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Niseko may be best known for snow sports, but cycling takes center stage during the annual Niseko Cycle Week. The ten-day cycling festival features cross-country, road riding and downhill events and is set to be even bigger and better this year and will include more non-cycling and family events such as live music and activities for kids. Head up for the week and challenge nationally ranked racers or just cruise the countryside at your own pace. The area features a range of great accommodation, restaurants and outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Web:www.nisekocycleweek.com Tel: (0136) 21-2551   <!--EndFragment-->

Perhaps you are interested in improving your climbing skills or even riding your bike with no hands (I'm still working on that one). And maybe you've taken a liking to yoga and the strength, flexibility and clarity of mind associated with it. Regardless of your physical activity of choice, balance is probably an aspect of what you do in your daily routine. The unique practices of slacklining (balancing and walking on climbing webbing tied above the ground between two fixed points) and AcroYoga (a practice involving partner yoga in the air) are wonderful ways to take your practice of balance to new heights.  One group, travelling the world teaching a unique approach to these practices, is the YogaSlackers. We are outdoor enthusiasts practicing and teaching a number of activities including (but not limited to) slacklining, yoga, AcroYoga, climbing, adventure racing and the time-honored sport of how to live out of your car. YogaSlackers are known for practicing yoga poses on the slackline, also known as "slackasana" (asana is the Sanskrit word for "seat" or pose denoting a particular yoga posture). By practicing yoga on the slackline, we’ve found it heightened our sense of awareness and strengthened the muscles and co-ordination necessary to sustain it.  As a result, we found our traditional yoga practice went to a new level, as a yoga pose on the mat is considerably easier after trying the same pose on a one-inch thick piece of climbing webbing. Oh, and be forewarned; slacklining is also a lot of fun and can be extremely addictive. Also in the spirit of fun, AcroYoga connects people through the experience of "flying" where one person moves through yoga postures in the air with the support of another person basing them on the ground. Combining acrobatics, yoga and Thai Massage, AcroYoga is therapeutic, working to lengthen the spine and release tight shoulders. With practice, AcroYoga can also move into a more acrobatic realm involving handstands and deep backbends in the air. The greatest thing about both practices is no prior experience is required and you are guaranteed instant entertainment when learning for the first time, or anytime for that matter. On March 28, come see what it's all about as Yogajaya presents Redefining Balance at the Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art featuring slacklining, AcroYoga, art, music, sponsor booths and panel discussions relating to merging global culture through lifestyle, sustainability and awareness. WEBLINKS Yogajaya: www.yogajaya.com YogaSlackers: www.yogaslackers.com

HOA エクストリーム・ホワイトウォーター・チャレンジin日高 ２００９年にデビュー大成功と遂げた、HOAエクストリーム・ホワイトウォーター・チャレンジがまた今年も行われる。ホワイトウォーター・ウィークエンドはレベルに関係なく参加することができ、またワールドクラスのパドラーたちの技術を目の前でみることができる。今年は二日間に渡り開催されるカヤッキングにラフティング・イベント、豪華商品、そしてDJ音楽と大きなかがり火のあるリバー・パーティなどが企画されている。 Location: Hidaka, Hokkaido / 北海道、日高 Details: www.rafting-hoa.co.jp (HOA)