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Sandstone arches, red rock mesas, and lots of adrenaline

Mountain biking in Moab, Utah: Frequently-Asked Questions about Taco Wheels

Join a high-energy group to try out one of the country's fastest-growing sports: Mountain biking. Amidst the towering sandstone mesas, wind-carved hoodoos, and red rock of Utah, we'll learn how to handle those mountain bikes, then cruise the scenic trails of this scenic wonderland.

This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page.

Contents:

• When does this bike trip start and end?
  
• This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
  
• I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
  
• Can I talk to someone who's been on this trip?
  
• How do I get to Moab, Utah?
  
• Is it true that the bars in Moab are all private clubs?
  
• You mention both petroglyphs and pictographs in describing this trip. What's the difference?
  
• What's the weather like in Moab?
  
• I've never been on a mountain bike. Is this a good way to learn?
  
• How much time do we get on the mountain bikes?
  
• What is "slickrock"?
  

When does this bike trip start and end?
Each bike trip officially starts at 6:00 p.m. on the starting date given on our schedule and trip overview. We'll have a reception and briefing, followed by dinner. For those who arrive early, we offer an optional walking tour of town (along with a chance to meet other early arrivals). Finally, when our guides' schedule allows, you can give your bike a test ride at 3:00. On arrival at the hotel, please look for our sign in the lobby giving details.

Each trip ends after breakfast. There are no group activities on that day, so if you have tight travel connections, you can get up and leave as early as you wish. When your schedule allows it, you'll probably want to spend some time sightseeing in town, with others from the trip, before departing.

This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
Our trip officially begins at 6:00 p.m., with a reception and orientation, followed by dinner. We officially end after breakfast on the last day, although you can leave as early as you like. Or stay around all day, for sightseeing with your new friends.

Our "7-day" trip thus consists of 6 full days and two partial days. Some companies promote a trip of this length as being 8 days since it includes pieces of 8 different days. We feel it's more accurate to refer to this as 7 days.

I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it's usually because they're looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn't have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you'll be traveling with friends.

You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself.

Can I talk to someone who's been on this trip?
We encourage you to do so. Outside magazine says that talking to people who have taken a trip previously is one of the best ways to evaluate whether it will be right for you, and we agree.

Our website includes a full page of comments from past travelers. Most of them have volunteered to talk about their experiences with future potential travelers. Please call for the names and phone numbers of references in your area.

How do I get to Moab, Utah?
You have several options to choose from.

If you live close enough to drive there, you're all set. You don't need a car to take part in this trip, but there may be times when you're glad to have it available.

Moab has a small airport, with commuter connections to Salt Lake City and Denver, which are served by major airlines. If the schedules and connections work, this may be your best option.

You can fly into Salt Lake City and take a Bighorn Express bus down to Moab (1-888-655-7433). Or try Airport Rapid Konnection (1-888-655-7433.

Or you can rent a car in Salt Lake City and drive down, perhaps sharing the cost with others on our trip. Our newsletter allows you to hook up with others who'd like to do this.

You can also fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, which is smaller, but closer to Moab -- about a 1-3/4 hour drive, as opposed to 4 hours for Salt Lake City. Sometimes this will be a cheaper flight; sometimes more expensive. From Grand Junction, you'll need to rent a car or make arrangements in our newsletter to share driving with someone.

Travel information of this sort can easily get out of date. If a number above has changed, we'd appreciate hearing from you about it. The Grand County Travel Council in Moab (800-635-MOAB) is a good source for additional travel advice.

Is it true that the bars in Moab are all private clubs?
You'll encounter some odd laws here pertaining to alcohol. In some circumstances, a bar (or even a restaurant that serves alcohol) must operate as a private club, open only to members and guests. Someone in the Utah legislature probably thought this would curtain drinking.

No worries! When you walk in, the manager will arrange for someone to sponsor you as their guest.

You'll encounter other such rules: Restaurants will often have wine available, but you have to ask: They aren't allowed to offer it. Only one wine glass on the table per guest.

You mention both petroglyphs and pictographs in describing this trip. What's the difference?
Both are types of art that appear on rocks. A pictograph is painted onto the rock; a petroglyph is carved into the rock. Petroglyphs were generally more difficult for the artists to create, but were more likely to survive through centuries of rain and sun.

What's the weather like in Moab?
Spring and fall, without a doubt, are the best times here for trail biking. In April and October, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 60s and low 70s. (Wait until July and August and the mercury can exceed a hundred degrees. Though on the other hand, you'll practically have the trails to yourself.)

You can get good mountain days in Moab during the winter, but not predictably. You might have a sunny, pleasant day in December, but in a week it could snow. Locals often take advantage of the good days. But if you're planning to travel here for a vacation, and need to schedule time in advance, it's better to shoot for spring or fall.

Moab has a fairly dry climate year-round. Although you should be ready for the possible shower, precipitation averages less than 1.5 inches a month in the autumn, and less than one inch in the springtime.

I've never been on a mountain bike. Is this a good way to learn?
Yes, provided you're in good shape, and quite comfortable on a road bike. Mountain biking is an entirely different experience from road biking, and the varied trails around Moab will give you an opportunity try different techniques.

How much time do we get on the mountain bikes?
We provide mountain bikes on the four days that we organize rides. These rides typically take 5 to 6 hours each .

For most people, that's just right. But if you want more, you can easily rent a bike in town, and there are plenty of trails to choose from.

But we'd hate for you to leave Moab without seeing some of the spectacular scenery that can be enjoyed only from the hiking trails. Most people find that four days for biking, and two days for hiking or other activities, is just the right mix.

What is "slickrock"?
A misnomer.

"Slickrock" is the term used for ancient, weathered, and sculpted sandstone, of the type found in parts of Utah. But it's not actually slick; your mountain bike tires will stick right to it. Which is why mountain bikers love areas such as Moab, where the most famous ride is named Slickrock.

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