Okay, so far I've suggested a few stocking stuffer ideas and this next gift suggestion takes it to the other end of the spending spectrum. Before you start complaining that suggesting a Sportsmobile-converted Sprinter van as a Christmas present is too extravagant, consider the $125,000 slot car track from Hammacher Schlemmer (below). All of a sudden, the Sportsmobile starts looking like the steal of the century.


I got my Sportsmobile (no, it wasn't a present) back in 2007 and I don't believe a week has past that "Big Red" hasn't been put into service. Unlike many motorhomes that are used like crazy their first year after purchase and then put into RV storage to sun rot, the Sportmobile is useful on so many levels that it is close to my daily driver. It has seen camping and race support action everywhere from Leadville, Colorado, to Gooseberry Mesa, Utah. It is my weekend escape vehicle. And it is my work truck.


During the week, I haul bikes to the trailhead for testing and the convenience of having my gear, spares, a workstand, a generator and water all the time can't be underestimated. There was one time we, the Mountain Bike Action wrecking crew, hauled seven downhill bikes and three trailbikes to Norstar-at-Tahoe for a week of downhill testing...and we didn't have to take a single wheel off a bike.


This will sound like a joke, but it is my firm belief that after a certain age, say 28, a rider shouldn't be forced to change into their riding gear in the backseat of a car or trailhead restroom. I deserve to stand up and change in comfort and privacy. Thank you, Sportsmobile. A Sportsmobile is not cheap, but they are not overpriced. You get what you pay for. That is an RV that you can custom design to your needs, a place to stow all your riding gear, a fridge to keep your drinks cold and plenty of separated space to haul all your toys. Believe me, it will never becoming a yard decoration from lack of use. --Jimmy Mac


Some lucky (?) kid is going to get this for Christmas. We'd rather get a Sportsmobile and have $35,000 left over.

MORE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE MOUNTAIN BIKER ON YOUR LIST
--A $1 stocking stuffer that gives a warm feeling. Click here.
--Multi-tools that can get you back on the trail fast. Click here.
--Why not give a guided mountain bike tour from Cog Wild? Click here.
--Years worth of rides in and around Los Angeles. Click here.
--Because you are going to get flats. Click here.
--A tool with the right stuff. Click here.
--The Sportsmobile of your dreams. Click here.
--A shameless self-promoting suggestion that is still a great present.
Click here for the print version.   Click here for the iTunes version.