The Ride Guides
The Ride Guides
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Ride Guides will tailor your ride to your exact needs. From a first timer's cruise along the Monterey Bay to eye watering downhill shuttles on our world-class singletrack we'll connect you with your dream ride. We can also kit you out with cutting edge bikes and will help you discover the best that Santa Cruz has to offer, on and off the bike.
Similar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
17 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Courtney F
2 contributions
Jan 2020
Dave from the Ride Guides was friendly and professional in both email communication and while on our ride. I was impressed with how well Dave did bridging my skill level (intermediate) with my partner's skill level (expert) on our route. I never felt left behind or pushed outside of my comfort level. I appreciated Dave's thoughtfulness in stopping to take pictures at points along our ride; it was fun getting the pictures later as memories of our trip! I would highly recommend this company to others.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney, thanks so much for making the ride a part of your tour through California with Chris. It was a blast spending time with you both, I hope your finish through Big Sur and Yosemite was as fun and beautiful as Santa Cruz!
Written January 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom
2 contributions
May 2023
Rode for around 4 hrs out in the spiderweb trails in the redwoods near UC Santa Cruz. Dave is a great guide, very knowledgeable about the area, helped build the trails we rode, a fun person to ride with. We hit it off and seemed to have a lot in common. I would highly recommend Dave and the Ride Guides for your mountain biking experience in Santa Cruz.
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ireneiwakura
Itapira, SP67 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
I went to Santa Cruz Factory demo to ride Juliana Joplin MTB, which for $40 you can use it for 4 hours. Dave Robinson from The Ride Guides was my guide to the Wilder Ranch State Park, where we did a beautiful Single track tour, he also coached me to improve my MTB skills . Maybe it is better not to use cycling shoes and get some Knee Pads, as I felt 2 times . After the Single Track Dave took me to the West Cliff, where you can ride along the sea coast, which was wonderful. I certainly recommend this tour.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irene, it was great hosting you on our trails, thanks for looking us up! I agree with your comment about clip-less pedals, flat pedals are far superior when developing mountain biking skills on singletrack. Enjoy your holiday!
Written October 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard M
4 contributions
Aug 2022
I had a brilliant morning exploring the trails around Santa Cruz with Dave. He knew the trails really well and picked out a ride length / trail selection that was perfectly matched to my ability and fitness. As well as the guiding he helped me out with some useful tips on my riding and I really enjoyed our chat on the way round, coming away knowing a lot more about the area, and with some great recommendations for the rest of my trip.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Habsfan911
North Vancouver, Canada16 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
I can't say enough about Dave and the fantastic experience I had with The Ride Guides in Santa Cruz! Dave was knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I would recommend him and The Ride Guides to anyone who wants to have a great look at the mountain bike trails of Santa Cruz. You'll also get great conversation, a good workout, beautiful views and the chance to hang out with a great guy.
Written December 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve,
It was a blast riding with you, it's always a pleasure to share our trails here. Stay warm up in North Vancouver and we'll look forward to riding with you again soon!
Written December 6, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RKM16
Kirkland, WA48 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I've always wanted to ride around Santa Cruz. I've done a lot of riding in New England and Seattle with some riding in the Southwest, but I've heard that the trails in Santa Cruz are uniquely great. I spent half a day riding with Dave from The Ride Guides and it was hands-down the best mountain biking I've done. Dave picked trails that were perfectly suited to my ability (intermediate) and we spent the day on trails that were both challenging and diverse. Some of the trails were smooth with lots of berms which were perfect for practicing cornering while others were more technical with roots, rocks, and switchbacks.
Not only did we have a great day on the trails, Dave also helped me build some skills. My riding has improved significantly since my trip with Dave -- I can take corners faster and clean sections that I've had trouble with in the past.
In addition, Dave was a font of knowledge about the local area and the various preservation efforts that are going into the California coast.
If you enjoy mountain biking, I highly recommend The Ride Guides -- you'll experience some of the best trails around while learning new skills. I can't wait to go back.
