The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in partnership with the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA), REI San Diego, the San Diego Parks Society and other agencies and organizations, launched a collaborative project that is the first of its kind in the region. The Ride On Mountain Biking Challenge invites residents to visit new parks, try new bike paths and to sharpen their skills on beginner and intermediate trails. 

The Challenge can be completed with or without the support of park staff. Monthly meet-ups have been planned to share helpful information and to guide first-timers through some of the region's most popular mountain biking trails. 

Scheduled to take place on the second or third Saturday of every month beginning at 8:30 a.m., each expert-led meetup welcomes up to 36 people, ages 8 and above (unless otherwise noted; no unaccompanied youth).

There are two options - beginner and intermediate. Based on your skill level, you can choose either option, or staff will guide you to the most appropriate route. 

Registration and waivers are required, and free bike rentals can be arranged at the time of registration, while supplies last. Details are included in each event flyer. 

CURRENT SCHEDULE

Accessibility: All Challenge trails welcome e-bikes, providing an extra boost for those who might otherwise struggle with trail incline, surface or difficulty. Rules will be prominently displayed and shared. Learn more about DPR’s e-bike policy.

Inclusivity: Don't have a bike? No problem! Book one when you make your reservation at least three days in advance of the event. REI San Diego has all the gear you need for your ride, and they'll bring it to the event. NOTE: The minimum bike height available is 5 feet.   

Safety: Helmets will be required for all guided rides. If riders do not have helmets, they may request them at the time of registration, based on availability. Participants will need to prove their mountain bike (personal or borrowed) is in good working order and can be taken on uneven, rocky, sandy and otherwise challenging terrain. Bikes must have the correct treaded knobby tires and working gears and brakes. SDMBA and REI San Diego staff and volunteers will be on site to assist. 

Responsibility: Trail etiquette will be enforced;  watch this video to learn how to be a responsible trail user. 

Rewards: Meetup attendees will receive a collectable sticker and a pair of bright, “Ride On” athletic socks. Visitors who partake in the challenge outside of scheduled meetups can still request a collectible sticker at participating parks’ ranger stations, while supplies last.

This series is part of the County’s overarching Experience the Outdoors Program. Learn more at sdparks.org/experienceoutdoors.

For more information, please contact Jessica Geiszler, Marketing & Public Outreach Manager for DPR, at Jessica.Geiszler@sdcounty.ca.gov or Susie Murphy, Executive Director of SDMBA, at executivedirector@sdmba.com.