Posts Tagged ‘Winter’

Malta is known for its hot summer sun and everything related to its surrounding blue Mediterranean sea, such as water sports and diving. As a result, flocks of tourists visit the Maltese islands during the May to September season in an attempt to sit back, relax and enjoy the summer sun! So, a visit to the island during its winter months may prove to be a quieter, calmer and perhaps more rewarding sort of holiday in Malta.

Since Malta's winter is rather mild, it allows for the hills to be greener. One can enjoy the countryside by means of hiking, walking or cycling – an activity which is usually difficult in the hot summer months. Countryside walks have become a highlight for many tourists visiting Malta, and for this reason, specific guide books have been created for the tourist who wishes to explore the quiet rural areas of the island by providing directions through rural paths and towns.

Malta Sightseeing

During this time of year, taking in Malta's spectacular culture would be ideal since the old villages and monuments are less busy with tourists, and the temperature is cooler. The oldest and most impressive structures are the prehistoric temples, the largest of which are located in Qrendi (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples), Tarxien (Tarxien Temple) and Gozo (Ggantija Temple). Dating from c.5000BC, the temples are actually older than the Egyptian pyramids! A definite must-see!

Since Malta is very small, transportation is often unnecessary and one can view all, or most, of a town or city on foot. Valletta and Mdina, for instance, are incredible localities that merit a visit. By simply walking around, one can appreciate the historic buildings and distinct character of each city. Valletta contains within its walls the Grandmaster's Palace, Auberge de Castille, St. John's Co-Cathedral, the National Museum of Archaeology, the Fine Arts Museum, Malta's National Theatre (The Manoel Theatre) and a host of other historical buildings, not to mention one of Malta's shopping high-streets, all at a short walking-distance from one another.

Mdina is no less stunning. Mdina itself is known as the 'silent city' and contains series of winding narrow roads through which cars are not allowed to pass. Walking through the former capital allows for the appreciation of historical buildings, the possibility of dining in some of the most up-town Malta restaurants and cafés, as well as spectacular views of the island off its bastions.

With regards to indoor activities, the several museums of Malta that range from archaeology to classic cars are sure to keep someone busy for a series of days! Furthermore, the theatre scene is bustling all year round with selections of classical concerts, operas, drama, musicals and comedy. In fact, it has become popular to go and enjoy a light meal and bottle of wine at local wine bars following a show at one of Malta's Theatres. Wining and Dining in Malta is of course not limited to such wine bars and extends to all sorts of cuisine scattered in every locality on the island, the most prominent being that of Mediterranean cuisine.

If you simply wish to relax, the several spas across the island provide a perfect harmony of tranquility and well-being, in order to release you from the daily stresses of your routine back home. Unlike the packed summer beaches, spas provide a calm splendor for you, and your loved ones, to enjoy.

Longer distance commuting by bicycle is perceived impossible by many. Not so for the Dutch. A combination of public transport and a bicycle is easy and very common in the Netherlands. There is also a Summer version: www.youtube.com That there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands is in part due to commuters who have bicycles in more than one city: the city they live in and the city they work in. The distance between the two cities is bridged by public transport, mostly train. The distance covered in this video ('s-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht) is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) one way. It takes less than an hour and that is about twice as fast than it would take by car for this particular route. The video shows how it is done on a winters day. Morning rush hour takes place in the dark during the winter months in the Netherlands.

There are a variety of reasons why the Lake District is a great place to visit in the autumn and winter months. Starting with autumn and the colours in the landscape are simply beautiful. Browns, reds, oranges and yellows shower the roads, fields and fells. An excellent time for artists and photographers to visit the Lake District.

Moving to November and December and the Lake District is lucky to have a good share of those spectacular bright sunny winter days when the air is at its crispest. On days like these, you can see for miles and they are excellent times to go walking or to visit the area for a short break. In November especially, there are some great offers available in Lake District hotels. For those wanting a real escape and complete tranquillity, November is ideal.

