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The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Portugal

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The most popular destinations in Portugal are Lisbon and Porto, but while these cities offer charm, history, and lots to do, they don’t represent the real Portugal. If you want to see how the locals live, you need to get off the beaten path and into the real Portugal. The options are endless, but we suggest exploring these five destinations. 

1. Alentejo
Alentejo is one of the least developed and least populated areas in not just Portugal but all of western Europe. This charming region features cork oak forests, wildflower meadows, quaint white-washed villages, and pristine beaches. The region attracts many Portuguese tourists from the cities during July and August, but during the rest of the year, this sleepy area is peaceful and lonely. If you like sweeping beaches and beautiful roads to yourself, this is a must-visit destination. The area is also famous for rich sausages, dark hams, and world-class wines. 

2. Obidos
Located in central Portugal, Obidos is a fairytale-esque village just an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Get away from the crowds and explore the shops and restaurants on the town’s winding cobblestone streets. Then, head to the Obidos Castle. One of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, the castle has been around since Moorish times. You can explore the grounds, walk on the brick walls, or even rent a room to stay in the castle. If you come to the town from mid-July to August, you can enjoy the medieval market and fair, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages.  

3. Algarve

The southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve features stunning beaches with dramatic rock formations and historical heritage sites. For a more traditional vacation, fly into Faro and then enjoy the villas, bars, and restaurants along the coast to Lagos which has many charming places to stay. If you prefer to be more off the beaten path, check out the region’s comparatively less developed western Atlantic coast. 

4. Trilha dos Pescadore

If you want to find yourself while exploring the real Portugal, you may want to consider hiking the Trilha dos Pescadore. Part of the Rota Vicentina, this is one of the most beautiful seaside hiking paths in the world, and you will be treated to great views of seaside cliffs, migratory birds, and marine animals. If you walk 5 miles a day for a week, you can get through the nearly 80-mile trail.  

5. Viana do Castelo
The most common castle for tourists to go and see is the Sintra. Unfortunately, while it is a breathtaking sight, it can also be crowded and overrun with tourists. Viana de Castelo, in contrast, offers architectural beauty without the crowds. This is the place where Portuguese families take their vacations. Check out the views from the Byzantine Santuario de Santa Luzia or explore the town’s many manor homes and monasteries. 

Use these five destinations as a jumping-off point. Then, talk with locals to get even more ideas about where to go. The most important thing — look for destinations where tourism is not the main industry. With that strategy, you will get to see and enjoy the real Portugal. 

The Magic of Sao Paulo – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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Sao Paolo is not only Brazil’s largest city, but it’s the fourth most populous city on the globe, home to 30 million people in what is termed a megalopolis, or “super city.” There is plenty to see and do, and here are five of the most unique destinations in the area. 

Sao Paulo Zoo

The largest zoo in Brazil, this zoo is home to 3,200 animals, including more than 200 species of birds, all in enclosures that mimic the natural surroundings of the different mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. It includes a large farm that grows vegetables for animal feed and produces materials used for animal enclosures. Located south of the city in what was originally the Atlantic Forest, you can easily spend a day here, captivated as much by the habitat as by the animals.

Underground Crypt of the Sao Paulo Cathedral

The Cathedral itself is massive, but underground crypts that feature statuary of the biblical Job and Saint Jerone almost qualify as a separate cathedral. The final resting place of the city’s bishops, archbishops, and other prominent Brazilians, there is also a huge brass tomb that honors Chief Tibiriçá, a 16th-century native who is credited with helping Portuguese Jesuits colonize São Paulo after he converted to Catholicism. Guided tours of the underground space are offered every day during set hours.

Mercado Municipal de São Paulo 

Nicknamed the Mercadao, this incredible food market was established in 1933 and is housed in an eclectic industrial building that features distinctive stained glass and a towering dome. Open seven days a week, it offers visitors a true “taste” of everyday life in this city, with an ever-changing variety of fruits and vegetables, fresh and dry meats, poultry, cheese, spices, olive oil, and wine. On the second floor, you’ll find a variety of eateries, many of which offer the traditional Mortadella sandwich. It’s a great place to watch the locals and relax a bit! The vendors can be annoying, and you’ll want to be aware of pickpockets and hustlers, but it’s worth a visit.

