Proper diet and exercise are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to living a healthier and longer life, for us and our canine friends. 鈥淛ust like people, the secret to longevity for dogs is to eat healthy and exercise,鈥� advises Dr. Justin Toth, veterinarian and owner/founder of Dallas Highway Animal Hospital. Here are a few ways to help your faithful adventure buddy stay in peak condition鈥攏ow and for years to come.

Start with Proper Nutrition

A healthy diet is the foundation of your dog鈥檚 overall well-being. In line with the current pushback against ultra-processed human foods, pet owners are ditching traditional, highly processed dry food in favor of more nutrient-dense whole food. 鈥淔eeding your dog healthy, pre-portioned food can add years to its life,鈥� says Dr. Jonathan Block, who practices an integrative approach to veterinary medicine.

Enter . Since its founding in 2014, the company鈥檚 mission has been to bring uncomplicated care to your pet through uncomplicated real food formulated by vet-nutritionists to be complete and balanced. The food is human-grade, gently cooked, and made with a single protein source, so you know exactly where your dog鈥檚 nutrients are coming from. All with the goal of giving your dog the best food to live its best life.

In addition to nutrition, correct portioning is also paramount for longevity, with studies showing that dogs who maintain a healthy weight live on average up to 2.5 years longer than overweight dogs. 鈥淭he number-one disease we treat in pets is obesity, which is what I love about error-free calorie control,鈥� says Dr. Toth. 鈥淲e all know the measuring cup of food varies tremendously depending on which family member does the feeding.鈥� With personalized meal plans, The Farmer鈥檚 Dog takes the guesswork out of feeding. Each meal is precisely portioned based on your dog鈥檚 age, breed, size, and activity level, making weight management easier.

Add Regular Exercise聽

Most dogs thrive on physical activity. To keep them healthy and engaged, provide regular exercise. Outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming can all improve cardiovascular health and weight issues. It might be helpful to think about your adventure dog as an athlete: it needs a training regimen that suits not only its breed, age, and energy levels but also the changing of the seasons. Adds Rocky Mountain vet Dr. Karen Nann, 鈥淐ome spring, a lot of dogs are coming off a lazier winter鈥攕o start slowly and build up, adding a mile or two weekly to increase stamina.鈥�

Boost Mental Stimulation聽

Many experts say mental stimulation is as important as exercise. Feed your dog鈥檚 curiosity and keep their mind sharp with brain-challenging activities鈥攕uch as obedience training, puzzle toys, or scent games. Supplementing physical exercise with mental exercise also combats boredom and potential behavioral problems. 鈥淪ome dogs do better mentally if they have a 鈥榡ob,鈥欌€� says Dr. Steve Conlin, a veterinarian in Eagle, Colorado. He notes this is especially important in herding and 鈥淭he job can be anything鈥損laying frisbee, retrieving a ball鈥揵ut it needs to be part of the dog鈥檚 everyday life.鈥�

Don鈥檛 Forget Hydration聽

When exercising in the heat or on more strenuous outings, make sure your dog can always get to fresh, clean drinking water. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e overheated, your four-legged friend will be too,鈥� says Dr. Nann. 鈥淢y rule of thumb: double the amount of water I need to have enough for my pets.鈥� The only way for dogs to release excess heat is through their paw pads and panting, so if your dog starts to pant excessively or seeks shade, it鈥檚 time to take a break. Dehydration can lead to kidney damage or heatstroke, so always keep water on hand when you鈥檙e out and about with your dog.

Prevent Injuries

Again, think of dogs just as you do people: they can get hurt just like you, so take precautions and carry a dog-friendly first-aid kit. Be mindful of rough terrain and dangerous obstacles when deciding which route to take. Also consider investing in protective gear like dog booties, which can safeguard paws from cuts, burns, punctures, and snow buildup. 鈥淚 carry a dog safety pack that has booties, treats, bandage material, forceps, and Benadryl,鈥� says Dr. Nann. 鈥淭hese tools will cover allergic reactions, let you pull out prickers or cactus needles, wrap up abrasions, and provide some extra calories.鈥�

And be willing to adjust plans as your pet gets older. 鈥淎s adventure dogs age, they need to be forced by the owners to back off; they don鈥檛 know better, so it鈥檚 up to the owners to shorten the rides, runs, or skis,鈥� says Dr. Conlin.

