BECOME A FOUNDING GUIDE
HELP RIDERS EXPERIENCE UNFAMILIAR TRAILS WITH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
Riders visiting a new trail system may know where the trails are, but not which routes fit their ability, available time, goals, local context, or the experience they want. TrailScout is building a marketplace that connects them with knowledgeable local riders who can help them have a better day on the bike.
We're inviting prospective Founding Guides to join early and help shape a useful, responsible guide experience.
Apply to Become a Founding Guide
Applications are reviewed individually. Applying does not guarantee acceptance or bookings.
TrailScout is reviewing applications and building coverage destination by destination.
Who We're Looking For
- Experienced local riders with deep trail knowledge
- MTB coaches, instructors, and skills specialists
- Existing commercial guides and tour leaders
- Riders who love sharing their local trails
- Professionals who prioritize safety and great experiences
Professional credentials are not required to apply. Experienced local riders may be candidates alongside coaches, instructors, tour leaders, and established guides.
Requirements
- 18 years or older
- Strong knowledge of your local trail systems
- Commitment to safe, responsible guiding
- Willingness to complete TrailScout's application and review process
- Commitment to applicable local rules and responsible trail use
How TrailScout Is Designed to Work
The marketplace is designed to help riders find local experience and give guides a clear way to present the destinations and rides they know.
Riders Explore
Riders use TrailScout to discover guides serving the destinations they want to ride.
Guides Share
Guide profiles describe local experience, service areas, and the rides they can offer.
Riders Book
Riders can choose a guide and request a ride that fits their destination and goals.
Guides Lead
Local guides use firsthand knowledge to shape the route and set expectations for the ride.
Why Local Guides Matter
A trail map can show riders where to go. A knowledgeable local rider can add the context that turns disconnected trail names into a ride suited to the person, destination, and day.
- Route combinations that fit a rider's ability, goals, and available time
- How trails and zones connect across a larger trail system
- Clear expectations about the character and demands of a ride
- Destination-specific context that is difficult to learn from a map alone
- Responsible trail use and respect for local rules and riding communities
- Helping riders make the most of limited time in an unfamiliar destination
Why Become a Founding Guide?
Join Early
Take part while TrailScout is building its first destination-by-destination guide network.
Shape the Platform
Share practical input on the tools and workflows guides need.
Represent Your Trails
Bring your destination knowledge, riding culture, and local perspective to the platform.
Help Riders
Put your experience to work helping riders get more from time spent in unfamiliar trail systems.
Guide Responsibly
Help define a thoughtful guide experience grounded in clear expectations and responsible trail use.
What You'll Need to Apply
Stage 1 is a low-friction initial application that takes about 3–5 minutes. There are no document uploads, background-check consent, references, insurance, pricing, or public profile setup at this stage.
- Your name, email, city, state, and the area you know best
- The local trails and riding areas you know by heart
- A quick overview of your mountain biking and guiding experience
- A few short questions about leading riders and sharing local knowledge
- Three simple readiness confirmations
Application and Review
Share Your Local Knowledge
Complete the short Stage 1 application with your riding area, experience, and local trail knowledge.
Send It in Minutes
Most applicants can finish in about 3–5 minutes, with no uploads, pricing, or public profile setup.
Individual Review
The TrailScout team reviews each application for fit and readiness.
Hear About Next Steps
Applicants who may be a fit can be invited to continue the conversation as TrailScout builds coverage.
Applications are reviewed individually. Approval does not guarantee public listing, marketplace coverage, or bookings.
Building Coverage Thoughtfully
TrailScout is welcoming applications from knowledgeable riders in mountain bike communities of all sizes. We're reviewing applicants individually and building the marketplace destination by destination rather than claiming coverage where the network is still developing.
Current public guide profiles, when available, are listed in Find Guides.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email us at guides@trlscout.net.