Town of Embu Das Artes 

Escape the bustle of the city for an afternoon and visit a center of creative arts and galleries just 40 minutes away. It’s a unique adventure, allowing you a chance to shop for souvenirs, stroll picturesque streets, sample Brazilian dishes in small cafes that might also feature live music, visit local artists in their galleries, and enjoy unhurried rural life. It’s a charming detour from the primary tourist destinations.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Of course, Brazil’s largest city is inland and has no beaches, but it can be rewarding to take the 50-mile trip to the coast and dip your toes in the Atlantic. The closest beaches are situated at the mouth of the river that leads to Sao Paulo. Santos Beach offers a beautiful stretch of sand as well as impressive gardens. It’s located near Sao Vicente, the oldest town in Brazil and the hometown of soccer star Pele. Or continue to the Green Coast, between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, to find other secluded beach retreats.

5 Most Unbelievable Hacking Incidents

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It has become a major movie cliche: the computer hacker who, typing furiously under great pressure, needs only a few more seconds to break into “the mainframe.” Something akin to a superhero, the nerdy but attractive character at the keyboard accomplished the impossible, bypassing all necessary security walls in the nick of time.

 

This scenario certainly is exciting, but it is the type of thing that only happens on the film or TV screen, right? Read on for five unbelievable computer hacking incidents that seem too incredible to be true.

 

1. The 1995 Citibank Hack

 

Before Russian software programmer Vladimir Levin hacked into the New York IT system of Citibank in 1995, few industry experts would have thought such an attack possible. Sitting comfortably in his St. Petersburg apartment, Levin authorized a series of fraudulent banking transactions that drew a total of roughly $10 million from individual accounts around the world. Both Citibank and the FBI fortunately tracked many of the transactions, and Levin was extradited to the US, where he served three years in prison.

 

2. The 2000 MafiaBoy Hack

 

When MafiaBoy (the screen name of Canadian teenager name Michael Calce) hacked some of the top sites on the internet in 2000, people simply couldn’t believe that he could pull off such a coordinated attack at just 15 years of age. Using a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) approach, he overwhelmed the IT networks of Amazon, CNN, eBay, Yahoo, eTrade, and Dell, resulting in financial losses estimated at $1.2 billion. When he was caught, MafiaBoy admitted that he did it simply to impress his fellow hackers.

 

3. The 2004 Delta Airlines Hack

 

Another teenage hacker, German Sven Jaschan brought down the entire IT system of Delta Airlines, among those of other large corporate entities, as an 18-year-old college student. An innovator in the hacker world, Jaschan allegedly coded the Sasser worm. Famous among IT experts for affecting Microsoft Windows, this self-replicating and self-distributing computer virus successfully infected tens of millions of computers that span the globe.  attacked vulnerable Microsoft Windows operating systems.

 

4. 2010 Marriott International Hack

 

One of the most unusual cyberattacks in history, this extortion attempt doubled as a search for employment. Hungarian citizen Attila Nemeth infected the security firm Marriott International with a malicious virus and then threatened further damage if they didn’t give him a job. Marriott responded to Nemeth with a fake employee account and the promise of work. After receiving forms of personal identification that include his passport and resume, the company passed the information to the US Secret Service.

 

5. The 2014 iCloud Celebrity Hacks

 

In what was certainly one of the most salacious of all hacking incidents, a team of hackers in various US locations used phishing techniques to gain access to the Apple iCloud accounts of numerous A-list Hollywood celebrities including Kate Upton and Jennifer Lawrence. After releasing private photos and videos (some of which contained nudity), two affiliated hackers were sentenced to roughly a year in prison.

5 Mediocre Sports Stars Who Achieved Greatness Late in Their Careers

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Ahh, tis better to have bloomed late than never to have bloomed at all, especially if you’re in the professional sports world. Mediocre stars who become great inspire others and create a special kind of legend. They show the world that perseverance and grit mean something.

So let’s talk about five of them that did just that, bloom later in life.

Jamie Vardy

This English footballer’s late rise to greatness is legendary. Vardy was released by the Owls, joined Stocksbridge Park Steels at 16, and then signed for Halifax Town at 23. At 25, he still played non-league football with Fleetwood Town.

