weekend tours are a GREAT way to get grounded in your region and discover hidden delights close to home. I've ridden over 2,300 touring miles in 2006, all "weekend" trips.

36 hour trips, two day and three day trips. maybe a couple of four day 'long weekend' trips, but no longer durations this year.

36'er rides, where you leave the house, camp out and return in less than 36 hours, are SO doable. and you can go far in 36 hours. I rode a 240 mile 36'er - with camping gear- in August. its amazing how far you can ride in a day and a half.

-but machka, you already know that!