FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions ROCKY MOUNTAIN OFFROAD TOURS
Q: Where is Salida, Colorado?
A :
Salida, Colorado is in South Central on the Continental Divide in Chaffee County, and is also known as the Heart or Crossroads of the Rockies. Hwy 50 from Colorado Springs and Gunnison dissect Salida as does Hwy 285 from Denver and Santa Fe, NM.
- There are more Fourteen thousand foot peaks (14teeners) in Chaffee County than any other County in North America.
- 3 National Forests and 3 Colorado counties converge on the Continental Divide above Salida.
- The Headwaters of the Arkansas, Rio Grande and Colorado Rivers are at the Heart of the Rockies.
- Salida & Buena Vista, both old Railroad and mining communities are in Chaffee County.
- The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) at Monarch Pass is the only section of the CDT open to Motorcycles. The CDT traverses the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico.
- This area is not well known to the public.
Q: Which motorcycle can I ride?
A :
You ride your own off road motorcycle or we have new model 300cc plated 2 stroke’s available for rent.
- THIS IS A RIDE FOR DIRT BIKES, NOT FACTORY DUAL SPORT MODELS OR SMALLER PLAY BIKES.
- IF YOUR MOTORCYCLE IS NOT PLATED, WE CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET YOU TO THE TRAILHEAD AND BACK, OR YOU CAN CHOOSE TO DO AN OVERNIGHT RIDE AND RIDE THE RAINBOW TRAIL OFFROAD BACK TO SALIDA. IT’S A WHOLE NEW TRAIL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
- IF YOUR MOTORCYCLE IS PLATED, WE CAN RIDE COUNTY DIRT ROADS BACK TO SALIDA FOR MOST OF THE DISTANCE ON A 1 DAY RIDE.
- NO FACTORY DUAL SPORTS LIKE A DR 650, KLR 650 OR ANYTHING WITHOUT SUFFICIENT GROUND CLEARANCE. A 690 KTM COULD WORK WELL FOR A GOOD RIDER.
- NO SMALL FOO FOO BIKES, BECAUSE THE RAINBOW TRAIL HAS REAL UPHILLS AND DOWNHILLS AND MOST COULD NOT MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT PACE ON A FOO FOO MOTORCYCLE AND WOULD HOLD UP THE ENTIRE GROUP.
Q: I bring my own bike?
A :
Yes, and don’t forget – if coming from out of state and bringing your own bike, a non-resident OHV permit is required. These are typically available at the USFS Station in town or online at the Colorado State Parks site. (See OHV Regulations)
- The Rainbow Trail averages 9,000 feet above Sea Level. Consult your owner’s manual or dealer for jetting tips. We suggest going up (larger) on the Pilot Jet and down (smaller) on the Main Jet. (See Ride Preparation) Or you could ride something Fuel Injected.
- Your Motorcycle should be street Legal in your State of residence for you to ride to the trailhead. If not street legal or plated – We can transport your motorcycle for you, or you could drive to the trailhead and we could transport your motorcycle back on the return trip for an additional fee of $25, or you could ride 2 days and ride the Rainbow Trail Offroad back to the start.
Q: Where do we ride?
A :
We ride the Rainbow trail from the old Shirley Townsite or Anderson Motor Company on Highway 50 to Cutty’s Resort on the Hayden Pass.
Q: How large are the groups?
A :
Ideal group sizes are kept to 5 people, with two guides per groups of 6 or more. Some overnight rides we may accommodate up to 15 riders with 3 guides.
Q: How long do we ride each day?
A :
No reason to stress in the early morning, so we try and get on the trail by 9 am. There is no set schedule, you can ride all day and/or until the group says they’ve had enough! It stays Dark late in the summer in Colorado. We try to ride to Cutty’s resort for Lunch by early afternoon. You can call it a day once we arrive at Cutty’s, or you can ride the Eastern Rainbow and return before dark.
- If you’re not doing an Overnight ride, and your bike is not plated, arrangements will be made for a ride back to Salida from Cutty’s Resort for an additional fee of $25.00. Or if you are riding a Plated motorcycle, you can ride back to Salida the back way, of which there are several options on a plated motorcycle.
- On Overnight Rides we try to ride to Cutty’s resort for Lunch by early afternoon. You can call it a day once we arrive at Cutty’s, or you can ride the Eastern Rainbow and return before dark. We will again try and be on the Trail by 9am on the return trip and Ride the Rainbow Trail West on the Return to Salida. The Dropaway’s are now on your right and it’s a whole new trail in the other direction.
Q: What happens if our schedule changes?
A :
We understand that your schedule may change at the last minute and/or emergencies may occur preventing you from attending. We will do our best to reschedule your adventure for a date that can better accommodate your situation either for this season or the following season. (Please see Pricing for additional Information)
Q: Rental Bikes?
