Author: Alan Perlman

5 Best Mountain Biking Trails in Sydney

Sydney is filled with beautiful national parks, a lot of which provide awesome mountain biking trails with scenic routes for all experience levels. The list below is just a handful of what Sydney has to offer!

1. Camden River Run

This 10-mile singletrack trail is ranked as intermediate. The trail follows the Nepean River through ravines and dense shrubbery. Although Camden River Run isn’t a terribly difficult ride, there are some technical aspects as there are tons of roots and log crossings along the path.

2. Manly Dam

Manly Dam is a 7 mile primarily singletrack loop. This one is among the more difficult rides on the list and is really for advanced riders. The trail consists of about 80% singletrack and 20% fireroads/roads with some parts being very rocky and difficult. It features steep climbs and downhills mixed with big drops and some nice flowy sections. Make sure to catch the amazing view of Manly Dam at the top of the hills!

3. Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is a great outdoor destination. The Bouddi Ridge loop is the longest trail in Bouddi National Park. It combines several other trails like Strom loop, Rocky Point trail, Daleys Point trail and McMasters Ridge trail to make one long 10 mile loop of singletrack.

4. Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park offers some great mountain biking options. The out and back fire trail from Pennant Hills park to West Pymble offers 6 miles of windy track through eucalyptus forest. This trail packs a ton of variety of technical and steep sections for such a short ride.

5. Blue Mountains, St. Helena

This fast and narrow track is primarily firetrail with some singletrack extensions. The ride to the lookouts and back are great for beginners, however the Glenbrook branch should not be attempted unless you are more experienced. This track features many steep ascents along with some nice flowy descents.

31 July, 2014
Top 5 Places to Rock Climb Near Sydney

Australia is not only known for the amazing beaches but also some great sandstone climbing and bouldering options. Sydney is home to hundreds of impressive single-pitch, sport and trad climbs and awesome bouldering. What makes some of these climbs unique is their proximity to the water, providing some really cool experiences for climbers!

1. Point Perpendicular (NSW)

The climbs at Point Perpendicular are extremely varied in style, rock quality, position and protection. This destination is all about adventure, and the Lighthouse area is always extremely popular. High winds are a common occurrence so ensure you are well prepared for sudden gusts.

2. Blue Mountains (NSW)

The Blue Mountains are one of Sydney’s most beautiful nearby natural attractions. This huge sandstone plateau has been eroded by rivers and streams, creating an almost endless diversity of crags and climbing styles. Climbing is best in Autumn and Spring, however seasoned climbers could tackle it all year round.

3. Berowra

This popular spot is great for sport climbing and offers overhang routes as well as some short crimpy climbs. Route difficulty ranges from 5.10d to 5.11d and is west facing so it can get very hot in the summer.

4. Tunks Park

This small sandstone bouldering rock is located in Northbridge just below the Castlesque Bridge. It features some easy traverses and some more difficult overhang problems. Be careful as passersby tend to stop and watch right underneath climbers.

5. Narrabeen Slabs

This popular rock climbing site is great for sport and traditional climbing. It is constantly being updated with new climbing additions. Because it is south facing and shaded nearly all day long Narrabeen Slabs is a great climbing location in the summer months!

31 July, 2014
Top 5 Skate Parks in Chicago

Looking for some cool spaces in Chicago to go skateboarding? Chicago has a variety of both indoor and outdoor options for all levels of experience! Check out some of the best places to hit up while you’re in town.

1. Wilson Skate Park

As one of the most popular skate parks in Chicago, Wilson Skate Park offers small bowls connected with a nice free-flowing bowl, a slanted grind box and a flat rail, 3-level manual pad and a bunch of levels and curbs along the wall. This lighted, outdoor skate park caters just to skateboarders, although some roller bladers are known to show up.

2. Asylum Skate Park

Asylum Skate Park was founded by veteran skateboarder Jeff Conyers with the mission to provide a safe place for skateboarding, BMX and in-line scooter ring for all ages. Asylum Skate Park offers bowls, stairs, ramps, rails and drop ins for all levels of experience. There is also a Skate shop attached to the facility which is open the same hours as the park. The park also hosts events!

3. Audubon Skate Park

Located in Elk Grove Village, Audubon Skate Park is an 11,000 square ft. indoor facility. The park offers launch ramps, quarter pipes, mini pipes, and plenty of ledges and rails.

4. Burnham Skate Park

This outdoor skate park is located just south of 31st Street and Lake Shore Drive. It features 20,000 square ft. and offers a variety of spine, pyramids and a bowl as well as stairs and rails. The best part is that it’s free!

5. Logan Square Skate Park

This skate park, located on W Logan Boulevard underneath the Kennedy Expressway, offers 1.5 acres of flatbars, a ramp section, manual pads, and a bowl corner with a spine. The park is shared by skateboarders and BMX riders.

31 July, 2014
5 Best Beaches in Chicago

Summers in Chicago can get pretty hot. What better to do than head to the beach! Luckily Chicago is right on Lake Michigan so there are plenty of options. With 28 miles of manmade lakefront shoreline and 24 beaches, Chicago beaches are a wonderful escape from the windy city. Check out this guide to the best beaches in Chicago!

