A few weeks back, I met with a good friend for coffee at one of the local cafes in South Lake Tahoe. During the conversation, she brought up the idea that 3 types of outdoor activities exist in the adventure realm. The more time you spend in the mountains, the more you drift to what we consider a “Type 3” kind of entertainment. So, what are these types and what sort of adventures can you have for each of these? We highlight 3 mountain bike adventures to show you what are the types of fun and what to expect for each one.
Type 1: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
The first level of the 3 types of outdoor activities is the one that’s pure joy without any physical exhaustion. A great example of this is lift-accessed activities. You ride a chair-lift to the top and then get to ride your bike or skis down without any of the hardships involved.
Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series
Select Weekends Throughout Summer
Getting into biking is a fun endeavor, but sometimes you need a bit more of a ‘good time’. Sure, you can go out and enjoy the mountains but what if you wanted to be in something like a softball league but with mountain bikes? On Lake Tahoe’s North Shore sits Northstar Resort. Starting normally after July 4th, they kick off a race series for both professionals and amateurs to compete in on select weekends throughout the summer months.
Type 2: A Lil’ Bit o’ Fun + A Lil’ Bit o’ Pain = A Whole Lot o’ Adventure
This is the perfect combination of pain and pleasure. There is a bit of exertion needed but in the end you do get to eat your ‘cake’ too.
Rebecca’s Private Idaho
August 31st – September 4th
After our road trip to Idaho to check out Pomerelle & Kelly Canyon for their mountain biking, we just can’t get enough of this amazing state. It comes as no surprise that one of our favorite Type 2 excursions would be in the Sawtooths. A century ride that’s 10% road, 90% gravel and a 100% fun where just the scenery will make you happy! And, if that’s too long, don’t worry. There is another option to make it a 56 mile ride instead. The only problem with the shorter ride is you’ll miss some of the best views of the race. So, like any Type 2 fun, you need to put in the work to reap the rewards. This race also made it onto our 5 Of The Best Bike Events To Put On Your Bucket List.
Type 3: The Journey Is The Reward
The last and most challenging type of thrill are for those that accomplishing the feat itself is the joy. This is for people who think climbing Mt. Everest sounds ‘fun’. During the entire adventure, your legs will be burning, you’re most likely going to be in physical pain and most of all, for the entire exploit there isn’t a place for you to just ‘relax’.
Tour the Divide
A perfect example of Type 3 fun is the Tour the Divide. A self-supported bike race starting in Banff Canada, it follows the great divide all the way south to the badlands of the Mexican Plateau ending in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. That’s nearly 2,800 miles! To make it even more challenging, the race starts in Canada meaning certain segments of the race are still snow-covered, forcing you to carry your bike instead of riding it. A true test of endurance and pure will.
No matter what ‘Types’ of outdoor activities you enjoy, get out there and enjoy yourself this summer!
If you want to learn more about how to start mountain biking, get tips on gear to buy, or just explore adventures you can have from the shores of Tahoe to the mighty Grand Tetons of Wyoming that are in the Type 1 or 2 range, check out our guide: The Down & Dirty On Mountain Biking.
