Everything
My son and I are going to kayak Isle Royale. What is the best type of tent to take in a sea kayak? We are renting the kayaks in Copper Harbor. Sharen Columbus, Ohio
It’s over. Seven Tours de France in seven years. Eighty-three yellow jerseys. Twenty-one stage victories. Discovery team portrait Discovery team portrait With a smile the size of Texas, Lance Armstrong crossed the finish line in Paris after 86 hours, 15 minutes, and two seconds of riding over…
Riding through a storm to finish in the sunlight was a fitting way for Lance Armstrong to end his cycling career. He's already weathered a lot of storms during his life, and today not only marked the end of his cycling career, but hopefully also the end of struggle.
In a head to head battle with every other rider in the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong won his first stage victory this year, proving he is the fastest cyclist on the French roads and the man who will cruise to victory tomorrow on the fabled Champs-Elysees. lance armstrong…
Over the past seven years, Lance Armstrong has won 58 percent of the time trials in the Tour de France. He’s competed in 19 (including prologues) and won 11. His record for the final time trial is even better. Lance Armstrong believes it’s important for the yellow jersey to win…
Our two-week pleasure tour samples the best of Canada's most bountiful province
When you’re a professional cyclist, you often race over the same course several times in your career. There aren’t that many roads in the mountains, so riders get very well acquainted with passes like the Col du Galibier and the Col d’Aubisque. They race over them in the Tour de…
With a perfectly timed attack in the final mile, T-Mobile’s Giuseppe Guerini surprised a group of three riders to take Stage 19, the last long day of riding before the Tour de France rolls into Paris Sunday. Giuseppe Guerini winning in Le Puy-en-Velay The Italian had been…
I doing about 100 crunches after supper every day and I don't feel a change in me. What I doing wrong? Chad Regina, Saskatewan
Spaniard Marcos Serrano took advantage of an uphill finish to break away from two other riders, winning team Liberty Seguros its first victory over the 117-mile Stage 18. Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong maintained what looks to be an insurmountable lead of 2:46 with four days to go.
There are a few common aspects to the Tour de France every year. You know the race is going to be reasonably flat for the first week to ten days, that you'll go through the Alps and Pyrenees, and then you'll ride toward Paris after that. The region the Tour goes through after the second mountain is one of the variables that can make the Tour de France harder or easier, and in 2005, the final route to Paris is difficult.
Paolo Savoldelli put another feather in team Discovery Channel’s cap with a win today in the longest day of the Tour—the marathon, 148-mile Stage 17 from Pau to Revel. Peloton racing by sunflowers Peloton racing by sunflowers The 32-year-old Italian joined a 17-rider breakaway at 19 miles…
For the first time since Stage 3, the team classification in the Tour de France became an issue today. With two riders in a breakaway group more than 20 minutes ahead of the peloton, Discovery Channel forced T-Mobile to consider whether it was worth chasing to defend their team classification lead.
On the southern end of Italy's boot—Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, and the island of Sicily—you'll fall in love with the creamy gelato, unspoiled beaches, and the rhythms of a simpler life
My girlfriend and I are heading down the West Coast for a multi-week bike tour this summer. I'm trying to get some good information about the best tires for my touring bike (700c size). We want to be efficient and not get any flats. Can you help me, Gear Guy? David Seattle, Washington
I climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in August. I have been skiing before but never in sub-zero conditions. Will two layers of long underwear under two layers of fleece and a waterproof, windproof shell jacket be enough to handle the cold at over 19,000 feet? Or do I really need to get down or something like it? Steve Moorpark, California
From chic clubbing in Dublin to cycling the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's got a bit of everything
Dreamy spots in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean to tie the knot
Don't just hike—follow in the footsteps of famous explorers and naturalists
Witness the evolution of the houseboat, from floating shack to marine Cadillac
Welcome to the Tour FAQ—find out how the riders go to the bathroom, what all those cycling terms actually mean, what Lance hopes to do after the race, what kind of bikes you can buy to live out your own Tour aspirations, and more...
