Extreme Sports :: Conquer Yourself

The 3 Most Important Things to Do to Avoid Climbing Injuries

2009-12-13T07:35:00.001-08:00

It seems like just about every rock climber gets a rock climbing injury at some point during their climbing season. In fact it is more common than not and if you think about it makes sense.

Think about all the stress that a rock climber is putting not only on their finger joints and tendons, but your elbows, shoulders, knees, feet and ankles. Rock climbers are constantly pushing themselves to the limits and it isn't uncommon to have a climber rock climb several days in a row without rest. With all this abuse our body can only take so much especially when you realize most climbers don't get enough sleep and they do not eat a very balanced diet. Obviously there are those that do, but in general most don't.

Another big contributing factor to rock climbing injuries is a lack of preparation before climbing. Very few rock climbers actually prepare their bodies to rock climb by warming up and stretching.

So let's go over the 3 essential things you must do to keep yourself climbing injury free during your rock climbing season.

Preparation - preparing your body for the mass amount of stress you are going to put on it is absolutely critical. You should warm up by doing a light jog or doing 100 or so jumping jacks. This will warm you muscles up and get the blood flowing in your body. Once your body has been warmed up it is important to start stretching. Focus on stretching your major muscle groups and the common areas for climbing injury. Be sure to stretch your fingers, forearms, back, shoulders, chest and legs. You should stretch for at least 15 minutes before you actually climb.

Cool down- After your climbing session you have just put your body through a lot, especially if you boulder. You need to cool your body off by doing some easier climbing for at least 15 minutes. After you finish with the easier climbing you should really do some light jogging or ride a stationary bike for 10 minutes and then stretch for 10-15 minutes. This will allow you to cool down properly and will increase your recovery time.

Nutrition- by eating healthy foods and staying away from junk food and processed foods you will be feeding your body the right nutrients to heal and recover. Some foods you want to focus on are superfoods like cacao, goji berries, blueberries, lean protein and vegetables.

By adding these 3 essential things to your climbing routine you will really benefit not only physically but your mental capabilities.

About the Author

Discover more information about rock climbing and watch some amazing rock climbing videos.

The Significance of Good Hydration In Motocross

2009-11-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

The importance of hydration is huge in every day life, let alone during sporting activities, where the body is exposed to much higher levels of intensity. Consuming less than acceptable fluids before, during, and after a sporting activity, can lead to what's recognized as dehydration.
As an athlete sweats, which is the body's cooling system, fluid needs to be replaced in order for the body's heat management system to function correctly, if not, then dehydration will occur, which will include a range of symptoms.

The most Widespread symptoms of dehydration include thirst, increased fatigue, increased body temperatures and up to 30% loss of performance. The loss of performance is the vital part of course; this leads to lack of; concentration, endurance, muscular strength and general productivity, a 30% loss in a sporting activity could be crucial, as well as risky.

When pushing your body to the extreme, sweat can escape from the body in excess of 1 litre per hour, which relates to 1-2% loss of body weight (for the normal person), in just 60 minutes. As far as dehydration goes, prevention is the key, and by following a schedule for hydration, and by replacing the fluids lost during sporting activities, the probability of becoming dehydrated are greatly reduced.

Athletes can become hydrated for a number of reasons, the event may be in excess of 45 minutes long, heat may be intense, or the athlete doesn't become thirsty, the later being the most important. The most frequent cause of dehydration is not drinking, owing to not feeling thirsty. Different health conditions or state's of mind during sports activities; it is not practical to rely, solely on thirst.

So of course, the question is; how do we stay hydrated and sustain our performance levels?
The best way to stay hydrated is to follow a schedule for hydrating your body, which will date back to a couple hours before your sporting activity, but needs to be followed;

Begin drinking fluids on a frequent basis, 2-3 hours ahead of your sporting activity. Drink 250ml 15 minutes before exercise. Drink 250ml every 15 minutes exercise.

About the Author
Get the latest Motocross news and tips at Motocross Mania and

Key points for your Vertical Jump Skills

2009-07-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

When you see all those college and NBA players with incredible jumping skills do wonder if they have a natural ability or just worked really hard to get that skill? Well, there are a hand full that do seem to have been born with some natural ability. They have the good genetics with the strong legs and upper body.

The others, they worked extra hard to get stronger and learn the technique of leaping. And there are some good basketball players that just can not seem to get a lot of height in their jump. They are still excellent players but you will not see them doing slam dunks.

If you want to gain some extra inches to your vertical jump or leap, choose a vertical jump program to follow so you can focus on the right training methods. When you start your training be prepared to spend months improving and have a positive attitude. Results of jump improvement vary among each person, some may just have much stronger legs than the others or some who have never trained their legs before make some really great gains.

Listed here are a few of the steps you must do to jump higher. 1. Get stronger, spend time in the gym or use your own weights. Do squats and dead lifts to strengthen the thighs, the most important muscle you use to jump.

2. Improve your core strength, this would be your mid section and lower back. Strengthening your core will help your balance and over all fitness.

3. If you are over weight or could spare a few pounds now would be a good time to loose it. You need to improve your strength to weight ratio, more muscle and less fat.

There are more key points to consider but this will give you some idea of what to expect. If you really want to jump higher take yourself serious and go for it.

About the Author

Discover how to Jump Higher by using the methods shown at http://www.squidoo.com/vertical-jumping. Tim Archbold's lifelong interests are fitness training and health.

Snowboarding tickets

2009-03-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding, is fast becoming one of the most popular family holidays. One of the biggest appeals to the family is that the active sport which provides a large number of exercises for all. With today's inactive lifestyles, more families have opted to take an active family holiday, which gives a lot of fresh air and exercise.

Snowboarding is a winter sport, which evolved from skateboarding and surfing. When snowboarding, you ride epoxy-fiberglass board which resembles a large skateboard. Your feet strapped to the snowboard while you ride the ski slope or a special snowboard pipe. In principle, you are surfing down the ski slope.

Unlike skiing, where you shift weight from one ski to a friend when you're snowboarding shift your weight from heels to the fingers, as well as from one end of snowboarding for other purposes.

Although many people think that snowboarding is similar to skiing, it is really more similar to skateboarding and surfing. The only similarity to skiing is that both are done on snow and can be done on a ski slope.

Colorado is a great state for snowboarding holiday

Colorado is notorious for being the home of the largest skiable mountain. Vejle resort located on the top of the mountain and has 33 lifts, 193 routes and 5289 skiable hectares of land. Vejle resort was also recognized for providing the best services, and ski and snowboard instruction.
Vejle is a perfect place for family holidays snowboarding, because they are quite complicated for intermediate snowboarders in the family, and at the same time, their 1500 instructors are always willing to help newcomers. In Vejle, snowboarders will find itself in friendly territory. A special map will show you where to find a place for freestyle snowboarding, as well as the half pipe and snowboard terrain parks.

