Back for 2014 is our five day all-inclusive Novice/Intermediate Moab Skills Camp. If you’ve always wanted to ride in Moab, but lack the skills and confidence to safely enjoy the trails, or maybe you’ve just started mountain biking and want to learn the core concepts and techniques of the sport, then this camp is for you. In our Moab five-day camp you’ll be treated to four days of skills and drills with Alison, amazing rides, gourmet food, luxurious condos, daily massages, evening lectures on training and nutrition, and nightly bike maintenance.

Skills covered in the Novice/Intermediate Moab camp:

• Core body positioning, balance, movement, and vision
• Effective braking
• Cornering
• Switchbacks
• Steep climbing
• Steep descending
• Front wheel lift: curbs and ledges
• Downhill ledges and drop-offs

Wednesday April 30th:

Your Alison Dunlap Adventure Camp begins at the Rim Village condos, where we'll convene for registration and a reception between 4-6 p.m. After checking into your room, we'll enjoy appetizers, followed by a buffet dinner prepared by Rim Tour’s chefs (otherwise known as guides). Alison will provide an orientation of your trip's events and an informal introduction of the participants and staff, as well as answer any questions about our upcoming activities. Expect to spend some time with Alison individually as she'll want to know exactly what skills you came to Moab to work on. After a relaxing evening we'll head off to bed to prepare for our early start the next day.

Thursday May 1st:

After a hearty breakfast of French toast, hash browns, and scrambled eggs, we'll begin our day with a skills clinic in Moab's City Park, where we'll learn the core concepts and basic fundamentals of mountain biking. All of our instruction is progressive so you’ll become comfortable with the basic skills before moving on to more advanced techniques. We’ll practice track stands, cornering, switchbacks, and riding up and down ledges among other skills. You get to test your balance and coordination on the bike with several types of obstacles and drills on the soft grass -- where spills won't hurt. This may sound like a walk in the park, but you'll be surprised by the difficulty of such challenges. It’s all about practice! After a few hours of mental gymnastics, our Rim Tour guides will prepare a delicious lunch under one of many large shade trees in City Park.

After lunch we’ll load up the van, and venture north out of town to the Bar M trail system, one of the easier areas to ride in Moab. Here we’ll split into groups and begin our first real trail ride. Our goal for the afternoon is to practice the skills we learned in the morning session. We’ll stop and talk about the technical sections, demonstrate, and practice as much as you want so that you begin to feel comfortable with your technical skills. You’ll be treated to some amazing views, as well as a short hike to the rim of Seven Mile Canyon and Arches National Park.

Ride time: 2 1/2 hours

We'll return to the condos mid-afternoon, in time for massages, swimming and some free time. After a yummy dinner, Rim Tours will give the all important talk on bike maintenance and what to do if something breaks on your bike and you’re in the middle of nowhere. Pay attention to this one!

Friday May 2nd:

Enjoy the morning as you watch the landscape come to life while enjoying fresh coffee, blueberry pancakes and crispy bacon. On the lighter side there will also be yogurt, fresh fruit and cereal. The sun will rise over the La Sal Mountains and start the glow on the towering sandstone of the Moab Rim to the west.

Today we start the day back at City Park. After reviewing what we did yesterday, we’ll move on to some of the more advanced skills and techniques of riding. Another gourmet lunch in the park and then we’ll head out to Klondike Bluffs.

Klondike is a great introduction to the loose rock and ledges typical of the terrain around Moab. We’ll again split into groups so we can spend a lot of time practicing the technical sections of the trail. With two days of skill work in the park, you should begin to feel more confident on your bike and may start riding sections you didn’t think you could.

The views from the upper portion of this ride are stunning. Arches National Park is just to our east, with the snow capped La Sal Mountains looming off in the distance. On the other side of the valley sits Monitor and Merrimac, and Seven Mile Rim. 360 degrees of unbelievable scenery makes it hard to keep your eyes on the trail! The ride back is mostly downhill, with a quick geology stop at the prehistoric dinosaur tracks embedded in the slickrock.

Ride time: 3 hours

Once we’re back, you know the drill: time to get a massage. After your massage, you can check out downtown Moab. It's about 5 miles from the condos, and Main Street is a fun place to cruise around. Moab was founded by the Mormons in 1855, but before that date Native Americans, including the Sabuagana Utes, had long occupied the valley and used the nearby crossing of the Colorado River. The town underwent a boom in the 1950’s, and thanks to the discovery of Uranium in the late 1980’s, the town became known worldwide for its mountain biking. Did you know there are more bike shops per capita in Moab than any other city?

After a delicious dinner of grilled salmon, pesto pasta, and chocolate fondue, Alison will talk about racing, training, nutrition, hydration, and anything else you want to know about cycling (don’t worry, you’ll have burned enough calories to enjoy the fondue). She will talk about her career as an elite cyclist with stories from the Olympics and World Championships. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn the inside scoop on the crazy life of an athlete. Hanging with Alison will give you an opportunity to find the personality in racing, a personal connection, and most likely, some inspiration.

