Profiles are included with each of the descriptions to provide a better sense of the relative size, steepness, and position of climbs and descents within each individual ride. Both the horizontal and vertical scales vary between the profiles so it is not possible to make direct comparisons. Make sure that you take the variations in scale into account! The pattern beneath each segment of the ride indicates the riding surface for that segment. The patterns are the same as those used on the maps. The ideal ride would have no pavement, minimal gravel road, dirt roads for the ascents, and single-track descents.

The maps furnished for each of the rides are topographic maps with contour intervals of either 200 or 500 feet. Topography is displayed by a series of contour lines that connect points of equal elevation. The small numbers on each contour line are the elevation (in feet) above sea level. When you cross from one contour line to the next, you have either gained or lost an amount of elevation equal to the contour interval for that map. The relative steepness of the climb or descent can be judged by noting how many contour lines are crossed within a given segment of the ride.

As with the profiles, the scale varies considerably from map to map. Make sure that you take differences in scale into account when comparing maps. The symbols used for the various types of riding surfaces are the same as or similar to those used in the profiles. A key is provided with each map in case you forget.

The maps show all US Forest Service (USFS) roads in the area of the individual rides. The USFS roads are numbered in boxes whose shape is indicative of the road's relative importance: trapezoids with two-digit numbers indicate major arteries; rectangles with four-digit numbers denote important secondary roads; pointed boxes with three-digit numbers designate spur roads that often dead-end. Trails are designated by parallelograms with four-digit numbers. Some of the USFS roads are numbered on posts near intersections and can therefore be used as navigational aids. However, there are many intersecting roads (official and otherwise) that are not posted. It is impossible at the scales of these maps to show every minor dirt road. The shaded areas on the map represent areas of the Umatilla National Forest that are off-limits to mountain bikes. Reading the ride descriptions carefully and using a bike computer are the best means of staying on route. You may also find it helpful to consult the 7.5 minute series US Geological Survey topographic maps of the area. The following quadrangles cover the same area as this guide: Big Meadows, Blalock Mountain, Bone Spring, Deadman Peak, Peterson Ridge, Jubilee Lake, Kooskooskie, Tollgate.