When we think of protecting our bodies from the trials of our outdoor jaunts, our minds quickly go to footwear and apparel.  Then we mutter, “Oh yeah, sunscreen,” as we scamper out the door. Once we are under wide open skies, though,  we are reminded of another critical piece of gear – sunglasses. But good shades can cost a pretty penny. Just look at the triple-digit costs of Bolle, Julbo, an Oakleys.

Having recently tested the BTB 160 sunglasses, I have come to a happy conclusion – we don’t need to shell out hundreds of our hard-earned dollars to get quality eye protection. BTB has created a line of sunglasses (their BTB 100 series) that ranges in cost from$34.95-$49.95. Since they are incredibly affordable, many may question the quality of these specs. We’ve all paid less and gotten less when it comes to gear.

The BTB 160s were up to the task in our quick test. The dark lenses made a bright day completely tolerable and the aerodynamics kept the wind out on a high speed bike ride. The test pair even came with a sample of a lens that had apparently been blasted with a shotgun. It hadn’t cracked or broken, but merely dimpled at the impact of the pellets. I took the sunglasses and performed a bit of a stress test by stretching and pulling on the frames, nose pieces, and the points where the lenses connect. Nothing snapped off.

If I have to find a negative to this particular model, it is that they are very dark. For those who prefer a lighter shade that allows more light to penetrate the lens when in the shade, the Crystal Brown or Optic Yellow options may be a better choice.

$34.95 as tested

Features

• Lenses provide 100% optic clarity (De-centered lens)
• Styles offer HD (High Definition) Lens Technology
• Lenses provide complete UVA & UVB protection
• Frames are made from Grilamid TR-90 & designed using an 8 to 10 Base Curve
• Offer a “Formed Fit” for comfort
• Temples & Nosepieces are made from a hypo- allergenic material and coated with an Anti-Bacterial agent for heavy perspiration environments
• Exceed ANSI, OSHA & Military Impact Specifications
• Lenses are “Ballistic” rated

Global excitement is running high as the countdown begins to the toughest all-female sporting competition on the planet, the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles. An all-female rally raid through the deserts of Morocco, the event will kick off in less than two weeks at the Trocadero Gardens in Paris on March 17th, and end with a finish at the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira on March 31st.

Started by French woman Dominique Serra in 1990, the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles brings women from across the globe together to battle the off-road terrain of the Sahara with only a compass, a ruler, and a few outdated maps. No cell phones, no GPS, and no support crews. The goal is to reach each checkpoint in the shortest amount of distance. Rather than speed, dead-on navigation is the goal, with the winner having the fewest excess kilometers and penalty points. There is no prize here, just pure glory.

Two teams from the U.S. will join the rally this year, one returning for the second time, and another brand new to the event. Amy Lerner and Tricia Reina, two sisters from the east coast, are competing for the second time, and hope to bring their experience and knowledge from last year into the grueling nine-day event. Lerner will reprise her role as the pilot, and Reina will handle the navigation duties. For Rachelle Croft and Julie Meddows, 2012 marks their first year as participants in the rally, and they have trained in the deserts of Southern California to prepare for Morocco’s unique terrain. Croft will use her off-road skills as the pilot, and Meddows is preparing for the role of navigator. Both American teams have transported vehicles specifically for the event: Team Lerner/Reina had their Jeep Rubicon customized by AEV shipped overseas, along with Team Xelles’ (Croft/Meddows) customized Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Spectators and fans anxious to keep up with the results can watch the teams live via satellite tracking on the official rally website: http://www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com

The rally’s extensive humanitarian efforts will once again be in full force this year. The Heart of Gazelles, a partner non-profit dedicated to providing services through Northern Africa alongside the event, brings aid to the region through extensive medical services, support to orphanages and schools, sustainable development for villages, and job development for women. The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is also the only motorsport event globally with ISO 14001 Certification, having adopted strict environmental and citizen-friendly mandates and commitments.

This article first appeared on the leading equestrian website Horsehero.com, but its appeal may well spread to the broader sports lover and pundit

In August 2011, the third edition of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, thundered through 1000km of pristine Mongolia, catapulting (at times literally) another 23 riders into the Adventurists Hall of Fame, and with any luck, the Guinness World Record books. Organiser Katy Willings gives the inside track on this thrillng race….

Immediately after the race, I spent several weeks analysing the reams of data which came back from the Steppe, leaden with horse sweat and the faint whiff of goats, in order to bring you a less whimsical, and more informative blow-by-blow account of what happened this year, where the race was won and lost, and where it hung in the balance.

