Hirst

Avid cyclists know there is a wide-range of cycling gear available to choose from. Determining what you will need means asking yourself some key questions.

- What gear is required by law?
- What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do?
- What equipment is best for the summer/winter conditions?

Cycling store employees should be able to help you answer these questions as you look to purchase new or updated cycling clothing.

What gear is required by Law?
Nearly every government has a regulation or law requiring helmets for cyclist. Some states require them for all riders while others set an age requirement. A good, well-fit helmet could save your life. Whether mountain biking or street cycling, a helmet is a must have for anyone riding a bike.

Though not specifically required by law, many state cycling groups recommend wearing reflective clothing when biking as well. This is another safety benefit, ensuring you are able to be seen by cars and pedestrians.

What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do?
Having a variety of clothing for cycling is recommended as what you need is based on how long your ride and wear. Cycling shorts are great for longer rides. They help to keep you cool while you are exerting yourself on the roadway. Quality cycling shorts are made of special material made specifically for comfort and moisture control. They usually have a padded seat for extra protection and comfort for extensive riding. Choosing a sleeveless cycling jersey to help keep you cool on long-rides is also recommended.

Mountain bikers who ride through brush and trees should look for a long-sleeve cycling jersey to protect their arms from abrasions. Cycling shirts or jerseys worth their salt will be made of synthetic fabric that is comfortable, lightweight and moisture resistant. This will ensure that, whether long or short-sleeved, the jersey will help a rider maintain a good temperature.

What equipment is best for the summer/winter conditions?
Avid bicyclers hit the road during all kinds of weather, especially if the bike is their primary form of transportation. For cold days, a cycling jacket or a wool cycling jersey will keep you warm against the cooler air while still keeping you dry by sweeping the sweat away from your skin. Windproof jackets are also available for wind and rain protection. Coupled with cycling pants or knee warmers, which keep your knees and legs warm and flexible, these items will help you have a pleasant ride, even when the weather is less than ideal.

As the weather warms, your cycling apparel should mirror what you would wear on long rides. Good cycling or bib shorts and a sleeveless jersey will keep you comfortable and cool. You may want to carry a lightweight, compact cycling jacket with you in case your ride goes later in the evening than you anticipated or you start out your ride early in the morning. There are a number of jackets available that can be easily stowed when the temperature rises. Cycling jacket made of breathable material that incorporates ventilation, like mesh vents, in the fabric are ideal.

There are many choices in bicycle clothing and not all of them are necessary. Depending on what kind of bicycler you are, you may find that less is more. But, if you are seriously into cycling, then choosing a variety of bicycle clothing is in your advantage you will feel much more apt to get out there on your bike if you have all of the proper equipment, including comfortable clothing that helps to keep your body temperate and dry.

~Ben Anton, 2007

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for TSC.
Learn more about light weight wool cycling jersey and sweater benefits by checking out the Team Sales Cycling website and its selection of quality bicycle clothing

Detroit and Windsor's integrated economies have grown and prospered. The Ambassador Bridge alone carries approximately 25% of the value of the merchandise trade between Canada and the United States. These border crossings are not only economically important, they're also significant in our nations post 911 security. Travel time at the border has significantly changed due to the new security issues and with our crossings nearing capacity, this time will only increase significantly.

The growth and prosperity in the Detroit and Windsor corridor is linked by the automotive industry. The bilateral trade has grown faster than the GDP. However, with all this growth, the infrastructure has not grown to accommodate.

Delay costs will lead to higher production costs. Border delays will affect inventory cost. Over the next twenty years all these additional costs will preclude the areas competitive advantage. The automotive industry is crucial to the economic growth for this area however these added costs will put these jobs (48,900 in Windsor alone) and the local economy (30.8% labor base in Windsor) in jeopardy.

Without the Jobs Tunnel and/or the Gateway Project, Detroit-based automotive production will be less competitive. The cost of automobile components will increase. The additional cost of each new vehicle will be US$200 by 2010. These negative effects added together will be overwhelming.

