Late Winter 2006

Hello Friends,

Last month we had a great opportunity to check out the trail riding in Sedona Arizona. We were out to a conference in Phoenix for 2 days and then got a car and drove 2.5 hours North to Sedona. We were there in the off season, no crowds, weather just perfect (they were on their 96th day,no rain). So we put up with just sun and 60's.

We rented a couple of nice bikes from Bike and Bean just outside Sedona in Oak Creek. We found Jim the new owner: former NYorker from Long Island, to be very helpful. He serves up a great cup of Joe and excellent trail maps and suggestions. They even provide some guide services as well.

Both kate and I are off for some biking explorations in Mexico very soon. The idea is to locate some great riding and possibly throw together another international tour. So off we go at the end of this next Month. I'll be catching up with her in Mejico after spending some time in the saddle riding trails and volcanoes in Ecuador first.

Latest News:

Our onsite construction project, carriage house, is going well When completed, it will offer us lots more indoor space for our guests. And just in time, as mountain biking seems to be going mainstream, whoa! What's next? We've got the second story going up and we're using that new technology of Structural Insulated Panels. These pre-made units are structuraly sound, lightweight ,and super-insulated. Seem to be great for building, sort of like building with Legos.

Building update: The roof is now on, the Fireplace is complete, and we have a one of a kind cupola with a special spinning mountain bike(full size kids) as our weathervane. It looks great!

Upcoming Events

Trail Maintainence / Building weekend Party-May 5-7
Good food, good rides, good friends, and some trail work JUST $25 p.p

Skills Weekend- June 2-4
What an opportunity to move up a level n your ride also a chance to fine tune your style. It's still early enough to get a good jump on your biking shape and fitness and we can guarantee dry mud-free conditions. And by then the flies will be on the outs. For further details check out the calendar listing at top of page.

Wildflower Weekend - May 19-21
Another great deal! $70 per person Four meals and all the guided riding you can handle, free bug spray included. If the wind is blowing and the sun is shining you'll think it is August. It will be a great early spring tune-up for bike and body.

Instructor Certification Program: May 12-14 & June 9-11
If you love the sport and want to promote it there isn't a more comprehensive program available. We have industry support, and a long-standing record for excellence. Some of our students have gone on to start their own mountain biking businesses. Email me for further information or go into our calender of events on top of this page for all details.

Final notes :
Return customers receive special discounts! Several of you have expressed the possibility of coming back with friends for a group trip. This is the time to plant the seeds with your pals for that adventure. The kind of fun and food you get at Back Country will be worth the effort.

I look forward to seeing many of you again this year and meeting some of you for the first time. Regards & Happy Trails

Cliff

Back Country Excursions
TOURING HOSTEL and LODGE
42 Woodward Road
Parsonsfield, Maine 04047
phone 207-625-8189/fax 207-625-7134
e-mail info@bikebackcountry.com