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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the weather going to be like when I come to Moab?
2. What are the best times of year for Moab, Colorado, Arizona, California or Hawaii?
3. What vacation package is most appropriate for me, or us? group?
4. What are the accommodations like?
5. How much does a package cost?
6. What is included?
7. What do I bring with me?
8. What about camping?
9. How do I book my vacation?
10. What trips are available during a certain period?
11. Do you offer day tours?
12. What about food?
13. What bikes do you offer via mail order and how do I get a deal on one with a vacation package?
14. How do I pay and when? What about refunds, cancellations, and travel Insurance?
15. How can I get one of your photographs for a publication or any other commercial use?
16. I want to come to Moab and ride the trails on my own. What are the best trails for me?
17. Do you offer gift certificates?
1. I am coming to Moab. What will the weather be like?
2. What are the best times of year for Moab, Colorado, Arizona/New Mexico, San Francisco or The Big Island of Hawaii?
MOAB
FRUITA
ARIZONA
SAN FRANCISCO
THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
3. What vacation package is most appropriate for me, or us?
4. What are the accommodations like?
5. How much does a package cost?
6. What is included?
7. What do I bring with me?
8. What about camping?
9. How do I book my vacation package?
10. What trips are available during a certain period?
11. Do you offer simple day tours?
12. What about food?
13. What bikes do you offer and how do I combine purchasewith a vacation package?
14. How do I pay and when? What about refunds, cancelations, and travel Insurance?
15. How can a get one of your photographs for a publication or any other commercial use?
16. I want to come to Moab and ride trails on my own. What are the best trails for me?
"Mountain Bike America's Moab guide is setting a new standard for guidebooks. Lee Bridgers' first-hand accounts give the reader a sense that they have some behind-the-scenes information about Moab." ~ Brian Fiske, Senior Editor of Mountain Bike Magazine
Lee Bridgers' Moab guidebook is now available in bookstores around the world. To order a signed copy from Dreamride call 1-888-MOABUTAH. Anyone who purchases a vacation of five days or longer from Dreamride receives a copy as part of the vacation packet, free of charge.
16. Do you offer gift certificates?
Answer: Click on MOAB WEATHER where you will find links to seasonal statistics and forecasts. We advise being prepared for any weather situation, taking into consideration seasonal norms. In Moab, Utah there are 300 sunny days a year on average. Average temperatures are mostly pleasant year round as well, but temperature averages can be deceptive in a desert environment. It is the responsibility of each client to be prepared for weather extremes. Always bring rain gear, even if the forecasts are for sunny skies. Localized extreme weather comes on fast and out of nowhere! Read SAFETY INFO for information on what to bring. Go to RESERVATION DOCUMENTS to download a PDF document called, "What to Bring," which will state exactly what kind of gear you will need for each season. As for cancellation due to weather, usually there must be flash flood warnings in the immmediate area or sideways snow for us to cancel a ride, but that decision is always made by the guide. The ELITE SERVICE UPGRADE accomplishes flexibility for weather by reserving our guide until later in the day in order to wait the weather out. For standard packages, when possible, we may delay departure to give bad weather a chance to settle down, but this decision is always made by the guide. We usually head out during light rain or snow, because Canyonland weather is so localized that is usually changes as we leave the Moab Valley. It can also change rapidly while on the ride. If you are not prepared, don't blame your guide for the weather and expect a lecture. If you are on a group ride, your lack of preparedness could ruin the day for others in the group. We ride year round in Moab with less than four days per year when we choose to refund due to weather, so expect to be riding a bike, not moaning about the weather. If you are moaning about the weather, it is usually because you were not prepared for it. BE PREPARED! We are mountain bikers here.
