Outdoor Adventure Texas Style

by Kraig Becker on

The LA Times recently paid a visit to West Texas and wrote up two good articles on what that part of the state has to offer in terms of activities for the traveler who enjoys spending time in the outdoors while visiting a new location.

The first article takes a look at the bountiful rock climbing and bouldering opportunities at Hueco Tanks State Park, an 860 acre park located near El Paso that is known for ancient rock paintings dating back hundreds of years. The park gets it’s name from the natural stone basins or “huecos” that form water collection “tanks” and have gatered and stored rain water for indigenous people in the region for thousands of years.

Despite all the amazing history that surrounds the place, in recent years the Hueco Tanks has become a mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts who come from all over the world to take on it’s massive boulders. There are many challenging routes, or “problems” in the vernacular of the sport, for climbers of all skill levels, making it an ideal spot to camp and climb for a few days.

The second article, not surprisingly written by the same author, reveals the opportunities for mountain bikers in the El Paso area. Riding the Redd Road mountain trails through the Chihuahuan Desert, near the Rio Grande River, provides for a challenging ride for even experienced mountain bikers, mixing in plenty of rock and sand for a ride that can be technically demanding at times.

When paired together, the two articles make for a great travel itinerary for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new adventure destination without breaking the bank. Spend a weekend in the El Paso area and mix in some climbing and mountain biking for a well rounded experience. The winter months are the perfect time to go as well, with little precipitation and mild tempertures allowing you to play all day in the warm West Texas sun.

Ecotourism comes to Cambodia

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Mountain bikers can reclaim wilderness that once belonged to illegal loggers and poachers. Hidden in the foothills of Cambodia‘s Cardamom Mountains, the village of Chi Pat is now home to a mountain biking experience that is unparalleled in trail and impact.

This new program is the result of cooperation among Wildlife Alliance (formerly known as Wild Aid), Asia Adventures (a Cambodia-based adventure travel company) and the villagers of Chi Pat. Off-road cycling tourists are expected to bring a sustainable source of income to the villagers while exposing guests to some of the world’s last remaining virgin wilderness.

Chi Pat is two hours from Phnom Penh by boat and is portal to old logging routes, undulating trails and streams and shallow rivers. Ride through bamboo thicket, rain forest and hills while gazing upon waterfalls, bat caves and waterfalls. A lucky few will see rare wildlife, such as elephants.

Simply by mountain biking in Chi Pat, you can help the villagers reclaim their home from years of abuse by illicit tree-choppers and hunters. Merely enjoying yourself has never been so powerful.

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[Photos thanks to Asia Adventures]

South Seas mountain biking in the snow

by Brett Atkinson on

If you sign up for a morning’s mountain biking on a South Seas island, the last thing you expect is a rogue snowfall, right? Well if you’re on Australia’s southernmost (and only island) state you’d better be ready to literally experience four seasons in one day. Especially if you journey to the summit of Mt Wellington, huddled above the Tasmanian capital of Hobart in spring.

A few weeks back we left downtown Hobart – well worth a look with its collection of raffish harbourside pubs and a great weekend market – in complete sunshine . By the time we’d reached the 1270m summit of Mt Wellington there was a full on snowstorm – probably the first and last time I’ll experience snow in the Land of Oz.

Fifteen minutes later the clouds had parted and Hobart was before us in sunshine. And half an hour later – after a few semi-technical offroad stages – the rain and wind had come rolling back in.

But when a bike ride finishes up at one of the world’s most picturesque old breweries, changeable weather is the last thing you really care about.

Thanks to to Island Cycle Tours for the pic.

Crank Brothers' Pump

by Erik Olsen on

I’ve been stuck just a couple of times in my lifetime with flat tires on the trail, but each time, I was
grateful that I packed along a pump. Or that the guy I was riding with did. Still, the pump I have, while serving its
purpose nicely, is not that great.  I think I bought it way back when in Seattle for, like, $30 or something. And
to be honest, I kind of dread using it because it’s a pain and makes me feel like I’m doing a workout just
to get my tires firmed up.

So with that said, let me introduce you to the Crank Brothers’ new Power
Pump Ultra. Just 5 and a half inches long, this compact pump is an impressive leap ahead in pump technology. An
innovative dial setting at the base lets you switch among high-volume and high-pressure systems, and so the easier
setting will help reduce arm weariness.

Sadly, it seems the pump comes sans frame mount, but it’s small and light enough to fit into a pocket or your
pack. And the price is right. The Crank Bros pump runs just $30. Nice gift for that very very last minute need.