Where can I ride?
Road riding opportunities are ample in the area. Here are some of our favorite routes.
- Needle Rock – view route
- Rio Verde & 9 Mile Hill – view route
- Around the Mountain – view route
Gravel and Mountain riding opportunities throughout the Phoenix area are extensive. Our local options include McDowell Mountain Regional Park – MMRP (map) and Browns Ranch (map).
MMRP is located approximately 6 miles from our shop and has a large trail network suitable for beginning riders, gravel adventures, and cross country mountain biking. Most of the trails are rated green or blue. Entrance to the park is $2 by bike or $7 by car.
Here are some of our favorite routes within MMRP.
- Comp Loops – view route
- Pemberton – view route
Brown’s Ranch is located 25 miles from our shop and, similar to MMRP, has an expansive trail system for gravel and mountain bikes. While most of the trails are rated green or blue, some black trials are present for those desiring a challenge. Entrance to the park is free.
Here are some of our favorite routes within Browns Ranch.
- Cholla-Granite Loop – view route
- Long Loop – view route
What type of bike should I rent? What size?
The type of bike you rent will reflect the type of riding you wish to enjoy. We offer 3 types of bikes suitable for either McDowell Mountain Regional Park or Browns Ranch. Generally, if you are a less experienced rider we recommend a full suspension mountain bike. More advanced riders may wish to use a hard-tail mountain bike or a gravel bike. Please visit our rental tab to view bike specifications and photos along with sizing information. If you select a full suspension mountain bike, please provide the rider+gear weight so we may preset the suspension system.
How long should I plan to ride?
We recommend that you plan your route in advance and anticipate a traveling speed of 8-10 mph. Add in time for stops to take photos, ponder the natural rock formations and desert scenery, or tell your friends some jokes. Generally a 3-4 hour period will yield an excellent adventure.
Do you have maps or a recommended method of route planning?
Both MMRP and BR have maps available. Additionally, you may wish to utilize Trailforks.com, Ridewithgps.com, Strava.com, or Mapmyride.com. You can download these apps onto your phone or use these sites to load routes into your Garmin or similar device. Please see our recommended routes in this FAQ.
Can you deliver bikes?
We do offer a delivery and pickup service. Please see the rental tab for drop off and pickup times. If these times or locations don’t work for you, send us an email. We may be able to accommodate your needs for an incremental delivery fee.
Currently, due to staffing needs we are unable to provide deliveries or pickups on Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes.
We will do our best to accommodate you if you stop in to rent a bicycle, and in July you’ll likely have success. During seasonal months, however, please make a reservation to ensure the bike you desire is available. If you make your own reservation on-line, you are not able edited later. If you need to make a change, please contact us and we will be happy to make the change for you.
When making on-line reservations you will note that you are given only three start/finish times. This is only for customers wishing to have bikes delivered. If you are coming into the shop to pick up your rental, just let us know what time you would like to pickup and we can set your reservation accordingly.
My travel plans have changed how do I edit my reservation?
If you need to make any changes to your reservation please contact us here at the shop.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes. If you don’t have one we can include one free of charge just let us know on the reservation form that you need to borrow a helmet.
Is water available?
We have water at the shop and some of the park trailheads have potable water. We can’t stress enough that you should plan your hydration needs carefully. We offer various hydration systems for sale. We do not offer hydration systems for rent.