A lot of people tend to think of mountain biking as an adult sport. There is no question that adult of all ages love it but younger folks enjoy it too. However, it’s not as simple as a parent buying a kid’s mountain bike and then putting their child on it. Even though your kid may feel right at home in the outdoors, and may know how to ride a bike, there are other concerns that you will likely have.

Safety will be your top concern, and there are a few things you can do to keep your child safer. Notice that I said “safer” and not “safe”. In fact, you should always keep the potential for injury in the back of your mind; not to the point of constantly harping on them and ruining the experience, but rather a healthy respect for what could potentially go wrong.

Mountain Bike Ride

When it comes to a kid’s mountain bike, safety begins at the point you purchase the bike. The first thing you need to do is make sure you are buying the bike from a knowledgeable retailer; a place that specializes in outdoor sports. They will be able to find your child a bike that has the proper sized frame. A bike that is too large or too small will only lead to problems and a lack of control and balance when out on the trail. But safety doesn’t stop there. Your child will also need to have a helmet that fits well, as well as knee and elbow pads, and gloves. Sure, some kids may not want to wear them out of fear of not looking cool, but the truth is that they will look a lot more foolish if they aren’t wearing the proper gear.

Okay, so now you have the kid’s mountain bike and all of the safety gear, and now you’re ready to hit the trail, right? Not quite. Your child should get used to riding the bike, and take mountain biking lessons. This will allow them to learn the various techniques that make mountain biking so much fun.

If you can’t find any lessons in your area, then you can go ahead and hit the trail. However, the purpose for this first outing should be to teach your child how to ride. Take it slow, especially at first, and be patient. It’s more important for them to be safe on their kid’s mountain bike than it is for you to hurry along the trail. While training your child the various mountain biking techniques, you should always emphasize safety. You don’t want them to be afraid, but you do want them to develop respect for the potential risks of this fun sport.

Mountain biking is a wonderful outdoor activity for people of all ages. Just remember that the youngest among us need special attention. Getting a kid’s mountain bike will make the overall experience more enjoyable for everybody in the family.

Choosing the perfect vacation package can be a lot of fun. If you have settled on one of many European all inclusive vacations that are available, then your only other decision is where you want to go. If you have given any thought to this already, then you know that it’s not exactly an easy decision. There are so many sites to see, cultures, geography and even various climates; all making it hard to choose.

The best part of European all inclusive vacations is that you could, in theory, take no money with you. ‘All inclusive’ means you don’t have to spend money on travel, lodging or meals. However it’s a good idea to take along plenty of spending money as there will always be things that aren’t included. For example, you will probably want to buy souvenirs of your trip, and those are spontaneous purchases that won’t be covered.

There is also a strong possibility that you will want to veer from the pre-planned itinerary from time to time. You might want to eat someplace that isn’t covered as part of the package, or do some sightseeing that also isn’t covered. It’s better to have some extra money at the end of your trip than it is to run out before the trip is over.

Let’s face it, with the state of today’s economy, staying within a budget is more important than ever. While you may think European all inclusive vacations sound expensive; the truth is that there are packages available for just about any budget. In fact, an all inclusive vacation can save you a lot of money in the long run. The reason is that the various parties–the hotel, car rental agency, museums, and so on–make arrangements with each other. For example, a hotel in Paris may get a 20% discount for its guests to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. They will then pass this savings on to you s part of the package. The savings can really start to add up when a bunch of places are making similar deals with one another.

One of the most attractive things about this type of vacation is that there is so little for you to worry about. It allows you to relax, without having to worry about how much everything is going to cost. However, as mentioned earlier, you can always do your own thing if you don’t want to stick to any part of the all inclusive plan. It’s ideal for those who like structure; it’s ideal for those who like to do their own thing; and it’s ideal for those who want everything to be taken care of.

As you can see, European all inclusive vacations are a great way to travel. They make travel easier, make it more affordable, and give you the opportunity to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Garni Max

Location

Centrally located in Santa Cristina and an ideal starting point for splendid skiing in winter and rewarding hiking and mountaineering tours in summer, it is conveniently located between the ski areas Ciampinoi (Sella Ronda) and Col Raiser/Seceda and within easy walking distance to various shops, restaurants, the local ski school, ski rentals and the ski pass office.

S. Cristina lies on the sunny side of the Val Gardena, in front of the Sassolungo, at an altitude of 1,428 m above sea level.

Garni Max ***
Via Cisles 21
39047 S. Cristina
Val Gardena – Italy
Voice: +39 0471 793020
Fax: +39 0471 793020
E-Mail: info@garnimax.com

Garni Max on the Santa Cristina Business Directory
http://www.garnimax.com/

There is no question that mountain biking is a thrilling way to enjoy the great outdoors. However, if you really want to have a good time you will need more than just you and the bike. Selecting the right mountain bike accessories can not only help you stay safe but also add to your enjoyment.

Shoes

Your choice of footwear can make the difference between having a great day, and having a torturous one. You can buy mountain biking shoes that are specifically made for the sport. They are both light and rugged and can be attached to clipless pedals for better riding. The idea is that the shoes work as an extension of the bike itself giving better control and power when biking.

