[keylay]

My fiance and I are wanting to take a vacation in December of 2010. We live in Houston, Texas and willing to drive between 21-30 hours. We have a few requirments, and the places that meet them, I'll definelty check out.

1) Must be within 30 driving hours of Houston? As far as west as Utah, north as Kansas City, Missouri and east as Georgia.
2) If flying destination, must have major airport and 1-stop flight?
3) Mountain biking potential (desert or forest, doesn't matter).
4) If potential for snow in mountain bike area, must have ski access or winter sport backup near by.
5) Must be scenic.
6) Have other non-mountain bike fun such as restaurants, shopping, culture, National Park, etc.

 

[AZ]

Phx. Az.

 

[Team Fubar Rider]

I'd second Arizona. You could ride the whole time in Phoenix alone or you can ride there, Tucson and/or Sedona, though you'll need to be flexible with the weather if you're gonna do Sedona too. I've been in AZ in January multiple times and have been able to ride Sedona every time, but the last time it was a bit on the chilly side.

 

[abegold]

Tucson has the 8ish Days of Christmas from around Christmas till after New Years with daily rides. Informal MTB fest. Many differnt types of trails from the desert floor to the mountains. Check out TucsonMTB.com as the date approaches. Two years ago it was 22 days long but only 1/2 that last year. Day and night rides and gatherings post ride, too.

 

[R88]

I go to Phoenix every winter. There is great mt. bike riding within the city park system and plenty more nearby. Sometimes you can even see the locals wearing neoprene masks and parkas when the temperatures dip down to the low 40's, always a treat, and December is a good month to be there without running the risk of ungodly hot weather. I've been there in February and the temps got into the 90's! There are a lot of very good paved trails in the city for road bikes too.

 

[Blaster1200]

Over the holidays in December, my wife and I usually leave Southern California for Utah (Gooseberry Mesa then Moab). Last year we stopped in Arizona and spent New Years day riding in Sedona where I asked her to marry me.

During this time in these locations, good weather, no crowds, low pricing, and great riding. :thumbsup:

 

[Lawson Raider]

No brainer. Arizona - Phoenix or Tucson.

 

[k2biker]

Southern Appalachians!

Check out Mulberry Gap for lodging and homemade food and Atlanta Outfitters for guided tours of the Cohuttas, Blue Ridge, Ocoee and Pisgah Regions. How much riding do you want? Not counting Pisgah, we have over 100 miles of epic riding opportunities, most of which can be accessed from Mulberry Gap Bunkhouse. When you stay at MG, you get the luxury of hot tubs, home-cooked meals and wifi so you can post your bragging pictures on Facebook and rub it into your friends that you're playing while they're working!

See Dirt Rag #149 for their awesome review of our little playground.

When you call Mulberry Gap, tell the girls I sent ya! Or just call me and I can make all the arrangements as a package deal.

 

[theMeat]

Another vote for Sadona. I've done alot of travel and must say IMO there's something magical about that place. A few hours drive to grand canyon or skiing in flagstaff from there. Ballon rides, nice dinning, friendly people. You might never leave.

 

[keylay]

Another vote for Sadona. I've done alot of travel and must say IMO there's something magical about that place. A few hours drive to grand canyon or skiing in flagstaff from there. Ballon rides, nice dinning, friendly people. You might never leave.

I went to the Fruita Fat Tire Festival this year and hearing that the owners of Over the Edge Sports vacationed in Sedona, I figured it couldn't be that bad of a place. I've driven to Flagstaff from Austin, and the trip there was great. I think I might do that, and stop and do trails in major cities along the way, even if it's a ride under 15 miles. I could stop in Austin, TX, Albequerqe, NW, Sedona, Flagstaff, and could continue to Phoenix or even to Moab depending on the weather.

Thanks for the recommendations guys :thumbsup:

 

[tflounder]

December - no one has mentioned Florida?? No Mountains but some surprising trails. Nothing better than riding in the morning and spending the afternoon at the beach or springs. Check out:
Pensacola - Univ of WFL Trails
Tallahassee - Tom Brown Park
Gainesville - San Felasco
Ocala - Santos!!!!
Lakeland/Tampa - Alafia!!!!
South FL - Markham, Oleta, Quiet Waters, Amelia

*not to mention the other hundred trails all around the state. Nitelife - don't get me started.

 

[jmssmith317]

i would prefer phoenix because there is mountain area called MOAB where u have to be very carefull Before embarking on any trail make sure that you have a detailed trail map. Detailed maps can be purchased at many of the retail establishments in Moab, and at the Moab Information Center on Main & Center Street.

 

[keylay]

Thanks for the reply. I ended up booking a winter vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado for skiing with my fiance. We are going to do job searching in the Front Range and meet up with some friends we haven't seen in a while.

 

[abegold]

Whatever you do, DO NOT be her ski teacher, the ONLY good outcome can be make up sex after the on slope fight. Lessons from a teacher only, if she needs them. As a 36 year skier I've seen the fights and fits.
Skied many CO resorts. Breck is a very liberal ski town and has a new lift to the upper mountain, so different than when I was there 26 years ago.