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Active Travel: Training for Your Olympic Dreams

Now that you've earned a gold medal in sitting--for parking yourself in front of the Olympics all weekend--it's time to get moving. You can work on your own dreams of 2012 in London with a trip to the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte.

Celebrating its second birthday this month, the $38-million facility promotes active and healthy relationships with the outdoors. The center has whitewater rafting and kayaking, hiking and even a climbing gym. Eleven miles of trails for both hikers and mountain bikers surround the central buildings, and there's even an "eco-caching" area for a green-focused spin on geocaching.

As you test out your skills on the world's largest artificial whitewater river, you'll be able to walk away with an increased knowledge of rafting, no matter what your experience level. After working up an appetite, there's even the River's Edge Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a locally grown meal. You may not be ready for 2012, but at least you'll have fun.

Related Stories:
· US National Whitewater Center [Official Site]
· Active Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: US National Whitewater Center]