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druidh - MemberFWIW, I'm in the "grab a map and head off" category - but then I also enjoy all the planning and logistics. Some folk hate that aspect. The only guided ride I've been on was a LEJOG I did earlier this year in support of Marie Curie. That was a bit weird for me as they'd obviously planned the route and had booked accommodation etc.
Thanks for that - I believe that catering for people that "grab a map and head off" is going to be just as important as any guiding, if the feedback so far is anything the go by - if all goes well perhaps one day you might be grabbing a map from me.
Roter Stern - MemberA good friend of mine has started a similar business here in Germany. He doesn't offer only guiding though, he also does skills weekends and training camps (he has a degree in sports science). He mainly has novice MTbers who join the weekends to get some skills advice and to go out riding with riders of a similar ability. He has graded routes based on rider ability (beginner, intermediate and advanced) so all the riders have a good idea of what they are letting themselves in for. He also belongs to a network of similar guides who seem to share clients who want to ride in an area not familar to the guides personally.
There is some good advice/helpful hints in there - thank you.
I am hoping to catch the weekend crowd for some more survey responses. Thanks to all those that have taken the survey so far, the responses are very helpful.
It's only 6 questions, so please let me have your thoughts...
Thanks All.
I thought I would post some initial results from the 6 questions - I have had a healthy response so far, so a good indication of your thoughts....
[b]Would you take a Guided MTB Short Break in Devon (Dartmoor)?[/b]
66% would possibly or definitely take a short break to Devon.
[b]
Would you want to hire a bike?[/b]
98% of people wouldn't want to hire a bike.
[b]How many days would you want to stay?[/b]
48% would prefer a 2 day break & 43% would prefer a 3 day break.
[b]What would be your maximum budget for the short break, including - Accommodation and Guiding?[/b]
53% of respondents would pay £200 for an MTB short break.
[b]What type of accommodation would you want?[/b]
The choices were Bunkhouse (91%) & Camping Facilities 9% - although a few mentioned a B&B option for an additional cost.
[b]Please give us a short paragraph on what you would expect from a 'Guided Mountain Bike Short Break'.[/b]
This gave some very good insights into what you expected - but this one summed them all up quite well......
[i]"different route each day, multiple route options, maps/pictures, route grading, trained and properly equipped guides, optional night ride, well stocked lbs, local pub! Big breakfast, packed lunch or planned lunch stop, Dinner"[/i]
Thank you to everyone that has responded so far, your feedback has been great and led to some further ideas and developments.