Mountain Bike Guide & Shuttle Service
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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
- Establish in MTB area
- Acquire fleet and shuttle
- Obtain certifications
- Develop tours
- Set up shuttles
- Partner with shops
- Build reputation
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