DONUTS & BIKES: The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast

Every rider deserves the freedom of the trail.
Adaptive mountain biking reminds us that riding isn’t defined by ability—it’s defined by opportunity, access, and belonging.

In this episode of Donuts & Bikes, we’re joined by Hannah Bostrom and Jen Gadoua, adaptive MTB coaches with the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC). We explore how adaptive MTB coaching goes far beyond specialized equipment—it’s about community, progression, and creating real access on real terrain.

Episode talking points:

• Hannah Bostrom – GSMBC Adaptive Program Director; from adaptive snowsports to professional adaptive MTB coaching through Whistler Adaptive Sports
• Jen Gadoua – Audiologist by training; GSMBC coach mentored by Hannah, working to grow adaptive MTB in Ontario
• The long history of adaptive mountain biking and how GSMBC became involved through Whistler Adaptive Sports
• How Paul began developing adaptive MTB courses and coaching frameworks to support and professionalize what was already happening on the ground
• How bike parks and modern trail design have accelerated adaptive MTB progression
• Why training more adaptive MTB coaches is critical as the sport grows
• Adaptive MTB as a fast-evolving discipline—especially in technology—and the need for equally adaptive coach education
• Jen’s journey from her first adaptive ride to riding a Bowhead and accessing technical terrain
• Rebuilding community through adaptive riding, including “Dirt Church” and intentional spaces for connection
• What it takes to organize adaptive MTB rides: support riders, risk management, and evolving protocols
• Key differences between traditional MTB coaching and adaptive MTB coaching
• Common misconceptions about adaptive MTB—and why visibility at all levels matters
• What’s next: expanding adaptive coach development pathways
• Jen’s Donut of the Day 🍩

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Lindsey Richter and Katie Holden are reshaping the story of mountain biking—from the trails to the coaching ranks. Their journeys trace the rise of women’s freeride and the growing movement to make the sport more inclusive, supportive, and mentally empowering. Through coaching, mentorship, and community, they champion the idea that mountain biking isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, confidence, and creating space for everyone to ride, grow, and lead.

In this episode we discuss:

From Riders to Revolutionaries: Lindsay and Katie’s trailblazing journeys into the mountain bike industry

The Coaching Effect: How teaching others continues to shape their own riding and leadership

Ride Smarter, Coach Stronger: How coaching transforms not just the rider—but the coach

Finding the Why: Discovering the true value of coaching in today’s mountain bike culture

The Power of the Climb: Why challenge is the heartbeat of mountain biking

Mind Over Mountain: Exploring the essential link between mental health and mountain bike coaching

Pedals of Empowerment: How mountain biking builds confidence, courage, and community

Mentors on the Move: The rise of women’s freeride and the leaders pushing it forward

Lift As We Rise: How mountain bikers can elevate others while chasing their own goals

Redefining Competition: Turning rivalry into community growth and shared success

Coaching the Future: Getting more women into the mountain bike coaching pipeline

Connection on the Trail: Why in-person events still matter in a digital age

A Trail for Everyone: Building a mountain bike world where every rider belongs

Closing the Gap: Confronting decades of underinvestment in women’s mountain biking

Next-Level Leadership: Paving the way for more women at the highest levels of certification and coaching

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Unlock Your Full Potential: Multi-Sport Coaching Insights with Jeff Chandler & Simon Holden | Donuts and Bikes Podcast

In this episode of the Donuts and Bikes Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast, we’re joined by two giants in instructor training and coach education: Jeff Chandler, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI), and Simon Holden, GSMBC Mentor, CASI Evaluator, and all-around legend.

We explore how embracing multiple sports can accelerate skill progression, boost coaching effectiveness, and enhance rider development. If you’re a mountain biker, snowboarder, skier, coach, or multi-sport enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why athletes and families often over-focus on a single sport
• The pitfalls of early specialization, especially for kids
• How snowboarding, skiing, and biking skills are interconnected
• Lessons we can learn as coaches from teaching different sports
• The mental, physical, and biomechanical benefits of multi-sport training
• Why or how does starting a new sport like long-boarding help you as an experienced mountain biker?
• How cross-training can elevate your main discipline
• Why instructor education and certification courses help bridge the gap
• And, of course… Simon’s Donut of the Day! 🍩

Whether you’re a new coach, seasoned instructor, or multi-sport athlete, this episode will inspire you to diversify your training, push your progressions, and have fun while doing it.

