemy submarines. It had a 2,545-mile range, a 15,748-foot service ceiling, and a 178-mph speed.

The museum's twin-engined, medium-range North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, designated "Miss Hap," had been General Hap Arnold's personal aircraft, while the type in general had been made famous by the Doolittle Raid.

The collection also includes several jet fighters. The L-39 Albatross, for example, is a 570-mph Soviet trainer which first flew in 1968 and is still in service with 16 countries. The Republic F-84 Thunderjet, one of the first pure-jet fighters, attained 620-mph speeds and served from 1948 to the Korean War. The RF-84 Thunderflash, also designed by Republic, is a 720-mph photoreconnaissance aircraft with horizon-to-horizon photograph capability, and served between 1953 and 1971. The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, a supersonic fighter and attack bomber, had been most extensively deployed in Vietnam in its F-105D guise, carrying more than 12,000 pounds of ordnance and achieving 1,390-mph speeds. It served for a quarter of a century, from 1955 to 1980. The General Dynamics F-111, a supersonic, March 1.2, variable-geometry strike aircraft, first flew in 1967, and had seen service in Vietnam, Libya, and Iraq.

Aside from the aircraft themselves, there are nose and cockpit sections, including those of a Fairchild-Republic A-10, a Mig-21, a Beech 18/C-45, and a Douglas C-47, as well as engines, such as a General Electric J-47 and an Allison V-1710.

World War II's aviation story is also told by means of films, period scenes and dioramas, an extensive model and memorabilia collection, vintage vehicles, a "Ready Room," a "Briefing Room," a "Canteen," a gift shop, and era-related music.

Tours are periodically provided to the historic, five-story, 1943 control tower located in Hangar 4. The view from the cab, amid vintage radio and radar equipment overlooking Republic airport's two runways, provides insight into the controllers' functions, which often included coordinating vectors from P-47s, A-10s, F-84s, and F-105s enroute to the region's dense air base network comprised of Zahns Airport, then virtually across the road, Grumman in Bethpage, Mitchel Field in Garden City, the Floyd Bennett Field Naval Air Station in Brooklyn, and the Vought factory across Long Island Sound in Connecticut, a network emphasizing Long Island's early nucleic role in aviation.

Because the American Airpower Museum's collection is predominantly operational, several flight experiences are offered.

Its own, and signature, opportunity, aboard a Douglas C-47 Skytrain which had last been used by the Israeli Air Force, simulates the famed, D-Day allied invasion of Normandy during the early-morning hours of June 6, 1944.

After donning paratrooper uniforms, helmets, and modified parachutes in the Ready Room, would-be jumpers move to the Briefing Room, where, amid wooden benches and period maps, the pending mission is detailed, along with the necessary regrouping maneuver behind French hedgerows after parachuting to the ground. French francs are distributed.

The cohesive, identically clad team now climbs aboard the twin-engined, olive-green C-47, which is configured with wooden side benches and actually partook of Normandy operations.

During a recent summer flight, the aircraft taxied out to Republic Airport's Runway 1 and initiated its piston engine-propelled acceleration roll, raising its tailwheel and surrendering to the flawlessly blue sky while retracting its undercarriage.

Climbing to 1,200 feet and maintaining a 125-mph airspeed, the Douglas twin straddled Long Island's south shore off of Jones Beach, which simulated the similar sands of Normandy.
Upon reaching the designated "drop zone," the jumpmaster yelled, "Stand up! Check equipment! Hook up!" and the paratroopers connected their lines to the aircraft in preparation for imminent bailout.

Parachute jumping procedures were drilled and the actual, 1944 event was recounted. Regrettably, the realism necessarily had to end there.

Nevertheless, after relanding, the sensation of the D-Day disconnection during the real jump was recreated as the temporary troopers climbed out the aft, left hatch, their Velcro-attached lines separating with gentle tares, a symbolic disconnection from machine before being gravity-induced into an exponentially accelerating tumble to French soil until the unraveling surfaces of their parachutes blossomed into arresting airfoils.

Before removing uniforms, passengers are instructed to reach into their pockets to retrieve a card which reveals the identity of their historical double-or that paratrooper they had represented during the simulated mission. The paratrooper, however, had made the actual jump. And the card indicates whether he had lived or died as a result of it.

Other than the American Airpower Museum's own C-47 flight experience, vintage aircraft static displays and aerial opportunities are scheduled during holidays and special occasions, such as during Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, historical anniversaries, and the annual Labor Day Flight of Aces weekend, the latter created to encourage young people to write about the virtues, victories, and achievements of a World War II-age friend or relative. The winning composition is awarded a bomber flight experience. Aircraft have included the MATS C-121 Constellation; the Berlin Airlift "Spirit of Freedom" C-54; the B-17 Flying Fortress; the B-24 Liberator; the B-25 Mitchell; and the PT-17 Stearman, the last four of which were operated by the Collings Foundation.

A post-museum visit dinner at the 56th Fighter Group Restaurant located on the Route 110 side of Republic Airport, although not affiliated with the museum itself, both complements and completes a World War II living history day. Resembling a 1940 wartime English farmhouse, it further transports the diner to this era with its "Officer's Mess" entry; rustic, timbered ceilings; fireplace-adorned dining rooms; World War II-related photographs, memorabilia, and propellers; simulated, bombed-out patio; Big Band music; and views of replica P-40, P-47, and Corsair aircraft. The steak and seafood menu is noted for its signature beer-cheese soup.

