Biking Basics – 5 Essential Bike Tools to Take with You on a Cycling Adventure
by Caleb | Jan 8, 2017 | Sports and Leisure
It’s a treat for any biker to be able to take their wheels out for an adventure. Because cycling through the city can get boring really fast, a lot of cyclists try their luck with the great outdoors, discovering new terrain and enjoying a wholesome journey along the way. Of course, before you can take your bike out for an adventure, it would be wise to go prepared. Find out what 5 essential biking tools you should have in tote for your journey to keep yourself ready for the worst and safe at all times by checking out this short list.
- Floor Pump
Aside from potentially suffering a flat while you’re out on your trip, you should keep in mind that the rubber that makes up bike wheels is rather porous. Over time, the wheels will naturally lose some of its air, making them less efficient at gliding over the different surfaces and terrains you might ride on. Be sure to for a problem-free ride.
- Chain Lubricant
If you’re riding in extreme outdoor conditions that are wet or muddy, you might want to have some chain lubricant in tote. This will keep metal to metal contact smooth and friction free, eliminating the chances of snagging together when rust or other debris build up and cause tension. This also helps to reduce any noises your bike might make such as squeaky pedals and chains.
- Tire Levers
The only way to fix a flat would be to remove the bike tire from the rim. Some like to do it manually with their bare hands, but this proves to be not only a dangerous feat, but also a troubling one. Having a set of tire levers in your tool case will make it easier for you to resolve a flat without having to wear your hands out trying to remove the tire from the rim.
- Hex Keys
Commonly seen as an essential for any bike rider, hex keys act as multipurpose screw drivers that can adjust, loosen, and tighten any bike component that might need repair during your ride. Be sure to have a 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 millimeter variant with you so you have something for every sort of problem you might encounter along the way.
- Multitool
A multitool will cover virtually any problem you might come across while riding your bike, so be sure to have one hooked to your belt at all times. This will make it easier for you to fix up any minor and even a few major problems while you’re mid-ride, and will prevent you from having to ditch your bike and hitch a ride when things get a little too serious.
Don’t go out without the right tools in tote. Be sure to carry these 5 bike riding essentials with you before you head out for your big outdoor adventure so you can enjoy a problem-free ride.
3 Fun And Romantic Valentine’s Date Ideas For The Adventurous Pair in Malaysia
by Caleb | Jan 3, 2017 | Sports and Leisure
Valentine’s Day is the season to ignite the flame of romance and sprinkle a dash of spice into your relationship. While some love stories are filled with chocolates and rose petals, other happily-ever-afters comprise chapters of unforgettable adventures. If you and your significant other are the adventurous type and are planning a romantic Valentine’s date in Malaysia, here are three great ideas to get things started.
- Mountain Biking
Blessed with magnificent nature landscape, Malaysia is a romantic destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Surprise your loved one with a fun mountain biking trip at scenic spots such as Taman Bukit Kiara, Kelubi Hill, and Mount Jerai Downhill. This is an unconventional idea for Valentine’s Day, and preparation is essential to make this trip extra special. Whether you’re looking for trail bikes or all-mountain bikes, that are available for cycling enthusiasts.
- Nature Hiking
Imagine hiking up to the peak of Broga Hill and be greeted by a beautiful sunrise with your girlfriend or boyfriend in your arms. Transform this romantic experience into a Valentine’s Day to remember by organizing a hiking trip for two. From Ketumbar Hill to Saga Hill, Malaysia is brimming with scenic hiking trails to embrace a quiet moment together. To take it further, we recommend rounding up this dreamy date with a lovely picnic breakfast.
- Skydiving
Ask anyone what their adventure of a lifetime would be and they’re likely to say skydiving. It takes a wave of bravery and fearlessness to enjoy the adrenaline-infused descent from 10,000 feet above the ground, but having your beau by your side will make this experience a memorable one. Johor and Langkawi are two destinations in Malaysia where you can explore the vast skies with the assistance of qualified skydiving instructors.
Whether you’re looking for an audacious nature escapade or a unique skydiving experience to jazz up your Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of adventurous activities waiting for you in Malaysia. At the end of the day, always remember that it is the companion you’re with, not the experience, which truly counts.