Saturday May 3rd:

After another yummy breakfast, we’ll load up in the van and drive north out of town to another longtime classic; Blue Buffalo. We’ll start out climbing a large Navajo slickrock slab beneath a towering wall of Entrada sandstone. The terrain is similar to what we’ve already seen, so today’s ride will give you another chance to work the ledges and short slickrock ups and downs that Moab is famous for. We’ve also got some fun descents today that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Our ride ends at the Blue Buffalo petroglyph panel our ride is named after. Then it’s back in the van for the ride home.

Ride time: 4 hours

Tonight will be our final night together, and we'll celebrate with an in-condo dress-up, white linen dinner party. Get ready to swap pictures, review video footage, and share funny stories from our week of riding. But there’s still more to come!

Sunday May 4th:

Our final day of riding is on one of Moab’s newest singletracks; the Intrepid Trail. Built in 2009 up at Dead Horse Point State Park, the Intrepid Trail is eight miles long and is all singletrack. It follows the rim, winding in and out of the Pinion-Junipers, with amazing views of the Colorado River and the famous White Rim Trail. The elevation at Dead Horse Point is 6000ft, making it cooler and a little harder to breathe if you’re from sea level. However the total elevation change for the ride is less than 100 ft. There are a few challenging spots on the trail, but mostly it’s just a kick-in-the pants super fun ride with lots of twisty flowing singletrack you can’t help but smile when you ride. Today is when it all comes together and all your hard work pays off!

After lunch on the trail we’ll check out the unbelievable view at Dead Horse Point. It’s one of the most impressive things you’ll ever see. Then it’s back in the van for a relaxing ride back to town.

Ride time: 4 hours

Congratulations camp is over! We’ll finish up with snacks back at the condos, showers, and a group photo. You may enjoy staying another night on your own and then enjoy a leisurely mountain bike ride Sunday morning before traveling home. Whatever your plans are, we hope you leave Moab with a tool box full of new skills, a camera full of pictures, and a smile on your face.

Accommodations

The luxurious Rim Village condos in Spanish Valley look out on the spectacular views of the Moab Rim to the west and the La Sal Mountains across the valley. They are uniquely and beautifully furnished, supremely comfortable, and stocked with everything you'll need to enjoy your stay in the beautiful red rock desert. Each luxury condo has three bedrooms and two baths with a single level floor plan, vaulted ceilings, gas log fireplace, private patio, gas barbecue, seasonal swimming pool and hot tub, washer and dryer, two car garage and off-street parking.

Cuisine

Meals will be prepared by Rim Tours' professional backcountry chefs from dinner the first night to lunch on the final day. You'll be treated to exquisite meals such as Dutch oven baked spinach walnut lasagna, crisp mixed greens salads and fresh baked brownies. All of the meals are prepared from scratch and with the finest ingredients. We can accommodate any dietary restriction.

Massage

Every day your riding aches and pains will be eased by a professional massage therapist. Each massage is 45 minutes and will be tailored to your specific needs. Poolside massages are even an option if the weather cooperates!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food will we eat?

What if I can’t keep up with the group?

What if the weather turns bad?

What if I have a food allergy?

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

What about tipping?

What time does the camp end?

What kind of bike should I bring?

Do I need pads?

What kind of food will we eat?

You won't be disappointed with the culinary skills of the Rim Tours staff. They prepare delicious energy packed meals with lots of variety to satisfy all tastes. We can accommodate any special diet including vegetarian and low-fat diets. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, but please feel free to bring your own. We have plenty of cooler space.

What if I can’t keep up with the group?

All of our rides are designed to accommodate each individual rider. We will have enough guides based on the size of the group to allow us to split the group based on ability. There is always a guide in front and a guide bringing up the rear. Because we stop often to work on technical sections it is easy for the slower riders to stay connected and not feel left behind.

What if the weather turns bad?

The weather in Moab is unpredictable and there is a chance that we may have to deal with rain or even snow. Our goal is to ride every day and unless the weather is absolutely horrible, plan on riding in the snow or rain. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful the desert becomes after a hard rain. The safety of the group is our number one priority and if the conditions are too dangerous we will come up with alternative activities.

What if I have a food allergy?

In your registration packet from Rim Tours you will have a personal information sheet to fill out. Please note any food allergies you may have. Our guides do an amazing job of accommodating everyone’s dietary restrictions. No need to worry, your dining experience will be delicious!

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

Unfortunately we do not offer any refunds for cancellations less than 30 days before your trip. We recommend trip insurance to protect you in case something unforeseen should cause you to have to cancel your adventure. http://www.csatravelprotection.com/.

What about tipping?

The most common question that nobody likes to ask. Tipping is not required, but is customary to express your thanks and is gratefully appreciated by your guides from Rim Tours. Your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 5 to 15 percent of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

What time does the camp end?

The camp ends Sunday afternoon. There isn’t a designated ending time because it is hard to know when we’ll get back from the ride up at Dead Horse Point. Being the last day of the camp it is fun to stop and take pictures and enjoy the scenery one last time. If you have a flight home we recommend leaving on Monday morning. It’s a lot less hassle and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your afternoon.

What kind of bike should I bring?

