Summit Pikes Peak from the Crags

, January 18, 2012

With its close proximity to the city of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak (14,110 ft.), one of Colorado’s 53 fourteeners, offers an abundance of accessible terrain for your next adventure. This peak, however, is unlike any others you will come across in Colorado, as you can reach the summit on foot, bike, cog railway, and even car. In addition to the panoramic views on top, you will find a large parking lot and the Summit House (open 8AM-8PM), filled with a gift shop, cafe and lots of people. For the hardcore among you, an ascent on foot or bike will feel particularly rewarding when you arrive and view the crowd who came by motorized means.

Singletrack Heaven: Mountain Biking Le Grand Massif, France

, November 23, 2011

Le Grand Massif is directly 50 km south of Geneva, situated above the main route towards Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Tunnel. It is comprised of 5 alpine resorts; Les Carroz, Flaine, Morillon, Samoens and Sixt-fer-cheval. The mountain biking terrain offers suitability for a wide range of disciplines and difficulty. This area is attractive as increasing lift access during the peak summer months makes it more accessible, offering rough and ready trails free of other riders unlike other alpine resorts.

Cycle Touring Northern Scotland

, November 13, 2011

In June this year I went on a five-day mini cycletour of Northern Scotland. The aim of this trip, outside of being a good adventure and opportunity to see some different parts of Scotland, was to learn the ropes before embarking on a longer trip the following July. I wanted to assess how my kit performed and identify any weaknesses, to see if I go insane in my own company and to see what sort of distance I could cover. With a reasonable base bike fitness, I was not too concerned about the riding but the other aspects of the cycle touring which were largely new to me.

Offroad Across Scotland by Bike: A Practical Guide

, July 29, 2011

I like taking part in some sort of big challenge event about three times a year, and as Jack and I had previously hiked across Scotland, from Kyle of Lochalsh to Beauly, an idea developed between us to complete a similar X-Scotland journey – but this time riding off-road on mountain bikes. The standard route for such a crossing is well established and several companies such as Wilderness Scotland offer supported and guided 7-day trips that follow a route well described, outlined and mapped in Phil McKane’s book ‘Scotland: The Wild Trails’. While our team followed sections of this route we also included the infamous ‘Sligachan Loop’ on Skye as a warm-up day and added a series of other departures to whet our particular interests in exploration and extreme challenge!

Arran, Scotland in Miniature

, July 19, 2011

The Isle of Arran lies in the Firth of Clyde, nestled on the west coast of the Scotland. Often described as a “Scotland in Miniature”, Arran’s geography mirrors the Scottish … Read more

Adventure Ardnamurchan

, June 1, 2011

There are no major towns on the peninsula, only little villages with basic amenities. If you were to make a basecamp or look for accommodation I would recommend Salen, Acharacle or Kilchoan where you can stay in relative comfort and nearby to local shops for food and supplies. There is also the potential to pitch a tent in Acharacle and Kilchoan. If you would prefer to stay somewhere more remote Sanna and Portuik are the perfect places.

Mountain Biking at Badaguish in Aviemore

, March 2, 2011

Located in the centre of Scotland and the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore has all the credentials to be considered Scotland’s adventure sports capital. Although the town is well known as a one of the UK’s best winter resorts, the mountain bike trails surrounding the town are little known and lesser ridden. In truth, it’s hard to commit to these trails with superior signposting at the 7 stanes or the nearby Laggan Wolftrax, both reputable mountain bike centres in their own rights. Here’s an introduction to Aviemore’s mountain bike trails, on which pro XC racer Adam Craig recently said that he wanted to ride every weekend.