FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Up Down Trails FAQ! We’ve gathered the most common questions from our community to help you plan your perfect Azorean adventure. Whether you’re a local rider or visiting from across the globe, we’re here to ensure your experience is seamless, safe, and unforgettable.

General & Booking

  • We prefer a personal touch to ensure we match you with the right gear and trail. You can initiate a booking by reaching out via our WhatsApp (+351 913 989 909), using our website's contact form, or sending us an email. We’ll discuss your skill level and preferences before confirming your reservation.

  • Yes, we strongly recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially during the peak summer season. This allows us to ensure your bike is perfectly maintained and sized for you.

  • We understand that travel plans can change. We have no booking or cancellation fees for this exact reason.
    We do ask that you give us heads up on the cancellation so we can adjust our schedule accordingly. Your cancellation often means we have a slot open for other clients.

E-Bikes & Equipment

  • The Azores are famously steep! With average road gradients between 7-9% and some climbs reaching over 25%, an e-bike allows you to conquer these climbs with a smile. Our e-bikes ensure you can cover more ground and take in the views without being completely exhausted.

  • Our fleet consists of industry-leading e-MTBs, including the Trek, Giant, and Haibike. All bikes are meticulously maintained after every ride to handle the Azorean humid climate and volcanic dust.

  • Absolutely not a problem! If you’re traveling with your own rig, we can provide guide services and shuttle support. However, we recommend checking that your bike is suited for steep, technical volcanic terrain.

 The Riding Experience

  • One of the best things about e-bikes is that they level the playing field! If you can ride a standard bicycle, you can enjoy our sightseeing tours. For our Enduro and Downhill sessions, a higher level of technical skill and physical stamina is recommended. We categorize our rides to help you choose:

    •    Sightseeing: Accessible to anyone comfortable on a bike.

    •    Enduro/DH: For experienced riders looking for technical challenges.

  • Our fleet consists of industry-leading e-MTBs, including the Trek, Giant, and Haibike. All bikes are meticulously maintained after every ride to handle the Azorean humid climate and volcanic dust.

  • In the Azores, rain is what keeps our islands so green! We usually ride rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe (e.g., extreme winds or thunderstorms). If we have to cancel due to safety, we will offer a reschedule.

Safety & Insurance

  • Our guided tours include basic personal accident insurance as required by Portuguese law for tourism activities. However, we strongly recommend that all visitors have their own comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers "adventure sports" or "mountain biking."

  • Yes, safety is our top priority. Helmets are mandatory for all riders on our tours and rentals. We provide high-quality helmets with every rental if you don't bring your own.

Location & Logistics

  • We are based in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel. This central location gives us quick access to some of the best trails on the island, including the iconic Lagoa do Fogo and the lush forests of Nordeste.

  • Yes, we can deliver and pick up rental bikes at your accommodation for a small additional fee, depending on the location. Please mention your address when booking.

Still have questions?

We’re always happy to chat! Reach out to Bernardo via WhatsApp or follow us on:

Instagram (@updowntrails) to see what we’ve been up to lately.