Moab, UT is the beautiful gateway town to Canyonlands National park. We suggest making lodging or camping arrangements as soon as you book your trip with us. You can fly right into Moab at Canyonlands Field Airport, which is just 20 minutes North of town. The next option is Grand Junction, CO, just under 100 miles/2 hours away. If you fly into Salt Lake City, you should anticipate a 4.5-hour drive to Moab. We recommend you lodge in Moab before your trip and the night your trip ends. There’s so much to see here!

Q: DO I NEED PREVIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE?  With good fitness and the right attitude, previous MTB experience is not essential though it is a VERY GOOD IDEA! Learning to safely handle a mountain bike is not difficult.  We encourage Novice riders to join us for a Private Guided Ride with one of our Certified MTB Instructors prior to the start of your multi-day MTB tour.  During your trip, Guides discuss and demonstrate cycling techniques and safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike.

Q: HOW MANY MILES PER DAY?  Ride 25 to 28 miles/day.  Extra riding and hiking are available from camp for those who wish to extend their day.

Q: WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?  The more fit you are when you start the trip directly equates to the less fatigued you’ll be at the end.  Mountain biking can be as strenuous or mellow as you make it – it all comes down to being in good general health, being accustomed to regular exercise and controlling your pace.  If you can ride at a comfortable pace for 4-6 hours at home you will do fine on the trip. Riding a mountain bike is fun!  Everyone rides at their own pace, so there is plenty of time for photos and relaxation.

Q: WILL I NOTICE THE ALTITUDE?  Most of our tour is between 4000’-6000’ above sea level.  If you live near sea level you may feel a slight difference – everyone adjusts at different rates.  Help your body adapt to the altitude and dry air by drinking plenty of water and eating salty foods – it is dry here, so plan to drink lots of water, salt your food and snack frequently.

Q: HOW IS THE FOOD?  We prepare healthy & hearty delicious meals!  Our outstanding menu reflects the nutritional needs that mountain biking and outdoor living requires.  Our meals are prepared using Local Organic Ingredients; lean meats, fresh fruits & veggies, and whole grains as well as enough sweet treats to satisfy!

• We also bring snack bars & electrolyte replacement mix.
• Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian or other dietary requirements & requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: WHAT ABOUT BEVERAGES?  We provide Orange Juice, Fresh Moab Coffee, Black & Herbal Teas, Vitalyte (an electrolyte replacement mix) and plenty of yummy water.  If you want to bring beer, soft drinks or extra juice, we request you bring aluminum cans or plastic containers only!  We typically have room for four beverages per person, per day, in our cooler.  Please transfer wines & spirits from glass bottles to a plastic or metal bottle with a tight fitting screw cap lid.

Q: WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? While not expected, it’s certainly appreciated for a job well done.  20% is customary in the service industry.

Q: WHO COMES ON MAGPIE CYCLING’S TRIPS?  Typically we have a spirited mixture of singles & couples as well as friends & family traveling together.  Many have joined us on numerous adventures in the past.  The ability range within groups can span from novice to expert mountain bikers.  All seem to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors & an active lifestyle.  We’ll gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

PACKING INFORMATION

At the Pre-Trip Meeting you’ll receive 2 Dry Bags, water & dust proof bags. The large bag is for your clothes, sleeping bag & sleeping pad; it’s carried on top of the gear vehicle and is not easily accessible during the day. The small bag is for extra clothing & items you may need during the day and don’t want to carry on your bike. The small bag is carried on the gear vehicle and easily accessible when you’re near the gear vehicle. Finally, your Hydration Pack is for items you need with you while riding; water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, rain jacket, etc.

PLEASE NOTE:  We have limited space on the gear vehicle; follow the equipment list carefully!  Bring only what you’ll need for your trip; excess clothing and gear can be left in your hotel or car.

