Reminder: October 14th is a National Day of Adventure

As I get ready to head out of the country once again tomorrow, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that next Friday – October 14, 2016 – had been declared a National Day of Adventure by Men's Journal and Victorinox, the company behind the iconic Swiss Army Knife.

While not an official holiday of course, the entire point of the NDOA is to encourage people to get outside, engage in their favorite outdoor activities, or perhaps even try something new. To that end, the two sponsors of the Day of Adventure have helped organize more than 30 events across the U.S. to give us all a starting point for getting our adventures off to a good start.

While I'll actually be in Spain on that day, I'll certainly take some time to hit a trail and do some hiking, or possibly even some snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea. And since it is a Friday, hopefully some of you will take part in the celebration by heading out to enjoy your own adventures too. Why not skip out of work early, grab your mountain bike and take a ride on your favorite trail? Or, gather up some friends and take a scenic hike somewhere before grabbing some dinner and drinks afterwards. The whole point is to add a little excitement and adventure back into your life, something that hopefully we do on a more regular basis than one day a year, but it is a good place to get started never the less.

So, whether your like to ride, hike, run, paddle, fly, climb, or some other crazy outdoor activity, don't forget to set a little time aside to pursue that passion next Friday. After all, you'll never regret the days that you do the things you love, and you might just discover other passions along the way.

Get out there and enjoy!

Video: Mountain Biking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

As a mountain biker myself, I can't imagine a better place to ride than in the Himalaya. In this video, we travel to the famed Annapurna Circuit where riders go from Manang to Mustang, passing by Tilicho Lake – the world's highest at 4920 meters (16,141 ft) and crossing over the Mesokanto La Pass at 5121 meters (16,801 ft) as well. As you can imagine, the scenery is spectacular and the riding looks exceptional, even if the trails aren't specifically made for a bike. I'm going to need to add this to my every-growing bucket list of things to do at some point, and after watching this you probably will too.

MTB Lines of Tilicho from Bimal Gurung on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking Revelstoke

Primarily known as a ski destination, Revelstoke has quickly become a great place to mountain bike too. In this video, we travel to British Columbia with our friends from Teton Gravity Research to explore the possibilities of riding the many trails that can be found at the mountain resort, and beyond. If you love beautiful scenery and great mountain biking, you'll certainly appreciate this clip. And remember, it's not winter yet. There is still time to ride Revelstoke this season.

Nat Geo Gives Us the Best Outdoor Towns in the World

Looking for a great town to serve as base camp for your next outdoor adventure? Thinking about relocating to a place that offers more opportunities to pursue the things you love? Why not let National Geographic help with their picks for the world's best towns for outdoor thrills.
Some of the places earning a nod include towns that you would expect. Places like Moab, Utah and El Chaltén, Argentina. Others are a bit more unexpected, such as Niseko, Japan or Ely, Minnesota. It isn't as if those places weren't known for being great outdoor destinations, but to see them ranked amongst the very best (Nat Geo names nine places in total), is refreshing to say the least.

Each place is also accompanied by a nice description of why it deserves a spot on this very distinguished list with details on what it has to offer for visitors. Nat Geo even provided information on when it is the best time of the year to visit to take advantage of the opportunities that each place has to offer. For instance, summer can be hot in Moab, so September is a good time to go, although the author says not to overlook winter as well. Meanwhile, if you're planning on going to Niseko it is probably for the skiing, which is best between December and February.

Of course, with such a short list some places had to be left off, but there were a few surprises for towns that do not appear here. For instance, Chamonix, France is considered one of the great outdoor meccas of the world and yet it doesn't appear on Nat Geo's radar. Similarly, you could just as easily have substituted places like Boulder, Colorado or Jackson Hole, Wyoming, amongst other great mountain towns in the U.S. Still, the places that were selected are very deserving, and bring a nice exotic flair to the list with places like Australia, South Africa, India, and Peru enticing travelers.

To find out which places made the cut, read the entire list here. Then come back and leave a comment with the places that you think should have made the cut. After all, some of your favorite places probably didn't make it.