Quick note: sorry for the average sound on this one, we were on the road and didn't quite nail down the mics and recording room! 

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

The Global Syndicate of Mountain Biking Coaches (GSMBC) Expert Coach - Level 4 Course stands as the pinnacle of mountain biking education, underpinned by two decades of research and industry development. 

In this episode, we bring GSMBC Level 4 mentor Ross Dunlop and GSMBC mentor, Level 4 certified coach, and Take Aim Cycling’s Harlan Price onto the mics to bring a unique insight into the world of expert riding and expert skills coaching. Whether you’re an ambitious rider looking to understand what top-level coaching looks like, or a coach aiming to refine your craft, this conversation delivers insights into the heart of expert mountain bike coaching and rider development.

• Why do we need certifications
• Certification as a process
• The role of certification in the industry
• What is an “expert” coach
• What is the Level 4 and where did it come from
• The need for Level 4 coaches because riders, bikes, and trails are evolving
• What the journey to Level 4 is like
• The difference between coach education vs coach certification
• Role of mentors in the development of an expert coach
•  Do expert coaches only coach expert riders?
• How presenting to peers creates its own challenges
• Learning to present the Level 4
• The role of coach honesty and self-reflectiveness in coaching performance – 
• The impact of Being afraid of getting something wrong as a coach
• A view into expert coaching strategies
• Coaching out of the comfort zone
• The relationship between expert riding and expert coaching
• Harlan’s donut of the day

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga - Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts - Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Can We Ride Like Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet? | Lessons from World Cup MTB Racers

Can everyday mountain bikers learn to ride like World Cup pros Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet? While their speed and style might seem out of reach, the truth is: they’re using the same fundamental skills that all riders can develop.

In this episode of the Donuts and Bikes Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast, Paul and Kristian dive into what makes these elite racers so good—and how you can apply those lessons to your own riding.

🎧 Topics covered include:

• Why World Cup DH racers still use the same foundational MTB skills
• The difference between position and movement on the bike
• How consistent movement improves bike control
• The role of strength and fatigue in maintaining stability
• Why riding taller may give you better control
• How to connect why you're moving with how you move
• The power of quality movement for better trail performance
• How jump training builds timing and coordination
• Adapting to new terrain by refining your jumping skills
• The importance of social support in rider development
• What separates top racers from the rest of us
• The role of mindset: positivity, happiness, and grounded performance
• Experience vs. skill—and how mentors shape growth
• Why reflection leads to mature riding decisions
• And of course… a donut from down under 🍩🇦🇺

Whether you're a weekend trail rider or chasing race goals, this episode is packed with practical insights to level up your riding.

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga - Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts - Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Want to get faster in corners? Maybe braking is the key.
In this episode, we break down the real role brakes play in cornering and how better braking can actually help you go faster. Paul and Kristian dive deep into the skills, habits, and mindset you need to unlock more control and confidence on the trail.

In this episode:

• Fitness check-in with Paul and Kristian
• Corners, direction changes, forces & traction
• Getting grip — how to make your tires track where you want
• Braking myths (and why they’re holding you back)
• The variables: shape, surface, and speed
• Braking on modern trails
• Awareness and braking — a two-way street
• Why skills coaching matters for braking
• Bad habits from the era of terrible bikes and brakes
• Where to start: the fundamentals of braking
• Brake levers, biomechanics & body position
• Feeling connected with your bike
• Why “being centered” makes braking better
• Modulation: what it really means
• Creating pressure for better braking performance
• Braking to stop vs braking to not speed up
• "2-1-0 / both-back-none" braking explained
• And… donuts — same treat, new tactic

If you want to corner faster, start by braking better.

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga - Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts - Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Interview with Neko Mulally – The Goal is the Same: How to Go Fastest from Start to Finish

This week, Kristian and Paul sit down with the one and only Neko Mulally — professional downhill racer, bike designer, commentator, and Team Owner of Frameworks Racing.

Neko is a true powerhouse in the world of downhill mountain biking, and we were thrilled to catch up with him amidst his packed schedule. In this episode, we dive into everything from racing strategy and coaching insights to bike design, technique, and what it really takes to go fastest from start to finish.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or just a fan of the sport, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. Tune in and enjoy the ride!