Crested Butte in Colorado, is another area that is well known for snowboarders. However, crested Butte is not the best place for family holidays. This is not a good area for children and beginners, and is best left to intermediate snowboarders. Very steep and ungroomed, and is packed with cliff jumps and tree runs. Nightlife in the area can get a little wild, and this area is not very suitable for family entertainment.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is another area to consider for a family holiday snowboarding

Jackson, Wyoming has changed in recent years. Historically, it was known as a summer hunting for various Indian tribes. The United States acquired Wyoming from France in 1803, and it was a frontier town for all the nineteenth century. Wyoming is the busiest time of the summer months when people head out to visit Yellowstone and Grand teton national park.

Off season of winter, which makes it a good place for family holidays snowboarding. Very easy to find housing, prices are lower than in off season, and you are not able to find a lot of people, lines and waits until you're there.

Jackson Hole Ski area is an excellent place for beginners and snowboarders medium that makes it a perfect family holiday spot. Located on Rendezvous Mountain, this resort consists of two peaks. This is an excellent platform for all levels of snowboarders with its uncrowned lifts and a variant of the complexity of the road. The upper half of Rendezvous Mountain for extreme snowboarders, while the bottom is more easily manageable trails.

As Jackson Hole is located at an altitude lower than some other areas, they have a shorter season. Nevertheless, they still get about 32 feet of good fluffy snow every winter.

Utah resorts welcoming families for their snowboarding holiday

in an attempt to increase business, Utah resorts making it easier for families to choose them for their snowboarding holiday. States called "Kids Ride Free". Almost every resort in Utah offers free children's tickets with the purchase of tickets http://www.ticketfront.com for adults cancel. In addition, many resorts in Utah made a "family" by offering snowboard classes, day camp programs for children and kindergartens for children aged three months.

Alta Resort, located in the vicinity of Albion, offers child care for children 3 - 12 months, and classes for children four years - teens.

Brian Head Resort is known for its family atmosphere. Brian Head Kids Camp for children 12 years and younger. This fully supervised child winter sports program of study. Brian Head also offers child care for children aged 6 weeks and older at their fully licensed child care centers.
Brighton Resort has always been known as a fun, affordable place for a winter family vacation. They offer all day tickets are available at a price that does not come for several years. An adult lift ticket is still $ 41 and children 10 and under continue to receive free tickets. Brighton offers all levels of snowboarding instruction classes. They are also instructors who will take you to areas of the resort that you will not find on your own.

A number of other resorts in Utah that are also great family snowboarding holiday include Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Solitude and Sundance. All of them are Utah State Wide movement to become a favorite family snowboarding holiday spot. Each of them offer some form of child care, employment and training, but also have facilities for advanced and intermediate snowboarders so.

Snowboarding can be great family holidays.

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TicketFront deals in all mega events around the globe. Our online ticket inventory offers best ticket deals for Concerts, Theaters, Sporting events and Las Vegas.we provide you best ticket http://www.ticketfront.com deals for each and every event around the globe.

Skiing in Jammu Kashmir

2008-11-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is a thrilling and exciting experience for any adventure enthusiast. The Ski Club of India was established in Gulmarg in 1927, which is now considered as the ski paradise of India. Just 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 2,730 m, Gulmarg changes its scenery from a flowery meadow to that of a small ski resort in winters. Ski-lovers from all over the country flock to the place because it is the only ski-resort in the mighty Himalayas where you can ski with a magnificent view of the Karakorams.

Around the middle of December, before the Christmas, the skiing season in Gulmarg usually commences, which continues till the middle of April. In January-February, 1998 the first National Winter Games of India were held at Gulmarg, for which the facilities of the skiing resorts were highly improved and upgraded. The resort had two Kasse Bohrer snow beating machines used for preparing skiing slopes, and five snowmobiles, which are used for going up the mountain. Good quality equipment, including skis, boots, sticks, gloves and goggles can be hire on the spot from the Government-run ski shop. There are also experienced instructors available for supervising the visitors. Gulmarg is ideally acceptable for learning skiing, as it is probably the cheapest ski resort in the world. Gulmarg also offers heliskiing for winter sports lovers. It is Asia's only heliskiing resort and in fact after Canada, Kashmir is the best option for those inclined towards heliskiing. Heliskiing comprises of being dropped by a helicopter on the summit of a high, snow-covered peak and then skiing down the slopes. Heliskiing in Kashmir can be a breathtaking experience. Heliskiing is the ultimate winter sports thrill for the adventure sports lover. This extreme winter sport has some element of risk but the thrill experienced while indulging in heliskiing is said to be unequalled by any other winter sport. Skiing can also be enjoyed at Patnitop, 112 kms from Jammu, Patnitop, famous hill resort, perched at an altitude of 2024 metres is a world best destination for ski lovers. Skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and February. During winter months there are introductory courses for tourists/beginners at gentle gradient slopes of Patnitop.

About the Author

kashmirhotravel.com is a Travel Management Company, catering "for the choices of the chosen one's!!!" Through our global sales offices and our long time international partners we are proud to serve our visitors all around the globe. By establishing a reputation for top quality Travel consultancy and uniqueness in holiday management services.

Macau Tower Jump

2008-11-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

AJ Hackett opened the world's highest sky jump, a plunge off the 233m outer rim of the Macau Tower, in 2006. You, too, can jump off the Macau Tower - if, that is, you fancy plunging towards tarmac at a hundred kilometers an hour.

A hybrid of bungee jump and skydiving, the sky jump is a controlled aerial journey involving no rebound or hanging upside down, which ends with a gentle landing at the base of the tower. The system is regulated by a cable brake and the fall takes 14 seconds. The inaugural jump was completed by Mr. Hackett, from New Zealand, on 17th December 2006. His career as a sky-jump installation tester began on that day and thankfully can continue, due to his having got his sums right.

Dare-devils are clad in specially tailored suits and connected to three cables, so ensuring absolute safety. At approximately 10 metres above the ground, the cable drum switches down-gear to allow for a soft landing. Unlike a bungee jump, Sky Jump is a controlled aerial journey, so you won't bounce back and you won't end up upside down. There is also no chance of the cable wrapping itself around your neck, as has happened to at least one bungee jumper.

