Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Newbie to hiking - Got the lottery permit

Great I am 43 and in peninsula (SF/Bay Area) so will try to attempt some of the hikes suggested before Mt Whitney. Few additional questions

1. If I do want to go as part of guided tour - which are some of the good ones? I understand I cannot take a private guide as they needed to have won the lottery on the same day as me?

2. What are some of the good hiking groups preferably in SF/Bay Area? I would like to join one to prepare for my upcoming hike?

Thanks