Lance a Lot…In Fact, Too Much?

by Erik Olsen on

Look, I admire Tour de France mega-champ Lance Armstrong as much as the next guy. He’s amazing, courageous, the quintessence of cool (in an athletic way, of course). But do we REALLY need another outdoor magazine cover shot of him?

Seriously, once again on the cover of Outside Magazine this month there is Mr. Armstrong, strong arms-crossed glaring into the camera with that “I’m such a studly bastard I can pretty much beat you at anything” look on his face. Yes, he just finished the New York City marathon in under three hours, a very impressive feat for a guy who’s used to having a seat under his arse when he exerts himself. All very good. But I mean, give someone else a chance to be on the cover for once.

Travel by Rocket Bike

by Iva Skoch on

Gear heads will love this article in the Sunday Times. Jeremy Clarkson, host of the super-cool British TV show about high-end autos (Top Gear) has gotten himself the ultimate travel vehicle: the JetCat Cycle. It’s powered by a model-aircraft jet (the JetCat P-180), which produces up 1100 lbs of thrust, running on a mixture of wax and jet oil.

The engineers claim that the bike might be able to reach a maximum speed of 70 mph! And, even though he’ll be speeding by you, don’t get too close: the jet shoots out a 10-foot-long, super-heated stream behind it.

Clarkson admitted that he’s only gotten it up to 20mph so far, but he’s ready for anything: in addition to the Kevlar housing around the jet, and a wicker basket upfront to hold the fuel tank, they fitted it with a smoke machine. “With a smoke screen, you really would beat the [City of London traffic] congestion charge cameras and speed cameras as well,” he was quoted as saying.

Ok, so maybe it’s not the greatest vehicle, but it’s sure one stealth way to travel.

Biking Cambodia

by Neil Woodburn on

I’ve never been a big fan of bicycling, but the few times I’ve done it while traveling have been extraordinarily rewarding.

No other form of transport allows you to thoroughly immerse yourself into the heart of the countryside, except perhaps walking, which simply takes far too long to cover any sort of decent distance.

Ireland and Vietnam are two places I did bike rentals for the day that took me off the beaten path and into areas less frequented by tourists. I remember coming across a small school down some dirt road in Vietnam where, at first sight of me, some 50 schoolchildren came racing out of the yard and immediately surrounded me, jumping and screaming excitedly as though I had just landed from Mars.

Bill Cashmore, writing for The Telegraph, enjoyed similar experiences while on a week-long bike tour of Cambodia. The 45-year old managed 250 miles through the Cambodian countryside, peddling past small villages and farmers, indulging in local foods, and otherwise taking in the very best Cambodia has to offer those who don’t whisk past it on a tourist bus.

True Fans

by Erik Olsen on

We’ve written about Banff many many times. And for good reason. The Mountain Festival there celebrates the best there is to offer of photographs, films and books. There’s been some great recent stuff there, but taking a step back a bit and looking one of of the prior festivals, I want to bring your attention to a 1999 film by Dan Austin, who, along with his brother and a friend, hopped on their mountain bikes and headed east from California, en route to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. The epic bicycle trip was all about celebrating basketball and became big success. In fact, it won a boatload of praise at the Banff Film Festival.

And it turns out there is a companion book which documents the 4,800-mile ride. Called True Fans: A Basketball Odyssey, the book captures the same material as the movie but, um, i words. Good stuff.

Miami Herald On the Caribbean

by Adrienne Wilson on

Trying to decide on the Caribbean island that’s best for you? I know, the decision can be a toughie, but shouldn’t be too much of a strain. The Miami Herald features an excellent piece highlighting noteworthy hotels, environmental aspects, restaurants and the basic ‘why’ you should come questions all there to help you plan. Ready to go nude? Try visiting St. Maarten’s Orient Beach to score your full body tan. Need a good reason to head over to St. Lucia? If beautiful beaches aren’t enough, grab a sunset cocktail at Ladera and just lounge to the sweet sounds of island music. Whether it’s live or from the stereo I’m sure there will be some coming from somewhere. Oh, and there’s my personal island favorite – Trinidad & Tobago. If you can’t make it for Carnival next year try planning a week long getaway to hike and bird watch. There’s always a blissful thing to do in Trinidad & Tobago – if you ask me. See the Miami Herald for all their spicy Caribbean island recommendations.