Video: A Winning Downhill Mountain Bike Run

Ever wonder what a winning down-hill run looks like at a UCI mountain biking event? Than take a look at the footage captured by Rachel Atherton's GoPro camera this past weekend. With this ride she not only won the event she was competing in, she collected enough points to become the overall season winner as well. See what she has to deal with out on the course from her own perspective as she bombs down a run that includes tight curves, jumps, banks, and a host of other obstacles. It looks like a lot of fun, although I don't think I'd be going quite so fast.

Video: Riding the Liguria Mountain Divide Race in Italy

This short video is the latest from our friends over at Teton Gravity Research. It takes us to Italy where we follow endurance mountain biker Jay Petervary as he attempts to ride the Liguria Mountain Divide Race, a grueling competition that features a 311-mile course with more than 55,000 feet (16,764 meters) of vertical gain. Most riders take nine days to finish, but Jay did it in 4 days, 12 hours. Check it out for yourself and get a taste of what this event is all about.

Video: Urban Mountain Biking Through the Streets of Cusco, Peru

We all love a good mountain bike video. It's always fun to watch someone bombing down an amazing trail or riding along a beautiful ridge. This video is not like that, although it is a lot of fun none the less. In this case, we follow pro riders Aaron Chase and Chris Van Dan as they take to the streets of Cusco, Peru on what has to be one of the gnarliest urban rides ever put down on film. It is 3+ minutes of these two men taking their bikes to some pretty unique places. Strap yourself in for this one, it's a lot of fun.

Video: Amazing Mountain Bike Ride Caught in a Single Shot

This four-minute mountain biking video comes from our friends at Teton Gravity Research and is part of their latest film unReal. It features pro mountain biker Brandon Semenuk in a cinematic first. Remarkably, this segment of the film was captured in a single shot, following Brandon as he drives to the top of the trail, gets out, and starts his descent. To pull this off, TGR had to set up a sophisticated camera and mount it to a truck that followed the action on a custom built road located next to a custom built trail. The results, as you'll see, are nothing short of spectacular.

Video: Mountain Biking Down a Bobsled Run

Mountain bikers are certainly adaptable if nothing else. Case in point, in this video a pair of riders race down an old bobsled track on Mt. Trebevic near Sarajevo in Bosnia. The course if fast and looks like a lot of fun, even if it was never meant for bikes. Obviously we've seen more amazing trails in videos in the past, but there is something about the joy of flying downhill that makes this very satisfying.

Gear Closet: Chaco Outcross Evo 2 Shoes

As mentioned last week when I reviewed the excellent Yura hiking shoes from ECCO, Alaska was a great place to test new gear. The varied terrain, weather, and activities that I experienced there gave me an opportunity to truly put some new items through their paces. Amongst the gear that I tested while there were the Outcross Evo 2 shoes from Chaco, which proved to be incredibly comfortable and versatile. In fact, they just might be my favorite pair of shoes that I own at the moment, as it has taken them no time at all to become my go-to footwear for just about any kind of outdoor activity, as well as just normal daily life.

Lightweight and good looking, these shoes score well in just about every category you could ask for. They offer excellent grip on a variety of surfaces – including we ones – and protect the feet from the challenges of the trail quite nicely.

As mentioned, the Outcross Evo 2 are also very comfortable, while requiring zero break-in time. In fact, the moment I put them on my feet I was immediately amazed at how they felt. This is a shoe that feels a bit like a minimalist trail runner, although the Evo's outsole provides far more protection than that description would lead you to believe.


Meant to be used as a light hiking shoe, that can also pull double duty as a water shoe as well, the Outcross Evo 2 excels in both categories, and more. I've worn these shoes while not only hiking and rafting, but also mountain biking and road cycling too, and they have proven to be equally adept at each of those disciplines. And because these shoes are so versatile, they make a great travel shoe too, possibly eliminating the need to carry an extra pair of shoes or two with me when I take off on a new adventure. As someone who is always looking for ways to cut weight from my bags, this is an added bonus.

When designing the Evo 2, Chaco integrated a soft, comfortable inner liner that actually eliminates the need to wear a sock with these shoes. This helps to keep the foot well protected while pursuing multiple outdoor activities in a single go, allowing the wearer to seamlessly transition from walking or hiking, to water sports, and back again without fear of developing blisters, hot spots, or abrasions. I have experienced none of those calamities while wearing these shoes over extended periods of time.