SEASONAL TEMPERATURES
April, May, Sept & early Oct trips usually have cool nights (35-55F), warm sunny days (65-95F) and the possibility of some wind & thunderstorms.  In March, early April & late Oct expect colder nights (30-45F), clear to partly cloudy days (60-80F) and the possibility of some wind & thunderstorms.  We suggest dressing in layers, with good Gore-Tex rain gear as the top layer.

EQUIPMENT LIST:  MULTI-DAY DESERT TOURS
This equipment list was compiled from personal guiding experience and updated with guest feedback from mountain bike trips beginning in 1985.  It’s not meant to overwhelm, but to educate & prepare you for the varied conditions we’ve experienced in the field.  By taking time to thoroughly go over this list, you’ll begin to insure the quality of your trip.  Items are available for rent, with advanced reservations.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Bike Helmet (rental bikes come with helmets) – Sunhat, Baseball Cap or Visor – Eye Protection (if prescription, bring a spare pair) – Hydration Pack (minimum 100 oz reservoir and capacity for food etc) – Cycling Gloves – Closed Toed Shoes – Sunscreen and Lip Screen (light colored clothing also works)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses – Bandanna – Base Layers (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton!) – Down Jacket – Ski Hat (Wool or Fleece) – Cycling Shorts – Shorts – Long Pants – Gore-Tex Rain Suit – Sandals – Earplugs (for sleeping) – Headlamp or Flashlight (with new batteries, spare bulb and extra batteries) – Personal First Aid Kit (Include anti-Inflammatory, anti-acid, Band-Aids, topical antibiotic, Aloe Vera gel, athletic tape or Second Skin, cold/sinus meds, eye drops, personal & prescription medications)

PERSONAL ITEMS
Toilet Kit (normal toiletries in small travel sizes) – Wash Cloths (1 per day for your daily “desert shower”) – Insect Repellent (Citronella works well on gnats)

OPTIONAL ITEMS
Camera – Book – Personal Journal or Pencil & Paper – Binoculars – Small Musical Instrument – Beverages (CANS ONLY PLEASE, 4 cans per person per day, transfer wines and liquors from glass to a plastic bottle with secure screw-top lid)

CAMPING GEAR – You can rent all items in Italics from Magpie Cycling with advanced reservations – Tent (with rainfly, stakes, poles, stuff sack, 50 ft. 1/8″ Nylon Cord to secure tent in places where soil is thin) – Sleeping Bag with stuff sack – compact bag with synthetic fill, rated 30-40F – Sleeping Pad (Thermarest self-inflating pad)

MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS – Advance reservations are necessary! Many different brands and styles of Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are available for rent from Moab’s local bike shops. We’re happy to help make a reservation for you from any of the local bike shops. We’ll need to know your height and inseam to insure that we reserve a bike in your correct size.

IF YOU RENT A BIKE – Consider bringing the following items from your personal bike; your own comfortable mountain bike seat (without the seat post), your own MTB pedals and shoes.

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE – Full Suspension is Highly Recommended! Your bike must be in excellent repair! Service all systems: suspension components, dropper seatpost, brakes, drive train, and wheels. Magpie Cycling assumes no responsibility for the condition of your personal bike and reserves the right to deny usage of bikes considered unsafe by your Guide! Our tools are for minor adjustments and repairs while on the trip.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE – send it FedEx or UPS to Magpie Cycling, 711 North 500 West, Moab, UT 84532. Clearly mark exterior of box; “Please Assemble” or “Please Hold – assembly by owner only”. Note; we charge a fee to assemble and/or re-box and ship your bike back to you.

WHAT TO CARRY WHILE RIDING MY BIKE – All you need to carry is your Hydration Pack with at least a 2 liter / 70 oz. reservoir, MTB multi-tool, flat repair kit, food, and a rain jacket. The 4WD Gear Vehicle travels behind the group carrying the camp food, first aid, cold beverages as well as the group and personal gear to the evening’s campsite.