Colorado Adventures: Mountain Biking Crested Butte

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Crested Butte, Colorado – a place I had heard about for a long time, but had never had the chance to see for myself before. As an adventure destination, CB's reputation proceeded it, as I had long heard that it was a great place to go mountain biking. As it turns out, the town easily exceeded my expectations, delivering great opportunities for riders of all skill levels.

For those that don't know, Crested Butte is considered one of the birthplaces of mountain biking. As far back as 1976 local riders were heading out across mountain passes on single-speed bikes that were hardly made for the conditions. In the 80's the sport really started to gain traction as riders took part in a number of grueling races and group rides, including the Pearl Pass Tour, which has been around for nearly four decades. CB is even home to the oldest mountain bike association in the world, something that they are rightfully proud of.

Located about 4.5 hours southwest of Denver by car (or a short hop to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport), Crested Butte is a quintessential mountain town, complete with plenty of outdoor activities and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. With just 1500 permanent residents, you would expect it to be a sleepy little place, but the opposite is actually true. Not only is CB home to an interesting and eclectic blend of locals, it has plenty of visitors who come to partake in its outdoor playground pretty much any time of the year.

During the winter, the town is a wonderful ski destination, with Crested Butte Mountain Resort just minutes away. With more than 120 ski runs, and an average snowfall of about 300" (7.6 meters) each year, it has plenty to offer snowboarders and skiers alike. And for the more adventurous amongst us, the area also has outstanding backcountry opportunities as well, giving visitors a chance to shred untouched powder on a regular basis.

My visit came just after the end of the summer rush, but still prior to the start of the fall season, when the local aspen trees begin to take on their legendary golden hues. At some of the higher elevations that was already starting to happen, giving me a hint of what was to come. But while I was there summer was still in full swing, with cool mornings but warm afternoons that were perfect for hitting the trail.


With more than 750 miles of trails to explore, my four days in Crested Butte was only going to be enough to give me a small taste of what the area has to offer. Still, it was enough to give me an idea of what to expect, and it most definitely did not disappoint.

One of the things that I loved about Crested Butte was that riders can access a wide variety of trails without ever having to load their bike onto a vehicle. You can quite literally hop into the saddle and set off down the road, and be on a spectacular trail within a matter of minutes. As someone who has to drive a half hour or more just to reach a decent mountain biking trail, this came as quite refreshing change of pace.

On my first ride, I grabbed a rental bike from The Alpineer, a local bike shop with a very knowledgeable staff that will not only set you up with a great bike, but give you some good intel on where to head out for a ride too. After getting acquainted with my bike, I was soon headed off down the road in search of a trail. After about 10 or 15 minutes on pavement, my tires found some dirt at last.

For that afternoon, I rode the Lupine Trail which I'm told is covered in wildflowers throughout the summer. My guide for the ride was none other than Janae Pritchett of Colorado Backcountry Outfitters, and organization that not only teaches mountain biking but organizes excursions into the surrounding mountains on both bikes and skis. Janae offered plenty of insight into the local bike scene, and even had some good tips to help improve my own riding.

The Lupine Trail is listed at an intermediate difficulty, which I would say was pretty accurate. It was also the perfect for for me, as my lungs hadn't acclimated to the altitude just yet (CB is located at about 8500 ft (2590 meters), and often left gasping for air on some of the approach hills. If you're a low-lander like me, keep this in mind when you first start to ride. I'm in excellent physical condition, but still had a difficult time keeping up.

The seven-mile long Lupine Trail isn't very technical, but it does offer some great scenery and flows along very nicely. You'll have some nice downhill sections, but nothing overly crazy, and the climbs aren't particularly challenging unless you're still getting acclimated like I was. Even then, it was a fairly easy ride that even beginner mountain bikers will be able to appreciate.

The end of the trail deposited us out onto a paved road, which we used to access another trail system that would take us back into town. This time we road the Upper Lower Loop, which was an offshoot of the Lower Loop trail. The latter offers an easier ride back into Crested Butte, but if you want more of a challenge, with some technical aspects, then head to the Upper Lower. Both provide spectacular views that are worth the effort.