I had a great experience at Macau's Great Tower and would like to share it with you. When my Dad asked me what I wanted to do on his day off in Macau, I said I wanted to see the sights, one of which is the Macao Tower. I didn't know about the jump, so you can imagine my surprise when I looked up to see someone plunging earthwards from the top. "Wow? Dad! That's amazing. I want to have a go" I said, tugging at his shirt, as I realized what was happening.

"I thought you would," he said as he fished for his wallet. A little later, as an attendant helped me into a harness and tightened the straps, I watched the orange jumpsuits walk around the outside deck as if they were training for a moon-walk. A Chinese man got suited up before me and I watched him enter the crew pit, then be guided outside to where the jump gate is located. A crew member grabbed the "Big Man" (a long, thick set of cables wrapped together in material) and hooked it to a loop on the man's back. After the checklist he guided the man to the gate. He told the jumper that at 50 feet he would stop his fall to take a photo and asked that the jumper look back up at him. The man nodded in agreement, looking as though he didn't trust himself to speak for fear of emitting an un-macho squeak. The attendant opened the door and led the man to the edge. He didn't hesitate and was gone in seconds. I doubted whether I would be so brave.

I felt adrenaline entering my heart as I took a deep breath, trying to control the mounting fear of knowing it was my turn. I stepped outside. Out on the deck, the crew member said "Don't worry, Losie, it's safe", pronouncing my name in the usual Asian way. Its used to find it sooooo annoying that Asian's can't pronounce my name "Rosie", but I changed my attitude when our Filipina nanny pointed out that I couldn't pronounce her name properly either. He yelled back the checklist and asked me, "Are you ready?" But he wasn't really after an answer and so didn't give me time to open my mouth and say:

"NO, Definitely not, I've changed my mind, don't bother about a refund, I want to go down the slow way. I mean, I can't feel any wings sprouting out of my shoulders, so I can't possibly fly, right, so this is lunacy. I might be a young British female, but DO I LOOK LIKE A B***** BIRD ?

He opened the gate and told me to put my hands on the top bar of the railing as the gate swung open in front of me. I did, but realized I really had changed my mind and was not going to jump - no way, José. "Look over there, Losie, look at Hong Kong" the crew member said, pointing at where my sister had been born. "You'll be fine. Trust me" he assured me. "No. This does not feel right. I do not want to do this," I said, standing at the edge with the gate wide open.

The crew member attempted to reassure me, closing the gate and talking some calm back into me. I didn't hear him - the only thought filling my mind, heightened by the blood throbbing almost audibly in my temples, was that jumping off the tower was suicidal. Life suddenly seemed even more precious than previously, I was far too young and thought myself much too beautiful to die. Besides, I'd never had any children, never been rock-climbing in Krabi, never seen a sunset from Annapurna base camp, only seen Boyzone in concert nineteen times.

This felt very different from jumping out of an airplane in Australia. That had seemed only slightly daft, as the airoplane was perfectly serviceable and I had no particularly pressing appointments on the ground. The crew member continued to try to reassure me "Come on Losie, you don't want to come this far and turn back", he said.

Before I could give voice to my objections I heard the sound of cheering and realized that everyone on the top floor had gathered behind us and was cheering me on.

"Please don't do that," I said, waving feebly at them while smiling wanly. More afraid of the embarrassment of turning back than of the dangers of proceeding, I turned round, faced the open expanse and leaned forward. The cable stopped after 50 feet for the attendant to take my photo. "Look at me," he yelled from above as I hung suspended below. "I can't," I yelled back, "My head doesn't turn that far. It's impossible, my neck's not long enough. Who can do that, anyway? I mean, how many giraffes do you get jumping off this thing?" The cable was released and I started a pleasurable descent, slowing down about 30 feet from the bottom and landing softly on my feet, right on target. Dad's eyes were the first things I saw as I hit the landing pad. He was laughing a somewhat nervous laugh, presumably relieved it was all over. I suddenly realized how much he loves me, that he was willing to put up with watching me do something that must have scared him witless. Our driver Andrew greeted me at the exit. "You crazy lady. Your Dad say you no like be high, why you jump?" he asked. "Because I wanted to beat the fear" I said. Today, the spectators on the top floor had given me the courage to jump by shaming me into banishing the fear. Andrew asked Dad why he didn't jump too. "I have no desire to do things like that," he replied. "I'm old enough not to need to bother with proving things." What is brave? To jump or not to jump. Which is braver? She who jumps or he who jumps not? AJ Hackett once chided reporters. "You must jump before reporting," he said. So, now, after having completed the same feat, I feel I have earned the right to ask, "If you are young, do you have what it takes? If not, is the only reason that you wouldn't do it that you feel you don't need to bother?"

This article was first published in Adrenaline ezine

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The best Thai climbing, diving and fishing trips. Best 2008/9 destinations: Koh Lao Liang, and Ao Nang

2008-10-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Snowboarding may not be one of the more difficult extreme sports - but it can still be tricky for many people to learn. Before you take your board out there on the slopes you need to know what you need and the basics of how to do it. Lucky for you that is exactly what we are going to help you with.

The first thing we want to talk about is how you need to dress when you go snowboarding. Make sure that you were a helmet that is specifically for snowboarders. Make sure it fits well and does not move around on your head or sit too low on your forehead. At the same time it shouldn't be too tight.

Wearing the right type of boots is also important. Make sure that this too fit your feet well - but are not too tight. You want to be able to move around easily - but not have them fall off.

Underneath those shoes you should wear high socks. Tuck your pants into your boots. You'll find that when your boots rub against your skin all day it will rub them raw. I don't care what people say - you should never wear more then one pair of socks. It will make your boots tighter and decrease the circulation of blood that travels to your feet. This can increase your risks of frosty toes.

Snowboarding For Beginners

The first thing you need to do is figure out which foot will be your lead foot. It is common that people who are right handed will lead with their left foot or the other way around. Of course this does not always apply to everyone. If you are not quite sure which one you should lead with then you should just do what is comfortable for you.

Once you have figured it out place your lead foot into the front binding and fasten it tightly in. If you are using the step in type of board then you want to make sure that it fits in perfectly and tightly. Once the lead foot is secure place your other foot in the right position. Try to get a feel for the board by bouncing around and moving a little. Try not to fall over!

Obviously you should have someone with you who knows what they are doing so that if anything happens to you or you need any help then can assist you. Have them make sure that you put your board on right and let them lead you to the proper ski lift. Remember to get on and off the ski lift with your snowboard.

Once you have left the chairlift you will not start to go very fast down the mountain. You will be starting off on a small hill where you will be able to turn and board your way to a much larger hill. These small hills are called bunny hills or practice hills. Go to the edge of this hill. Sit down and make sure that your board is perpendicular to the hill and place your foot in the binding. Make sure that the binding is secure. You shouldn't be able to move your foot around.