When you put it all together, maximizing your adventure buddy鈥檚 health is not complicated. Just be deliberate about what you provide your pet, from nutrition to exercise. And of course you can never have too many ear scratches and pats on the head.

About The Farmer’s Dog: With more than 1 billion meals served, is leading a revolution in pet care by providing personalized fresh meal plans designed to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Every meal is complete and balanced, made to human-grade safety standards, portion controlled, and delivered directly to customers’ doors. Plans are developed and supported by our team of on-staff Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists庐, PhD nutritionists, and veterinarians. The Farmer’s Dog is dedicated to bringing peace of mind to dog lovers by helping them do their best for their dogs, and setting the highest bar in the pet care industry. Available nationwide, only at www.thefarmersdog.com.

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I know it鈥檚 coming. No matter where we are or what we鈥檙e doing, no matter how recently they鈥檝e eaten, I have 15 minutes, tops, until I hear, 鈥�Mooommm, I鈥檓 hungry!鈥� My kids, ages four and seven, are, shall we say, extremely food motivated on our frequent hikes, boat trips, and nordic ski sessions in our home state of Montana. Woe to the parent who forgets to pack snacks for such outings.

It鈥檚 not just food to remember. They say that she who fails to prepare prepares to fail, and nowhere is that more true than on a backcountry adventure with kids in tow. Packing the right stuff, from clothing to bandages to bug spray, can be the difference between a fun family outing and a tear-soaked sufferfest. Trust me, I鈥檝e been on both sides. You already know about the ten essentials鈥攃onsider this your addendum to that list, family edition.

Snacks (and More Snacks)

The single most important ingredient for success on our family trips? Having enough fuel on hand鈥攁nd not just any fuel. You want your kids to love the outdoors, so bring snacks they love. Forgetting this simple truth has resulted in my children sobbing, screaming, and refusing to continue down the trail more times than I鈥檇 like to admit. But doling out a steady supply of tasty snacks will keep them going鈥攈appily! And I鈥檓 not above using the promise of food to entice them up those final steps to the summit or back to the car.

One snack that has stood the test of time for us over the past few years: , which come in six flavors, including apple cinnamon, blueberry, and our favorite, raspberry. They鈥檙e made with whole grains and real fruit and are delicious enough to satisfy a kid鈥檚 palate, and their soft-baked texture means no melting, freezing, or crumbling when shoved into a backpack in any weather. , with their real fruit and cookie-like flavor, paired with whole-grain oatmeal, are also big hits with my kids. also offers brownies in double chocolate and salted caramel flavors, made from whole grains, real cocoa, and dates. Bonus: All of the above are vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free, so they鈥檙e great for slipping into my daughter鈥檚 lunchbox at her allergen-free preschool.

Oh, and when you鈥檙e packing? Start with how much you think your kids will eat, then double it.

Water Bottles

The second most frequently whined about topic on our trips: thirst. Hey, I get it鈥攚ater is essential for keeping kiddos hydrated and healthy, particularly on hot days. Each of my kids has a reusable stainless-steel water bottle, because these vessels are durable, sustainable, and easy to clean. Mermaids, princesses, and personalized sticker art are highly encouraged. (I swear it helps them drink more.)

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Extra Layers

Of course you want a midlayer or jacket for each little in case the temperature dips or the wind picks up, but don鈥檛 stop there. Take it from a mom who once had to cut a sledding trip short because her son managed to a) find the only source of running water for miles, and b) break through the ice on top, completely soaking his boots and socks. It鈥檚 not overkill to bring multiple pairs of extra socks and even footwear. Now we pack another pair of secondhand winter boots for each kid on cold-weather excursions, just in case, along with spare mittens. If you have very little ones, also consider a whole spare outfit, even on summer trips. (Pee happens, right?)