Not only did we have a great day on the trails, Dave also helped me build some skills. My riding has improved significantly since my trip with Dave -- I can take corners faster and clean sections that I've had trouble with in the past.
In addition, Dave was a font of knowledge about the local area and the various preservation efforts that are going into the California coast.
If you enjoy mountain biking, I highly recommend The Ride Guides -- you'll experience some of the best trails around while learning new skills. I can't wait to go back.
Written October 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gunnarp960
Santa Cruz1 contribution
Aug 2015 • Family
We had such a blast riding with Dave! He quickly assessed our skills levels (we warmed up at a perfect pump track just minutes from the trail head) and then we were on a beautiful, well maintained trail. Because Dave was so familiar with the trails, he offered efficient and helpful tips -- we quickly increased our skills, our speed, took risks and felt more confident on our bikes than ever before. We highly recommend Dave as a trail guide. He's a great teacher, super reliable and laid back. He loves sharing his stoke for mountain biking and we look forward to going out with him again. ~ Gunnar, Charlie & Ally
P.s. You can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/therideguides
P.s. You can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/therideguides
Written September 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gunnar, it was great riding with you and turning you on to our mountain biking mecca, thanks for choosing us!
Written September 22, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dale P
1 contribution
What a day I had in Santa Cruz!
I was in San Francisco for work and, after chatting with a few mtb locals, decided to rent a car and drive down to Santa Cruz.
I found The Ride Guides on the MBOSC web site and Dave was an exceptional guide . I only had a pair of trainers with me but Dave sorted me out with everything I needed for a great day of riding.
He was very familiar with the area and quickly found the trails that suited my ability.
If your planning a mtb trip to Santa Cruz and your not familiar with the trails, then hook up with Dave. You won't be disappointed.
I was in San Francisco for work and, after chatting with a few mtb locals, decided to rent a car and drive down to Santa Cruz.
I found The Ride Guides on the MBOSC web site and Dave was an exceptional guide . I only had a pair of trainers with me but Dave sorted me out with everything I needed for a great day of riding.
He was very familiar with the area and quickly found the trails that suited my ability.
If your planning a mtb trip to Santa Cruz and your not familiar with the trails, then hook up with Dave. You won't be disappointed.
Written May 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale, it was a blast riding with you and showing you the goods here in Santa Cruz. We hope that we can host you again this winter or spring on our year round trails!
Written September 22, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chad C
Edmonton, Canada1 contribution
Mar 2015 • Couples
Dave did a great job of assessing my skill level and then setting the right pace and the right trails for me. He was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, he really made the ride a lot of fun. I would highly recommend booking with Dave and wouldn't hesitate to book again when we go back to Santa Cruz.
Written April 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad, thanks so much for joining us in Santa Cruz, it was a pleasure dialing you into the trails here. I'm looking forward to riding some different stuff with you on your next visit!
Written May 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JeromeL77
Redondo Beach, CA2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Great trip around UCSC, lots of amazing trails and Dave gave taught us a lot of useful tip to ride better. Highly recommended
Written October 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there Valerie, thanks for the inquiry! We don't like to limit our clients to a single brand or type of mountain bike so we have relationships with shops and demo centers around Santa Cruz and can help you secure the bike that best suits your needs for your tour with us. Costs generally run from $40 - $100/day.
Written May 11, 2018
Can we bring our own bikes? Is this an off road ride or a paved ride?
Written March 24, 2015
We recommend that you bring your own bike! We can provide a paved tour but the singletrack around Santa Cruz is world-class and we highly recommend experiencing it.
Written March 24, 2015
taina b
Stockton, California
is it possible to rent a bike with a child seat attached?
Written March 19, 2015
We can definitely connect you with one of our vendors who has a Trail-a-Bike rental available at $25/day. This is a far safer alternative to the traditional child seat.
Written March 19, 2015
Showing results 1-3 of 3