slatyfork, west virginia
difficulty: intermediate to expert; family-friendly
defining features: rooty, rocky, and often muddy trails;
challenging climbs; lots of trails
when to go: april through october
contact: elk river touring center, (304) 572-3771,
www.ertc.com
downieville, california
difficulty: intermediate to expert
defining features: looong, swooping downhills (and, of
course, climbs); breathtaking mountain scenery; icy swimming
holes
when to go: april through mid-november
contact: yuba expeditions, (530) 265-8779,
www.yubaexpeditions.com
vancouver, british columbia
difficulty: advanced intermediate to expert
defining features: steep vdescents with hair-raising drops;
lush redwood forests; rain
when to go: april through november
contact: deep cove bike shop, (604) 929-1918,
www.covebikeshop.com
fruita, colorado
difficulty: beginner to expert
defining features: beautiful canyons and arroyos; fast, dry
trails; tremendous variety of terrain
when to go: march through november
contact: over the edge sports, (970) 858-7220,
www.gi.net/~edge
moab, utah
difficulty: beginner to expert; family-friendly
defining features: unique, slick rock trails; short and long
loop rides; hot summer days
when to go: march through december
contact: rim tours, (800) 626-7335,
www.rimtours.com -
off-road essentials
helmet
need: bell solairpro; $30
800) 456-2355,
www.bellbikehelmets.com
want: giro e2, $160
(831) 457-4476