Our Athletic-Minded Traveler video crew had a blast interviewing cyclists, mechanics, fans, and even the podium ladies at the Tour of California's final stage in San Diego. Everyone was happy to talk to us, even the time-crunched and focused riders.
As I mentioned in my last blog, the tiny town of Sisters, Oregon (pop. 3,000) is a semi-annual destination for my wife, daughter and me. In-laws live just outside the quaint and friendly "Old West" town (and for a sports connection, Sisters is the present home of Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Fouts too).
Until a few years ago, the town of Sisters had no health club, making frigid winter workouts a bit more challenging--the area is blessed with unbelievable trails, mountains and roads that are wonderful to explore on foot, bike, etc.
Growing up in Chicago, my family often vacationed over Christmas to the ski resorts of the West. Winter Park, Colorado, was one of our favorite destinations. Vail, Steamboat, and Heavenly also found our travel calendar.
One of my friends was in Mumbai for the Grand Opening of India's first Bikram Yoga studio. Bollywood stars and local dignitaries (along with approx. 25 American representatives) gathered at the Mumbai Marriott hotel for a 10pm Bikram Yoga demonstration and party to follow on Wednesday night. Grenades exploded and guns were fired at the nearby domestic airport just as the yoga festivities began (airport shootings were not covered by the media).
According to yesterday's Wall Street Journal, the three major airline carriers--American, United, and Delta--hold the highest "lost luggage" rate. United's mishandled baggage rate during the past 10 years is 29% higher than the best rated airline, Continental.
Delayed flights causing missed connections are the primary reason for luggage blunders. And as the on-time performance of the nation's carriers sprials down, mishandled baggage rates spike up.
Now that Paris has gone live on AMT, we're excited to share some of the athletic-minded opportunities we discovered.
In July 2007, Paris began a public bike rental program ("Velib") that makes cruiser bikes available to anyone wanting to ride. More than 20,000 bikes and 1,450 self-service stations are spread across the city. Rental is easy and if you get your bike back into another rack (or the same) within the first 30 minutes, there's no charge!
Airlines are charging extra these days for many items that used to be free: food, pillows, check-in luggage, help from the skycaps, etc. Southwest is now even charging more for those wanting to board first...so called, "business fares".
Find your perfect hotel gym and more on AthleticMindedTraveler.com.
We're just back from the Tour of California's final stage in Pasadena. Congrats to Georgie for a much deserved stage victory and to Levi for another Tour win.
You can go to Velonews or other cycling sites for a race report, but if you're like us, nothing is more arousing than seeing up close the bikes and equipment being used by top pros.
Most travelers to the UK and/or Europe ride the efficient train systems--as they should. The vast network of underground, above ground, and high speed rails make airflight so...yesterday. We'll discuss the high speed arteries in a future blog, but here are a few tips to help you feel like a UK/European railway veteran:
1. London's Underground (aka "The Tube") - it's clean, quick, convenient and the first choice of London locals. Don't be afraid to take the Tube just because it's below ground.
Buy a DAY PASS and you'll enjoy unlimited access within certain zones.
