12th Annual Moab Mountain Biking Adventure

Included here are instructions, itineraries, and things to consider while planning for your trip. It is our intention that this trip be a VACATION and that you come back invigorated and ready to take on life with a different perspective -- that there is more to life than working!

MMBA ITINERARY:

The MMBA is scheduled to start on Thursday morning, May 28th. Breakfast will be served at 8:00am and a 9:00 AM ride is scheduled. For people, who will be arriving later that day, other rides will be held for stragglers and all late night moon howlers. You may sleep in as late as you like but you may be on your own for breakfast and ride logistics.

If you plan to arrive in Moab before Thursday, food will be your responsibility. You are welcome you to stay with us at the campsite (directions below.) There will be Adventure Trekkers people in Moab as early as the Monday before the trip and base camp will be established if you plan on arriving early. We recommend you arrive before dark on Weds. to set up your camp.

THIS IS NOT A “GUIDED” EXPERIENCE

As our website mentions this is NOT a Guided Experience. What that means is that we provide the basics for your “base camp” experience (food, cooks, water, campfire, place to camp, porta-potties etc.) We will also provide you information and directions and maps to the best rides for your abilities. We will also help you coordinate rides and put groups of people together of similar interest or riding abilities. However, Josh & Rick may not be on “your” ride. And, it is possible that we might be on “your” ride. Regardless of whether we are riding with you or not, YOU and ONLY YOU are responsible for yourself. It is possible that you might end up being the “unofficial” leader of your ride and that there might not be anyone on your ride with first aid experience. By attending this trip you are acknowledging this and accepting responsibility for yourself. Bring a first aid kit and your cell phone in case of emergencies. Ask lots of questions about the ride and those going on that ride to make sure it is appropriate for you and your skill level. We will work very hard to match you up with the right combination of skills, adventure and people.

LIFE AT CAMP:

For those of you who have not attended one of our MMBA trips we feel we should share with you a little of what the camp community experience is like. The group will be anywhere from 35-50 people all camping in tents in a large field with absolutely incredible views of the snow capped La Sal Mountains and Back of Behind sandstone formations. In the parking area will be 2-3 port-a-potties for your convenience. Showers are available in many places in Moab.

Many participants find other exciting activities (beyond bike riding) to keep them from returning to camp until just before dinner (typically between 6:30 & 8:00pm.) Others will arrive back at camp in the afternoon and enjoy a peaceful quite camp reading, playing games or visiting with other campers. For this group snacks will be available to stave off your hunger until dinner is served later.

After dinner the campfire will be lit and our quite peaceful camp will be transformed into a lively and exciting party. There will likely be live music and group drumming giving all participants the opportunity to participate and dance the night away. As the evening becomes night and the stars overtake the sky the first rocks (and steel hardware) in the fire for the sweat lodge will be glowing red and ready for the first hardy folks prepared to experience the cleansing of a desert sweat. (If you have not experienced this ritual it is a must, don’t be shy and give yourself this gift.) For some this party will continue until the early morning hours. For others of us it will be time for bed. If you are a light sleeper the noise around the campfire will be heard from your tent. The best solution for this is to either get back up and join the party or sleep with earplugs.

THE PEOPLE:

As fantastic as the bike riding and hiking are, as beautiful as the view of arches, dessert sandstone and snow capped mountains are, as interesting as the petroglyphs and pictographs and ancient indian history is, the real reason people keep coming back to experience the MMBA is the people who make up this trip. The people who make up this trip are from (4) four generations. We have had babies younger than 1 year and retired seniors in their 70’s (and everyone in between.) so join us for the fun. Many folks are single, although the married group is growing and families are beginning to attend. All are good-natured, love the outdoors and are people you would want in your lifeboat.

GETTING THERE:

Since many MMBA participants are coming from many parts of the country, here are a few items worth considering.

AIR TRAVEL:

If you plan on arriving in Salt Lake City via air, Adventure Trekkers will attempt to link you up with others arriving at the same time. Please advise us of your plans, especially if you have additional space or are looking for a ride or connection. This information was or will be sent via email with all participants “copied” in, therefore you are welcome to “reply all” to make any requests of the group. It has often worked out very well for a group to coordinate their air travel and then together rent a big car, four door truck or even a 16 passenger van.

