MTB in Mexico

[Sheesh]

Mr. Sheesh and I are headed to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday and we're hoping to do a little mountain biking while we're there. I've never mountain biked before, but Mr. Sheesh has. So, I scoured the forums (and a few other forums) to find some recommendations on companies and found this one. I think we're going to try the Vallejo tour since it's for all level of riders and the other rides look way more complex than I expect I can handle. But, if that goes well, we may just rent bikes and take another trip on our own.

Thoughts? Does this look like an okay ride for a first-time mountain biker or do you think I might be able to handle some of the harder trips since I do a lot of road riding? I know they are two different types of riding, but I'm worried that the "all levels" ride may be geared more towards the average out of shape tourist...what do you think?

[Tri Girl]

Wow- that looks like a lot of fun! I think the tour you selected sounds like it would be good. Since the pictures are no indication of the ride (the same for all the rides you click on), based on the description and the descriptions of the others, this seems like the most sensible for your first mtn bike ride. Of course, I have no idea of your fitness level/bike handling skills/balance skills. Mtn biking is so very different from road riding (obviously), and the muscles you use will be different (although the same, you know?). Anyway, the first time I went mtn biking my legs were sore the next day (and the trail was not too terribly complicated, and I'm an experienced roadie). I would say do the easy one, that way you can enjoy it, without worrying about being able to do the more technical/difficult sections of the other rides. It's the technical descending/climbing that makes mtn biking so very diff. from road riding.

Anyway, just my two cents. I think all the tours look fantastic! I'm envious of your trip to Mexico, and your mtn biking trip. Have a FANTASTIC time, and whatever trip you do, please take pics and share them with us when you return. I'd love to see mtn biking in Mexico!

[rocknrollgirl]

I agree with Tri Girl. Better to have the ride too easy than too hard. I cannot think of anything more miserable than being out on a mt bike and being in over your head...well maybe being on a ski slope and being in over your head.


Ruth

[sarahkonamojo]

I would recommend the Yelapa trip. You will get farther away from PV and see a really unique village.

Longer ride, more expensive, but a much cooler experience.

I have not ridden with the company, but I have spent a lot of time in the region. And I am ocean centric when in the PV area. I'd ride towards the ocean not away.

Have fun whatever you do. And beware the time share sales people. Just say no and walk away very quickly.

Sarah

[Sheesh]

Thanks for all the feedback! I was worried about being bored with "too easy" of a ride, but since it does sound like it will be very different from road riding, I'm sure we'll be okay. Thanks!

[Sheesh]

We didn't make it to the mountains, but we did have a fun ride! We basically rode through the valley and the guide pointed out the mountains and gave us an idea of some of the more technical rides that he does, but since I'm not a mountain biker, we stuck to dirt rodes and basically cow paths.

Our trip took us into a small village and we arrived in the village square just as mass was starting for the festival to celebrate "Our Lady of Guadalupe". The bell ringer was sitting on the curb out front, so our guide struck up a conversation to find out what was going on - lots of women and children in white entering the church - and the bell ringer explained. He then offered to take us up to the very top of the church while he rang the bells. Pictures below!

Our guide was great! His name is Alex from Outdoor Vallarta. He leads hiking, surfing, and mountain biking trips in the area - and he owns a local bike shop. He's making an effort to get locals interested in mountain biking (and they have some GREAT mountains for it!) and slowly but surely it's starting to take off. If anyone else ends up taking a trip to Puerto Vallarta, I highly recommend connecting with Alex for a bike trip.