Great Trips by Bike

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Don't expect the crude roads of Copper Canyon to be paved with gold. More like treacherous and dusty. Where you're pedaling through mountains and windy curves. Up and down steep switchbacks. And making your way through narrow passageways. This is the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range of northwest Mexico.

When you take a bike trip like Copper Canyon, speed isn't really the name of the game. Mountain bikers may love the thrill of wind in their hair, but when you see something this beautiful, you might want to stop and smell the roses.

WorldTrek Expeditions has a site which details its trips to Copper Canyon. Highlights of the trip include waterfalls, Tarahumara cave homes, remote villages, haciendas, Spanish missions, hot springs and more.

Conquering The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

The Great Divide Trail, end to end, is the longest mountain bike route in the world, measuring approximately 2,644 miles. It begins at the port of Roosville in Montana, follows the Continental Divide, and travels south through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, just on the Mexican border.

If you're looking for a casual ride, only the rugged need apply. To complete the whole trip can take upwards of 75 days. The Great Divide ride, although paved in many areas, is also wrought with mud, rocks, snow, rain, ice, fallen trees and creeks. Expect a lot of rough riding.

The trail is teeming with wildlife, and it's not unusual to see bears, antelopes, eagles and osprey. The route will take you through several national parks, including Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Along the way, you'll catch a glimpse of ghost towns, Indian reservations, deserted mines and wagon routes.

For more information, check out the trip itinerary available from the Adventure Cycling Association.

Desert Biking, Anyone?

Here's an oxymoron -- mountain biking in the desert. So how fat are those tires, anyway? This site tells you where to find the best places to cycle in -- and around -- the sand. In California, look for trails in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. You can ride your way up rocky hills, or pedal your way through deep sand. Either way, there are places to take your wheels and roll with it. For more destinations, just check out the list on Desert USA.

More Links

Beginner's Mountain Bike Info Guide

Bicycle Clubs

IMBA - International Mountain Bicycling Association

Mountain Bike Magazine

MountainZone.com

Webmountainbike.com

Western Spirit - Western, U.S. Mountain Bike Trips

Women's Mountain Bike & Tea Society (WOMBATS)