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Just wondering...We have been out biking abroad with a guide for the last 2 yrs, fully paid, rented bikes etc but this year we are meeting a mate who lives nearby & taking our own bikes.
Whats the general consensus regarding riding the same trails but without the guide?? Is it the done thing?
The trails belong to no-one, if you are experienced enough and take the right precautions then I think it’s fine. If you got on with your guide from last year maybe hook up for a beer post ride 😀
I'm a guide and run a guiding business here in England. I wouldn't have a problem if my clients rode the same trails again, without me. How could I mind ? They're not [b]my[/b] trails.
oop north: Well as a MTB Guide who has worked in Greece and Spain there are many benefits of using a guide/guiding company. If I can list a couple:
Back up at base/HQ if something goes wrong. This can usually mean a mini bus/van at hand if something goes wrong with you or the bike.
The guide will be first aid qualified and will carry the neccessary first aid kit and more importantly know how to use it.
Local knowledge of the area including escape routes and alternative routes if it all goes "Pete Tong".
Having guided for over 10 year I automatically ride like a guide, even if I am out on a ride with some mates. Its ingrained in to my brain. I seem to notice more about the immediate environment when I am out than my fellow riders and also pick up on how other riders in the group are doing.
Going with a local should be ok but just remember to be as self sufficient as possible. That includes water, food, spares, first aid kit, mobile phone relevant to the country you are in or 2 way radio's and a back up plan or EAP in place.
Matt
If you can afford it and enjoy the company of the guide, definitely - maximise your holiday!
As has been mentioned, no one owns the trails.
If you're abroad and looking to maximise your holiday (i.e. fit the most good trails possible into your week away) then there are certain areas where finding the trails isn't that obvious and you'd be much better off with a guide... e.g. Les Arcs or Verbier, etc... somewhere like Morzine on the other hand is pretty easy to find your way around without a guide