The American Airpower Museum is a living aviation time portal to World War II and Long Island's invaluable contribution to its victory of it. A post-museum dinner at the 56th Fighter Group Restaurant provides the culinary cap to it.

4. Bayport Aerodrome Living Aviation Museum

The Bayport Aerodrome Living Aviation Museum, created by the Bayport Aerodrome Society to preserve and present early-20th century aviation at a representative turf airport, is a 24-hangar complex of privately owned antique and experimental aircraft located at Bayport Aerodrome.

The aerodrome, three miles southeast of Long Island MacArthur Airport, is a nontowered field with a single, 150-foot-wide by 2,740-foot-long grass/turf runway (18-36) and 45 based single-engine aircraft. Of its average 28 daily movements, 98 percent are local, with the remainder transient. Designated Davis Field from 1910 to 1952, it had then been renamed Edwards Airport until 1977, whereafter it had been acquired by the Town of Islip. On January 22, 2008, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a feat proudly proclaimed by its plaque, which reads: "Bayport Aerodrome. Only L.I. public airport w/ grass runways. National Historic status 2008."

Formed in 1972 for the very purpose of preserving such an era, the Bayport Aerodrome Society conducts complementary tours on weekends between June and September of its operational aircraft collection, which includes Piper Cubs, Waco biplanes, N2S Stearmans, Fleet Model 16Bs, Byrds, and PT-22s. There is also a small museum.

5. Grand Old Airshow

The Grand Old Airshow, first held in 2006 at Brookhaven's Calabro Airport, was created to transport spectators to earlier, biplane and World War II eras and showcase Long Island aviation.

Calabro Airport itself is a 600-acre, nontowered, municipal field which was constructed during the Second World War to provide logistical support for the Army Air Corps, but was acquired by the Town of Brookhaven in 1961, whose Division of General Aviation now operates it. The field, sporting two runways-4,200-foot Runway 6-24 and 4,224-foot Runway 15-33-is home to three fixed-base operators which offer tie-down pads, T-hangars, conventional hangars, flight instruction, and refueling, as well as Eastern Suffolk Boces, the Dowling College School of Aviation, the Long Island Soaring Association, and Island Aerial Air. There is a small terminal with a luncheonette. Of its 217 based aircraft, some 92 percent encompass single-engine types, and it averages 370 daily, or 135,100 yearly, movements.

The airshow entices the visitor by urging him to "join us this year as we go back in time to celebrate Long Island's Golden Age of Aviation," a time when "biplanes graced the skies decades ago." It continues by offering the experience of "bygone days of aviation, as World War I dogfights, open-cockpit biplanes, World War II fighters, and, of course, the famous Geico Skytypers, soar through Long Island's blue skies."

Previous shows have featured antique vehicles and static aircraft displays, the latter encompassing TBM Avengers, Fokker Dr-1s, Nieuports, and Messerschmidt Me-109s, while aerial stunts have included comedy maneuvers performed in Piper J-3 Cubs by "randomly chosen" audience member Carl Spackle; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome-borrowed Delsey Dives and balloon bursts targeted by Great Lakes Speedsters, Fleet 16Bs, and PT-17 Stearmans; speed races between runway-bound motorcycles and airborne, low-passing PT-17s; aerobatics by SF-260s; and skywriting by Sukhoi 29s.

A Sikorsky UH-34D Sea Horse Marine helicopter, used for combat rescue in Vietnam, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and by NASA during the Project Mercury astronaut recovery program, demonstrated search-and-rescue procedures.
Both Long Island aviation and formation flying are well represented. Past shows have featured Byrd, N3N, Fleet Model 16B, and N2S Stearman aircraft from the Bayport Aerodrome Society; P-40 Warhawks and P-51 Mustangs from Warbirds over Long Island; F4U Corsairs from the American Airpower Museum; and North American SNJ-2s from the Republic Airport-based Geico Skytypers.

Vintage vehicle and aircraft rides are available. Spectators bring their own lawn chairs and line them up next to the active runway. There is period dress and speeches are given by Tuskegee Airmen. Concession trucks sell everything from hot dogs to ice cream and souvenirs and numerous aviation-related schools and associations man booths.

The Grand Old Airshow, held in the fall, is a single-day, single-visit, outdoor glimpse toward the sky where Long Island's multi-faceted aviation history was written and where it is now recreated.

6. Grumman Memorial Park

Grumman Memorial Park, located on a one-acre site of the former Grumman Aerospace Flight Test Facility in Calverton only one thousand feet from one of its runways, is, according to its self-description, "a volunteer effort paying tribute to the incredible advances in aviation and space flight that took place on Long Island thanks to the teamwork of the employees of the Grumman Corporation. This dedicated band of people took aviation from the fight deck of a US Navy aircraft carrier to man's first steps on the moon."

Leroy Randle Grumman, the man behind this company's name, had been born on January 4, 1895 and established the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation 35 years later, according to the park's plaque "in a small garage in Baldwin, Long Island, New York. There and later in Valley Stream, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Calverton, and locations throughout the country, the company designed and produced innovative aircraft and spacecraft for both the military forces of the United States and the civilian market." Incorporated in all these designs had been the company's straightforward philosophy of "keep it simple...build it strong....make it work."

Phase One of the park, completed on October 28, 2000, had been dedicated to "preserving the legacy of the Grumman Corporation (and) to the men and women who designed, built, and flew the aircraft and spacecraft that soared into the heavens and beyond."