Stand up and then apply pressure to your lead foot - the one in front - and bend your knees and keep your back straight. You need to feel well balanced. When you apply pressure make sure that you and not leaning your body. Just pressing your feet firmly to the ground. Now you are ready to take off. Just remember that you are a beginner and you are going to fall down a few times before you get it right.

Reminders For Snowboarders

Please remember to follow any safety instructions that your trainer has told you. You also need to make sure that you have the proper snowboarding equipment before you hit the slopes. To make sure you have done this ask a clerk at the store which one would be best for you (a beginner) to use.

About the Author

There are many different extreme sports and each one is unique and different in its own way. Xtreme Sports is dedicated to teaching people about the different sports. They provide news and the latest races and competitions and tips to teach you how to learn the one of your choice.

Adventure Insurance: Any Extreme Sport, Any Location

2008-09-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

To get adventure travel insurance is a smart choice to make. There is even insurance that specializes in covering only a specific sport or activity that a traveler may be particularly interested in doing For instance, if an travel tour consists of something as common as backpacking or a little bit more extreme such as snowboarding, there are polices out there that a traveler can be secure in knowing that it covers specifically these activities. What is even better is that if you want an insurance policy to cover only one specific sport then so be it. For more coverage, there are contracts that will cover injuries suffered doing all sorts that fall under one umbrella such as all activities done in the snow.

Certain kinds of insurance cover particular regions. for instance, there is adventure travel insurance that will cover specifically, when the climate permits, snowboarding along with skiing done in the United Kingdom Channel Islands and Northern Ireland. What a traveler would have to do with such an insurance contract is determine if he wants it to cover him yearly or monthly. Additionally, there are two categories of adventure travel insurance offered in the UK, one that is less expensive than the other. It would be important to carefully assess which a budget would allow for because you want necessary coverage but you do not want to go overboard.

Do not neglect obtaining adventure travel insurance when traveling to any location in Asia. Rock climbing and skydiving along with snorkeling in locations like Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, adventure travel insurance is a must because their local medical facilities will only give care to those with it. If you do not have insurance then it could be days before you receive any kind of medical attention.

Adventure travel insurance policies have coverage of exploration activities that consist of unavoidable dangers that are not part of regular insurance policies. Frequently, insurance companies in the United States will request that you list the sports you plan to participate in as well as those offered on the tour as a whole. That way you are able to get an insurance policy tailor made with a safety net built in so that you have freedom to try as many activities as you want.

Many insurance businesses do not cover activities like skydiving, spelunking, hot-air ballooning. However, adventure travel insurance businesses specialize in such policies make it so certain contracts can be streamlined and deals can be added to them. A hundred or more activities are covered by contracts with these particular companies. *

Interestingly, there is a counterintuitive fact of insurance policies obtained from adventure travel insurance businesses. Most of the time the company has to pay more often for injuries received in lodgings than they do for injuries suffered doing activities outlined in policies. Hence, when and where injuries will take place is unpredictable. But the responsible thing is to take the time to get adventure travel insurance which will mitigate some roadblocks that may arise once and if injury occurs.

About the Author

Linden Walhard's newsletters are published on a variety of web publications related to la manga golf and spain holidays. Through his detailed publications on cheap hotels in la manga and spain holidays the reviewer affirmed his depth of understanding on the subject.

Ride your kite

2008-09-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

During the last decades interest to various water sports has dramatically increased. Among those is kiteboarding which represents one of many types of kite propulsion including kitelandboarding, kite buggying, snow kiting, kite skateboarding, kitesurfing, mountainboarding and kite jumping.

It's obvious that kiteboarding is a very fun sport. Nevertheless a lot of efforts have been put in order to make it safer and there are still some dangers kite boarders can face. Before you start doing kite sports more or less professionally, you should go through appropriate training course at the kiteboarding schools or take some private kiteboarding lessons in order to make sure you are ready to face all the dangers and risks.

Keep in mind that kite sports are considered to be extreme sport for a reason. So if you're going to try it out, you should make sure that you have passed proper training and have all the necessary equipment and clothing from a kite shop for professionals. Speaking about kitesurfing, which is a water sport, you should be sure that you're aware of all possible water-related emergencies. You should also know which sea animals can be dangerous to swimmers and surfers and pay attention to changing water conditions, as well.

The best way to be sure that you are as safe and skillful as possible is to practice your kiteboarding techniques regularly. The more experience you have, the easier it is for you to cope with any emergency.

About the Author
born in 1970.

Passo Tonale - Alps Skiing on The Cheap

2008-09-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

At 1883 meters, however, snow coverage and icy terrain made winter progress both difficult and dangerous. In the summer, travel was possible, but became rocky and sometimes icy. The only other way to get into the Italian lowlands was to cross from Switzerland, which is 900 meters taller than the Passo Tonale border crossing.

Passo Tonale is still today a crucial link adjoining Trentino and Lombardy. As far as Italians are concerned, the Passo Tonale is the highest purpose-built resort in Italy. Resting on the Rhaetian Alps between the two said towns, Passo Tonale is surrounded by the Ortles-Cevedale and Adamello pinnacle above to the north and south respectively. Passo Tonale Italian ski resort was extended in '06 and '07 with cable cars linking it to Presena and Ponte di Legno. This opened up over 10 more kilometers of piste possibilities.

You'll want to stay on the north and south facing trails above the trees to get the best skiing here. This part of Italy gets lots of sunshine and plenty of snow during the winter. The slopes are open later than many other Alp-centric ski resorts too. This means more ski time for your silver coin. The lift system is easy to get to know and is compact enough to get you to the best piste quickly. A holiday here almost guarantees, then, sunshine, snow, ski and cheap sales.

Passo Tonale is considered one of the cheaper ski holiday resorts in Italy. You can come here during the high season, for example, and find cheap hotels, cheap piste passes and cheaper cuisine. Why? You may ask: Because, Passo Tonale is considered a family-geared resort. There are pistes for advanced professionals, but mostly the groomed trails cater to the beginner and intermediate skiers. The cheaper value for your money means you can stay more time, thereby having more fun with more of your family and friends.

Passo Tonale has always been known but not discovered per se. Today, though, with the advent of the Internet and better marketing and word of mouth, Passo Tonale in Italy is growing each year. The higher altitude close to the Italian lowlands means skiers can come for two or three days and make it back to work. Plus, the new ski lift and ski bus system ensures you'll have time to hit all the pistes and boutiques even if the place is bustling with skiers and cheap holiday goers.

