Jan 24, 2012, 3:06 GMT
Three new underground lines open in Beijing
Beijing (dpa) - Three new underground railway lines have recently opened in Beijing. The Chinese capital now has 10 lines with a total length of 372 kilometres, according to the country's transport ministry. All stations are equipped with English signage for the benefit of tourists with public announcements also made in the language. The new Line 8 starts at Beitucheng and passes the Olympic Park to Huilongguandong. Line 9 links Beijing's Western station with Fengbo, while Line 15 connects Wangjingxi and Fengbo.
Tackling the snow slopes on the seat of your pants
Neudorf, Germany (dpa) - The German village of Neudorf in the Erzgebirge mountains hosts a unique event on February 12 when competitors race against each other on the seats of their pants. The event has its roots from when local miners wore a leather apron which, as it was worn backwards, reinforced the trousers under it. Miners also used the aprons as mats to slide downhill to work and the tradition will be remembered when competitors race against each other using similar-sized leather mats. Men and women will race separately with interested parties expected to register at the village ski-lift before trying a few practice runs.
40th Iditarod Great Sled Race in Alaska
Anchorage (dpa) - The Iditarod Great Sled Race celebrates its 40th anniversary this year in Alaska. The race formally starts on March 3 in Anchorage with the official start a day later at Willow Lake in Mat-Su Valley where visitors can learn how the competitors make the 1,770 km journey to Nome. (www.alaskavisit.com)
Europe's largest freeride mountain bike festival in Winterberg
Winterberg, Germany (dpa) - Tens of thousands of visitors are expected in the German town of Winterberg for Europe's biggest freeride mountain bike festival. Around 1,500 riders from 20 countries are expected to compete in a series of races at the iXS Dirt Masters Festival, which takes place May 17-20 at the Winterberg Bikepark. There are also several concerts and parties planned as well as a large exhibition space. (www.dirtmasters-festival.de and www.bikepark-winterberg.de)
American Airlines offers entertainment on a tablet
Frankfurt (dpa) - Passengers travelling on American Airlines will in the future be able to avail of a tablet PC as part of the airline's entertainment programme. According to the company, passengers in business and first class will be able to choose from around 70 films, as well as having access to WiFi and electronic newspapers. The tablets replace the previous touchscreen monitors.
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