1. Oak Street Beach

Conveniently located at the northern end of Michigan Avenue, Oak Street Beach is just a short walk from downtown Chicago! This popular beach is a great option for visitors who want to relax and cool off after a long day exploring the sights in downtown Chicago.

2. North Avenue Beach

Another favorite spot, North Avenue Beach features a beautiful skyline and expansive sands for tanning. Be sure to check out Castaways, a beach house shaped like a boat, for drinks and live music! If you’re in Chicago from August 20-21, make sure you catch the annual Air and Water show.

3. Foster Avenue Beach

As the most family friendly beach on this list, Foster Avenue Beach offers a less crowded space with very attentive lifeguards. The beach offers outdoor showers and a bike rental hut for a nice family bike ride on the boardwalk.

4. Ohio Street Beach

Located next to Navy Pier offers just a small sliver of beach, but is way less crowded than other beaches in the area making some days feel like you’re on your own private beach. Not to mention if you forget to pack a cooler, you can quickly walk over to Navy Pier for a quick snack.

5. Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach is another great one for families. Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Rainbow Beach is also connected to the Rainbow Beach Park. Pack a picnic and escape the hot sun for a midday lunch in the shaded park!

31 July, 2014
Top 5 Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Chicago

To make up for the lack of mountain ranges, Chicago provides plenty of rock climbing adventure with its many indoor climbing and bouldering gyms. the list below is just a handful of what Chi-town has to offer!

1. Vertical Endeavors

Located just 40 minutes outside of Chicago, Vertical Endeavors has garnered a reputation for being one of the best indoor rock climbing facilities around. It features 40 top ropes across two 30 and 42 ft walls and 21 auto-belays. The 18,000 square foot gym can accommodate 120 people and provides clinics and private lessons for beginner climbers!

2. FFC Old Time

This 20 foot wall is located right in Chicago. Although it isn’t huge it offers 40 bouldering problems and 60 routes and is wide enough to support 12 ropes.

3. Lakeview Athletic Club

Lakeview Athletic Club is an awesome 50-foot climbing wall complete with 6 top ropes each consisting of 4-6 different routes. This wall is great for practicing your technique as it features a crack that spans from one end to the other. The gym also features a bouldering area with about 40 routes and a 65 foot overhang.

4. Hidden Peak Climbing Gym

This 1,500 square ft bouldering gym shares a space with a gymnastics gym. Although it is not as big as other gyms on the list, Hidden Peak fosters a skatepark-like feel where climbers can jump right in and take turns.

5. First Ascent

Designed by Chicago climbers for Chicago climbers, First Ascent features over 26,000 square ft. of climbing terrain for all levels of climbing experience. The facility offers top rope and lead walls complete with overhangs, roofs, slabs, and cracks. There is also 5,000 square ft. of bouldering with caves, prow, top outs and overhangs. At the end of a great day full of climbing stop by the cafe for a snack!

Let’s Climb, Chicago. from First Ascent Climbing & Fitness on Vimeo.

31 July, 2014
5 Best Mountain Biking Trails Near Chicago

Chicago doesn’t immediately make you think of mountain biking, but because it’s so close to states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, there are some great trails throughout the surrounding suburbs.

1. South Kettle Moraine John Muir Green Loop

South Kettle Moraine is a popular recreation area just two hours away from Chicago. The John Muir Green Loop is a moderately challenging 7 mile trail that features beautiful wildflowers and amazing wildlife. The trail is accessible all year round with camping space available in the recreation area!

2. Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop at Palos

Located in Cook County, Palos features tons of trails with rolling hills through forested area. These trails provide fun and challenging rides for a variety of levels of experience, however, it can be easy to get lost so definitely bring a map.

3. Des Plaines River Trail

This 26 mile out and back trail takes about 2 hours to complete and is great for all skill levels. This wide, mostly unpaved trail features an elevation gain of 757 feet and although it floods sometimes under the bridges, it is still shallow enough for riders to pass through.

4. Saw Wee Kee Trail

This 5.2 mile trail is located near Yorkville, Illinois and is ranked as one of the more difficult trails on this list. It provides tons of rolling hills with twists and turns mixed in making it a fun but challenging course for hiking or even trail running and mountain biking.

5. Rock Cut State Park

Located near Loves Park, this 10-mile loop offers some good technical challenges with parts of flowy singletrack.

31 July, 2014
5 Best Day Hikes Near Chicago

Although Chicago isn’t particularly known for it’s mountainous terrain, the windy city still offers some scenic and historic trails that every visitor must check out!

1. Chicago Lakeshore Path

Located right in the windy city, the Chicago Lakeshore Path is a great day hike for those looking to take in some of the Chicago scenery. This 10 mile path extends from 31st street to Montrose Harbor with a brief break between Navy Pier and the intersection of Michigan Avenue and East Wacker.

