FAQ

Mountain bike trails are rough and demanding on both the bike and body. Before attending our events, always inspect your equipment and/or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic. ​ 1. Ensure your helmet fits properly, is in proper working order and properly adjusted. 2. Inspect bike frame for cracks, damaged or dented areas. 3. Ensure you have sufficient brake pad to stop your bike while descending. 4. Front and rear axles (skewers) should be tight. 5. Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play. 6. Check that your tires are in good condition, with no tears or cuts in the sidewall. 7. Handlebar and handle grips must be tight and unable to spin freely. Seat and seat post need to be fastened securely.

mountain bike, freshly tuned and in good working order pedals (we highly recommend flat pedals for skills sessions) helmet sunglasses full-fingered gloves mountain bike shoes a hydration pack (100 oz minimum is recommended due to our dry desert climate) pads (knee or shin pads and elbow pads are recommended) sunblock bike clothes including layers rain jacket Night Riding Gear: light to mount on handlebars and/or on helmet, clear lenses, warm layers, warm gloves NOTE: Please let us know if you need to borrow a light for night riding!

The temps can drop fast in the desert when the sun goes down! weather-appropriate clothing layers (long underwear top / bottom, winter socks, etc) winter jacket wool hat warm gloves headlamp reusable water bottle yoga mat (optional)

What a good question! We do recommend using flat pedals for learning new skills during our skills sessions as they have many benefits including: • dismounting quickly and safely • restarting on technical and/or steep terrain safely • assisting with balance thanks to a wider platform • improving your overall technique (including practicing rear-wheel lifts, drops and jumps) Suggestions / Recommendations • wearing knee and shin pads while using flat pedals • wearing tall socks to add a protective layer (and your own flare) • We also recognize that if you've never ridden flat pedals it can make technical climbing feel quite different. If you are brand new to flats we highly recommend you practice with them and go on several rides prior to attending. Then we suggest you bring both pairs of shoes and pedals and you can decide if you want to wear flats during skill sessions and switch to your SPD / clips for the on trail ride sessions. • With that said, if you’re so comfortable with your clip / SPD pedals that you don't ever think about getting in or out of them, you don’t have to use flats. We want you to feel safe and comfortable with the shoes and pedals you choose and we'll also share some tips with you about flat pedals in person.

Currently our retreats are skill specific. Please check the retreat to learn what skill level it is offered for and take a look at our Skill Level Ratings. About a month prior to your retreat start we will ask you to fill out an extensive questionnaire so we can make sure we are aligned and set you up for a successful learning experience!

We recommend calling Over The Edge Bike Shop in Fruita, CO @ (970) 858-7220 to set up a bike rental for our retreat. Please note we recommend calling early to reserve your bike! https://rentbikesfruita.otesports.com/rentals

Bring a mountain bike that fits you properly and is in good working condition. This means it has gears and brakes working, tightened bolts, and recently checked over by a certified bike mechanic. A dual suspension bike is ideal and a bike with just front suspension will be alright too. Having an adjustable seat post is fanastic and even a quick release (dropper) on your traditional seat post will prove really useful! If you have a traditional fixed seat post, consider getting a quick release installed before camp.

E-bikes are not currently permitted on many local trail systems and therefore we do not recommend them at our retreats.

RIDE GEAR & CLOTHES mountain bike, freshly tuned and in good working order helmet, sunglasses and full-fingered gloves mountain bike shoes (we recommend flat pedals and flat shoes and riding them with prior to attending) a hydration pack (a water bottle is not enough in the desert) pads (we recommend knee or shin pads at a minimum, elbow pads recommended) sunblock bike clothes including layers rain jacket Night Riding Gear: light to mount on handlebars and/or on helmet, clear lenses, warm layers, warm gloves NOTE: Please let us know if you need to borrow a light for night riding! ​ CLOTHES & PERSONAL GEAR​ weather-appropriate clothing layers puffy jacket, wool hat, warm gloves (desert temps drop quickly when the sun goes down) towel, soap, flip flops and the rest of your shower essentials ​ CAMPING GEAR tent sleeping bag, sleeping bag and camp chair headlamp ear plugs reusable water bottle, plate, bowl, utensils, mug for coffee / tea

• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is our local recommendation. • It's about a 20 minute drive to Fruita, CO. • If you have more travel questions email shannon@thedesertdose.com and we'll find a time to chat.

• Coming Soon

RIDE GEAR & CLOTHES mountain bike, freshly tuned and in good working order helmet, sunglasses, full-fingered gloves mountain bike shoes (we recommend flat pedals and flat shoes and riding them with prior to attending) a hydration pack (a water bottle is not enough in the desert) pads (we recommend knee or shin pads at a minimum, elbow pads recommended) sunblock bike clothes including layers rain jacket headlamp (for an optional cruisy night ride) ​ CLOTHES & PERSONAL GEAR​ weather-appropriate clothing layers puffy jacket, wool hat, warm gloves (desert temps drop quickly when the sun goes down) towel, soap, flip flops and the rest of your shower essentials ​ CAMPING GEAR tent sleeping bag, sleeping pad and camp chair headlamp reusable mug for coffee / tea and reusable water bottle

While we would love meet all the above, please leave them at home. Our retreats are designed just for you, because we think you're pretty darn special. And please bring your stuffy.

Our waitlists are first come, first served. This means if there's a cancellation we email the first person on the list and then continue down the list as needed. Please add your name to the waitlist OR email us directly at shannon@thedesertdose.com. Please let us know which retreat you are interested in attending.

​PRE - RETREAT Pre-retreat materials and virtual group meet & greet DURING THE RETREAT exceptional small-group instruction with a 6:1 participant to coach ratio 2-3 off-trail skills sessions 3 trail riding sessions Fun-focused group activities The Desert Dose Participant MindsetToolkit The Desert Dose swag Campfire shenanigans All meals, snacks and coffee to nourish you at the retreat POST - RETREAT Virtual group meet-ups 1:1 Goal Setting Session with Lead Coach 4 Weeks Video Review with Feedback

Lodging is not included. Alcohol is not included.

The Desert Dose Cancellation Policy: • Once you have booked with us it means that we work hard to prepare for your arrival and have reserved time in our schedule for you. • Cancellations made within 29 days of your scheduled event or "no shows" will not be issued any refund. • Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to your scheduled event will be issued a full refund, minus a $50 non-refundable processing fee. • We are unable to provide any refunds or prorated fees for no-shows regardless of any unforeseen circumstances. • Email shannon@thedesertdose.com with cancellations.

While we would love meet all the above, please leave them at home. Our retreats are designed just for you, because we think you're pretty darn special. And please bring your stuffy.

Please email us directly with your questions so we can learn more and try to support you.

Never required, always appreciated. We accept old-fashioned paper bills and Venmo.

We're outside in the elements and can have a good time through rain, wind, and perhaps even desert snowflakes. We are good stewards of the lands we use and will have a plan if weather makes some trails unrideable. Barring a natural disaster, The Desert Dose will retreat in rain or shine. Please be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

Alcohol is not provided.