Who?
Between June 2000 and May 2005 I spent upwards of 10 months a year working both overseas and in the UK as pro-mtb guide. During this time I led a few hundred trips, spent a few thousand hours in the saddle and rode a few tens of thousands of kms. I zen navigated my way down unmarked trails not shown on any map, conversed with locals where we didn't have a single language in common, spent hours searching for the perfect espresso, completed enough trailside bike repairs to warrant starting my own bikeshop, dug paths through landslides, waded through rivers, fort off ferocious dogs and entertained local children by hopping around in circles.
I was christened 'Halfbike' by a group of mountain bike clients back in 2000, who were convinced I was some mutant bike-human cross breed, due my ability to ride up, down and across things that nobody else could.
An involuntary spell off the bike in early 2005 made me re-prioritise my life somewhat, and helped convince me to change the balance of things for the better. Now I ride, and guide and teach for pleasure, rather than doing it as a 9-to-5.
My passion for mountain biking is un-diminished, I'm still 'Halfbike', I still dream about riding that perfect trail, I still have a mountain biker's suntan and I can still roll down the trail on my front wheel when the need arises!
Having something in your life to focus on, to take your mind off the daily grind, a positive distraction, a reason to live, is essential. And for me, it's mountain biking.
Although, I'm not going to guide full-time any more, I've organised an extra month of leave each year from my 'proper' job, so that I can spend still spend a big chunk of my time guiding, teaching, inspiring and preaching the mountain bike path to all those that I meet.
In the 5 years that I spent guiding, I honed my teaching and guiding skills to an amazing degree. In the course of even as short a time as a few hours, with my expert tuition, my clients have improved immeasurably in both skill and confidence. Previously impossible obstacles, unrideable sections of trail, or off-putting trail characteristics have all been overcome. My clients have gone home buzzing and confident, having pushed their riding to a new level.
My travels might not be quite so exotic any more, less dusty Moroccan desert trails, and more sun-dappled root infested North Downs singletrack, but the emphasis will still be the same. By teaching the vital skills that make the difference between having an OK ride and having a fantastic ride, I hope to continue to have a positive influence on the mountain bikers that I meet, and in a small way, on the sport of mountain biking in general.
Other instructors/guides
Other mountain bike instructors and guides will be occasionally be used (dependent on the group size), to ensure a maximum ratio of 1:4 for Skills Tuition sessions and 1:8 for Guided Rides. All guides are highly experienced mountain bikers, chosen for their technical expertise and excellent local knowledge, hold first aid certificates and carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits, short wave walky-talky radios, mobile phones and survival equipment. Female guides/instructors will be available later in 2006 to run Ladies' Days and Weekends
If you want to contact Oliver email this address: halfbike@cloud9trails.com
last updated Thursday 04/05/2005