2. Moraine Hills State Park

The Moraine Hills in northern Illinois, formed after the Wisconsin Glacier receded, became a popular hiking location in Illinois for its rolling hills and wetlands. The 48-acre lake Defiance serves as the centerpiece of the park with some mild hills along the 3.2 mile loop surrounding the lake. This is a great day hike for those looking to also see wildlife and take in the scenery.

3. Tekakwitha Woods

This area of land serves as a great location for hikers to get in touch with a little bit of history. It was named after Kateri Tekakwitha, a Mohawk saint who lived in the 17th century and was previously owned and operated by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, the Tekakwitha woods are now a part of the Kane County Forest Preserve District. This area features the Fox River Trail, a 3 mile forested loop surrounded by the Fox River. Cross the Fox River bridge and check out the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin for a 2-mile ride on the electric trolley through the forest preserve.

4. Rock Cut State Park

Rock Cut State Park is a great spot for hikers looking to experience all the wildlife the area has to offer. The trails here offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. There are 40 miles worth of hiking trails, some of which are shared with bikers and riders, but all offer something for everyone whether you are looking for an easy walk or something more challenging.

5. Waterfall Glen

Located in the DuPage County Forest Preserve, this 9.5 mile trail surrounds the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. The trails features a small waterfall which is accessible from the Rocky Glen trail, a ⅕ of a mile extension off the main trail.

30 July, 2014
Shane McConkey Documentary at Tribeca Film Festival

“An honest person. A kind person, a hilarious person, an incredibly gifted athlete, but most of all, somebody who dedicated his life to having fun.” RIP Shane McConkey, you were an inspiration for all of us adrenaline junkies out there.

30 July, 2014
Top 5 Places to Surf in San Francisco

We typically hear about Southern California surfing, but what about surfing in Northern California. Although the water is definitely colder in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are some awesome spots with great waves for beginners and experts alike!

1. Bolinas

Located next to Stinson Beach Bolinas is considered one of the most popular surf spots in the bay area. It features a long stretch of beach breaks with the main break being just outside of the inlet that leads to the Bolinas Lagoon. This soft, mellow break is popular for longboarders and can be a great spot for new surfers.

2. Cronkhite

Cronkhite offers very fast and steep breaks just around the corner from Sausalito. This surf spot has a very local vibe and can be rather unforgiving but is a great area for surfers looking for fast, hollow drop-ins.

3. Fort Point

Located just inside the Golden Gate Bridge, all you have to do is park your car and walk to down the rocks to paddle out. The rocks can be very slippery so be extra careful when entering and exiting the water at Fort Point! Aside from the rocks, this is a great surf spot for intermediate to advanced surfers.

4. Lindemar Beach

Lindemar Beach is the best location for beginner surfers. Located in a cove in South Pacifica, this beach offers gentle waves and can get very crowded so be careful to not collide with any other surfers!

5. Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is the long stretch along the Pacific coastline. Here there are four primary surf areas referred to as Kellys, VFW, the Dunes and Sloat. The waves along Ocean Beach tend to increase in size and become less steep as you make your way from the northernmost point at Kellys down to Sloat. Ocean Beach offers challenging waves with a very strong rip at times.

29 July, 2014
5 Extreme Water Sports in San Francisco
San Francisco’s coastal location makes it a top destination for cool water sports of all kinds. From kiteboarding to open water swimming, below is a list of 5 extreme water sports that will turn anyone into an ocean-loving enthusiast!

1. Kiteboarding

Also known as kitesurfing, kiteboarding is a surface water sport that essentially combines surfing with wakeboarding. Kiteboarders use their entire body as they use a kite to capture the power of the winder to propel them across the water on a surfboard. Check out the awesome video below!

Inspired yet? Next time you’re in San Francisco check out one of these top spots for kiteboarding:
1. Bay Area Kiteboarding
2. KGB Kiteboarding
3. Kite 415
4. Kite the Bay
2. Cage Diving

Interested in exploring the ocean and it’s inhabitants? The coast of California, specifically off the Farallon Islands, is a great location for cage diving. Check out the video and get your scuba gear on and check it out.

3. Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a popular sport in the San Francisco Bay Area. With great weather conditions and some of the top windsurfing shops around, the San Fran Bay Area is an excellent location for both learning and practicing your windsurfing skills.

4. Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming requires loads of strength and endurance making it one of the most difficult extreme water sports on the list. One seriously challenging event is the Bridge to Bridge Swim which is a 10 km swim from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge! Another very popular event for open water swimmers is the Escape from Alcatraz Swim, which is a 1.25 mile swim from Alcatraz to the Aquatic Park in the Bay of San Francisco.

5. Big Wave Surfing at Mavericks

It’s no question that California is known for its great waves and surfer culture. One specific location off the coast of Northern California known as Mavericks has garnered a reputation for waves that reach an enormous 25 feet high. Mavericks is a top winter surfing destination for some of the world’s best big wave surfers looking for an extreme thrill. Because this is such a dangerous location, very few surfers will actually attempt the waves, however this is a Mavericks Invitational that only the bravest attend, check it out!
29 July, 2014