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How to Burn More Calories While Biking

Summer is around the corner and suddenly, binge watching Friends on Netflix and scarfing down family-sized bags of Doritos in a single serving doesn’t seem as good of an idea as it did in the cold months of Winter. Well, have no fear because we have the perfect solution to help cut out some of those extra calories without the dread of actually going to the gym. Although we do love our Doritos (and let’s be real, Nacho Cheese is the best flavor), taking care of our health goes beyond physical appearance. Exercising regularly strengthens the cardiovascular system, speeds up metabolism, and greatly reduces the risk of developing certain types of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

So, you’re probably thinking, what is this “magic” solution you guys are trying to propose here? It definitely isn’t magic, but bike riding is fun, affordable, and accessible to all ages!

That’s right! What if I told you that burning hundreds of calories could be fun and exciting? And could be done practically anywhere! Central Park? It’s gorgeous in the summertime. Brooklyn Bridge? Absolutely. That creepy, abandoned playground in your neighborhood? Sure, why not!

The key to burning the most calories while bike riding is to switch up the intensity throughout your workout. High-intensity interval training has been proven to maximize your calorie burn in a shorter amount of time. So, try alternating between your comfortable riding speed to a faster, more challenging speed in order to get your heart rate up and down. For example, say your average riding speed is about 12 mph. In a high-intensity interval bike ride, you would ride at 12 mph for one minute and then raise the intensity to 15 mph for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, drop your speed back to 12 mph for another minute and repeat for 5-10 minutes. You can track your speed using a portable speedometer or download one of the many apps available on your phone! As you build your endurance, gradually increase the intensity of your training, as well.

Another way to burn more calories when outdoor biking is by incorporating inclines in your ride. Rather than only riding on a flat terrain, challenge yourself with some steep, uphill inclines in order to raise that heart rate and burn more calories. Riding uphill can be a bit of a challenge for some, so we recommend starting off by conditioning yourself with smaller hills and working your way up to the mountains! You would be surprised how quickly your body can adapt to the training!

Outdoor cycling is a great workout, overall, to burn calories, lose weight, and even build muscle in your lower body. The best part of outdoor cycling is being able to sightsee the world around you as you ride along. The adventure in the ride almost makes you forget that you’re actually exercising!

Not sure if biking is right for you? Here at Unlimited Biking, we have countless locations where you can rent Cannondale bikes, one of the best names in the bike industry, for a short ride to see if outdoor biking is a right fit.

So don’t hesitate! Visit our website and try it out today. You never know, you might just be the next Lance Armstrong

Our locations:

56 W 56th Street New York, NY 10019

346 W 57th Street New York, NY 10019

Pier 78 455 12th Avenue New York, NY 10019

111 W. 110th Street New York, NY 10026

38 Park Row New York, NY 10038

110 South Street New York, NY 10038

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Facts about the Golden Gate Bridge

Today we would like to present you some interesting facts about one of the most famous bridges in the world – the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s not a secret anymore, our new store in San Francisco is open and that’s why you should know a few interesting facts before you cycle the bridge. Let’s start.

1993 was the year in which the construction finally began: After a long time of setbacks and fundraising, Strauss and his team finally broke ground on the bridge on January 5, 1933. It was a big event with a parade to Crissy Field. At least 100,000 people attended the celebration.

And we also found out that the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York have something in common. Its cables were made by the same company that built the Brooklyn Bridge. Strauss needed cables that would be strong enough to support the structure of the bridge and bend 27 feet laterally in the Gate’s high winds. So he turned to the experts: Roebling’s Sons Co. – they made the cables for the Brooklyn Bridge 52 years earlier and knew exactly what to do.

Safety was super important! Strauss spent a ton of money on safety. On average one person was killed per million dollar spent on a big project. But Strauss wanted to beat those numbers and wanted all workers to wear glare free goggles, use hand and face cream to protect the skin from the high winds and go on special diets that should fend off dizziness. They also installed a net under the bridge that cost $130,000. It helped to speed constructions and gave the workers a feeling of safety. The net was an awesome idea, it saved 19 men who otherwise would have plummeted into to water below.

