Everything
I own a "bombproof" Marmot Alpinist Gore-Tex XCR jacket, but I’m in the market for a new lightweight hard shell. Can it replace the heavy jacket? Or is there still a reason to have one of these heavy shells in the wardrobe? I do plan on giving Denali a try within the next couple of years. Rich Decatur, Georgia
We're planning to take my 16- and 18-year-old kids with us to Europe this summer to watch a Tour de France stage finish in Morzine. What outdoor sports can we do there afterward? Jackie Dallas, Texas
Befuddled and heartbroken after watching the New York Yankees end their beloved Boston Red Sox’s 2003 playoff run, Jeff Neumann and Ray LeMoine needed to get away. Far away. So, using the money they’d earned from selling “Yankees Suck” T-shirts in Boston, they hopped a plane to Jordan and bussed…
In Stage 8 of the 2006 Tour de France, we saw the beginning of a strategy that is likely to be prevalent throughout the second week of racing. Today’s breakaway group contained Dave Zabriskie (CSC) and Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile), both of whom are sitting in the top 11 overall after…
LORIENT, France — Sylvain Calzati (AG2R) of France broke from a six-rider pack with about 19 miles left in the stage to claimed the eighth stage of the Tour de France by more than two minutes Sunday. Sylvain Calzati winning Stage 8 of the Tour. (Beth Schneider) Sylvain…
RENNES, France — Former world titlist Serhiy Honchar (T-Mobile) of the Ukraine surprisingly became the fourth leader of the Tour de France after he rode to a dominating individual time trial victory Saturday. Honchar, who turned 36 four days ago and is one of the oldest riders in the…
After the short prologue time trial and the chaos of the first week, the first long individual time trial of the 2006 Tour de France was supposed to sort out the leaderboard and clear up any questions about the identities of the real yellow jersey contenders. And while the leaderboard…
I’ve noticed several seemingly high-end road bikes, such as Scattante, Habanero, and Leopard, hitting the market at significantly lower prices than other major brands. Is there a quality difference between these fres and the more well-known fre builders? And why haven’t I seen any serious reviews of these bikes? Philippe New York, New York
VITRE, France – Australian Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) continued his dominating sprint finishes Friday, winning his third stage of the Tour de France and equaling his stage win total in last month’s Tour of Italy. Robbie McEwen, Tour de France 2006 Robbie McEwen snags his third stage win of…
Great performances against the clock are essential to any rider's hopes of winning the Tour de France, and when you have to ride 32.3 miles (52 kilometers) as fast as you can, all by yourself, it pays to look for even the smallest ways to save energy, deliver more power, and slip through the air faster.
CAEN, France – Three-time world road champion Oscar Freire (Rabobank) of Spain used a bold sprinting attack to claim the fifth stage and his second career Tour de France stage win Thursday. 2006 tour de france Stage 5: Oscar Freire outsprints yellow jersey holder Tom Boonen for the…
Stage 5 of the 2006 Tour de France played out according to the typical plan: A small breakaway group sat out front all day, only to be reeled in and passed a few miles before the finish. While this is a normal occurrence, what's unusual is that not a single one of these breakaway attempts has been successful so far. Typically, fortune shines on the front group at least once in the first week of the Tour, but the nature of the race this year has changed all that.
I'm setting off on a three-week sea kayaking expedition up the central coast of British Columbia, and I need a synthetic zero-degree (C) to five-degree (C) sleeping bag. But I'm not sure whether to get a mummy bag or a barrel bag. Any recommendations? Guy North Vancouver, British Columbia
For yellow jersey contenders, the first week of the Tour de France is a contest to see who can use the least energy. Currently, it seems that Floyd Landis of the Phonak team and Levi Leipheimer from Gerolsteiner are winning this competition, and Iban Mayo of the Euskaltel Euskadi team is losing it.
Australia's veteran sprint specialist finishes strongly for his second stage win of the 2006 Tour de France and the tenth of his Tour career. Meanwhile, the 129-mile Stage 4 brings little change to the overall leaderboard, with Tom Boonen holding a slim one-second lead.
For the Italian-born photographer, a trip to the Caribbean to shoot W. Hodding Carter for August's "The 40-Year-Old Virgin Swimmer" was more than an assignment, it was a rum-soaked adventure.