Centerpiece, mounted on a pedestal in a climbing profile, is an F-14A Tomcat. Powered by two 20,900 thrust-pound, afterburner-equipped Pratt and Whitney TF30-P-414A turbofans, the swing-wing, variable-geometry fighter, whose sweepback varies from 20 degrees in the forward to 68 degrees in the aft position, was the 331st such Tomcat airframe to roll off the nearby Calverton assembly line and first flew from the almost arm's reach runway on July 6, 1979. Delivered two months later to the US Navy's VF-101 Fighter Squadron in Oceana, Virginia, it carried 2,385 gallons of fuel, including that accommodated in two, 267-gallon external tanks, and had a 1,191-mile nonstop range. The Mach 2 aircraft had provided 25 years of service before being decommissioned, and had been one of 712 F-14s to have been produced between 1970 and 1992.

Surrounded by inscribed bricks, which comprise the "Walk of Honor," the display has several interactive features, including a visitor-controlled audible recording of its story, sounds of an afterburner take off, and wing and tail light activation.

The second aircraft on display, part of the park's Phase Two expansion, is the Grumman A-6E Intruder located on the other side of the small parking lot. Tracing its origins to its initial version, the A2F-1 which had first flown in 1960, it was one of 693 all-weather attack aircraft which were powered by two Pratt and Whitney J-52 P-8B turbojets and had maximum take off weights of 58,600 pounds. Operating at 42,400-foot ceilings, the 648-mph aircraft could deliver eight 500-pound bombs with pinpoint accuracy, and it could carry an entire arsenal of weapons, striking targets more than 500 miles from the aircraft carrier on which it had been based without the need for refueling. Production ceased in 1997.

Aside from the two aircraft themselves, displays include the original Calverton Plant 7 flagpole, a Bethpage Plant 14 guard booth, and a Bethpage runway section, along with its side light, from which every Grumman F6F Hellcat had taken off.

Also viewable is a Hughes AIM-54A Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile, an integral part of the F-14 Tomcat AWG-9 Weapon System. Featuring a 13-foot length and three-foot wingspan, the device had a 1,021-pound gross weight, of which its 132-pound warhead had been propelled by a solid rocket motor. Traveling at a speed of Mach 5, it had a 96-mile range. The F-14 could carry up to six such Phoenix missiles.

Grumman Memorial Park, a work-in-progress whose nine additional acres will eventually encompass a visitor center and other aircraft displays, offers an initial glimpse into Grumman's superior military designs only yards from the factory which had hatched them.

7. Conclusion

Long Island's six-decade aerial journey, which had begun on its Hempstead Plains in 1909 when Glenn Curtiss had first taken off in the Golden Flyer biplane and ended when the Lunar Module had first landed on the moon's Sea of Tranquility in 1969, is expertly recounted by its world-class aviation sights.

Aviation Sights of Long Island

Touring Michigan's Upper Peninsula by Motorcycle

2011-11-17T22:52:00.001-08:00

One of the reasons I ride is for the spirit of facing the road and life with a can-do attitude, and another is for the joy of seeing the landscape unfold. If that's part of your riding psyche, too, you'll feel right at home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or "The U.P." as the locals call it. Stretching 310 miles from Sault Ste. Marie near its eastern end to Ironwood near its western border, it's a wild land separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Mackinac Bridge, and from Detroit (293 miles to the south) by major cultural differences.

I was born and raised in Michigan's western Lower Peninsula, and can remember in grade school singing the unofficial state song, "Michigan, My Michigan" (to the tune of "Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum"). In the 1970s I used to ride up into the U.P. on vacation. Despite a move to California more than 30 years ago I still return to my hometown, but had not been back to the U.P. since 1975. That's why I was especially enthused about the opportunity to ride there for a few fall days last October.

Bell Bike Helmets

On this latest trip I found the U.P. refreshingly unchanged, and rather than my early 1970s Honda CB450 I was now riding an Electra Glide Classic borrowed from Bald Eagle Harley-Davidson in Marquette. I was also accompanied by Brad Kolbus, from Munising, on his Road King; he publishes a rider's guide to the U.P., seems to know everybody, and knows where to ride and what to see.

Just after we began riding along the Superior lakeshore by Marquette Bay, I immediately pulled Brad over at a vision that seemed right out of a Star Wars movie to ask, "What the heck is that?" It was a huge structure, massive and gray, and hundreds of feet long, a succession of high, close-set concrete archways extending out into the water. Brad informed me that it was the old Lower Harbor Ore Dock, now no longer in use. Railroad cars full of iron ore were shunted onto it, workmen lowered chutes and the ore rattled noisily into the holds of the huge ore carriers that used to dock here.

Next we ride west, where we note signs of the approaching fall season: Pontoon boats up on blocks, firewood neatly stacked on porches and the leaves turning yellow. We reach Big Bay; this little town was the scene of a murder in 1951 that inspired the book Anatomy of a Murder, and the 1959 movie by the same name starring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Remick. We grab lunch at the Thunder Bay Inn, which was the setting for scenes in the classic film. The pub in which we dine was built onto the hotel for the filming.

