Freeride Guides - Guided Freeride Mountain Bike Tours in BC, Whistler, North Shore and the Interior.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact West Coast Freeride Guides?

Mailing address: #17-2720 Cheakamus Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B2
Email: rez@freerideguides.com or info@freerideguides.com
Phone: Toll free for Canada and US residents: 1.866.905.2665 or direct: 604.905.2665

What is included in the price of the “8-Day Freeride Journey”, “8-Day Pro-Freeride Journey”, “5-Day Plan B”, “4-Day Sea to Sky” and “1-Day Heli-biking”?

Lodging is prearranged at each destination, either camping or hotel accommodation. Meals and snacks for the entire trip (breakfast, lunch and dinner), except breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day. Fully qualified professional mountain guides. Support vehicle for supplies, transfers and trail management.

What type of mountain biking skills and/or experience should I have?

Our Road Trips & Adventures are designed for the intermediate to advanced mountain bike riders. You will be required to complete a questionnaire to determine your riding ability. Most trails that we ride have several stunts located throughout. They range from ladder bridges (sometimes skinny), natural and man-made drops, gap jumps, big air jumps, steeps and technical rooty terrain. We try to maintain an average riding level throughout the group to maximize the amount of runs per day. Keep in mind that you should possess some past experience in the above mentioned terrain and stunts; however, you are not obligated to ride all or any stunts if you feel it is above your skill level. Our guides/coaches will provide instructions if asked to do so.

How long will we be riding each day?

It will depend on how much travel there is that day. Most rides vary from 4 to 6 hours.

What kind of weather should I expect?

British Columbia has diverse climates, ranging from temperate rainforest to dry desert heat. Temperatures range from 20 - 35 degrees Celsius (70-100 F). Spring and fall provide for some excellent riding conditions but prepare for cooler evenings and occasional showers.

What is the minimum and maximum number of people per group?

We require a minimum of four and maximum of eight riders per trip. However if you have a larger group, special arrangements can be made to accommodate you.

If I am not traveling with anybody, am I still able to sign up for an adventure?

Yes, absolutely, we encourage solo riders to sign up. That way you can meet mountain bikers from all over the world and find out their experiences and accomplishments.

How far ahead of time do I need to reserve? How do I sign up for a tour?

As far ahead as possible, with the ever-increasing popularity of mountain biking, many people are opting for adventurous vacations, instead of sitting on a beach. To sign-up for a tour, you can either fill out our reservation form or call us toll free at 1.866.905.2665.

Should I bring extra cash or a credit card?

Yes, once the Road Trip starts you are covered for all meals and accommodation, be sure to bring along some extra money for emergency bike repairs, post riding beverages and snack food etc. Any incidental charges will be automatically billed at the end of the mountain bike adventure. We accept VISA & MasterCard.

Is there a deposit upon reserving the adventure? How much? When do I pay in full?

Yes, a non-refundable deposit equivalent to 25% of the total is required upon booking. The balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before you arrive. If the deposit and/or balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your travel arrangements. If the balance is not paid in time we reserve the right to retain your deposit.
All of the above rates are tour-only rates quoted in Canadian dollars and do not include 7% tax. Rates are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. Additional charges apply for bike and equipment rentals.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation by you;
If you or any member of your party needs to cancel their holiday once it has been confirmed, the group leader is responsible for informing us in writing at the earliest opportunity. In this instance, the following cancellation fees apply;

More than 56 days	Deposit payment
56 - 29 days	50%
28 - 22 days	75%
21 days or less	100%

This is based on the number of days between the start of your confirmed holiday and the date from which written notice of a cancellation is received by us. Your travel insurance may cover cancellation under certain circumstances.

Cancellation by us
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a holiday, you will be offered an alternative holiday or a full refund. We will not cancel your holiday within six weeks of the start date of your holiday, unless you have not paid in full or as a result of circumstances beyond our control.

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If I do not want to cancel my mountain bike vacation, but just change the dates, can that be arranged?

Yes, we will hold your deposit until one of our trips suits your schedule.

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How do I make my freeride vacation reservation online?

Go to the reservation form on our website and fill out the form with all the mandatory information and click submit. Reservations are not considered confirmed until we have replied with confirmation details.

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What is the ideal bike to have for this mountain bike adventure?

For the most comfortable ride, we recommend a dual suspension bike with a minimum of 5" rear and front travel. Some other features we suggest are: 6" disk brakes, 2.3 - 2.5 " tires, flat pedals and a rock guard to protect the front chain ring. Before departing for the bike trip it is imperative that you take your bike to a properly trained bike mechanic to do a complete tune-up. Ensure that the front and rear derailleurs are working in harmony and rims are true.

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Can I rent a mountain bike? What kind of bikes do you rent and how much?

Yes, absolutely, we can arrange to have Banshee Screams for your entire adventure. Your guides endorse these bikes. They will cost $100 per day.

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Can I purchase travel and health insurance from West Coast Freeride Guides?

No, we do not provide travel or medical insurance. We strongly advise our guests to purchase insurance as mountain biking involves the ever-present risk of injury. We do require proof of purchase of accident or medical insurance upon commencement of the adventure.

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How should I arrange my travel days for before and after the trip?

It is suggested that all riders arrive the day before the tour departs, as we meet and depart early from Vancouver on Day 1.

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What personal items do you suggest that I bring?

Riding Clothing - Long and short sleeve jersey, shorts, socks, biking gloves and shoes.
Protective Gear - Leg armour, forearm/elbow armour or full upper body armour, full-face helmet, goggles or eyewear and hydration pack.
Casual Clothing - Shoes and sandals, socks, warm fleece jacket and sweater, rain jacket, pants and shorts, shirts, baseball hat and warm hat.
Camp Gear & Other Items - Bathing suit, towel, toothbrush & paste etc., sunscreen, sunglasses, sleeping bag and camping pad.

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Will I need to travel with a visa or passport?

Yes, if you are traveling from an international country (anywhere outside of Canada) you will need official travel documents to gain access to Canada.

What are West Coast Freeride Guides limitations of liability?

West Coast Freeride Guides, Ltd. (from here on written as WCFG) is not liable for any bodily injury or property damage as a result of, but not limited to forces of nature travel by bicycle, plane, or automobile, consumption of alcohol, breakdown of mechanical equipment, HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) or lack of access to medical facilities. WCFG is not responsible for any extra costs outside of meals, transportation or sleeping facilities whether it is a campsite or lodging. WCFG reserves the right to modify the adventures or route taken at any time for the safety and well being of our guests. The guests of WCFG grant permission of any photographs, film footage to be use in any promotions or advertisement without paying any royalties.

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If I need more detailed information about traveling to Vancouver, whom do I contact?

Please contact our reservation agents for more information at rez@freerideguides.com or call toll-free at 1.866.905.2665. Arrangements will be made to have one central meeting place and time. If you are flying into Vancouver International Airport, we recommend staying in the vicinity of the airport. Hotel arrangements can be provided upon request.

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What qualifications do the guides at West Coast Freeride Guides have?

All of our guides are well qualified. Each holds a First Aid Certificate, class 4 drivers license, Mountain Bike Coach Level 1 and have unparalleled experience and knowledge of the outdoors. Their passion for mountain biking and outdoor skills makes for an unforgettable adventure.

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