• Who is Neko?
• How did Neko learn to race?
• Lessons in training
• How to get better at technique 
• Determination and racing
• Origins of determination
• Grit and Success
• The link between determination and creativity
• What characteristics does Neko look for when building his team
• The journey to running a team starts with a bike
• Frameworks as a risk-taking endeavor
• Why details matter
• Meeting Asa – investing in success
• Angel – Attention to details
• The performance relationship between details and resilience 
• Anna – the perfect fit
• How a lot of racers are within a small window of finishing time, but all do it differently
• How different body types impact technique 
• Is it better to have technique before strength or strength before technique?
• How to get the 2% more out of performance: Is it technique or other Performance Factors?
• Critiquing technique vs. Pros and Cons of choices
• Techniques are just tools
• The racing triangle: Technique, Bike Set up, and Strength
• At the race – you’re there to take the test, not to study
• Pros and Cons of access to coaching for young racers
• The value of sports psychology and racing in reframing success in racing and life

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga - Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts - Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Donut holes are the “missing piece” at the center of the pastry. Our Donut Hole “Mini-sodes” are short, bonus content that focus in on a single idea. This first one asks the question “what can mountain bike coaches learn from Mountaineering Guides?”

In this field recording, Kristian sits down with Josh Whitmore, Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide, and Certified Ice Climbing Guide with the American Mountain Guide Association. Josh also is owner and head Coach at The Mountain Bike Skills Factory and is a Mentor for the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches. He also has a great donut story! 

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Getting better at mountain biking is all about performance. Often in mountain bike coaching, we focus on skills as a target to improve performance. While this approach may be effective in some cases, technical skills may not be the factor holding a rider back. We call these factors the performance factors, and they impact riders differently depending on their stage of development. In this episode, we dig into these factors, how they impact ordinary joes differently from pros, and how we as coaches can use these factors to increase performance.

In the show, we discuss:

• Defining Pros vs Joes to highlight what factors impact riding other than skills
• What is performance? How do we understand this concept on bikes and in coaching?
• The relationship between performance and motivation
• The Six Performance Factors:  Equipment, Environment, Psychological, Physical, Tactical, Technical
• Where do we start if we want to make an immediate change?
• What are the timelines for change?
• How do the performance factors work together?
• What really holds us back from performance?
• What does pressure to execute do to performance?
• Why so psychological factors underlie most other factors?
• Why is strength such an important component?
• How is efficiency related to performance?
• How do technical skills appear in performance?

And of course, the donut of the day!

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga -- Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah.

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts -- Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor.  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.

Are mountain bike coaching and instructing the same thing? How are they similar? Why are the different? Does it matter? If so what does this mean for the mountain bike industry? In this episode Paul and Kristian take on this questions to discover how the answers impact the impact we have as coaches and instructors. 

In this show:

• Paul and Kristian explain the radio silence of the last year
• What's coming up in season 4!
• An update on the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches
• A historical perspective on mountain bike instruction
• How focusing on performance factors shifts the focus from instruction to coaching
• Coaching and relationship building
• Outcome vs process goals
• How efficiency helps determine a coaches role
• Why teaching styles natter
• The "greyness" between instructing and coaching
• Connectedness and the human factors
• The role of fun as a tool 
• Metrics for success
• Paul's Donut of the Day!

Thanks to our Season 4 partners:

Tsuga -- Durable and innovative gear, crafted in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, for the rides we all dream of. Borne in Boone, perfected in Pisgah.

tsuga.us

Local Lion Coffee and Doughnuts -- Local Lion uses a 1930’s award winning recipe is a craft rooted in tradition creating the experience of authenticity and flavor.  

local-lion.com

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW! Like what we’re doing? Support us on Patreon for just $3/month. Your help keeps us delivering high-quality, independent content for mountain bikers and coaches worldwide. You're fueling better riding, smarter coaching, and the sport’s growth.
👉 patreon.com/donutsandbikes

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the latest updates, episode drops, and behind-the-scenes content. Follow @donutsandbikes.

MTB COACH EDUCATION: Instructors and coaches—want to grow your skills or get certified? Explore the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches at www.gsmbc.pro.

DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions on The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast: Donuts & Bikes are those of Kristian Jackson, Paul Howard, and guests, and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GSMBC, PMBIA, or others mentioned. Guest content reflects personal opinions and is not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or group.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
This podcast and its authors disclaim all responsibility for any damages resulting from use of or reliance on the content.