The White Rim Trail is a Canyon Country Classic Multi-Day Mountain Bike Ride with grand descents, miles of cruising, demanding climbs, exquisite views and great hiking. For MTB riders a 3-day tour on the White Rim Trail will test your skills and max-out your fun-meter; it's simply the premier ride of the desert southwest! Located in Canyonlands National Park and sandwiched between the Green & Colorado Rivers, you will be far away from crowds in an enormously scenic place. Our ride begins on top of a 6,000' plateau and then descends a course of switchbacks to the White Rim Trail a thousand feet below. This route follows the contours of immense red rock canyons and overlooks the Colorado River hundreds of feet below. As far as the eye can see, the horizon is a maze of undulating canyons; rugged, remote and beautiful.
The White Rim Trail is a rugged 82-mile jeep road with packed dirt, slickrock, and loose sand - all the tread surfaces you can anticipate on a great day of desert riding. This tour is suitable for experienced beginners through advanced riders who are in good physical condition and able to ride 4-6 hours a day. You can ride at your own speed so more accomplished riders can push for a work out and recreational riders can find a comfortable pace. These three days are yours for riding, hiking slot canyons, viewing ancient ruins, taking a dip in the river, sleeping out under the stars or just kicking back at camp and taking in the spectacular views. Our meals are delicious, and our Guides are seasoned professionals who will help you make this the best weekend of riding you've ever had!
Breakfast on your own. We’ll meet at 8am in Moab to load all personal gear on the 4WD Gear Vehicle before we depart by van for Canyonlands. A safety orientation will be given before we begin cycling to our scenic camp for the night. 26 miles
Riding through miles of visual splendor, hiking into a slot canyon, seeing prehistoric Indian ruins, hearing the call of a canyon wren - the day's highlights seem endless. A lunch stop punctuates the day's ride and each night's camp will etch a desert memory that will last until your next visit. 25 miles
Awaken to a spectacular sunrise, fuel up with a hearty breakfast and you're back in the saddle again. We'll ride 28 miles before we meet our shuttle van. After we enjoy another lunch together, we’ll return to Moab by 5pm.
ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS ORBY DISCRETION OF THE GROUP LEADERS.
WHERE DO WE MEET? We meet the group for a pre-trip orientation at 5pm in Moab on the evening BEFORE the tour. Introductions, trip details, rental equipment, questions and last minute trip purchases can all be taken care of at this time. You’ll receive 2 Dry Bags, water & dust proof bags for packing your personal equipment for the trip.
PRE-TRIP MEETINGS are held at Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 North Main St, Moab, UT. They start at 5pm and typically last an hour. If you will be a late arrival please let us know as soon as possible!!! Thanks
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 invite all Novice riders to join us for a Private Guided Ride - Instructional Clinic prior to the start of their Multi-Day MTB Tour. All of our Guides are experienced riders and great coaches. Daily, we discuss and demonstrate cycling techniques and safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike.
HOW MANY MILES PER DAY? 25 to 28 miles/day. Extra riding and hiking are available from camp for those who wish to extend their day.
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 relaxing.
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 and dry air is to make an extra effort to drink plenty of water and 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.
WHO COMES ON MAGPIE CYCLING ADVENTURES' TRIPS? We welcome all ages from anywhere! Typically we have a spirited mixture of singles & couples in their 20's to 60's. Many have joined us on numerous tours in the past. We aim to match our Guests' ability to the trip; the ability range within WR 3-day groups can span from experienced beginner to expert mountain bikers. All seem to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. We’ll gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.
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.
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.
IS CAMPING GEAR AVAILABLE FOR RENT? Yes! Magpie Cycling Adventures has rental camping gear available (tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads). Advanced reservations are essential!
WHERE DO WE STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE TRIP? For your convenience and safety, we recommend that you stay in or near Moab before & after your trip. Visit DiscoverMoab.com for a complete listing of accomodations in Moab.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES? All trips are lead by the owners, Mike Holme and/or Maggie Wilson, along with our small dedicated staff; Main Man Sam (a trained “Chef” from the Cordon Bleu Network of Culinary Schools) and Kathy the Wildflower Goddess. As residents of Moab, Mike, Maggie, Sam and Kathy 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 vacation.