First-Aid Kit

We have a lightweight first-aid kit in a durable zippered pouch, and of course we pack it on every trip. Except the one time I didn鈥檛, and my daughter sliced her finger open on a tree branch. (Luckily, another hiker had first-aid supplies on hand.) You can buy convenient packaged kits or build your own. Be sure to include tweezers for removing splinters or ticks, gauze for bleeding, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, children鈥檚 pain reliever and antihistamine, antiseptic wipes, and lots of bandages.

Sun and Bug Protection

Sunblock is a must, all year round. We reach for a water-resistant, reef-safe type with an SPF of at least 30. My kids squirm through an application of the typical goop styles, but those last much, much longer than spray-on brands. Tip: Try a face stick for easier application. Lightweight long-sleeve shirts also provide tons of coverage, no squirming required. Add a wide-brimmed sun hat and child-size shades on the sunniest days.

Most of us will also need bug spray, particularly in the wettest parts of the season. Picaridin and lower concentrations of DEET are considered safe for children, and both are effective in our experience. (Pediatricians recommend on kids under age two.) Many parents are tempted by 鈥渁ll-natural鈥� formulas, but generally, these just don鈥檛 work very well. One that does: oil of lemon eucalyptus products, but note that they鈥檙e not considered safe for children under age three.

Toys and Books

Yes, rocks and sticks serve perfectly well as playthings. But just like with adults, special treasures can go a long way. A friend of ours always packs a stuffed animal on hikes; she repeatedly runs ahead and hides it along the trail, then the children have to find it. (They forget they鈥檙e even hiking.) Legos and Magna-Tiles on the picnic table have distracted my kids long enough to let me cook camp dinner in peace. And soon after my son learned to read, he loved packing a book to read in the tent.

I can鈥檛 promise that following all these hard-won tips will guarantee you a whine-free outing. But I can say that packing thoughtfully will put you in a strong position for making those quality family memories happen. And that鈥檚 about as good as it gets with parenting, right?

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In early December of 2023, SKI and 国产吃瓜黑料 editors sat around a conference table in Rossignol鈥檚 pop-up showroom at the Gravity Haus in Vail, Colorado, staring at a powerpoint presentation. Projected onto the wall were illustrations of a new ski boot the brand would be releasing in the fall of 2024鈥攁 boot, the brand claimed, that would address skiers鈥� biggest issue with ski boots: getting them on and off.

We sat and looked at slide after slide highlighting the Vizion鈥檚 key design and technology elements: a traditional four-buckle overlap boot; a steel spine; and something Rossi is calling 鈥淪pine Link Mechanism,鈥� an element that allows the back of the boot cuff to hinge backwards to widen the cuff opening, then lock back into an upright position. Each slide was bedazzled with phrases like 鈥渆asier entry,鈥� 鈥渙ptimal performance,鈥� 鈥減owerful flex.鈥�

It all looked and sounded good, but as I sat in that darkened conference room, it was hard for me to get excited. Call me a jaded gear editor, but the Vizion boot just looked like a new hybrid of an alpine boot and a backcountry boot, with a fancier hike mode mechanism that Rossignol was putting a new spin on to speak to desperate ski boot customers: Not only is this boot easier to walk in, it鈥檚 a breeze to get on!

Then Jake Stevens, Rossignol鈥檚 North American alpine and bike category manager, handed me a real-life Vizion boot to try on. With the flip of a buckle, I disengaged the boot鈥檚 Spine Link Mechanism, placed the boot on the floor, stood up, and stepped into the boot鈥攈andsfree.

Color me impressed. But what really blew me away was reengaging the spine and buckling up; once locked in, the Vizion felt like a true alpine boot with a predictable flex. I鈥檇 expected it to feel like a backcountry boot, with a weird, hingey flex that comes from a walk-ride mechanism. But I was firmly locked into the 100-flex Vizion model on my foot, and when I drove my knee forward, the cuff moved with my shin exactly as a traditional four-buckle, overlap shell should.

