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Is the JAGZ App the Uber of MTB and Road Cycling Guiding?

hire local knowledgeable road cycling guide guru jagz app
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JAGZ is a new cycling app designed to connect travelers with local knowledgeable riders, earning itself commission along the way, operating much like Airbnb or Uber. Heading to a explore a new bucket list riding destination this year? Instead of spending a chunk of time researching ahead of time, you can now book the time of a local “Guru” for as little as $1 per hour. The App is in its early days of development, but plans to expand its services to allow users to book accredited professional road, gravel and mountain bike guides, as well as cyclist friendly accommodation. Here’s a quick overview.

JAGZ App for Cyclists and Guides

jagz app profile creation options traveler host

When you download the JAGZ App you create a profile for yourself either as a host or a traveler. As a traveler, you can search for and book the services of a local Guru; a rider who is merely local to the area. These Gurus have no guaranteed professional qualifications or first aid training, or indeed actual concrete geographical knowledge of the area. They do however seem to charge very little. A quick search for Mountain Bike Gurus in Whistler, BC, pulls up nine Gurus, the services of whom start at $1 per hour, increasing to a modest $25 per hour.

hire local knowledgeable road cycling guide guru jagz app

Developers of the JAGZ App have more bold intentions, however. They plan to expand to include the services of actual professional accredited guides who will need to upload evidence of their qualifications and up-to-date first aid training before they can take bookings from travelers. Those qualifications will be need to be in-line with the requirements of the country-in-question’s regulations. 

mtb jagz app find a guide road gravel mtb guiding

Also on the way is the ability to book bike-friendly accommodation through the App, allowing travelers to essentially book their entire biking holiday through the JAGZ App. If the concept takes off, as it did for Airbnb, Uber, Deliveroo and other beneficiaries of the gig economy, it could be lucrative for the creators of JAGZ who will pocket a whopping 27% of each booking. That fee is required for “App development costs and transaction fees”. 

JAGZ are now inviting accommodation providers to get in touch ahead of launching JAGZ Lodging.

JagzApp.com

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Klaster_1
Klaster_1
2 years ago

What a great idea, I’d pay even the highest rate to learn the good routes/trails and find people to ride with later. Worst case, the bike won’t see much use at all and you’ll feel sad about that. Nice for people who need a nudge to ride on their own.

John aitken
John aitken
2 years ago

1 dollar an hour..now that’s a living wage!

David
David
2 years ago

This group has been struggling to find traction since at least 2018. I can’t speak to guided road rides, but from the MTB side, you definitely want qualified people leading you, especially if you can’t route-plan and assess risk on your own with tools like Trailforks and Komoot. Really, what can you possibly expect for $1/hr? Knowledge of local trails? Probably. Backcountry first aid? Maybe, maybe not. The ability and [more importantly] willingness to assess rider skill and mitigate risk for their clients? Doubtful.

If you don’t want to pay for the service, just swing by the LBS or contact the local bike org and get their recommendations. They might even know of a group ride you jump on.

Angstrom
Angstrom
2 years ago

How is this different from VeloGuide?

David Jaget
David Jaget
2 years ago

@Klaster_1 That is very kind. The purpose of JAGZ is to provide an easy way for Cyclists and MTBers to find a local to ride with (Host), a professional guide, tours, bike shops, restaurants and so much more in a one convenient location. So now, if you were traveling to Scotland, as an example, you’ll be able to search your destination town and join a Host for a ride! Additionally, for people who stay local, our Ride/Event Calendar scheduled to come out on the January 10th will let you see and join group rides or bike-related events within 50 miles of your destination!

David Jaget
David Jaget
2 years ago

@john The JAGZ app is created from the perspective of the Cyclist/Mtb Traveler. Meaning, it’s not designed to be a ‘side hustle’ that’s going to help with your bills. The exception might be for Hosts and Guides in popular destinations. Much will depend on location, demand and social media prowess. Host (friendly locals) are offering a convenience to the Traveler. We don’t set their hourly price for their time, they do!! Some people charge nothing, and that’s great!

David Jaget
David Jaget
2 years ago

@David How does one answer factually incorrect statements in a respectful manor? ‘Struggling to find traction’? What are your sources, pray tell? Actually, considering this is a two man team of my Son and I, we’ve managed to create a very sophisticated ‘marketplace’ mobile app in a relatively short period of time by working our tails off and persevering. You mention Trailforks, bike shops etc. I use them too! Imagine that. But, once you actually understand how JAGZ works, if offers an incredibly convenient and fast way to meet others who share your passion. Regarding Bike Shops and Tour Guides, we created profiles for them in JAGZ so they can benefit too. Lastly, there’s always another option, respectfully,…. don’t use the app. But, please don’t spread misinformation.

Micky
Micky
2 years ago

It’s a cool app with great designs and user-friendly. I heard they are rolling out new features like event calendar and share links soon. It’s going to be huge as soon as the biking world learns about this app.

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