As 2014 comes to a close, it’s always good to look back and appreciate all the outdoor adventures you had. Though it’s hard to pick just ten, here are some of my favorites from the year (in no particular order). Hoping 2015 brings a wealth of outdoor fun for you and yours. Happy New Year!
1. Cycling Across Japan: For 8 days, Terry and I rode 1000 km across this beautiful country with a fun group of people. I can’t wait to go back for more.
2. Ireland Adventure Race: As part of our trip to Ireland with Columbia Sportswear and Failte Ireland, a handful of us competed in the Gaelforce North Adventure Race, and it was incredibly fun.
3. Hut to Hut Hiking the Presidentials: To test out the new Thule packs, we hiked through the backcountry hut system in the White Mountains of New Hampshire–complete with classic Mt. Washington temperamental weather.
4. Backpacking in the Uintas: After Outdoor Retailer this summer, a group of us headed off into the Uintas with Gregory Packs in order to unwind from the craziness of the show.
5. Cycling Across Yosemite: My birthday challenge for 2014 was to ride clear across Yosemite and back on Tioga Road. A bike is one of my favorite ways to experience a national park.
6. Racing the Chequamegon 40: Even though I spent much of my childhood in Hayward, WI, I had never entered the famed Chequamegon 40 mountain bike race. I finally rectified that this year.
7. Hiking in Germany: To get a first look at the new Gore-Tex Surround technology, a few of us headed to Germany to visit the Gore offices and hike up to a beautiful mountain hut for an evening of food and fun.
8. Ice Climbing along Icefields Parkway, Canada: Despite the frigid temps, I absolutely love ice climbing in and around Canmore, Alberta. I hope to have this opportunity every year.
9. Mountain Biking Crested Butte: The 401 Trail is popular for a reason. So much mountain biking fun to be had in Crested Butte.
10. Biking in Vermont: Before our Presidentials trip, I spent the weekend with my friends Berne and Mike in Burlington for what I call spring bike camp. Mountain biking, road cycling, and even lift-served downhill was packed into three fun days of riding. Don’t forget the Heady Topper and maple creemees.