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Useful Sites
GORP
About this site: Heading for the great outdoors? Check out GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Pages) for great hiking and biking trails, helpful information on national parks and reserves, and gear tips. Once you figure out where you're going, you can even book a room at an inn or B and B nearby.  Pluses: You can browse listings by activity, location, or type of attraction.  Minuses: The overwhelming amount of information can make navigation confusing.  Best feature: Find a biking partner, swap gear, or get some pointers for your next road trip on the bustling bulletin boards. |
Bicycling Magazine
About this site: Whether you prefer singletrack or the open road, Bicycling Magazine.com has almost everything you need to keep your pedals turning. Learn how to repair your bent derailleur, start a new training program, even find out what to eat before your ride so you don't bonk. http://www.bicycling.com/ Pluses: For the hardcore cyclist, there's plenty of gear info, maintenance tips, and race news. Minuses: Some features are helpful to beginners, but if you aren't familiar with bike jargon this site isn't the place to start. Best feature: Spend five minutes answering questions on the Bike Finder and get a list of bikes that will suit your lifestyle, skill level, and wallet. |
Bike to Work
About this site: Get your daily workout during your commute. This site has everything you need to know to make biking to work a breeze -- from safety tips to gear recommendations to practical hints on choosing a route and dealing with bad weather. (http://biketowork.itelcom.com/) Pluses: Product evaluations and spotlights on bike-friendly towns are in the works. Minuses: The bike maintenance section is a little thin. They left out instructions on how to change the inevitable flat tire. Best feature: Hilarious advice on staying visible, warding off dogs, and dealing with rude drivers. |
International Inline Skating Association's Home Page
About this site: Want to be an inline skater--or just look like one? This site has all the information you need to get rolling--from buying your skates to finding the top skating sites across the U.S. to getting certified as a skating instructor. (http://www.iisa.org/) Pluses: Helps you find a certified instructor for lessons. Minuses: No information given on how to skate. Best feature: A comprehensive purchasing guide that helps you select the perfect skate for you: (http://www.iisa.org/gear/sk8-buy-intro.html) |
Runner's World Online
About this site: Whether you're a couch potato or a seasoned marathoner, you'll find something here to make your running workout easier--or more challenging. More than just a warmed-over version of the monthly magazine, Runner's World Online is the ultimate site for runners of all ages, experience levels, and agendas. (http://www.runnersworld.com) Pluses: Sections on nutrition, injuries, and training. Forums allow registered visitors to swap advice and war stories. Minuses: Spare site design makes it hard to tell one page from another. Best feature: Beginner's section at (http://www.newrunner.com) provides valuable data on how to get started. Includes a training log and inspiring articles. |
The Mining Co.'s Walking Page
About this site: Walking may seem pretty pedestrian until you learn how interesting the sport can be! Veteran powerwalker Wendy Bumgardner shares her experience and enthusiasm on this site, which offers walking tips and articles, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and a calendar of events. (http://walking.miningco.com/) Pluses: Lots of opportunities to connect with other walkers. Minuses: Information is not well organized and navigation is difficult. Best feature: Bulletin boards give you a chance to ask--and answer--any walking question under the sun. |
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