Elite Mountain Bikes For Amateur And Professional Mountain Bike Racers

Talk about extreme sports and skiing would be one of the typical activites that comes to mind. Mountain biking is also a type of extreme sport and is massively popular in the Rockies of the United States. Have you considered combining those two extreme sports? In Vail in Colorado, skiers who are fed up about the hot summer period with no snow around have discovered a way to have fun while waiting for the snowy season. They have combined both the sports and have provided some out of work ski-lift workers something to do. If you love cycling and you also love skiing, this great combination of extreme sports is ideal for you.

The skiers get the local ski resort to open up the ski lifts, and for a reasonable fee, they will carry them to the summit of the mountain with their bicycles. The skiers then take the ski-lift taking their bicycles with them. When they get to the top, they jump off the lift – often landing on the bicycle’s pedals with their feet and off they go. They can choose from a number of down hill slopes to zoom down at crazy speeds. The only problem is that a hill with most of the snow gone is usually covered with rocks and bits of old wood. These obstacles as well as the very steep slopes make this sport risky and exciting – and of course – extreme!

If you have never tried this or any other extreme sports, you should ride with an expert the first few times. Protective gear is necessary which should definitely include a helmet and pads. This not a sport for the fair of heart! The bike itself can hurt you if you have a wipe out against some rocks. Handlebars can provide nasty gashes on you. Knee pads are recommended as well as thick gloves. When you fall off your bike going upwards of thirty miles an hour, you will slide a long way – ow!

A way to stay a bit safer is to follow the normal routes on the slopes by following the standard green, blue, black, and double black diamond. It is not wise to go off course because the barrier fence that borders the slope in the winter will probably be gone. New extreme sports participants will find that going down ski slopes on a bike is not as easy as it sounds. You must be manouverable enough to shift your wheels to avoid obstacles and make tight turns.

Slope mountain biking can be done at Colorado and other places along the I-70 corridor. Call ahead and make sure that they allow the bikes on the ski lifts. It is also worth asking how much it will cost to buy tickets. Quite often, you can find ski resorts which are open for the summer purely so that people can hitch a lift and enjoy the view.

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For bargain ski apparel check out our predefined eBay one click skiing equipment search sites.

Summer’s just around the corner and that means all kinds of outdoor fun! This season, why not commit to trying something new? Mountain and trail biking! A great form of exercise for all levels, mountain and trail biking is a terrific way to get out and enjoy all that nature offers.

If you think you’re ready to give it a try, here are some things you’ll need:

A bike. Known as MTB or ATB (Mountain or All-Terrain) bikes, they range in price from $300 to well over $2,000. As a novice, start by renting a bike (much more affordable at around $40 a day) to see if you like the sport, and the bike model.

A bike rack. Unless you live on the mountain, you’re going to have to drive to your biking destination. Bike racks come in all different styles, from roof-mounted racks from manufacturers like Swangman and Thule, to hitch-mounted carriers like the one available for Isuzu SUVs.

A helmet. While comfy clothes suited to the weather is always recommended (stay away from loose pants that can get caught in the bike’s gears), a helmet is a must. They can be rented or bought, but they are invaluable in the event of an accident, especially in areas where emergency medical help isn’t just a hop, skip, and jump away.

A rehydration system. This could be anything from water bottles strapped on the bike, to back-mounted rehydration systems. It’s not about how you rehydrate, it’s that you do it often.

A cell phone. Just in case of and emergency, bring a cell phone.

Trail maps. Many can be downloaded from the internet or bought at the local ski resort. As a novice, stick to clear, well-marked trails. Keep the map handy in case of an emergency, or in the event you get lost.

Most importantly, have fun. Take as many breaks as you’d like to stop and explore the idyllic setting or to catch your breath. Bike at your own pace and enjoy the well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Talk about extreme sports and skiing would be one of the typical activites that comes to mind. Mountain biking is also a type of extreme sport and is massively popular in the Rockies of the United States. Have you considered combining those two extreme sports? In Vail in Colorado, skiers who are fed up about the hot summer period with no snow around have discovered a way to have fun while waiting for the snowy season. They have combined both the sports and have provided some out of work ski-lift workers something to do. If you love cycling and you also love skiing, this great combination of extreme sports is ideal for you.

The skiers get the local ski resort to open up the ski lifts, and for a reasonable fee, they will carry them to the summit of the mountain with their bicycles. The skiers then take the ski-lift taking their bicycles with them. When they get to the top, they jump off the lift – often landing on the bicycle’s pedals with their feet and off they go. They can choose from a number of down hill slopes to zoom down at crazy speeds. The only problem is that a hill with most of the snow gone is usually covered with rocks and bits of old wood. These obstacles as well as the very steep slopes make this sport risky and exciting – and of course – extreme!

If you have never tried this or any other extreme sports, you should ride with an expert the first few times. Protective gear is necessary which should definitely include a helmet and pads. This not a sport for the fair of heart! The bike itself can hurt you if you have a wipe out against some rocks. Handlebars can provide nasty gashes on you. Knee pads are recommended as well as thick gloves. When you fall off your bike going upwards of thirty miles an hour, you will slide a long way – ow!