EARLY EXPLORERS:

If you plan on exploring on your own before the MMBA (or after), we have numerous maps and guidebooks of the area. We would be happy to direct you to the adventure you desire. Call either:

Josh at (206) 300-0349 or Rick at (303) 887-3717 for more info. These are our cell phones and should work in the Moab area.

DIRECTIONS TO MOAB:

FROM: GRAND JUNCTION, DENVER, & I-70 East:

The trip is 364 miles from Denver. That is 6-7 hours of driving. It is about 2 hours from Grand Junction. Take the route we recommend, preferably in the daytime, as it is one of the most scenic roads in the world.

Take I-70 West to the Utah border. Continue on I-70, 17 miles until you get to the Cisco exit 214. Turn left, and drive south under the highway, then turn (right) west, the road turns to rough pavement and you will pass through Cisco (a ghost town) on your left. From I-70 you will travel 8 miles where you will reach the intersection of highway 128 (a scenic byway). Take a left (south) on 128. This is the road to Moab. The road becomes nicer at this point but has many curves and blind hills and is in places an open range, meaning that cows may be on the road. Drive carefully. Follow Highway 128, first a flat road on top of a desert mesa, then a roller coaster like ride, then a twisty narrow canyon road following the Colorado River. Stay on 128 for almost 40 miles to Moab. One last turn south onto highway 191 (left) puts you in Moab and in Mountain Biking Utopia!

NOTE: If you are traveling at night we recommend you either stop at the campground just after crossing the Colorado River (at Dewy Bridge) and get up early in the morning to drive the last section of this very scenic Highway 128. OR continue on I-70 to highway 191 at Crescent Junction and turn south driving 30 miles straight to Moab.

Our “recommended” section of road (above) is tough to drive at night and dangerous with cows on the road and will take longer. It is only worth it for the incredible views. (If the campground is full at Dewy Bridge just find a place to put your bag on the ground a little ways east (toward the river and back the way you came) and sleep for the night. Get up early and leave as the sun is rising. The view is the BEST then and the rangers won’t fine you for camping without a permit.

FROM SALT LAKE CITY:

If you are coming from Salt Lake City, West I-70, or are arriving at night, an easier and safer route is via the Crescent Junction exit (off I-70). Turn south here and go approx. 30 miles on 191 (straight) to Moab. The highway 128 route is HIGHLY recommended for day travel, but takes a little more time than highway 191. If you have never traveled 128 in the early morning hours heading toward

Moab I recommend you alter your travel itinerary to allow for this. It will astound you. See the directions from Denver above.

To get to Crescent Junction take the route on Highway 6 through Price. This drive is beautiful and the fastest. If you have an hour to kill and it is the daytime, stop into the mining museum in Price (a donation), and a must see. Continue to where Highway 6 intersects I-70 at Green River, then go east about 20 miles east to where 191 heads south on to Moab.

FINALLY YOU ARE IN MOAB:

Once in Moab, you will need to continue driving south of town on Highway 191 for approx. 13 miles (from the center of town) to where you turn right (west) onto a rough two wheel drive dirt road then travel approx. 2 – 2.5 miles to the base camp. The turnoff is also 5 miles south of the La Sal Mountain Loop Road turnoff so watch for that sign.

You will turn right just after you crest the top of a long straight hill, (look carefully for the turn if arriving at night) then immediately cross a cattle guard after leaving the highway. There are several pinion pines and juniper trees just off the highway on your right. (NOTE: You will know you are at the right turn off if after crossing the cattle guard the road you are on makes a right turn and you find yourself driving for a short distance back the direction of the highway.) This is Behind the Rocks Road but it may not have a sign.

This area is a popular starting point for several rides. Continue down the dirt road for approximately (2) two miles. Do not take any of the right turns while driving on this dirt road. Stay on the main road that winds to the left, then straight, and continues until you get to a wide-open pasture-looking valley. Look for Adventure Trekker signs and/or balloons pointing toward our camp. (The green porta-potties may also come into view.) You should see our cars parked in a field, or if you arrive at night, our campfire. We will be in one of three different campsites that are only about a half-mile apart so keep driving until you see our camp.