The colors of the bridge should be original carbon gray, aluminium or black and the U.S. Navy wanted black with yellow stripes. But at the end Irving Morrow (Consulting architect and responsible for the bridge’s Art Deco look) didn’t want any of those colors. Of course, the bridge was instead painted international orange, because it fits in better with the surroundings and it offers excellent visibility in San Francisco’s legendary fog.

After 4 years of contractions the opening was big. The people celebrate it for a whole week. The Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta lasted from May 27 to June 2. Opening day was “Pedestrian Day” and 15,000 people an hour went through the turnstiles, each paying 25 cents to cross. Vendors set up along the roadway sold an estimated 50,000 Hot Dogs. At noon on May 28, FDR pressed a telegraph key in the White House that announced the bridge’s opening to the entire world, and at 3 p.m. a fleet of 42 Navy ships sailed under the bridge; the day was capped off by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

And now the question is how much weighs such a bridge? When the bridge opened in 1937, the weight of the bridge along with its anchorages and approaches was 894, 500 tons. Re-decking in 1986 reduced the total weight to 887,000 tons.

Now you have all the background information and you’re ready to bike the Golden Gate Bridge with Unlimited Biking.

See ya in SanFran!

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #SF #usa #experience #fun #tours #E-Bikes #SanFrancisco #bikewithusinSF #SanFran

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San Francisco: Tips to cycle in San Fran

San Francisco is home to a little bit of everything. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a long-time local, San Francisco’s Golden Gates welcome all. The best way to see San Francisco’s best side is to use a bike. Truly. With the huge bike culture and bike lances criss-crossing every neighborhood, it’s by far the greatest and most fun way to commute. And now you get all the tips you should know before biking in SF.

First of all you should definitely know the rules on the road. Stop at stop signs and lights, yield to pedestrians, front and rear lights required at night, sidewalks are for pedestrians and kids on bikes and you can ride in the middle of a lane if you need to.

A good lock is everything. If you’d like to discover SF with your bike you really need a good bike lock, because bike theft is prevalent in SF. Cut down your chances by getting a solid U-lock. And don’t forget: Always lock your bike to the frame, not to the wheel. Nothing worse than seeing a well-locked wheel sitting frameless on the sidewalk.

Be Mindful. Locals love that visitor appreciate the City by the Bay and all its various delights. But local cyclists, don’t love the fact that tourists on the bikes are often guilty of stopping in the bike lanes to snap photos. Especially around popular spots like the Golden Gate Bridge. So always remember to pull aside and stay right if you’re on a sightseeing ride and want to take pictures. Don’t stop too abrupt.

Let’s talk about public transport. All riders can bring their bikes on the MUNI buses, BART subway trains and Caltrains. Bikes are not allowed on the MUNI Light Rail, the historic streetcars or the cable cars.

The helmet discussion. Based on the slogan “helmet hair, don’t care!” you should always wear a helmet. While California laws mandate that only people under 18 must wear a helmet at all times, it is highly recommended that every rider does.

Now you know all the tips. And with a little pre-ride planning and attention to basic rules, cycling in San Francisco can be the best way to explore this beautiful city with its iconic spots! 

 

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #SF #usa #experience #fun #tours #E-Bikes #SanFrancisco #bikewithusinSF

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Ride and Rose: BIKE TOUR

Ride and Rose is the name of one of our guided and private bike tour through the famous Central Park. This is an intimate private bike tour around the Park featuring attractions such as the Bow Bridge, which is like a Victorian confection reflected in the waters of Central Park’s Lake.  In real life the Bridge has been a magnificent setting in films such as Manhattan, The Way We Were and Keeping the Faith. You can also see the Bethesda Angle and the Terrace. It is one of the most well known fountains in the world, and the statue at its center was the only sculpture to have been commissioned as a part of Central Park’s original design. The terrace is also a popular movie spot. But you could also explore the famous Strawberry Fields. Strawberry Fields is a living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon. The next stop on our tour will be the beautiful Belvedere Castle. Belvedere Castle is a folly in the park. It contains exhibit rooms and an observation deck, and since 1919, the folly has also been the location of the official Central Park weather station. You can explore all these things on our Ride and Rose tour. Our tour guide will take you into the nooks and crannies of the Central Park that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own. The tour will end at Gapstow Bridge, where a glass sparkling Rose will await your arrival. Check out this wonderful tour.

Book your guided tour now on our website: Click here!

