Video: A Day in the Life of a Whistler Guide

Ever wondered what life is like for a Mountain Bike guide at Whistler Bike Park? We asked former Peak Leaders trainee and current guide at the park, John Inman, to tell us about what happens during an average day of guiding and teaching at the best bike park in the world.

7:30AM

Morning! Wake up, quick shower, fuel up for the day with a big breakfast (possibly hustled for free...) and check your guide pack to make sure all your kit, and spares, are packed.

8:15AM

Jump on the bike, blast down 'Staff Hill' and rock-up to the shack where all the guides hang out. Grab a coffee or cup of tea (dependent on whether you're British) from Garbanzo Bike & Bean opposite the Shack and get prepped for the day.

8:30AM - 9:15AM

Briefing with the boss. During this time you'll talk about clients that have pre-booked for the day. The radios are then handed out and any updates on trail conditions are detailed. It's then time to hang out at the entrance to the rental shop and greet clients as they come in. As the clients arrive it's important to give their bike the "once over" and get them ready to head up the mountain. This includes ensuring that everybody is wearing the correct protective clothing and headwear.


Getting ready for a busy day of teaching!

9:15 - 10AM

The lesson starts! Hit the Fitzsimmons Express for the commute up to the skills area. Take them through the basics of body positioning, braking and cornering. Once they are up to speed with the basics it's a quick ride over to the trail head to get shredding! A few laps of 'EZ Does It' and it's high fives all round.


Dropping some knowledge

12:30PM

First lesson of the day finishes after a couple of laps, then it's time for the lunch break. Head over to Garbanzo Bike & Bean again for a sandwich, or Fat Tony's for a few slices of Pizza...or you could bring a sandwich.

2:00PM

Afternoon lessons begin. For the afternoon you'll quite often be given a new group of more experienced riders, possibly wanting a jump lesson. Once again it's a short lift ride up to the skills park to get some practice on the 'Gentle Giant' and get the technique down. After getting the fundamentals sorted it's time for some practise on 'B-Line' and 'Crank It Up'!

Depending on whether or not you're on good terms with the boss, you could be given a cross country tour. If so, it's time to grab your XC lid and bike for a trip to the trails around Lost Lake, to have a go at some more technical climbing and north shore!


5:00PM

Finishing time! Say goodbye to some stoked clients, then head over to the lockers to get changed out of the green jersey and time for some evening laps in the park... No Queues, blue skies, hot laps with the crew!

A lap of airtime on 'Freight Train'

Topped of with some 'No Joke' to round off the day!

8:30PM

At 8.30pm it's officially time for a well earned beer at the GLC......come on you've earned it. After a couple of cold beverages it's time to head home for a little bike maintenance session, then off to bed to do it all again tomorrow....

Cheers!

Just time for some quick bike faff before bed.

Fancy making this a reality? For more information, head over to our website to check out the courses available at Whistler during the summer.

If you are wondering what a season of doing this is like, be sure to check out John's blog from last season.....he definitely tells it as he sees it!

Also be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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MENTIONS: @peakleaders @WhistlerMountainBikePark

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