| | Saddle Up. Tune up your bike after a long winter and take it out for a long ride. For those of us who put our bikes away for the winter, the time has come to dust them off and get ready to ride. When bringing a bike out of storage, a mini tune-up is necessary. Pay special attention to four areas: chain, derailleur components, brakes, and wheels. Click for cycling info from Outside Magazine. | | Biking as exercise. Is it better to pedal at a high rpm in low gear or a lower rpm in high gear? This depends on your goal. For example, if you’re looking for the best aerobic workout, then you want to pedal slowly, which will work out your heart and lungs thoroughly. However, if you’re looking to increase leg muscles and strength, then you should opt for the latter, which will not only give you Lance-esque stems, but also help you in the long run when you really do need to accelerate and sprint. To find the best spring mountain biking trail near you check out www.singletracks.com | | Spend your Spring learning a new sport like rock climbing Get out and enjoy the perfect spring weather for rock climbing. Learn the ropes with a friend or a professional by starting with basic bouldering techniques, then move on to belaying, anchor placement, knots and rappelling. You'll work on friction climbs, developing balance and confidence, then progress to the more challenging face and crack climbing techniques. Here are some rock climbing 101 safety tips: Check your knots and harness buckles, inspect your gear and replace when needed, know your climbing partners and their habits, check your belay, keep an eye on the weather, rock breaks - check your holds (loose holds are marked with a white X), always double check your rappel system (this is a climber's most dangerous mistake). Get inspired by these captivating climbing images on Outside.com | | Take your workout OUTSIDE! Spring forward, right out the door and take your workout outside. Whether you bike, hike, jump rope, lift weights, do pushups or crunches; doing it outside will recharge your batteries and give you a renewed enthusiasm for exercise. When transitioning your indoor workout outside, take things a little slowly at first. Try this outdoor workout regiment: 5 minutes Warm up - Brisk walking 2 minutes Walk or jog 1 minute Walking Lunges 1 minute Speed walk or Run 1 minute Walk or jog 1 minute Sprints 3 minutes Walk or Jog 1 minute Tree Pushup s 1 minute Scissor Jumps 1 minute Speed walk or Run 3 minutes Walk or Jog 1 minute Long Jumps 1 minute Speed walk or Run 1 minute High Jogs - knees to hip level 1 minute Low Jogs 3 minutes Walk or Jog 3 minutes Cool down - with an easy walk Stretch | | Grab a fly rod and hit the river. Pack a lunch – but catch your own dinner. If you’re looking to get away from it all, this is truly your best bet. A couple of uninterrupted hours on a body of water truly does wonders to rejuvenate the soul. All of this will make this your best fishing season yet. | Spring Activity Guide provided by | More Outdoor Tips Backpacking is a great escape from the crowds. Slow down and reconnect with the outdoors. Trip Planning » Be Prepared » Choose the Right Gear » Outdoor tips provided by |