Moab, Utah: How to Ride Like a Local

By Jeff Barber
   Updated

Ride Like a Local is a podcast and article series dedicated to exploring the best mountain bike destinations in the world through the eyes of the riders who call these places home. We’ll find out about the must ride trails and the groups that maintain them, and also where to find pizza and beer after the ride.

Tyson Swasey is a mountain biker and trail builder who has lived in Moab, Utah for his whole life. He’s currently the Operations Coordinator for Grand County, Utah Active Transportation and Trails.

In this episode we ask Tyson:

  • Has Moab always been a tourist destination? Why was the town founded? 
  • It seems like Moab was a mountain bike destination before there were mountain bike destinations.  What makes the area so great for mountain biking?
  • How did the first trails get built? Which trails are the oldest?
  • Are there any family-friendly rides or trails?
  • Which trails are the most challenging?
  • What are some lesser-known trails where riders can get away from the crowds?
  • Who builds and maintains the trails in Moab?
  • What type of bike do most people ride in Moab? Do a lot of people rent bikes when they visit?
  • What are some of the more popular guided or shuttled tour routes in the area? Are there any regular group rides for locals that are visitor-friendly?
  • Where do people hang out after the ride?
  • What is the best time of year to visit? Are there any festivals or races visitors can plan to attend? 
  • Is there much camping available in the immediate area? Does lodging tend to fill up around certain events, or at certain times of the year?
  • Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?
  • Is there anything else mountain bikers need to know before visiting Moab for the first time, or maybe for the first time in a while?

Get more information at discovermoab.com and moabtrailmix.com. 

This episode is sponsored by Gloworm Lites.

Gloworm is a mountain bike light brand founded almost a decade ago by two mountain bikers in New Zealand, and today the company offers some of the highest quality bike lights on the market – Including Bluetooth control and complete customisation through their app. Gloworm’s complete line of lights start at 1200 lumens and range up to a blinding 3600 lumens, all at reasonable prices.Save 15% off all light systems on the Gloworm website with the coupon code SINGLETRACKS2021. Shop for lights at glowormlites.co.nz

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