Anyone run there own MTB guiding/coaching business?

[Woody]

With looming redundancy I'm thinking of changing career/direction - and enough of construction & engineering.

Anyone run there own guiding/coaching business?

I'm a qualified guide/coach but haven't used them in anger as I did it more for personal/betterment reasons a while back.

Also thinking of doing a Cytech Level 2 and doing some maintenance too.

[Woody]

Yeah, had seen that before.
It's always a risk taking someone out - until you see them ride you can't tell what they're like.
I don't know that area but sounds like line choice wasn't explained and a few other key skills.

Edited by Woody on Wednesday 1st July 21:15

[Woody]

dai1983 said:

I did a level 2 MIAS course through work and occasionally take the lads out at work as we get time during work. I have the back up of the MoD if anything goes pear shaped and we have use of free bikes, kit and transport etc. I make sure I am extra careful but I've had one lad stress fracture his wrist recently. I'm not sure how easy it would be to make money from it once you've factored in kit, insurance and transport etc but it must be doable else no one would do it. I don't live close enough to decent hills to consider it myself TBH.

One thing I would say is that I'm no MTB legend myself but you may find beginners level of fitness frustrating after a while. There's always someone in the group whos fitness is lacking even in here the MoD so you just bimble about all day. I'm getting known as being the "cycling guy" at work as I do road, MTB and CX so I'm always getting harrassed to go out. Its got to the point where I have to sneak out so certain people don't see me in lycra and try and join in.

Thanks for the info & advice - greatly appreciated.
I'm MIAS L2 as well - will see what happens, nothing ventured nothing gained.
Insurance wise I'm registered with ABCC and get £5m cover for coaching/guiding.

[Woody]

dai1983 said:

How much a year is your insurance if you don't mind me asking?

Would you do it expecting people to bring their own bikes along or would you supply them? Imagine it'd be worth it if you have a group of 4-6 booked up often and you're right near the trails

As a sole trader it comes in at £52/year. Covers for coaching and leading.
https://www.abcc.co.uk/join/

It would be clients bringing their own bikes and equipment.
As MBL L2 you're limited to a max of 10 in the group.
Plenty of unmarked and marked (but less used) trails around me to get some decent routes sorted.

Edited by Woody on Saturday 4th July 01:49

[Woody]

Ah yes, not sure why MOD limit you to lower numbers - a bit odd.
Good luck with the move - hopefully won't take you long to find decent routes.

[Woody]

EddyBee said:

Just wanted to post up & say that I contacted Woody a month or so ago about coaching myself and a few mates.
We needed coaching & Woody needed to some guinea pigs.

We met Woody at Cannock yesterday for a ~3hr lesson and it was great.

Managed to help us refine the basics point out some mistakes we’d been making.
Definitely improved my riding & was great fun. Even if my mates initial “attack position” looked like he’d got Polio

We’ll be putting what we learned into practice over the next few rides and booking another session to see if we can improve on anything.

All the best for the future Woody & I’m certain we’ll see you again for another session!

Thanks for the kind words and mini review Ed - greatly appreciated.
Glad you guys enjoyed it and got something out of it.
As I said let me know when you want another session and we'll sort something out