Though Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario are referred to as "The Great Lakes," they're actually great inland seas. In Munising I board a 60-foot observation boat for a cruise along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The captain informs us that Superior alone contains enough fresh water to cover the entire continental United States to a depth of 5 feet! It's cool and blustery this day, and once we clear Grand Island we're in Lake Superior proper where the waves begin to rock and roll. Most of the patrons abandon the cold, windswept open viewing area on top for the glass-enclosed seating on the main deck, as I consider abandoning my lunch over the side. All along the Pictured Rocks we're treated to a humorous, running commentary about the rock cliffs that have been eroded by eons of wind, rain and freezing weather, and painted in shades of brown, tan and green by the runoff of the limonite, copper, iron and manganese. We sail past caves, arches and a rock called the Indian's Head. A wide, filmy waterfall drops like a veil from the striated cliffs.

The next day Brad and I ride from Munising east on M28 along what is called "the Seney Stretch," 25 straight miles through scrubland full of stunted trees and pines. Thirty-some years ago I had stopped in Seney to commemorate that it was right here, where Highways 28 and 77 intersect, that a young Ernest Hemingway had disembarked the train in 1919. Wounded in World War I, Hemingway had hiked north to fish the Fox River, and would later fictionalize the experience in one of his Nick Adams stories called The Big Two-Hearted River. But wait, the Two Heart is actually well north of here; did Hemingway get it wrong? Nope. Like a true fisherman, he had misnamed the river in an attempt to keep his favorite fishing spot a secret.

We ride eastward on a tree-lined two-lane road, and when we pass the sign for Deer Park I recall camping near it on Muskallonge Lake in the '70s. My evening was enlivened when five raccoons came snuffling up from the lake, begging on their hind legs. I gave them some bread, and half an hour later was toasting marshmallows over the fire when something tapped me on the shoulder. Startled, I turned around to find a raccoon, and when I turned back another was running off with the toasted marshmallow as two others were hot-footing it into the darkness with the entire bag between them! They don't wear those little bandit masks for nothing!

Lake Superior is cold, gray and whitecapped on this blustery day, and when the rain begins I huddle into my electric gear and crank the thermostat to "weld." The Classic's fairing and lowers keep the worst of the weather off me, and Gordon Lightfoot's haunting dirge "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" plays through the stereo on our ride to The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point. The song recounts the sea disaster that occurred on November 10, 1975, when the ore carrier sank in a storm with all 29 men, just 17 miles northwest of here.

In the Museum's boathouse I meet Tom Farnquist, executive director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Speculation is that the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was too close to Caribou Island some 40 miles northeast of here, where 35-foot seas in 45 feet of water allowed the carrier to strike bottom, which damaged her hull and caused her to take on water. She eventually broke in two and sank in 535 feet of water off Whitefish Point. Farnquist has dived on the wreck and personally helped recover the ship's bell, which now comprises the centerpiece of the museum.

Dinner was at the Antlers Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie, which was packed this Friday night. Yeah, it's a Yooper place all right, with trophy heads and stuffed wildlife arranged along the walls and among the rafters. Suddenly, a siren sounds, lights flash and we ask the waitress what the heck's going on. "Oh, they do that every time they open a new keg," she explains.

In the morning we cross the street from our motel for a view of the famous Soo Locks. Unfortunately, at this particular moment there's not a ship in sight. The International Bridge looms in the distance with Canada just across the way.

It's about a 55-mile freeway ride south to the Mackinac Bridge, then we turn westward on Highway 2 through low scrubland with Lake Michigan on our left. In Blaney Park Brad introduces me to Steve Zellar, who puts on an annual motorcycle event called The Blaney Park Rendezvous. He gives us a tour of his expansive campground that accommodated 3,000 riders last year; his 2010 rally will be held June 18-20.

The thumb-shaped Garden Peninsula hangs down into Lake Michigan, and is home to Fayette Historic State Park. Fayette was established in 1867 as an iron-smelting operation with huge furnaces, an extensive dock and homes; about 500 people lived and worked here. When the charcoal iron market declined, the operation was discontinued in 1891 and Fayette was abandoned. Today, it has been left as an arrested ruin, a gift from the past with its unpainted foreman's houses, the old hotel and castlelike stone remains of the smelter on picturesque Snail Shell Harbor.

We stop in Nahma at the Nahma Inn, a bed & breakfast with 14 charming rooms and a full bar and restaurant. Brad introduces me to owners Charley and Laurie Macintosh (he seems to know everybody) who are planning a bike event there in the near future. Next door is the old general store, which was abandoned in the '50s with some of its merchandise still intact. Its owner, a gentleman named Pat, gives us a tour of its time-capsule interior.

Brad leads us up H13 north into Alger County, and this fall Sunday afternoon we enjoy the turning leaves as the Harley feels surprisingly nimble following the road's hills and gentle curves. Every few miles a trail or two-tracks leads off into the yellow woods, where muddy dirt bikes and ATVs disappear; we long to follow them into the forest.

From there it's west where we visit Da Yoopers Tourist Trap near Ishpeming. As an ex-Michigander it was just as corny as I'd hoped, with life-sized dioramas of a Jeep driven by a deer with a hunter tied across the hood, of deer playing cards, the place full of Yooper bumper stickers and souvenirs. Out front is "Gus," the world's largest running/working chain saw (it's in The Guinness Book of Records), and "Big Ernie," the largest working rifle.

The ghost town of Fayette serves as a symbol for much of the U.P. that, unfortunately, is suffering economically.

