In this article, we will present a cycling guide profile, playing a major role in a successful cycling tour.
To be successful at work, a cycling guide must feel the love and joy of working with people and must have respect for the natural environment. Only this way, bike tour participants will be satisfied, and their cycling guide too. A cycling guide is also a teacher. Guiding a bike tour is extremely complex and challenging, so a guide needs theoretical knowledge in various fields and practical experience in guiding and working with a group of customers. Participants constantly watch and follow their guide, so inappropriate actions must be avoided.
Preparedness of a cycling guide. The guide’s work involves different people and situations, with participants expecting answers to all kind of questions, so cycling guides must be thoroughly prepared. Continuously following and strengthening their knowledge in psychology and technical areas is necessary and they should never neglect their physical fitness and the content of their cycling stages, i.e. the cultural, historical and environmental components.
Psychological readiness means a stable and strong personality. Only this inspires confidence (professionalism, knowledge and experience). Working with groups of customers should be a pleasure for a guide. Bike tours must be attractive and realistically set, so no one underestimates them. The guide’s physical fitness must be comparable or above that of participants. This is especially important in difficult circumstances. Guides must have a positive effect on participants’ confidence.
Technical readiness means proper personal equipment and a bicycle in perfect condition. Knowing equipment and technology is essential. Cycling tours should be planned in a way to provide participants with the expected physical activity, while the tours must be informative from technical and cultural-historical point of view, too. It is also necessary to create a pleasant atmosphere on a cycling tour.
Cycling guides’ responsibility. Cycling guides must have a valid Guide License. They must not take risks when in trouble – safety of their group must always come first. They never leave their group. Before and during a tour, they check participants’ readiness (psychological, physical and technical). Cycling guides take care of the safety, well-being and satisfaction of the guided participants. They must be able to recognize their abilities, desires and expectations. Leading a tour must always be adjusted to the group, while also providing advice and help to participants. At the end of a tour, cycling guides make an assessment of the tour by defining positive and negative aspects. Finally, they must also upgrade their personal guiding experience and further strengthen their knowledge.
Guiding a cycling group is an interesting, challenging and responsible task. It takes a lot of knowledge and skill to work with people. A cycling guide who is up to the task can achieve plenty of personal satisfaction and personal growth. Our Cycling World provides you with professionally trained and licenced cycling guides, guaranteeing safe bike tours and your satisfaction!
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