If your big-day fantasies include a crescent beach or a mountain vista, you're part of the hottest trend in nuptial bliss: destination weddings
The day after a rest day is always unpredictable, but for Lance Armstrong it was unpredictably good. He felt really good all day today, saying after the stage that it was one of those days when it feels like there’s no chain on the bike. Every rider looks forward…
Spain’s Oscar Pereiro overcame a punctured tire in the final miles of Stage 16 to catch a breakaway group of three riders, then out-sprint them in the home stretch to capture his first-ever stage victory. Pereiro atop Col d'Aubisque en route to winning the stage today in Pau Pereiro…
I've been thinking a lot about Fabio Casartelli over the past few days. I didn't actually know the young man while he was alive, but his life and untimely death ten years ago during the 1995 Tour de France had such an impact on the people close to me that he's left an indelible mark on my life as well.
It’s not normal to see a six-foot, three-inch, 180-pound cyclist win the hardest mountain stage in the Tour de France. But then, George Hincapie isn’t a normal cyclist. He started his career as a road sprinter. He and Freddy Rodriguez used to duke it out for city-limit signs and USPRO…
After selflessly pacing teammate Lance Armstrong through six Tour de France victories, George Hincapie got the chance to raise his arms across the finish line for the first time, winning his first-ever Tour de France stage victory on the 127-mile Stage 15, through the worst of the Pyrenees. George…
On the first of two critical and difficult days in the Pyrenees, Lance Armstrong’s rivals threw down the gauntlet and provided fans with the most exciting racing we’ve seen in years. Tomorrow is even harder than today, and Armstrong will again come under serious attack. Today he had the firepower…
Austrian Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) was the last cyclist to survive a 15-man breakaway group in Stage 14 Saturday, crossing the finish line first almost a minute ahead of six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong on a hot, grueling first day in the Pyrenees. Georg Totschnig wins Stage 14…
I about 10-12 pounds overweight, female, and 31. I'd like to lose the weight while building more muscle and definition. Can you give me a diet plan to use while working out to lose the weight and build muscle? Renee San Jose, CA
My wife and I will be backpacking in Denali as a 25th wedding anniversary getaway in late August. The Nikon 10x25 Premier LX L binoculars were recommended an ideal way to see the wildlife. However, Nikon's own 10x25 ProStaff Waterproof ATB's seem to be spec'd identically to the LX L's, except for weight (which we could live with) and, oh yeah, they cost a third as much. We don't want to use inferior binoculars on the trip of a lifetime, but that's a big dollar difference. What's your take? John San Diego, California
Chris Horner is making the most of his first appearance in the Tour de France. Some riders use their first Tour experience as a learning process because they are young and hoping to develop into yellow jersey contenders. At 33 years old, Horner’s arrival at the Tour came a little…
On a hot, flat day of racing tailor-made for sprinters, Australian Robbie McEwen bided his time and then unleashed a furious dash for the win in Stage 13 Friday, passing two riders who had set the pace for most of the day on the 108-mile road from Miramas to Montpellier,…
Santa Fe, NM, July 7, 2005 –Outside magazine announces that Dennis Lewon will join its editorial staff as senior editor beginning August 3. Renowned for his gear coverage at Backpacker magazine, Lewon will contribute his vast knowledge and experience to Outside’s gear reviews and will head Outside’s annual Buyer’s Guide.
Outside has partnered with Teton Gravity Research to bring you the latest and greatest in the world of ski films. “The Tangerine Dream,” the latest from Teton Gravity Research (TGR), is a film that represents ten years of broken down trucks, wanderlust and some down and dirty skiing and snowboarding.
The French waited for Bastille Day to capture their first victory in the 92nd Tour de France, with David Moncoutie of Cofidis breaking away with 24 miles to go, holding on to a 57-second lead until he crossed the line in Digne-les-Bains. Three of the four top finishers of the…
The Discovery Team was dealt a bit of bad luck early in Stage 12 when Manuel “Triki” Beltran crashed and was later forced to abandon the race. It is the first time since 2001 that the team has lost a single rider to abandonment, and while they are strong enough…
For travelers whose outdoorsy yang seeks an inner-journey yin, these yoga retreats offer balance year-round.
