travel/ adventure
G IN BIKIN N EMIRATES A T N U MO EVE S THE S S O R C A WHERE: Throughout the UAE DESCRIPTION: With almost a year to prepare for this exhilarating event, participants have plenty of time to get in shape for the fiveday, 400km cycle through all seven emirates. Discover small townships, mountain trails, desert tracks and stunning coastal routes along the way, then camp overnight, Bedouin-style, in this fascinating landscape. Not for the fainthearted, the gruelling journey will test every
muscle in your body but offers a massive sense of achievement too, as this adventure is in aid of a great cause. Sponsorship money will go toward the Gulf for Good charity, which helps children from deprived backgrounds around the world. DETAILS: The challenge takes place at the end of this year (check the website for exact dates). It costs Dhs2,200 to register and Dhs12,000 in sponsorship. www.gulf4good.org
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The UAE is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, so before the event notch up another life-changing experience with a skydive from 12,000ft over the worldfamous Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. www. skydivedubai.ae STAY: Prepare for the event in the luxury of the plush Mediterranean-style Ritz-Carlton Dubai resort, overlooking the shimmering coastline. www.ritzcarlton.com
G BOARDIN O N A C L VO WHERE: Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua, Central America DESCRIPTION: At the base of Cerro Negro (Black Mountain) you’ll wonder exactly how you’re going to make it up the steep face of this ancient volcano. Luckily, the skilful tour guides have mastered getting their big yellow buses partly up the hill, from where it’s a 45-minute hike toward crater’s edge. Here you’ll stop, put on an orange boiler suit and some goggles, then launch yourself down the hill on a rickety sledge made from metal and wood. The speed of a volcano board is anywhere between five to 82km/hr, depending on the drop. Once zipping along the black sooty sand, made up of ancient lava, make sure you don’t 100
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fall off – you’ll get a stinging gravel burn to remember. DETAILS: Tours cost a reasonable Dhs100 and include national park entrance, equipment, transport and refreshments. www.bigfootnicaragua.com WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Visit the Corn Islands – a haven for wildlife and deepsea fishing. You can also trek through the rocky Nicaragua trails, where you’ll spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees. STAY: Appreciate the surrounding wilderness and nature at Pelican Eyes Hotel and Resort, set on the lapping coastline near the quaint fishing village of San Juan del Sur. Expect giant thatched lodges with private pools and five-star service. www.pelicaneyesresort.com