Passo Tonale's ski high season starts in December and ends sometime in April. This doesn't mean, however, that cheap deals can't be found. Though Passo Tonale is aggregated as a beginner and family one-ski spot, the slope suitability is broken down as follow: beginner: 10-20%; intermediate: 40-50%; advanced: 30-40%.

Passo Tonale's highest lift lies at over 3,000 meters with 30 total lifts and an equal number of slopes. Moreover, there are 100 km worth of runs lined with 150 snow cannons. You'll find the Presena Glacier as one of the best ski areas with the longest run reaching 7 km and the longest cross country trails marked for over 20 km. All this is cheaper than you may think: costing around 40 to 200 euros for a one to six day ski lift passes.

There are top-notch ski schools here too catering to the familial atmosphere the place ensures. Though not considered cheap, you'll learn a lot about skiing, chiefly if you're a first-timer. If members of your family are not game to ski, they can choose other sports, some free with a ski pass. There is a swimming pool, a natural ice rink, beauty center, fitness facilities, skidoos, tobogganing, spas and all sorts of après ski options, such as discos, restaurants and alternating Happy Hours at the local bars. Furthermore, there's plenty of places to shop and eat along the main tourist routes where you can meet, greet and delve into skiing conversation. Passo Tonale is Italy's cheaper but never inferior ski resort.

About the Author
O.B.S. company is currently working on Italian project, Passo Tonale ski resort. It represents Passo Tonale cheap hotels and possible vacation activities.

4 Important Tips for The Novice Hiker

2008-09-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hiking provides hundreds of thousands of people with a great deal of pleasure and a sense of adventure each year and 99% of the time it is anything but dangerous. This said, people do have accidents and get lost from time to time and it can then become a dangerous activity very quickly if you are not prepared.
Below are just 4 simple safety tips to ensure that your hiking trips don't get you into trouble.
Safety Tip No1 - Think about taking a partner of friend along with you.
There's really no need to worry about heading out alone if you are going for a short hike in a local area on easy terrain, however, if you are heading out into heavily wooded wilderness areas with steep canyons and winding trails then the possibility of getting lost or sustaining injury becomes very real and you ought to think carefully about whether or not you are wise to head out alone.
Having a friend or partner along can have a lot of advantages, especially if that person is an experienced hiker. After all, 'two heads are better than one' and if you do become lost or get into trouble you're a lot less likely to panic if you have somebody with you to help to sort out the problem.
Safety Tip No 2 - Let somebody know where you are going.
If you are a novice hiker then you ought to certainly stick to clearly marked and well traveled trails and should not start to stray from these trails to explore until you have some experience and have mastered the basics of map and compass work. However, it will not be too long before you are ready to try some more adventurous hiking and the possibility of getting injured or lost will arise.
For this reason, you must always let somebody know where you are going and when you plan to return so that a search party can be sent out if you don't return when expected.
Safety Tip No 3 - Take along some basic equipment.
It is vital to have a basic survival kit with you and your local hiking club will be able to give you excellent advice on the items that this should include. Here we're looking at such things as matches and a lighter, a first aid kit, a good knife and a flashlight.
Additionally, it is a good idea to have a map and compass along together with a fully charged cell phone.
Safety Tip No 4 - Take some basic provisions along.
Water or other fluids such as sports drinks are essential as you can lose a lot of water even over an hour or two on a hot day. You should note though that water is heavy, so take sufficient but not too much. Remember though that you should not drink from local streams as natural water sources might appear to be inviting but they are often high in bacteria and may make you sick very quickly.
Also do not forget to take sufficient food to last you. It is no fun to be hungry while you're out but remember that you can last a lot longer without food than you can without water.
Visit The-Hiking-Club.com for advice on everything from finding a great pair of Timberland hiking boots to the wonders of a Hawaii waterfall hiking adventure
About the Author
Visit The-Hiking-Club.com for advice on everything from finding a great pair of Timberland hiking boots to the wonders of a Hawaii waterfall hiking adventure

History Of Rock Climbing

2008-09-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

The history of climbing rocks, unlike many sports, is recent. According to history, people used to climb steep mountain faces and dangerous cliffs since they had to, but today people do it as a sporting activity. Rock climbing and bringing down stranded people was part of the Alpine mountaineering.

It was during late 19th century that climbing emerged as a sport from three specific areas of Europe. The first was in Germany in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in the South-eastern part of the country near the Czech border. By 1903 there were several climbing clubs opening up in the territory and nearly 500 active climbers playing the sport.

It was during the same time, rock climbing was observed as a sport in England. Some of the climbers at this time invited attention as they soared some difficult cliffs all by themselves. Depending of the varying types of cliff formations, it is here that marking the various difficulty ratings first started. The formation of climbing clubs were rather slow in this area, however, the climbers would meet up themselves to thrash out their individual climbing experiences.

It took a 17 year old student from Munich Germany to do a solo climb in the Dolomite Mountains located in northern Italy to turn the area into the third hot spot for European rock climbing.
In the United States rock and mountain climbing was viewed in a similar fashion but it was treated as a well defined sporting activity only from the 1950s. Many of the modern techniques which are evident today, were initially developed with mountain climbing in mind.

Rock climbing as we know today has come a long way with new ways of doing things being introduced everyday and novel equipment getting launched. Climbing is now viewed more as a lifestyle by rock climbers than just a sport.

Another noticeable trend is the setting up of indoor climbing in urban zones. Here many actual rock formations are duplicated in design with artificial rock faces. You can be completely risk-free in these indoor climbing facilities since the safety equipment is guaranteed to give you all the excitement of the sport of rock climbing without the inherent risk factors.

Rock climbing requires a lot of effort, strength and determination and can never be a risk-free experience despite the plethora of safety equipment and new techniques in place. The modern day man has to encounter far more challenges to test his might and stamina than those who lived in the past.

Rocks were climbed only when people had a good reason to do so. The increasing popularity of rock climbing is perhaps a reflection of the changing preferences of our society. Many has sought fresh challenges everyday and perhaps this is the basic driver responsible for the existence of this activity.

About the Author
Article By Suta At: http://interesting-hobby.blogspot.com/

Skateboarding

2008-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

Skateboarding first started back in the 1940s. Many kids had scooters then but these were expensive, those kids who could not afford scooters took the wheels from their rollerskates and nailed them to pieces of wood. They also nailed a handle to the board so they could use it as a makeshift scooter. Pretty soon the handle was removed and the kids would ride just on the wooden board and wheels.

Soon after this surfers began to ride on skateboards when there were no waves. And in the 1950s commercially made skateboards were finally available.

