MTB-LAO 5:

"I've spent a career adventuring around the globe in search of personal discovery, challenge, and finding the best version of myself. It's my turn to give back. I want to share what I've learned through decades of first-evers, world records, championships, and insanely ambitious expeditions that have pushed me to my limits and beyond. 

"As part of this trip, you'll not only experience the ride of a lifetime, you'll also be part of the healing work of clearing Laos of dangerous debris still left from the Vietnam War. You will truly be using your bicycle as a vehicle for change and recovery.

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"Sound great? Consider this a personal invitation to join us on this hero's journey."

Be good,

Rebecca Rusch

                                        DURATION                                       EXPERIENCE LEVEL    

                              10 trail days, 4 town days                                   Adventurous     

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MTB SKILL RATING

STRONG INTERMEDIATE, 5/8  

You're confident riding intermediate trails and willing to try out some advanced trails. You know when to walk if terrain is over your skill level but stay confident when you get back in the saddle. Switchbacks, rocky sections, descents and climbs don't scare you. You're down to try out some steep sections and even lift your wheel occasionally. 

You can execute:

1. Controlled front braking independent from rear braking and vice versa

2. Anticipating changes in terrain and shifting smoothly and often.

3. Letting go of the brakes and standing on 50/50 pedals on descents, and maintaining speed as long as you can see what's ahead of you.

4. Trail scanning and cornering techniques such as looking through turns.

FITNESS LEVEL

STRONG INTERMEDIATE, 5/8

1. You can ride easy/medium trails multiple days in a row at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours, and could add a 5-6 hour ride into the mix. 

2. You could do a few days of riding for 5-6 hours in a row; you might be exhausted at the end of day 3.

3. You like climbing (don't have to love it) and can handle 1,500' of elevation gain in a single ride. 

4. You mountain bike or do some activity of similar exertion three or more times per week.

5. You exercise an average of five to six hours a week.

6. You would get your butt into shape for this and be ready for multiple hours of adventure riding for 10 days in a row.

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Any questions about whether the trip is right for you? Just ask!

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While this trip is appropriate for a wide range of riders from intermediate to expert, for optimal fun and safety, we recommend a minimum baseline of bike handling skill and physical readiness. The 1-8 scale is roughly 1 = total newbie and 8 = elite athlete.