The beauty about the event is that no one individual has the full story. So much of the good and bad is privately enjoyed and endured, but nevertheless a coherent story emerges form the paperwork! I’ll mix key statistics with brief explanations, points of note and any lessons learned, and invite questions from the floor (in the Comments area below).

Race overview: The Mongol Derby was won by South African dairy farmer and endurance rider Craig Egberink by 2 minutes (a nose over 1000kms, surely?) from Inner Mongolian contender Sanbayier, first of a cluster of three Chinese riders who were a formidable team throughout. The field spread out over the first two days but though injuries and subsequent drop-outs, the survivors were more clustered than they might have been. All bar two riders fell off, most at least once.
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Couple gets engaged while racing in world’s biggest adventure race

Sixty kilometres is a long way to mull over a question that will change your life forever, especially when you’ve had to swim and kayak before hopping on a mountain bike nursing an engagement ring that’s at the heart of that burning question.

So how nervous must Michael Cain, 30, have been as he tackled the Anaconda Adventure Race knowing that he had to keep the ring safe and sound (and his mouth shut) until the final 2.5km beach run, where he planned to propose to his girlfriend, Shannon Trend, 26, also racing?

The couple was competing for the second time in the Augusta, Western Australia event, as mixed team ‘ Sporty and Aqua Ted’. Michael had planned the surprise knee-bend for six months: longer than he trained for the event itself.

“It will remain one of the most memorable days of my life,” said Michael after finishing the world’s largest adventure race with a smile (she, of course, said yes).

“The day turned out even better than planned: not only did she say yes when I proposed on the beach, we also improved our finishing time over last year by 18 minutes!” Continue Reading

By John Reed

From International Adventure racers to some of the province’s top senior athletes, the City of Trail is the ultimate host.

Located on the banks of the mighty Columbia River with a history rich in exploration, mining and sport, Trail, British Columbia, in the heart of BC’s West Kootenay region is commanding attention.

Recent host of this summers’ Raid the North Extreme 2011, a six day, 500km adventure race that is part of the Adventure Race World series, and co-host of the BC Senior’s Games, which brought 1000’s of competitors and their families into the region, Trail excels in hosting National level sporting events and, in producing world class athletes.

Former NHL players and Stanley Cup winners Dallas Drake of the Detroit Red Wings, and Adam Deadmarsh of the Colorado Avalanche, along with New York Mets outfielder Jason Bay and sister Lauren (former Canadian National Softball team member, and current pitcher with National Pro softball team – the Philadelphia Force), are just a few of the sporting greats of note who have deep roots in the Greater Trail area.

The city’s tagline “Explore your Trail” is very fitting given the backdoor access to walking and hiking trails found throughout the area. Everything from riverfront Gyro Park, to access to more than 135km of beginner to expert trails keep locals and visitors outside, fit and active. And for those who really like to test their mettle, check out the internationally acclaimed, “Seven Summits” ridgeline mountain bike trail for 32km of some of the best single track riding found anywhere, in nearby Rossland.

So whether you’re thinking about your next holiday, planning a major sporting event or training for the next big race, Trail’s back door access to wilderness and riverfront is not to be missed.

For more information on this great destination contact the Trail Chamber of Commerce at (250) 368 3144
or the City of Trail Parks and Recreation at (250) 368 6484.

Photo Credits:
• Trail at Night-City of Trail (Larry Doell)
• Gyro Park-City of Trail (Brian Findlow)

In the Lucinda Williams ballad Crescent City, she beautifully belts out a Cajun French phrase, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “let the good times roll.” The folks in the Crescent City (a.k.a. New Orleans) certainly know how to have a good time, there’s no argument there. And let’s face it, people like “us” can’t help but embark on an active vacation. So, why not roll through the good times in the saddle of a bike the next time you visit the ancient and ever-changing urban masterpiece that is New Orleans.

When to Go

New Orleans is renowned for steamy summers. The humidity, in combination with the heat, is miserable to say the least. Summer is certainly a plausible time to pedal New Orleans but Fall through Spring is blessed with more tolerable temps. Obviously Fat Tuesday is New Orleans’ biggest tourist draw. The French Quarter fills with drunken travelers hoping to catch Continue Reading

224 teams launched from Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK on Saturday now joined by 87 teams from Euro launch in Czech Republic

A Robin Reliant, fire engines, ambulances, an American school bus and a tiny van with a complete garden conservatory on the back were among the comically unsuitable vehicles setting off on the 8th edition of the annual Mongol Rally.

