European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 28, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                M Layman s guide the ins and outs of bicycling in Europe by Dave Mattingly being stationed in Europe can be a dream come True to those who Are interested in bicycling. From the Competition of the milk race of England the Giro i italia and the tour de France to casual weekend rides through Beautiful Fields and forests bicycling is very popular throughout Europe. For those just getting started or those who want to increase their involvement Here Are a few tips. Types of bikes there Are currently four Basie groups of bicycles for adults a. A Mountain bikes Are identified by their wide and Knobby tires along with a combination of Chain rings that give the rider an option of As Many As 21 speeds to choose from. A City touring bikes have thinner tires fenders Over both wheels handlebars that Point straight Back to the rider and Chain rings or gearing for anywhere from three to 18 speeds. A Road bikes with Down swept handlebars or what used to be known As \ 10 speeds Are now up to 16 speeds. A hybrids offer the latest technology and a combination of reduced weight Compa Riblet to a Road Bike durability and stability like a Mountain Bike. For those just getting started most hybrid bikes offer the quickest route to enjoyment. Renting a Bike before buying those new to bicycling should consider trying each Type. Bikes May be rented from the local morale welfare and recreation equipment Check. Out Center. Many of the mar centers carry All four types. Bicycles May also be rented at main railway stations or. Commercial Bike shops. The main information Center the Quot i Quot Point in each town and City usually knows where bikes May be rented. Buying a Bike for an enjoyable ride Over Many years the size and Type of bicycle should fit Quot like a  expect the salesperson to take measurements much like a tailor. Most shops offer a free tune up after a Bike has been bought and Ridden fora few weeks. With stretchable cables adjustable bearings and Many other moving parts this first tune up is highly recommended. Repairs and maintenance All mar centers offer bicycle repair and maintenance or should be Able to recommend a reliable commercial service. After the initial tune up ail moving parts should be fully cleaned inspected and adjusted at least once per year Best at the beginning of the season. A Flat tire is bound to slow every Bike rider Down when they least expect it. Riding with a tire and tube repair kit and knowing How to use it can keep you rolling where to ride most information Points bookstores and Bike shops offer bicycling maps. There Are 57 different Deutschen Rad Touren Karten or local regional bicycling maps for Germany that show roads and trails that Are Best for cycling. Yellow Michelin regional maps show secondary roads with minimal vehicle traffic which normally offer the most enjoyable bicycle tide. Kompass Vanderharten Are popular maps with hikers bicycles and Cross country skiers. These maps offer detailed views of local areas throughout Europe s Alpine resort areas. The  Wande Karten and other commercial bicycle maps have symbols which show where to expect Steep Uphill and. Downhills. Helmets the most important piece of bicycling equipment helmets can prevent serious injury and even prevent accidents. Brightly coloured helmets can make a bicycle rider More visible to others on the Road. Due to heavy weight restrictive size and unattractive design bicycle helmets were rejected by casual and competitive riders for Many years. A new generation of helmets which Are lightweight and aerodynamic have become acceptable even fashionable with almost All Europe bicycle riders. Those with a padded plastic foam Interior and a Glossy plastic outside Shell Are currently viewed by the bicycle Industry As the safest and most comfortable helmets. As with any fashion item these Are sold in Many different colors and styles. Other safety Points throughout Europe bicycles Are expected to follow the same rules of the Road which govern vehicles and pedestrians. With traffic signals and crosswalks bicycle riders should Stop or proceed As if they Are driving a vehicle or walking on foot. Bicycle lanes Are often along the Side of the Road or on the sidewalk both inside and outside the City. These lanes Are usually marked with a round Blue Sig showing a bicycle. Both in and away from the City bicycle riders Are expected to use the Lane when it is there. Organized rides the German bicycling association or bund Deutscher Rad Fahrer . Bar organizes Tours which Are the bicycling equivalent to a vol Smarch. The Tours offer marked routes which usually follow Bike paths or roads with Light traffic. There is a wide Range of Tours available from permanently marked 40-50 Kilometres 25-30 Miles routes for any Day of the week to organized and supported Multi Day rides. The most popular Tours offered by the bar Are the timed Tours or  a Weitung. These rides feature marked routes of Short 40-50 Kilometres or 25-30 mile medium 7080 Kilometres or 45-50 Miles Long 110120 Kilometres or 65-70 mile Marathon 150-160 Kilometres or 95-100 Miles or Ultra Marathon 250-260 Kilometres or. 155-160 Miles. These Rad Tours normally Cost 5 Marks about $3.25 for registration and offer free fruit and drink stops for each 30-40 Kilometre segment. The Rad Tours Are held every weekend in 15-20 different locations throughout Germany much like the popular International vol Smarch program see schedule on Page 4. A an expandable pack under the Saddle with a rain jacket tire repair kit Small tool kit and a few coins or a Telephone card Are recommended. To obtain a Calendar of Rad Tours and other rides offered by the bar Call or write to.  bund Deutscher Rad Fahrer . Otto Fleck Schneiss 4 60528 Frankfurt main Telephone 069-678 9222 when asked nicely bar personnel will usually speak English. Prestige rides there Are Many special rides like the one Day 220-kiiometer/136-mile ride around Lake Constance or the Liberty Trail across France that Are popular with american bicycled. These rides require Advance registration and substantial. Training time. Your local outdoor recreation Center should have Infirri nation on these and other prestige rides. Competition there Are bicycle clubs throughout Europe looking for americans to join their membership. These clubs ride As groups in the Rad Tours and compete in local and regional championship races. Commercial bicycle shops Are usually a Good place to ask about joining a local dub. Several . Military installations sponsor popular races every year. Local outdoor recreation programs and sports offices should have information on upcoming races for triathlons Mountain bikes and Road bikes. Dave Mattingly is a free Lanca writer living in Roii Ingen Germany. Three bikers Check a map before departing on their ride. 4�? a a july 28, 1994 stripes Magazine. 3