I going on a seven-day backpacking trip to Yosemite and would like to take along my Nikon D70 camera. What is the best pack or way to carry this camera so it is easily accessible but protected from the elements? Paul Elizabeth, New Jersey
My girlfriend and I are planning a yearlong trip to South erica, and we're looking for two extremely durable, sub-two-pound down sleeping bags with opposite zippers that will zip together. We have two heavier Sierra Designs bags that already fit this mold, but they're old and way too big for the trip. Can you help us? Landon Rifle, Colorado
Soft shells, soft shells...that's all you ever hear about these days. But for next winter's mountaineering season, I'm in the market to replace my ten-year-old North Face hard (and I mean HARD) shell. What's out there ong the hard shells—both high end and more affordable—that's durable, well-designed, maybe even innovative? John New York City
I a 40-something female looking for a hybrid bike for not more than $400. I usual ride ten to 20 miles at a time. My requirements are upright handlebars, comfortable seat (not too geeky), strong fre, and no wide tires. Please don't recommend used—I'm not interested. I'm just looking for reliable. Karen Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Ten tempting all-American lodges with style and ambience to spare
Alexandre Vinokourov (T-Mobile) proved he can still be a threat to Lance Armstrong’s Tour hopes today with a big win in Stage 11. Alexandre Vinokourov Alexandre Vinokourov Riding several minutes ahead of the peloton over a pair of major climbs in the Tour’s second day in the…
Containment and conservation were the names of the game today for Lance Armstrong, as he rode within himself and marshaled his teammates to another successful day in the Alps. True, Alexandre Vinokourov won the stage but he has quite a way to go to erase the entire 6:32 deficit he had at the beginning of Stage 11.
Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears) out-sprinted Lance Armstrong to the finish line at the end of the Tour’s grueling first Alpine stage Tuesday, but it was Armstrong and team Discovery Channel’s furious tempo over the day’s two mountains that withered the field and returned the reigning champ to the overall…
Sometimes opportunities present themselves where you least expect them to. Lance Armstrong and the Discovery Channel team expected Stage 10 of the Tour de France to be hard, but not decisive. However, when that lead group started to splinter, Lance seized the opportunity and gained more than a minute over his chief rivals.
I've been hearing so much lately about the benefits of incorporating dairy into your diet for losing fat and building muscles, especially for women because we need the extra calcium. But, I cannot drink regular cow's milk, because it kills my stomach. But, I do drink soy milk. So, I was wondering, does soy milk have the se fitness benefits as regular milk? Ana Silver Spring, Maryland
Discover Yunnan, an uncommon convergence of rushing rivers, ancient villages, and snowy peaks that's fast becoming China's premier adventure playground
A rest day at the Tour de France provides a brief opportunity to catch your breath, but the riders and the team staffs really only experience a modest reduction in activity. There is still food to be prepared, three hours spent on the bikes, massages, laundry, and a long list…
From the red-rock vistas of Abiquiu to the dunes of White Sands—with a few shots of tequila mixed in—New Mexico is another world. Try these 12 perfect days in the Land of Enchantment. Horseback Riding into the Sunset Cerrillos Twenty miles south of Santa Fe, where the southern Rockies peter…
Lance Armstrong lost his grip on the yellow jersey in the ninth stage of the Tour de France Sunday, slipping into third place behind team CSC rival Jens Voigt—while Danish rider Mickael Rasmussen won the day after leading for over 100 miles. Jens Voight, who now has the yellow…
The yellow jersey is a hard garment to let go of, but sometimes it is best to let someone else carry it for a while. Lance Armstrong handed the yellow jersey to Jens Voigt (CSC) this afternoon after the German spent most of the day riding a few minutes behind…
It was team Rabobank’s day to shine in Stage 8 of the Tour de France Saturday, with the team’s riders taking four of the five summits and the finish line, as the Tour got its first taste of the mountains. Weening and Klöden on the top of the Col…
Over the past six years, one of Lance Armstrong's greatest assets has been the collective strength of his team. About half way up the first substantial climb of the 2005 Tour de France, the Discovery Channel team struggled to support their leader, leaving him isolated to fight off attacks from rival teams all by himself.