The amateur adventurists face 10,000 miles of mountains, deserts and some of the world’s worst roads on their way to the finish line in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Describing the launch of this behemoth adventure, the ridiculous vehicles, and the highly laudable fancy dress efforts of the teams is usually best carried out with the help of photos to adequately convey the glorious mayhem that has just begun.

2011 sees a team sporting full Star Wars storm trooper gear driving an ambulance. There are Vikings, a team with a roof rack made from an upturned bath tub that’s been converted into a furry yak with large horns, plus the first ever Mexican and South Korean teams.

There’s a team representing London Business School, a car covered entirely in purple fur, a number of solo drivers who saw their team mates drop out but have carried on alone, and of course the Robin Reliant. The Mongol Rally has been attempted in the three-wheeled vehicle before, but never successfully, maybe team MechSpesh will be the first to make it. The furthest a Robin Reliant has ever made it was Moscow, so cross everything for these splendid and spectacularly foolish chaps in their quest.

The launch in the UK included a lap of the historic race track at Goodwood for every team, watched by thousands of spectators. Up and coming band The Suburbians played on the circuit’s gallery overlooking the start grid and the paddocks crammed with teams and relatives.
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Joshua Tree National Park and the Friends of Joshua Tree release ‘Save the Date’ info for Climb Smart Festival, October 21-23

Joshua Tree National Park and nonprofit group Friends of Joshua Tree (FOJT) invite climbers of all skill levels and fans of Joshua Tree National Park to ‘Save the Date’ for the 2011 Climb Smart Festival, to be held October 21-23, 2011 in Joshua Tree, Calif. This year’s event celebrates the 75th anniversary of Joshua Tree National Park and kicks off the climbing season with fun, education, service and support for key services around the Park. Event registration available at www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=220907.

The 2011 Climb Smart festival, including climbing clinics, camping, park projects, multimedia and athlete presentations, vendor fair and more, is the perfect event for kicking off the climbing season, connecting with kindred spirits and giving back to the park. Presenting sponsors are Black Diamond, prAna, adidas Outdoor, Evolve Sports, Sterling Ropes, Joshua Tree National Park and Adventure 16.

Clinics for all abilities will be led by American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) accredited guides from Wilderness Outings, Uprising and Vertical Adventures as well as top sponsored and legendary climbers of yore.

During the Climb Smart festival, climbers and park supporters will also have the opportunity to learn about and shape Park policy as the Park’s long term General Management Plan goes under review this year. Park policy toward climbing nationwide is heavily influenced by Joshua Tree, one of the world-renowned climbing destinations in the United States.

A one-time fee, $105 ($85 early bird), will give attendees an all-access pass to the weekend event’s festival, clinics, camping and fun at the new festival location, Joshua Tree Lake Campground. To register for Climb Smart 2011, register at www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=220907.
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With Raid the North Extreme starting in just a matter of weeks, we thought this was a great video to show as Adam Campbell on a training run through the South Chilcotins area of British Columbia.

Thanks to Breathe Magazine for posting this on their Facebook page.

Adam Campbell Chilcotins run from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

With the weekend just a few hours away for us here in the states, we decided to post this short clip of Brook MacDonald taking a leisurely ride in NEw Zealand. Who else has a ride like this planned this weekend?

Thanks to the Outer Edge for the heads up!

In a historic effort to spark a movement for natural medicine on Main Street, America, Dr. Dennis Godby, ND and his family, two sons and nephew will run across the United States. The Run will begin in San Francisco on July 17, 2011, and end in Bridgeport, CT on November 16, 2011. The coast-to-coast Run is designed to educate and empower Americans about natural health care options: in preventing disease, finding and treating the cause of illness, and revitalizing the nation’s health. The Run: Moving Natural Medicine Forward, will cross the United States on foot to promote the causes of empowered health care choices throughout America – its mission includes increasing the health of the American people, providing information about sustainable and quality holistic health care options, and educating the public about healthy lifestyle management and health maintenance. The four-month, ninety city journey hopes to introduce the concept of “naturopathic medicine” into the national vocabulary, and make “naturopathic doctor a household term. The Run will also lead to increased health care options for Americans by stimulating interest in naturopathic care, and encouraging more comprehensive insurance coverage for these alternate primary care choices.