5 Fun Things to Do with Your Kids During Rainy Days
by Caleb | Dec 24, 2016 | Kid Activities
It’s the rainy season in Malaysia, and parents know that rainy days are two-edged swords: there’s time to stay indoors, do some long delayed chores, and have some family bonding, but the little ones are also prone to complain of boredom soon enough! We know the struggle, so we’ve rounded up five creative and fun activities for kids during rainy days:
-
Board games. Board games are staple boredom-breakers. There are all sorts of board games that will fit the personality or interests of your kids. They’re also useful when you’re trying to teach certain skills or traits to them. Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, and Battleship are just some of the board games you and your kids can play.
-
Arts and crafts. Kids love arts. Crafty projects will keep your kids preoccupied and excited at the same time. There are tons of arts and crafts projects posted online. You can do scrapbooks, a family album, holiday decorations, gift cards, and many more! The list goes on, and all you have to do is to prepare the materials and you’re good to go!
-
Indoor playgrounds. This one is a genius idea, and whoever thought of it should be blessed for all eternity. There are tons of indoor playground in Kuala Lumpur which cater to all ages. These playgrounds are a great alternative if your kids really want to have some physical activity. Plus, they get to interact with other kids as well.
-
Bake! Baking is a really fun way to bond with your kids. You can bake pizzas, biscuits, and cakes, and you can also use your own recipe if you have one. The best thing about this you get to bond with your kids and eat the product of your hard work afterwards.
-
Movies. If all else fails and you can’t find an indoor playground in Kuala Lumpur, thank the gods of childhood films for they’re here to save you. There are literally hundreds of animated films for kids that they’ll surely love. These films usually run for one hour to two, giving you plenty of time to do some chores on the side. These films also come with life lessons that your kids can benefit from. Just make sure that they don’t spend too much time in front of a screen, and that they’re several feet away from the TV.
There you go! These activities are your sure bets to keep any kid busy and happy during wet season. So don’t despair when the rainy days hit Malaysia. Consider these suggested activities above, and you’ll be guaranteed to have some fun memories to treasure down the road.
4 Alternative Activities for Children Who Like to Stay Indoors
by Caleb | Oct 25, 2016 | Kid Activities
Play is an essential part of a child’s upbringing. It is important for them to socialize with other kids and be exposed to different environments. While having kids play outdoors regularly is the ideal set-up, it is important to note that not all kids are comfortable spending time outdoors.
In some cases, it is better for them to stay indoors due to various health reasons. This does not mean though that they should miss out on all the fun.
Here are four fun and creative activities for kids who prefer to stay indoors:
- Board Games
Snakes and Ladders, chess, checkers, Monopoly and other board games promise hours of indoor fun for children. They can play these with their parents, other adults, or kids like them who’d rather stay home than play at the sandbox. These games develop not only their imagination but quick thinking and judgement.
- Arts and Crafts Activities
![Image result for Arts and Crafts Activities Activities for Children Who Like to Stay Indoors]()
Scrapbooking, quilting, creating posters and paintings are also worthwhile activities to invest time in. Crafting allows your child to express his or her individuality and creativity. Having various knick knacks and art pieces is a bonus result.
- Baking and Cooking
![Image result for Arts and Crafts Activities Activities for Children Who Like to Stay Indoors]()
Cooking and baking are good ways to teach your kids about nutrition and eating better. While it doesn’t hurt to let them have the occasional chocolate cookie or red velvet cupcake, learning how to prepare their own meals is an important life skill. It means your children will grow up to be adults who’d rather cook than buy food in take-out containers all the time. They’ll learn the value of a home-cooked meal and how nutritious fresh produce over processed meats are.
- Camping and Stargazing
If your kids are unable to join outdoor activities, help make up for it by having your own camping session in your backyard. Set up tents or blankets and lie under the stars. Teach your kid about the planets and stars by having a telescope for him or her to look through. This activity will open your child’s interest in the universe and all the wonders it holds.
These are just a few suggestions for indoor activities. Alternatively, you can let your child burn off unexpended energy at ball pits or bounce castles. You can also visit one of the many indoor playgrounds in KL for various activities and games. Some of them are conveniently located inside malls so you can shop or dine while waiting for them.
What To Consider Before Choosing Bicycle Pumps In Malaysia
by Caleb | Jun 4, 2016 | Sports and Leisure
Every cyclist needs to have a bike pump available to inflate a flat tire or check the tire pressure before riding his/her bicycle. A bike pumpis one of the mandatory tools you must own if you want to do bicycle maintenance yourself. There is a broad list of options available when it comes to bicycle pumps. One popular brand (Toepeak pump) has a staggering 46 different models available for your choosing. Before , there are certain options to consider. See below some of these options.
