The five newest & coolest forms of human-powered transportation

Elliptigo

At trailsnet, we're all about human-powered transportation, and normally, we highlight the standard fare of biking, hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, inline skating, & horseback riding. But we're also intrigued by some of the newer forms of sweat-equity transportation; so here's a list of some cool new ways of getting around while getting in shape:

The Schweeb

• The Schweeb, by Google is like a hybrid between a bike and a monorail. It is currently located in New Zealand as a recreational application, but it's potential for transportation is sky-high!

• Those of you who enjoy the elliptical trainer at your local gym will love the Elliptigo. It allows you to cruise like a bicyclist while standing upright like a cross-country skiier. It's like running without all the jarring impact.
• The Trikke, like the Elliptigo, allows you to stand up while moving down the street or trail. But it's a lot less expensive and more of a full body workout. And once you master the Trikke, it'll be a cinch to move onto the Skki during the winter months.
• Okay, recumbents aren't all that new, but they haven't yet caught on like I think they're bound to someday soon. So many of you may not even be aware of the recumbent movement. However, if you give one a try, I predict you'll be hooked. I know I was.



recumbent

• Technically velomobiles are a form of recumbent. But I think they look way cool, and seem to have their own following, so I'll give them their own category. They look like the human-powered machine of the future.

The five newest & coolest forms of human-powered transportation

Caribou cross-country ski trail

I know most of my posts are about bike trails.

Well this post is different... or is it?

I had the good fortune to help lead a group of girl scouts on a nordic ski trip to Caribou, Colorado. Caribou is a ghost town near Nederland, CO. I had just skied this trail a couple weeks ago, and it was mediocre and deteriorating fast.

Not this weekend. It was fantastic. There was just enough new snow to make it enjoyable. And it snowed lightly (heavily for a very short while as you can see in the accompanying picture) for about half the trip. It was a winter wonderland ... in spring.

For those of you who are disappointed that this isn't a bike trail blog post, I've got good news. In the summer, this trail is a mountain bike trail. You share the trail with 4WD vehicles, but if you go up on the weekdays, you may not have to share it with anyone.

To check out my  review of the Caribou Trail near Nederland, Colorado, visit trailsnet.com.

Caribou cross-country ski trail

Winter Trails

Winter is definitely in the air. The high is only in the thirties and we had a beautiful white Christmas.
For the most part, that's good news. It provides much-needed water for our plants & reservoirs and it's gorgeous.
But what about our beloved trails. The snow certainly crimps our bicycling, hiking, & trail-running activities. But it also brings new ways to enjoy the trails. Personally, I look forward to the change of pace and scenery provided by snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It's like discovering a new trail. Plus, it opens up new territory that is otherwise off-limits. For example, the open-space and golf course off my beloved Coal Creek Trail are normally verboten. And technically, even after a snow they aren't completely copacetic for illegitimate recreational activities. But what the hey! No one seems to really care, or, if they do, their access to the scofflaws is a bit hindered by the white stuff.
In addition to being ascetically pleasing and great exercise, nordic skiing and snowshoeing are also low impact. So as far as the snow goes, bring it on.

Out of curiosity, I'd like to know what the rest of you think of winter trails. Do you welcome the cold weather or spend the winter months longing for spring? As always, I would enjoy hearing from you. Become a follower and add some comments to this discussion/topic.

Winter Trails