A Natural Approach to Wellness Naturopathic Medicine is a natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person and represents the ‘vitalistic’ tradition of medicine in our Western world. It treats disease through the stimulation, increase, and support of each person’s inherent healing capacity. Treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s natural adaptive physiology, respecting the innate healing processes of nature. The practice of Naturopathic Medicine includes six underlying principles of healing – principles that make Naturopathic Medicine different from all other medical approaches:
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Adventurer Dave Cornthwaite is already in Minnesota and is set to begin the next leg of his Expedition 1000 project on Monday. Expedition 1000 consists of twenty-five separate journeys with each being in excess of 1000 miles and each being a human-powered endeavor. The project will have Dave touching on every continent, crossing the three major oceans and reaching both poles. We caught up with Dave this morning for a little Q&A about gear, staying connected and plans for the future! Best of luck Dave!

We recently followed along with your tandem bike ride, how does SUPing down the Mississippi compare?
There’s a world of difference between travelling on road and on water. Sure, there will be some gigantic oil tankers to deal with towards the end of the Mississippi but I won’t have to worry about cars knocking me off every few seconds. On the river I come into contact with so much wildlife, it’s a more peaceful way to travel. There are still challenges, but the prospect of SUPing 2400 miles fills me with excitement, I can’t wait to start on Monday.

Of all of the adventures (past and future), is there one that you are most looking forward to?
I guess I make a living from the stories my journeys generate but I refuse to travel just for the sake of ticking another 1000-mile effort off my list. I’m looking forward to each expedition in its own way, but the very nature of doing these things takes me out of my comfort zone so I’m excited about the major challenges: paragliding across the Himalayas, rowing the Indian Ocean, taking a pedalo across the Pacific. Right now though, my head is all focused on the Mississippi. Continue Reading

Happiness is guaranteed this summer in Aruba! Just ranked number two by TripAdvisor travelers in the category of top 25 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, the One happy island offers incredible vacation packages for the whole family at its world-renowned hotels and resorts. Travelers are invited to sit back and enjoy a stress-free summer vacation, complete with Aruba’s perfect year-round weather with cooling trade winds and friendly people.

Sparkling blue Caribbean waters, warm tropical sun and breathtaking island scenery are the key characteristics that turn this vacation destination into a must. For a close look at Aruba’s natural wonders and a view into the island’s history, plan a visit to the state-of-the-art Aloe Factory, iconic California Lighthouse, captivating rock formations at Casbari and Ayo, mysterious Bushiribana Gold Mill, and scenic Alto Vista Chapel.

Families can explore the island in a rented Jeep, experience a multitude of water activities or even discover a unique underwater world aboard the Atlantis Submarine. The choices are endless and complemented by cultural and environmental events throughout the year.

Highlighted below are some of the travel packages and family programs being offered this summer:
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2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Teva Mountain Games (TMG). What began as a regional, grassroots whitewater competition has transformed into the largest adventure sports festival in the country and serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer in the Rockies. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a blockbuster four-day schedule that includes new and improved events, concerts and nightlife.

This year, two of the most spectator-friendly events at TMG, the Teva Slopestyle presented by Chipotle big air bike and the Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero competitions have moved to the twilight hour. Slopestyle will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. in Golden Peak, and will feature some of the world’s best freeriders defying the laws of gravity for a panel of judges, followed by a Best Trick bonus round for more cash prizes. Friday evening will now also include food, concessions and a DJ spinning tunes – the perfect way to get things started before a night on the town.

The fourth installment of the IFSC Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero also moves to the twilight hour; 5 p.m. on Saturday on the Vista Bahn Lawn in Mountain Plaza. TMG’s Great Wall of climbing is home to the only World Cup bouldering event in the United States and the crowd’s only opportunity to see the highest ranked international climbers from 25 countries compete side by side. The champion male and female will be awarded their medals just minutes before the start of the free Bud Light Mountains of Music concert with Xavier Rudd at Checkpoint Charlie in the heart of Vail Village. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Dog competitions have always been a favorite at TMG and the Eukanuba Rocky Dog Trail Run presented by Ruff Wear is sure to attract a crowd. The inaugural 5k run and 1-mile run/walk will start and finish in Golden Peak and kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All sizes and breeds (of dogs and their owners) are welcome.

For athletes looking to push the envelope, the Maui Jim SUP Surf Sprint presented by C4 Waterman is now part of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. Individual athletes or teams can now choose to kayak or SUP down Gore Creek as part of the four-event, two-day competition.

