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Navigating the Ride: 5 Tips for Cycling During Your Period

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  Riding a bicycle can be a fantastic way to stay active, reduce stress, and explore the world around you. But for many girls and women, the idea of cycling during their menstrual period can bring up questions and concerns. The good news is that with a little planning and preparation, you can continue to enjoy your time on two wheels, often finding that exercise can even help alleviate some symptoms. Here are 5 tips to help you comfortably and confidently cycle through your period: 1. Listen to Your Body and Adjust Your Pace This is the most important tip of all. Your body's energy levels and comfort can fluctuate throughout your cycle. On days when you feel strong and energetic, you may be able to tackle your usual route or even a more challenging one. On days when you feel tired, bloated, or are experiencing cramps, it's perfectly okay to take it easy. Opt for a shorter, less intense ride, choose a flat route over a hilly one, or even take a rest day. There's no shame in ...

Pedaling Towards Perfection: Expert Advice for Your First (or Next) Bicycle Purchase

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  As someone who has spent more hours in the saddle than behind a steering wheel, and whose trusty steeds have carried me through thrilling downhill trails, peaceful morning commutes, and even the occasional grocery run, I can attest to the transformative power of a bicycle. But the sheer variety of options available today can make choosing the right one a daunting task. Fear not, aspiring cyclist! Based on my years of experience across countless terrains and bicycle types, here are my top three essential tips to guide you towards the perfect ride: 1. Define Your Ride: Before even stepping into a bike shop or browsing online, honestly assess how and where you plan to use your bicycle. This is the most crucial step and will significantly narrow down your choices. Commuting and Errands: If your primary goal is navigating city streets, a comfortable hybrid bike with upright handlebars, fender and rack mounts, and potentially internal gear hubs for low maintenance might be ideal. Co...

Can a Bicycle Truly Be a Masterpiece? The Bastion Cycles Story

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Can a Bicycle Truly Be a Masterpiece? The Bastion Cycles Story Let's be honest, most of us just want a bike that rolls. Something with two wheels, a chain, and maybe, just maybe, enough gears to get us up that one hill without a complete pulmonary meltdown. We fuss over tire pressure, debate the merits of carbon vs. aluminum (as if our weekend warrior efforts truly discern the nuance), and occasionally ponder if that new handlebar tape will really make us faster. But a masterpiece?  In the world of bicycles, that's usually reserved for some vintage Italian steed hanging in a climate-controlled den, or perhaps a velodrome track bike so stripped down it looks like it escaped from a minimalist sculpture exhibit. And then there's Bastion Cycles, tucked away in Melbourne, Australia, quietly (or perhaps not so quietly, given their price tags) forging what they audaciously call "the most coveted bikes in the world." Now, I'm a cynical sort. Always have been. My inter...