Answer:
Best dates are March and November because, while these months are outside of traditional peak season, weather is statistically mild and low tourist visitation makes the best areas private playgrounds. April, May, September, October are peak season for mountain biking in Moab and the town can get crowded on weekends. During peak season rides are timed for minimum contact with humans outside the group. Accommodations get a bit tricky to book during peak season, so try to book your package at least two to three months in advance. Weekends, holidays and local events like Rod Benders and Jeep Safari create great demand on accommodations, so six months to a year advanced booking may be necessary to guarantee desired reservations. It is best to book for prime dates before the beginning of the year. October is the most popular month for mountain bikers for some reason. It has the highest average rainfall, too. November is a much better month statistically speaking. May's flowers can be a real draw, but the previous winter has to be wet for the reliable flora. Late February and November are best for hardcore riders. We ride year round in Moab with less than four days per year when we choose to refund due to weather. There have to be flash flood warnings of sideways snow for us to cancel. From June through August the days are hot and the nights are amazing. Despite the heat summer is one of our most popular seasons for reasons involving traditional family vacations. We leave as early as 5:15AM during hot summer months to avoid the midday burn and recommend night rides to upper intermediate to expert riders around the full moon as the very best riding during summer. Night rides or rides at altitude require an ELITE SERVICE UPRADE to reserve. The SUPER ELITE SERVICE UPRADE offers the opportunity for more than one ride a day, which can include night rides, expanded range and mountain singletrack. These upgrades are the best way to take advantage of summer operations with wider range of trails and conditions for cycling.
Fruita, Colorado is best during spring or fall, though clay soils and rain can be a problem, closing almost all trails if the rain is persistent. Colorado's Front Range is best during June, July and August when Moab is seriously HOT!
Arizona is best from late spring through early fall. Higher altitudes mean lower mean temperatures.
San Francisco is best during summer, with August being the prime all-around riding time. The end of June is prime for hotter weather and city events like the Gay Pride Parade that not only presents us with a great city biking day, concerts and special art happenings, but low traffic in areas away from downtown.
Best months for availability, low tourist numbers and climate are July and August. The average temperature during summer is only two degrees higher than winter, so Hawaii is always ready for us. Peak season months in Hawaii last the duration of winter with Christmas and New Year dates being a total traffic nightmares on all the islands. We know how to deal with the crowds, but would rather not have to. The winter holiday season can be EXTREMELY difficult to book with less than eight months to a year advanced reservations. For Hawaii the best way to decide just when to go is to think about just what you want to do. Surf is up in fall and winter. Snorkeling is best during summer months. Mountain biking is there always.
Answer: While Dreamride SPECIALIZES in mountain biking in Moab (95% of our business), we offer private road tours and custom cycling and water sports and cultural trips in Utah, Hawaii, Arizona, North Carolina/Virginia and Colorado. Trips outside of Moab are ALWAYS PRIVATE, tend to be more expensive and are offered primarily to couples. If you are on a budget, Moab is our best and most popular location. Skills, fitness and personal interests are prime concerns when choosing a package, along with season, duration and location. Click on VACATION CATALOG to browse the possibilities, but realize that Dreamride provides ACTIVE vacations. If you are not active or just simply way out of shape, it is best to book a private trip with us. FIVE DAZE OF MOAB, then you have the opportunity to set the skill level of any riders who may join in. Specialty packages such as the MOAB ULTIMATE are only appropriate for strong intermediate to expert mountain bikers. In Moab SERVICE UPGRADES are best choice for weather flexibility, after ride food, more comfortable transport, a wider selection of trails, activities and bikes, and a higher level of interpretive guiding. The SUPER ELITE SERVICE UPGRADE provides the most experienced and educated guide in the business, Lee Bridgers, Dreamride owner and founder, the man who revolutionized the industry by focusing on day ride series, environmental tour methods, high quality and the smallest groups. MOAB presents clients with infinite variety of singletracks, slickrock, jeep and ATV routes that are wonderful for mountain biking, the best cycling destination in the world, which is why we are here. Moab can accommodate any skill level, but you should be fit and at least experienced on a bicycle. If you are looking for the ultimate in vacation exotica with the highest quality services, the most diverse itinerary and are booking as a private solo, couple or group, HAWAII PACKAGES combine a variety of mountain and/or road biking with surfing, bodysurfing, boogieboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Answer: Just imagine what you want, and then realize that we provide the best of the best in town. Communicate your desires along with budget concerns. Dreamride offers a complete range ofrom quaint and cool to shamefully decadent. All are personally chosen and fully researched. We know the quietest rooms, the friendliest hosts, the values and best locations for simple logistics. In Moab our chosen lodgings are within few yards of our business location. Our Moab guesthome is available to guests who know the drill. On Hawaii's Big Island we offer apartment suites in Waimea with a view of the Kohala coastline and Mauna Kea. In Grand Junction, Colorado we support Fruita packages with two centrally located hotels within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment. The secret for getting exactly what you want is advanced booking! For Moab's peak season months of April, May, September and October, this means up to six months prior to departure date to insure the best rooms. For the peak season months of November, December, January and February in Hawaii, this means up to one year advanced booking. If you think getting your own lodgings will save you money, you are wrong. If a desired location is not available upon booking, we remain vigilant on cancellations and will most likely be able to place you in the perfect place with sustained effort. For more information, call us at (435) 259-6419.
