Wanted: Someone to lead a fun group of cyclists cross country.
Benefits: Lots of clean fresh air, great exercise while getting paid and eat what you want without getting fat. A sizable bonus will be paid at the end of the trip if none of your participants get lost or die.
I just took the tour guide leadership course offered by Adventure Cycling which is based in my home state - Montana. World headquarters, as the instructors referred to it, is in Missoula.
I was not too familiar with Adventure Cycling before this experience except that they have put together the longest off road route in the world, The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - the object of my obsession. In addition to creating cycling routes and maps, they do event, supported and unsupported tours. They also advocate a positive cycling environment in local communities and beyond.
The mission of Adventure Cycling Association is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. We help cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery.
Why did I take the leadership course?
I don't have an immediate desire to quit my job and be a bike tour guide, although that’s what a few of the Adventure Cycling leaders did many years ago. I have, however, thought about one day jumping into the freelance world within my industry of film and television production and integrating more cycling into my life, like being a bike tour guide.
One of the four courses offered this year was in my home town of Denver, so it was also convenient. I was also very curious about learning some tips and tricks with the multi-day touring thing since I have committed to doing the Great Divide Race next year.
We met at Cherry Creek Reservoir, which I have never been to in my 9 years living in the Denver area.
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You would have no idea you were right in the city once you are inside this large state park.
The training was interesting. Most of it centered on the idea that, as a leader, you encounter many things: group dynamics and dealing with expedition behavior, bad weather, inexperienced riders, and the fact that no matter how much you plan something is going to go wrong.
We did a lot of role play to get a feel for dealing with group dynamics and playing out unexpected scenarios you might run into. It also was an eye opener to see if you naturally have the leadership qualities which fit this type of work. We were educated to the Adventure Cycling “way” of doing tours, which is a more laid-back, hands-off approach. I thought it was interesting to hear that if tour participants learn the hard way, it will lead to personal growth and make one heck of a story to tell once they are back from the trip. This is not to say the tour guide will put participants in harms way, it means the tour guides are not there to hold your hand every step of the way.
Going through this course also gave me an idea for a new reality show – if you are an investor and want to talk, give me a call. I promise it will be interesting and help you get one step closer to living the good life.