HOW IS THE FOOD? We prepare healthy and 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! Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian or other dietary requests can be accommodated easily with advance notice.
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 only! We have room for four 12 oz. cans per person, per day, in our cooler. Please transfer wines & liquors from glass bottles to a plastic bottle with a tight fitting screw cap lid.
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).
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
HOW LONG IS THE SHUTTLE TO THE TRAILHEAD? About 45 minutes.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? While not expected, it’s certainly appreciated for a job well done. 20% is customary in the service industry.
PACKING INFORMATIONAt 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 TEMPERATURESApril, 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 TOURSThis 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 in Italics are available for rent, with advanced reservations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENTBike Helmet (rental bikes come with helmets) - Sunhat, Baseball Cap or Visor - Eye Protection (if prescription, bring a spare pair) - Hydration Pack (minimum 70 oz resevior and capacity for snacks etc) - Cycling Gloves - Closed Toed Shoes - Sunscreen and Lip Screen (light colored clothing also works)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDSunglasses - 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 ITEMSToilet 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 ITEMSCamera - 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 GEARYou can rent all items in Italics from Magpie Cycling Adventures with advanced reservations - Tent (with rainfly, stakes, poles, stuff sack, ground cloth/foot print & 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 20-30F - Sleeping Pad (Thermarest self inflating pad)
MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALSAdvance 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 make a reservation for you from the Poison Spider Bicycles fleet, as well as pick-up & return the bike before & after the trip. We'll need to know your height and inseam to insure that we reserve a bike in your correct size. Poison Spider Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike rental choices; Standard: Trek EX8, Rocky Mtn Element 30, Kona Dawg Mid-Range: Trek Remedy 7, Gary Fisher Roscoe 1, Rocky Mtn Altitude 30 High-End: Pivot Cycles M5, Pivot Cycles Firebird, Yeti 575, Pivot Cycles 429 Or, you can make a rental bike reservation at your shop of choice, pay that shop directly and transport (pick-up and return) the bike to our staging/parking area before and after the trip.Chile Pepper Bike Shop Rim Cyclery Uranium Bicycles Moab Cyclery 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 clipless pedals and your own MTB shoes with cleats. IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE Full Suspension is Highly Recommended! Your bike must be in good repair! Service all systems: brakes, drive train & wheels. Magpie Cycling Adventures 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 & repairs while on the trip. SHIPPING YOUR BIKE - send it FedEx or UPS to Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 N. Main St, Moab UT 84532. Clearly mark exterior of box; “Please Assemble for Magpie Cycling Adventures” or “Do Not Build - Please Hold for Magpie Cycling Adventures”.
WHAT DO I CARRY ON MY BIKE? All you need to carry is your Hydration Pack with at least a 70 oz. reservoir, your basic tools & flat repair kit, snacks, your camera and a rain jacket if it looks like showers. The 4WD Gear Vehicle travels behind the group carrying the camp food, first aid, cold beverages and group & personal equipment to each evening's camp.
45 Day Cancelation Policy; you will receive a refund of your deposit less a 50% Processing Fee when you cancel 45 days prior to trip departure. No refunds will be available for cancellations received less than 45 days prior to trip departure unless you find someone or another Group to fill your space(s). WE CAN NOT MAKE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY, so we urge you to consider investing in Travel Insurance offered by Travel Guard or USI Travel Insurance Services. If you are purchasing a non-refundable airline ticket, we strongly suggest contacting our office prior to the trip to be sure we have adequate registration. Magpie Cycling Adventures reserves the right to cancel any trip due to unforeseen circumstances or inadequate registration, which makes the trip economically unfeasible to operate. With an inadequate registration, we will operate the trip if all trip participants agree to pay a supplemental fee. In the event of a trip cancellation, you will receive a full refund of all monies paid, however Magpie Cycling Adventures is not responsible for additional costs incurred in preparing for the trip (i.e. non refundable "Advance Purchase" airline tickets, equipment, medical expenses).
