My name is Dawn. I'm one of the four contributing members for our Travel & Outdoors team, with an emphasis on the outdoors. I enjoy a number of different sports. I like skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and running. I tried snow boarding, but as someone who is balance-challenged I decided to stick with skiing. While we're fortunate to live within driving distance of great . . . more »

Favorite mountain biking quote: "The secret to mountain biking is pretty simple. The slower you go the more likely it is you'll crash." Julie Furtado Favorite outdoor quote: "I find that in contemplating the natural world my pleasure is greater if there are not too many others contemplating it with me, at the same time." Edward Abbey Favorite travel quote: “On the old highway maps . . . more »

My name is Lora and I’m one of the contributors to our Travel & Outdoors page. What I find exciting about traveling is visiting places I have never been to before. Traveling by ship and train is my favorite means of transportation. I have trained across the United States and have even taken the spectacular Queen Mary 2 for a transatlantic crossing. I enjoy the . . . more »

There are many benefits to living in the bay area and great weather is definitely one of them. Where else can you find sunny 60+ degree weather in Jan and Feb? And why not take advantage of the nice weather and pull out your road or mountain bike? Whether younger or older, veteran or new rider, here are some great bike books to help you . . . more »

If, for you, January weather lends itself more to sitting and reading than tackling the great outdoors, here are my favorite hiking stories to tide you over until warmer weather. Having on many occasions bitten off more than I can chew when it comes to physcial endeavors, I appreciate Bill Bryson's every man approach to hiking the Appalachian Trail. Hike 2,100 miles? And why not? . . . more »