Along the roads are abandoned homes and factories. Tourism is now the main economic driver in the area, and there is much about the U.P. to love. To me, the true charm of the place-with its pines and cedars, maples and birches, hidden lakes and bays, and rustic cabins-is how the whole thing comes together. On this fall Sunday we rumble along backroads to The Up North Lodge near Gwinn. The sunlight dapples the red-and-yellow maple leaves, and there's a cool dampness in the air from a recent passing shower. We tromp inside as the fragrance of wood smoke wafts from the stone fireplace. Many patrons turn to nod and greet us. Burgers and pollock, ribs, whitefish and smelt populate the menu, and a football game illuminates the big screen. This welcoming, rustic friendliness confirms that this truly is still Michigan...my Michigan.

Touring Michigan's Upper Peninsula by Motorcycle

Amateur Fight Night Dallas - Don't Mess With Texas

2011-11-16T14:27:00.001-08:00

It was a close call whether the fighters in the ring or the spectators around the beer tents were the more hostile.

I had only night in Dallas, but having spent the morning looking around art galleries and visiting the JFK museum (housed in the old school book depository building), I was feeling that this would be quite sufficient time in the city.

Bell Bike Helmets

I was therefore very happy to take up the suggestion of my host in Dallas (Jennifer) that we go to an amateur boxing contest to be held at the nearby country club.

She explained to me that her friend, Kyle, was one of the boxers who would be fighting later in the evening. Since it was an amateur event, she also added that an extra twist would be added to each fight to provide further entertainment for the crowd.

Kyle was from near New York, so for the purposes of this bout, he was to be referred to as The Yankee. He was paired against a local man from Texas, to be known only as The Southerner. The historical rivalry between the northern and southern state was to give the contest additional spice.

It struck me that that this was a decidedly one-sided arrangement. I expected the home-grown spectators to be thoroughly partisan - and imagined that this Yankee would be booed and heckled at every opportunity.

We arrived at the country club just before seven in the evening. The club was located in a reasonably wealthy suburb of Dallas, and had swimming pools and several sports fields on the site.

Somewhat at odds with this more formal and exclusive atmosphere, was the entirely relaxed dress code. Most of the men wore shorts and t-shirts (many carrying whimsical comments or colorful designs). Women were fewer in number - but made up for this by wearing more flamboyant clothes - ranging from cut-of jeans to skimpy evening dresses and bikinis. Several members of both sexes also sported various tattoos on their forearms, shoulders and legs.

There were a couple of hundred people already in the country club when we turned up. After having my ID checked, I was given a writstband to show that I was good to be served with alcohol - which promised to be in plentiful supply.

An impromptu boxing ring had been set up on the lawns of the country club. There was also a small stage on the far side of the ring where several commentators were sitting. The event was being broadcast on one of the cable channels, so there were also a couple of men standing by the corners holding cameras for filming - while a giant boom reached out over the ring carrying another camera and microphone.

The evening was being sponsored by Corona, so there were numerous stalls set up on the lawns selling beer. This could be purchased by the single can or, for the more determined drinker, it was possible to purchase an ice-bucket filled with half a dozen or so cans, suitably chilled.

Small pennants and gaudy flags belonging to the sponsors were hanging up in the trees or draped around the iron fences which separated the lawns from the swimming pool. To complete the ambiance, several large electronic speakers had been set up all around the country club, which were pumping out a loud and continual beat of heavy rock music, to create an appropriately aggressive atmosphere.

One of the earlier fights was already in progress when we arrived. As an amateur contest, all boxers were required to wear padded helmets. In addition, the rounds seemed to have been shortened. It was difficult to determine exactly how long the rounds were meant to be, since the bell was almost inaudible and somewhat arbitrary. Each fight consisted of three of these rounds.

As well as having to cope with the punches of his opponent, each fighter also had to deal with the onslaught of sarcasm from the commentators. They kept up a non-stop banter during the entire bout, usually disparaging the abilities of both boxers. One of the commentators was nicknamed The Man with a Laugh like a Telephone. And before he spoke, he would always guffaw raucously - imitating the ringing tone of a traditional telephone.

In between rounds, young women wearing bikinis would parade around the ring, carrying a placard showing the number of the forthcoming round on one side, and the name of a local sponsor on the other.

This ritual caused great excitement amongst the crowd, and cries of "Get that top off" were common. At one point in the evening, one of the commentators on the microphone could contain himself no longer and called out "Aw, come on! Can't someone pull those panties down just a little bit when she goes past?"

At the end of each fight, several girls entered the ring and threw free sponsorship material into the baying mass of spectators. These were usually t-shirts, towels or hats. This was also a popular activity, and many of the audience waved their arms enthusiastically, clamoring for one of the gifts.

Although later in the evening, when beer and boredom had taken greater hold, several of these items were hurled back into the ring with as much enthusiasm as they had at first been received.

As I approached the ring, I saw that the fighters were between rounds, and the commentators were holding forth on the microphone.

- Is that guy being sick? He must have taken a real pounding. Good job the trainer brought along a bucket.

- He's not being sick. He's just spitting out his water. All fighters do that. Haven't you ever been to a fight before John?

The first bout ended with a knockout, and an interviewer immediately entered the ring to talk to each of the boxers. In addition to the honour (and presumably the prize money) for winning the contest, it also appeared that there was some kind of forfeit system in place to be performed by the loser. I initially thought that this would be applied to every fight - but later realized that it was specific only to this fight.

I had no idea how these forfeits had been decided upon, but it must have represented something personal for the two men concerned. The first punishment for the loser was that he had to eat his opponent's choice of breakfast - which comprised a mixture of tuna fish and cheese flavored pretzels.