VALKENBURG, Netherlands Germany’s Matthias Kessler (T-Mobile) claimed his first Tour de France stage win, while Belgium’s Tom Boonen (Quick-Step) assumed the Tour de France lead Tuesday after a hot, crash-marred third stage. Matthias Kessler T-Mobile’s Matthias Kessler celebrates the first Tour stage win of his career. Kessler broke…
Matthias Kessler got his revenge on the sprinters this afternoon. After getting swarmed by the pack just 50 meters from the finish line yesterday, he struck out on his own again today, and this time those 50 meters worked to his favor. His attacks over the past two days were…
Depending on how you look at it, Thor Hushovd is either the luckiest man in cycling or he’s cursed. Ever since powering his way into the yellow jersey in Saturday’s prologue time trial, he’s been dancing with disaster. But that’s the life of a field sprinter, and at the end…
ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, Luxembourg Veteran Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) added to his nearly 100 career wins Monday in Stage 2 of the Tour de France, while Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) of Norway regained the overall lead in the 93rd running of the race. Robbie McEwen Australia’s Robbie McEwen gets the…
STRASBOURG, France While Jimmy Casper (Cofidis) of France out-sprinted the field to win his first career Tour de France stage, George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) of Greenville, South Carolina, opportunistically rode his way into the race lead on Sunday. Casper, who twice has finished last in the Tour, used a clear,…
The first stage of the 2006 Tour de France provided a great example of a scenario you can expect to see repeated several times throughout the next week. Well, at least in part… let’s hope we don’t see a repeat of the bizarre injury Thor Hushovd suffered during the final…
STRASBOURG, France Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) of Norway, a two-time Tour de France stage winner, edged George Hincapie (Discovery Channel) of Greenville, South Carolina, by less than one second Saturday to claim the prologue and the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France’s 93rd edition. George Hincapie…
So, how important can an eight-minute effort be in the grand scheme of an event that lasts 23 days? With all the challenges ahead of the riders in this year’s Tour de France, it may seem like they wouldn’t pay much attention to an event as short as a seven-kilometer…
It's time to take a fresh look at how to make the most of your 48 hours of weekend freedom. From high-adrenaline blasts to ultimate Zen sessions, we've created 37 custom plans to match every mood. Start packing—your adventure starts Friday.
Backyard season is in full swing. Get in the game with our guide to classic warm-weather fun and sizzling new style.
Tackle cycling's ultimate fitness test and learn where your riding really stands
June 30, 2006 The top names in cycling are out of the Tour de France after the biggest scandal ever to hit cycling swept through the peloton on the eve of the sport’s marquee event. Pre-race favorites Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich have both been suspended, along with a…
I’ve been hearing a lot about merino wool base layers, such as Icebreaker. What are your thoughts on this fabric? Is it a suitable alternative to synthetic fleece layers for a mountain climb such as Kilimanjaro? Iain Solihull, UK
My 18-year-old niece is tackling a 30-day NOLS progr in the Wind River Range, and I’d like to help her find a pack. She’ll need 6,300 to 7,000 cubic inches of capacity and will be carrying some 60 pounds. Any suggestions? Ted Keene, New York
I’m planning a PCT through-hike (for next year) and thinking through footwear. Everyone seems to fall into one of two cps: heavyweight leather clunkers or ultralight replace-as-you-go. What about the middle ground? Is there some sort of rigid, steel-shanked running shoe with significant underfoot cushioning that can handle this trip? Mike Boston, Massachusetts
My wife and I want to upgrade from our Canon PowerShot G5 to a more hiker-friendly digital camera. We’d like one that focuses quickly in a variety of lighting conditions, is capable of taking multiple exposures in rapid succession, allows for fast scroll between images taken, and is both lightweight and durable. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Devin Glen Allen, Virginia
Someone once told me that if you mix some apple juice with water you can hydrate faster—is this actually true? Oliver New York, NY
Here, read a conversation with writer Mark Anders and professional surfer Rob Machado continued from our August 2006 Letters section.
