Video: Downmall 2015 - Holding a Mountain Bike Competition in a Shopping Mall

Ever wonder what it would be like to hold a mountain biking competition in a shopping mall? Shoppers in one such mall in Berlin got to witness it first hand recently as riders zipped down escalators and performed tricks an an atrium before a large crowd of onlookers. The video below captures some of that action, which looks cramped and confining, but fun none the less.

Downmall 2015 - Berlin from T//Motion on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking Norway

This far too short video gives us an amazing glimpse of what it is like to mountain bike near the Fjords of Norway. The footage was shot in the incredible looking Romsdalen Valley, which looks to have some amazing trails for riders to explore. The clip appears to be a promo for Visit Norway that is meant to entice visitors to the region. I'd say it will be fairly successful judging from what I've seen here.

Video: Chasing the Inca on Mountain Bikes in Peru

A few weeks back I shared the trailer for a mountain biking documentary entitled Chasing the Inca. At the time, the full video was available online, but it couldn't be embedded on other websites. That has now changed, and you can watch the full 18+ minute film below. It follows riders Darren Berrecloth, Garrett Buehler, and Chris Van Dine as they explore remote regions of Peru in search of a lost Incan road through the Andes that was once used to escape invading Spaniards. This is a film of that combines both exploration and adventure on the back of a mountain bike, and it is definitely intriguing to watch.

Video: Downhill Urban Mountain Biking in Colombia

I always love a good mountain biking video, especially ones that show a rider zipping through some unbelievable setting. But I also have a soft spot for videos like this one, where some of the world's top riders take on an urban course lined with fans as they ride down stairs, across cobblestone streets, in and around buildings, and other unusual obstacles. In this case, we follow World Cup rider Marcelo Gutierrez as he bombs his way through the streets of his hometown of Manizales, Colombia. As you'll see, the ride is a wild one, even though it goes directly through the heart of the city.

Video: Last Mountain Bike Ride of the Season

Back in November, when the first signs of winter were first setting in, mountain biker Alex McAndrew headed out to one of his favorite trails near Stowe, Vermont to get in one last ride for the season. The result is this two-minute video, which shows Alex tearing up the trail in a beautiful wooded setting. For many of us, the next chance to ride won't come until the warm weather of spring returns, but this is a little reminder of what will be waiting.

Alex McAndrew - November from Skyline Studios // Henry Miles on Vimeo.

Video: The Sounds of Mountain Biking

Most mountain biking videos feature shots of pro riders tearing up an impressive trail while beautiful scenery passes by in the background and a rock and roll soundtrack blares out of your speakers. This clip has all of that save the loud music. Instead, it focuses more on the sounds that we hear while we're riding, the ones that we all know and love. Join rider Curtis Robinson as he takes his new Specialized Stumpjumper FSR EVO out for a cruise on some amazing looking singletrack. You won't be disappointed.

Wetness from The Coastal Crew on Vimeo.

Video: Riding the Hafjell Bike Park in Norway

Norway's Hafjell Bike Park is considered one of the best down hill mountain bike rides in the entire world. In this video, we get a first-person look at just what makes it so special, as riders Marcelo Gutierrez and Danny Hart go for a spin on a route called the "Roller Coaster." As  you can imagine, it is filled with all kinds of exciting elements, including plenty of speed, tight turns, and big air. Looks like fun!

Video: Teaser Trailer for Chasing the Inca Mountain Bike Film

This short, one-minute teaser trailer gives us an all too brief glimpse of the upcoming mountain bike film Chasing the Inca. The film follows a group of mountain bikers who travel to Peru in search of a lost Incan road that was believed to have been used to escape invading Spanish armies. The team explore some incredibly beautiful backcountry in the Peruvian Andes, documenting their amazing adventure along the way.

If you think that the teaser is intriguing enough, you can watch the full film by clicking here. I'd certainly recommend that you do.