Unlimited Biking

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #fun #tours #sightseeing #ride’n’rose #park #nature #biking #landscape #view #happy #rose #guidedtour

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Best Winter Activities in NYC

Yes we know it’s really cold outside and you just want to stay in bed and doing nothing all day long. But you should know that winter in New York City is actually one of the most beautiful times of the year! Starting with the Christmas decorations and sparkling lights everywhere and there are also so much things to do. We created a list with a little inspo what to do in NYC during the winter.

GET A HOT CHOCOLATE: Check this article to get the best hot chocolate in town: https://www.unlimitedbiking.com/blog/the-best-hot-chocolate-in-nyc/

GO TO A BROADWAY SHOW: There is a show for everyone. We really recommend the Lion King. A great show with fantastic actors.

JOIN A WINES TASTING CLASS: Sign up for a wine tasting class at Brooklyn Winery to become the oenophile you always knew you could be.

ICE ICE (BABY) SKATING: Take your friends and go ice skating at one of the city’s seasonal rinks. You have the option to test the rink in Bryant Park, Central Park and many others around NYC.

ATTEND A SPORT EVENT: There are so many options you can choose between Basketball, Ice Hockey etc. And January is a great month to see any of the New York amazing sports teams.

FREAKING OUT DURING THE SUPER BOWL: Cheer on your favorite team during the Super Bowl on February 2nd at one of New York’s many sports bars. You should check out the following locations: Standings located in East Village, 200 Fifth in Brooklyn or Lansdowne Road in Hells Kitchen.

GO OUT TO EAT RAMEN: NYC obsession with ramen shows no signs of stopping, which means the city is rich with options. You can try the Ramen at Ippudo, Nakamura or Ivan Ramen.

JOIN A SPEAKEASY BAR: Raines Law Room is an especially cozy option with strong drinks, an unique entryway and a good atmosphere.

RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD: Once the snow finally sticks to the ground tap into your inner child and go sledding in one of New York’s parks. You can check out for example the Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn.

SHOPPING IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA: Woodbury Common is one of the best outlets in New York. It is one hour north of NYC and you can also take the bus to go there.  

GO BIKING WITH UNLIMITED BIKING: To get a whole new bike experience rent a bike during the winter and bike through the snow. It’s great fun!

WINTER JAM IN CENTRAL PARK: From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM the Central Park Bandshell area is covered with blown-in snow. You can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding, live Ice Sculpting, Ice Bowling, Taste NY Winter Market and so much more!  

 

Unlimited Biking

Book your bike rental or guided tour now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #winter #activities #fun

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You know you love me – XOXO

We all know this sentence from the famous series Gossip Girl. And if you’re a real fan you have to go to NYC and explore all the famous spots. You can find the locations everywhere in NYC, so the best idea is to take a bike and ride there really quick. You can reach all the spots so much easier and faster.

So first things first. All the rich kids live on the Upper East Side, but that’s not exactly true because Serena van der Woodsen’s apartment is on 300 East 55th Street and not actually at the Upper East Side but is shown in the series as it is for the residence of the van der Woodsen family.

Is the beautiful hotel from Chuck Bass real and how is it actually called? Yaaas, the hotel is real and the name is the same. Thought Cuck’s suite only exists on a TV set in the middle of nowhere? Nop the Empire Hotel (44 W 63rd St, New York, NY 10023) is a very real NYC icon.

Where to meet Blair Waldorf and her Minions? You like to know where the famous steps are? They’re at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028). This is where Blaire often has her lunch. In the series it seems that the museum steps are just across the street from their school, but actually the location which is used for the school and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are many blocks apart.

In the first scene Serena is coming home to NYC. But where is this beautiful train station? The Grand Central Station (89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017) with it’s beautiful constellations are definitely worth to visit!  

Away from Manhattan: Dan Humphrey’s home in Brooklyn is actually a really fancy place. Yes Blair didn’t like it, but the area is most known for its bridge and artsy walls. Trendy Dumbo’s cobblestone streets and converted Brooklyn warehouse buildings are the backdrop for independent boutiques, high-end restaurants and trendy cafes. And it is also known as THE Instagram photo location. Check out the beautiful area in Dumbo (80 Pearl St, Brooklyn, NY 11201) for a Insta worthy photo.

