Our Private Guided Mountain Bike Rides and Instructional Clinics are a GREAT option for travelers coming to Moab from anywhere anytime! We use our local knowledge and over 18 years of mountain bike guiding experience in the area to lead you to and on the trails that are best suited to your level of ability & fitness as well as the current local weather conditions. We are genuine cycling professionals and we share tips and information that will enhance your skills emphasizing safety and resource protection. All Private Guided Rides and Instructional Clinics are lead by our small dedicated staff; Mike Holme, Maggie, Todd, Mike Adler and Kathy. As residents of Moab, our Guides have a wealth of knowledge about the local area and a unique style. Rates include your Professional Guide/Instructor, a Snack (a piece of fruit and a ProBar), PSB Full Suspension Bike (or bring your own bikes to get a $20/person discount; use code BYOBike), and Transportation of the Rental Bikes to the trailhead from Moab. Trips during spring and autumn (March, April, May, Sept, Oct & Nov) meet at the Bike Shop at 9am and are usually 2 to 5 hours long. Spring & autumn are the most popular seasons to ride in the Moab area. Our Private Guided Rides and Instructional Clinics are suitable for all levels of skill & conditioning. Trips during the summer months (June, July and Aug) start early in the morning with the intention of being finished before the heat of the day! The logistics for the summer day trips require advance reservations. Plan to meet your Guide at 5pm on the evening before your ride at the bike shop to fit and pick-up the rental bikes. On the day of your ride you'll meet at at 7am ready to ride; meaning that you've already had your morning beverage, eaten a hearty breakfast, and loaded your hydration pack (or backpack) with at least 70oz. iced water, a camera, and sunscreen. During the winter months (Dec, Jan & Feb) we start later in the morning with the intent of being out during the warmest time of the day. Winter trips meet at the Bike Shop at 10:30am and are usually 3 to 5 hours long. Anytime the temps are above 39F we'll happily go for a mountain bike ride. Even when it's cold in Moab it's almost always sunny! All you'll need is the appropriate gear & clothing (bring it all) to enjoy riding in cool weather.
WHERE DO WE MEET? We meet at Poison Spider Bicycles, 497 N. Main St. Moab, Utah. Introductions, trip details, rental equipment, questions and last minute trip purchases can all be taken care of at this time.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPERIENCE? Not necessarily! If you know how to ride a bike, you have the same balance skills necessary for mountain biking. These private rides are suitable for any level rider. Your Guide will lead you to a trial that is best suited to your experience and fitness level. All of our Guides are experienced riders and great instructors. Your Guide will help you adapt your current skill set to our local terrain as well as discussing and demonstrating new-to-you mountain biking techniques and safe riding skills to help improve your ability on the mountain bike. WHAT IF I'M NOT LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTION BUT JUST WANT A LOCAL GUIDE? Our Guides will communicate directly with you before the ride so that you can be sure you're both on the same page when it comes to what YOU want to get out of your day. We love to ride too and we're game to rip track with anyone! HOW LONG ARE THE RIDES? Each ride is customized to YOU and your desires. If we're out for 3 hours and you've had enough, we're not going to make you ride any further than back to the car. Conversely, if we finish a ride in 3 hours and you're still rearing to go, then we'll take you back out and keep riding! WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN? Mountain biking is a wonderful, healthy sport that attracts people of all ages and 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. WILL I NOTICE THE ALTITUDE? Moab lies 4,000 feet above sea level and most of the trails we use for these day rides are between 4,000’-11,000’. If you live near sea level you may feel a slight difference and 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 ARE THE GUIDES? All trips are lead by the owners, Mike Holme & Maggie Wilson, or by our small dedicated staff; Sam, Todd, Mike Adler and Kathy. As residents of Moab, all our Guides have a wealth of knowledge about the local area and a unique style.
WHO COMES ON MAGPIE CYCLING ADVENTURES' PRIVATE GUIDED RIDES? We welcome all ages from anywhere! The group on your Private Guided Ride will consist of your private party and your Guide(s). This means that if you're traveling alone then it'll be just you and your Guide. Or, if you have a group of eleven friends then we'll send out a couple of Guides for proper coverage. These are not Open Group trips - they are PRIVATE!
HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE TO THE TRAILHEAD? This is entirely dependent on which trail we choose to ride. Typically the drive to the trailhead is less than 45 minutes. DO WE HAVE TO TRASNSPORT THE RENTAL BIKES WITH OUR CAR? Not necessarily, we can easily provide transportation of the Rental Bikes to and from the trail. For larger parties of 3 or more people, you'll use your own vehicle to caravan to the trail behind your guide. For small parties of 1-2 people you can leave your car parked on the street at the bike shop. 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).
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? While not expected, it’s certainly appreciated for a job well done. 20% is customary in the service industry.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD? We provide a piece of fruit and a ProBar for each person. We offer a Lunch Supplement at $9 each which includes a custom Red Rock Bakery Sandwich and a huge Red Rock Bakery Cookie. If you are interested in a Lunch Supplement please let us know as soon as you book your trip and we'll send an e-mail with a PDF attachment that is your Lunch Order Form. Lunch Supplements are not available for trips booked within two days or less of your ride!!! Thank you.
REQUIRED: Mountain Bike Helmet (comes with bike rental) - Hydration Pack or Daypack (with minimum 70oz water reservoir and capacity for snacks, sunscreen, camera and rain gear if necessary) - Eye Protection (sunglasses recommended) - Bike Gloves (long fingered recommended, gardening gloves are totally acceptable) - Closed Toe Shoes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Bike Shorts - Mountain Bike Shoes - Clipless Pedals (and shoes from your personal bike) - Sunscreen & Lip Screen (light colored clothing also works) - Bandanna - Long-Sleeved Base Layer (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton!) - Wind/Rain Jacket
7 Day Cancellation Policy; you will receive a refund of your deposit less a 50% Processing Fee when you cancel 7 days prior to trip departure. No refunds will be available for cancellations received less than 7 days prior to trip departure unless you find someone to fill your space. 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. 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).