Video: Mountain Biking Squamish

Squamish, British Columbia is an amazing outdoor playground, as is evidenced in the video below. It features mountain biker Sid Slotegraaf as he goes up and down some of the amazing trails that can be found there. At the moment, the place is probably covered in snow, but come spring, this will be just the place for a great ride. It's never too early to start planning.

The Patrol: Up and Down Squamish from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.

Gear Junkie Looks at the 110 Greatest Outdoor Ambassadors of All Time

The Gear Junkie, working in conjunction with Wigwam, have come up with a unique project to celebrate that company's 110th anniversary. Over that period of time, we've seen a lot of amazing people do a lot of amazing things in the outdoors. So, to that end, Gear Junkie and Wigwam are compiling a list of the 110 Greatest Outdoor Ambassadors of All Time.

Regular readers of this blog will recognize more than a few names that have earned a spot in the line-up. Some of the men and women who are part of the list are outdoor athletes, while others are explorers, conservationists, gear designers, and so on. Each has made an undeniable contribution to the world of outdoor adventure, and while not all of them are household names, they each are very deserving of this honor.

Some of the people who made the list include polar skier John Huston, inventor and adventurer Ray Jardine, polar explorer Eric Larsen, adventure racer Mike Kloser, and mountaineer Conrad Anker, just to name a few. Some of the outdoor luminaries that are part of the project are still active today, others are historical figures from the past who left their mark in some very unique ways. These men and women are climbers, skiers, endurance athletes, filmmakers, and so much more. Over the years, they have inspired us, encouraged us, and most of all, they have certainly lived up to the title of "Outdoor Ambassador."

One of the best elements of this list is that it isn't quite complete yet. At the moment, it ends at number 73, who happens to be our friend Dave Cornthwaite of Expedition 1000 fame. The Gear Junkie and Wigwam are asking us to help fill in the rest of the list by suggesting more names to add. In the coming weeks, they will continue to expand the number of men and women who earn the honor of being included in this hall of fame based on the suggestions that we provide. For instance, I've suggested Ueli Steck as a candidate, and think that he is very deserving of being one of these ambassadors as well.

Who do you think should make the cut? Have a look at the full list here, and then add your suggestions here.

Video: Technical Mountain Bike Freeride in Squamish, British Columbia

If the holidays have left you bereft of an adrenaline fix, perhaps this video will be of assistance. It features professional mountain bike rider Aaron Chase as he screams down a fairly technical singletrack trail in Squamish, British Columbia. Captured using a helmet cam, it gives us a great idea of what it is like to ride these amazing trails, with much of the route not meant for your average rider. This one is guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Video: Danny MacAskill Rides the Alpe Adria Trail in Europe

Mountain bike rider Danny MacAskill is back once again with a new video, doing what he does best. For those not familiar with Danny, that means riding some amazing routes, while pulling off some unbelievable stunts, on terrain that few riders would even think about attempting. This time out, he's doing his thing on the Alpe Adria Trail, which runs for more than 750 km (466 miles) through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Typically this trail is not accessible by bike, so MacAskill and his team had to take what they could find along the way. The results – as usual – are pretty spectacular. Enjoy!

Video: Mountain Biking Iceland

We all know Iceland is a fantastic adventure travel destination, but it turns out it has some epic mountain biking trails as well. In this video. Kyle Jameson and friends head to Iceland for some freeriding opportunities, and find plenty of great trails, surrounding by breathtaking scenery, to pedal. I can't think of a better way to explore this country than on the back of a bike, and this five-minute clip is likely to convince you of the same. Sit back and enjoy. Mountain biking doesn't get much better than this.

Video: Urban Mountain Biking in San Francisco

Here's a cool video that should inspire more of us to get out and ride more regularly. It follows Karl Johnson, an engineer at Mission Motors in San Francisco, as he goes for a bike ride within the city confines. Karl rides his bike to work every day, and as this video shows, he doesn't have to stay confined to just the busy city streets. It is a good reminder that there are often very interesting places to ride all around us, we just have to take the time to look.