December is party time and a refreshing approach to Christmas parties is holding it at one the hotels in the Lake District. Such venues have been welcomed by groups and companies in the Cumbria region but also further afield who are determined to ensure spirits remain high this Christmas and they are already booking their parties. Sometimes company Christmas party celebrations are combined with team building events and of course, due to the nature of the Lake District, it is the perfect place for both. Companies still want to celebrate, but they are looking for something different and something flexible enough to fit their budgets. This is why the hotels in the Lake District are creating packages from just the themed drinks and food right through to full provided on site entertainment and events.

January celebrates the New Year, recharges the batteries after a hectic, over indulgent Christmas and can be one of the best value short breaks you have. The Lake District is becoming a popular choice in January. There are many activities to do in the Lake District along with the possibility of snow still being on the fells. As with hotels and leisure accommodation throughout the country, Cumbria hotels and Lake District hotels have excellent rates for January as it is traditionally thought to be the quietest month of the year. This enables the consumer to enjoy short breaks in the Lake District at fabulous prices, much needed after Christmas but especially when everyone is being hit by the economic crisis.

Savvy travellers are noticing the great value deals to be had in the winter months. Holidays are quite often being thought about and planned for spring and summer but waiting until then without a break is too long. A short break in the Lake District can combine a much needed break with the chance to go canoeing, sailing, walking, mountaineering, fell running, cycling, the list goes on. The most popular, cheapest and most accessible is walking on the hundreds of fells in the Lake District. Wainwright alone walked and wrote about 214 of them but there are many further smaller fells allowing walkers of any age or ability to sample what the English Lake District is famous for

WITH THREE weeks left for the Winter Olmpics in Vancouver, Canada, people are looking for the best deals and offers on flight tickets, event tickets and hotel rooms, accommodations etc.There are a number of sites that have some of the best packages that include air tickets and accommodation in hotels. If you want to stay on the water, the Norwegian Star, a Cruise Ship would be the ideal place to put up. The boat rates are down to Canadian $396 from $589 a night, for a single or double room. The rate also includes 3 meals a day.Hotel and tour operators say that they still; have rooms which are available at the best rates in hotels.Hotel brokers and tour operators also say they still have rooms available. And some are even dropping minimum night stay requirements.Whistler, the four season resort has rooms which are available for C$1,225 per night with a 3 night minimum booking. The resort is also offering a 3 night Ski with an Olympian package which has skiing session with former Olympian Cary Mulen and Erik Schlopy and a 3 day lift pass which would cost C$2010 per night.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has rooms which start from C$899 with a 3 night minimum stay.However, another good option is rentiing someone's house or appartment if you are in a group. Lots of houses and rooms are available at a very low cost.Translink which runs all public transport around Vancouver is offering 6 week Olympic pass for unlimited travelling starting at C$110. To reach the venue, bikes on weekly rental basis are also available for C$84 at Bicycle Rentals in downtown Vancouver.In February it usually rains in Vancouver, but the weather and temperature may remain mild.There would be a Cultural Olympiad from Jan 22 to March 21 with around 600 events (art, music, theatrical) In Whistler, one would get to witness free concerts and live performances and programs.

Longer distance commuting by bicycle is perceived impossible by many. Not so for the Dutch. A combination of public transport and a bicycle is easy and very common in the Netherlands. There is also a Summer version: www.youtube.com That there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands is in part due to commuters who have bicycles in more than one city: the city they live in and the city they work in. The distance between the two cities is bridged by public transport, mostly train. The distance covered in this video ('s-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht) is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) one way. It takes less than an hour and that is about twice as fast than it would take by car for this particular route. The video shows how it is done on a winters day. Morning rush hour takes place in the dark during the winter months in the Netherlands.

