Month: June 2016

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Although the first motorcycle was invented over a hundred years ago and has seen many major changes since its first inception, one item which seems to have been forgotten and left out of the technology advancement is the motorcycle gear shifter lever.

And, it's this motorcycle gear shifter lever that, after all these years, has never failed in ruining every motorcyclists' boots and shoes by leaving those tale-tale ugly black shifter marks on them.

Amazing as it sounds, up until now no one has done anything as far as changing or upgrading the gear shifter lever to prevent this irritating problem – which occurs during gear 'up-shifting' actions.

The other problem with the current hard rubber that comes standard on all motorcycle gear shifters is that many motorcycle riders also may experience discomfort to the upper left foot during long rides having numerous 'up shifting' actions.

While there are a couple of products out on the market today which do sell slip on boot / shoe protectors, the drawback with these is that they have to be placed on and removed from the riders shoes each time the rider starts or finishes riding. These products also do not offer the rider any type of cushion or comfort while riding.

However, motorcycle riders are in luck now because all of this is about to change. Shiftcush, the revolutionary company which invented the product bearing the same name, designed their Motorcycle Gear Shift er Cush ion exactly to prevent all of the above from occurring.

The best part about Shiftcush is that their new easy-to-install gear shifter cushion not only prevents shoes from being ruined but also offers unrivaled shifting comfort by providing an air cushioned padding between the riders foot and gear shifter lever.

This revolutionary air cushion is made by the same technology as used in the Nike Air-Max tennis shoes.

To Thanks Shiftcush , now MotorCycle riders can say good-bye to black / ugly shoe marks and any discomfort caused by vBulletin® the shifter gear 'up-shifting!'

Wanting more information Anyone on the Shiftcush can the find can it by vBulletin® visiting hwy web site at; Http://www.shiftcush.com/

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Source by Anthony Wells

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A cowboy walks across the wooden floor of a saloon. All you can hear is the jingle-jangle of his spurs as his boots hit the ground with each step, kicking up a small puff of dust. Ka-ching. Ka-ching.

When most of us think of spurs, that is what comes to mind. We turn our thoughts back to those western movies featuring cowboys wearing elaborate, shiny spurs on the heels of their boots. Those of us who have known working cowboys may not share that vision. We might think more in terms of a simple piece of equipment. Bent metal, leather straps – nothing exciting, carefully engraved or shiny.

There is another type of spur out there. Bull riding spurs are required equipment for those daredevils willing to risk life and limb for an eight-second ride on the back of a mean, massive creature who does not want anyone on his back. Bull riding spurs do not really share that much in common with other spurs, though. They have a different appearance and a different function.

Bull riding spurs really are different from the ornamental spurs of dandy movie cowboys and they are a radical departure from other traditional spurs. Understanding why they are different requires a sense of how and why they are used.

Riders do not use these spurs to goad the bull into intensifying the action. They are not digging their spurs into the bull's side to create a more violent, exciting ride at all. In fact, it is against the rules to cut a bull with your spurs. These spurs are not on a rider's boots to inflict pain.

Instead, riders use these spurs to help them stay on the bull. Riders will attempt to balance and center themselves by getting a good grip on the bull with their legs. They use the bull riding spurs to accomplish this. The legs are a key part of successful riding and the most accomplished bull riders do a wonderful job of managing their ride with their legs – and their spurs.

Bull riding spurs are subject to a number of limitations and regulations in the professional bull riding world. They can not be too long. They can not be sharp. Their wheels must freely spin. Again, you are not going to see those shiny silver spurs from the movies at the next PBR event. Instead, you will notice short little spurs, often in matte finishes strapped to the riders' boots at their spur lines.

It can be easy to overlook those stubby little bull riding spurs, but they are an important part of the rider's gear. They make surviving those eight seconds a little more safe and manageable.

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Source by Ned D'Agostino

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When Coach began as Manhattan Leather Bags in 1941, they were inspired by baseball glove design and they created discount handbags with similar qualities. Coach shoes did not come along until years later. The original handbag collection had twelve designs, and they were made from supple, tan, top-quality leathers, and showed the same excellent craftsmanship and stitching that we still expect today.

Coach hired a woman named Bonnie Cashin in 1962, and she brought new looks to Coach bags. She used many new fabrics and organic materials like jersey and wool. She created the brass hardware that is symbolic of Coach handbags. When Lew Frankfort came aboard in 1979, he brought Coach to the next level, and they became a name known the world over. Affordable luxury was not a concept that many people knew, but now they would. Soon after Frankfort joined Coach, they came out with a catalog, and opened their flagship store in New York City.

