"Biking is an excellent way for visitors to experience Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim," says National Park Service Superintendent Steve Martin in a press release. "The bike friendly infrastructure along the newly reconstructed Hermit Road and associated greenway offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Grand Canyon by bicycle in an area that is free of private vehicle traffic."

The 277 mile (446 kilometer) long Grand Canyon was one of the first national parks in the U.S. Nearly two billion years of the Earth's geological history are exposed in the massive rift in the Colorado Plateau.  For at least 17 million years, the Colorado River has carved its way through the landscape. The result is a 6,000 feet (1.83 kilometer) deep and 4 to 18 mile (6.4 to 29 kilometer) wide canyon that is visible from space. The rock layers of the canyon walls showcase much of the early geologic history of the North American continent.

Now visitors can take in the scenery on portions of the park's multi-use greenway trail system open to bicycles, on all park roads open to public vehicular traffic and on park roads open only to shuttle bus traffic, including the Hermit Road and the Yaki Point Road. Self guided tours to explore the canyon and historical buildings located along the South Rim will be available through the fall season.

Since weather conditions can greatly affect the exploration, riders should obtain accurate forecasts and be aware of potentially extreme temperatures and late summer monsoons. Visitors can also utilize the park's shuttle bus system, which can accommodate up to three bicycles per bus.

Photo: Phil Konstantin/Public Domain

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To keep it light, the bike is almost entirely made from carbon fiber. Nevertheless, a lot of gadgets are standard: The Factor 001 features built-in GPS, a handlebar-mounted touch-screen, and power meters. Top-notch components like Shimano Di2 complement the bike that isn’t meant for racing, but training only.

"When we embarked on the design of the Factor 001, we had a single priority: the needs of the rider would come first," bf1systems says. "That single-minded focus made a number of key design decisions very straightforward. The machine would have a conventional riding position, one that top athletes would be both familiar with, and comfortable in, for extended training sessions."

So is the "Factor 001" the most advanced training bike on the planet? You be the judge, if you can afford it. The bike has a staggering price tag of $34,000.

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The route moves through the Loire Region to Limoges before turning back to the east in a gradual descent down the country and into the "Côte d'Azur" at Nice. The 68th Paris – Nice race starts March 7 just outside the French capital and finishes in Nice on March 14.

The first Paris-Nice race took place in 1933. Until 1939 it was held every year, with no events during the Second World War. In 1946 a sequel was organized, but it appeared to be a one-off event. Five years later, in 1951, reporter Jean Leulliot gives the race a new lease of life and calls it Paris - Côte d’Azur. Changing the name of the race wasn’t a big deal those days.

Starting in 1954, the current name is used to identify this multistage race. With only one exception in 1959 (Paris - Nice - Rome) it has been called Paris - Nice. Obviously, that year the race ended in Rome: 1,955 kilometers divided into 11 stages with a one-time finish in Rome.

In the sixties, France is divided into two sides. One side supports Jacques Anquetil, the others side favors Raymond Poulidor. The rivalry between the two doesn’t just exist in the Tour de France, but also in the Paris - Nice race were hard battles are fought. In the late 60’s, another champion emerges. Eddy Merckx made was in the news in 1968. The following year, he returned to collect the prize and dominate this race for three years in a row.

1982 is the year of the demise of Jean Leulliot. His daughter follows in her father’s footsteps and goes on organizing the beautiful race. That same year, a virtually unknown Irishman makes his stance and wins during his first Paris – Nice competition. Sean Kelly will win the Paris – Nice seven times in a row, which makes him all-time record holder.

In 2002, the organization that’s responsible for operating the Tour the France takes over the Paris – Nice’s management. Since 2005 the race has been a part of the UCI ProTour.

A official map of the 2010 race can be seen here.

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With 10,000 participants from all over the country and the world, Ragbrai is most likely the oldest and the largest bike ride on earth. The route varies each year but towns in Iowa compete for the honor and privilege of hosting overnight some 15,000 – 20,000 guests. The tour is generally around 470 miles long, broken down to 60-70 miles each day except for the first and last days which are considerably shorter. There is an optional loop (called the Karras Loop) on one day each year for cyclists wanting the challenge.

The ride is limited to 8,500 week-long riders and 1,500 day riders. The cost is $140 for week-long participants and $25 per day for day riders. The entry postmark deadline is April 1, 2010. If an individual or group elects to submit a manual (paper) entry, the entry including the signed original waiver(s) and payment must be complete, correct and dated no later than Feb. 15, 2010.

There is a lottery and if a rider is accepted after registering, the lottery results are announced May 1, 2010. The weekly or daily fees includes wristbands, route marking signage, baggage transportation, camping accommodations, discounts, sag wagon services, emergency medical services, traffic control, souvenir patch, daily route maps, and entries into drawing for a free bike for riders and other prizes for support vehicle drivers.

Camping areas will be set aside by each community on school grounds, county fairgrounds and/or city parks and are large enough to accommodate all registered riders. It’s possible that some communities will not have space available to accommodate all vehicles at the main tent campground, so support vehicles may be directed to a separate campground.

Paramedic teams patrol the bicycle route and emergency medical treatment will be available in each campground. Ambulances and paramedic teams patrol the route each day of the event from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Ragbrai is kicked off with a bicycle trade show featuring the newest and latest in bicycling and associated industries. The Expo takes place in the starting town on the Saturday afternoon before the ride begins. All participants, friends, family and community residents can attend the free event. The annual Expo features Ragbrai’s official ten bike shops (they are the only vendors with permission to sell official t-shirts and other mementoes), bicycle and equipment manufacturers from around the country and retailers that are associated with the cycling world.

While Ragbrai is not a race, it is a one-of-a-kind event that will suck you in, wear you out, and surely crank you up.

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Global Adventures, a leading developer for cycling and scuba diving tours and expeditions, is looking for hard working, bilingual professionals to lead and guide cyclists around the globe. We are looking for independent contractors able to teach clients how to survive in the wilderness, use a map and compass, cook in a camp with limited resources, and administer emergency first aid if needed. Most important, we are looking for professionals able to help clients to fulfill their dream, and have fun doing it.

You should have the following competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of bicycle maintenance and repair;
• Professional guide certification;
• First aid certification;
• Valid driver license;
• Able to communicate in English and the language spoken where you are guiding.

If you feel you have what it takes to become a Global guide, please send a copy of your current CV, a cover letter, and at least three references related to your professional experience to our tour desk.

Global Adventures – All the gear, all the adventures! All we need is you!

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