With my first taste of Crested Butte mountain biking under my belt, I was eager to see what else the area had to offer. On my second day of riding I caught the local bus (free!) up to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where I grabbed another bike from the rental shop. This time out, I would be riding a downhill bike, which felt very different from the all-mountain machine I had the day before. After getting acquainted with this bike, I grabbed a ride on one of the lifts that whisked me away to the top of the mountain.

The resort has more than 30 different trails stretching out across 35 miles, with new ones being added each year. Those trails offer everything from easy routes designed for beginners to crazy double-black diamond runs that are built to get the adrenaline flowing in even the most experienced riders. The routes that I rode varied nicely in terms of challenges and terrain, but there were relatively few climbs, with most of the trails flowing downhill, where riders could simply hop right back on the lift and head to the top again for another run.

The resort literally has everything you need to get out on the trail. There are several different shops that rent bikes and equipment, so you can grab helmets, pads, and body armor depending on the style of your ride. You can also purchase lift tickets there and then set off for a full day of riding, simply stopping to grab lunch or to take a break in one of the various restaurants or pubs that can be found there.

The riding at the resort was very different than what I had found back closer to town. It was all about the downhill, which is fast, fun, and exciting. But, there was less of a chance to ride cross-country, so if you're looking to do some touring, you might focus your rides elsewhere. If you're a thrill seeker however, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is where you'll get your fix.

With two solid days of riding under my belt, it was nearly time to head home. But before I left for the airport on my final day, I had the chance to take one last ride in the morning. I dropped by The Alpineer again to grab another bike, and set off by myself to ride the Lower Loop Trail, which can be easily accessed from town. This ride was very easy, and gave me a chance to really soak in the scenery as I pedaled along. While I certainly enjoy the thrilling challenges of a good trail ride on a mountain bike, sometimes it is also nice to just enjoy all of the spectacular views of nature that can be found all around you. That's exactly what I did, breathing in the crisp, cool mountain air as I rolled along peacefully.

Over the course of several days, I was fortunate enough to get a good taste of the mountain biking scene in Crested Butte, and came away incredibly impressed. The place more than lives up to the hype, offering trails for all skill levels and even opportunities for newbies and experienced riders alike to improve their skills too. Whether you want a simple cross-country trail that allows you to take in the dramatic Colorado backdrops, or you're searching for crazy downhill madness, you'll find something to love on the trails in CB. They are beautiful, well maintained, and simply a joy to ride.

What more could you ask for in a mountain biking destination?

Gear Closet: Five Ten Access Mesh Approach Shoe

It is amazing how technical and specialized our outdoor footwear has become. In the past, we made due with a single shoe that could serve in a variety of outdoor uses. Today however, we've gotten to the point where having the right footwear is akin to having the right tool for a job. Good shoe manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve their products and make them better for use in demanding outdoor environments. As a result, the shoes we wear are now highly tuned to the activities we enjoy, and we're all better off for it.

One company that has continued to refine its product line in this way is Five Ten. Best known for making mountain biking and climbing shoes, the designers at Five Ten have always done a good job of tailoring their products for the needs of their customers. That same sensibility has been brought over to their hiking line as well, as I recently found in their new Access Mesh approach shoe, a light hiker stealthily designed with the look of a sneaker.

At first glance, it would be easy to mistake the Access Mesh as running or cross-training shoe. It is lightweight, features a low-profile design, and features a technical fit that is more commonly found in that style of shoe. But looks can be very deceiving, and writing this show off as "just" a trail show would be a mistake. Underneath the hood of this shoe are some serious technical features that make it stand out from the crowd.

For instance, the Access utilizes Five Ten's Stealth S1 rubber on its outsole. That is a material that has been put to good use on the company's bike shoes as well, and has a tried and true reputation for providing plenty of grip on a wide variety of surfaces, both wet and dry. The toe-cap of the shoe has also been reinforced for added protection, and it features a "climbing zone" that has been brought over from the line of climbing shoes for added grip too. Throw in a rubberized exoskeleton on the lacing system, which added extra torsional support, and you end up having a highly technical piece of footwear for use in the outdoors.