NOTE: The dirt road is passable by two wheel drive vehicles driving carefully and if not too low to the ground. Some years this road gets pretty rough, other years it is not. If it is raining real hard, wait until the rain passes as the road turns into a mud-slick. If your car scraps bottom badly park and hike into camp and we will go back and get your stuff for you.

YOU MADE IT TO CAMP!

This is public (BLM or Utah State) land. There are no rules about parking or camping, however, please observe our strict etiquette about low impact camping and leave the area cleaner and safer than you find it. If you arrive late at night, pitch your tent ANYWHERE near the cars, or just lie your sleeping bag on the ground if weather permits. In the morning you can search out a better spot if you want. PLEASE DO NOT drive out into the open field or over to your campsite. Carry your gear to your campsite. Car traffic damages the area more than foot traffic.

WEATHER:

If you have never been to Moab, you will be pleased to know that it is usually hot in the day and warm at night in May. The high temperature can be as high as 100 degrees, but averages 85-90 at this time of the year. Nights (lows) average 55 degrees, but it can get below freezing when a storm passes through, so be prepared. It does not rain often, and when it does it is usually in short squalls. At camp 15’ tall Juniper trees and your ball cap provide the shade. Keep in mind that the above is just what is says, and average, and in this high desert environment we have seen night time temperatures well below freezing with highs not getting above 60 and with a drizzle all day. Come prepared.

ALTITUDE:

It may take a while for you to get used to the high altitude of this area, about 4,500 feet. The lower air pressure (which acts as though the supply of oxygen is reduced) at high elevations makes exercising more difficult, and you may experience shortness of breath or light headaches. If you feel that you are not yet acclimated when the trip begins, we recommend that you take it easy the first day. Usually, it does not take more than one day to feel comfortable at higher elevations.

The combination of high altitude, warm temperatures and strenuous exercise greatly increases your body’s need for fluids. It is extremely important to drink lost of liquids to protect yourself against heatstroke and dehydration. It’s a good idea to consume several liters of water per day and to drink as often as possible – don’t wait until you are thirsty. When exercising (riding bikes) you should drink 1 liter of water per hour. Unfortunately beer is not a very good hydration solution.

WHAT TO BRING:

FOOD & DRINK

All food will be provided to MMBA participants. The first breakfast is often a big hot breakfast of breakfast burritos or pancakes & eggs etc. All other breakfasts will be large cold breakfasts of pastries, bagels, fruit, cereal, yogurt, coffee etc. Lunch fixin’s will be set out at breakfast for sandwiches, energy bars, fruit & veggies, and various snacks. You will be expected to make your own lunch first thing each morning. The big dinners will be served hot from the kitchen between 6:30 – 8:pm. Please be on time for dinner. If you are very late your food (if any is left) may be cold. You will also be expected to help with the dishes if the food is kept out for you.

If you have a special trail snack that you want to bring, please do so. Beverages will be provided every night with the exception of alcohol and soda pop. Water, juice, milk, coffee, iced tea and kool-aid-type drinks are provided. You can get other favorite beverages in Moab if you desire. Since Moab is in the desert, keeping beer cold is a problem. We will provide cold storage for group drinks but not for your personal stash of cold beverages. You should have your own ice and coolers.

There will be lots of water at camp. We make daily water trips to fill our water containers for your use as well as the kitchen, but you should always keep a full water jug (2-5 gallons) in your car, as this is the desert and being without water can be deadly.

Utah has strict alcohol laws. Beer is only 3.2 and hard liquor is expensive and only available from State Liquor stores.

CAMPING GEAR:

Bring a tent. The soil is sandy, so longer or fatter tent stakes work best. Bring a sleeping pad (ensolite, thermorest or other) for maximum comfort. Bugs should not be a problem, but bring bug repellent just in case. A lightweight sleeping bag works best but be prepared for cold as well. It can be very windy at camp so either stake your tent down very well or always leave heavy items in it. We have seen tents blow away with sleeping bags inside.