Finally, in the summer of 2012, he moved to Leicester, an EFL Championship side at the time. Two seasons were spent in England’s second tier before he found himself 27 years old and finally in the Premier League.

Vardy exploded in 2015-2016, with 24 goals leading Leicester to the Premier League title.

Randy Johnson

Baseball teams were skeptical of a 6’10” pitcher as ball control issues can result from being very tall. Those control issues kept him out of the majors until the age of 25.

Another five years still were what it took to polish and hone his talents, but well worth the wait. At nearly 30, Johnson was throwing fastballs, sometimes over 100 mph. He became one of the greatest left-hand baseball pitchers, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

Kurt Warner

Anyone who watched Warner’s breakout season with the St. Louis Rams, taking them all the way to a Super Bowl victory and the MVP title, will never forget it. It is one of the most improbable sports world success stories.

Warner was bypassed by the big Division I colleges and worked as a supermarket self-stocker at night to train for football during the day. His path took him to Arena Football, then NFL Europe, to NFL third-string QB, and finally to the starting QB spot after the team’s starting quarterback had a season-ending injury. 

The rest is history. Making just the league minimum at the time ($250,000), Warner took the Rams to a Super Bowl win with a 13-3 record. He went to two more Superbowls throughout his career and retired at age 39.

Ken Norton

In 1973, Ken Norton was given the opportunity to fight Muhammed Ali on the long-running sports series, Wide World of Sports. At 29 years old, Norton had a 29-1 record at the time but was otherwise unremarkable. Considered to be just another boxer trying to make a name for himself, Norton beat Ali, who didn’t take him seriously until a jaw-breaking punch early in the fight. While Ali managed to last through the entire 12 rounds, Norton went on to win the decision.

Beating “The Greatest” made Norton a household name, and he became one of the best heavyweight fighters of his time. He did lose his next two fights with Ali, but they were by a tight decision, and he was fighting the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time

Fauja Singh

While not technically someone who bloomed from being mediocre, Singh deserves a prominent mention because of his inspiring story. His career as a distance runner began in 2000, at 89, with the London marathon, and he went on to run eight more marathons.

His records include: 

  • The fastest male to run a marathon over 90
  • The fastest over 100 to run the 5,000 meters
  • The fastest over 100 to run the 3,000 meters
  • The oldest person to run a marathon (at 100)

Singh finally retired at 101 after finishing the 10k race at the Hong Kong Marathon.

Ummm yeah… That’s impressive and certainly qualifies as a late bloomer.

Don’t you love these stories? These are the people that never gave up and triumphed, becoming legends that inspire us.

I think I’m going to start training for marathons now.

Self-Sufficient in the City: 5 Tips to get you started

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City life might be convenient on one hand, but if you are looking to adopt a more self-sufficient lifestyle it might put up a few barriers. It doesn’t have to be that way though. With a little creativity and a lot of determination, you can find ways to be more self-reliant even when you live in the heart of a major city like Manhattan or Seattle.

Here’s where you start.

Grow a Garden

There’s no denying that fruits and veggies fresh from the garden beat produce from the grocery store. The good news is, you don’t need a huge plot of land and a big garden to grow your own food. Urban gardening is becoming increasingly popular and you can do it in a space as small as an apartment balcony. Whether you choose to grow a container garden, square foot garden, or a tower garden – or grow edibles n your window boxes, you can definitely enjoy food fresh from your very own mini garden.

Delve into Food Preservation

Of course, when you are getting fresh food from your garden you will probably want to find ways to preserve your produce so you can enjoy it all year long. Freezing and canning are time-tested food preservation methods that go back hundreds of years. But did you know that you can also preserve meats and sauces as well? Purchase meat from local farmers and preserve that along with your garden fare and you will not only live a more sustainable lifestyle, you’ll save a ton of money to boot.

Choose Composting

Cooking all of those fresh fruits and vegetables that you grow in your garden can generate a lot of waste. Add to that egg shells and other parts of your food that you discard and you have a great foundation for composting, breaking down that waste into soil that is nutrient rich and great for your garden. You don’t need a huge composting bin for this either. Get a small rotating bin and toss your waste in there. They don’t take up much room and can usually fit easily on your balcony or patio if you live in an apartment.

