Why hire a Mountain Bike Guide? Fair question. There is a ton of information available on the internet about where to ride and there are often maps and signs in a lot of areas as well. But even with a road map or today's GPS technology people get lost just driving their cars. All the info in the world isn't as good as having a local qualified guide for getting the most out of trails you aren't familiar with. Maps of this area are vague and show only the trails that are considered "in play" and don't show new sections or "abandoned" trails that still intersect with the active routes. Maps are a good reference after you've been out once or twice but many of the best trails aren't on them. And if you've used a map in areas with a lot of trails you know how frustrating it can be, stopping every few minutes to look at the map and figure out where you're at, where you've been and where you are going.
You can ask the local bike shop employees where to ride. You will get the standard "Red Tail, Whitaker Woods, Sticks and Stones" response when asking where the best riding is. There's so much more out there and so many people miss out. People routinely visit and leave the area often without getting the best trails or getting them in the best riding direction. You may think you had a great ride not knowing that it could have been so much better. Ignorance is bliss but a "good" ride isn't the same as a "GREAT" ride.
A guided ride with E.B.G. offers the piece of mind. Ride all the best trails that you have a certified guide/instructor with 20yrs mechanic experience trained in wilderness first aid. A guide armed with years of riding experience in both remote backcountry or mellow xc trails closer to home. You'll be riding with someone who has had a hand in building the trails you'll ride and can show you how to ride every bit of them. This means they'll be able to show you to the best techniques for riding the trials as well as share a little local history. Riding a mountain bike in this region is no different an experience than rock climbing, back country skiing or any other outside adventure. Having a qualified guide is a huge benefit at pretty minimal expense.
2. Are you certified and insured to guide rides and instruct mountain biking? Yes. Eastside Bike Guides are trained and internationally certified through IMIC (www.beimic.com), IMBA and PMBIA to both guide and instruct mountain biking. In addition certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED through SOLO. (www.soloschools.com) and Red Cross. We have rides for all levels of riding ability from beginner to expert level mountain bikers. We will ask you some specific questions when we take your reservation and we will tailor your ride options around the information you provide. We will also do a short pre-ride skills assessment so we can be sure you get the most fun out of the ride. Please check the bottom of this page for the basic outline of ride difficulty levels.
When are the guided rides and lessons available? Our guided/instructed rides start in late May and continue through late October.
How much time do rides take and how far will we ride? Ride time and length depends on the ride chosen and is will be outlined at the pre-ride briefing, type of ride and ability of all riders in a given ride will effect the ride length. Sometimes the ride will run a little longer than outlined due to mechanicals, rider issues, weather or other things. If need be, all rides have bail out points to allow for fast return to starting area if needed. The distance of a ride can be dictated by time constraints and the type of ride you are looking for and your skillset/fitness. Rides can range from 3 miles to as long as 30 miles or more and can last as long as 6 hrs.
Does E.B.G. rent bikes or do I bring my own? Generally our clients prefer to bring their own bikes. E.B.G. does not rent bikes but there are several places here in Mount Washington Valley that do and we can help arrange a rental bike if needed. Just let us know in advance.
If riding your own bike it should be tuned and in sound mechanical condition prior to your tour. We strongly recommend you have your bike checked out by a reputable bike shop prior to your visit and if need be have your bike tuned up. A quality functional bike and in is essential for your riding enjoyment. E.B.G. guides carry tools and a small supply of spare parts suitable for use on most bikes but cannot guarantee that we have specialty parts that are specific to some brands or models of bikes. If your bike has special parts or specifications then you should be prepared to supply your own parts and tools if need be.
Are meals provided? E.B.G. doesn't provide meals for riders but many of our rides will consist of crossing town or be fairly near town where there are plenty of places to grab something quick or a full blown meal. We know where the best places to eat (and drink) are and can either lead or point you in the right direction. If I have a mechanical issue during our guided ride, are repairs extra? E.B.G. does not charge labor for incidental repairs that can occur during your guided ride. However ride time spent working on client's bikes during a tour counts as ride time. E.B.G. does charge for any parts or materials (tubes and other small parts) that may be used to get your bike back into riding condition.
What will the weather be like? Eastside Bike Guides operate in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and being in a mountain environment the weather can be unpredictable. During our bike season months temperatures can range from a 90 F and high humidity to 37 F and dry and everything in between. Periodic rain and evening thunderstorms can occur and it is often windy. Fronts move through and wide temperature swings are possible. Weather here changes often so regular checking of the weather reports are a good idea.
What should I wear? Helmets are mandatory for all riders. Proper footwear, riding gloves, wicking layers and padded riding shorts are recommended. It would also be a good to have a light rain jacket or wind breaker on hand in case of weather change. Non-technical or "style" based clothing or footwear are not allowed.
What is your cancellation policy? We know that things happen and sometimes riders occasionally have to cancel a reserved ride. E.B.G. will work with you as best we can but as we can't immediately refill a time slot so we have to adhere to the following cancellation policy. Cancellations for reserved rides received at least 48 hours prior to the tour date will be subject to a $25 per person administration fee. Any cancellations received less than 48 hours of ride date or no shows are not eligible for a refund. No cancellations allowed due to weather.
Ride difficulty levels.*
Beginner
For riders new to mountain biking or don't mountain bike on a regular basis. Beginner rides will consist primarily of smooth wide single track, dirt roads and packed dirt pathways.
The pace will be more on the casual side of things. "Just going out for a cruiser". A good choice for riders just learning.
Intermediate
For riders who ride on more of a regular basis and are comfortable with climbing hills and spending 2+ hours on the saddle
Rides will consist of mixed rocky and rooty terrain, narrow single track, climbing and descending and moderate stream crossings.
Advanced
For riders who ride on average 3-5 days a week and are able to climb and descend fairly technical terrain, able to carry a good pace, have good cardio and the ability to be in the saddle all day.
Rides will consist of mixed rocky and rooty terrain, substantial climbs, high speed XC segments, technical descents, and stream crossings.
* Ride difficulty is a relative thing. These descriptions are to give a rough estimate of the difficulty levels and they may vary relative to what the client is used to in thier own expirience. Weather, fitness and equipment will also influence the ride diffculty.
Time off is valuable. Make the most of it by spending your time riding with a professional local guide instead of trying to find the trails. Ride with the most experienced and knowledgeable local riders in the Mount Washington Valley. Rides tailored to your tastes and ability led by one of the architects and stewards of a diverse, fun and often hard to find trail network.