With the Jobs Tunnel, the region will dramatically increase the ability to retain as many as 9,000 12,000 jobs. The economic activity created by this investment is significant. Research shows that the future economic costs in building this tunnel can be offset or even reversed. The Jobs Tunnel is a unique public-private partnership. It will bring US$419 million in new - and largely private - capital to improve the areas border system capacity. The 5 year construction plan will positively affect both sides of the border. On the US side, a peak of 547 jobs will pump moneys into the metro Detroit area while on the Canadian side a peak of 893 jobs will improve the Windsor economy.

The benefits of building the Jobs Tunnel are substantial and striking. The operation of the Jobs Tunnel will add US$10.14 million annually (CN$14.15 million), including labor and goods and services purchased and it will require 190 full-time positions for tunnel operations and Canadian Customs.

Perhaps most critical to those who live and work in the southeast Michigan and southwest Ontario, the Jobs Tunnel will help this region retain automotive manufacturing jobs. The capacity provided by the Jobs Tunnel could prevent the additional loss of nearly US$30 billion in transportation equipment industry output. This could save the region between 9,000 and 12,000 good jobs.

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership is a partnership between two major private enterprises, Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Borealis Transportation Infrastructure Trust (BTIT). The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership is committed to the design, financing construction, operation and maintenance of modern, safe and efficient rail tunnels that improve North American trade flows through the Windsor-Detroit corridor.

CPR is North Americas first transcontinental railway, and is the only transcontinental carrier with direct service to the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. BTIT is owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canadas largest pension funds serving more than 300,000 active and retired local government employees, and a leading Canadian investor in infrastructure projects.

This report was based on work done by Michael H. Belzer, Ph.D., President, Sound Science, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI. Find more information and resources regarding the The Jobs Tunnel at thejobstunnel.com.

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership (DRTP) is poised to build a new, high-capacity rail tunnel under the Detroit River to provide improved freight service between the United States and Canada. The DRTP is an equal partnership between Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Borealis Infrastructure Trust.

Summer is typically the season that everyone thinks of when planning their vacations. But why not dare to be different and take a winter vacation getaway instead? If you are a skier, snowboarder, or just someone who enjoys the winter months, a winter vacation may be just what you have been looking for. There are plenty of spots around the world that make spectacular winter getaways.

Hershey. If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, Pennsylvania as your vacation destination. The home of Hershey's candy, Hershey Park becomes home to Christmas Candyland, where over one million Christmas lights are put on display. Christmas Candyland typically runs for a month prior to Christmas.

Sweden. Located in the small riverside village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, Sweden's Ice Hotel is famous worldwide for great winter vacations. The hotel is created each winter out of 10,000 tons of ice from the nearby river and 30,000 tons of snow. The hotel features the famous Absolut Ice Bar, a winter favorite for the 21+ crowd.

Yellowstone. During the winter the Yellowstone National Park, a popular summer destination in the United States, offers Lodging and Learning programs where guests of all ages can stay at Yellowstone and participate in educational lessons during the winter. These programs offer a great way for visitors of all ages to learn about the beautiful and fascinating Yellowstone Park.

Wisconsin Dells. This small Wisconsin town offers a great winter vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge, home of huge indoor water parks. Great Wolf Lodge is a popular destination for families. Visitors of Wisconsin Dells get the best of both worlds with summertime perpetually recreated indoors and snow falling outdoors. Wisconsin Dells is located near both Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.

New England. One of the most historical areas in the United States, New England is where the country was founded. In addition to the number of historical sites throughout the six states that make up the region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont), you will also find plenty to do in the winter months. Maine offers one of the nicest ski resorts in the country in Sugarloaf USA, or you can try the beautiful White Mountain area of New Hampshire where you will find a plethora of ski resorts and the historical Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Orlando. If skiing is not really your thing and you are looking to get away from the snow for a few weeks then travel to Florida, one of the most frequented states in the US by vacationers each year. Walt Disney World offers discounted rates during specific periods of the winter months, considered the theme park's off-season. Not only will the parks and restaurants be less crowded than during summer or a school vacation week, but you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather during your stay.