Now skateboarding is one of the most popular sports among teenagers in the world. There are competitions held in almost every country that attracts hundreds of both professional and amateur skaters. You can find skate parks in almost every major city and town. With the rise in professional skaters skateboard design is also improving. As a result of this special shoes and clothing have been designed, and there are even extreme sports shows that include skateboarders, attracting huge crowds.

Skateboarding can be separated into two forms, street and ramp. Street skating is basically defined as skating carried out anywhere except on a ramp. Various tricks are carried out anywhere where there is a flat surface, this can be school grounds car parks, or on streets and roads.

Skate parks are custom-made for all these kinds of skating. They have excellent smooth surfaces, and often include a obstacles such as curbs, ramps, and fun boxes. There is also an extreme form of street skating called skateboard racing.

This extreme skateboard racing is carried out on winding and sloping roads, competitors stand on their board and race each other down the slope to the finish line at the bottom. Skaters have been clocked at over 65 km an hour.

There are two types of skateboard ramps, vert ramps and mini ramps. Vert (short for vertical) skateboarding ramps are huge U-shaped structures between 3.5 and 4.5 m high. At the top of each transition is a short piece of vertical ramp which gives it its name. Mini ramps are much smaller and generally do not have any vertical transition. They are easier to learn new tricks on and are generally better for beginners.

Skateboarding like any sport can be dangerous at times. To reduce the amount of risk skaters should follow these simple rules at all times: 1) when learning the basics stick to flat a safe ground 2) make sure you are in control of your board at all times 3) always wear protective gear, such as helmets, and knee and elbow pads 4) always stay with friends in case somebody has an accident 5) keep your board and gear maintained

About the Author
Do you want to learn how to skate like a pro? Well then there is only one thing you need to know. Check out this site now to find out what I'm talking about. Learn Skateboard Tricks

Snow Boarding

2008-09-08T05:34:00.000-07:00

Long a favorite of snow sports fans, snowboarding originated in the United States in the year 1960. Little by little it got the spot light with the spectacular artistic features it involves, getting the thrill of adrenaline for extreme sensations lovers.

Even the Olympics now recognize snowboarding, and since 1998, the top snowboarders in the world have been competing for the medal. The popularity of snowboarding as a recreational activity is a definite benefit when it comes to finding a professional instructor to teach a newcomer the techniques and safety involved.

All beginners must apply for a set of lessons and not just go for a ride, particularly if you've never used a snowboard before. Given time, advanced students can ask their instructors for lessons in even tougher training. You'll need more than a mere couple days or weeks snowboarding to be an expert, so judge accordingly and keep away from the harder slopes.

It's true that this kind of activity follows the tradition of other alpine sports in having a risk of danger that requires the use of protective gear. Freestyle snowboarding is known to be risky even for an expert, so, helmets are a must in such cases. Protective gear to cover the head, tail-bones and wrist are very important to anyone involved in snowboarding.

It's also imperative that your boots are ones that fit and provide comfortable. While it goes without saying that your boots should never hinder any of your moves, it is also very important to have them fit tightly below the knee.

Goggles protect your eyes from snow and light and should always be included in the protective gear of anyone in the sport of snowboarding. Good vision is imperative in any type of sport, and this includes snowboarding, where the sun and snow can combine to wreck havoc on your sight. Goggles should always be worn on the slopes if you want to have successful exercises and protected eyes.

Because of the privacy and extra adrenaline rush, many beginners also face danger through visiting the back-country part of the ski slopes. Any such athlete should be very careful, as they run the high risk of being involved in an avalanche in these types of slopes due to their untouched nature.

An avalanche has been known to cause even experienced riders to have difficulty, so snowboarding in these areas should be taken very slowly and cautiously.

About the Author
Article By Suta At: http://activespots.blogspot.com/

A Camping Trip Means Getting Closer to Nature

2007-03-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

It is quite unfortunate that with age, most adults do not go out for camping trips anymore. The practice is followed today mostly by people who have children who request to take them out on a camping trip. Hence, the materialization of a wonderful opportunity to get in touch with the Nature and at the same time spend some excellent quality time with your children and bond with them.

The Basics You Need for a Successful Camping Trip

There are a few basics without which no camping trip can be organized or enjoyed. The first and foremost basic is of course, the tent. Without the tent, however beautiful and comfortable the weather is, the camping trip would not feel like one (not to mention that it is not safe to sleep in the open anywhere, least of all in a forest where animals can decide to investigate the newcomers in their area).

The sleeping bags are another must-have during your trip. Please, keep in mind that if you are to continue sleeping in your bag during your trips across Asia or Africa, you should always (without any exception) check your bag thoroughly before sleeping. There have been instances when snakes, scorpions and other such dangerous animals took shelter in the cool and comfortable sleeping bag. They would not want you intrude upon them, and I am sure neither would you.

You will need to have sufficient supplies and then some extra, lest something happens and you lose some of your food. If it gets spoiled, or any such unforeseen problems occur, you should still have plenty of food left. A word of advice here: do not keep open food close to your tent. Keep the waste (vegetable peels, waste food, etc.) away from the tent, lest it will attract dangerous wild animals.

Be very careful with your choice of cooking gear. Be it utensils or the stove, it should complement the rest of the camping trip in terms of usability and washability. It is advised to utilize disposable plates, so these can be thrown out directly instead of making a mess by having to wash it with safe water.

Water is one of the most useful and can't-live-without-it items. Be sure that you have a supply of clean water, or you have a way or purifying the water. Hence, you should at all times during the day or night keep a close check on the quality of the water before you decide to drink it, since water can be the carrier of many dreadful diseases.

Make your own checklist and see how many of your items match with the list here. Ensure that each of the things that you will pack and carry is there, because the camping trip needs it. Avoid anything redundant, however pretty it is. After a while of trekking in the forest, every extra gram can weigh a ton on your back - and there is no respite from it, because each person has to carry his or her own burden.

About the Author
What could be more fun than a camping trip? Get great tips for camping trips, camping supplies, camping recipes, and more at http://camping.every1loves2travel.com . Happy Camping!

Grand Canyon Hiking

2007-03-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

To truly experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, hiking from the rim to the river can be a rewarding and life-changing adventure.

The hike from the canyon rim to the floor of the valley and back up again can be tackled by most relatively fit people - even the novice hiker. Make no mistake, it is a tough hike but you don't need to be an athlete to complete it successfully.

It is possible for an experienced hiker to trek to the bottom and back up the other side in one day, however, if you have the time available try to plan your hike over three or more days to make the most of this experience.

During the planning process for your trek you might want to read some of the many books available on Grand Canyon hiking. There are also videos/DVDs available and any of these resources will start to give you an idea of the trail you might prefer to take from the rim to the canyon floor and back up again.