Answer: Every package listed in our VACATION CATALOG is accompanied by a list of prices at the bottom of each corresponding page. Pricing on specific changes in length of tour package or upgraded services are negotiated during booking.
Answer: The most important feature of any Dreamride tour or vacation package is the long list of exotic mountain biking and hiking trails available, many of which are exclusively offered by Dreamride. Having a long list of trails in our quiver means that we can flex with weather and changing opportunities. The most valuable assets we provide are our guides, who are not typical to the industry. Our small staff consists of mature and highly skilled professionals. Company owner, Lee Bridgers, is available as a guide as part of the SUPER ELITE SERVICE UPGRADE, along with his personal Toyota Sequoia, access to the Elite Bike Fleet, and other perks such as two rides a day, night rides, separate hikes for anyone in the party and more. Mr. Bridgers also guides within ELITE ride series when appropriate. Every package includes guided daily activities specific to your skills and fitness. All transport to and from trailheads is provided. Technical support and skills tips are provided by your guide(s) on the trail. If you want a private skills clinic, opt for a PRIVATE SKILLS CLASS as part of any Moab package booked by a private party. Vacation packages include a choice of accommodations (except when specified as "without accommodations"). Prices listed with each package give you the option for many levels of accommodations or you can choose to book your own lodgings. Flights are not included. All packages include discounted rates on rental of our superbly maintained, high end fleet of mountain bikes. Rental fees can go toward the purchase of the bike you are riding. RENTAL BIKES include helmets, gloves, pedals, packs, water, body armor and other necessities. We recommend that you bring as much of your own gear as possible, but our bikes are usually the best choice.
Answer: Go to RESERVATION DOCUMENTS to download a PDF document called, "What to Bring," which will state exactly what kind of gear you will need for each season. Bring your bike only if it is up to Moab terrain. Full suspension is a must, unless you are setting up road or dirt road 29er rides. Bring as much of your own gear as you can. Always bring rain gear and clothing designed for athletic use. Bring clothing suitable for the season. Cycling shorts with padding are an important accessory. Bring good shoes for biking if you don't have true cleated bike shoes. This means cross trainers or hiking shoes--laces tucked in. We do not rent shoes and rental shoes are not available in town. If you have your own clipless pedals, bring them along with your cleated shoes. Dreamride has a range of pedals, but bringing your own pedals means time is not spend setting up pedals on the trail. For more information on this issue, go to MOAB SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS.
Answer: NO CAMPING, except . . . . Dreamride has a unique stand on the environment as a tour company. Dreamride did its own environmental impact study prior to securing permits in the Moab area over a decade ago, discovering that camping in any form is extremely intrusive, destructive and detrimental to the health of the local flora and fauna. Local tour companies are notorious for destroying lands surrounding BLM and National Park campgrounds. Desert eco-systems are extremely fragile and inter-dependent. In the nearby mountains, where the ground revegetates rapidly, this is not as much of an issue. Dreamride does not want to have any part in trashing areas we ride. A secondary issue is that quality mountain biking demands quality rest. If you want to get into a sleeping bag in a tent without a good shower at the end of the day of hard riding, then you can get that just about anywhere. A tour company that sells camping and calls it mountain biking has got you by the balls--eat up! A bed and a jacuzzi are far more attractive to our clientelle, far more useful to a tired mountain biker than a cot and a meal prepared by a college student whose last job was cleaning chemical toilets. As a result of our concerns and objections about camping in the desert and its impact on the environment (and our clients), we only consider camping for private groups in special circumstances, when it is necessary to gain access to special sites or riding areas. In 2006, we secured permission to camp and ride on idyllic private lands in the Chuska Mountains of Northern Arizona on the NAVAJO RESERVATION. No one else has access to this magical, historic and extremely beautiful location. Camping is the only way to enjoy it, so we camp. There is a sweat lodge and stream nearby.
Answer: Give us a call at 1-888-MOABUTAH. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, wire transfers and checks (with time to clear). Vacation packages can be booked up to a full year in advance. Prior to calling, please read the information and instructions at RESERVATIONS.
