Posted on October 19, 2011 by Dave W

…have either taken a mountain bike vacation or plan to in the near future. 65% of those that answered the poll last week here on Bike198 have already taken a mountain bike vacation and I am pretty sure it won’t be their last.

Given the nature of the sport, I do not find these numbers surprising. Getting to see new areas of your country (or someone else’s) by bike is an incredible experience as you not only get to ride new trail…but you get to see new landscapes and views that you couldn’t see anywhere else. I will even find myself looking for mountain biking trails and locales around family trips to squeeze in a little bit of unique singletrack where I can.

Mountain biking vacations really separate into a couple of categories.

The “squeezing it in trip” is exactly what I just mentioned above. You are taking the family to an area that is great for them, but there also…just happens to be…a really cool mountain biking spot nearby. You pack the bike, research the area and then get up early to hit some trail before your family starts the day. It’s better than nothing and you get to rip some foreign trail in the process. Luckily, as long as you have a bike rack, you are packing the bike outside of your car and not inside getting chain grease on your daughters new stuffed animal.

For some lucky souls, your work requires you to visit areas of the world that just happen to also be mountain biking destinations. Instead of hitting up the meal and drinks after you are done slaving away, you ride. The work trip rides can get you to expensive riding locations on the company dime. Great combination if you ask me. You can pack the gear or rent it.

Have you ever made a split second decision during the week to grab a couple of friends and make the split second decision to hit a nearby mountain biking hotspot that weekend? These off the cuff trips to regional mountain bike areas can be some of the best rides as you get to rip up trail and only burn one or two nights away from home doing it. Grab a roach motel near the trails and pack in as much as you can before the coming work week.

Planned, expensive and exotic. The mountain bike vacation is a purpose built week or so of riding in areas that are built for fat tires. With names like Moab, Whistler, Switzerland and other extreme landscapes, you are able to take things to a whole different level. While some are able to call these places their backyard trails, you are traveling long distances to take in the riding for a handful of precious days. The mountain biking vacation is where you really get to stretch your legs, see something completely new and have zero distractions from the ultimate goal…riding.

The big question still remains…

To check out more vacations from weekend excursions to full out, week long, guided trips…check out these mountain bike tours.

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