A way to stay a bit safer is to follow the normal routes on the slopes by following the standard green, blue, black, and double black diamond. It is not wise to go off course because the barrier fence that borders the slope in the winter will probably be gone. New extreme sports participants will find that going down ski slopes on a bike is not as easy as it sounds. You must be manouverable enough to shift your wheels to avoid obstacles and make tight turns.

Slope mountain biking can be done at Colorado and other places along the I-70 corridor. Call ahead and make sure that they allow the bikes on the ski lifts. It is also worth asking how much it will cost to buy tickets. Quite often, you can find ski resorts which are open for the summer purely so that people can hitch a lift and enjoy the view.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

For bargain ski apparel check out our predefined eBay one click skiing equipment search sites.

Mountain biking by its very title would suggest it to be a sport that requires the use of a mountain. This is a sport that has gathered worldwide interest and a vast majority of its following originates from the UK: strangely a country that is not exactly known for its mountain ranges.

Devoted riders have painstakingly built tracks and trails in forests and woodland throughout England, Scotland and Wales, which has certainly boosted the sport’s awareness and accessibility – even to city dwellers who are never more that half an hour away from a manmade or natural track or trail.

But this seems a poor alternative, and still doesn’t make up for the fact that UK riders are not often able to involve mountains in the pursuit of their passion.

However when some bright spark realised the potential of an otherwise redundant summer ski lift system in the French Alps, the sport has been taken to new levels. It has opened up a wealth of terrain that simply cannot be found anywhere inside the UK.

It has also attracted a new breed of rider; a rider who is not content with the uphill slog in order to get his or her highs on the downhill runs which define this sport with its ‘adrenaline-junkie’ status. Perhaps this is why over 400,000 bicycle orientated and mountain biking holidays were booked from the UK last year?

However ten years ago only one ski resort allowed bikers to carve up their beautiful French mountain side. This resort was Morzine and Les Gets, a low level ski resort which was hot off the mark to promote their summer industry, and today is still regarded as the jewel in the crown of potential destinations for mountain biking holidays.

But Morzine and Les Gets have gone about it in a clever way. They realise that the summer trade is not entirely made up of dirty great mountain bikers. They have created a resort that appeals to all, and the balance of holiday makers that ranges between families and active sports enthusiasts has allowed a very friendly and beautiful mountain town to flourish.

Many other resorts have now followed suit and offer a broader, more appealing holiday, which of course allows Mr Mountain Biker to find something to appeal to the family when he drags them all away in search of his annual mountain bike fix.

The most popular destinations for mountain biking holidays are Chamonix, Alpe D’huez, Tignes, Morzine and Les Gets. These resorts all offer a good range facilities for riding and an equally appealing level of activities for the non biker.

But riding the alps is not as straightforward a notion as one might think. It takes planning. If you want to gain a true insight into the potential of the mountain, then riders need to really make use of a local guide. Mechanic support and a full workshop facility with a steady supply of parts is also necessary to maintain the complexities of a modern day mountain bike.

Bikes being transported from the UK also require trailers and transfers to and from the foreign airport, and carriage on the plane is becoming ever more complicated with the greying of rules from the various budget airlines, as they strive to better their profits.

Furthermore, bikers require jet washing facilities and secure bike storage that stands up to insurance company small print. After all a bike can cost upwards of 3500 pounds, and obviously provides an easy and attractive picking to the well informed opportunist.

Fortunately however, the industry has spawned a handful of dedicated mountain bike tour operators who can provide all these extra necessities for a successful and hassle free mountain biking holiday.

Working professionals with limited time can book a package that will give them all the facilities required for their mountain biking fix, whilst offering the family an alternative fresh-feeling holiday in the mountains that stacks up very well against the relative stuffiness of that same old beach holiday; and certainly beats the b’Jesus out of pedalling up and down the local forest trail!

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Summer’s just around the corner and that means all kinds of outdoor fun! This season, why not commit to trying something new? Mountain and trail biking! A great form of exercise for all levels, mountain and trail biking is a terrific way to get out and enjoy all that nature offers.

If you think you’re ready to give it a try, here are some things you’ll need:

A bike. Known as MTB or ATB (Mountain or All-Terrain) bikes, they range in price from $300 to well over $2,000. As a novice, start by renting a bike (much more affordable at around $40 a day) to see if you like the sport, and the bike model.

A bike rack. Unless you live on the mountain, you’re going to have to drive to your biking destination. Bike racks come in all different styles, from roof-mounted racks from manufacturers like Swangman and Thule, to hitch-mounted carriers like the one available for Isuzu SUVs.

A helmet. While comfy clothes suited to the weather is always recommended (stay away from loose pants that can get caught in the bike’s gears), a helmet is a must. They can be rented or bought, but they are invaluable in the event of an accident, especially in areas where emergency medical help isn’t just a hop, skip, and jump away.

A rehydration system. This could be anything from water bottles strapped on the bike, to back-mounted rehydration systems. It’s not about how you rehydrate, it’s that you do it often.

A cell phone. Just in case of and emergency, bring a cell phone.

Trail maps. Many can be downloaded from the internet or bought at the local ski resort. As a novice, stick to clear, well-marked trails. Keep the map handy in case of an emergency, or in the event you get lost.

Most importantly, have fun. Take as many breaks as you’d like to stop and explore the idyllic setting or to catch your breath. Bike at your own pace and enjoy the well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com