We recommend you bring the following gear for a four-day stay:

Sunscreen!

Hydration system (or water bottles)

Sun glasses!

Brimmed hat

Sleeping bag

Mattress pad

Lawn chairs

Sunscreen!

Tent or bivy sack (with stakes)

Flashlight & batteries

Camera

Personal care items and trail first aid kit

(We carry full first aid kit, but you may want you own)

Sunscreen! (did we say this already;-)

Ice cooler (optional)

Personal can/bottle insulator thingy

Backpack or hip pack (optional)

Binoculars (optional)

Hacky sack, Frisbee, etc.

CLOTHING:

We have typically found that wearing less is best. (And sometimes this is taken to its limit, especially when the sweat lodge gets set up.) Though truthfully, on the very hottest days you will find that dressing like the “Bedouin’s” can be the most successful strategy. The less skin exposed to the sun the better. For us that might mean a very light cotton long sleeve shirt that will shield you from the sun and hold moisture close to your body. Long pants are cumbersome on bikes but work well at camp and longer shorts with socks can keep your exposure to a minimum. Bandana’s around your forehead (under your “required” helmet) and around your neck can also help with sweat control. If the rare cold front finds its way to our desert paradise, we recommend you be prepared with warm and water proof layers.

In the cold, layering is key. The trick for staying comfortable in fluctuating temperatures is to wear three layers of lightweight clothing: innerwear (to wick moisture away from your skin), insulative garments (for warmth) and outerwear (for protection against wind or rain.) The layers allow you to add or remove clothing in response to changes in the weather or your internal temperature.

Minimally bring the following clothing:

2 shorts or bike shorts

1 pair socks for EACH DAY

1 pair underwear for EACH DAY

Sports bras for women

Swim suit (if you’re modest)

Shirts, one long sleeve to protect against sun if fair skinned

Walking or bike shoes for riding

Footwear for camp (flip-flops, zories, sandals, chacos)

Light hiking boots with rubber type soles (if you are going to hike)

1 windbreaker or light coat

1 fleece sweater in case it gets cold

1 pair long pants or fleece pants for nights

Rain gear (but Think Positive!)

Wool hat and gloves if it gets cold

Brimmed hat (always wear this when not wearing your helmet)

Bandanas (several, used for many things you might not ever think of)

NOTE: As a rule the less cotton you bring the better off you’ll be. Synthetics work better in all conditions and dry fast if you get wet. This goes for socks, underwear, shirts, and pants everything except your outer water and wind proof layers. And as true as this is, there is nothing nicer than a comfortable cotton t-shirt in the heat. Once it becomes sweaty it works like a swamp cooler when the breeze blows. However… if the weather turns on you and you become cold, the cotton will not aid you in your comfort.

BIKES:

Please make sure that your bicycle is in great mechanical condition. If you don't fix your own, we recommend having a mechanic give it a once-over before the trip. Do this well before leaving and go on at least one long ride to make sure the job was done well. Learn to adjust your brakes, change a tire and fix a flat before you arrive. This knowledge you will need. More advanced repairs can be handled by others on the trip though their knowledge is not something you should depend on. Your bike can also be brought in to town for repairs but it sucks when you have to walk back to the car.

We highly recommend you bring, buy or rent a bike with a FRONT suspension fork. There are a few who pride themselves as “Stiffy’s” (meaning they ride a stiff non-suspension bike.) These people are a rare breed (Kind of like the Harley bikers I used to know who rode motorcycles with out suspensions?!?!? They used to come in the bar wearing back braces, moving like robots, but they were proud of their stamina.) If this is not you, get a front suspension at a minimum.

As for rear suspension, you don’t need it, but you might want it. Now a days it is tough to buy or rent a bike with out it. These bikes can take more energy to ride up hill but save energy riding down or across varied terrain. Compare the weight and prices of these bikes to “hard tails”. Unless you are going to spend approx. $2000 for a full suspension bike with good components and weighs under 27 lbs. you are better off putting your money into the components and lighter weight frame. DON’T buy a cheap bike and then haul it out here. Moab rides destroy cheap bikes. Better to rent than ride a clunker.

