Ian Foster

Trip Leader & Guide

At The Cycling House Since: 2014 Hometown: Missoula, MT Trips Working:

Trip Leader & Guide

Ian Foster

Born in Northern California Ian fondly recalls riding the tail of his mom’s windsurfer during summers and ski trips to the Sierras in his dad’s VW van during winters. Ian spent his middle school and high school years based in Boise, ID playing in Idaho’s mountains and his first job was as a ski instructor at Bogus Basin Ski Area. After majoring in Biology at the University of Puget Sound he went on to graduate school for Education at San Francisco State University while his future wife attended dental school in San Francisco. Ian taught elementary and middle school students for six years in San Francisco, Boston, and Missoula before earning another degree at the University of Montana’s College of Forestry, studying resource conservation and recreation management. Now a full-time dad, part-time volunteer for education and land conservation groups, and a part-time ride guide, he couldn’t be happier.

Guiding for The Cycling House is fitting after spending over three decades on bikes. Ian started pedaling at age 3 on a chrome Univega BMX bike, began riding single track in 4th grade, and rolled up to a start line on knobby tires for the first time during college. More than ever he loves racing cross country and cyclocross, taking any sort of bike ride with his family, and going for big backcountry rides with his wife and friends. Ian is always excited to talk about endurance nutrition, big road and mountain climbs, and strider bike techniques. In addition to riding bikes, Ian loves trail running, all types of skiing, hiking and climbing mountains, and adventuring with his wife and sons.

What is the best thing about working at The Cycling House?

For me, guiding for TCH is a dreamy mix of teaching, sharing, and exploring. I love helping others safely push their limits and find joy with friends in the outdoors.

Do you have a favorite ride?

My favorite ride is Going-to-the-Sun-Road in Glacier National Park. No matter the conditions, the surroundings are both mystical and magnificent.

What is the most memorable day you’ve ever had on the bike?

One of my best days on a bike was riding Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park early season (before open to cars) with my wife April, our then two year old son Nels, and some great friends. We had a picnic, played in the snow and enjoyed every mile of the awesome road.