For the second stage of the punishment, an old Kentucky colonel type, complete with cane and white whiskers, climbed awkwardly into the ring, asked the losing fighter to bend over, and gave him three or four symbolic whacks on his backside with the cane.

- Jeez! This is like some low budget gay porn film or something.

- I wouldn't know Mike. I've never seen a low budget porn film. Sounds like you're an expert though.

The next bout was between a man with bright yellow socks and a man wearing no socks at all. Before the first round began, the man with no socks was asked why he wanted to fight that evening.

- Well, y'know. I've just got through a very bad divorce. And I've been working out in the gym. But I just got to take out my aggression somewhere.

After the bell sounded, albeit faintly, No Socks came out fighting hard and landed a few hard blows on Yellow Socks.

- Wow, John! I reckon it was those socks that got him mad.

- Maybe his wife wore yellow socks too. So he's had plenty to practice on there.

- Woah! Nothing like some domestic violence humour.

- Yeah! That's probably why she wanted a divorce.

Despite a promising opening round, No Socks (and No Wife) could not finish off his man. Since the first fight had been decided by a knockdown, I wondered what would happen in the event of an inconclusive result.

There was nothing so technical as a points decision. The commentators would only voice their opinions on who had won; but they remained divided to keep the crowd interested.

So instead a winner was chosen by popular acclamation. As each fighter's name was called out over the microphone, the spectators were asked to cheer loudly for their favourite. Yellow Socks got some vocal support, but the bigger cheer by far came for No Socks. He had perhaps fought better - but I suspected that sympathies may have been with him on account of his divorce problems.

- Don't spend all that prize money at once, man!

- Hey, Mike. He won't be spending any of that money. His ex-wife is going to get her hands on all of it.

Our friend the Yankee has no chance, I thought. Unless he can knock his man out, there's no way this crowd would declare him the winner.

The next fight was much shorter - finishing with a knockdown early in the second round. This bout was between a business owner and one of his workers. Rather than settle their differences regarding working practices in the courts, they preferred the spectacle and the more historic tradition of a public duel. Since both men, however, were wearing the shirts of the firm concerned, their company was getting well promoted whoever won.

The boss was a thickset heavy, lumbering man - while his opponent was much smaller and leaner. The subtlety of matching fighters based upon their weights was clearly not one of the requirements for Texas rules.

The boss won the fight, finishing off his employee with a well-timed punch on the chin. After landing him unconscious on the canvas, the boss quickly went over to see that he was alright.

- He probably doesn't want the hospital bill on the company insurance.

- Yeah. Or else he's trying to avoid a lawsuit.

- Sure. I hope he's gonna let the poor guy have the day off tomorrow.

- Well, I'm guessing he's not doing much work anyway if he's in a coma.

The vanquished employee was brought to his feet and helped from the ring. Next to enter were two thin and rather puny men with tattoos all down both arms. They were two members of the same music band - and had decided to fight because one was always stealing female groupies from the other.

This contest proved very unpopular - since neither musician had much aggression, and both seemed more afraid of being hit than wanting to land a blow upon his opponent. The crowd began to boo loudly as the pair shadow-boxed carefully around each other - occasionally offering a tentative jab at the other.

- This has to be the worst fight in the whole history of fight night!

- Nah! These guys aren't even fighting. They're just slapping each other with their handbags.

Eventually, half way through the second round, one man fell down. It seemed unclear whether he had been hit or just no longer wished to stand up any more. This brought the sorry spectacle to an end. But despite his victory, even the winner was jeered off the stage.

The master of ceremonies then announced that there would be a short break before the main event of the evening: the long awaited contest between The Southerner and The Yankee. This would be a momentous event he added. A chance for history to be revisited - and rewritten.

While waiting for the fight to start, I wandered amongst the crowd to see what other people had turned up. There were by now just under one thousand people present - though the announcer had multiplied this by a factor of twenty to declare that the official attendance was nineteen thousand.

Most of the spectators were white and male. Though a few were black - and some men had also brought their wives or girlfriends too. There was plenty of beer in evidence too, with ice from the buckets strewn widely over the grass.

The combination of beer and men meant that there were, unusually, long queues outside the gents toilets. This also brought it's fair share of ribald comments from the guys waiting in line.

- Hey! Move along. I'm busting back here.

- Don't get so close dude. I don't want you sneaking a peek at me while I' doing my business in there.

- I reckon we should, like, just go in the ladies. Sure they wouldn't mind.

- I wouldn't touch that beer can man. I think I saw another guy just pissing in there.

- Ahh. I needed that. Better than sex, dude. Better than sex.

Standard dress wear was mostly t-shirts and baseball caps - many of the latter being worn backwards. A few, mostly black men, wore reflective sunglasses. Some cowboy hats were also in evidence.

A blonde girl with fat legs wore a rainbow colored garment with the phrase "Keep Austin Weird" written on it. Other choice t-shirts included the following. A picture of a cow skull above the words "Republic of Texas", "Hike Naked. Add colour to your cheeks", "Is that blood?", a picture of a small bird with the caption "I drop bombs like it's my job", "Vicious without mercy", "Texas Ranger", and a map of Florida shaped like a gun.

At last it was time for The Yankee and The Southerner to fight. The Southerner was greeted by loud and prolonged cheers from the crowd - while The Yankee was booed and hissed. The master of ceremonies began to enthuse the crowd further with a rendition of Dixieland.

After the last strains of "I wish I lived in the land of cotton" subsided, the MC entered the ring to interview The Yankee. When he learnt that he originated from Brooklyn, he started talking to him in a mock Italian-American, wise-guy gangster accent from the Bronx.