Speaking of weight. The best and first place to save it is in rotational weight. This is found in the rims, tires and tubes. Dump your Mr. Tuffys and thorn resistant tubes. For every pound you save of rotational weight you save the equivalent of several pounds of actual bike weight.

BIKE GEAR:

Below is a list of suggested bike items. Make sure you are self-sufficient and carry the optional items as well.

Bike Gloves (VERY IMPORTANT - Buy them if you don't own them)

Bike helmet (REQUIRED for our trips)

Hydration system AND 1-2 water bottle holders for 28 oz. bottles for the bike

(You should be able to carry a minimum of 100 oz. of water or more, for every ride.)

Tool kit:

Extra Tube!

Patch kit

Allen wrenches (#4, #5, #6)

Screwdriver (phillips & slot)

Bike pump

(The above tools should come with a rental bike. Ask for them!)

Pliers (optional)

Spoke wrench & Chain wrench (optional)

Other bike tools (optional)

Bike lights (optional - night riding anyone?)

TRANSPORTATION, RENTALS, SHIPPING BIKES & SUCH

If you can't arrange to hook up with a group to Moab from the airport, there is a shuttle service from the Salt Lake City Airport to Moab. They are called Bighorn Express and they can be called at 1-888-655-7433. Make a reservation. http://www.bighornexpress.com

They have service each day to and from Moab. Check for updated times.

If you arrange for a one-way to Moab, there is a VERY GOOD chance that you can catch a ride to the SLC airport sometime on Sunday with one of the participants but it would be best to arrange this in advance. There is only one morning departure from Moab on Sundays so have a plan.

RENTING BIKES VERSUS BRINGING YOU OWN

It is a hassle to bring your own bike, so many simply rent. Of course, if you are an avid biker, you won't want to be without your own bike. So handle the shipping yourself. Many people drive down and entrust their bike with others who are driving and not flying. The best bet is to carry your "baby" with yourself.

If you decide to rent, there are many bike shops in Moab. But it is most wise to rent in advance as the best bikes get rented out.

If you're shipping you own bike, we recommend that you send it UPS at least a full week in advance. Confirm shipping times! Pack your bike so that it won't get mangled. You can usually get a bike box for free (or you should be able to) from a bike shop in your town. Package extra material around the spokes of your wheels and take off the handlebars, pedals and seat. From Canada, it might be cheaper just to carry your own.

You should have a good set of tools with you so you can put the bike together after you pick it up. There are places in Moab that will allow you to ship the bike out of town the last day you are there. Some of the bike shops will also receive and assemble your bike for you so you can just pick it up before the first ride.

The Address and number for our favorite bike shop is:

Moab Cyclery Bike Shop http://www.moabcyclery.com/

391 S Main Street, Moab, UT 84532

435-259-7423

Rim Cyclery http://www.rimcyclery.com/

90 West 100 North, Moab, UT 8453

435-259-5333

Poison Spider Bikes http://www.poisonspiderbicycles.com/

497 N. Main St. Moab, UT 84532

435-259-7882

Chili Pepper http://www.chilebikes.com/

702 S. Main St., Moab, UT 84532

435-259-4688

Make sure to call them in advance and confirm they're accepting mailed Bikes. Both shops have always done so in the past.

The airlines charge $50 (or more) each way IF YOU TELL THEM that the bulky bag you have contains a bike.

RIDES & Hikes:

We will NOT be GUIDING you on these rides or hikes. Because most of our attendees have been on one or more MMBA trips we will attempt to have someone in your group who is experienced. It is however up to you to take care of yourself. If you are a novice we will hook you up with people who are experienced, trust worthy desert riders but it is still your responsibility to learn all you can first and to keep yourself safe, to ride at your ability and no when to stop. You should ALWAYS know how to return to the cars on your own.

Almost all rides or hikes are “out and back.” We will organize a series of rides & hikes for each day designed to accommodate riders of all abilities. Ride departure times vary depending on length and difficulty and how quickly we can get people out of bed in the morning. We try to go on rides that allow the advances riders to take side routes to challenge themselves. Some rides will be adventurous and will be noted as such.