Mountain Biking in Val Gardena

Gloves

These are both safety and comfort gear rolled into one, and that makes them necessary mountain bike accessories. Wearing gloves will give you a better grip on the handle bars, giving you a more comfortable riding experience. That better grip will also prevent you from losing control due to your hands slipping off the handlebars. Falls are quite common when mountain biking, and wearing gloves can help prevent hand injuries.

Water Bottle

Let’s face it, mountain biking is a demanding sport. Staying hydrated is more than a convenience, it’s a health issue. You can get a water bottle that clips directly to your bike, or get a hydration system that you wear on your back…or both. It may add a little bit of weight to your ride, but you really can’t have too much water on hand.

Handlebar Ends

These are simply attachments that are added to your existing handlebars. They are placed at a 90-degree angle. You may be wondering why they make good mountain bike accessories. It’s because they allow you to switch hand positions while you’re riding. This can add a lot of comfort when you are on a longer ride.

Hand pump and patch kit

All it takes is one flat tire to leave you stranded. It may have been a lot of fun pedaling far off the beaten path, but when that path beats back in the form of a flat tire, then you could end up in real trouble. You can cover a lot of ground when you’re riding your mountain bike, but imagine how long it would take to cover the same ground as you’re walking along with your mountain bike. But if you have a hand pump and a patch kit, you can fix your flat and be back on your way.

This is only a partial list of mountain bike accessories, but having them can make your trip into the outdoors more enjoyable. While you may not need them to get from Point A to Point B, but going without them can make that trip a real pain. Feel free to get as many accessories as you want, but the list above is a good list to start with.

People from all backgrounds and all ages enjoy the thrilling sport of mountain biking. Just like any other sport though, your level of enjoyment will go up when you learn how to mountain bike the right way. Getting the hang of the basics will give you a solid foundation on which you’ll be able to fine-tune your skills. This knowledge will come in handy whether you plan on biking nearly every day, or only once or twice per year.

Shifting

Shifting is the first skill you need to learn. Mountain bikes are designed to allow you to shift gears without having to take your hands off of the handlebars, which is much safer when riding over rough terrain. The proper shifting technique is to take pressure off the pedals and gently moving the shifter. You should never force the shifter, as that may damage the bike.

Mountain Biking in Val Gardena

Spinning

The next thing you need to know for how to mountain bike is what’s known as spinning. This will take some practice, but it’s basically a pedaling technique that gives you the most power. The idea is that you use both legs on every stroke; one pushing down, and the other pulling up. The sweet spot for this technique is in the range of 60 to 90 revolutions per minute.

Climbing.. with Your Bike!

They don’t call it “mountain biking” for nothing, and that means you need to learn how to climb with your bike. There are two main methods to learn for climbing: seated and standing. Each requires different maneuvers, and figuring out when to use either technique is part of the challenge of mountain biking. If you are on loose ground, or terrain that isn’t too steep, then a seated climb is usually preferable. You will get more power on steeper ground if you’re in a standing position.

Descent

Getting up is one thing, but making your descent is a vital part of how to mountain bike. The first few times going down will probably be quite thrilling, but just remember to use your brakes judiciously. Also, be sure to look far enough ahead on a regular basis, and not just a few inches in front of the bike.

Dealing with Obstacles

Because you will be going through wild terrain, you will encounter various obstacles. Learning how to deal with those obstacles is important. The basic technique is to lift up on your front wheel and push a little harder on the pedal. When done right, this technique will lift your front tire off the ground and over the obstacle. Lean forward as soon as the front wheel clears so there will be less weight over the rear tire; thereby allowing it to clear the obstacle more readily.

Last but not least: Enjoy!

Mountain biking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors; however, you won’t be an expert the first time you ride. That being said, just learning how to mountain bike is a lot of fun. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked.

When people talk about European travel packages, they could really be talking about a wide variety of possibilities. Europe covers a wide range of climates, culture and geography. From the royal pomp of England to the cool wilds of Scandinavia; from the rural peasantry of Eastern Europe to the thoroughly modern city of Berlin; from the Greek coasts to the mountains in the Dolomites and Val Gardena. Europe offers something for everybody. Though it may be next to impossible to say what constitutes a European vacation, it is safe to say that travel package removes a lot of the hassles associated with traveling.

You can either work through a private travel agent, or create your own package online.

The Sunset in Val Gardena

Using Travel Agents

The benefit of using a travel agent is that they can often get deals that aren’t available anywhere else. They will also have lot of knowledge about various points of interest, and can help craft the right package based on your needs. The downside of travel agents is that they may get commissions for bookings, which may lead them to pushing those things on you (with or without your knowing). Though you may pay more for a travel agent, you will also be using their professional knowledge to have a better trip.

or Online Services?

Creating your own package online is a good idea if you like to track down the best deals and have specific needs that may not be covered by a travel agent. Doing it this way allows you to pick and choose exactly what you want to do on your vacation, without being locked in to some itinerary that was chosen by someone else.