And last, but not least it wouldn’t be a mountain festival without some parties! In addition to the Bud Light Mountains of Music free concerts at Checkpoint Charlie on Thursday night with The Dirty Heads and Saturday night with Xavier Rudd, the new Aloha Happy Hour presented by C4 Waterman, Maui Jim and Korbel California Champagne will take place at the SUP Demo Pool on Meadow Drive on Saturday afternoon. It’s a free block party, TMG style. And the social highlight of the Games, the Teva Mountain Ball, has moved west to bōl at the Solaris and will go down on Saturday at 10pm. Don your favorite Tevas and get ready to party like a raft guide.

Visit, www.tevamountaingames.com.

What are you doing over the Christmas holiday? Don’t delay if you plan to join us on our island in Belize for your best vacation ever!

Our 2010-2011 season is almost over and we are getting ready for another great year in Belize. We have already begun receiving bookings for this upcoming season. If you plan to take your family somewhere warm this Christmas, you should start planning now. All of our Christmas dates fill by mid-summer. Every year we disappoint at least 300 people who waited too long to make their Christmas plans. Don’t let this happen to you!
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Teva Mountain Games at Vail Announces Free Concert Lineup

The Dirty Heads kick off the festival on Thursday, June 2 and Xavier Rudd plays on Saturday, June 4.

The Vail Valley Foundation’s Teva Mountain Games (TMG) will kick off with a free concert as part of the Bud Light Mountains of Music series on Thursday, June 2 at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village. California rockers, The Dirty Heads are set to take the stage at 7 p.m., immediately following the TMG Opening Ceremonies. Then on Saturday, June 4, at 7 p.m. best-selling Australian world music sensation Xavier Rudd will perform as part of the 10th annual Teva Mountain Games, the nation’s largest mountain sports, art and lifestyle festival.

Named one of the “Best New Bands of 2010″ by Rolling Stone Magazine, The Dirty Heads emerged onto the music scene with their signature blend of acoustic infused hip-hop and classic Reggae, creating the perfect soundtrack to an upbeat, sun-soaked California. Inspired by Bob Marley, Sublime, 311 and The Beastie Boys, The Dirty Heads’ music has evolved into a unique rockin’ ska sound that has been used on Fuel TV, in Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam game, movies and many surf/skate videos. Their newest album, “Any Port in a Storm-Special Edition” includes the hit, “Lay Me Down” featuring Rome of Sublime.
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Museum of Belize Unveils New Exhibit Honoring Mayas as 2012 Draws Near

As the official kick-off for Maya 2012 celebrations in Belize, the Belizean community is embracing a new worldly era by reflecting on the past at the Museum of Belize in Belize City. Providing a deeply enchanting and personal look at the Mayas’ work in creating famous Belizean jade masterpieces, “The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants” is an exhibit that was revealed in April in order to provide visitors with a deeper connection with Belize’s Maya culture, as people look to uncover the truth about the end of the 2012 calendar. As the first of many celebrations planned for when the world starts anew on December 21, 2012, this exhibit serves as a bridge between ancient times and the future, and sets the tone for a full line-up of Maya-related events, tours, activities and festivals in Belize, scheduled throughout 2011 and 2012.

“Jade signified life to the Mayas, and we are proud to commence our countdown to the world’s rebirth in conjunction with this renowned exhibit,” said Seleni Matus, director of tourism for the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). “The Long Count Calendar fascinates people from all over the world, and we look forward to unveiling the calendar’s true meaning and the Mayas’ mysteries to all visiting scientists, academics and visitors.”

“The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants,” which is sponsored by National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in conjunction with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), builds on and personalizes the already successful “Jades of Belize” exhibit by highlighting the Mayas who crafted extraordinary jade objects thousands of years ago.

As the epicenter of Maya culture during the Classic Period, Belize has retained its vibrant Maya community and strong influence throughout time, along with an array of ancient Maya temples, artifacts and more.  Information on all of Belize’s most notable Maya sites can be found on the country’s official travel website, but examples include Altun Ha, which is just north of Belize City and is where the largest carved jade object in the entire Maya area – a Jade Head – was originally discovered.  Lubaantun in Punta Gorda is a site rumored to be the place where Anna Mitchell-Hedges found the famous Crystal Skull, in 1926.  And temples at Lamanai in northern Belize were occupied continuously for over 3,000 years, and are surrounded by a lush and beautiful jungle.
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Ex Drinks, LLC Adds Pro Skateboarder Andy Macdonald to its Team of Athletes

Ex Drinks, LLC, a beneficial beverage company that specializes in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of a growing family of natural, great tasting drinks recently announced the signing of Andy Macdonald to its 2011 professional team of athletes. Andy Macdonald is one of skateboarding’s best ambassadors and most skilled professionals, known to millions all over the world as Andy Mac. He has competed in every Summer X Games since its inception in 1995 and owns 21 medals – more than any other skater in history. He has won Asian X Games four times and has been the runner up on the overall Dew Tour Standings for the last three consecutive years. Macdonald has been crowned as skateboarding’s World Champion eight years in a row in the World Cup Skateboard Series. Macdonald is on the Board of Directors for Grind for Life, a charity that raises money to help people dealing with cancer. He started Grind for Life’s annual “Clash at Clairemont” fundraising event which features some of the top athletes in action sports. Macdonald also recently began working with the Level Field Fund which raises money to bridge the gap for underfunded athletes.

