This post is not bicycle related but general information on how to subscribe to my blog using RSS

Basic:

According to Wikipedia, RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format. An RSS document (which is called a “feed”, “web feed”,or “channel”) includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship.

So when you subscribe to a RSS feed of a site, you don’t have to go to the site every time to read the latest article, instead you use a feed reader software or web based reader like Google Reader to read the latest article on your favorite site.

Currently I am using Google Reader to subscribe to my favorite blogs, including mine.

Benefit of RSS:

The benefit of subscribe to a RSS is that you don’t have to go to each and every of your favorite site now to read the latest content, instead you collect them all in one place(feed reader software).

How to subscribe to a feed:

At the top right corner of my latest post, you will see a orange color RSS button. In order to subscribe to a feed, all you have to do is copy and paste the link address, http://feeds.feedburner.com/YkhBicycleBlog  into your feed reader software or web based reader like Google Reader

I am using feed burner that provides me with number of people subscribe to my blog feed.

If you need further information on RSS or help on signing up for a Google Reader, you can go watch this free video about RSS.

Data source:

http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/209/what-is-rss-syndication/

http://www.becomeablogger.com/video-9.html 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS 

I was resting from my daily cycling routine one day and I happen to take 2 picture I think worth write about. It is about how should cyclist cycle on road with left most lane dedicated for left turning vehicle. In the picture, both cyclist were heading straight and they were approaching the junction.

If you check under Road Traffic Act Chapter 276 Section 140(you can get a copy of it on NTU site), there are 2 particular points I would like to discuss here.

1.) Point 7(1):

No bicycle shall be ridden on the right of another vehicle proceeding in the same direction except when overtaking such other vehicle.

    We can see that this cyclist was cycling on the space carve out by left turning vehicle and vehicles on second lane(And I believe he is overtaking that vehicle on his left). Is this a better way to cycle when cyclist was cycling towards a junction and the left most lane was dedicated for left turning vehicle? Will this behavior increase the visibility of cyclist on the road?

2.) Point 8:

Every bicycle shall be ridden close to the left hand edge of the roadway and in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicles at faster speed. Load on bicycle not to exceed 18kg.

    Another cyclist here is cycling close to the left hand edge of the roadway which match Point 8. Is this better than the behavior above in term of increase the visibility of cyclist on the road?

For myself, I tried both way and they each have their pros and cons.

For 1.), it is faster since you won’t need to slow down at the junction to look over your shoulder to check the vehicle behind but this needs good bicycle handling skill since you are now in between 2 vehicles.

For 2.), it is slower because you will need to slow down or even stop your bicycle to check the vehicle behind. And you can even choose to walk your bicycle across the pedestrian crossing at the junction which might be a safer option to you.

Data source:

http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohs/safetyforeveryone/Documents/Singapore%20Laws%20on%20Cycling.pdf

1. Helmet

Obviously, you want to protect one of the most important parts of our body with helmet. This is what I use for my daily cycling trip. However, I believe helmet alone doesn’t keep you “safe” when you cycle. Knowing the traffic rules, bicycle handling skill, concentration on the road (listening to mp3 doesn’t helps you on this), understand your body condition (which means don’t cycle when you are not feeling well) are much more important.

2. Mask

After cycling on road for few months, I realized I need to get a mask to filter dust, exhaust from other vehicle. After searching the web and reading review from other user, I decided to get Totobobo mask. It was a decent mask that fit my budget.

And I am glad all these go into the filter and not my lung.

3. Glove

Glove is very important to reduce the impact and injury to your hand during accident. To me, SGD 18.30 is definitely worth it to protect my hand in case of accident. However, same theory apply here, glove doesn’t keep you safe. You should be sure that you are ready before you go on road.

4. Saddle

Since your butt will be on the saddle most of the time (actually almost all the time) when you are cycling, a comfortable saddle is worth your investment to keep yourself comfortable throughout your cycling journey. My bike is a second hand bike given by friend as a gift, and I bought this saddle cover to complement the old saddle on that bike. I learned this lesson during NTU bike rally 2011. It was painful butt experience at the last part of the bike rally, every meter I moved was a war between my will power and my butt.

5. Front light

I used CAT EYE for both my front light and back light to light myself up during my cycling journey. This is even more important when I need to cycle back home during the night when I need to OT. Front light making sure that vehicle facing can see you (A small tiny cyclist on the road).

6. Backlight

Back light is equally important as front light (Sometime I think it might be even more important than front light because I don’t grow eyes at the back of my head, I can’t see what are behind me). Back light making sure that vehicle behind you can see you.

7. Head light

As an extra precaution, I put another head lamp at the back of my helmet to further light me up. This is how it looks on my helmet.

8. Screw driver

This is handy to install and uninstall my back light whenever I need to.

Come on! You probably already know this, but I want to say it again here. Grab a couple of banana and eat them before, during and after your cycling journey. I am still amaze by the extra energy banana provided.

Have a sore muscle? Apply some counterpain to Relieves Muscle Aches and Pain (and you see it right, I copied from the words on the tube.). Be careful not to apply too much, it almost burn my thigh the first time I apply them (I guessed I applied too much of them, but how would I know this thing burns?).

If you don’t like burning sensation from counterpain, you can try Zheng Gu Shui for your sore muscle. I like their spray head; it is much easier to apply now. Just spray, spray, spray.