Mountain Biking in the West / Types of Bikes

It's a fact that several companies offer mountain biking tours that go through very scenic routes. Taking a mountain biking getaway  is an excellent way to simply unwind from daily stress and at the same time explore some of the more scenic areas of the United States. Some of these biking companies even arrange accommodations for travelers as well.

Plenty of scenic trails at Lake Tahoe, CA

For athletic couples, a biking  vacation offers the opportunity of exercising together and enjoying the fresh air of the great outdoors. As opposed to working out on a treadmill in a gym, mountain biking puts you right in the middle of nature. It can't get too much better than that.

Regions and Trail Types

Each and every region in the United States has some truly awesome mountain biking trails. In fact, there's a trail somewhere that will provide riders the adventure they seek. Each and every region in the United States has some truly awesome mountain biking trails. A number of the best areas to mountain bicycle ride in the United States are the Pacific Northwest, Southwest.

These areas are where you'll find the major mountain ranges that offer all types of fun trails. Scenic, rough, hilly...a trail that should be suitable for any rider regardless of their experience. Some riders of course choose to push the limit, others hope to just get in some moderate exercise and others desire a slower, let's enjoy the scenery, pace.

Being in good athletic shape is a big plus but keep in mind that there are trails for everyone and the pace of your ride should be an individual choice.

Trails along the Pacific coastline

The American Southwest

Although the whole American West area is great for a mountain bike outing, the Southwest U.S. is quickly becoming a very popular area for the sport.

In the Southwest, a number of the best trails include Canyon South Boundary Trail in New Mexico, Flume Trail in Nevada. Both of the aforementioned trails comes with the reputation of a hard ride. As an example, both of these trails are over twenty miles long. With that being said, there's no requirement of having to ride the entire trail.

The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a terrific place for a mountain biking expedition. Some might say that the best two trails in the Pacific Northwest are Surveyor's Ridge in Oregon and the Methow Trails in Washington.

Trail through Sangre de Cristo Mountains, NM

Which Bike to Choose

With mountain biking being a popular sport, there's lots of bikes to select from. Here are a list of bike styles that fit into whats important to you the rider. What type of mountain bike riding you enjoy most and feel comfortable with is what really matters. 

1. Cross Country

Cross country mountain bikes are known to be light weight. This helps them run over most terrains, even up and down hills. Just about all mountain bikes fit into this general category and makes them the most common mountain bike. Cross Country biking is an Olympic sport. In the Olympics the cross country race is run around a lap rather than straight line racing.

2. Downhill

The Donhill bike may not be for everyone. If you're looking to push limits you'll probably want this bike. Downhill bikes come with both front and rear suspension, strong parts, and disc brakes. It's the type of mountain bike that riders like to custom build.

Trail bike

3. Trails

A good many of these Trail bikes are also custom built. These bikes are known to be light weight and strong. Trail mountain biking  takes an ample degree of skill and is known as the precision riding challenge of the sport.
the sport.

4. Jump and Slalom

Not the mountain bike for the beginner. Slalom and Jump bikes are designed for jumping, street racing, and slalom. They are built to be strong. The race course is similar to that of a slalom course for skiing. The difference however is instead of one racer racing against the best time, there are two racers who go head to head on the same course. These bikes are highly popular with mountain bikers.

See the Western Trips articles on the links below...

Ride the Unique Great Divide Trail

The Columbia River Gorge

How Much Skill is Required for Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a sport that beginners can enjoy but always keep safety in mind. There are many bikes to choose from as described above and there is one to fit the first time rider. Take your time choosing the right mountain bike. Be sure to try out several different styles and choose the one that suits your riding the best.

(Article copyright Western Trips)

Dude Ranches

by: Christine Chou

Dude ranches are facilities for accepting paying guests and meet their needs according to the functionality of each ranch. The phrase dude ranch surfaced only after the formation of the Dude Ranchers' Association in the year 1920, although the service and concept dates back to the end of 1800. The purpose of people flocking to these dude ranches during the vacation timings is basically to enjoy these ranches which offer various ranching activities in a serene and untouched rural ambiance.

The concept of dude ranching picked up in United States of America due to the gradual but steady romanticization of the western locations and lifestyle. The wealthy easterners of the continent started enjoying the ambiance and experience of ranches located in the west and thus started flocking towards them. Tapping the opportunity, the ranches started earning revenue by charging for their stay.

The concept gained momentum by time and soon the west was dotted with dude ranches. Piggybacking on the success of United States, Australia also has many dude ranches and they are famous for their indigenous style of ranching.

Dude ranches are available in numerous types and activities. For instance a working dude ranch gives a gist of the west lifestyle to the guests, not only with its romantic and simple atmosphere but also by getting in touch with the day to day works at the ranch. They even encourage them to take part in the daily activities of a ranch comprising garden maintenance and handling cattle. The stay is expected to give an idea of the whole thing called ranching to the inhabitants.

A dude ranch that concentrates on the activity of horseback riding is called a riding dude ranch. They provide expert tips and tutelage on the skill of horse riding for guests who would range from experts to amateurs. The ranches also offer them an opportunity to have a ride, along the beautiful ranch locales along with works in the ring and trail rides. Another type of dude ranches is resort ranch and as the name suggests they give an environment and experience, similar to a resort concentrating on comfort of the guests. In addition to these ranches there are also other ranches like those for hunting, which enables the guests to have their hunting skills polished at native and wild imported species also.

Dude ranches are aplenty both in number and the activities they indulge in which is why people needing some hassle free stay for the vacation should scout around for the type of dude ranching they are interested in. Resort dude ranches are for those inclined to total relaxation, while those wanting some action and energy can look for ranches that provide various work activities. The dude ranch must be chosen based on the requirements of the guests.

There are ranches that accept guests throughout the year as well as those that are seasonal. Summer is the generally accepted peak season for ranchers due to the vacation timings and the working season of the ranches. This makes it difficult to get a good bargain on the rates. However this also leads to a reduced rate during the winter. The less hectic seasons during winters also enable the occupants to have a comfortable and warm atmosphere.

About The Author To find a dude ranch for your next vacation or getaway please visit www.ranchseeker.com The author invites you to visit: http://www.ranchseeker.com

Article Source:
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