A Lifelong Love of Two Wheels
I’ve been a cyclist for as long as I can remember. In fourth grade, I was already taking bikes apart and repainting them. Growing up in Seattle, I’d load up my bike in high school and head east over the Cascades into Eastern Washington. That early sense of adventure never left me.
Through my 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, I raced competitively — mostly road racing and cyclocross. If you’ve never seen cyclocross, imagine hopping off your bike to run over barriers, shouldering it up a hill, then jumping back on — all in a park setting with spectators cheering. It’s fast, technical, and surprisingly social.
When I began winding down my corporate career, I knew I didn’t want to slow down — I just wanted to shift gears. So when it came time for a new chapter, guiding bike tours felt like a natural fit. In winter, I teach skiing — so between snow and spokes, I stay active year-round.
Retirement, for me, isn’t about slowing down. It’s about doing work that feels like play.
Why I Chose Discovery Bicycle Tours
I spoke with several tour companies, but Discovery stood out. Some companies run 20+ guests with multiple vans and large crews. What drew me to Discovery was the same thing many guests notice right away — the tours feel personal. Smaller groups create space for real connection, more flexibility, and the kind of thoughtful support that helps everyone relax into the journey.
That’s the kind of experience I try to create every day on tour.
My Guiding Philosophy: Clarity and Connection
I’ve always believed clear communication sets the tone for a great trip. Each morning, I like to help guests understand the day ahead — the route, the terrain, the timing, lunch plans, trail conditions, and what to expect — in a way that feels simple and reassuring, never overwhelming. It’s not about overexplaining every turn. It’s about helping you head out with confidence. That confidence matters because every guest arrives with a different comfort level, different questions, and different hopes for the trip.
Mechanical Support: Translation Included
Before becoming a tour leader, I went back to “bike school” and became a certified mechanic to sharpen my repair skills. Scott gave me the opportunity to work in the shop part-time, which was the perfect bridge into guiding. From there, I transitioned onto tours — and never looked back.
One of the things I enjoy most is meeting people where they are. With my background in mechanics, I’m often helping translate a guest’s “something feels off” into a practical fix that makes the bike more comfortable and the ride more enjoyable. Sometimes it’s a small fit adjustment. Sometimes it’s helping someone better understand their gears. Either way, I know that when you feel good on your bike, the whole trip opens up.
E-Bikes: Opening Doors
I feel the same way about e-bikes.
To me, e-bikes have made tours more accessible, more inclusive, and more fun for more people. They help couples ride together, give hesitant riders more confidence, and let guests stay active longer. That’s what matters most — helping more people experience the joy of bike travel. On one upcoming tour, 10 of our 13 guests are riding e-bikes. That’s remarkable. Sometimes there’s a learning curve — especially for smaller riders managing a heavier bike. But once they understand gearing and power assist, their confidence skyrockets.
Anyone who says e-bikes aren’t “real bikes” is missing the point.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
About half of our guests on any given departure are repeat riders. That says something.
It’s not about having the exact same guides or routes every time. It’s about consistency — from the first phone call to the final drop-off. People know what to expect.
It’s like flying the same airline because you trust the experience. Discovery isn’t flashy or over-the-top. We deliver high-value, well-run, thoughtfully designed tours. And that consistency builds loyalty.
At Discovery Bicycle Tours, I believe a Tour Leader does more than guide the route.
We help you feel prepared at the start of the day, supported along the way, and welcomed into the group from the moment you arrive. We bring calm, clarity, and genuine care to the experience — and that can make all the difference.
That’s one of the reasons I love this work so much. And while the logistics matter, I think great guiding is really about people.
What Makes a Great Tour Guide?
Communication. Empathy. Organization. Energy.
But above all, the ability to read people.
Most of our guests are 60 and up — people who’ve worked hard and earned the right to invest in meaningful travel. Some have taken a dozen trips with us. When you think about that kind of loyalty, you realize every detail counts.
I pay attention to the group dynamic. I notice who wants conversation and who might prefer a little more space. I try to check in when someone says they’re fine, but might need an extra hand. It’s a thoughtful, steady kind of presence that helps guests feel seen without ever feeling fussed over.
That’s a big part of why I think Tour Leaders are so integral to a Discovery tour.
Of course, we keep the trip running smoothly. But we also help shape the atmosphere — the easy camaraderie at dinner, the confidence that builds over the course of the week, and the sense that someone is looking out for the little things so you can simply enjoy being there.
Favorite Tours to Lead
Some of my favorite tours reflect that same balance of scenery, simplicity, and connection. Every itinerary has its own personality:
- I love the old-school charm of the Lake Champlain Islands: Guests ride from Burlington up to North Hero and back — no shuttles required. It’s simple, scenic, and authentic.
- The Niagara region is stunning — especially Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its theater scene, gardens, and wineries (yes, even ice wine).
- If I had to pick a specialty, it’s the Québec’s Petit Train du Nord rail trail. I’ve guided it five times now. It’s a 200-kilometer converted rail trail that rolls from the mountains toward Montréal, with two nights in Mont-Tremblant. After guiding that route multiple times, I know the hotels, the restaurants, and the small logistical details that help each day unfold seamlessly.
Guests may not always see that work happening in the background, but they absolutely feel it. That’s what I love about guiding.
I get to bring together my love of cycling, my practical experience, and my enjoyment of connecting with people. And if I can help guests feel capable, cared for, and free to enjoy the ride, that’s a pretty wonderful way to spend this chapter of life.
Ready to ride with me?
Join one of our 2026 Canada or Vermont tours including the Petit Train du Nord Rail Trail, the Niagara Falls Tour and the Lake Champlain Islands, and discover how a thoughtful Tour Leader can make every mile feel a little easier, and a lot more memorable.