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies and Toiletries

This has become extremely popular over the last few years as people become more aware of the chemicals and toxins that are in most of the cleaning products and toiletries that line store shelves. You don’t need any fancy ingredients for most products; they can usually be found at your local grocery store or health food market. The beauty of this is that you can select your own ingredients and even the scents you love. There are tons of recipes on the internet so starting up is a breeze.

Mind Your Space

Many people think that being self-sufficient means living on a huge chunk of land way out in the boonies. That isn’t necessarily true though. You really don’t need a bunch of space if you can manage the smaller space that you are in. When you live in the city, space tends to be limited, but if you mind your space and utilize it wisely, you can create an urban self-reliant lifestyle right where you are.

A little creativity can go a long way when you are embarking on a self-sufficient lifestyle adventure. Do your research, make your plans, then make it happen. You can live the self-reliant lifestyle that you want and you don’t need 50 acres to do it.

5 Weird Composting Hacks for Suburban Homeowners

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Composting is one of the most efficient ways to use food scraps (zero-waste), nourish your own garden, and take steps towards self-sufficiency. And it’s entirely possible to do it effectively while living in suburbia–with zero complaints from your neighbors. Here’s how. 

1. Compost in a Tumbler 

For most suburban homeowners, a tumbler designed for compost is the most efficient option to keep smells contained and critters out. Some composting tumblers have multiple bins for compost in different stages of development. Some sit on the ground on a tumbling base, while others are suspended on a stand and tumble in the air. Any of these options will last for years, providing a high output of compost without taking up much space. 

Also keep in mind that you might want to check your HOA’s bylaws if you live in a homeowner’s association, and in strict neighborhoods you’ll probably want to keep your compost tumbler or bin on the down-low. 

2. Explore Vermiculture Options 

It might sound a little unsettling, but vermiculture–worm farming–is an incredibly space-efficient way to generate rich compost for your garden. The worms do all the work for you, and you just feed them food scraps. Vermiculture takes up less space than traditional composting; some apartment owners even have worm farms indoors. You won’t have any unpleasant odors if you do it right, but you will end up with rich worm castings that can be used to amend your indoor or outdoor soil. 

3. Build An Enclosure for an Open Compost Area

Composting doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t require a huge up-front investment. Building a simple compost enclosure requires a little more care to keep the ratios correct and discourage area wildlife from coming to munch on your melon rinds. But even in suburbia, compost enclosures built from pallets, chicken wire, or 2×4’s can be incredibly effective. You’ll need to consider the best part of the yard to add a compost pile like this–including the amount of sunlight it will receive. A quick Google search will yield plans for a huge array of low-cost DIY options. 

4. Pay Attention to Your Ratios 

Compost is very forgiving. But if you get the rations dramatically “off,” you could end up with a rather smelly compost bin or pile that seems to take ages to decompose. You’ll need a combination of “greens” and “browns” in your compost to allow the right microorganisms to thrive. “Greens” refer to materials with a high nitrogen or protein component; these include vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, and grass clippings. “Browns” are pieces like dried leaves, pine needles, corn husks, sawdust, paper, and other dry, inactive matter. Most experts recommend a 3:1 or 4:1 brown:green ratio. 

5. Know What NOT to Compost

Although all animal and plant products will eventually biodegrade, there are some things you simply don’t want in your home compost, particularly if you live in the suburbs. Meat, fat, and dairy products always smell foul as they decompose, and they take much longer to break down than plant matter. If you’re determined to compost absolutely everything you can, you might want to look into a bokashi fermenting system, which produces usable compost faster than any other method. 

Have questions about composting in your area or need troubleshooting help? Try contacting your local extension agent or gardening group to help you out! 

5 Best Tech Companies to Work at

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Tech companies are famous for innovation—and not just in terms of the products and services they offer. Many of them also set the standard for attractive work environments.

Wondering which tech companies are currently leading the way in 2022? Glassdoor recently used anonymous employee feedback to determine the top 10 companies to work for.

Here’s a closer look at the five top finishers in the tech space when it comes to the best work environments.

1. NVIDIA

While NVIDIA’s original focus was making graphics processing units for PC’s, it has its eye on becoming a full-stack computing company. It’s also claimed the #1 spot on the Glassdoor rankings thanks to its fun and leading-edge products, amazing benefits, “engineer culture,” and brilliant and caring CEO.

