Bicycle Adventures Encourages Off-Season Training With Cycling in Death Valley, XC Ski Workouts in the Cascades

A seven-day Death Valley Training Tour beginning Feb. 8, 2015, is one of several mid-winter opportunities for bicycling enthusiasts to train and stay fit during the off season, thanks to leading tour operator Bicycle Adventures http://bicycleadventures.com/.

Accessed through Las Vegas, this training brings guests into the heart of the 5,219-square-mile Death Valley National Park spanning Nevada and California and into a salubrious winter climate. Participants enjoy seven days of coaching, individualized training and skill development while cycling an average of 60 miles daily. Included in the $2,595 per person* (double) rate are accommodation at Furnace Creek Ranch, most meals, bicycles, strength training and skills coaching. See: http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/california-bike-tours/Death-Valley-Training-Tour. *NOTE: With some minor changes to the trip, Bicycle Adventures was actually able to lower the price for 2015 by $850 (last year’s tour was priced at $3,445.)

A second training tour is their Methow Valley Cross Country Ski Tour Feb. 8 to Feb. 22, 2015, designed for those who want to learn to cross-country ski, skate-ski or simply hone skills. Washington's Methow Valley is the nation's largest cross-country ski area, with over 120 miles of groomed trails. Tours are led by seasoned Bicycle Adventures guides and cross-country ski experts Teri Smith and Laurie Stephens. The per person double rate is $2,495 including accommodation, most meals, gear, instruction and training focusing on building a more athletic body and focusing on non-cycling weaknesses. See http://bicycleadventures.com/tours/ski-tours/Methow-Cross-Country-Ski-Tour---NEW!

California factors in again in February with a trip new for 2015, the Palm Desert Classic, with departures Feb. 2, 9 and 23 and again in October. The Palm Desert Classic tour is a five-day ride for all ability levels through Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park and the Coachella Valley. Accommodation is at the Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Lodging, most meals, bikes and guides are included in the $2,795 per person (double) rate. See: http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/california-bike-tours/Palm-Desert-Classic---NEW!  Participants on the February 9 departure might also want to sign up for the 17th Annual Tour de Palm Springs, a one-day ride on Feb. 14, 2015.  The event, featuring thousands of riders, is designed to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley.

In each season there’s a reason for introducing the body and mind to different ways of training, believes Todd Starnes, Bicycle Adventures’ Owner and President.

The biggest reason is to develop a more athletic body that admits a wider range of motion than dedicated cyclists may generally use. “Core training and developing upper body strength are a great start and help maintain cardiovascular fitness. And there’s a bonus! It keeps those winter pounds off while giving your body and mind a rest and diversion from cycling,” Starnes adds.