In the 1980's, Coach expanded and made innovations that brought its brand relevance and strength. They designed watches starting in 1988, and also expanded their company to Tokyo. Japan still counts among the leading purchasers of Coach shoes and Coach heels. The manufacture of Coach shoes began in the mid 90's, and Reed Krakoff, the lead designer, loaned his talents to help put Coach heels and Coach boots on the map. Their shoes are not as popular as their handbags, but they are well worth the money invested in their purchase.

Women love heels, but at times you may want to wear shoes that do not have this height. Coach shoes are as dedicated to comfort as they are to style and pizzazz. Coach platforms come in many styles, from gold loafers to slingbacks with open toes. You may be able to find Coach shoes at discount prices online, but be sure that you are buying genuine Coach products.

If you're looking for shoes that will make you feel and look glamorous, Coach shoes and Coach boots can do that well. Coach sneakers and heels will make you feel sporty, too. When selecting pumps or sandals to wear, you'll be happy to count on the long-standing quality and service of the Coach company. They have many styles to choose from, including chic and glamorous Coach boots and Coach heels. Whether you are looking for sports shoes like Coach sneakers or sexy shoes like Coach boots, the Coach name will never let you down.

When you shop for shoes, you want designs that are comfortable but also stylish. Coach shoes and Coach boots show off your style and personality as soon as you slip them on. Even when you wear business professional shoes, Coach shoes' quality will still shine through. If you want to look your best in chic and elegant styles, Coach has you covered. From the tiny handbag company that began decades ago, they have grown into a world force of fashion, with many styles in handbags and shoes alike. Whether it's peep toe heels or a pump that shows sophistication, you can find any style you're looking for, along with top quality, with Coach.

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Source by Quan Vu

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In the winter months it's imperative that ladies modify their equestrian riding apparel for the climate. Staying warm not only ensures a rider's comfort level, but also increases the safety of both the horse and rider. Getting too chilled can interfere with the ability to respond to your horse appropriately. Staying warm ensures productive training session and minimizing the risk of a dangerous fall.

The T-shirt, summer paddock boots and a lightweight pair of breeches that were staples to your wardrobe in the summer just will not cut it when you are training your horse in cold weather. With all the modern textile technologies, ladies horse riding winterwear has evolved from colossal coats that riders had to don and tangle with in the past. There are many options available in ladies horse riding winterwear that will having you feeling comfortable, riding effectively, and looking your very best.

Choosing The Appropriate Riding Jacket For The Weather

It's a good idea to have your wardrobe equipped with ladies horse riding winterwear to accommodate any forecast. On days that there's just a slight chill in the air, a lightweight windbreaker or a vest provides a layer of protection without getting in your way. On days where the temperature is brisk or the forecast calls for precipitation, it's a good idea to use plenty of layers by topping your ladies horse riding winterwear with a good rain parka, which provides warmth as well as protection against the rain. A vest is also a great layering piece to have ready for clear mild winter days.

A winter wardrobe of equestrian riding apparel should also contain elegant holiday clothes that can be worn to barn parties that will allow the rider to stay warm and still look like the belle of the ball. Suede jackets give a rich elegant look for such an occasion. For more casual events, a water resistant barn coat is an excellent choice. Ideally barn coats should be made with heavy canvas yet have a stylish lining. Ladies horse riding winterwear is also available in eco-friendly sustainable fabrics such as bamboo.

Gloves And Boots Are Essential For Winter Riding

Hands and feet are a rider's most crucial tools used in communicating with a horse and to stay safe. If your hands and feet get too cold, you can easily find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Frozen feet can not feel the stirrup irons and numb fingers can do nothing to hold on to the reins, especially in the type of emergency situations that can occur when a wind gust blows debris in your horse's path.

Having the appropriate boots is of the utmost importance in equestrian riding apparel. Winter paddock boots should be insulated for warmth and comfort. When shopping for paddock boots, look for those that are easy to get in and out of, yet provide a good fit. Snow boots are another option that should be in any ladies' wardrobe for snowy days. Snow rider boots are specially designed to provide grip in winter conditions, while still looking great in and out of the saddle. As with winter boots, it's a good idea to have several pairs of riding gloves to fit the different needs of the winter season. For extremely cold days, a good insulated pair of leather riding gloves is a necessity. For days where precipitation is in the forecast, waterproof insulated gloves keep hands warm and dry and in optimum condition for directing the horse.