On Thursday, we usually do a ride that can accommodate a larger group enjoyable by most. The ride is an intermediate ride but can be enjoyed by novices as well and made longer for the hardy advanced riders. Target departure is 9:00 am, though often we don’t leave until 10:00 am. Be ready. If you rented a bike in Moab get up early and get it. If our ride takes us through Moab (by car) we can pick you up on the way. If your bike needs to be put together because you sent it via UPS then get up early. We won’t wait for stragglers after 10 am.

The remainder of the rides, hikes and other events will be described before breakfast on our ride board. Although rides will be organized, you may set out on your own trips. Just make sure you inform fellow MMBA members of your itinerary and intended completion time for you and your groups safety sake.

We highly recommend you buy a guidebook & map in town. With this information you can safely navigate the best rides or hikes in the area on your own. Most trails are very well marked and with a map and guide book it is hard to get lost. We will also have some extras and some copies to share with you if you don’t buy one for yourself.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Extra-curricula activities are very popular for those interested. Desert croquet, horse shoes, hiking, climbing and swimming are but a few of the activities planned for post-riding fun. Most activities will take place in late afternoon or in the evening. Some people on our trips are rock climbers and you might be able to make arrangements with them to "show you the ropes." You should know that any rock climbing activity is NOT sanctioned by Adventure Trekkers. As an organization we are not equipped or trained to lead rock climbing activities.

You may elect to take a day off from riding to explore the Canyonlands and many of its other allures: River rafting; Jeeping; fossil and rock collecting; Arches and Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse State Park. Some of the better hikes include Behind-the-Rocks, Negro Bill Canyon and Upheaval Dome. Swimming in Ken’s Lake or taking a dip in one of the many water holes we know of is another favorite past time that has the advantage of making you feel cleaner as well.

TRAINING:

You do not have to train to partake in the MMBA. However, most of your fellow participants participate in sporting activities in one form or another year round and are fairly fit. The best way (and only way) to train for a ride is to ride. Most importantly, you must get your butt used to the bike seat. Don't deny yourself a training ride because you can't make it off-road prior to the trip. The most important thing is to JUST RIDE! Go to work, the store, the library or a friend's on your bike! Even riding a stationary bike is good for training.

In many respects, road riding is better for getting your butt accustomed to riding. Concentrate on keeping your pedal stroke ratio (cadence) above 85 RPM's when training with relative even energy applied on the down stroke as applied to the up stroke. Seasoned bicyclists call this "spinning." This is difficult to do if you don’t have clip in pedals. If your butt hurts the day after a ride then you are training enough. Repeat that distance until it doesn't hurt and then up your mileage. If you have access and time to try trail riding before MMBA, concentrate on spinning in a low gear over varied terrain, tackling some steeps. Contact us for a list of good Denver or Seattle area rides for training purposes.

ENVIRONMENT:

We at the MMBA have taken great care to protect the environment and the area that we will be enjoying. We have rented Port-O-Let (toilets) for your dumping convenience; we are bringing our own firewood; we are using plastic re-useable plates and silverware whenever possible; and we encourage picking up trash and recycling at all times. We will remove all the charcoal from previous fires before we build our own fire and will clean up our camp as well as possible before, during and after the MMBA.

Please do not drive in the fields near camp. Park your car or truck just off the main drive and walk to your camp. Do not dig up any plants or bushes and try to walk on trails whenever possible. Put all trash and recyclables in the containers we will provide near the kitchen.

The environment around Moab is very fragile. In particular, much of the soil is a thin macrobiotic crust that looks like dried mud. It is actually living matter that dies when you step on it and can take many years (decades even) to “regenerate” itself, so stay on the trails at all times. This soil is called either crypto-biotic or macro-biotic soils. You won’t find these near our camp because we have purposely chosen a camp where the cows have already destroyed most of this.

With our large group our impact is noticeable and so we choose to camp where we won’t add to the damage. You will however see these special soils on your rides and hikes. Please respect the land and always stay on well traveled trails or roads. If for any reason you choose to venture “off trail” do so only on foot and “always” walk on slick rock or in a water drainage. Otherwise just don’t go there.

See you soon,