As you can probably tell, I am completely impressed with the Outcross Evo 2. But, if I had one hesitation about these shoes, it would be long-term durability. So far, I have seen no indication that they won't wear well for a long time to come, but because they are made of such lightweight materials, I can't help but wonder who they'll fare in the long haul. At the moment, they are performing marvelously in this area, and hopefully that will continue to be the case.

If you're looking for a comfortable, versatile, and affordable shoe that can see you through a wide variety of outdoor adventures, it is tough to beat the Outcross Evo 2. Chaco really does have a hit on their hands with this product, which I predict will make believers out of anyone who tries them on. This is one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, and I think that many readers will find that to be the case for them too.

Priced at $110, I feel that the Evo 2 is quite a bargain when you consider everything they bring to the table. Perfect for light hiking, water sports, mountain biking, and travel, you'll be amazed at how many ways you'll find to use these shoes. That is a testament to just how great they really are, as you'll be looking for excuses to put them on. I can't think of a better endorsement for any shoe than that.

New Speed Record Set for Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race

The Tour Divide is one of the longest and hardest mountain bike races in the entire world. The ride begins in Banff, Canada and runs south along the Continental Divide Trail until it reaches its terminus in Antelope Springs, New Mexico, covering some 2745 miles (4418 km) in the process. It is a grueling affair with competitors traveling in self-supported fashion along single track, dirt roads, and jeep tracks.

This year's version of the race began back on June 13, with 159 riders setting out for the trail. One of those riders was a man named Josh Kato, who went on to set a new course record, arriving at the finish line last week. Kato was able to ride the entire course in an unbelievable time of 14 days, 11 hours, 37 minutes, which means he was able to average close to 190 miles (305 km) per day on trails that aren't exactly made for speed.

The 40-year old may have set a new mark with his impressive performance, but he wasn't alone. The second and third place riders – Jay Petervary and Neil Beltchenko respectively – were just 25 and 45 minutes back. That is practically nothing on such a long race. In fact, Kato caught both of those men in the final 100 miles (160 km), taking the lead on the way into the finish line.

To put things in perspective, there are no stages of the Tour de France that approach 190 miles in length, and those riders have plenty of outside support to assist them throughout the course. On top of that, Tour cyclists ride smooth roads, while riders in the Tour Divide are on off-road routes that are incredibly demanding and difficult.

Congratulations to Josh on setting this new speed record. Impressive work indeed.

Video: Mountain Bike Race Course Feature 999 Steps

The 2015 Red Bull Sky Gate mountain bike race, held in Tianmen Mountain National Park in China, features a course unlike any other. What makes it so unique you ask? Well, for starters it includes 999 steps to go along with the typical series of ramps, walls, and other obstacles. As you'll see in the video below, it isn't an easy course to navigate, testing the skill of riders often. Some weren't luck enough to come out unscathed, although for the most part it looks like they had a good time trying.

Thanks to Gear Junkie for sharing.

Video: Mountain Biking Nepal

We all know that Nepal is an amazing destination for climbing and trekking, but it is also becoming much more mountain bike friendly as well. As you'll see in this video, there is a lot to like for riders looking to explore the Himalaya from the seat of a bike. The video was shot in Shivapuri National Park on a ride hosted by Himalayan Single Track. It looks like it would be one fantastic way to see the country.

Video: Mountain Biking Beat Down

This video is a few months old, but I hadn't come across it before and thought it was definitely worth sharing. It comes our way from Camp 4 Collective, who always make high quality outdoor adventure videos. In this case, the video features two mountain bikers racing down a difficult trail while pushing each others skills to the extreme. I won't spoil what happens in the end, but suffice as to say it is pretty cool. The video also includes a heavy metal soundtrack, some adult language, and a random pair of boobs for some reason. But it is all in good fun, and the behind the scenes clips near the end are good too. I hope you enjoy.