Winter Breeches

It will not do you much good to protect your hands and feet if you are still wearing your summer breeches or jodhpurs. Ladies horse riding winterwear simply must include several pairs of Unifleece breeches. This state-of-the-art fiber will keep you warm and comfortable while still allowing you to feel your seat and your horse.

When selecting ladies riding apparel, you know you need to look for a snug fit and a trim appearance, but that close to the skin fit means there is not much between you and the weather. Insulated equestrian riding apparel is designed to provide you with comfort as well as freedom of movement. The Full Tuffrider Seat Pull On Breech is the perfect choice for winter riding. If your region is especially cold, a pair of pantyhose worn underneath will make all the difference in the world without being bulky.

With all of the stylish ladies horse riding winterwear available, you are sure to be able find ladies riding apparel that will keep you safe and warm during the winter season in all riding circumstances.

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Source by Anne Coyle

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Children's riding apparel has a major impact on their ability to ride safely and effectively. Traditionally, equestrian riding apparel has consisted of jodhpurs, or riding breeches, tall boots or paddock boots, a riding helmet, a riding shirt, and a jacket. Certainly, a jacket is not necessary for your child's riding lessons, but the other articles of equestrian riding apparel should all be considered necessary for a variety of reasons, safety being the most important.

Riding apparel for children is designed with safety and comfort in mind, with just enough added whimsy and color to make it fun for your kids. Your child's equestrian riding apparel will protect their fingers and toes from injury, help them to maintain contact with the horse, and prevent their feet from slipping out of the stirrups. The most important article of children's riding apparel is an ASTMF / SEI approved riding helmet. As parents, we all want our children to be safe and happy. The appropriate children's riding apparel can help do just that.

Breeches and Jodhpurs

Riding pants have remained virtually unchanged for centuries, except for the materials used to make them, and for good reason. Riding pants must be snug in the lower leg to allow for contact with the horse and more flexible in the seat to allow for freedom of movement. Modern stretchable materials have made riding breeches, or jodhpurs, far more comfortable, breathable, and easier to get clean (and thank goodness for that!).

Baggy clothing should always be avoided around horses and riding in shorts is never a good idea. Pinched skin never feels good and falling from a horse because of baggy clothing that catches on something can mean a trip to the hospital. Properly fitting equestrian riding apparel allows freedom of movement and good contact, making riding lessons safer and more constructive.

Jodhpurs come in several styles, with either a traditional waist or a low rise waistband. Jodhpurs can be front zip, full seat, pull on, or side zip style. The most important things to look for when shopping for children's riding apparel are fit and comfort. This is not something you want your child to "grow into". Children's riding apparel must fit properly to be safe. You can add to your child's delight with children's riding apparel that features fun designs and horse prints, while maintaining the high quality of workmanship that good children's riding apparel requires.

Keep Your Head with an Approved Riding Helmet

Riding helmets must be approved by the ASTM / SEI to be safe. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) set standards of safety for riding helmets and the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) conducts the necessary tests to determine if a specific brand of riding helmet meets that ASTM standard. Approved riding helmets display an ASTM / SEI sticker on the inside. ASTM / SEI approved riding helmets are thicker, have better padding and a safer harness system than unapproved riding helmets.

Basic riding helmets incorporate all of the innovation, design, and technology available on the market today. You can go one step further with riding helmets that feature the Advanced Technology Dial-Fit System that allows you to customize the helmet by hugging the back of your head reducing the tendency of the helmet to shift forward or backwards when riding. The Dial-Fit-Feature provides for a perfect fit that will protect young riders as it wicks away moisture. Look at things like air flow, padding, and adjustability. If your child needs something more lightweight, you can try the Air-Light riding helmet. The Air-Light riding helmet offers a flexible visor and air vents. This riding helmet also features the Dial-Fit System for greater comfort and fit.

Tender Toes Need Protection, Too

As anyone who has ever been stepped on by a horse can tell you: it hurts. Young riders need the protection of paddock boots, whether on the ground or sitting astride a horse. Children's equestrian apparel is made specifically with young riders in mind. You can purchase paddock boots or short boots for your young, novice rider unless they plan to enter the show ring. In that case, they will need tall boots.

Regardless of the type of riding your child will be doing, their footwear must provide toe protection, arch support, a non-skid sole, and a liner that will absorb moisture and prevent blisters. Well made riding boots will help keep your child's foot from slipping out of the stirrup, thereby preventing a fall.

