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Mountain biking in the Canyonlands: Frequently-Asked Questions about Castles in the Air

Mountain biking on the White Rim Trail through spectacular Canyonlands scenery, followed by rafting on the Colorado River.

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:

• This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
  
• When does this trip start and end?
  
• What do I need to bring to ride the White Rim Trail?
  
• How technical is the biking on this trip?
  
• Are there showers, while we're camping?
  
• When we're rafting on the Colorado River, will we be on whitewater?
  
• I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
  
• Am I expected to tip the guides?
  
• How do I get to Moab, Utah?
  
• Can I fly into Moab, Utah?
  
• Is it true that the bars in Moab are all private clubs?
  
• What's the weather like in Moab?
  

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.

When does this trip start and end?
This trip starts at 7:00 pm, with an orientation, followed by dinner. If you expect to arrive at our hotel later than 7:00 pm, please be sure to advise your expected arrival time, so our guide will know when to expect you, and can leave you directions to the restauant if need be. If you arrive earlier in the day, look for a sign in the lobby for any optional afternoon activities.

There is nothing scheduled on the last day other than breakfast, so you can leave as early as needed to start your journey home.

What do I need to bring to ride the White Rim Trail?
We will send you a "What to Bring" list to help you prepare for the trip. Three things you do NOT need to bring are a bike, a helmet, and a water bottle, all of which are provided by our partners. However, for any of these three, if you feel more comfortable using your own, and can get it to Moab, by all means bring it along. We will even give a price reduction if you provide your own bike.

Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are also available for a small additional fee. The current price will be shown on your options list when you reserve the trip.

Additional information to prepare for the trip is on the website of our outfitter, Rim Tours.

How technical is the biking on this trip?
The White Rim Trail, and the mountain biking we'll do near Moab on the first day, are not technically difficult rides. That is, there are no tricky moves that require special experience or mountain biking skills. But be prepared for some obstacles, as well as several steep climbs and descents. That's all part of the fun.

Are there showers, while we're camping?
Solar showers and washbasins will be available. Washbasins are available every day. Depending on the group size and weather, solar showers are usually available every other day. We suggest bringing unscented baby-wipes for quick clean-up after riding.

When we're rafting on the Colorado River, will we be on whitewater?
That depends on what Mother Nature feels like. Typically, the region where we go will have light rapids, Class I and II. The scenery, more than the rapids, is the attraction when we raft in Moab. If you're after whitewater, we recommend our Splash! rafting trip in the Grand Canyon.

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.

Am I expected to tip the guides?
If they provide good service, then yes, a gratuity at the end of the trip is customary and appreciated. It's not required, but we're confident that you'll be so impressed by the helpfulness, knowledge, and culinary skills of the guides, that you'll be eager to show your appreciation.

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.

See the "Can I fly into Moab" question for details on flying directly to Moab.

You can fly into Salt Lake City and take a Bighorn Express van or mini-bus to Moab (1-888-655-7433 or 801-746-2417 from outside North America). As of July 2004, they depart Salt Lake City daily at 2:00 pm, arriving Moab at 6:30 pm. The return leaves Moab at 7:30 am, arriving at Salt Lake City Airport at noon. The fare is $54 each way (subject to change). They usually do not fill up, but reservations are strongly recommended.

Or you can rent a car in Salt Lake City and drive to Moab, 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 2 hour drive, as opposed to 4.5 hours from 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 or 800-635-6622) is a good source for additional travel advice.

Can I fly into Moab, Utah?
Moab has a small airport, airport code CNY. As of July 2004, the only airline serving Moab is Salmon Air, flying between Salt Lake City twice a day during the week and once a day on Saturday and Sunday. Since fares and schedules are subject to change, please check the Salmon Air website for full details.

On weekends, they fly from Salt Lake City to Moab in the late afternoon, and return to Salt Lake City in the morning, to maximize connections in Salt Lake City. The round trip price is about $200 if reserved more than 14 days in advance. They use 8-passenger Piper Navajo Chieftain Aircraft, with two pilots and two propeller engines for the one and a half hour flight. If the schedules and connections work, this may be your best option.

Please note that the Moab Canyonlands Airport is about 25 minutes from town. Roadrunner Shuttle offers taxi service between the airport and Moab for $13 per person (or $23 for one person riding alone). To have them meet your flight, call 1-435-259-9402.

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 curtail 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, since they aren't allowed to offer it; they can also only provide one wine glass on the table per guest.

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.

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