Caribbean. Why not take a cruise during the winter months? Like Florida, a Caribbean cruise offers a change of pace from the snowy, cold winter months that you may be used to. Winter is typically a perfect time for a cruise because the weather in the Caribbean has calmed down. Summer is hurricane season, spelling trouble for cruises but winter is perfect for calm seas and a relaxing cruise.

Mont Tremblant. Located in the spectacular Laurentian Mountains of the Canadian province of Quebec, Mont Tremblant offers its visitors over 600 acres of land for skiing and snowboarding. Perhaps the best choice if you are looking to take to the slopes, keep in mind that the US dollar is worth more in Canada and can go further than it would on a vacation in the United States.

Alaska. If you are traveling with children, Alaska may be the perfect vacation choice for you. Offering everything from dog sledding, one of Alaska's most popular sports, to viewing the Northern lights, Alaska is one of the best winter vacation destinations. Although it is notorious for its cold, wintry weather, Alaska also holds a number of entertainment options that are likely to keep the whole family busy.

Lake Tahoe. For decades Lake Tahoe has been one of the top winter vacation destinations in the world. Located on the border of Nevada and California just west of Carson City, Nevada, you will find that Lake Tahoe has plenty of activities for everyone in the family. Lake Tahoe averages 360 inches of snow each year, making for a winter wonderland of fun on your winter vacation. There are a number of high quality resorts around picturesque Lake Tahoe and the Rocky Mountains make a fabulous backdrop for the perfect getaway.

Cassandra Stinchcombe - For all your travel information, tips and ideas visit http://www.envisionopportunity.com/travel/travelmain.html

If you were to name one thing in your romantic life that gives you a chance to reveal tender thoughts to your partner, hear how your sweetheart feels about you, all while setting the stage for some deep intimacy, what would it would be?

When you are looking to spice up your "foreplay", consider romantic board games! These games are provocative and sensual, as foreplay is supposed to be, but also offer a lot more.

Romance games lead you down a multi-lane path of discovery, communication, openness and yes, great sex with your spouse. We've found that they're an ingenious way to build your relationship, stimulate exchanges, frolic freely and explore sexual desires.

The intention is to create a safe, comfortable place where the two of you can explore areas not usually discussed. Several of these games have a question and answer format, as well as specific activities to do with or for your partner. The questions require that you give real thought to who you are and what you want in your relationship.

You will most likely hear things that have not been voiced before.

Play can be instructive and creative, like when we were kids, with no agenda, other than being together and having fun. You'll feel trust and intimacy growing as the game takes form and allows for a wonderful exchange.

You can have a delightful time with a variety of games, many innovatively designed to promote both physical as well as emotional intimacy. Many of the boards are constructed so that sections can be flipped, depending on your die throw, to pose a provocative question or suggest a loving, sensual action.

Moving back and forth between these stimulating activities can give you several hours of luscious play and intimate conversation.

Make sure that you have a nice block of uninterrupted time, so arrange for the kids to be at a play date or a sleep-over. It would be great to take one of these games with you on a quick weekend getaway or on your next vacation. Surprise your sweetheart with it when you get to your destination!

Then, light some fragrant candles, spread some rose petals or a silk throw across the bed or on the floor, and perhaps pour a glass of wine for the two of you and then lay the game board with pieces out between you.

Take your time. There are, of course, rules and guidelines. Don't be discouraged at the thought of getting bogged down by some kind of instruction manual. The guidelines are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. It would be easy to rush through and get to the hot end action, but you might miss out on some wonderful information about each other along the way.

Be open and observant. Pay attention to what your partner is saying, how they are responding and what gets them really excited.

Let go. No need for expectations or control. Put your usual role(s) aside and trust that your love and willingness to embrace each other will lead to greater pleasures and deeper understandings.

No Judgment. This is exploration at its best, a learning experience destined to increase rapport and bring you closer.

Have enormous amounts of fun. No explanation needed.

Let the games begin!

Bring play and passion into your relationship. Be creative and adventurous as you romance your sweetheart. Check out these romantic games and how they can add some spice to your love life. http://www.voicesofromance.com