| iv id="body"> | | | | whether it is a bike breakdown or an injury. |
| Mountain bikers don't just like ordinary vacations - | | | | Self guided tours, on the other hand, are exactly |
| they want to take mountain bike holidays, where | | | | what they sound like - self guided. The touring |
| they can get out and try out trails that they don't | | | | company makes all of the arrangements for you to |
| often get the opportunity to try out. They also | | | | get to the destination where you will ride - but no |
| enjoy mountain bike holidays because they get to | | | | guide accompanies you. You are not guided on the |
| experience cultures, challenges, and scenery that | | | | trails in most cases either. This means that you need |
| simply isn't common place to their lives. It's no | | | | to have the necessary experience to deal with any |
| wonder that touring companies have started offering | | | | situations that may arise, such as injuries or |
| mountain bike holidays in almost every imaginable | | | | breakdowns, and you need to be able to read a map |
| destination in the world! | | | | well. You may also need to do some investigating to |
| Even bike manufacturers are getting in on the action. | | | | determine where you may and may not ride - |
| Trek has Trek Travel, which specializes in - you | | | | especially in a foreign country! Beginner mountain |
| guessed it - mountain bike vacations and tours. Fisher | | | | bikers typically do not have the necessary |
| Bikes has also started offering tour packages - with | | | | experience, and need to stick to guided tours for the |
| Gary Fisher as your friendly guide! Other | | | | time being. |
| manufacturers are sure to follow in the very near | | | | If you have never been on a tour of any type, it is a |
| future - because there is a definite market for | | | | good idea to know what you are getting into before |
| mountain bike holidays! | | | | booking the tour. Some tours consist of only you, |
| Travel agents are another good source for finding | | | | your guide, and other members of your party - such |
| mountain bike vacation packages, but they usually | | | | as your friends or family members. Other tours |
| don't offer what touring companies - which are not | | | | consist of you, the guide, and other people who |
| the same as travel agencies - can offer. Touring | | | | have signed up for the tour - strangers. It is |
| companies typically offer guided tours, but many | | | | important to know what the arrangement is before |
| offer self-guided tours as well. Depending on where | | | | booking the tour. |
| you want to go, and what your level of experience | | | | You also need to know what is expected of you on |
| is, a self-guided tour may be more enjoyable than a | | | | the tour. Most tours provide the bikes, and they are |
| guided tour. However, if you are inexperienced, or if | | | | usually top of the line bikes. Some companies will |
| you are going to a foreign country, you should | | | | allow you to bring your own bike, but in most cases, |
| strongly consider a guided tour. | | | | you will be responsible for your own bike. Your food |
| The tour guides are usually well trained, and they | | | | may or may not be provided as part of the package. |
| know the places that they will be leading you like the | | | | Again, it is vital that you find out all this information |
| back of their hands. You won't have to worry about | | | | before booking the tour. |
| getting lost or not finding the most challenging trails | | | | For your next vacation, you should definitely contact |
| for your skill level - the guide has all of that | | | | some of the touring companies about mountain bike |
| information. These guides typically know what is | | | | holidays to see if there is a trip that interests you. |
| acceptable, and what is unacceptable, in the areas | | | | Vacations are about more than just sightseeing - |
| that they often ride in, in terms of dealing with the | | | | adventure is the key to a fabulous vacation that you |
| locals - especially in foreign countries. These guides | | | | will never forget! |
| are also well equipped to deal with emergencies - | | | | |