Now it’s time for the Central Park – a must-see on your Gossip Girl spots list. Blair is often feeding the ducks there with Dorota. But there is also the location where Chuck and Blair got married in the final episode. It was a rollercoaster moment for all fans. Blair said “I do” seconds before the cops showed up. You have to check out this beautiful spot: The Bethesda Terrace is located at 72 Terrace Dr, New York, NY 10021

After you biked to all the famous spots, you should definitely dress up for old Serena’s playground and favorite clubs. 1Oak or The Box are the clubs to be for a wild night out!

Enjoy your Gossip Girl trip through NYC with Unlimited Biking!

 

Unlimited Biking

Book your bike rental now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #GossipGirl #bike #fun #UB #checkthisout #xoxo

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The best hot chocolate in NYC

It’s getting colder outside, but of course you’d still like to go out and take in the beautiful sights of NYC. A wonderful season for our guided bike tours and bike rentals. It’s a completely new experience to bike through the snow, especially in the beautiful Central Park. You should definitely check this out! The perfect accompaniment to those sights and the sport are cups of delicious hot chocolate! We listed the locations where you get the best hot chocolates in New York City.

Grom, 1796 Broadway, 212-974-3444, Midtown West: The gianduja-flavored hot chocolate at Grom tastes like liquid Nutella. Best known for their gelato, this eatery makes a fantastic cocoa for those too chilly to have some frozen dessert. With both dark and milk chocolate versions, Grom is sure to please with milk, cream, Venezuelan and Colombian chocolates.

Jacques Torres, 285 Amsterdam Ave., 212-787-3256, Upper West Side, Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-664-1804, Midtown West: One of New York’s magic chocolatiers provides customers with some “wicked” hot chocolate with just a touch of ancho and chipotle peppers in addition to the classic style.

Serendipity 3, 225 E. 60th St., 212-838-3531, Upper East Side: Serendipity 3’s oxymoronic frozen hot chocolate has so many New Yorkers in awe. Is it even possible for a drink to be both frozen and hot? Just don’t think about the logic behind it too much and don’t down it too fast either – just enjoy!

The Russian Tea Room, 150 W. 57th St., 212-581-7100, Midtown West: Sure enough, the famed Russian Tea Room, home to such ornate decorations as a 20-foot-tall golden tree adorned with Venetian glass eggs – and whose menu features, for example, Golden Osetra caviar – offers its own “signature hot chocolate,” complete with whipped cream and marshmallows. The toasty, tasty treat is a relatively affordable way to get a foot in the door at one of the City’s fanciest eateries.

Max Brenner – Chocolate by the Bald Man, 841 Broadway, 646-467-8803, Union Square: Dessert tycoon Max Brenner (a fictional character who’s a composite of the venue’s two founders) serves hot chocolate in a specially designed “hug mug,” which encourages patrons to hold the drink with both hands for maximum comforting effect. The hot chocolate is available in milk, dark and white chocolate versions.

Cafe Lalo, 201 W 83rd Street, 212-496-6031, Upper West Side: Famous for its feature role in You’ve Got Mail, this go-to spot is on the map for its cakes, pies, tarts and of course hot chocolate! With a range of flavorful mix-ins or shots of alcohol to add in, Cafe Lalo’s hot cocoa is sure to warm your insides.

Voilà Chocolat, 221 W 79th Street, 212-920-8799, Upper West Side: A great spot to stop with the kids to decorate your own chocolate treats, Voilà Chocolat also offers a variety of flavors for adults and children alike. From their Classic Dark House Blend to a Daredevil Spiced or even an exotic Matcha Green Tea White Hot Chocolate to thrill the senses. Now they even offer a Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate for those seasonal types.

Enjoy your bike ride or guided bike tour with Unlimited Biking and a hot chocolate afterwards! 

 

Unlimited Biking

Book your bike rental or guided tour now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #hotchocolate #bike #fun #UB #checkthisout

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Unlimited Biking: E-Biking is good for you! Boost Your Fitness Level!

Some people are not comfortable riding bikes or just do not like pedaling or doing any physical activity! A new study shows that the electric bike is very good for this type of person and to get back into shape gradually after several years without doing any sport! Electric biking greatly improves your fitness and cardiovascular fitness as you cycle.

