Think of extreme sports and going skiing would be one of the typical activites that would spring to mind. Mountain biking is also a type of extreme sport and is hugely popular across the United States. Have you considered combining those two extreme sports? In Vail, Colorado, skiers who are bummed out about the warm summer season with no snow around have found a way to get over it while waiting for the snowy season. They combine both sports and have provided some idle ski lift workers something to do. If you are into mountain biking and you like skiing, this combination of extreme sports is just for you.
Once the ski lifts have been opened up for the skiers, and for a reasonable fee, they carry the skiers to the top of the mountain with their bikes. The skiers then take the lift taking their bicycles with them. Once at the top, they jump off the lift – landing on the bicycle’s pedals and they are off. They can pick from a selection of down hill slopes to speed down at crazy speed. The only problem is that a hill with all the snow gone is often covered with rocks and other debris. These obstacles as well as the very steep grade make this sport dangerous and exciting – and of course – extreme!
Do not try this if you are a beginner to extreme sports! Protective gear is always necessary which should include helmet and pads. This is not a sport for the delicate! The bicycle itself can injure you if you smash into some rocks. The handle bars can provide serious injuries. Knee pads are recommended as well as thick gloves. When you fall off your cycle going faster than thirty MPH, you will slide a long way – possibly on loose rock and rubble – ow!
A way to stay a bit safer is to follow the normal routes on the slopes by using the standard green, blue, black, and double black diamond. It is never wise to go off the beaten track because the orange barrier net that surrounds the slope in the winter will probably have been taken away. Beginner extreme sports enthusiasts will discover that racing down ski slopes on a bicycle is not as easy as it sounds. You have to be manouverable enough to jump your wheels to avoid obstacles and make tight turns.
Slope mountain biking can be done at Vail, Colorado and other areas in that locality. Always call ahead and make sure that they allow the bicycles on the ski lifts. It is also worth asking how much it will cost to buy tickets. A lot of places are open for summer guests and they will have the lifts running for tourists who wish to ride just for the view.
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Tags: Beaten Track, Bicycles, Black Diamond, Colorado Skiers, Extreme Sport, Extreme Sports, Handle Bars, Hill Slopes, Knee Pads, Loose Rock, Mountain Bikes, Mountain Biking, Rubble, Ski Lift, Ski Lifts, Snowy Season, Sports Protective Gear, Steep Grade, Thick Gloves, Vail Colorado