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That鈥檚 what sets the Vizion apart. Ski boots that are designed to be more comfortable and easier to get on are not new鈥擭ordica brought back the rear-entry design with its (hands-free) boot, and plenty of brands make four-buckle overlap boots with a walk-mode to not only make it easier for skiers to walk in boots, but easier to get them on. But most of these ski boots compromise on performance in the name of comfort.

Rossignol claims that the new Vizion is not just a 鈥渃omfort鈥� boot aimed at the recreational skier. The Vizion line鈥攚hich encompasses 10 models across the unisex and women鈥檚 range鈥攊ncludes everything from a 130-flex low-volume offering down to an 80-flex high-volume option, making it for every type of skier.

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According to Rossignol, its goal in creating the Vizion was to keep the performance of a traditional overlap boot (i.e. consistent boot flex, feel, and function), but make it the easiest boot on the market to slip on and off the foot, solving the biggest pain point for skiers worldwide.

Mission accomplished? I haven鈥檛 had a chance to ski in the new Rossignol Vizion boot yet, though I鈥檓 definitely intrigued. But I鈥檓 no ski boot expert, so to gauge how legit the concept of this boot actually is, I turned to professional bootfitter Sam Tischendorf to get her take.

Sidelined by a knee injury last season, she also hasn鈥檛 had a chance to ski the boot yet, but she鈥檚 spent a good amount of time inspecting it at trade shows and chatting about it with her Masterfit colleagues (who have skied in it). From the sounds of it, bootfitters are bought into Rossignol鈥檚 new Vizion. Considering how can be, that鈥檚 saying something.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Look for SKI鈥榮 official review of the new Rossignol Vizion boot in the fall.聽

Rossignol Vizion Preview with Professional Bootfitter Sam Tischendorf

JW: Sam, in your professional opinion, is the hype about this boot real?聽

ST: I think so. This is not just fairy dust sprinkled on a boot. It鈥檚 a legitimate solution for getting your foot into a ski boot. I was still hopping along on my bad knee and apprehensive about wrestling with a boot to get it on, but I was able to stand on my good leg and slide into the boot on my bad leg, hands-free and without a grimace.

Bootfitters seemed skeptical about BOA when it was introduced鈥攕ome still are. Do you get the sense that they鈥檙e more on board with the idea of the Vizion boot?

There鈥檚 more excitement with this Vizion boot compared with BOA in terms of actual technology. No offense to BOA, but all they did was put a new buckle on a boot that鈥檚 meant to wrap the foot a little better. Most brands are using BOA but doing so slightly differently, and across the board, I don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 that impactful of a difference.

The spine mechanism on this boot seems similar to a walk mechanism on a backcountry boot. Is it basically the same?

The technology Rossignol developed for this boot is unique. You open this latch on the lower buckle of the cuff that releases the spine of the boot, opening the cuff wider than any hike-and-ride boot does. You can then literally stand and slide into the boot hands-free. And the way Rossignol designed this boot, the buckles on the front wrapping section don鈥檛 get in the way.

As bootfitters, a solution we often use for folks who really struggle to get into their ski boots is a hike-and-ride boot, so we can open that walk-mode feature to help people slide their foot in. But a walk-mode feature is minimal compared to what the Vizion boot actually does.

Rossignol鈥檚 Spine Link Mechanism is primarily designed to help you get into the boot. But once you buckle up, you don鈥檛 have a massive walk-mode in the Vizion. This is not a super easy boot to walk around in necessarily, and it鈥檚 not designed to be used for uphill, which is why it doesn鈥檛 have tech inserts. It鈥檚 really an alpine boot with a mechanism built in to help you effortlessly slide into the boot.