Stay Safe with Chaps and Gloves

Chaps are not just for motorcycle gang members. Chaps and half chaps provide protection from chafing and better contact with the horse. Generally, children wear half-chaps over their jodhpurs, which will only cover the lower half of their leg. Gloves are another article of safety gear that should be found in their stable bag. Young fingers and hands can be easily burned or damaged by a horse pulling away suddenly. Gloves provide excellent protection and they will help to keep your child's hands warm during winter lessons.

Parents can make their child's horseback riding experiences far more safe, constructive, and enjoyable with the appropriate children's riding apparel.

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Source by Anne Coyle

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Women love fashion, and rustic style is a trend that most women love. This style can be seen in a variety of clothing. The materials that are commonly used for it are corduroy fabrics. However, clothing is not the only thing that can represent the rustic style. Fashion enthusiasts often incorporate rustic clothing with pieces such as pouch, earrings, cowboy hats, and wristbands. The rustic look really becomes better when paired with cool accessories. Hollywood celebrities even wear lambskin vests, hue leggings, and animal print boots or pumps.

The rustic style is truly in for the fall season. Today, it is ideal for you to adorn yourself in dark hues. Funky and creative styles will also hit the stores this fall season. So, expect a dose of whimsy layers. You may combine knit, chambray, and brocade. You may wear a pair of boots with a silk dress. You may also wear high clogs, rolled khakis, and a feminine blouse. Then again, the pieces you must choose are entirely up to you. However, if you really want to be in rustic style, you can gain inspiration from runway models and fashion designers.

Some of the pieces that models wear are bow brooches, tiffany garden brooches, organic wool purses, khaki fur collar jackets, fur vests, postman boots, sleeveless cable cashmere cardigans, tweed blazers, fur platform boots, and tweed hats. These items clearly represent the rustic style. Anyone who wears these pieces will surely achieve the "glamour girl in the great outdoors" look. One good thing about this trend is that a lot of items that were trendy during the spring and summer can be worn to pull off the rustic style. So, buying new pieces of clothing is not really necessary. You can just mix and match certain pieces and add some new accessories.

Proper combination of what you already have is the key. Just keep in mind that chambray, broken-in leather, khaki, and plaid are must-haves for the rustic style. Once you have acquired these items, you can combine them with luxurious and dressy pieces. Also, you have to wear a lot of chunky jewelry to attain that feeling of faded grandeur. Nonetheless, you may also wear flannel shirts for casual activities. These shirts are also perfect for fun activities outdoors. Anyway, since your wardrobe is already set, you need to have your hair fixed. The rustic style is all about being casual yet attractive. So, you must wear your hair in a low maintenance but classy fashion. Ponytails, messy buns, and braids are some of the best hairstyles you can choose from. You may also have your hair cut short or wear a bandana to pull your hair away from your face.

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Source by Joey Caparas

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Being a PS2 fan, you would have often wondered how to create a game boot disc at some point or the other. This task used to be a tad difficult in the earlier times but with the right software application being available now, anyone can make a PS2 boot disc. The advantage of this disc is that you can use it to play DVD backups and damaged discs that otherwise can not be loaded in the gaming console.

Like mentioned, the most important thing that you need to make a game boot disc is the appropriate software program. There are many choices available today; a quick search on the Internet should be able to find you the right one. Just take care to purchase it from a licensed vendor and not any scam product. Also, getting it online offers you a unique demo or trial period during which you can use the application to find out if it is compatible with your PC and console.

After downloading the ISO Burn application, install the same by following the instructions given; reboot the system after the installation procedure to start using the program. Next, insert the damaged CD or DVD in your CD burner and select the tab 'Read to image file' through the ISO program. Select a destination and label the folder appropriately to store the copied files. To create the new PS2 game boot disc, insert a blank DVD + R disc and start the burning process.

Once the game boot disc has been created, test if all the files have been copied by inserting it into your Sony PlayStation. The new DVD may take slightly longer to load but this will only happen initially. Soon you will be able to play all your damaged discs with relative ease and enjoy gaming.

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Source by Dane Bergen

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A cowboy is no "boy" as it sounds but according to the Webster's dictionary, a cowboy is "somebody who is hired to take care of the cattle, performing duties on a horseback, particularly in the western United States". Although the culture has been popularized by many western movies in the past, the cowboy culture still exists despite the decline in themed movie-making.

Many cowboys still live across the US although the mode of their transport has modernized from a horse to four wheelers or pickup trucks. Tennessee cowboys are no different and have also gone modern themselves over time. Although the clothing like cowboy boots, the western gun holster and transport modes have changed, the Tennessee cowboys still follow the same rules, code of conduct and standards that were set by the cowboys of the earlier generations.

