How to Balance Panniers

Panniers are comfortable, convertible and customizable "saddlebags" for bicycling. Here's how to pack them properly for a smooth ride.



Articles resource


Step1
Divide the heaviest gear into two piles. Try to make the piles as close to the same size and weight as you can.


Step2
Place one pile in each rear pannier, with the most useful gear on top.


Step3
Divide the lightest gear into two equal piles.


Step4
Place one light pile in each of the front panniers.


Step5
Add remaining gear to the front and back panniers, until the weight is divided roughly 60 percent on the back tire and 40 percent on the front.


Step6
Ride your bicycle around the block to check that the weight is balanced side-to-side.


Step7
Add or subtract items from one side or the other, as needed, to balance the bike.



Find and buy tickets by states

How to Backside Air on a Snowboard Halfpipe

Turning backside is turning your chest down the transition so that your back faces up the slope. Backside airs are awesome to watch and fun to do, and set the foundation for a whole array of aerial variations.

More......


Step1
Spend some time riding the halfpipe so that you're comfortable doing both frontside and backside curve turns high on the wall of the pipe.


Step2
Add a little extra to your hop at the top of your backside turn to release your weight from the board as you turn. Once you're doing this, you're basically already doing backside airs.


Step3
Approach the wall on your uphill rail, facing downhill.


Step4
Absorb the transition by bending your knees as you ride up it.


Step5
Use the bend in your knees to jump up as you reach the peak of your turn.


Step6
Turn your chest to face down the transition, and turn your board 180 degrees to face back down the transition as well.


Step7
Keep your eyes on the spot where you want to land.


Step8
Land on the transition with your knees bent to absorb the impact.

Find Real Lovers

How to Avoid Getting Blisters While Hiking

There's nothing like painful blisters to ruin your backcountry trip, but you can avoid them by taking these measures.

Find and buy tickets by cities


Step1
Break in hiking shoes or boots well before your hike, wearing the same shoe-sock combination you will use on the trail.


Step2
Wrap your blister-prone spots with athletic tape or duct tape before you start hiking, if you know you're likely to have a problem. Put the tape directly on your skin; when you're done hiking, take off your boots and pull off the tape immediately. The heat and sweat from your feet will make it easier to remove.


Step3
Soak any developing hot spot (an area that is irritated from rubbing) in cold water or air-dry it until the spot cools.


Step4
Apply a patch or doughnut of moleskin to the hot spot or cover it with tape. Theories about the pros and cons of patches, doughnuts and tape vary. Experiment and find what works best for you.


Step5
Use foot powder and change into a dry pair of socks before you put your boots or shoes back on and continue hiking.




Find and buy tickets by places