Macdonald will be joining an all-star lineup of athletes returning for another year with Ex Drinks including big wave surfers Shane Desmond and Kohl Christensen, progressive surfer Zoltan Torkos, downhill gravity mountain bikers Mitch Ropelato and Christian Wright. Ex Drinks has also added young skateboarding phenom Colby Franz to its 2011 roster. The impressive lineup of athletes will act as spokespeople for the company and conduct appearances in addition to being featured in marketing materials and branded equipment. Ex Drinks is proud to support active, healthy lifestyles, which is why the company is making a commitment towards human-powered sports, particularly those deeply rooted in nature where athletes are able to challenge their environments. For more information, visit Team Ex Drinks.

 
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Our friends over at the Gear Junkie are having another great sweepstakes which could land you an all expense paid trip to Utah during the summer Outdoor Retailer show! If you think you are the most durable person…click here to enter. Good luck!

With vacation season on the horizon, travelers hunting for a bargain will find countless wallet-friendly options in Belize as hotels are slashing prices and boosting inclusive packages for the summer months. Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Maya temples, exotic wildlife and more, Belize provides an unforgettable vacation unlike any other destination in Central America and the Caribbean. And with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers will naturally save even more on their summer trips.

Below is a list of specific offers that begin in the summer and run through Belize’s low season (October 31) and are tailored to fit a range of travelers – from couples seeking romantic escapes to families in search of safe summer destinations. Tourists can also find a full roster of hot summer deals on Belize’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org.

SUMMER ROMANCE FOR A BARGAIN

Featuring remote islands, mesmerizing waterfalls and affordable luxuries, Belize is the ideal getaway for couples in search of rousing romantic destinations. From seaside star-gazing on the white beaches of Placencia to breathtaking sunsets on the Maya temples of Caracol in the Cayo District, Belize’s awe-inspiring attractions are sure to sizzle any couple’s summer. While the country’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, below are two summer deals perfect for stirring up a little romance.

The Palms Oceanfront Resort – Oceanfront Romance Package

Description: A 6 day/5 night romantic escape in an oceanfront suite for US$525 per person (double occupancy).  Package Includes: beautiful oceanfront suite; half day snorkeling along the famous Hol Chan Marine; free snorkeling equipment; swimming with the sharks and stingrays; complimentary land transfer to and from the Palms Resort; free bottle of local Belizean rum; and more.
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Ueli Steck, renowned Swiss alpinist and Mountain Hardwear-sponsored athlete known for speed records in the Alps, takes his era-defining speed style to the Himalaya. Ueli has summited the Tibetan giant of Shishapangma (8027-meters and 14th highest in the world) in a mere 10.5 hours, but it’s only the beginning.

Holding impressive speed records on the Eiger, the Matterhorn and les Grandes Jorasses, Ueli is now focused on the Himalaya bringing his light and fast, solo approach to the tallest peaks on the planet, and Shishapangma is only the first in what Ueli dubs Project Himalaya.

Ueli left basecamp at 5306m on Saturday April 16th at 10:30pm to solo-climb the southwest face and summit in just 10.5 hours. It is reported that just 20 hours after departure Ueli was back at basecamp recovering comfortably from the high alpine assault already thinking about what’s next up in the high mountains of Tibet.

Ueli’s success on Shisha Pangma can be attributed to his Olympic-level training regime he has followed the past three years, and the two months he spent this spring training and acclimatizing in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Using sprints up Lobuche and Cholatse as warm-ups for the real deal, Ueli is redefining what is possible in alpine climbing.

For the full back story, on-site video and insights into the unfolding chapters of Project Himalaya, visit: www.HimalayaSpeed.com

Thanks to the PR team at Mountain Hardwear for sending this our way. Continue Reading

Some great video to take you into the weekend! Less than 2 minutes of some awesome footage of ‘flying’ across a Mexican landscape.