I’m looking to upgrade my mountain bike to something in the $1,000 range. What’s the best choice for a larger rider (like, Clydesdale category) on cross-country and short adventure-race outings? Should I go for full suspension, or can I get more for my money with a front suspension? Harold Hanover, Maryland
Check back on July 1 for the first stage report from the 2006 Tour de France.
Check back on July 1 for Chris Carmichael’s analysis of Stage 1 of the 2006 Tour de France.
Discovery Team's sports director Johan Bruyneel and 2005 Tour stage winner George Hincapie on their first year without Lance, the game plan, and how the Americans are looking this year.
You may never have what it takes to race up steep alpine passes like the best cyclists in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from their training secrets. You’re using the same muscles, pedaling up the same inclines, and maybe even riding the same bike. So the…
Learn Spanish and other languages while you train with this smarter-than-average spinning class
Two decades after Greg LeMond became the first American to win the Tour de France, the world's biggest bike race is our party now. The only question: How long will we stay?
Tour dominance by LeMond and Armstrong has given the Euros fits for two decades. And if this group of U.S. pros is any indication, their suffering has only just begun.
If Floyd Landis and his Phonak teammates stumble on the road to Paris, they won't be able to blame their bikes. Built around the most advanced carbon-fiber frame on the market—the Pro Machine SLC01, from Swiss manufacturer BMC—Phonak's $8,600 ride boasts technical gadgetry, wind-cheating designs, and revolutionary materials that make it the en
Do spinning classes help you burn fat quickly? John Smith Mii, FL
We could tell you that the Tour de France battle between Germany’s Jan Ullrich and Italy’s Ivan Basso will be one for the ages. Or we could say that brash American Floyd Landis will smoke them both and score another win for the Yanks. Honestly, though, we don’t know what’s…
When a study this past spring revealed that the British are significantly healthier than Americans, we went looking for the wellness benefits of warm beer. But it turns out there are plenty of more wholesome buzzes in the UK.
If you count insects, then mosquitoes are the most prolific killers, transmitting diseases that take out at least two million a year. Our own kind is second: In recent decades, we've offed an average of one million of ourselves annually. But if you're talking claws-out, fur-flying, fangs-bared, When Animals Attack…
By lifting a boat’s hull out of the water to reduce drag, hydrofoils boost everything from commuter ferries to Navy cruisersand now, in a human-powered first, kayaks. Norwegian designer Peter Ribe’s 17-foot FLYAK works so well that Ribe, a former racer who hadn’t competed at the sport’s top level in…
The 4.9-ounce SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC T-30 boils 7.2 megapixels of blur-reducing digital muscle down to the size and weight of a deck of cards. You won’t notice it until you need it. $500; www.sony.com Sony Cybershot DSC T-30 Sony Cybershot DSC T-30…
I'm planning a late-July attempt on Mount Rainier and have received conflicting advice on the boots to use. Will the La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX boots with supergaiters be warm enough? Or should I bite the bullet and buy a pair of plastics? Andy Denver, Colorado
I've recently taken up sailing, and a GPS unit would sure come in handy during those fogs in the San Francisco Bay. But I'm bewildered by the variety of GPS units offered, with prices ranging from less than $100 to more than $500. What features will keep me from a watery grave and what's just nice to have? Jeff Fremont, California
What are your suggestions for the best five- to six-person family tent? My husband’s six-foot-three, so a tent with some height all the way around is preferable. Also, are budget tents at so-called “big-box stores” ever worth considering? Angie Auburn, Alabama
I have worn Patagonia Silkweight underwear for years, but I’m still not sold on “evaporative cooling.” And this summer I’ll be backpacking in the Middle East, where temperatures are frequently 100-plus degrees in the shade. Can anything really keep my nether regions as cool as cotton? Michael Alexandria, Virginia
What kayak would you recommend for an older guy who has lower-back problems? Also, any suggestions on resources for people over 55 who still want to stay active? John Sherborn, Massachusetts
I an avid outdoors photographer, but I’m tired of shooting the se things that tourists shoot. The solution: an overnight (or two-night) hike. I’m a newbie at this, so what type of pack and other gear do I need for these trips? Bill Pasadena, California
Thomas McGuane is back, with a dazzling story collection about strong-willed guys, mysterious women, and stark realities on the range
Sick of metrosexuals who sip wine through a straw, one active babe braves the wilds of SingleAndActive.com in search of a hunk who knows a bowline from a bow tie. Will she find true loveor the man of her screams?