Whichever way you choose to book your European travel packages, it’s always best to plan ahead; at least to some degree. By planning, you will be able to see potential problems ahead of time. For example, if you want a quiet vacation in Spain, you wouldn’t want to book a trip to Pamplona during the second week of July (that happens to be when they do the running of the bulls, which means your vacation would be far from quiet). On the other hand, if you’re looking for excitement, then you would want to book your trip during that time.

Planning Ahead is Key

The other advantage of planning ahead is that you can pay for most of your trip ahead of time. Hotels, car rentals, flights and even some attractions will let you pay at the time of booking; that way you’ll have fewer things to worry about. However, be sure you have proof that you paid to avoid any potential confusion upon your arrival.

There are European travel packages that cater to any type of vacation you wish to have. Many of these packages are more affordable than a lot of people think, though it’s impossible to put a price on memories that will last a lifetime. So stop waiting and start planning your ideal vacation today.

Hopping onto a mountain bike and getting out into the great outdoors is a thrilling way to spend the day. As with any other type of outdoor sport, the things you take along can make a big difference in your overall experience. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on mountain bike equipment.

It may sound obvious, but the most important piece of equipment is the mountain bike itself. The thing is that a lot of people don’t take enough time when buying a bike. Some people go for the cheapest bike they can find and buy it right off the shelf; without ever even sitting on it to see how it feels. Then there are some people who buy the most expensive bike possible, but only so they can show it off as a status symbol. Of course there’s a chance that either bike may suit each buyer’s purposes, but both buyers are going about it the wrong way.

Mountain Biking in Val Gardena

Your Bike Shop

Going to a bike shop is a good start. You should go somewhere that has knowledgeable staff. A staff that knows what they’re doing can answer your questions and make sure you get the best bike for you. Feel free to ask questions, as you are investing in your most important piece of mountain bike equipment.

Getting a Helmet – Security First

Getting a helmet is vital. Some guys might think wearing a helmet makes them unmanly, but even if that were true, would you rather be macho or alive? Anybody who has done any amount of mountain biking knows how often spills, crashes and falls happen. It’s not a matter of if you will fall, but how often you will fall. A mountain biking helmet is one piece of equipment you shouldn’t scrimp on – it just may save you from serious injury or death.

Gloves

After a helmet, gloves are the most important piece of equipment. A quality pair of mountain biking gloves will protect your hands from abrasions and other injuries when you fall. Another benefit of the gloves is that they will help you to keep a solid grip on your handlebars. Due to the nature of mountain biking, it could be disastrous if your hands slipped – even a little -while you were in a precarious spot.

Eye Protection

Eye protection is also a good piece of mountain bike equipment to invest in. You are going to be outside when biking, and the trails are covered with all kinds of things you don’t want to get in your eyes; including rocks, dirt, dust and other kinds of debris. If you wear sunglasses you won’t have to worry about the glare of the sun, especially when it is low in the sky; allowing you to enjoy more time on the trail.

Shoes of course!

The final piece of mountain bike equipment we’ll talk about (though not the last one you should consider getting, as this is not a complete list) are shoes. You can wear any kind of outdoor shoe when biking, however, a lot of riders prefer to get shoes made specifically for mountain biking. These shoes attach to the pedals, allowing you to get more power with each stroke.

Perathoner Helmut

Helmut Perathoner from Ortisei in Val Gardena, has been working on religious sculptures most of the time in the last 28 years.

Do you want to catch the artist live at work or do you have any special wishes? You are welcome anytime for a visit.

Perathoner Wood Carvings
Perathoner Helmut
Italy

Perathoner Wood Carvings on the Val Gardena Business Directory

Val Gardena is known for its beautiful mountains both in summer and winter – ideal also for your loved pets!

Many visitors and tourists ask for Hotels and accommodations allowing pets in Val Gardena, so we have created a list that will be updated periodically. Found a hotel or accommodation missing in the list? Please let us know:

Contact Us

Saslong Smart Hotel

The Saslong Smart Hotel is a new hotel located in Santa Christina in Val Gardena with the motto “Great vacations at Smart prices”. The hotel has low prices and pets are welcome. Optionals like Wi-Fi Internet, ski-snowboard rentals and hotel ski-service are available.

Saslong Smart Hotel
39047 St. Christina
Val Gardena
Italy
+39 0471 774444
saslong.eu

Hotel Tyrol

The Hotel Tyrol is a 4s star hotel located in Selva Val Gardena offering the full service you would expect from a 4s stars hotel paired with the personal attention to guests a family-run business provides. Your dogs are welcome and you will enjoy the breakfast buffet and the recreation offered.

Hotel Tyrol
Via Puez 12
39048 Selva
Val Gardena
Italy
+39 0471 774100
tyrolhotel.it

Canadian downhiller Robbie Dixon discusses the course in Val Gardena, his start to the season and expectations people have at his hometown Vancouver:

.. this track is amazing! ..

It’s a pity there is so much background noise in the video, but it is worth watching nonetheless!