Longer distance commuting by bicycle is perceived impossible by many. Not so for the Dutch. A combination of public transport and a bicycle is easy and very common in the Netherlands. There is also a Summer version: www.youtube.com That there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands is in part due to commuters who have bicycles in more than one city: the city they live in and the city they work in. The distance between the two cities is bridged by public transport, mostly train. The distance covered in this video ('s-Hertogenbosch to Utrecht) is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) one way. It takes less than an hour and that is about twice as fast than it would take by car for this particular route. The video shows how it is done on a winters day. Morning rush hour takes place in the dark during the winter months in the Netherlands.

You might be fortunate enough to live in a warm, dry climate that lets you to train all winter long. Or maybe you are a spin class junkie who dedicates several hours a week to the spin. If so, good for you. However, chances are, you're like the majority of riders who get lethargic throughout the winter, put off any genuine solid training and look towards the spring to get them back into racing form.

Regardless of your personal training routine, these few quick tips could take you from Sally Sidelines to the Peter Peloton by racing season.

FREQUENCY - When it comes to frequency of training more might not always be better. In the Cyclist's Training Bible, author Joe Friels comments that training twice a day is better than only once due to an added release of growth hormone throughout the day. This can work well for the people who do a daily commute to and from work where they can more proficiently train in smaller, more frequent increments due to a limited schedule. We'll call that the "Two birds, one stone" training process. Though, the increase of benefits in splitting the workout is not supported by any other literature we've found.

INTENSITY - Again, more might not always be better. It has been stated many times that your best aerobic improvement will occur at approximately 90% of your maximum heart rate. However, if you regularly go above this level, you will seriously add to your risk of injury without increasing your cardiovascular benefit. Keeping yourself at a 60% maximum heart rate for 45 minutes to an hour throughout your workout will take you to higher levels without hurting you, especially if you've been a couch potato since Thanksgiving.

STRUCTURE - The key is to have enough structure in the training to advance your endurance and speed while not alienating your family, friends or finances. We prefer the "Day on, Day off" routine, which allows for recovery days and a social life. For mid-level riders (if you JUST started riding, start slower) we promote a 12-hour per week workout with an increase of two hours after about 12 weeks.

The key to getting back into the routine is to start slow. Do what you can at first without over exerting yourself, as you don't want to end up in the emergency room with heart palpitations just because you're trying to pick up where you left off before winter. Start out with 30 minute rides every other day and increase it according to your individual endurance level. Ultimately, if you are training for racing, you should work up to the following:

Day One - Train for 2.5 hours. This is basic endurance ride, sprint if you'd like but not too much.

Day Two - Train for two hours with four 200-meter sprints included.

Day Three - Train for 2.5 hours, adding in some additional aerobic workout when you feel you are ready.

Day Four - A day of rest. Spend time with the family.

Day Five - Take a two-hour easy, breezy ride. Enjoy the scenery. Keep your heart rate at 60% of your max.

Day Six - Do a three-hour ride, feel the burn of your body stretching its endurance.

Day Seven - Rest up because you start again tomorrow with a 2.5 hour workout and sprints.

You can without doubt increase the workout times after a few weeks, but get yourself used to the ride/recover schedule before you commence kicking out four hour rides with multiple sprints several days in a row. This is assuming you aren't Lance or Alberto. (If you are Lance Armstrong or Alberto Contador, thanks for reading guys, call us!)

When you are ready to increase the workload for your training, you can do so by altering the frequency, intensity and/or duration but you need to keep a ride/rest schedule to benefit the most because your body will need to rest in order to recover. As a beginner, or someone in winter recovery, it is a good idea to start slower and work up to the higher levels.

Above all, be consistent! Keep your schedule. When you're ready, increase slowly and steadily.

Gore Bike Wear's winter range has you covered no matter now low the mercury drops.

Read about our everyday winter bike commuting adventures at letsgorideabike.com.

Rapha's range of winter apparel offers a level of performance and an element of style that's simply unmatched in the other brands we offer.