SPORTS

For an easier, safer ride, some bikers switch to the trike

If you love the fresh air and the camaraderie of your motorcycle club but are tired of boosting your bike around, consider a "trike."

Some riders love trikes, especially those who have passed their wild years and are now contending with bad knees. They say the three-wheelers have great stability because of their single wheel in front and two in back for balance and power. And they are easier to maneuver in stop-and-go traffic. Another factor in their favor relates to the weight of the passenger sitting in back of the driver. On a two-wheel motorcycle, the heavier the passenger, the harder it is for the rider to balance the bike. On a trike, even a very heavy passenger is no problem.

Spokesmen for Harley-Davidson say the three-wheelers represent a previously untapped market. They see trikes as way to put riders on Harley-Davidsons, those who would like to ride but don't want a two-wheeler or who are physically unable to ride one.

The three-wheeled Stallion by Thoroughbred Motorsports is sheathed in fiberglass paneling, looks like a tiny open car, and has air-conditioning and a CD player. Base price is $30,000.

For less money, you can convert a two-wheeler into a trike. Several companies sell kits for about $3,000. To check out a few, search the Web for trike conversion kits.

The three-wheelers offered by most motorcycle companies are actually made by Lehman Trikes.

The NFL wants to be a global power

American football is regularly broadcast on European television. A significant fan base has developed.

Now, Mark Waller, the NFL's senior vice president for marketing, says up to two regular-season games could be played next year in Britain, Germany, Mexico, or Canada. He says fans outside the U.S. love the game but want to see games that really count.

The November 2007 New York Giants-Miami Dolphins game played in London was a sellout. The first 40,000 of 86,000 tickets priced between $90 and $180 were sold in the first 90 minutes. Germany has many American football fans, and Waller says they are quite sophisticated.

But for them, it's more of an excuse to have a fun night out. For the 2006 game in Britain, Miami cheerleaders said they would not sing as soccer cheerleaders do.

Soccer cheerleaders sing several times during a game, usually using words uncomplimentary to the opposing team. Sometimes they even use profanity in their songs

MLB commissioner opposes instant replay

Washington National's general manager Jim Bowden was the first to propose that major league baseball have instant replay. At the time, several years ago, general managers voted 29 to 1 against it. Now, general managers have approved of it for the first time.

Their recommendation goes to Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Selig, however, says his views haven't changed. He thinks it would create as many problems as it solves.

Jimmie Lee Solomon, MLB executive vice president, says instant replay would be limited to boundary calls: fair or foul down the lines or for home runs, over the wall or off of it.

For instant replay to be adopted, it would have to be approved by Selig and the owners as well as by the unions for both players and umpires.

Authorities say that instant replay is in the future for baseball, but not for the 2008 season.

GPS a plus in many sports

Running: Location Nation has a service that lets runners display Google maps data on their GPS gadgets.

Biking: GPS maker Garmin's bicycle computers display turn-by-turn directions, heart rate, and other data.

Hunting: Active Hunting Solutions has cameras with motion detectors and technology so hunters can remotely track deer, and other big game.

Kayaking is the new in-thing for solo sportsters

Participation in solo sports such as golf, snowboarding, and kayaking continues to grow.

The National Sporting Goods Association says the number of U.S. kayakers has doubled in the last decade. Women are among the fastest-growing segments.

New kayaks are sturdier, more comfortable, and lighter weight. Kayak sales now are higher than canoe sales. Canoes, which normally seat two, are harder to steer, and can't go as fast.

Kayak costs begin at $775 for a Wilderness Systems canoe for casual paddlers and luxury designs for $3,500.

Some kayakers enjoy paddling by themselves and the tranquillity of being alone with nature. Others like the companionship of groups. Many kayaking clubs have hundreds of members and sponsor group outings.

Outfitters such as those in Baltimore and New York City give free lessons along the water front. There are man-made white-water parks elsewhere, and kayaking festivals and expeditions let interested people try out the sport before buying their own equipment.

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.