Six friends, two guides and I recently returned from a five day mountain bike ride in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, outside of Moab. The trip was outfitted and led by Western Spirit Cycling Adventures, based in Moab, which specializes in adventures throughout the West. It was our first trip with Western Spirit, and we were not disappointed. The organization was stellar, the guides professional and friendly, the route appropriate, and the food…well, it surpassed all expectations! We were taken aback by how good the menu and execution were. Just fantastic. The Maze District is the least accessible district of Canyonlands, and in fact has the reputation of…

Tips and Tricks for planning and enjoying your winter time in Japan. A trip to Japan is a lifelong dream for many Americans, at least it was for these Rippers. Our almost three-week trip was a big deal for us, and just barely long enough to start to understand a culture so different from ours. We had a secret weapon for planning that unfortunately, not everyone has access to. Our friend and fellow Ripper, Don Roll, is a veteran of Japow trips, and planned the entire adventure, with the help of our guide, Markus, and his partner’s company, Parom Camps. We can’t recommend them more highly. A few tips shared…

It was indeed a bucket list trip. Skiing in Japan, with friends and guides. Expectations were high. Did it live up? It took a while for the powder to appear, but in the end, it was fantastic. Read on. We flew through Tokyo and on to Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, which is where much of the skiing in Japan is located. Hokkaido broke a 64 year record for most snow in December, but sadly, it stopped snowing on January 6 and didn’t start again until January 29, just in time for our last three days of skiing. There was plenty of snow, but none of it fresh…