How is the Vizion different from the rear-entry boots of yore? Those boots were all designed to address the ease of entry issue, but there鈥檚 a reason we don鈥檛 see those boots on shop shelves anymore.聽

The problem with rear-entry boots was that they just didn鈥檛 ski well. When you look at the Vizion when it鈥檚 closed up, it looks like a traditional four-buckle overlap boot. And by all accounts, that鈥檚 how it skis.

When I was walking around and flexing it, it felt like I was just in a regular four-buckle performance alpine boot. There was no feeling of 鈥渙h, this feels dodgy,鈥� or 鈥渢hey missed this feature because they focused on the ease of entry component.鈥� When you鈥檝e got the boot on, it feels like a boot you can really ski in.

And from everyone I talked to who was at the America鈥檚 Best Bootfitters boot test this spring, it sounds like it鈥檚 a really strong-skiing boot.

Who is the target market for the Vizion? Is it more casual recreational skiers who just don鈥檛 want to deal with the inconvenience of stiff boots?

It鈥檚 for everyone. If we鈥檙e being honest, we all wrestle with putting our ski boots on and taking them off. Within the bootfitting community, it鈥檚 the constant question on the table: How do we make a boot easier to put on and take off. It does not matter the skier鈥攁ll of us want and need more of that convenience.

So from a feature standpoint, we can sell this boot to a super casual, recreational skier who wants a 100 flex boot that鈥檚 comfortable and easy to get on. We can sell it to people who are a little less physically able to get into their ski boot, yet give them better performance than some of the rear-entry boots that are still floating around. But this boot is also for the expert skier who will love the boot from a performance standpoint鈥攈ow it skis. They might be interested in the ease-of-entry feature, but they鈥檙e also interested in the performance side of it.

Related:

Can you still customize it like a regular boot?

It鈥檚 made like a regular Rossignol boot, so you can custom fit it like any other Rossignol boots. From stretching to padding to whatever customization you typically do to your boot, you鈥檙e going to be able to do that to this boot, too.

Any early criticism or potential drawbacks to this boot?

My one complaint is that I think Rossignol missed the mark on the women鈥檚 Vizion boot in terms of aesthetics. It鈥檚 a really white boot with a plush, soft liner.聽 I鈥檓 afraid it will give women the wrong visual of what this boot actually is. Some lady customers might like the look, but it might take a while for some women to step away from the frilly visual and focus on the legitimacy of the boot from a performance standpoint.

And like any ski boot,聽 Rossignol boots aren鈥檛 the perfect fit for every customer. I personally think Rossi boots work best for more moderate foot types鈥攕omeone who doesn鈥檛 have a pencil foot but does have a little bit of a heel bone. I鈥檝e found them to be fabulous for folks who have a higher instep鈥擱ossi boots tend to encapsulate that higher instep really well. They also tend to be good choices for skiers who are between two sizes鈥擨 find that Rossignol boots give you a few extra millimeters in length, so it can help with size differentiation.

But having the Vizion be available in so many different flex, last, and volume options definitely opens this boot up to a wider demographic.

Sam Tischendorf is one of the very few professional female ski bootfitters鈥攐r as she likes to say, professional feet ticklers鈥攊n the industry. She currently works at 聽in Telluride, Colo., is a member of the聽, and collaborates with Blizzard/Tecnica on the Women To Women gear project.

More On Ski Boots

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The holy grail of trail shoes? Instantly comfortable, lightweight, grippy, waterproof, and stable. That recipe is now a reality with the Konos TRS OutDry. And you can add reasonably priced ($120) to the list as well. Thanks to innovations in cushioning and traction that join an incredibly comfortable, secure-fitting upper that鈥檚 both waterproof and breathable, Columbia鈥檚 new Konos handles everything from gentle meandering paths to rugged and rocky summits. This is the shoe that will inspire more time on trails for everyone from beginning hikers to trail veterans.

