New Zealand Adventure Sports

New Zealand Adventure Sports

Mountain Bike Events - Ten Tips for Beginners

By Karl Check
Mountain bike events can be a great way to ride a part of the countryside you wouldn't normally be able to access and provide an opportunity to meet like minded people. Undertaking your first event may be a little daunting but rest assured there will be other first timers and plenty of support on the day. Here are ten tips for riding your first event taken from my own personal experience of riding and being part of a support crew. Take note of these and you will not only complete the race but actually enjoy it as well.

Try to train in similar terrain and conditions to those which you will experience on the day.

Get your bike in for a service at least a couple of weeks before the event to give time for any major repairs. You don't want to waste all that training with an avoidable gear failure on the day and bike shops can't be expected to turn around a significant job with a couple of days notice.

Ensure your bike is properly set-up for you. Bike shops or sports physios can help with this. Riding a poorly set-up bike at high intensity for a long period will cause you back or leg problems that will take a while to recover from.

Start using energy bars and drinks (including recovery formula) during your training so that your body becomes used to them. Don't suddenly start using a new product on the day from one of the onsite sponsors. Your body may not be used to it and react badly.

For longer rides use a chamoix cream or vasoline to reduce chafing. One of my friends goes by the "if it moves vas it!"

Organise a great support crew to help you get ready, cheer like hell during the event and be there to help you recover at the end of the race.

Get to the event early and go for a warm up ride to get rid of nerves, stretch the legs and undertake final checks on the bike.

Make sure you know the course and don't rely on those ahead of you to be taking the right turns.

Ride to your own pace and don't be tempted to blast after the pros off the start line. Also ride to your own ability in any technical sections.

Have fun, smile lots and banter with your fellow riders - you never know when you might need their help!

Karl Check writes for Perweek, a New Zealand online retail business that allows you to finance your purchases. If you are riding in New Zealand or thinking about coming out for a holiday you should read Karl's [http://www.perweek.co.nz/mountain-bike-events/]Mountain Bike Events page. The page has links to some of New Zealand's most popular mountain bike races. http://www.perweek.co.nz/mountain-bike-events

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Queenstown Attractions

Queenstown Attractions

Adventure Queenstown

By Dan Cavalli
Here is a quick overview of an exciting place to visit that you are unlikely to forget in your lifetime. This is the epitome of natural and untouched beauty! Queenstown or as it is affectionately known 'adventure queenstown' in New Zealand is the gateway to the Southern Alps and some of the world's greatest skiing and snow boarding playgrounds.

Before you arrive in the adventure capital of New Zealand do a little research, find out why Adventure Queenstown is so popular and plan your trip well. Adventure queenstown has bungee jumping, jet boats and skydiving along with many other activities to get your heart pumping.

If you want excitement this is the place to be. Once you are settled in Queenstown checkout where everything is located. Plan the activities around a one way trip so you can take advantage of the magnificent panoramic countryside as you get your adrenaline dosage.

Your accommodation host will be able to give you a comprehensive run down and tourist map of what is available in this adventure paradise. Let them point out to you the best way to go. Then confirm the places to visit by asking the locals that reside in the business centre.

Remember, and contrary to popular belief your memorable stay will not necessarily depend on how much you spend in this town. There are many things to do that don't need a lot of money, including spotting the often seen movie stars that frequent the town.

That's a quick overview so book ahead if you want to have a great stay without disappointment. This place books out frequently and there has been a lot of people asking for help without accommodation. That's it for now enjoy the best in adventure queenstown.

Dan Cavalli

As an active advocate of the glorious New Zealand town of Queenstown, 'The Adventure Capital of the World', Dan enjoys writing about his experiences in this unique destination. Dan is also a renowned businessman and personal development teacher. Visit his site at http://www.commandobusiness.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Cavalli http://EzineArticles.com/?Adventure-Queenstown&id=999313