A :
We offer New Oil Injected 2 Stroke Beta 300cc X-Trainers. We supply the Fuel & Oil. We will look after normal wear and tear, tires, air filters and suspension. You must purchase Insurance. Call or send an emailto:craig@rockymountainjeeprentals.com
Phone: (719) 539-3088 Cell: (719) 221-0757 for Pricing and to reserve your ride.
Q: Do I need to bring riding gear?
A :
Yes, you should bring your own riding gear. Although we have limited spare gear available if you forget something or tear something gear up.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A :
Reservations are required. A Holding Fee is required to hold the reservation and we require an advance of $100 deposit, per person, for the reservation. (See Pricing page for more Info)
Q: When is payment due?
A :
A $100 Holding Fee is required to guarantee your ride reservation. 100% Payment for your adventure will be due in full, 4 weeks prior to your Ride date. (See Pricing page)
Q: Is a waiver required?
A :
A signed liability release agreement is required prior to the start of the tour.
Q: What if I’m not a great rider?
A :
That’s okay! But you must be a competent rider to challenge the Rocky Mountains. The Rainbow Trail is narrow in places, rocky and has challenging climbs and descents. This is not a ride for beginners.
Q: Can I get training and lessons?
A :
Not in the true sense, no. Riders should already be proficient on a dirt bike (but in no way do you have to be an expert). These are designed to be fun vacations, with everyone riding the best tracks in the World. We love to help where we can, but this is not a training school. We want everyone to ride within their ability and go home safe and have the greatest trip ever!
Q: What is the accommodation and food like?
A :
If you are flying in or arriving the day prior to the ride, your hotel on arrival is on you. If needed, call and we can recommend a few different hotels in town, all with great locations close to all the action. Call if you would like a recommendation. Breakfast is usually included at the hotel to begin your first day. For single day rides, Lunch we will normally eat at Cutty’s resort. Dinner and breakfast will also be at Cutty’s resort the next day if you are spending the night on a 2 Day ride. Lodging at Cutty’s the resort will usually be in a bunkhouse, with lodging upgrades available for an
Q: How is the weather in the Summer?
A :
Normally there is a little rain in the summer months. We will very, very rarely be rained out and most of the time the dirt is amazing after rain! Summer is the nicest time of the year in the Rocky Mountains, with temperatures rarely in the mid 80’s during the day, virtually no humidity and nights in the 40’s -50’s.
Q: Do I need travel/ health insurance?
A :
Yes, you will need to cover yourself in case you have an accident. We will make sure that you get the care you need if you do crash, but the hospitals require proof of insurance.
Q: What if I want to bring my wife or girlfriend and kids?
A :
Terrific! The Rocky Mountains are a fantastic vacation destination for both riders and non-riders. On the days that you don’t ride, we can help you organize trips Rafting, Fly Fishing, Jeeping, Rockhounding, Ziplining, horseback riding or just sightseeing. There are many options.
Q: How do I book?
A :
You can book directly off this website with a credit card or Bank account on PayPal. You will pay a $100 Holding Fee (deposit) to reserve a Tour, with the balance then due 4 weeks prior to your trip.
Q: How can I contact you for more details?
A :
Company / Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals / Rocky Mountain Offroad Tours.
emailto:craig@rockymountainjeeprentals.com
Phone: (719) 539-3088 Cell: (719) 221-0757
345 West Highway 50; Salida, CO 81201
Here are a few answers to some more of the most commonly asked Questions:
Q: How old do you have to be to ride with Rocky Mountain Off Road Tours?
A :
You must be age 16 or older to ride.
Q: When do you offer adventures?
A :
Looking for the ultimate summer adventure? Our adventures in Colorado begin right after the snow melts usually in late June (depending on snow conditions). Our Adventures can run until late October (depending on snow conditions).
Q: What if I damage the rental bike?
A :
The bikes will be perfectly prepared, and upon your arrival the first evening we will make sure that everything is set up to suit you. If you are especially light, heavy, tall or short then let us know and we will do our best to get the bike ready in advance. We will look after normal wear and tear, tires, air filters and suspension.
However, if you do damage, or you are riding recklessly, then we reserve the right to charge you for the damages. Insurance coverage must be purchased for the motorcycle with a $1000 deductible and you must leave a deposit before the ride begins. (Link to Insurance Website)
Rental Operator Policy Number: 201556
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A:
Fly into Denver International Airport where you will grab your rental car and drive 3 hours to our location in Salida. (345 West Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201). We recommend coming in the day before your riding adventure in the early afternoon allowing enough time to make it to our shop/office for check in by 6:00 pm. On your departure day, don’t book yourself an early flight out – remember the drive is 3 hours without inclement weather!
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is also an option. It is closer and a shorter drive, but flights tend to cost a bit more.
Q: What if I don’t speak English very well?
A :
Motorcycles has an international language, and you will have a great time speaking ‘Moto’ with the Americans!
See BOOKING FAQ for additional Questions and Answers