Comfort First

Unlike boots with stiff soles and heavy-duty uppers that can be uncomfortable until well broken in, the Konos TRS OutDry feels great upon first step-in. A soft, seamless interior, plus a padded tongue and heel collar, envelop the foot, while the laces engage the Navic Fit system鈥攊ntegrated webbing that locks down the navicular bone for stability and support. And instead of a firm ride and inflexible sole, this shoe features shock-absorbing, joint-saving midsole cushioning that flexes naturally at the forefoot thanks to strategically placed outsole grooves. This is a wear-all-day kind of shoe with hike-all-day performance.

Lightweight Performance

All that cushy midsole foam is extremely lightweight while both softening impact and providing responsiveness in every step鈥攖here鈥檚 no mush here. Unique dome-shaped cutouts visible on the outsole (located directly under the heel and forefoot) further absorb force and return energy, combining with the cushioning to put a little extra spring in your hiking step. TRS stands for 鈥渢rail speed,鈥� as a nod to the lightweight resilience of that underfoot platform and its surprising energy return.

To deliver secure footing on a range of terrain, the Konos TRS OutDry features a proprietary rubber compound that excels on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole’s lug shape, depth, and traction pattern underfoot were designed specifically for hiking. And the way it grabs hold of everything from loose, dry dirt to slick, wet rock inspires confidence.

All this tech comes in a seriously lightweight package: a mere 11 ounces per shoe.

Breathable Waterproofing

The mesh upper of the Konos TRS OutDry features TPU overlays with smartly placed cutouts for weight savings; there鈥檚 added armor where you need it and none where you don鈥檛. And the entire upper is protected by OutDry waterproofing鈥攁 bonded construction that blocks water from getting in while allowing internal moisture and excess heat to escape. That means the shoe remains plenty breathable while keeping your feet dry in summer rainstorms and shallow creek crossings or while splashing in puddles mid-hike just for the heck of it.

With its sleek all-black styling, the Konos TRS OutDry is ready to be your go-anywhere, do-anything shoe year round. As Ben Rainey, senior product manager at Columbia, puts it, the Konos TRS OutDry takes the best features of running and hiking footwear and fuses them into a shoe built for performance. 鈥淚t highlights the best technologies Columbia has to offer,鈥� Rainey adds, 鈥渕aking sure you stay cool, dry, and protected for all your outside activities.鈥�

Based in Portland, Oregon, is a global outdoor brand that crafts active lifestyle gear fortified with industry-leading technologies tested in our own backyard. Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit.

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Rolling hills, scenic state parks, river views, and southern cooking. These are only some of the things that Tennessee has to offer cyclists. If you鈥檝e never biked on Tennessee鈥檚 quiet back roads or through its historic small towns, you鈥檙e in for a treat. has created a collection of 52 road cycling routes with the help of Shannon Burke, cycling route developer and owner of Velo View Bike Tours in Chattanooga, to make finding the perfect ride easy. Each route was carefully designed to optimize the cycling experience for safety, fun, and scenery. To learn more, we heard from Burke and Jenni Veal, rural destination development manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Here鈥檚 what they had to say.

国产吃瓜黑料: What makes Tennessee a premier cycling destination?聽

Shannon Burke: Tennessee has a wealth of low-traffic scenic back roads that are perfect for road cycling adventures. But more than the abundance of great cycling roads, the state has an incredible diversity of landscapes, from massive climbs to rolling hills to flat farm roads, making it an ideal destination for road cyclists of all levels. Tennessee鈥檚 mild climate also makes it possible to ride year-round.

How can cyclists get access to detailed navigation and route information?

Burke: Bike Tennessee makes it easy for cyclists to find safe and scenic road cycling routes across the state. Each route listed on the site connects to a route map and description, which can be downloaded to a bike computer or phone app. The Ride with GPS maps also include the option to print a paper cue sheet with turn-by-turn directions. In addition to the Ride with GPS features, the website includes short descriptions of each route, so you know what to expect on the ride, including distance, elevation, terrain, and points of interest.

As a professional cycling guide, why do you think these routes offer visitors the best Tennessee cycling experience?