Tips To Consider
The options to consider can range from size, construction and gauge accuracy to capabilities of the bicycle pumps. Some of them include;
-
Gauging accuracy
Search for a gauge that offers a suitable pressure range and is easy to read. Since gauges are normally accurate at the centre of the range, if you want to inflate your mountain bike tyre accurately (between 23-25psi) you will need a gauge that has a low-pressure accuracy (or a separate pressure gauge).
-
Pressure
High-pressure pumps are ideal. They are usually a trade-off for gauge accuracy or volume output. Because of this, most brands likeToepeak pumpoffer models that are specific with both road and mountain biking.
-
Size
If your bicycle pump is going to be at home most of the time, then its size isn’t going to a problem. But if you plan to carry the bicycle pump on every ride then size is an important factor to consider. The smallest size mini-pumps will inflate a tyre though they are limited in air volume.
-
Volume
High-volume pumps will mean a lower maximum pressure or taking fewer strokes to reach the pressure you desire. Because mountain bike tyres need far greater volume (or lower pressure), a high-volume pump will be ideal for you. If your bike tyres are tubeless, a massive volume output pump may be enough to seat the tyre without an air compressor.
-
Weight
Like size, weight isn’t an issue if the pump will be left at home. A sturdy pump that does not topple is ideal. But if you are looking to carry it along every time, you do not need something heavy. Expensive pumps are made with lightweight materials like aluminium or carbon fibre. But there are many perfect plastic options available too. Do not give up a light-weight pump for something that doesn’t suit your needs.
-
Construction
The construction quality of bicycle pumps is usually in line with its price. The more metal it contains, the more expensive the pump becomes. When it comes to track pumps, the cheapest option is plastic (will wobble and flex when used heavily eventually giving up). On the other hand metal pumps are far more solid. They can keep going under heavy use and are worth rebuilding.
-
Durability
This applies to the expensive pumps (they are usually seen as a long-term investment). Most brands offer a range of spares to keep your pump working. The most important spares are the valve gasket or the head. Do not buy a more expensive pump if its spares aren’t readily available.
Since a bicycle pump is one of the important tools you must own if you want to do bicycle maintenance yourself, it safe to follow the guide above to get the best results.
Staying Safe When Riding With Other Cyclists
by Caleb | Jun 1, 2016 | Sports and Leisure
Anybody that enjoys some type of physical activity has to put safety first. The same is true when it comes to riding a road bike in Malaysia, or anywhere else for that matter. For an individual that enjoys cycling on specialized road bikes or similar high-quality machines, there are a few safety tips that have to be taken into consideration. The most important thing to remember is that a road bike is something that can potentially have a number of risk factors. Therefore, it is vitally important to use the right safety equipment and ensure that you always put safety first. Of course, is equally important that you challenge yourself so you can get the most out of your ride.
Use the Right Equipment
When you are cycling, it is of paramount importance that you ensure that you stay properly hydrated, that you know where you are going and have a way to call for help if a problem occurs, and that you ride with a helmet. If you have been riding for any length of time whatsoever, these are things that you already know. It is equally important that you utilize a high quality road bike like specialized road bikes. The higher the quality of the machine that you are using, the less the chances are that you might experience some type of mechanical problem with the machine itself. This in turn allows you to focus on things like safety and performance instead of worrying about what the machine is doing.
Always Put Safety First
It is rather easy to allow yourself to get drawn into competition that is so fierce that you forget to put safety first when you are cycling with other individuals. However, you can’t allow competition to get in the way of safety. This is why it is so important that you always ensure that both you and everyone else you are riding with are doing so in a safe manner. It is equally important that you realize you might be riding the over a lot of different types of terrain. Sometimes the terrain might be uneven and sometimes you might be sharing the road with automobiles, so it is extremely important that you take these factors into consideration any time that you decide to go on an outing.
Challenge Yourself
With all of that being said, it is important to challenge yourself. This is especially true when you are riding with other cyclists. There is certainly nothing wrong with a little competition, especially when you do it the right way. As long as you are being safe about the way you are riding, challenging yourself and others to go faster or ride longer is a good thing. It can actually help you increase your level of skill and increase your fitness level at the same time. It also give you the self-confidence that you need to realize that you can achieve new things with your cycling skills as you constantly exploring new horizons.
In closing, you should always make sure that everything you do is done with safety in mind and that you have the best equipment that you can possibly have at your disposal. Once those two things are taken care of, it is time to go out and ride so you can simply enjoy being in the moment. You might be surprised with how well you can really do if you get in the zone and allow yourself to enjoy being there.
