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Right. I've got a fresh start in life, and have my sights set on becoming a mountain bike guide and instructor. but where do I start? I've got a basic first aid qualification, a basic knowledge of map reading, competent at both trailside and shop repairs, have gift of the gab and good people skills, but what official qualifications will I need for my future in guiding ? any ideas are welcome, cheers
smbla and google?
Might sound obvious, but go and be a customer of other guides.... see how they differ in their approach to 'guiding' and improve on them.
Being a skilled bike rider is high on the list...
One thing stands out in regards to the quality of a guide - the good ones could all ride the stuff they're taking you down in their sleep, one handed, looking backwards.
Have a look on the Cyclewise website...even if you don't do your training with them, there's external links to other info.
2 day Instructor / guide qualifications-
http://www.mountainbikeinstruction.co.uk/csleader.asp?session=25007121028082231939671220721
To be honest I think its more about what you learn from your training, and not so much about the qualification itself.
I know most people attend the courses for a qualification, but the fact is, they get far more from the courses, than just a qualification.
If you have not had much experience instructing / managing groups of mountain bikers, I feel that there is so much to learn, and much of this can only be gained by experience. However, a good training course will hopefully provide you with an excellent foundation to work from.
A good course provider should have had lots of experience in managing groups of all different abilities and fitness levels.
Although many people may think being a really good rider is of paramount importance, in my experince this is not really the case. Although can be useful at times (depending on group dynamics). Far more impoprtant is your group management / coaching skills, people skills and risk assessment.
RayMazey - Although many people may think being a really good rider is of paramount importance, in my experince this is not really the case. Although can be useful at times (depending on group dynamics). Far more impoprtant is your group management / coaching skills, people skills and risk assessment.
Too true. The guide needs to know and cater for what the group wants/needs. I've been on a few guided holidays and found that it's very hard for the guide to provide what everyone wants. The bigger or more mixed the group, the harder it is.