Burke: I followed the same approach I use for my guided tours when designing these routes for Bike Tennessee. I made sure we were checking the following boxes for riders:

Is the traffic low enough to permit a safe and enjoyable ride?

Are the roads fun to ride?

Is the landscape scenic?

Are there scenic overlooks, historic markers, or points of interest along the way?

Does the route have amenities for travelers, such as restrooms and food options?

These are only some of the considerations we made while designing routes for Bike Tennessee to offer exceptional road cycling experiences.

What are some of the top attractions featured on the mapped routes?

Jenni Veal: All 52 Bike Tennessee routes travel the state鈥檚 most scenic areas. All together, the routes cross 53 counties, including 14 state parks. Each ride is mapped as a loop or out-and-back to highlight points of interest like quaint downtowns, historic sites, and some of the best food in the South. These are some of my favorite sites to explore:

• The and both utilize the beautiful Memphis River Parks system and cross 鈥淥l鈥� Man River鈥� along the Big River Crossing bridge into West Memphis, Arkansas, and include a trip through Mud Island and Harbor Town.
• The , near historic Greeneville in northeast Tennessee, starts at David Crockett Birthplace State Park, situated along the Nolichucky River. The state park offers river rentals, camping, and interpretive exhibits鈥攁nd you can buy a Davy Crockett鈥搒tyle raccoon hat at the visitor center.
• The , near Mountain City in northeast Tennessee, follows a section of Watauga Lake and ends at two award-winning Tennessee wineries: Watauga Lake Winery and Villa Nove Vineyards.
• The challenge, in middle Tennessee, starts in historic downtown Lynchburg, best known as the home of Jack Daniel鈥檚 Distillery. Cyclists can end their ride with a distillery tour and a meal at any number of famous Lynchburg restaurants.
• The , at Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park in West Tennessee, preserves more than 15 Native American mounds. Some are more than 70 feet high and 2,000 years old.

How can visitors start planning the perfect cycling-inspired adventure in Tennessee?聽

Veal: The Bike Tennessee website makes it easy to search for routes on the map or by a nearby city. Once you know what region and route you鈥檒l be exploring, recommendations for other things to do in the area populate at the bottom of the page, making planning a cycling vacation easier than ever. The Ride with GPS Ambassador pages also include photos and points of interest鈥攑laces to eat, restrooms, and attractions鈥攁s well as website links for more localized tourism information. Additionally, you can find a variety of fun happening year-round across the state.

Tennessee offers visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure鈥攁ll centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations 鈥渟ound perfect鈥� in Tennessee. Visit and follow @TNvacation on, , and for travel inspiration.

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It鈥檚 been a busy summer for Heather Jackson. That might have something to do with the fact that she鈥檚 a professional athlete in two sports: ultrarunning and gravel cycling. She placed fifth in the 200-mile Unbound Gravel Race across Kansas in early June. Weeks later, she ran her way to a seventh-place finish at the . She trains in both sports daily, often spending four or five hours in the morning either on the bike or on foot, then switching to the other sport for an easier effort before dinner.

Despite that rigorous routine, Jackson says it could be worse, having spent 15 years as a professional triathlete who nabbed a pair of Ironman 70.3 World Championship podium finishes in 2012 and 2013. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a little bit easier with just riding and running,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 actually have one less sport to work on.鈥�

Plus, the two disciplines complement each other well. 鈥淚鈥檓 still balancing the two [sports] and kind of blocking them out depending on what event is next,鈥� Jackson says, 鈥渂ut I mostly just continue to do both each day.鈥� The longer daylight hours certainly help to maximize summer days, as does the outdoor versatility of the new Hoka , Jackson鈥檚 training shoe of choice. The nicer weather doesn鈥檛 hurt either, especially when it comes to getting family and friends outside before, after鈥攁nd even during鈥攈er training to add some variety and fun to the double duty.

