We opted to rent bikes. Mine was a top of the line Gary Fisher, and Dr. B's was a Specialized Stumpjumper (which he fell in love with to the point of buying one within months of our ride). We brought our own helmets, pedals and shoes and clothing.
Our guide was Melanie, one of the owners. Another couple started with us, but the guy had to bail due to stomach troubles early on, so she ended up guiding just us three. A shuttle dropped us near Tumalo Falls, and followed a riverside path towards town. There were plenty of ups and downs, but the terrain was manageable for a tough newbie like me. Once we got to the KGB/Whoops trail section of the ride things got a little more fun. I believe the Whoops trail is supposedly named for the sound you make sailing over the top of its rollers. Dr B was flying down the trails, while Mel waited patiently for us girls. At one point we snacked on strawberries and sandwiches packed by our guide, and I remember thinking what a cool life she seemed to have.
After the awesomeness of that section we climbed closer towards town, with views of the Cascade volcanoes all around. This part was a little more challenging and exposed to the sun, but soon enough (too soon) we were on the road descending back into town. Back at the office, we received cold beer and complimentary water bottles. We purchased maps of the area from Cog Wild, knowing that getting back to the trails where we had been would be difficult on our own, and wanting to mark the route while it was still fresh in our minds. Definitely I wouldn't want to do it without a car shuttle, as some of those well-hidden( and well-ridden) trails are one-way. Looking back, I would still go with Cog Wild, even being a little more experienced years later. A great business, and great fun.