The fact that the company is still evolving, meanwhile, means that there are plenty of growth opportunities for employees, too.

“The work is challenging and meaningful. Compensation and benefits are great, and I love my coworkers,” says one NVIDIA employee.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot is THE company to beat in the CRM platform space. However, it also shines as a workplace thanks to a skilled leadership team, wonderful company values, and a vibrant culture.

“The company works remarkably hard to create an inclusive community where every single person is able to bring their best, whole self to work,” raves a HubSpot employee.

3. Bain & Company

This tech consulting firm has worked with a staggering 63 percent of the Global 500. It’s also earned an equally staggering amount of praise for being a great place to work. In addition to earning a plum spot on Glassdoor’s rankings, Bain & Company has also garnered global recognition for culture, corporate social responsibility, DE&I initiatives, LGBTQ equlity and human rights, and diverse representation.

One satisfied Bain & Company employee asserts, “I’ve been at the company for over 6 months and I can confidently attest that the culture that everyone raves about in these reviews is 100% accurate. Even working remotely, there are a number of events and engagements that foster joy.”

4. eXp Realty

This global online brokerage is known for its cutting-edge technology, which has helped the company create an all-new real estate brokerage model.

It’s not surprising that a company powered by innovation is also pushing the boundaries of what to expect from your workplace, although eXp Realty’s status as a 100 percent virtual company does make its success uniquely noteworthy.

“All agents and employees are given white-glove service! We are truly cared about!” enthuses an eXp Realty employee.

5. Box

Cloud storage company Box was founded with the goal of helping people easily access information and collaborate. It’s also helped its own employees enjoy better, fuller work lives thanks to an above-and-beyond commitment to culture and people.

“The continued emphasis and focus on taking care of the employees so we can deliver an amazing product and enjoy the work that we do is phenomenal,” praises a satisfied Box employee.

5 Reasons to Learn to Code

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In today’s high-tech world, coding is the language that drives almost everything. People use computers to do anything from turning their lights on to parking their cars — that all requires someone who took the time to learn code. So why should you learn to code? 

1. Coding Is About Problem-Solving

Coding teaches you the art of looking at the big picture and then breaking it down into smaller, more manageable bites. This skill set would translate into most areas of your life, which can be full of problems. You could apply it to your finances, for example. Instead of looking at debt as one large number, coding could teach you to break it down and manage each piece as a separate unit. 

2. Coding Can Improve Your Productivity

Learning to code can also change the way you think about things. It teaches you to spot ways to multitask, for example. That may mean you can save time during your day. It will also give you the skill set to automate tasks you use software for, such as spreadsheets. You will be able to spot ways to combine elements and write a script or formula to make it work. 

3. Coding May Give You Job Security

Understanding even basic code could make you the go-to person at work. It also tells your employer that you are smart and resourceful. They will see you are willing to learn new things and might be interested in new opportunities. They might be able to pay you more and internalize some previously outsourced tasks such as webpage administration. 

4. Coding Can Turn Your Ideas Into Apps

You could be the next Steve Jobs, but you’ll never know if you can’t write code. You could turn a great idea into an app that brings in revenue or helps others. By being able to build the app yourself, you also save money and don’t have to share your idea with anyone else. 

5. Because It Is Fun

Coding is art for some. It takes creativity and imagination. It is something you can do in front of the TV the same way your mom used to knit. 

Coding is addictive once you get into it. It is a challenge that people spend years trying to master, and there are always new things to learn. 

Coding teaches you how things work, and that is something you can use in every aspect of your life. 

 

How to Become a Cybersecurity Expert

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Cybersecurity is on many people’s minds these days. It is also one of the fastest-growing industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are growing at a much faster pace than average. What does it take to become a cybersecurity expert? 

Get an Entry-Level Job

You have to decide how you will develop the knowledge and skills to master cybersecurity. Work experience is crucial and often the key to meeting the requirements of critical advanced certifications that will mean better opportunities in this industry. 

Since cybersecurity companies are facing a labor shortage, now is an excellent time to try for that entry-level position that will train you and pay you at the same time. You will need to go to the job interview with plenty of knowledge, though. If you are not in a place where you can go back to school, then self-study using the internet. This may give you just enough information to get your foot in the door.

