Tag - hiking

Should You Join a Hiking Club?

For just about any activity you can think of there are bound to be like-minded individuals who share your passion. Of course, hiking is no exception to this rule. If you are an avid hiker, you may want to consider joining a hiking club. Naturally, membership in a hiking club means that you will likely be joining others as you undertake this exhilarating activity. There are several advantages to hiking with others in this way. First, hiking with others is fun and exciting as you talk with and support your fellow hikers. Second, there is safety in numbers. When you hike with multiple individuals, especially experienced hikers, you are less likely to have an accident. When examining all of the benefits of joining a hiking club, it is important to remember that not all hiking clubs are the same. For example, there are some hiking clubs where members only meet up for hiking adventures and little else. On the other hand, then there are hiking clubs that do much more. These clubs have monthly or even weekly meetings to discuss topics that are of interest to hikers. Also, during these kinds of meetings members plan hiking trips, discuss the latest in hiking gear trends, and so forth. Finally, there are hiking clubs that use fundraisers, like car washes, etc. to pay for their hiking adventures.  Choosing the Right Hiking Club When it comes to choosing a hiking club, there are a number of important factors that you should take into consideration. For example, you should know that some hiking clubs charge their members monthly or yearly fees. Make sure you find a club that fits into your budget.  Next, you will want to take your schedule into consideration as well. Do you have time to attend all monthly or even the weekly meetings? This will all depend upon your lifestyle and how dedicated you are to hiking. The people who are most dedicated to their passion always find the time.  How to Find a Hiking Club If you would like to join a hiking club, you may want to first try and see if there are any local hiking clubs in your area. You can start with this site which has a national directory of clubs. Next, you can try searching for hiking groups on a general site that brings people together who share common interests such as the site Meet up. Finally, you can try asking the staff at a local hiking park if they know of any local hiking clubs.  As you can see, joining a hiking clubs is a fun way to share your love of hiking with others who feel the same way. The more the merrier - as the saying goes. We provide scenic railroad trips and Yellowstone National Park hiking trips for groups on our site. Booking an appointment is easy and we are here to answer any and all questions your group may have.    
October 11, 2020
By blog, , , , , , , Comments Off
Read more...

Cycling Gear: What to Wear and When to Wear it

There is a wide-range of cycling gear available from which to choose. Before you decide what you will need you should ask yourself the following questions:
  • What gear is required by law?
  • What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do?
  • What equipment is best for the weather conditions in which I will be cycling?
For these questions, cycling store employees should be able to help you as you seek to purchase new or updated clothing. What gear is required by Law? Nearly every government has regulations requiring helmets for cyclists. Some states require them for all riders while others set an age requirement. This is a good thing. A good, well-fitting helmet could save your life. The right helmet can also aid you in being able to be seen by cars, pedestrians and other cyclists. On the other hand, an ill-fitting helmet has actually become an impediment to safe cycling.  What gear will provide the most comfort for the bicycling I plan to do? You should consider purchasing a variety of clothing for cycling since your needs may change as a cyclist. For starters, cycling shorts are great for longer rides. They help you to remain cool while you are exerting yourself on the roadway. This is because a quality pair of shorts can help control moisture/sweat. Finally, most shorts have a padded seat for extra protection and comfort for extensive riding. In addition to shorts, you should choose a short-sleeve cycling jersey to help your upper body stay cool on long-rides as well. However, some mountain bikers who ride through brush and trees prefer long-sleeve jerseys to protect their arms from abrasions. In short, both cycling shirts and jerseys can ensure that riders maintain a good temperature.  What equipment is best for the weather conditions in which I will be cycling? Avid cyclists hit the road during all kinds of weather. For cold days, a cycling jacket or a wool cycling jersey can help keep you warm against the cooler air while still keeping you dry. Windproof jackets are also available for wind and rain protection. Coupled with cycling pants or knee warmers, which keep your knees and legs warm and flexible, these items will help you have a pleasant ride, even when the weather is less than ideal.  On the other hand, during warm weather your cycling apparel should mirror what you would wear on long rides. Good cycling or bib shorts and a sleeveless jersey will keep you comfortable and cool. You may also want to carry a lightweight, compact cycling jacket with you. Cycling jackets made of breathable material that incorporates ventilation, like mesh vents, in the fabric can easily be found online.  In summary, if you are seriously into cycling then choosing a variety of bicycle clothing is in your best interests. The proper equipment will make you more comfortable and safer. We can provide you with a unique cycling or hiking experience on one of our Big Sur adventures. You can also book one of our truly awe-inspiring scenic railroad trips. 
August 7, 2020
By blog, , , , , , Comments Off
Read more...