You can always tell when the Tour de France nears the German border. The number of fans lining the roads, and the amount of noise they generate, increases with every kilometer. Once you actually cross the border, it’s complete pandemonium at the roadside. Fortunately, the German fans were treated to…
In another day for the sprinters, Australian Robbie McEwen (Davitamon-Lotto) took the seventh stage of the Tour de France in a dash to the finish line to win another pair of kisses on the podium. The peloton races to the finish line in Friday’s Stage 7. Robbie McEwen snagged…
I've read about the Moonstone Lucid's light weight and compressibility, but because I won't wear clothes for which animals are slaughtered, I wonder if there's something comparable made of Hollofil or some other man-made fiber that's equally warm, compressible, and lightweight (and for men, since I understand the Lucid is only available in women's sizes). Nicolás Buenos Aires, Argentina
I'm considering getting the Outback Oven for baking on the trail this summer, but other folks have the Bakepacker. Have you had an opportunity to check both out? What is your opinion? I know the Bakepacker basically "stes" the food, instead of baking, but what other differences are there? Gigi Concord, California
There are no rain delays in bike racing. This isn’t baseball, golf, or NASCAR. In cycling, you have to be prepared to race in all kinds of weather conditions, and accept all of the associated risks. You also have to be willing to take certain risks, like the ones Alexandre…
A massive pileup crippled the leaders in the rain-slicked final turn of Thursday’s Stage 6, handing the day’s victory to a relatively unknown Italian rider, Lorenzo Bernucci, from team Fassa-Bortolo. Bernucci stage win in Nancy Bernucci stage win in Nancy After leading for the last 84 miles…
In a day for the sprinters, Davitamon-Lotto’s Robbie McEwen edged out his green jersey rival Tom Boonen by half a wheel in a dramatic dash to the finish line to capture stage 5 of the Tour de France Wednesday. Robbie McEwen Robbie McEwen The win was a…
Respect is the cornerstone of professional cycling, and it was out of respect to Dave Zabriskie that Lance Armstrong initially refused to wear the yellow jersey at the start of Stage 5. Although Lance eventually relented to the demands of the race organization and donned the jersey, the peloton and…
Team Discovery Channel has won Stage 4 in the fastest team time-trial in Tour de France history with a time of one hour, ten minutes, and 39 seconds, finishing just two seconds ahead of Team CSC, showcasing the depth of talent in the riders surrounding Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong,…
Think about what two seconds means over a distance of 42 miles. It’s a tap of the brakes in one corner, a moment’s hesitation, one missed shift, or the difference between riding in the middle of the road and hugging the curb going around a bend. It’s nothing, and yet…
I'm headed out to do some big-wall climbs in Yosemite this summer. I was wondering if you could recommend a sturdy shoe that will suffice on my trad routes out here in the Northeast, but hold its own on a big-wall climb out West? I'd rather sink my loot into protection than different shoes for all occasions. Con Boston, Massachusetts
I run five to seven miles five days a week, so I'm looking for a comfortable, durable running shoe, something lightweight and well-cushioned. Price is not much of an object. I have a neutral foot and good mechanics. Michael Jacksonville, North Carolina
The Tour de France has something for everyone. There are competitions for the best sprinter, climber, young rider, and of course, overall leader. It’s the sprinters who get most of the glory in the first week, as evidenced by today’s high-speed battle on the streets of Tours. Tom Boonen (Quick-Step)…
At the last possible second, Belgian Quick-Step sprinter Tom Boonen found the open door from inside the peloton and ignited his turbos, clinching first place in Stage 3 and the race’s green jersey for the second consecutive day. With his finishing burst timed to perfection, sprinter-of-the-moment Boonen even had time…
It’s good to have the first road stage of the Tour de France in the bag. These opening days are always chaotic, and the risk of crashing is much greater than the chance of seizing an opportunity to gain time. For Lance Armstrong and the other primary yellow jersey contenders,…
Despite suffering from a severe toothache that nearly caused him to withdraw from the 2005 Tour de France before it even started, Belgian sprinter Tom Boonen (Quick-Step) won Stage 2 today with clinical precision, earning himself the green jersey and his third Tour stage win in two years. Tom…
In an unparalleled display of athletic prowess and determination, six-time champion Lance Armstrong (Discovery Channel) overtook long-time rival Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at the nine-mile mark in Stage 1 of the 2005 Tour de France, earning himself the green jersey and a second-place finish, two seconds behind first-time Tour rider, David…