Answer: Standard packages are generally available during the traditional riding season in Moab. Dreamride books on demand. First person, couple or group of three to six to book a specific date calls the shots. After one to three riders book dates, we try to add others of similar skills and interests. We have no minimum for Moab packages, so a solo rider can book his or her own package. With enough advanced notice you can book any package on any date in any location you desire. If we have a tour booked for a certain date already, you may join if your skills and fitness match others in the group. We mayoverlap as many as three standard packages at any one given time. SUPER ELITE packages pretty much lock out our services in Moab. A booking on a certain date does not mean that the dates in question are unavailable for alternative bookings. Open packages have a limit of four persons of similar skills. Under special circumstances (generally for repeat clients) we may add a fifth rider to an open package. Peak season packages generally require six months to a year advanced booking to fully guarantee the best accommodations. For thorough information click on SCHEDULES.
Answer: Dreamride got its start as the first mountain bike day tour operator in Moab, Utah. Our focus on very small groups and exotic routes has been the basis of our growing popularity and over the years demand for packaged dates has almost eliminated single day tours completely. Day tours in peak season are now impossible. Non-peak dates are open for day tours at $250 per person (not including bike rental)--no minimum.
Answer: Remember what Mom said about eating and going swimming shortly thereafter? If you eat a meal on the trail, even a simple sandwich, blood travels to your stomach and intestines for digestion. On a ride with Dreamride blood is needed in your legs, not your gut. The result of mismanaging food and liquid intake on or before a ride is cramping and/or worse. We recommend energy bars, energy replacement drinks, and foods you have personally used on long rides before with good results. Everyone has different dietary needs and habits. Dreamride does NOT provide food on rides, with exceptions made for some upgraded packages and during emergencies. We do not want clients defecating in the desert (for environmental reasons) and certainly do not want clients cramping twenty miles from the shuttle vehicle, so we help you manage your energy in appropriate ways. Sometimes a meal is necessary on epic rides and hikes of from seven to twelve hours in length. We may or may not provide these meals, depending on the situation and your level of investment in upgraded services. Meals on the trail during epic rides and hikes are always followed by a period of rest. We provide in-town chef services for packages booked with ELITE AND SUPERELITE SERVICE UPGRADES with or without additional cost. All Dreamride trips are made up of a series of day tours that allow you to take advantage of Moab's best restaurants. We make sure you are pointed to places where you will get nourishment, not Montezuma's revenge.
Answer: Dreamride is an authorized dealer of Dreamride (our own frames are fabricated for us by Ventana), Ventana, Moots, and Pegoretti frames. Lee Bridgers, Dreamride owner, personally builds up these exotic handmade gems with Moab tested kits. We are only interested in the absolute highest quality cycling equipment. After riding one of our rental bikes, making a bike purchase part of your vacation becomes an obvious benefit. Special bike purchase deals are available by booking certain vacation packages. Clients who purhcase a complete bike as part of a Moab vacation package take advantage of on-site setup and maintenance. For information on bike sales go to our bicycle sales website by clicking on DREAMBIKE.COM.
Answers: Click on RESERVATIONS for complete information. As for travel and cancelation insurance, we recommend contacting your Visa Card provider or AAA, who provide the absolute best vacation insurance packages. With the right insurance you can cancel on your end if due to certain unforeseeable events and you are covered. If we cancel on our end due to weather or illness, we refund.
Answer: CONTACT DREAMRIDE for Lee Bridgers, the photographer responsible for the shots on this website. Don't think about it unless you are willing to pay professional rates. Digital files for publication are sometimes available immediately. There are slide dupes available, but if a certain shot requires duplication expect up to two weeks for delivery.
Answer: Well, duh. We are a tour company. Thankfully our founder wrote the best Moab guidebook available.
"There are trail guides; and then there's the real deal." ~ Bike Magazine
Answer: Yes, but be careful who you give one to. We do NOT refund moneys for gift certificates! Click on GIFT CERTIFICATES for information.
Call 1 (888) MOAB UTAH in the states.
Dreamride
If you are calling from foreign shores the number is 435-259-6419.
FAX number is 435-259-8196.
or write to:
P.O. Box 1137
Moab, UT 84532
For email contact information click on:
CURRENT DREAMRIDE EMAIL ADDRESS