- And in the red corner, let me now introduce The Southerner. Born right here in Texas. The land that I still consider to be a separate country. I hope you realise, son, how great the expectations are on you tonight. Everyone here wants you to change the result of the civil war.

But it seemed that the crowd would be disappointed, for The Yankee fought hard in the first round, striking The Southerner several times on the head, though never actually knocking to the canvas.

- I hate to say it. But I have to give that round to The Yankee. That Southerner needs to fight back.

- The Yankee looks to be the quicker man too.

- Well, he's dancing. I'll say that about him. But I think The Southerner has a chance here.

- Yeah. Why's that?

- Well. I just realized. That Yankee has a great big nose.

- Right. Land a few hits on that huge New York schnoz, and it'll be game over.

And the Southerner did fight back in the second round, knocking The Yankee to the deck once, and having him up against the ropes covering up on a few occasions too. He must have taken the commentator's advice - for in the break between rounds a doctor came out to tend The Yankee whose nose was now bloody.

- Ha! That'll teach him to stick his ugly northern face across the Mason-Dixon Line.

- Yeah. Don't mess with Texas. What do you think about states' rights now?

The third round followed the pattern on the second. But despite calls from the commentators - "he's tired", "he's exhausted", "there's nothing left" - The Yankee continued to fight hard. Eventually, by the end of the round, he had received one blow too many, and was given a ten count, slumped up against the ropes.

- You have made history, son. You have changed the result of the civil war. And Texas is proud of you.

The Yankee was still receiving attention from the doctor and tried to leave the ring without further comment. He was not allowed to escape so easily.

- So what do you think about the South now?

The Yankee still seemed a little confused and concussed. Trying to regain some composure and standing with the crowd, he could only say "Well, I just love Texas" before climbing out of the ring with the doctor.

It was now dark, but the entertainment for the evening was not yet over. Large spotlights lit up the stage and lawns as the next two fighters were brought into the ring. The announcer went over to one, a tall man in a blue tank top, and asked him to explain why he was there.

- We've been friends since we were seven.

- So why do you want to fight him then?

- Well. He's always been like competitive. But he always beats me at everything. But I reckon I can beat him here in the boxing ring.

- So, if you're best friends, how many times have you seen his penis?

Tall Tank Top seemed unsure what to say to this question.

- Hey, it's just a question. No need to be embarrassed. John here on the mike with me is my best friend. And I've seen his penis a thousand times.

Tall Tank Top still remained silent, so the MC went over to the other corner to interview his opponent - a small wiry man in a white t-shirt.

- So you're best friends. Anything you can tell me about him?

- Yeah. He has a small wiener. Small and kind of fat.

- Guess this is what got you guys so competitive in the first place!

Tall Tank Top must have been angry at these words, for he came out of his corner whirling his long arms and pummeling away in the direction of his friend - though more often than not he connected with nothing more solid than air, as his opponent nimbly dodged the swirling fists.

- He could do some real damage with those long arms of his.

- Right. If he could actually hit something with them.

White T-shirt was knocked to the ground once, but managed to survive until the end of the round.

By the second round, though, Tall Tank Top was beginning to tire visibly, and his friend started to gain the upper hand, landing several blows on his body in quick succession.

- He's taking forever to throw those punches now. He's leaving himself wide open.

As the round ended, Tall Tank Top was breathing heavily, bending forward with his hands on his knees to recover his breathe. Even after the break, he was slow to climb out of his chair, and still panting hard. After a flurry of punches from White T-shirt, he covered up and shied away, turning his back on his opponent.

- You see that. He doesn't want to fight. He turned his back right there towards him.

- Must be just like being seven years old again. He'll be bending down next for sure.

But Tall Tank Top did not give in. He gained further time to recover after the fight was temporarily halted when White T-shirt's gumshield got knocked out. Although barely able to move across the ring at times, he refused to give up. He survived the final round, but seemed almost unable to find his corner, as he staggered in exhaustion around the ring.

The crowd was almost equally divided between those who recognized White T-shirt as the better fighter, and those who thought that Tall Tank Top had shown good fighting spirit. After two calls for a public acclamation, it was impossible to decide a result. A large proportion of the spectators began to chant for 'One more round!"

- We'd love to have one more round. And I know you would like it too. But looking at Tall Tank Top over there, I reckon that would be classified as cruel and unusual punishment. And Mr Obama won't let us do that no more!"

Eventually the result was declared by the referee. He showed no sympathy for Tall Tank top, and announced that White T-shirt was the winner.

Further fights were scheduled into the night, but some of our group wished to go out to a local bar to commiserate with the defeated Yankee - while others wanted to turn in for an early night.

As I was leaving there was a fight in progress between The American and The Mexican. The Mexican did not seem to be very popular with the crowd - but by no means as unpopular as The Yankee. The announcer went over to interview him before the contest began.

- I'm sorry Mr Mexican. But I have to ask you this. It's a new law. What exactly is your immigration status?

The Mexican seemed unwilling to provide any kind of answer to this question, so the announcer continued on a different subject.

- So what tactics will you be using to fight The American?

- It's called the American shield. It means that he has to knock me out to win. I'll never give up. I'll never quit.

- So Mexicans never quit. Is that right? Apart from the ones I employ to do my garden, heh? I don't know why. Seven dollars an hour seems a fair wage to me.

