Spring Break in Bozeman isn’t really “spring.”
It’s frozen morning commutes, patchy mud, snowstorms that appear out of nowhere, and a whole lot of riders staring longingly at bikes hanging in the garage.
That’s exactly why March is one of the best times to plan an epic MTB escape.
Whether you’re chasing warm desert slickrock, long gravel miles, or mixed-terrain coastal trails, these destinations deliver the sunshine, dry dirt, and big days we’re not getting here yet. They’re also the trips the Owenhouse Cycling crew keeps coming back to—plus we’ll walk you through how to prep your bike, ship it safely, and make sure you’re ready to roll as soon as you land.
1. Northern California – Redwood Forests, Ridgetop Flow, Every Style of Riding
Think towering redwoods in the national forest, misty forest climbs, and miles of hero-dirt singletrack that stays rideable early in the season.
From Arcata Community Forest to the quiet Mendocino Coast trail systems, this corner of NorCal delivers a little bit of everything: flow, tech, XC miles, and a whole lot of jaw-dropping scenery. It’s the perfect road-trip destination if you want forest riding that feels like a cross between PNW loam and classic California flow—without the crowds or the city energy of the Bay Area.
Rider Profile:
XC grinders, down-country fans, and “I want to do it all in one day” riders.
Owenhouse Cycling Tip:
Get a spring suspension service before you leave—the long descents in NorCal wake up every seal and bushing you forgot you wore out last season.
2. Moab, Utah – Slickrock, Red Ridges & the Iconic Spring Break Classic
If there’s a pilgrimage in the mountain bike world, it’s Moab.
Snowy peaks in the distance + warm desert singletrack = unbeatable energy.
Whether you’re racing Moab Rocks, hitting classic slickrock loops, or stringing together a big-day sampler, Moab is one of the best epic MTB trips you can plan for spring break.
Rider Profile:
Riders who embrace technical rock, endurance miles, and bragging rights back at the shop.
Owenhouse Cycling Tip:
Flying to Utah? Let us box and ship your bike so you can show up ready to ride instead of wrestling with a cardboard box at the airport.
3. Tucson, Arizona – Not a MTB Mecca… But a Great Spot for Road Biking!
Tucson is famous for road riding, and for good reason. Climbers love it, gravel riders adore it, and Mt. Lemmon might be the most iconic spring climb in the Southwest.
Even if it’s not your typical MTB destination, Tucson belongs on your radar for one huge reason: your spring legs.
Putting in big base miles in warm weather in March? That’s how race season gets spicy.
Rider Profile:
Roadies, XC racers, and early-season mileage hunters.
Owenhouse Cycling Tip:
Bring a second wheelset if you can—Tucson serves up so many types of riding that you’ll probably want the flexibility once you’re there. Also, don’t forget to get a giant cookie, like our team did after taking on the Mt. Lemmon climb!
4. Patagonia, Arizona – Our Unofficial Gravel Capital U.S.A.
Just south of Tucson sits Patagonia, a tiny town with huge big-gravel energy.
Wide-open desert, rolling ranch roads, endless horizon lines—if you’re craving an Arizona MTB trip but want something different than Sedona or Phoenix, Patagonia is a gem.
This area is so iconic for gravel that some of the world’s best riders winter-train here. It’s quiet, beautiful, and feels like you’ve rolled into an old western.
Rider Profile:
Gravel lovers, adventure-ride seekers, and anyone prepping for long-course events.
Owenhouse Cycling Tip:
Stop by before you go for a tubeless refresh. Desert thorns don’t care how dialed your training plan is.
5. San Francisco & Marin County – Coastline Rides and the Birthplace of MTB
You get the city.
You get the ocean.
You get the birthplace of mountain biking just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
It’s hard to beat spring riding in Marin County, where you can start the morning with coffee in the city and end your day on coastal trails carved into rolling hills that look straight out of a movie.
Owenhouse team member, Luuk, calls the riding here “amazing,” and he’s not wrong. Fast flow, mixed-surface routes, and killer views—it’s everything a Spring Break MTB trip should be.
Rider Profile:
Trail riders, mixed-terrain explorers, riders who want a little culture with their climbs.
Owenhouse Cycling Tip:
This is one of the best places to test out a dream build—or take your current bike on its “treat yourself” makeover. Ask our team about upgrades before you fly or drive out.
Pre-Trip Prep: Don’t Leave Bozeman Without This Checklist
Before you roll out to warmer trails, make sure your bike is dialed for big miles and changing terrain. Spring Break trips are where hidden winter issues love to reveal themselves.
✔ Tune Before You Travel
Drop your bike off at least 1–2 weeks before departure so we can prep suspensions, drivetrains, brakes, and pivots for long-haul days.
✔ Match Your Gear to Your Destination
- Desert trips (Moab, Patagonia): extra sealant, fresh tubeless setup, spare plugs
- Coastal forest riding (NorCal, Marin): proper layers, brake check for long descents
- High-mileage training (Tucson): comfort-first cockpit fit, saddle, and shorts
✔ Owenhouse Cycling Spring Travel Checklist
- Fresh tires
- Tubeless refresh
- Suspension service
- Brake pad check/replacement
- Backup derailleur hanger
- Chain check or replacement
- Tool kit + CO₂ or pump
- Snacks (essential)
Want to Ship Your Bike? We Offer Bike Boxing & Bike Shipping!
If you’re flying out for your Spring Break adventure, don’t stress about traveling with your bike. Owenhouse Cycling is a designated BikeFlights drop-off location, and we’ll make sure your bike arrives safely wherever you’re headed.
Bike Boxing & Unboxing Services
Boxing a Bike – $90
We’ll disassemble, pack, and foam-wrap your bike in a properly sized box (materials included).
Unboxing and Building a Bike – $90
Ship your bike to us—we’ll unbox, reassemble, and make minor adjustments so it’s ready to ride when you arrive in Bozeman (or return home).
How Bike Shipping Works (Super Simple)
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- Bring your bike in. We box it, protect it, measure the final package, and send you the dimensions.
- Set up shipping. Create a BikeFlights or ShipBikes label and email it to us.
- We handle the handoff. We label your box, and FedEx/UPS picks it up directly from the shop.
Your bike is:
- Packed securely
- Protected for travel
- Rebuilt and adjusted when it arrives
Traveling with your own bike shouldn’t be complicated—we’re here to make it easy.
We’re Here to Help Make Your Dream Bike Trips Happen
The best MTB trips start long before the first trailhead—they start with a bike that’s tuned, protected for travel, and built for the terrain you’re chasing. Whether you’re planning Moab slickrock, Arizona gravel, or a coastal NorCal sampler, we’re here to help you ride your best for spring trips.
Call us or stop by the store to talk tune-ups and bike shipping!
