The Right Trip
By David Noland
Mountain bikers get to marvel that they didn’t see a single person all day or brag about the big air they got coming down that last stretch of singletrack. No matter where you go, of that much you can be sure. But you’ll need to consider what kind of trip is your speed, both on the trail and off.
Where to Go
Popular U.S. mountain-bike destinations include southeast Utah, northern California, and North Carolina. Overseas hot spots include Costa Rica, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. In general, mountain-bike trips focus on wilderness rather than culture.
Degree of Difficulty
Some mountain-bike excursions are essentially road-style trips that just happen to be on dirt roads. Most fat-tire trips, however, involve some singletrack riding and require technical skills. The big draw is the adrenaline rush of flying down tricky terrain. If you choose the latter, be very sure that your skills are up to snuff. If not, extensive walking may result.
Variations on a Theme
No matter how challenging or leisurely your trip, everybody is going to have a few sore parts at the day’s end. But all mountain-bike excursions are not created equal: For some riders, nightfall brings a cozy campfire and a tent under big starry skies, while others will rest their weary selves in the luxury of a historic inn, spa, or lodge. It all depends upon what kind of experience you want. But in general, off-road trips tend to be cheaper because they involve camping or stays in fairly primitive off-the-beaten-path accommodations.
David Noland is the author of Travels Along the Edge.
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Popular Mountain Biking Trips |
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