I was just looking around Garmin connect and noticed the power guide option for the first time. Has anyone used it to help pacing for an event? Also how useful have people found it for mountain biking?
Never heard of it 
Edit: my devices are not compatible
In training or when doing course recon, there are some benefits. Just to have a general feeling of what to expect. Also, in the case of an event that requires riding mostly alone. However, during a race with a mass start, or when you are trying to follow the group, it is not useful. You should have the exact gpx-file of the course. Of course, weather-related features are not taken into account. For example, if it is muddy, or if there is a traffic jam somewhere on a narrow single track, etc.
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I’ve used it as a pacing plan for a century ride. It was fine, and helped me—someone who hadn’t done a lot of power-based outdoor rides—keep things in check. Like anything, its not perfect, but it gives a decent guideline. It’s a bit clunky/buggy when creating the power guides, though, so the tool could use some refinements and enhancements to be a decent UX when creating a PG.
I can’t speak to how well it works for mountain biking, but I use it for all my triathlons. The UI/UX in Garmin Connect for setting it up is very clunky compared to Best Bike Split, but the actual power guide screen on my bike computer is pretty good and works well during the race.
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