Mountain Bike Guide & Shuttle Service

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Startup Cost
$20,000-$85,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
10-18 months
Profit Potential
$65,000-$290,000/year

Overview

Mountain bike guide services provide guided rides, instruction, and shuttle service in destination trail areas.

With 9+ million riding trails and 15%+ growth, services generate revenue of $100,000-$340,000 with 60-75% margins on tours and 40-50% on shuttles.

The business requires bike fleet (10-20), shuttle vehicle, certifications, and insurance.

Services include guided tours, skills clinics, uplift shuttles, rentals, multi-day trips, and women's programs.

Pricing typically $75-$150 for half-day guided ride, $30-$60 for shuttle.

Success factors include destination area location, trail expertise, teaching skills, efficient shuttle operations, and mountain bike community reputation.

Most combine tours with shuttle service near bike parks.

Marketing focuses on MTB forums, Trailforks, Instagram, and destination tourism.

With mountain biking booming in 2025, guide services offer trail opportunities providing experiences and shuttle access.

Required Skills

  • Expert mountain biking
  • Teaching/instruction
  • Bike maintenance
  • Shuttle logistics
  • Trail safety
  • Local advocacy

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High margins on tours
  • Growing participation
  • Shuttle steady revenue
  • Riding professionally
  • Strong summer revenue

Cons

  • Seasonal business
  • Fleet investment
  • Vehicle/fuel costs
  • Weather dependent
  • Competition in destinations

How to Get Started

  1. Establish in MTB area
  2. Acquire fleet and shuttle
  3. Obtain certifications
  4. Develop tours
  5. Set up shuttles
  6. Partner with shops
  7. Build reputation

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