Get a Certificate

Some starter certifications you can take will give you enough to get an entry-level job. Many have no experience prerequisites, too, so you can take them even if you don’t work in the tech industry. 

Some examples of starter certificates include:

  • Microsoft Technology Associate Security Fundamentals – For just a little over one hundred dollars, you can learn core security principles and some other basic security concepts. To earn the certificate, you must pass an exam. 
  • ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate – CSX is recognized for some of its advanced certifications, but they also offer a fundamentals course. There are no prerequisites for this course, but you must pass a 2-hour exam to get the certificate. It costs less than two hundred dollars. 
  • CompTIA Security+ – The Security+ course helps you establish core knowledge regarding cybersecurity. The course has the approval of the U.S. Department of Defense, possibly making you eligible for an entry-level government job. That bonus means the course costs a little more. You’ll pay 381 dollars to take the exam. 

All three of these are self-paced self-study courses. Once you think you know the information, you take an exam. If you pass, you earn the certification. You could also opt to go to college for a two or four-year degree in information systems or network security.

 

Get a Specialty

Cybersecurity is a broad term that includes many types of expertise. For example, you could be the person who designs secure networks or stays up to date on trends in hacking. You could also test the various connections looking for intruders. 

Each path is significant, but they can be different, too. You get to the expert level faster if you pick one instead of trying to learn everything at once. 

 

 

Four Things You Should Know About Road Bicycles Before Your First Purchase

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Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Or, are you like most of us and feel guilty that you don’t get out quite enough?

 

In either case, finding fun outdoor activities is a must, and something that a lot of people are discovering is that cycling is fun, challenging, and great for fitness and boosting energy. If you’re starting to break into cycling, you might be thinking about getting your own shiny, fancy road bike.

 

It can be a great investment that leads to tons of fun and better health, but buying a road bike is not a simple task. There’s a lot to know, and if you’re truly new to this form of cycling, then there are a few things you’re going to want to know first.

 

The Posture Is Different

 

The first thing you really need to know about a road bike is that it is designed for a completely different type of cycling. Kids’ bikes and mountain bikes are designed for an upright posture. Road bikes are different. The bike pushes your posture forward (into what is often called an athletic posture), and the feeling is very different.

 

This posture is supposed to make you more aerodynamic, and it helps you generate more power as you pedal.

 

What matters most for someone who is new to road bikes is that this posture is going to force you to relearn how to ride a bike — to an extent. If you’ve never used a road bike before, try it out and practice before committing to any purchases.

 

The Tires Are Narrow

 

Road bikes have narrow wheels and tires on purpose. The thinner tires compress less, which means they create less friction and enable you to go faster. But, reducing friction in this way comes with consequences.

 

The first consequence is that thinner tires are also harder to balance. While you’re changing your posture and struggling with that balance, you get an extra challenge from the thinner tires.

 

The other consequence is that the thinner tires are a lot less durable. They really are designed for roads (bike paths and sidewalks are also fine). They can’t offroad at all. The wheels bend more easily than mountain bike wheels, and smaller amounts of damage can ruin thin tires.

 

There Is No Suspension

 

Mountain bikes have a suspension system that helps to absorb impacts and make the ride more comfortable. After all, mountain trails can be rough.

 

Road bikes are designed specifically for the relatively smooth surface of a paved road. Since suspensions have weight, road bike designers long ago came to the consensus that they are completely unnecessary, so it’s tough to find a road bike with a suspension system.

 

If you’re not used to it, the extra jolts in the ride can make things uncomfortable at first.

 

They Are Advanced Machines

 

The most intimidating aspect of buying a road bike for the first time is navigating all of the options. You can choose different designs, styles, materials, features, and price ranges, and each choice comes with consequences.

 

To get the right bike for you, you can dedicate the next six months to studying everything about road bikes. Or, you can get some help. Every bike shop in the country has someone working there who absolutely loves riding. They want to help you find the right bike, so let them help.

 

While you’re letting them help, remember that sorting through your options is going to take time and patience. Don’t rush into anything. Try out different styles and designs. When you can really feel the difference from one bike to the next, then you can pick your favorite — as long as it’s inside of your budget.