ICONIC from Kitsbow on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking the Elk Mountains in Colorado

Just when you thought it wasn't possible for Colorado to be even more enticing as an adventure destination, along comes this video from Yeti Cycles. It was shot in Elk Mountains, which are located not far from the town of Crested Butte. It gives viewers an intriguing glimpse at how wonderful this rugged section of the Rocky's truly is, with some great looking singletrack, beautiful fall scenery, and breathtaking vistas. This is the type of video that will have you longing to get back on your mountain bike for one more ride this fall, even as the cold winds of winter remind you that the season is nearly over. This isn't just a wonderful video to watch however. It is a visual ode to the sport of mountain biking in all of its glory. We should all be so lucky to have trails like this one at our disposal.

 Elk Mountains. I'm Part of the Tribe. from Yeti Cycles on Vimeo.

Arctic Bike 2015: Cycling 7200km Across Scandinavia in the Dead of Winter

Not all of the big winter expeditions are taking place in the Antarctic – or on major mountains – this year. In fact, one of the most challenging winter journeys will actually be taking place in Scandinavia, where explorer Boris Krielen will attempt to ride a bike for more than 7200km (4473 miles) through a frozen landscape that will provide plenty of obstacles along the way. Boris is calling his expedition Arctic Bike 2015, and he expects to get started in January.

The ride will begin in The Hague in the Netherlands, where Boris will start peddling north. The route will take him through Sweden and Finland, on his way to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe. Once he has reached that location, he'll then turn back south, passing through Norway on his way back to his starting point in The Hague once again.

Winter in Scandinavia is a cold, windy, and dark season. The days will be short, with temperatures routinely dropping below zero. High winds and heavy snow will not be uncommon. Riding a bike for any distance – let alone 7200km – in those conditions seems like it would be incredibly difficult, but that isn't the only challenge that Boris has set for himself. He also intends to climb highest points in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland along the way. Those points consist of Møllehøj (Denmark - 171m/561 ft), Galdhøpiggen (Norway - 2469m/8100 ft) , Kebnekaise (Sweden - 2113m/6932 ft) and Halti (Finland - 1328m/4256 ft). Three of those could prove to be extremely challenging climbs in the dead of winter.

Boris will travel unsupported, pulling a small cart behind his bike as he goes. That cart will carry most of his gear and supplies for the journey. About once a week or so, he intends to stay in a local inn along the route, allowing him to sleep in a normal bed, get a hot shower, and recharge his batteries. He'll also take that opportunity to post updates to social media on his progress.

The Arctic Bike 2015 expedition is expected to begin on January 15 and continue to April 1. You can follow the progress of the ride on Boris' Facebook page and his Twitter account. Watch for future updates here as well.

The Adventure Blog Holiday Shopping Guide

Thanksgiving is always a great time here in the States. Friends and family gather together to catch-up with one another, enjoy some great food, and relax for a few days. But, it also kicks off the frenzy of the holiday shopping season, with millions of consumers heading out to stores in search of the perfect present for their loved ones. If you have an outdoor adventurer on your shopping list this year, then perhaps I can suggest a few items that they might find under the tree. Without further adieu, I present to you the 2014 Adventure Blog holiday shopping guide.

Osprey Rev 12 Pack ($110)
The perfect gift for the trail or ultra runner in your life is, without a doubt, the Rev 12 pack from Osprey. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and packed with features. For instance, it comes with with a 2.5L hydration bladder, an innovative media pocket that keeps your phone close at hand at all times, and plenty of pockets and compartments for storage of essential gear. This is simply one of the best packs ever made for trail running, and it is sure to be a hit with your favorite outdoor athlete. The Rev is also available in 1.5 liter, 6, liter, 18 liter, and 24 liter sizes depending on the needs of the runner.

Mountain Hardwear Sereaction Jacket ($600)
Looking for the ultimate high performance jacket to keep your favorite adventurer warm and dry in the mountains? Then look no further than the Sereaction Jacket from Mountain Hardwear. This shell features the company's proprietary Dry.Q Elite fabrics, which were developed for maximum breathability and ventilation during rigorous alpine activities. Designed to allow the wearer to remain comfortable at all times, without restricting movement, this is a jacket that will perform well in nearly any kind of environment and conditions.