Changing times have changes the perception of a cowboy somewhat. This change has been partly because of the western movies and partly due to the changing technology and times.

Tennessee Cowboys

The original cowboys of Tennessee were soldiers form the American civil war that had lost their homes and did not know where to return to and hence drifted west generally since at that time the west was a wide open and barren country and men only carried what they could on horsebacks. These lost men were then often hired by ranch owners to look after their livestock in order to tend to them and round up the wilder variety from their midst. When the cattle were ready to be slaughtered, the cowboys were responsible to round them up and herd them to the markets that were miles away.

This era lasted for almost three decades during which the Tennessee cowboys who also herded cattle became folklore and made a lasting impression on the American history. A cowboy is not necessarily the one who sports a wrangler and boots, along with wide-brimmed hats that carried guns. As the Tennessee cowboy folklore is more about a way of life and it defined living life with utmost passion and to its fullest, even in movies we have generally seen a cowboy as the one who was free to go anywhere on the prairies with nothing or no one to stop him. This depicts the freedom that life has to offer to anyone who is willing to take it.

The cowboy culture is what every American hangs on to, even today. Although the Wranglers, boots and hats will never go out of fashion and the country music will always sound as sweet, collecting the cowboy relics and cherishing them everyone in America immense pleasure. To adopt this, we do not need to wear a pair of Wranglers or hang on to boots and hats, having a great passion and living life to the fullest is what matters as far as the Tennessee cowboy culture goes.

If you want to have a feel of this western way of life and want your kids to know more about their history, there can be nothing better than a family trip to Tennessee. Let your kids have a look at the cowboy lifestyle by visiting a ranch and participating in the activities there.

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Source by Dona Rosa

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Changing CV (Constant Velocity) axles today is almost as common as doing brake jobs. But some CV axles can be pretty stubborn to remove. In this article learn some of the tricks I've used over the years as a Master Tech to make changing CVs and 1/2 shafts easier. Automotive specialty tools are sometimes needed to make the job easier, I'll discuss some of those and if it is better to replace the entire half shaft, the joint or just the CV boot.

Clicking On Turns

Since you're reading this you may already know that a common sign of a bad CV joint is popping and clicking on turns. A shudder on straight take offs could be a worn inner joint, but this is much less common. Outer joints have the most movement (like on turns), that's why outer boots usually wear more than the inner ones. CV boots are designed to pump grease throughout the joint during movement. Wear that causes outer joints to make noise can be accelerated if the CV boot breaks from dry rot or wear and the lubricating grease is lost. If the CV boot breaks, grease is thrown out of the joint by centrifugal force while driving. Without grease to keep the joint lubricated and cooler, its life is drastically reduced. Also outside elements like moisture and dirt can enter the joint, further reducing its life expectancy. Once they wear, they make a clicking noise upon turns while accelerating. If they are noisy, the 1/2 shaft assembly may be the easiest way to go instead of replacing just the joint. CV 1/2 shaft prices have came down in the last decade and are more readily available than they used to be.

Removing the Half Shaft Assembly

The job of removing half shafts on most cars is mostly the same.

1. Remove the big nut that holds the joint to the wheel hub.
2. It may be necessary to unbolt or un-clip the brake hose to prevent stretching it when removing the axle.
3. The steering knuckle (where the brake rotor mounts), must either be loosened at the strut mount or at the lower ball joint to allow the shaft to slip out of the hub. Choose the easiest!
4. The inner CV will either be held into the transmission by bolts or with a retaining clip (the clip is not visible).
5. If there are no bolts on the inner joint, in most cases it will need to be pried out with a pry bar.
6. Alternatively a slide hammer with a CV joint puller can be used to remove the inner joint from the transmission.

Inspecting and Replacing Boots

You may be able to detect and replace worn boots before damage is done to the CV joint. If the boot has dry rot and is about to crack or has just recently split. And the CV joint does not make any noises yet, it has been caught it in time. The CV half shaft assembly can be removed and just the boot can be replaced with new grease of course. The CV boot kit also comes with two clamps and special grease. It is less expensive to re-boot a joint, but it is a little more labor intensive. On cars that I was familiar with, many times I changed the CV boot without taking the shaft completely out of the car. Usually though, the shaft is removed and placed in a vise to be worked on. The old boot is cut away to help reveal what type of retaining clip is holding the joint onto the 1/2 shaft.

