Riding deeper into the Rockies
An interview with John Humphries, owner of Lizard Head Cycling Guides.

Interviewer (I): John, exactly what is Expedition Mountain Biking?

John Humphries (JH): These are vehicle supported multi-day mountain bike tours that connect remote sections of singletrack deep in the backcountry in the wildest, most stunning, inaccessible mountainous areas that still exist in the lower 48 states.  They leave the established trailhead far behind and are tours where route finding and logistics are key to the experience.  Although these tours aim to challenge cyclists both physically and mentally, they are not death marches.

I: What type of mountain biker enjoys these tours?

JH:  The targeted client or club member are cyclists who understands their own limits, both technically and physically, are in good physical shape, and would like to experience what to most is an entirely new form of mountain biking.  Overall the physical difficulty and mental challenge of riding backcountry trails goes against the current industry trend of making trips easier and inclusive; these trips are not for everybody.

I: Where did the inspiration for “Expedition Mountain Biking” come from?

JH:  These are the type of trips we do on our own with friends.  Living in Colorado’s remote San Juan Mountains we would look at distant trails on the map and figure out how to ride them.  While experiencing these areas I lamented the fact that the vast majority of cycling clients either do not have the physical conditioning to enjoy such riding or feel they do not need a guide to experience mountain biking in Colorado.  So the idea for these tours was hatched to try to and capture the imagination of the many accomplished cyclists around the globe that are seeking a transcendental experience on their bicycle, but at the same time are reluctant to sign up for a guided tour.

I: Do you expect many riders to sign up for this type of mountain biking experience?

JH:  Over the long term the answer is yes.  Once riders get a taste of the riding and the true adventure of expedition riding word of mouth will be in our favor.  Mountain bikers are an independent lot who generally feel they do not need a guide and believe they can reach all the best trails from their car while doing day riding.  On these tours guides are as asset and the riding certainly can not be reached from a car in a day.

All in all the current popularity of adventure racing, 24 hour events, and multi-day mountain bike stage racing such as the Tran-Rockies lead me to believe that there is an ample pool of potential clients.