Bikes From Cannondale
One of the best presents that anyone can find under the tree on Christmas morning is a new bike. That was true when we were kids, and it remains true to this day. Cannondale always has excellent models to fit every type of rider. The Trail SL 29 ($2060) is a great ride for all-mountain performance, while the Quick CX 1 ($1620) is a fun hybrid for comfortable off-road and city riding. But for the top of the line mountain biking experience, check out the Trigger Carbon Black, Inc. ($10,830), a lightweight, nimble beast that can both climb and descend like no other. This is quite possibly the best mountain bike available today.

CamelBak Forge Travel Mug ($30)
If you've been looking for the ultimate travel mug, your search is over. CamelBak (yes, the makers of all those hydration packs!) has gone to great lengths to design the best travel mug imaginable. The Forge features a double-wall, vacuum insulated container that will keep your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate warm for 4+ hours. Its innovative lid features a leak-proof design that is built to keep your hot beverage going inside of you, not down the front of your shirt. Best of all, CamelBak has come up with a way to make it easier than ever to keep you mug clean, with a design that is so simple, you'll wonder why no one thought of it sooner. This is a wonderful product that is perfect for just about anyone on your list.

Outdoor Technology Big Turtle Shell Wireless Speaker ($230)
These days, Bluetooth wireless speakers are everywhere, and have become a popular accessory for our outdoor adventures. But few of them are built from the ground up to survive in the backcountry, while also delivering high quality sound in the process. The Big Turtle Shell from Outdoor Technology has been designed to not only provide great audio performance, but it is also water resistant, dust proof, and shock proof. That means, music lovers don't have to compromise on sounds when they go camping or backpacking. And with a battery life of 16 hours, they'll be able to listen for a long time between recharges.

Sugoi Cycling and Running Jackets
Running and cycling apparel also make for great gifts, and Sugoi has some of the best gear for both sports. Take for example the new Zap Bike Jacket ($160), which features the innovative Pixel fabrics that are designed to be both highly waterproof and incredibly reflective. This is the kind of jacket you want your loved one wearing when the rain sets in, or darkness starts to fall a bit earlier than expected. Similarly, the Alpha Hybrid Jacket ($175) is tailor made for runners. It provides plenty of warmth for those cold weather outings, with great breathability to ensure overheating doesn't become an issue. Wind and water resistant, the Alpha will quickly become a favorite piece of gear for your favorite runner.

Vasque Grand Traverse Shoes ($130)
Adventure travelers looking for a lightweight, highly packable, and very comfortable shoe to take with them on journeys will want to consider the Grand Traverse from Vasque. Good looking and versatile, these shoes are perfect for light trail duty, traipsing around town, or shuffling through an airport. Depending on the type of activities that are part of the itinerary, the Grand Traverse just might be the only shoe you need to take with you on that next adventure abroad.

Nite Ize Inova STS Headlamp ($35)
There are a lot of headlamps available on the market today, but what sets the Inova STS from Nite Ize apart from the competition is its unique swipe-to-shine technology. This allows the wearer to quickly and easily dial in the exact level of brightness they need without having to fumble with buttons, special modes, or switches. The headlamp is capable of putting out as much as 142 lumens of power, and is waterproof to one meter, as well as drop resistant.

Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Power Pack ($200)
Keeping your electronic devices fully charged in the backcountry can be a real challenge these days. In addition to smartphones and digital camera, we also have to be able to keep your GPS devices, rechargeable headlamps, and other gadgets working too. It would be nice if that extended to tablets and laptops as well. Enter the Sherpa 50 Power Pack($200) from Goal Zero, a battery pack that can provide plenty of juice for everything you take with you on your adventures. Charge it up before you leave home, or pair it with a Nomad 13 solar panel ($160) for a portable charging solution.

