Guest post: Bicycle Adventures encourages off-season training With Cycling in Death Valley, Cross-Country 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.

For more information and 2015 trip availability and reservations contact Bicycle Adventures by phone: 800.443.6060, email: office@bicycleadventures.com or visit online at: http://bicycleadventures.com/.

About Bicycle Adventures 

Scenic byways, four and five-star accommodations and local dining and visits to National Parks are trademarks of Bicycle Adventures, founded in 1984.  Types of tours include Classic (25-50 miles a day), Classic Plus (50-60 miles a day) and Epic (70+ miles a day with the most demanding terrain). Value-driven Frugal trips offer budget-conscious lodging and meals with full van support; Family tours offer multi-sport adventures and riding on safe, scenic bike paths.

Pre-set and custom tours embrace the Pacific Northwest into Canada, California and the Southwest, as well as Colorado, the Dakotas, New York, Hawaii, New Zealand, Spain’s Basque region and Taiwan. Excelling in its own backyard the Issaquah, WA-based company’s line-up includes a National Geographic ‘Tours of a Lifetime’ award-winning Empire Epic cycling tour from Washington to Montana’s Glacier National Park, urban adventures in Seattle and Portland and immersions into the craft beer industry in Oregon and Washington.