The terrain in Moab is technical and rough. We highly recommend a full suspension mountain bike with 2.2 - 2.4 sized tires with aggressive treads. Make sure your bike has had a tune-up and is in tip top shape before you come. There’s nothing worse than having your bike break in the middle of a five hour ride. If your bike has disc brakes we recommend bringing a second set of brake pads.

Do I need pads?

Pads are a great confidence booster and offer lots of protection. If you have your own, bring them. If you don’t, we have knee/shin guards and elbow pads you can borrow.

When you reserve your adventure, you will receive a packing list in your confirmation package. We have developed this list to ensure your comfort, regardless of the weather during the camp. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer, and a weather barrier for wind and rain.

Mountain Bike:

• Bring your bike: If you want to bring your own bike you need to do the following:
• Have your bike clean and in good working condition. We recommend a general tune-up before coming to Moab. Any mechanical issues that come up during the camp will have to be handled by one of the local shops.
• Pack your bike in a box or bike case that goes with you on the plane. Most airlines are charging between $100-$150 each-way to fly with a bike.

• Ship your bike: If you'd like to ride your own bike but don't want to travel with it, we suggest you ship your bike to us in advance. For a $80 fee, Rim Tours will unpack and build your bike prior to the camp, and once you’re done with it, they’ll repack and ship your bike home after your camp. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Please let us know the value of your bike. Domestic shipping only. Please make these arrangements ahead of time with Rim Tours.

  To ship your bike UPS, send it to Rim Tours 1233 S. Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532. It is critical that you include your name and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday delivery to Moab.

• Rent a bike: If you’d rather rent a bike, there are plenty of shops to choose from in Moab. We strongly recommend a full-suspension bike with a 120-140mm front fork.
• Rim Cyclery www.rimcyclery.com - (435) 259-5333
• Rim Tours 800-845-2453
• Chile Pepper Bike Shop www.chilebikes.com - (435) 259-4688
• Moab Cyclery www.moabcyclery.com - (800) 559-1978
• Poison Spider Bicycles www.poisonspiderbicycles.com - (435) 259-7882
• Uranium Bicycles www.uraniumbicycles.com - (435) 259-2928

Cycling clothes

• Cycling shoes: Don’t forget your cycling shoes. If you ride with toe clips, caged-style pedals, hard soled cycling shoes or sneakers will work fine.
• Pedals: If you're renting a bike and ride with clipless pedals at home, bring them with you and we'll put them on your rental bike.
• Cycling shorts
• Cycling jerseys
• Cycling socks
• Base layer: Polypro or wool. NO cotton
• Lightweight windbreaker layer for chilly mornings.
• Warmer riding jacket for cold weather riding
• Tights or leg warmers: Wicking and warm for cold weather riding.
• Cycling gloves: You’ll need a pair for both warm and cold weather riding
• Rain jacket: No cheating. Bring a good waterproof rain jacket (water resistant isn’t good enough). Gore-Tex or similar, it doesn't have to be expensive.
• Rain pants: No cheating here either. Gore-Tex or similar.
• Thin hat or headband that fits under your helmet for cold weather

Gear

• If you have a bike with disc brakes we recommend bringing a second set of brake pads
• Sunglasses: riding and casual
• Day pack: Any small pack or duffel to house your day items in the support vehicle.
• Hat or visor
• Two large water bottles provided by Rim Tours.
• Riding pack with hydration system
• Spare tube, patch kit, chain tool, pump

Personal

• Sunscreen, lip balm, towel, insect repellent, personal items, cash for souvenirs.
• Cash for tipping your guides. Your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10 to 20 percent of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

Optional

• Camera, film, batteries
• Binoculars
• Books or maps
• Alcohol

Mountain Bike:

• Bring your bike: If you want to bring your own bike you need to do the following:
• Have your bike clean and in good working condition. We recommend a general tune-up before coming to Moab. Any mechanical issues that come up during the camp will have to be handled by one of the local shops.
• Pack your bike in a box or bike case that goes with you on the plane. Most airlines are charging between $100-$150 each-way to fly with a bike.

• Ship your bike: If you'd like to ride your own bike but don't want to travel with it, we suggest you ship your bike to us in advance. For a $80 fee, Rim Tours will unpack and build your bike prior to the camp, and once you’re done with it, they’ll repack and ship your bike home after your camp. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Please let us know the value of your bike. Domestic shipping only.

  To ship your bike UPS, send it to Rim Tours 1233 S. Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532. It is critical that you include your name and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday delivery to Moab.

• Rent a bike: If you’d rather rent a bike, there are plenty of shops to choose from in Moab. We strongly recommend a full-suspension bike with a 120-140mm front fork.
• Rim Cyclery www.rimcyclery.com - (435) 259-5333
• Rim Tours 800-845-2453
• Chile Pepper Bike Shop www.chilebikes.com - (435) 259-4688
• Moab Cyclery www.moabcyclery.com - (800) 559-1978
• Poison Spider Bicycles www.poisonspiderbicycles.com - (435) 259-7882
• Uranium Bicycles www.uraniumbicycles.com - (435) 259-2928