Ways to Reduce Backpack Weight

Many hikers have problems organizing their backpack efficiently. Since a comfortable hike depends a great deal on carrying as little weight on your person as possible, many hiking experts say that it is important to master the skill of loading your backpack as resourcefully as possible. Here, are some tips on how to organize your backpack effectively by making it as light as possible while still having in it the equipment, food etc, that you will need. Many experts say that hikers should focus first on reducing food items in order to make a lighter backpack. Let’s start with the most important food related item a hiker can take with him/her - water. Water helps us to control the body’s temperature and it helps us to remain hydrated. Since it is hard to reduce the amount of water required for a hike, you should consider trying to estimate the amount of water you will need for your entire trip. You can do this in one of two ways. First, you can go online and use a calculator that will tell you how much water you need daily based on height, weight and level of activity. Second, you can do this by studying the map you will be using on your hike and finding out where the water sources are located. As you seek to control how much food and water you pack with you on your hike keep in mind that hiking can be a pretty intense form of exercise activity. You will need some food in order to generate enough energy to be able to move about. Not preparing enough food can be just as detrimental to your trip as carrying too much food weight with you. However, the most important thing to consider when knowing what foods to pack is caloric count. Prepare foods that provide the optimum amount of calories you will need. These items do not necessarily need to be bulky. For example, trail mix can supply a lot of your caloric needs and generally does not weigh much. Look for nutritious calories from quality food instead of using junk food for a temporary burst of energy. When we talk about nutritious calories, most hikers usually think about fruits and vegetables. Try dried apricots, banana chips, and apple chips instead of whole fruits and vegetables. Also consider packing freeze dried food. Because freeze dried tends to be very light, it is easy to contain in a backpack. Using these tips you should be able to create a strategy that will help you control your backpack’s weight. Our site offers you the opportunity for plenty of Yellowstone national park hiking where you can meet up with and enjoy this activity with like minded individuals. We also have scenic railroad trips that are available throughout the US and Canada.
July 7, 2020
By blog, , , , , , , Comments Off
Read more...
hiking

5 Hiking Tips for Older Adults

There is much to recommend hiking as a form of exercise, especially for older adults. In fact, According to the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, seniors who walk regularly greatly reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular difficulties. Apart from that, hiking is just plain fun and a great way to connect with friends and to see nature. Why then should the elderly be excluded from this activity? Here are some useful hiking tips for elderly people who want to reap the massive benefits that this activity offers.
  • Check with your doctor: First and foremost, you should consult with your physician before you begin to hike. True, many seniors do enjoy hiking, but it is also true that age takes its toll on people in different ways. One senior may be perfectly able to undergo the rigors of a long walk, while another may have health conditions that limit the amount and frequency of long walks.
  • Prepare appropriately: If you’ve been cleared by your doctor for hiking you will still need to prepare yourself, especially if you haven’t walked in a while. As a way to prepare yourself, stretch as you should before for any exercise. Also, you may wish to start on smaller, easier trails and gradually work your way up to more challenging routes.
  • Use a walking stick or hiking pole: Some elderly persons have balance issues. Moreover, falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly. To help prevent this while you are on the trail, consider bringing along a walking stick or hiking pole to increase your balance. hiking
  • Try hiking with a group: Hiking with a team of like-minded persons is a great way to learn more about hiking and to share the experience with your peers. Moreover, hiking with a group will tend to make you feel safer as everyone can look for each other.
  • Wear proper shoes: All serious hiking should invest in the proper attire and a good pair of shoes in particular. Hiking involves a great deal of traversing over various kinds of terrain which can put stress on the feet, ankles, and knees. In order to mitigate the shock that the activity can cause to joints, pick footwear that is suitable for uneven terrain and that gives you plenty of traction.
Finally, by following the above tips you will be able to stay healthy well into your golden years. You may even get to the point of being able to hike longer and more difficult trails than much younger hikers. (It happens quite often with seniors who have been hiking for years.) If you truly want to test your hiking ability and are cleared by your doctor to do so, you may wish to try Yellowstone National Park hiking. This way you will experience nature as you get into shape. Or you can relax on one of our scenic railroad trips.
April 17, 2020
By blog, , , , , Comments Off
Read more...