Buffs ($20)
Buffs have been around a long time now, and they remain one piece of gear that I never leave home without. These versatile pieces of headgear can serve as a scarf, balaclava, do-rag, face mask, and so much more. Available in dozens of colors and styles, they make great stocking stuffers for the active outdoor enthusiast. Personally, I'm a bit partial the new National Geographic Everest design, but there are so many to choose from, it's tough to decide which is best. And don't forget there are Buffs designed specifically for cold weather use as well.

Chums Gizmo PED Case ($25)
Keeping our electronic devices safe while in the backcountry, or on a trip to the far side of the planet is of the utmost importance. That's why Chums has introduced a new set of products designed to do just that. The Gizmo case is offers padded protection for a smartphone, digital camera, or similarly sized device, with an interior that is lined with soft fleece to protect delicate screens. The outer shell is made of ballistic nylon to help provide further protection, while a couple of interior pockets are great for organization. The case is perfect for an iPhone 6, charger, and cable, with enough room left over for a few other items too.

Vessyl Smart Cup ($99)
Fitness and workout nuts will love Vessyl, a smart cup that can keep track of everything they drink, and provide nutritional feedback. With its sophisticated set of sensors, the Vessyl is capable of detecting the brand, flavor, and contents of just about anything that is put into it, and store that data for analysis over time. The device can then break down the "liquid calories" consumed by the user, making them more aware of what they are drinking. When linked to a smartphone, the device can help users lose weight, stay hydrated, regulate sugar and caffeine intake, and more. The Vessyl will ship in 2015, but can be preordered now at a special introductory price.

Video: 55-Year Old Female Mountain Biker Finds Adventure in Austria

How about a bit of inspiration for your day? Check out this video, which features 55-year old Uta Philipp off on a mountain biking adventure in Austria. She rides like someone half her age, and has a spirit that deserves to be applauded. She couldn't have picked a more beautiful location for her ride either. It looks like a fantastic place to explore on two wheels.

Granny MacAsskick from Summitride on Vimeo.

Video: Nosunvalley - Mountain Biking in Slovenia

I don't know much about the Soča Valley in Slovenia, but judging from what is shown in this video, it looks like a beautiful outdoor destination, with some great mountain biking trails to ride. This short film takes us on a journey through this intriguing landscape on a mountain bike, giving us a glimpse of the amazing mountains, valleys, and meadows that exist there. It looks spectacular to say the least.

Nosunvalley [MOVIE] from Twisted Chick Production on Vimeo.

Adventures in Quito: Hacienda El Porvenir – A Base Camp for Andes Adventures

Over the course of ten days in Ecuador, I have had the privilege of seeing a number of truly wonderful things, while also staying in some fantastic lodges along the way. If you’ve been reading my posts throughout my travels, you have no doubt seen me mention a couple of these great hotels, several of which I have recommended highly. But nothing prepared me for my stay at Hacienda El Porvenir, a traditional mountain lodge that can serve as your base camp for adventure in the Andes.

El Porvenir isn’t likely to impress on first glance, especially if you’ve visited one of the more modern and upscale lodges in the Quito area. But don’t let the exterior fool you. This is a place that will capture your heart, and call you back for future visits. The hacienda has a charm and character all of its own, and a soul that is pure Ecuadorian.

The main house that makes up the lodge belonged to the same family for six generations. About 15 years ago, they decided to convert it into a hotel, first starting with some very basic accommodations that are not unlike something you’d find in hostel. Over the years, they have expanded the operations, and added on additional rooms and buildings, allowing for El Porvenir to meet the needs of more guests. Those additions include incredibly comfortable suites, family rooms, and options for singles and couples. The result is that the lodge pretty much has something for everyone – and every budget.

The entire hacienda covers more than 1000 hectares (2470 acres) of prime real estate on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park. In fact, on clear days, the massive volcano can be easily seen from the hotel itself. Other prominent peaks throughout the area are visible as well, giving El Porvenir some of the best views in all of Ecuador. All of that land is put to good use as well, as guests can book horseback rides into the highlands, hit custom made mountain biking trails, or go hiking on self-guided or full-guided tours. If you like staying active on your travels, and like to stay at a place that can provide several forms of adventurous pursuits, this is definitely the place for you.

