I flew out to Arizona this past week to get a few rays of sun since it is still undeniably winter in northern New England.
We planned to mountain bike around the Phoenix area, among other activities. So, yesterday we set our plan in motion and rode to our heart's content. It never ceases to amaze me how a simple mountain bike ride can lift your spirits!
Anyway, I thought I'd let ya'll know that while it may still be too wet to ride in many parts of the country, it's a great time of year to visit the desert.
Don't know where to go? Here are a few sunny suggestions to get you in planning mode:
©CLIF KidOnly one quarter of kids play outside today compared to nearly three quarters a generation ago, reports the journal Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood.
"As parents ourselves, we wanted to inspire families to have kids play outside as a part of their day," says Jennifer Yun, brand director for CLIF Kid.
So, the maker of organic snacks for active kids developed the Backyard Game of the Year Contest to encourage kids ages 6-12 to play in their own backyards. Entries need to let two or more children play together and can use common household items such as balls, hula hoops, beanbags and more.
Enter with your kids to have a shot at winning a $10,000 scholarship, Trek bicycle and Bell helmet. Enter your backyard game idea through June 30, 2011.
©ShimanoShimano Inc., located close to Osaka, Japan--a country recently devastated by a 9.0 earthquake that triggered a tsunami--has made a donation to victims of the disasters that struck on March 11, 2011.
The bicycle components company has agreed to provide the victims with 100 million yen (about $1.2 mil USD) in monetary contributions and 30 million yen (about $362,000 USD) in Shimano winter clothes and undergarment donations.
"Shimano's staff worldwide wishes to express our heartfelt sympathy to the many thousands of people affected by the devastating earthquake and sincerely hope for a safe and swift recovery," a recent press release stated.
It's almost that time again. Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, New Hampshire, will open up its trails to gravity seekers of the two-wheeled variety on Saturday, May 7. (Season pass holders can get in a day earlier.)
Now that I reside in the same state, I think a proper visit is in order. I'm looking forward to ripping down big hills--for research purposes, of course.
If you're looking for some stimulation this summer, check out Highland's camp schedule:
Ayr Academy - This is week-long, overnight camp is Highland's signature session taught by highly-skilled riders, pros and coaches. Session 1: July 10th - 16th; Session 2: July 31st - August 6th; Session 3: August 14th - 20th Cannondale/GT Signature Session; Session 4: August 21st - 27th.
Find Your Ride - This package is designed for new riders and first-time downhill mountain bikers. Available everyday at 9:15 am and 12:15pm. Reservations recommended
Kids Camp - This custom-designed program is tailored to mountain bikers aged 6-14. July 9th, July 31st, August 13th, August 28th, September 11th and October 2nd.
Intro to HTC - An hour-long indoor program that introduces riders to the new 9,100-square foot Highland Training Center (HTC). Available everyday. Reservations recommended
Essentials of Downhill - A full day program for riders new to gravity cycling, but with prior cycling experience. June 4th and August 6th. Women's only sessions: June 5th and August 21st.
Essentials of Freeride - Full day program for experienced riders focusing on progressive braking, cornering, and descending skills while introducing drops and jumps. June 11th and August 28th. Women's only session: June 12th and August 13th.
Gravity Weekender - Designed for Teens and Adults to conquer both Essentials of Downhill and Essentials of Freeride in one weekend. Adult session: July 2- 3 and September 17 - 18. Teen session: July 23 - 24.