BEAT DOWN from Camp 4 Collective on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biker Rides the White Line with a GoPro

Yesterday I shared a scary video of a mountain biker riding the White Line in Sedona, Arizona. This notorious route follows a white band of rock in the sandstone cliffs on a very sheer rock face that is terrifying to watch, let alone ride ourselves. Today, I have another video from the White Line with a trio of riders taking to the path. This time out, one of the riders is wearing a GoPro camera, capturing all of the frightening action from a first person perspective. Once again, this is not for the faint of heart. This is certainly one trail that I wouldn't even think of attempting.

Video: Mountain Biker Rides the White Line

It's not often that I watch one of these videos and immediately say "nope!" That was the case with his one however, as it shows mountain bike rider Michal Kollbek as he rides the famous White Line in Sedona, AZ. The footage was captured by a drone, and as you'll see, the "white line" in question here is a unique layer of sandstone that runs through the shear cliff face. Seeing just how steep those cliffs are, and the dangerous precipice that they give way to, is nerve wracking even when watching this from the comfort of your own home. This is not a trail for the faint of heart, that much is certain. Watch with caution.

Thanks to Adventure Journal for sharing.

Video: Get Out and Live Your Life!

This video begins like many of our daily lives begin. The main character drags himself out of bed to head into work, even though he is clearly reluctant to go – something we are all probably familiar with at times. But just as it looks like his day is about to be ruined, he is transported to the Italian Dolomites to go mountain biking instead. The clip features some great shots of the mountains, while our intrepid hero rides impressive trails that look like they would be a lot of fun. The message here is to get out and live your life. Find some adventure wherever you can, and don't always get caught up in the drudgery. You'll find it is more fulfilling that way.

Live your Life from Ride the Dolomites on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking Squamish

Located in the heart of British Columbia, Squamish is well known for being a spectacular outdoor playground that happens to get a fair amount of rain each year. In fact, it can get as much as 238 cm (94 inches) of rainfall, which can make for sloppy conditions at times. Those conditions are prominently on display in this video, which features mountain biker James Doerfling bombing down a wet trail near Squamish. The slick conditions add a level of challenge to the ride, which is through a spectacular forest worthy of exploration. If you want to check-out the world class mountain biking that is available in the region, give this clip a look. It is both beautiful and inspiring.

Fairweather - James Doerfling from OneUp Components on Vimeo.

Outside Picks the Best Gear of Summer 2015

It's that time of year again. Time for Outside magazine's annual look at the very best gear for the summer ahead. As usual, the 2015 Summers Buyer's Guide includes some of the best new equipment available for hiking, biking, running, and travel. If you're in the market for a new tent, pack, camera, or other gear, you might want to take a look at the products that Outside is recommending before plunking down your hard earned cash.

Amongst the new gear that made the list are an amazingly comfortable new jacket from The North Face, an impressive all-mountain bike from Giant, and an innovative new tent from Big Agnes. Hikers will love the new lightweight boots from Chaco, while the Osprey Atmos 65 continues to lead the way in backpacks. The Nikon 1 V3 gets the nod as one of the best new cameras available, while fans of waterspouts will find a list of the best paddleboards and kayaks available as well.

As usual, Outside isn't ignoring the ladies either. The magazine has dedicated an entire section to women's gear, with suggestions ranging from the best running shoes to the essential gear that every woman should take with her when she travel. There are even female-specific selections for biking, hiking, and SUP-ing as well.

Whether you're shopping for some new gear for yourself, or just want to keep up on the latest trends, be sure to drop by Outside Online to see what gear is coming highly recommend. I'm personally about to purchase a new tent, and their reviews and suggestions helped me to pick the one that I am going to go with. There are more than 365 products listed in the guide, so chances are you'll find something you'll want/need, even if you didn't know it yet.

Video: Exploring Scotland's Bothies by Mountain Bike

This wonderful video comes our way courtesy of adventurer and filmmaker Alastair Humphreys. While making this short film, Alastair rode his bike across some of Scotland's more wild and rugged landscapes, while spending his nights inside the "bothies" that he found along the way. A bothy is akin to a mountain lodge, and there are a number of them scattered along the Scottish trails, providing respite from the elements, and a warm place to sleep, at the end of the day. The stunning images that are captured here will inspire you to want to follow in Alastair's tire tracks. The places he visits throughout the journey are starkly beautiful and alluring. This is the kind of adventure that is accessible to just about anyone if they have the desire to do it, and as always Alastair has a knack for showing us the way. Watch and enjoy. Then start thinking about your own next adventure.

