Exploration rides are free except any third party costs like gas, parking, shuttles and access fees. Typically these are areas I’ve ridden before, but have been closed for some time due to fires, mudslides, etc. Some of these rides are areas I’ve never ridden.
The rides are usually in remote areas and will usually be around four hours. You should not have any time constraints.
Exploration Rides are NOT for Beginners
On an exploration ride, you need to be fully self-sufficient. Your bike must be well-maintained and ready for an all-day adventure. Take a look at the “What do I need to bring?” page of my website for a list of things you’ll need for remote rides.
Of course, I’m always happy to help with bike repairs, but you should have a basic understanding of simple repairs like:
- how to replace a tube
- how to adjust a derailleur
- how to fix a broken chain
- how to adjust your disc brakes
- how to inspect your bike before riding
On rides like these, you will need at least three liters of water and should also carry some food. If I think any particular ride would require more than that, I would let you know beforehand.
Exploration Rides are NOT Recommended for Out-of-Towners
Because these rides can be canceled or rescheduled with very little notice, these rides are not recommended for people visiting California. Visitors should instead book a private tour.
Exploration Rides are NOT Private
You can expect that photos of yourself will be posted to this website.
What to Expect on an Exploration Ride
During an exploration ride, you can expect that the pace will be slow overall. We’re riding to explore, not to finish the ride as fast as we can. We ride at the pace of the slowest person in the group and we stay together. Staying together means that we maintain visual contact.
There will be some areas where we can spread out (for example, if we agree it’s ok to go as fast as you want until the next trail intersection) but for the most part you need to adjust your speed so that you stay with the group both UP and DOWN each trail. I will set the pace.
On exploration rides, there will be many stops for taking photos and documenting trail features like signs (or missing signs) and important intersections. There may be times when we go off course and have to double back as well. We may also stop to clear trails of obstacles like fallen tree branches. You will enjoy these rides the most with an open mind free from off-the-trail distractions.
It’s good idea to carry a real compass and maps of the areas we will be riding. Digital TOPO maps can be downloaded to your phone. Assume that you will not have a cell phone signal on exploration rides. Carry a spare battery to keep your phone charged. Always mark your location when we start the ride on your phone. Before you head to the ride, make sure somebody knows where you are going and when you are expecting to finish. Bring their contact information with you.
How to Call for Help
It’s a good idea to carry GMRS radios on these rides which you can use to call for help. We will usually be on channel 7, sub-channel 7. Remember that radios don’t work over mountains.
Also, bring a whistle and listen for whistles. Two short whistle blows mean you need to stop or draw attention to yourself. Three long, loud blows of the whistle about a second each indicate that you need immediate assistance. Wait about 10 seconds before repeating a call for help. If you hear a whistle, STOP and figure out who’s missing from the group. Then immediately go to the sound of the whistle.
Check Facebook for Exploration Ride Announcements
Exploration rides will be announced at the XEN MTB Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/xenmtb/events/
Questions?
Please don’t post questions about these rides to the Facebook page. Rather, please use the contact page for any questions about exploration rides.