As the name implies, the Access Mesh uses lightweight and highly breathable materials, which allow warmth and moisture to easily escape. The result is a shoe what performs well in warm weather conditions, both on and off the trail.

When I first put this shoe on I thought that it felt very comfortable on my feet, but felt a little stiff. Part of that is due to the Stealth S1 rubber on the sole, and for a time I wasn't sure if I'd actually like the Access Mesh. But, as I've worn them a bit longer, they've loosened up nicely and now feel very natural to wear just about anywhere. Performance hasn't suffered in the least, it just took me a bit of time to break them in fully. Since that happened, I've been incredibly happy with the fit and feel of these shoes, which don't scream "hiker" if you wear them around the neighborhood or down the street to the store.

I also appreciate the level of versatility they bring to the table. While they have been primarily designed to be an approach shoe or warm-weather hiker, I've also been wearing them while mountain biking too. Because the S1 rubber was first developed for use in Five Ten's biking line, this shoe can serve double duty in that department too. I've also found they make a good travel shoe, since they offer the athletic feel of a sneaker with the support of something more substantial.

As promised, this shoe does hold its grip on a wide variety of surfaces. I've worn them while walking or hiking on pavement, dirt trails, loose scree, wet rocks, mud, sand, and more. For such a lightweight shoe, it handled all of this conditions easily and without problem, helping me to feel more safe and secure. The S1 rubber does its job, sticking to those surfaces like glue, and while I wouldn't necessarily want to go rock climbing in the Access Mesh, you can certainly feel Five Ten's climbing heritage in the shoe's grip.

Priced at $130 the Five Ten Access Mesh is a very versatile shoe that can be used in a variety of outdoor activities. It is comfortable, durable, and designed for use both on and off the trail. I appreciate the shoe's ability to vent away excess heat and moisture, and love that it provides so much support and protection for the foot without looking overly technical.

If you're in the market for a lightweight, versatile shoe that looks good, and won't kill your wallet, you'll want to give the Access Mesh a look. I think you'll find it is a surprisingly great shoe for light hiking, making approaches, or even mountain biking. Heck, you'll probably even find your wearing them for other activities too.

Buy online at CampSaver.com

On the Road Again: Headed to Crested Butte, Colorado

It has been a busy summer at The Adventure Blog headquarters. Since May, I've been on the road every week or two, visiting some truly spectacular destinations along the way. Since I was in Quebec a few weeks back, I've been fortunate enough to actually be home for a little more than two weeks. The longest stretch I've had in quite some time. That ends tomorrow, as I'll be heading out to Crested Butte, Colorado for a few days of fly fishing, mountain biking, and exploring this intriguing adventure destination in the Rocky Mountains.

As usual, that probably means no updates for the rest of the week. I will be back home late Sunday, and will resume posting updates again next Monday, so just a short break this time out. The following week I'll be off to Bryce Canyon for a short backpacking trip however, so my time at home will once again be brief. After that, there is just one more international escape on the agenda at the moment, followed hopefully by some pleasant time at home heading into the fall.

I'm sure I'll have lots of stories to share when I return from CB. I'm told the mountain biking is epic and I'm looking forward to seeing the place for myself. Until then, take advantage of the changing seasons and get outside and enjoy some adventures of your own. Now is a great time for camping, hiking, cycling, or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy doing. I'll be back before you know it.

Video: Mountain Biking a Volcano in Indonesia

One of the things I love about mountain biking is that it often allows you to explore on two-wheels places that you might not get a chance to see otherwise. Case in point, int his clip pro rider Kurt Sorge travels to Indonesia to ride an impressive looking trail down a volcano, while another one erupts on the background. It makes for a beautiful setting with a dramatic backdrop to say the least. Where did you ride today?

Video: Mountain Biking Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the truly great adventure destinations in the American west. Not only does it offer great skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there are plenty of trails to hike and ride during the rest of the year as well. In this video we travel to Jackson with pro mountain bikers Curtis Keene and Jared Graves where they discover some epic singletrack mixed in with the breathtaking scenery that this part of the country is so well known for. Enjoy the video, but be warned: You're probably going to want to ride these trails yourself.