The 40-year-old has been an athlete her entire life, which she chalks up to her mother, who was a gym teacher in New Hampshire. 鈥淪he had us in pretty much everything,鈥� says Jackson. From tennis to basketball, lacrosse to horseback riding, Jackson鈥檚 not kidding about the 鈥渆verything鈥� part. 鈥淚t was soccer and hockey that I excelled at and loved the most,鈥� she explains. Jackson played ice hockey for Princeton and was close to making the 2006 Olympic hockey team before making the shift to triathlon.

Since switching from the regimented training of Ironman-distance road triathlons to gravel riding and trail running, Jackson says she loves not having to target a specific pace for every workout. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e climbing a canyon in Western States and you鈥檙e doing a 15-minute mile, but it鈥檚 irrelevant,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more like, 鈥榃hat can you do to get up this terrain?鈥� It鈥檚 freeing.鈥�

Jackson鈥檚 first 100-mile race was Arizona鈥檚 Javelina Jundred, in which she placed fifth in 2022 before winning it in 2023. She also started gravel racing in 2023 and has seen pretty much immediate success. 鈥淭hese two new sports are so fun,鈥� she says. 鈥淓very single run and every single race is different terrain鈥攜ou鈥檙e not staring at a watch. I now just get to be outside and see so many new places. Every day is new,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 refreshing.鈥�

Living most of the year in Bend, Oregon, and training in Tucson, Arizona, during late winter and early spring, makes the most of her environment. While she skate-skis, runs, and snowshoe runs in the winter months, she鈥檚 recently been out on dirt almost every waking moment.

 

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鈥淲e have such good summer weather,鈥� she says, 鈥渢hat I try to combine gravel riding and trail running with being outside, literally, as much as possible.鈥� She and her husband and friends often go camping on weekends. They鈥檒l all head out for their own rides or runs and then reconvene at the campsite. Or they鈥檒l explore the many lakes in the wilderness areas surrounding Bend or nab last-minute backcountry permits to play on new trail systems.

鈥淢y sister grabbed a permit for the Green Lakes area one day,鈥� Jackson explains. 鈥淪o it was like, 鈥極K, cool, tomorrow鈥檚 a run day.鈥欌€� She says she feels fortunate to have both family and friends to go run trails or ride anything from Mount Bachelor to Smith Rock. Her parents recently moved to the Bend area and frequently do a ten-mile mountain bike loop, and Jackson will run alongside them.

Later this summer, Jackson will head to France, where she鈥檒l run one of the UTMB races, either the 50K OCC (which she ran last summer), the 100K CCC, or the 106-mile UTMB. While she raced Western States in the Hoka Tecton X 2.5 (a prototype version of the Tecton X 3), she鈥檒l be wearing the new Hoka Speedgoat 6 in the rugged Alps.

鈥淭o have the grip of the new Speedgoats is huge,鈥� Jackson says, referring to the updated outsole that features Vibram Megagrip and toothier lugs than the Speedgoat 5. 鈥淚鈥檒l wear the to hike Mount Bachelor and other rugged terrain around here鈥攁nd for camping and just kicking around in the dirt,鈥� Jackson says of the perfect shoe for being outside all summer long.

HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, tastemakers, and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit or follow @HOKA.

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Let Southwest Airlines fuel your VIP adventure at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival. Head to the Southwest booth at the event in Denver June 1鈥�2 for a chance to win an exclusive backstage tour.

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Want a pair of Columbia KONOS shoes? Check out the Columbia booth during the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival from June 1鈥�2, and enter for a chance to win! Winners will be selected on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.

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One lucky winner will receive a collection of prizes鈥攃ourtesy of West Virginia Tourism鈥攁t the 国产吃瓜黑料 Festival on Sunday, June 2nd. Visit the West Virginia booth and enter for a chance to win a basket of Mountain State-branded swag, including a hammock, Cotopaxi fanny pack, Nalgene, Puffin koozie, and more!

In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven. Request your聽听补苍诲听聽to receive the latest updates on what鈥檚 happening in the Mountain State through our newsletters.

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