Mountain Bikes and Bothy Nights from Alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking the Spitzkoppe in Namibia

The Spitzkoppe is a group of rocky mountain peaks located in the African country of Namibia. The name actually means "pointed dome" in German, and the location is sometimes referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia" as well. In this video, a group of mountain bikers travel to the Spitzkoppe where they are faced with some challenging rock climbing up its granite face, as well as some incredibly daring riding back down the mountain. It all makes for a fantastic short film that is fascinating to watch as they tackle some unbelievable lines that seem unrideable. That is, until they actually do ride them.

Video: Riding a Via Ferrata on a Mountain Bike

If you know what a "via ferrata" is, you probably also know that they can be incredibly dangerous hikes in the mountains of Europe. In fact, some of these fixed-roped routes are amongst the most terrifying and dangerous treks in the entire world. Knowing all of that only makes this video more impressive (and scary!) however, as it features mountain biker Harald Phillipp as he speeds down one of these "iron ways" in the Brenta Dolomites aboard his trusty bike. To say is is a wild ride would be an understatement, but it also has to be seen to be believed. This is definitely not for the faint of heart, and it goes without saying that this should be left to the professionals. I for one am glad I'm only watching this on video.

VIA FERRATA from Summitride on Vimeo.

Video: Mountain Biking Through an Abandoned Mine

Ready for a dose of adrenaline? If you haven't been getting your daily allotted amount while I was away, this video will help you to catch up. It features pro rider Aaron Chase as he takes his mountain bike on a crazy ride through an abandoned mine in New Jersey. Don't try this at home kids. It is definitely not for the amateur mountain biker.

Adventure Tech: Recon Jet Heads-Up Display For Outdoor Athletes

Here's a product I've had my eye on for some time, and it is now finally coming to market. Recon Instruments, a company that makes heads-up displays (HUD) for skiing and snowboarding googles,  has announced that their latest product – the Recon Jet – is now available. This wearable computer was built specifically with outdoor athletes in mind, and is designed to provide them with all kinds of information while they run, paddle, and ride.

The Jet is a lightweight set of sunglasses that includes a small HUD that sits at the lower right corner of the eye. The device pairs via Bluetooth with your smartphone to provide a data connection that can track performance, offers access to social sharing, and can capture both photos and video. The Jet also includes onboard GPS capabilities to track distance, speed, duration of workout, elevation gain and loss, and more. It'll even connect with other devices, such as a heart rate monitor, via ANT+ to display information as well. It will even display text messages and caller ID on it's small, but high resolution screen.

Recon has been developing the Jet since 2008, and a lot has changed in the technology world since then. But the designers have been forward thinking in their plans, and have created an SDK that will allow developers to create their own apps for the device. Additionally, the data collected and saved can be easily uploaded to other apps such as Strava and MyMapFitness. The company has even built its own Recon Engage web platform, and apps for iOS and Android as well.

Dust and water resistant, the Jet has been built to withstand daily use by outdoor athletes. It includes 8GB of storage onboard, and 1Ghz dual-core ARM Cortex-9 processor. In other words, it has plenty of power packed into its tiny frame. It's touch controls are reportedly operable in all kinds of weather, even if you're wearing gloves, and its integrated camera, speaker, and microphones will allow you to capture video, or answer phone calls, without having to reach for your phone.

Battery life is said to be about four hours of use, depending on what other devices are connected, and the entire package weighs in at about 85 grams (3 oz.) The Jet cannot be added to existing sunglasses, nor does Recon's frames support prescription lenses at this time.

Now for the bad news. Price? $699. That makes it cost prohibitive for most of us, even if it does offer some very cool functionality. As I mentioned above, I've been waiting for to learn more about this product for a long time, and it is great to see that it is finally here. But with such an exorbitant price tag, don't expect to see too many of these at your weekly running or cycling groups. It is also a bit reminiscent of Google Glass, a project that suffered from such a PR problem that it was sent back to the drawing board after those wearing it quickly became known as "glassholes."

The tech nerd in me would love to try these out, but since they don't support prescriptions, I'd only end up hurting myself. Still, the technology is promising if they can adapt it further, and bring the price. down. The video below will give you a further idea of how this works.