When a cleaner is used, like brake clean and the joint is angled it's easier to see the clip. The joint may need to be turned while kept on an angle to see the clip. Most either require lock ring pliers to spread the lock ring or the joint can be struck sharply with a hammer (care must be taken not to damage the cage). If you have doubt on what type of retainer you are working with, consult a service manual for your specific model. Be aware that the ball bearings can fall out when the joint is off the shaft and the cage is turned sideways depending on the type it is. After cleaning and drying with compressed air, the grease bag can be cut on the corner and the grease is squeezed into the center of the joint. It's common to force out some of the old grease that was trapped while doing this. Scoop up and discard the old grease that may ooze out. Put the boot and joint back on the shaft by spreading the clip or tapping lightly with a brass hammer. Special CV joint boot clamp tools will be needed to tighten the bands properly. There are two basic types of clamps. There is a type that will be crimped with boot clamp pliers. The other type requires a banding tool, this type is wound and cranked tight using the same motion as you would with a can opener.

A common mistake is damaging the output seal in the transmission when removing or re-installing the axle. If the seal is damaged, transmission fluid will leak. Be careful to center the inner joint when putting it back in. Also a mistake that is made even by professionals is to either break the cir-clip that holds the axle in the transmission or to not install the axle completely IN. It is normal to feel a little movement in and out when pushing and pulling the inner joint when it is properly installed. If the retaining clip is broken or not fully inserted, the shaft can slip out enough that the car will not move! Also if tapping the shaft back into the transmission, be careful not to damage the outer threads. Remember if this is your first axle job, do not hesitate to have a buddy with experience on call!

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Source by Dennis Bandy

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Quite often, people ask me about the difference between downhill and cross-country skiing or between alpine skiing and nordic skiing. This always seems strange to me. Growing up in Vermont as the son of a ski instructor and ski coach, I thought humans were born with the ability to tell pleasure from pain, sweet from sour, and of course, alpine from nordic. But then I moved to California, where this knowledge seems less common. Yesterday someone asked me again, so now I'm writing it down.

The difference between downhill skiing and cross- country skiing is pretty simple. Cross-country involves propelling yourself across rolling terrain under your own power. Downhill skiing, by contrast, involves somehow getting to the top of a big hill and then turning around and skiing, well, downhill.

Cross-country skiing is done on light , skinny skis attached to light, flexible boots. There are two major forms of cross- country skiing. Classic cross-country is sort of like running, though with a longer, shuffling stride. Cross-country skate skiing is, not surprisingly, more like ice skating, where the skier pushes from side to side.

Downhill skiing usually involves much wider skis and much heavier, stiffer boots. In the larger majority of cases, it involves taking a ski lift up, and then sliding back down. Some of us, though, climb up under our own power using "climbing skins", a material with a one-way plush that you can stick on your skis for the climb up and remove for the descent.

There are also two major forms of downhill skiing: alpine and telemark, also known as "nordic downhill". It used to be that there were huge differences in the equipment and telemark gear resembled heavy-duty cross-country gear. Now it's more similar to alpine equipment, except that the boots bend at the toe and the bindings allow the heel to move.

Which brings us to the difference between alpine skiing and nordic skiing.

Nordic skiing is a technique where the toe is firmly fixed to the ski, but the heel is free to move. There are basically four forms of nordic skiing: telemark, classic cross-country, cross-country skate skiing and nordic jumping, where skiers jump for distance rather than doing tricks. There are no telemark events in the Olympics, but the other nordic events are represented. In addition, biathalon combines cross-country skiing with marksmanship and is an Olympic event.

Alpine skiing by contrast uses a binding that fixes both the toe and the heel to the ski (though it releases in event of a fall or other strong force). There's really just one form of alpine skiing, but there's a lot of variation, including several Olympic events. For the Vancouver Games in 2010, those events are slalom, giant slalom, super G, and downhill for racing, as well as moguls, aerials and ski cross for freestyle (though actually, ski cross is a race; are you confused yet?) . Most forms of alpine skiing are considered downhill skiing, but alpine touring (also known as AT or Randonée skiing) involves climbing up under your own power before you get to ski down.

So, as you can see, downhill includes both alpine and nordic forms of skiing, and nordic includes both cross-country and downhill forms of skiing. So it is not quite true that nordic is synonymous with cross-country. The most important thing to remember is that all forms of skiing are great fun and if you already do one type of skiing, trying another will really help out your major sport. Find an instructor and go have some fun!

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Source by Thomas Lambert