When visiting the Central Rockies in Colorado, one usually has to go near or through the town of Vail. Summer and winter activities abound here and therefore attract many a visitor from Denver and beyond. I know that when I think of Colorado cuisine, elk, venison, trout and buffalo come to my mind but that is only the tip of the iceberg.
Florida Mountain biking - it sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? How can you mountain bike in a state who’s highest point is only 345 feet above sea level? While it’s true you won’t find any grueling steeps on which to punish your quads, a mountain bike is your best choice for negotiating the sand and swamps of our southernmost state.
If you find yourself in the Tampa St Petersburg area, check out SWAMP (the SouthWest Association of Mountainbike Peddlars) . Hook up with these native riding enthusiasts to see how it’s done in the Sunshine State. They’re an active group with plenty of friendly social events and welcome newcomers to join them.? Hopefully, they’ll share their techniques for dealing with gators on the trail.
Step back in time a bit and consider taking the train to your next ski vacation. RMA Tours is offering great deals from Minneapolis or Chicago to ski destinations in Colorado and Montana - other departure cities are available, just give them a call or visit their website for details.
Enjoy a change of pace with RMA Tours’ Throw Momma on the Train mid-Season Amtrak ski train vacation special to Whitefish, Montana, home of Big Mountain Ski Resort. Starting at $669 per person (based on double occupancy) you will receive round trip coach rail fare to Whitefish, MT from Minneapolis or Chicago, transfers; 5 nights lodging, a 4 day lift ticket taxes ARE included in this price. Rates are good through March 25, 2007.
Tags: Rocky, Mountain, Amtrak, Ski, Train, Vacations
Mountain biking is big in Tahoe and with plenty of up and down, the emphasis is on definitely on “mountain”.
Terrain
Trailsurfaces tend to be dirt cushioned with soft, but squirrely pine needles and are usually studded with angular rocks that add to the challenge. Depending upon where you ride, it’s not unusual to traverse long rock garden sections which can consist of sharp, broken shale. Don’t forget your patch kit and pump. Savvy locals carry a spare tube and tire, as well. With cold streams everywhere, be prepared for wet feet and brakes. It’s not usual to find downed trees across the paths, which sounds like a minor inconvenience until you relalise the giant tree trunks are often 3 feet thick.