I left before the fight ended, so I did not learn whether The Mexican or The American was victorious. The crowd was cheering loudly as we went - so I guessed they were clearly enjoying the contest.

Amateur Fight Night Dallas - Don't Mess With Texas

Bell Abby Sesame Street Let's Ride Toddler Fun Pack (Purple)

2011-11-15T04:43:00.001-08:00

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Mountain Bike Equipment - Your Top 5 Essential Items

2011-11-13T15:56:00.001-08:00

Buying a mountain bike is a major purchase and as any seasoned mountain biker will tell you it is the first step into this fantastically accessible sport and great for all round fitness. The bike is the most important piece of equipment but what other equipment do you need to ensure safe and enjoyable mountain biking? My five essential tips below will help you decide.

Tip 1 - Bike Helmet This should be number one on any mountain bikers shopping list. The helmet will protect your head from those inevitable falls and crashes. For the price conscious check out the Bell Slant and Giro Hex.

Bell Bike Helmets

Tip 2 - Eye Protection When mountain biking there is a risk of particles being blown into your eyes so investing in a good quality pair of sun-glasses will help protect you. Ensure you buy a good make preferably with a strap to secure them in place.

Tip 3 - Gloves Not always an immediately obvious choice but consider the beating you hands can take in all that sun, wind, and rain. Buy a good, quality pair of gloves that will keep your hands protected and warm but not so thick that you cannot hold the handlebars securely.

Tip 4 - Shoes For Casual Mountain biking basic running shoes may be all you need but if you are cycling over rough terrain give serious consideration to buying a good quality pair of mountain bike shoes with solid soles.

Tip 5 - Repair Kit A good mountain bike repair kit should at least contain tire levers, a tire repair kit, and a mountain bike multi-tool. The repair kit can reside in your back pack or be attached to the bike itself.

Mountain biking is a fantastic sport and once you have the bike buy good quality mountain bike equipment to ensure your ride is not only enjoyable but safe.

Mountain Bike Equipment - Your Top 5 Essential Items

Toy Story Toddler's Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads

2011-11-12T03:55:00.001-08:00

Toy Story Toddler's Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads Overviews

Toy Story Toddler's Pacific Disney Pixar Helmet and Pads, Top vented design for better airflow and comfort and an integrated visor/brim provides shade from sun, Pad set included for knees or elbows, Snug-fit retention system, Easy to adjust webbing for a comfortable fit
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 12, 2011 03:55:54 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Bell Dart Youth Bicycle Helmet

2011-11-11T23:02:00.001-08:00

Bell Dart Youth Bicycle Helmet Overviews

With extended rear coverage, OneStep™ fit system, and integrated flashing lights, the Bell® Dart child cycling helmet is perfect for parents and kids. The fit system requires no guesswork; on the initial fitting, simply snap the buckle closed and make the one-time adjustment of snugging the chin strap to the proper length. The helmet will fit properly and securely every time your little rider heads out.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 11, 2011 23:02:22 ***

Please Check Update Here!!

Amazon.com Widgets

Ever stop to wonder where the heck Bell motorcycle helmets went? After all for years it seemed like the Bell logo was everywhere you looked and it seemed a Bell helmet could be found hanging on every motorcycle.

During it's time Bell was the equivalent of a Shoei or Suomy helmet. Just like today you own a Shoei if you are serious, then you owned a Bell.

Bell Bike Helmets

Bell began to disappear when it was bought by the Italian helmet manufacturer Bieffe. The name seemed to disappear from the motorcycle world but it became a household world in off road helmets and bicycle helmets around the world.

But recently the Bell name has reentered the motorcycle helmet world with some great designs for this season. Now they have a full line of Snell M2000 and DOT approved off road helmets and motocross helmets as well a line of open face street helmets.

The Mag 8 is one of those street helmets with its European style flair making it get noticed. Actually it is one of those styles you either love or hate. Personally I think it's a great looking helmet with a really cool open face design and it's also got a really comfortable fit.

In today's helmet market it's rather agreed upon that a full face helmet provides the ultimate in safety and that an open face helmet just isn't all that smart. But wait! Perhaps an open face isn't that bad.

Can't you feel that air across your face? An open face would be great in those hot summer months. And it would be a great choice for touring.

The shape of the Mag 8 works perfect for the round shaped head and it is available from small to extra large. It's a nice thin helmet that does the job well and you won't find any pressure points. And the ear pockets are huge so anyone with larger ears are going to love it.

And it is surprisingly quiet even with the thinner padding. This might be because the air flow is different and so there is no turbulence. You should find this helmet ultra comfy and quiet on your rides.

The visor is a fixed painted visor which has minimal lift at speeds in excess of 60 mph so that's not too bad at all. And because it overhangs it keeps the sun out of your eyes and lets the air slip through.

The friction mechanism on the visor resists the air pressure with no problem and you have an unlimited number of positions to choose from. The visor is crystal clear with a large viewing area.

The paint job on the helmet is great with a bright blue metal flake color that's vibrant! It shimmers and shines. The wide black bumper covers the bottom of the helmet and it's attached with the standard D-ring system. Its DOT approved so wear with confidence.

The open face helmet is not as popular as it use to be because a full face has become known for the additional safety features. That said this is a helmet that's worth considering. It' will be cool in the hot summer weather and it's so stylish and different. No more boring helmets here.

The Bell motorcycle helmets are a great choice for that scooter or touring bike! So what are you waiting for?

Bell Motorcycle Helmets