From his offbeat stunts (he once drank 15 cappuccinos in one sitting) to his anything-goes demeanor (see Exhibit a—the fur coat—on page 4), Floyd Landis is the anti-Lance in every way but one: He'll stop at nothing in his quest to finish the Tour de France wearing the yellow jersey.
My family is interested in a two-day rafting/camping trip. However, we have a seven- and nine-year-old. Both swim pretty well. Any trip suggestions? Would later in the season be an option when the flow is down? Paul Brunswick, OH
Since May 7th, we at Patagonia have had much discussion and debate about where the company stands on Dean’s controversial climb. Historically, we have always stood by our Ambassadors and their actions. Our Ambassadors are a part of Patagonia’s close-knit family, and we trust them to act in ways that…
I’m considering buying a bivy to add warmth to and protect my Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 sleeping bag, which I chose for its light weight. I cp mostly in lean-tos or other minimalist shelters, and when the temp gets down to 35 degrees, I get chilled. I’ve tried liners for warmth and to protect the inside of the bag, but they’re too confining. Any thoughts on the Mountain Hardwear Conduit Bivy? Or do you have other recommendations? Cheryl Melrose, Massachusetts
Is there a water-friendly sandal ong the usual brands, or otherwise, that has the support needed for a light backpacking trip? I'm planning a two- or three-day hike on the Jack's River Trail in Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness. The trail has multiple river crossings, so I looking for an alternative to hiking boots. Or do you have a better alternative than sandals? Marshall Atlanta, Georgia
I’ve spent the past three years getting into shape—a very round shape. I’m hoping mountain biking can help get me out of that shape. I’ll need to transport three bikes (assuming my wife and seven-year-old son come along) on my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most people have recommended a receiver-hitch-mounted bike rack, which seems expensive. Is there a more affordable option? Jonathan Spanaway, Washington
I need a two-person tent that provides plenty of ventilation for fall and spring Southeast backpacking trips, but that’s also good for below-tree line trips to the Northeast in winter. I like the Black Diond Skylight, but concerned about how it will hold up to snow. How does the Skylight stack up to other tents in the se weight and roominess categories? Rich Decatur, Georgia
I'm considering trading in my hiking boots for trail-running shoes on backpacking trips. Why? I've been backpacking for years with sore, uncomfortable feet. (I'm a bit hard to fit.) Other than the lack of ankle support, is there a downside to going with a good trail shoe rather than a boot for a long backpacking trip? Which trail-runners have the guts for this type of trail work? Tim Indianapolis, Indiana
Strap in for a road trip through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Robert Thurman—Uma's dad and one of the planet's most magnetic Buddha boosters—and get set for stunning scenery, harrowing S-curves, and face time with the wild side of your soul
Steph Davis knows the downside of being one of the world’s best women climbers: like living out of a car for seven years and having your mom suggest (frequently) that you’re out of your mind. The upside? Yosemite. The Andes. And a life in which every day is a thrilling vertical grab.
I ride my old mountain bike to and from work (eight miles each way on concrete and asphalt trails). A few weeks ago I popped a few spokes. I got them fixed, but last week I blew another spoke. What's the best and cheapest way to fix this? I save about $3 per day in fuel by not driving, so that's the economic ruler that I’ll apply to the solution. Gus Montrose, Colorado
I’m in the market for new binoculars that are waterproof, rubber coated, and show excellent contrast and light-gathering ability in low-light conditions (like when viewing sbur deer in the Victorian high country in winter). I have considered Browning 8x42s and Nikon Monarch 8x42s. Any advice? Bryan Point Cook, Victoria, Australia
An exclusive conversation with Floyd Landis's training adviser
Just in time for the World Cup, Adidas is rolling out the world’s first modular soccer shoe. The F50 Tunit features interchangeable uppers (in the company’s proprietary ClimaCool and ClimaWarm fabrics, synthetic leather, and full-grain leather), footbed chassis, and spikes for maximum traction on hard, soft, or turf fields. Single-upper…
Knocking off adventure firsts is nothing to scoff at. But David de Rothschild plans to use his far-flung expeditions for something else entirely.