El Porvenir is an Ecuadorian ranch at heart, and it stays true to those origins today. The lodge has an impressive herd of horses, and many head of cattle also roam the fertile grasslands that surround the guest quarters. Several times of year, expert horseman from across the globe visit the lodge to take part in an authentic cattle drive, during which the local chalcas – Ecuadorian cowboys – round up wild bulls for use in regional celebrations, mock bull fights, and for use in the kitchen. These popular rodeos are an Andean tradition that remain popular to this day.

Speaking of the kitchen, the management at El Porvenir has worked hard to create a very tasty menu as well, all with food sourced locally. Their gourmet offerings keep guests very satisfied, with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats that are purchased from the local communities. As with several of the lodges I stayed in on my trip, the food was definitely a highlight, with the steak filet in gooseberry sauce – made from berries picked right off the mountain – as a true highlight.

My stay wasn’t all about just soaking up the comforts however, as I got to take part in several activities while I was there, including a nice self-guided hike that provided excellent views of the surrounding countryside. But the true highlight was a morning horseback ride into the Andean highlands on a near-perfect day. The ride took us up above 4200 meters (13,780 ft), with Cotopaxi gleaming like a beacon the entire way.

I have to admit that I am not all that comfortable on horseback. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to ride several times, usually in amazing destinations, but for some reason I have never been entirely comfortable in the saddle. But the sure-footed Andean ponies that are in use at El Porvenir are well trained, good-tempered, and extremely easy to ride. After just a few minutes in the saddle I was feeling comfortable and confident, even as we jogged up well-worn trails into the hills surrounding the lodge.

My ride went on for about four hours, with spectacular views at every stage. The thick grasses of the highlands proved to be no impediment for the stout horses, who are capable of carrying large loads, even at attitude. My steed in particular had to work hard, as I am certainly larger than most of the Ecuadorians that I have met on my travels.

Adventurous travelers who want to explore the Andes by horseback will find excellent guides and horses at El Porvenir. Even if you’ve never been on a horse before, they’ll provide you with good training and support, both before and during your ride. I’m told that about 50% of all visitors are complete beginners, but they all do fine once they get settled in the saddle. Judging from my observations, I’d say that is an accurate statement.

While I didn’t get the opportunity to mountain bike one of the outstanding trails at El Porvenir, I did get to see the bikes that guests have at their disposal. They include some top-notch models with disc breaks, full suspensions, and carbon fiber frames. Often times when you visit a lodge such as this one, you get bikes that are old, and lacking features. That isn’t the case here, allowing visitors to ride with confidence. That certainly makes for a much better experience for both new and experienced riders alike.

As I’ve said previously, one of the things that has impressed me the most about Ecuador is how friendly and accommodating the people are. Everyone I have met has been incredibly hospitable, and that includes the staff at El Porvenir. From the moment you arrive, to the time you checkout, the staff is courtesy, professional, and quick to assist. That includes the front desk managers, the cooks and waitresses, and the friendly ladies who deliver hot water bottles to your door each evening, and light the wood burning stoves in the suites. You’d be hard pressed to find a friendlier crew in any mountain lodge around the world, and I believe it is that level service that keeps brining customers back.

If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador yourself, and you’re looking for an unforgettable place to stay, you really do owe it to yourself to book a room at El Porvenir. With options for every budget, great food and service, and plenty of adventure activities on site, this is a truly great lodge. Whether you just want to relax in a serene, picturesque setting, or fill your days with hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, you’ll no doubt be charmed by this Andean retreat. It is fun, romantic, and comfortable, with distinct feel that is unlike any other place I have ever stayed. Truly a great Ecuadorian escape.

Tierra del Volcan, the company that owns El Porvenir, also has two other Haciendas in Ecuador, and can arrange a number of other adventures for you in the country as well. Be sure to check out their website to see what else they have to offer.