Electric cycling is very good for the health and the volunteers who took part in this study realized it themselves! Having electric assistance on the bike has allowed them to return to a normal physical activity. This helps people who are overweight or lacking physical activity to slowly and gradually get back to the sport. Moreover it is a fun activity to share with friends or families to discover the surroundings and enjoy the fresh air. In addition, volunteers have lost weight and gain muscle with the help of electric bikes but they also improve their oxygen level and heart health!

Electric bicycles can increase motivation and help overweight people and seniors maintain regular physical training. Electric cycling regularly allows users to benefit permanently, not only in terms of fitness, but also in terms of blood pressure, less fat in the body and better mental well-being! Do not wait any longer and get on our latest electric bikes, available in our Unlimited Biking stores!

Unlimited Biking

Book now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #town #electricbike #biking #landscape #view #fast #electricity #ebikes #city #bicycle #amazing #biketour #health #level #fitness #fitnessbiking #good #heart #fun #stores

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Unlimited Biking: The best cycling clubs in New York City!

Here are the cycling clubs that you can join in New York City! Remember that if you do not have a bike you can rent it with Unlimited Biking to participate in different New York club events!

BIKE AND POLO at the same time, that’s all you need to remember!

Events and rides all year round for all types of cyclists! This club is really very interesting too if you are passionate and very active!

Perfect for racing and competition enthusiasts! Join this club if you want to go beyond your limits! A very serious and very friendly club.

A bike club for women who are very hospitable and also committed!

Fast and Fab at all times, this gay cycling club welcomes you with open arms throughout the year with several events!

A 30-year-old not-for-profit direct-action environmental organization, they are really engaged and eco-friendly, they use events and educational programs to promote a more sustainable planet.

An active cyclist group gathering all types of people passionate about the world of cycling!

A club of people really interested and in love for this fabulous sport that is cycling! If you are like them and you live in New York join them!

Formed in 2007, this club as only one goal serve the needs of the bicycle racing community in the state of New York. It is a club rather oriented sports and cycling competition, it will be perfect for semi pro and professional cyclists!

A large number of members and rides or events throughout the year for a beautiful and large community of cyclists!

Unlimited Biking

Book your bike now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #city #electricbike #biking #landscape #view #fast #electricity #ebikes #fitnessbiking #bicycle #amazing #biketour #fitness #roadbike #friends #location #NYC #sports #daypass #rentals #outdoor #equipment #cycling #club #competition #member

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Fitness Biking: The best cycling equipment!

Of course the equipment is not everything but if you are a very good cyclist you need the best equipment on the market! Here for us the best equipment that exists today.

First of all: THE BIKE! 

CANNONDALE
We only recommend Cannondale bikes because they are the best bikes you can get on the market! Cannondale is a brand recognized by cycling professionals, that’s why we use and rent only this brand of bike in our stores.

To protect your head: THE HELMET!

LUMOS
Lumos helmet with integrated light system protect your head but let you also to turn on the road safely! It prevent cars with the light system behind the helmet!

To protect your eyes: THE SUNGLASSES!

SOLOS
Solos Smart Glasses with real time stats about your actual ride! Put on your glasses and discover a whole new way of seeing cycling.

Drink enough: THE BACKPACK!

K.U.D.U.™ PROTECTOR 10.
This mountain biking backpack is really lightweight and can bring you up to 100 oz / 3 liters of water! Perfect for long bike rides on the road or in the mountains!

Protect yourself from the elements: CLOTHING!

Castelli Estremo Gloves
This gloves can resist very low temperature (up to 20°F) . They are perfect for the winter season and they will also protect you in case of a fall!

GORE® C7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ Stretch Jacket.
Gore-Tex jacket that can resist rain and wind. It will keep you dry and protect you from strong winds during your outdoor training sessions!

Are you looking for high tech gadgets for your bike and yourself? Read this article to learn more!

The best high tech gadgets for riders!

Unlimited Biking

Try Fitness Biking with us! Book your Road Bike now on our website: Click here!

56 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 749-4444

#unlimitedbiking #bike #sport #centralpark #newyork #usa #experience #tour #sightseeing #city #electricbike #biking #landscape #view #fast #electricity #ebikes #fitnessbiking #bicycle #amazing #biketour #fitness #roadbike #friends #location #NYC #sports #daypass #rentals #outdoor #equipment #cycling