by Pat J Williams
A vacation where you can take your bicycle and spend the day on the trails and then enjoy a relaxing evening is a vacation I want to go on. Below are a few places I have had the pleasure of enjoying this exact kind of vacation and would recommend you do too. So head to the trails, rest your soul and get regenerated. These places just have to be experienced. Enjoy.
Black Diamond Coal Mines, WA. Located on the edge of the historical town of Black Diamond, the trails here are an adventure as well. There is no shortage of trees to count and marvel, but the trails also wind through Lake Sawyer, Frog Lake and Ravensdale Creek. Few areas can rival the Pacific Northwest for natural beauty.
Hagg Lake, OR. This particular 15 mile trek consists of all the components of a Hollywood setting; a variety of twists and turns, smooth trails and creek crossing, blackberry picking and swimming holes. The ride is not so tough that you won’t be able to take in the local sites afterwards, but I think twice about bringing young children.
Napa, CA. An argument toward bias could be made against me because I love wine. However, even those who never imbibe will truly enjoy the rolling hills and lush vineyards at every turn in this region of Northern California. For me, the Mount Saint Helena North Peak is an easy ride and doesn’t require a map. Clearly well traveled, this trail will give you that lost in the foothills feeling.
California, Monterey. Not far from the amazing valley of Napa are the seaside hamlets of Monterey County. California really does have an incredible amount to offer. The cliffs above the Pacific Ocean provide great views for resting while you bike 17 Mile Drive. This ride may test the will of true beginners because it goes from sea level up to 150 feet, but it can still be conquered by anyone in decent shape. I recommend starting in Pacific Grove, especially in the fall. That is when millions of monarch butterflies make their stop in Monterey during their migration to Mexico. Its an amazing way to begin a bike ride.
Hawaii, Kona. I don’t care if its not technically the west coast because Kona is a place that simply can not be missed. The juxtaposition of black lava rock and lush greenery makes you feel like you are riding your bike on some other beautiful planet. The bike trails are a great way to experience the landscape, up close and personal. If you do make it, I recommend saving at least one day to enjoy a message or go snorkeling. Kona is a place that even if you dont ride your bike, you will have an amazing time.
I am sure you can tell by now that I love the Western US. There are so many incredible places to visit and to ride your bike. It was hard to narrow it down to just five places to visit. While there are many other places I could recommend, these five are an incredible way to start your discovery of the west. Pack your bag, bring your bike and have an awesome adventure.
About the Author:
PJ is the founder of the The Comfort Bike Shop. She wanted to create a place where beginner’s could get a
comfort bike at a good price. The Comfort Bike Shop is our recommendation for
women’s comfort bikes and those new to the sport.
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March 25 2009 | bikes | No Comments »
by psychic
The state of Colorado offers some of the best scenery to be found anywhere in the United States. Forests, mountains and lakes await the visitor and there are plenty opportunities to see wildlife. For the active sports enthusiast, Colorado mountain biking is one of the most popular activities. It is the ideal terrain for bikers and the sport is encouraged here. Many bikers also like to combine biking with the other activities the area has to offer such as water rafting, fishing or kayaking.
There are hundreds of trails and tracks, suitable for mountain biking in Colorado, often as part of State Parks, National Forests and Nature Preserves. Everything the area has to offer is best seen from the saddle and there are trails for the beginner, intermediate and more advanced rider. Groups and families love to explore in this scenic wonder. As with any adventure sport, it’s important to prepare properly. Ensure that the bike is in good working order and take a repair kit just in case. Colorado is known for its hot days and chilly nights, so sunscreen, lots of water and plenty layers of clothing are required.
The San Juan National Forest with its high peaks, lakes, old mines, canyons and waterfalls is a popular destination in Colorado for mountain biking. Visitors to this area are delighted to spot elk, bear, mule deer, grouse and mountain lions. The Pike and San Isabel National Forest contains 14,000 feet mountains, reservoirs, white water and historic ghost towns. It is a favorite haunt for bikers, fishing enthusiasts, and owners of 4-Wheel Drive vehicles.
The Sangre de Cristo mountain range can be found in the Rio Grande National Forest. It is a beautiful area of alpine streams and high altitude lakes. The area is promoted as a Colorado mountain biking destination and as a great place for 4-Wheel Drive, road biking and motorcycling. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest boasts eight designated wilderness areas, five large lakes, and the Front Range mountains.
Routt National Forest is another playground for mountain biking in Colorado, as well as jeeping. The protected area has a number of threatened and endangered species amongst the Spruce, Pine and Fir trees. Chatfield State Park is very close to Denver and contains a 27-acre nature preserve and a 1,550 acre reservoir. It is a weekend retreat for Denver residents and hot air balloons are launched from here. There is also the opportunity to photograph Great Blue Herons from March until September.
There are trails, particularly suitable for the beginner Colorado mountain biker. Three of these trails are to be found around the Boulder area. They are at the Betasso Preserve, the Meyers Homestead Trail and the Marshall Mesa.
If mountains seem a bit daunting, there are Downhill Mountain Bike Tours. These provide all the fun without the aching limbs next day! They are popular with groups and families with young children. The tour provides a guide with first aid training, along with the bikes, helmets and water bottles.
About the Author:
Charlie Reese enjoys giving travel and
psychic advice on his
horoscope website daily.
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March 23 2009 | Mountain Bikes | No Comments »