It is a popular idea with hikers to begin their descent from one rim, hike to the floor of the canyon and then hike out on the opposite side.

This particular hike poses the problem of where to leave your car; or more importantly, how to get back to your car it you exit the canyon on, say, the south rim, and your car is parked on the north rim. The distance from the south rim to the north rim is only about ten miles as the crow flies but it is a 220 mile car trip! Some hikers arrange to swap car keys with a group hiking in the opposite direction. If this option isn't available to you, there is a shuttle that runs between the two rims.

You can choose a guided Grand Canyon hike or a self-guided hike. If you choose a self-guided hike you must start out with a good map. There are many different maps available and you'll want to ensure that your map covers the trails you wish to hike plus the campgrounds.

When To Hike

Let's start with when not to go Grand Canyon hiking! June, July and August are scorchingly hot and should be avoided. The north rim and all its facilities are closed from mid November to mid May. The most pleasant time of year to attempt a Grand Canyon hike is mid May to early June and late September to mid November. An advantage of trekking in the spring is the presence of many beautiful wildflowers on the canyon floor.

Which Track?
From the north rim the only track to the canyon floor is the North Kaibab Trail. It is approximately 13 miles from the north rim to Bright Angel Campground and the trail descends 5400 feet. There is reliable water available. From the south rim there is a choice of the South Kaibab Trail which is 5.6 miles and descends 4500 feet, or Bright Angel Trail which is 9.7 miles in length and descends 4260 feet. There is reliable water on Bright Angel Trail but there is no water available on South Kaibab.

Because of the lack of water and the steepness of the gradient, South Kaibab is recommended as a descent track rather than a climbing track.

For hikers who choose to hike from the south rim to the canyon floor before returning to the south rim, descending via the South Kaibab Trail and climbing out via the Bright Angel Trail is a good option.

Serious backpackers who are prepared to carry a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and food along with their drinking water, extra clothing and toiletries can stay in any of the campsites. For those hikers who'd like a little more comfort at the end of the day, Phantom Ranch, a historic National Park lodge built in the 1920s stands alongside Bright Angel Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. They serve simple but hearty meals and this is a great place to relax before the climb back to the rim and the conclusion of your Grand Canyon hike.

About the Author
Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Hiking And Camping Website to assist hikers, campers and backpackers to choose the right equipment.

Intro to Ice Climbing

2007-03-08T23:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who just can't get enough of the rush of outdoor extreme sports, ice climbing is something that you may want to look into. It is among the most adventurous and physically taxing of the many extreme sports. If you have any experience with rock climbing, you will be at ease a little bit ahead of the game when it comes to getting started with ice climbing. The same basic principles apply, though the equipment is a little different.

Most ice climbing sessions are planned out long in advance, and taken as a day-long tour. There are many different possibilities for climbing surfaces - basically, anything frozen and non-horizontal is fair game. Some of the most popular include frozen waterfalls, rock surfaces with frozen water flow, or even icebergs. Some of these are very dangerous, and should only be attempted by the most experienced of ice climbers or professionals.

Ice climbing is a little less accessible due to the fact that most of you won't be able to simply walk outside and find a giant wall of ice to climb. If you are going somewhere up North on vacation, you will definitely find a local ice climbing spot. Usually there are several well-known spots. If you have never climbed ice before, you should be with a guide or an expert as well as your friends.

Most rock climbing takes place in the mountains, since they provide the two necessary components: coldness and steepness. The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the most popular ice climbing areas, with difficulties ranging from beginner to expert. That area is your best bet in the USA, but ice climbing can be done in the Himalayas, the Alps and other mountain ranges all over the world, from Scotland to Nepal.

Safety equipment may seem like a drag, but it is necessary and can be the much needed life savior. Modern ice climbing equipment has been tweaked to the point where it is almost completely unnoticeable while you are climbing. This helps add to the illusion of danger, which is what makes the sport such a rush.

Depending on the surface, you may or may not use tools such as axes and picks. If you are new to the sport, you can start by simply climbing the ice as though it was a rock. Using gloves and stiff boots, you can search around for strategic hand or foot-holds. You will have to strategically plan your ascent so that you don't get stuck hanging from a handhold or you get stuck in a place from where you can't go up or come down.

Once you graduate to vertical climbs, your climb will take much longer. You will have to use your ice pick and axe to pull yourself up. You can bury your pick just a half of an inch into the ice, and that will provide enough strength for you to pull yourself up. You will also have to wear a special kind of footwear known as "crampons", which adds spikes to your boots. A swift kick into the ice wall, and you have a custom-made foothold.

Ice climbing can be a long and grueling experience. It requires plenty of physical exertion as you pull your body weight all the way up the side of the ice or glacial cliff. But when you reach the top, nothing can compare to the sense of joy at your accomplishment. So if you have the opportunity to go ice climbing in the future, don't be apprehensive. It may be difficult to get used to, and it may be cold, but it sure is amazing once you reach the top.

About the Author
For more information please visit www.outdooradventuregear.net.

