
Cycling amongst the towering red cliffs
Blog home / Self‑Guided Cycling: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Included Support & Logistics
Routes arrive fully pre‑loaded into the Mhikes app, offering turn‑by‑turn instructions, daily options, and local tips. Emergency contact and a boost as indicated in the itinerary are included
Luggage & Accommodations
Daily luggage transport is included, allowing you to ride with minimal gear. Accommodations are hand‑picked for proximity to trailheads, roads, and amenities.
What You’ll Manage
You'll manage your own meals & breaks.
Daily breakfast is included. Lunch, dinner, and snacks are up to you, with helpful recommendations from your welcome pack.
Flat Repair Know‑How
You should feel comfortable changing a flat tire and performing basic minor fixes using the provided tools and spares.
Self‑Paced Riding
Your pace is up to you.
Activity Level & Terrain
Great American Trail’s self‑guided rides are rated by difficulty. Most point‑to‑point trips fall into:
Level 3 – Active: Road rides of ~25–55 mi (40–85 km) per day, with up to ~4,500 ft (1,500 m) climbing.
Expect mixed terrain: quiet rural roads, some steep climbs, and descents. Urban or busier segments are unavoidable in some areas.
Preparation Tips
Train Consistently – Build up to 3–5hr rides, 25–55 mi with similar elevation profiles.
Practice Repairs – Know how to fix flats, adjust gears, and do simple mechanicals using CO₂/pumps.
Pack Smart – Bring essentials like sunscreen, chamois, gloves, light rain gear, and small tools.
Fuel Right – Stay hydrated and carry food to meet energy needs during longer, remote rides.
Navigation Confidence – Familiarize yourself with the Mhikes app before you go.
What to Bring
On-The-Bike: Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, helmet, gloves, glasses, pump/CO₂, flats kit, phone + mount + charger.
Off-Bike: Casual wear, toiletries, weather-appropriate gear (sunhat, warm layers, etc.)
Support & Safety
A local emergency contact is provided in your app and welcome materials.
Mechanical and logistical support is available if an issue is beyond your control.
No group rides, you ride independently, so confidence in managing pace, timing, and navigation is helpful.