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?  It would be helpful, though not completely necessary.  If you ride a road bike, you have the same balance skills necessary for mountain biking.  This trip is suitable for a fit beginner rider.  Learning to safely handle a mountain bike is not difficult.  We will give a complete orientation prior to the start of the ride.  All of our Guides are experienced riders & great coaches.  Daily, we discuss & demonstrate cycling techniques & safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike.

Q: HOW MANY MILES PER DAY?  8 to 21 miles/day.  Mountain biking moves at a slower pace compared to road riding.  A rough rule of thumb is to double the number of mountain bike miles when comparing them to road riding (10mi on dirt feels like 20mi on pavement).  Extra riding & hiking are available from camp for those who wish to extend their day.

Q: WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?  Mountain biking is a wonderful, healthy sport that attracts people of all ages & walks of life.  It 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 3-6 hours at home you will do fine on the trip.  Remember, it is possible to ride a mountain bike for fun and it doesn’t have to be a race.  Everyone rides at their own pace so there is plenty of time for photos & relaxing.

Q: WILL I NOTICE THE ALTITUDE?  Moab lies 4,000 feet above sea level and most of our tour is between 4000’-6000’.  If you live near sea level you may feel a slight difference; everyone adjusts at different rates.  The quickest way to adapt to the altitude & dry air is to make an extra effort to drink plenty of water & eat salty foods when you arrive and throughout the day during your trip.  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.

Q: ARE CHARTER TRIPS AVAILABLE?  Yes, any of our trips can be chartered by your Private Party!  You bring the group and we’ll take care of the details!  Custom itineraries are available: dates, amenities, activities, etc are negotiable.  To schedule a Charter Trip call (800) 546-4245.

Q: WHO ARE THE GUIDES?  All trips are lead by our Professional MTB Guide/Instructor Staff; Mike Adler, Mike Rundle, Eric Boxrud, Trevor Ohlstein, Julia Franz, Joe Auer and of course, the owners, Mike Holme & Maggie Wilson.  Our Staff have a wealth of knowledge about the local area and a comfortable style bringing people together like a group of friends having fun on an amazing adventure vacation.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE AND HOW DO I SHIP IT?  Yes, you must make sure your bike is in good repair and has been recently serviced by a qualified bike shop.  It’s vital to check all systems; brakes, shifters, drive train, cables, tires and wheels.   Ship your bike to Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 N. Main St, Moab UT 84532, via FedEx.  It’ll be ready when you arrive (or assemble yourself… see the Equipment List for details).

Q: WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR CAR?  At the Pre-Trip Meeting we’ll give you a map & directions to where we’ll meet the following morning to launch our trip.  This is where you’ll leave your car parked during the trip.

Q: HOW LONG IS THE SHUTTLE TO THE TRAILHEAD?  About 45 minutes.

Q: WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?  All White Rim Trail multi-day Tours are camping trips!  The campsites are designated by the National Park Service and have pit toilets that are cleaned & stocked with paper regularly by the NPS.

Q: IS CAMPING GEAR AVAILABLE FOR RENT?  Yes!  Magpie Cycling has rental camping gear available (tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads).  Advanced reservations are essential!

Q: WHERE DO WE STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRIP?  For your convenience & safety, we recommend that you stay in or near Moab before & after your trip.  Visit DiscoverMoab.com for a complete listing of accommodations in Moab.