Sports Car Design

2004-09-28T01:57:00.000-07:00

How the Toyota MTRC Works
by Shane Speck
In addition to a range of new, commercial vehicles, regular visitors to motor shows have come to expect something a little more exciting. There's an increasing demand for car manufacturers to unveil innovative, extravagant and sometimes way-out concept cars -- vehicles that are not quite ready for mass production but offer a thrilling insight into what might be rolling off the production line in the future. The unveiling of a new concept car allows manufacturers the opportunity to test out radical designs, body shapes, alternative power sources or new control systems, all without needing to worry about the costs or feasibility of mass production.
Photo courtesy ToyotaToyota MTRC
In this article, HowStuffWorks takes a look at Toyota's latest concept car, the MTRC, which the carmaker revealed at the 74th Geneva International Motor Show in March 2004. As well as examining its ultra-modern curves, we'll see how it really pushes the limits of current technology.
The Start of the ConceptThe idea of the concept car began with General Motors in 1938, when it unveiled the first-ever concept car. The Buick Y-Job, whimsically named so by its designer because most carmakers called their experimental vehicles 'X', gave Buick the chance to showcase features that it would come to use in Buick and Cadillac products through the 1940s. As well as providing an opportunity for General Motors to show off a little, it generated a sudden interest in GM's existing vehicles. The success of General Motors' first concept car led other car manufacturers to put time and effort into their own concept car unveilings.
Looks, Looks, LooksOver the years, Toyota has become renowned for producing futuristic and dramatic concept cars, and the designers at Toyota's European Design Studio, ED2, worked to ensure that the Motor Triathlon Race Car (MTRC) continues this trend. Its sleek, pod-like body conjures up images of a 1950s rocket ship -- even the seats have been mounted one behind the other to make the vehicle as slim as possible.
Photo courtesy ToyotaThe MTRC features in-line seating.
Four wheels and a semi-circular nose cone protrude from the central pod, with headlamps and other accessories mounted on or flush to the surface of the shiny, metal body. In the picture below, you can see that the door opens flush to the side of the car, in keeping with the streamlined theme of the MTRC.
Photo courtesy Toyota
The cockpit itself is completely open, with only a minimal windscreen to protect the occupants from the elements. At the rear of the car is a large, curved spoiler, providing aerodynamic stability as well as a counterpoint to the front nose cone. Of course, the spoiler also adds a touch of style to the design, as does the central, mounted tail light in the shape of the Toyota logo.
Photo courtesy ToyotaRear view of the MTRC
Why Triathlon?The Motor Triathlon Race Car is designed to be equally at home in three different racing environments: a smooth, high-grip racing surface; zipping through the narrow streets of a city circuit; or taking the bumps of an off-road course. Not everyone's wild about the MTRC's ultra-modern curves -- various journalists have described it as an overblown toy car, while Top Gear magazine complains that it's still not sure which end's the front. But then, the MTRC was designed to make an impression, and that's exactly what it has done.
It would be easy to imagine that the MTRC's looks are the most innovative thing about it, but there's far more to the MTRC than meets the eye. Even for a concept car, the MTRC is technologically advanced.
Technical SpecificationsWhen it comes to technical specifications, the MTRC is tricky to pin down. Its basic physical attributes are merely a matter of measuring. Other specifications, however, are more complex. Toyota have not yet released details of the car's performance on the road. Top speeds, acceleration and fuel efficiency remain a mystery and, in all likelihood, will stay that way. A vehicle like the MTRC utilizes technologies that are still experimental and unlikely to provide the perfect performance Toyota would like us to see.
Here's what we do know:
Length: 406 cm (~63 inches)
Width: 193 cm (~76 inches)
Height: 133-148 cm (~52-58 inches
Wheelbase: 295 cm (116 inches)
Tread, front and rear: 160 cm (63 inches)
Number of seats: 2 (in tandem)
Body Type: 2-door roadster
Fuel-cell type: Toyota FC stack
Drive system: Four-wheel drive (Each tire has its own in-wheel motor.)
A Closer Look InsideToyota describes the MTRC as a futuristic race car concept, and it has been designed specifically to showcase Toyota's three main strengths:
an extensive involvement in motor sports, including Formula 1, Le Mans and the Japan GT Championship
considerable experience in the development of four-wheel-drive vehicles
introduction of eco-friendly and information technologies Let's take a closer look at how Toyota has focused on each of these strengths.
Photo courtesy Toyota
The MTRC features not one but four separate electric motors, one in each wheel, all powered by hydrogen fuel cells to ensure zero emissions. The MTRC is certainly environmentally friendly -- no gasoline means no exhaust fumes. The only thing coming out of the MTRC exhaust is water.
The ability to control four separate, wheel-based motors gives the MTRC an unprecedented level of control, and the vehicle has a whole range of features aimed squarely at making maximum use of those motors. An electronically controlled suspension system constantly monitors road conditions, adjusting the performance of the car to match the external environment. The vehicle's futuristic-looking tires are also more than just show -- built-in sensors adapt the tires to the road surface, ensuring maximum grip.
Photos courtesy ToyotaEach tire is equipped with its own sensor.
The open-wheeled look of the MTRC is nothing new for Toyota. It clearly draws on the carmaker's experience with the Formula Toyota series of racing vehicles.
The whole body of the MTRC works to control airflow, and better aerodynamic efficiency means higher speeds and enhanced stability.
Mixed Reality
Photo courtesy ToyotaMixed Reality helmetWhile the technology built into the MTRC already sounds stunning, there's more. Working with motor parts supplier Denso and electronics giant Canon, Toyota has developed what it calls "Mixed Reality" technology. What is it?
We all know that there are times you could use a co-pilot -- someone to give you a heads-up and make sure you get where you're going. Driving's a complicated business: You not only have to keep on top of what's happening right now, but you also have to anticipate what could be coming up.
The Mixed Reality technology is designed specifically to help with this situation. Both the driver and the passenger wear a special helmet, the goal of which is to help process information and present it to the occupants in an understandable, organized manner. Besides the usual, factual information we're all familiar with -- speed or temperature, for example -- the Mixed Reality system tries to predict future road conditions. Meshing electronically with the car's systems, it provides a constant flow of information between car and driver: road temperature, tire status or the presence of ice or snow, for example. The ultimate goal is to help the driver navigate the road and control the car more safely and with greater accuracy than ever before.
If it sounds like something out of a video game, then you won't be surprised to find out where Toyota drew some of its inspiration for this remarkable vehicle...
A Virtual Driving ExperienceConcept cars may be fun, but there's something a little frustrating about them. Your first reaction might well be amazement, but in reality, you're unable to do the one thing that would make the concept car experience perfect: hop in behind the wheel and give it a go.
Photo courtesy Toyota
One of the most popular racing games available at the moment is the latest in the Gran Turismo series. The games are famous for their realistic depictions of the handling and looks of a huge range of vehicles. Gran Turismo 4, set to include an unprecedented level of detail and scheduled for release in November 2004 for the Sony PlayStation 2, is also set to include the Toyota MTRC.
Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo, describes the process of extracting the technology from a futuristic car as an "exciting experience." It's clear that another important influence for Toyota in designing the MTRC is the younger generation, in which mobile phones, video games and other pieces of cutting-edge technology are an important part of everyday life. Using youth-based technology as an inspiration has provided Toyota with a boost to its already dynamic image: Toyota has gained valuable advertising with a younger generation of gamers -- a generation that will become the next great mass of car buyers.
So we know the PS2 will make its debut on PS2 screens everywhere. The next question is: When will it make it onto the road in real life. Just how viable are the technologies Toyota showcases in this concept car?
Photo courtesy ToyotaThe MTRC is likely to remain just a concept.
The truth of the matter is that the MTRC is unlikely to be produced. The vehicle itself is more of an opportunity to show creative engineering, cutting-edge design and a sense of fun than a realistic attempt to design a mass-producible vehicle. Its virtual appearance on Gran Turismo 4 is the closest this concept will come to reality.
However, in the same way that the first-ever concept car provided GM with a wealth of new ideas, the technology embodied in the MTRC's sleek shell will undoubtedly influence Toyota's designs for the future.
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