Be Bold: How One Bike Company Is Changing the Way The Okanagan Rides
- Vanessa Hair
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
From kids on their first trail to adults conquering drops and jumps, BOLD MTB Coaching is building a riding community across the Okanagan Valley ... one lesson at a time.
Co-Ed Drops & Loose Terrain one-day clinic at
Three Blind Mice, Penticton
Building Confidence, Skills & Community on Two Wheels
From kids riding their first trail to adults conquering drops and jumps, BOLD MTB Coaching is building a mountain biking community across the Okanagan Valley — one rider, one skill, and one lesson at a time.
There’s a moment I love most about coaching. It's not necessarily the flawless jump landing, the perfectly carved corner, or making it through a technical section without putting a foot down. It’s the moment just before when a rider looks at something they weren’t sure they could do, trusts the skills they’ve been building, and decides to give it a try.
That moment is what BOLD MTB Coaching is all about. Mountain biking has so many different elements, and everyone finds joy in something unique. For some, it’s the freedom of climbing through nature. For others, it’s cruising along smooth dirt pathways, navigating technical terrain, or feeling the thrill of riding fast downhill. Everyone brings something different to the trail and to the group and that’s part of what makes this sport so beautiful.
Mountain Biking Is About More Than Riding
Mountain biking has an incredible way of building confidence.
You encounter something that feels intimidating, learn how to break it down, practise the skills, and eventually realize: I can do this. That experience can happen whether you’re seven years old or getting on a mountain bike for the first time as an adult.
As a PMBIA Professional Level 2 Mountain Bike Coach, former Downhill Alberta Champion, and Female Athlete of the Year, I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful this sport can be. But BOLD MTB Coaching was never created simply to teach people how to ride faster or tackle bigger features. I created BOLD to inspire and empower riders through skill development, progression, and community.
Because when riders understand how and why something works, they can make their own decisions on the trail, build confidence, and continue progressing long after a lesson ends.
Mountain Bike Programs for Every Rider
BOLD MTB Coaching offers programs for kids, youth, teens, and adults throughout the Okanagan Valley, with coaching opportunities from Penticton to Vernon.
Whether you’re completely new to mountain biking, looking to become more comfortable on the trails, or ready to progress into more technical terrain, there’s a place for you at BOLD.
Kids, Youth & Teen Mountain Bike Programs
Our youth programs are about developing great riders while helping kids build a genuine love for being outside on two wheels. Through structured, age-appropriate coaching, riders develop skills such as braking, body positioning, climbing, descending, cornering, trail scanning, bike handling, and navigating different types of terrain.
But there’s another side to youth coaching that I love just as much. Kids learn how to approach something challenging, break it into manageable steps, practise, make mistakes, try again, and celebrate their progress.
Our goal isn’t to create fearless riders. It’s to help create capable, confident riders who understand how to make good decisions on their bikes.
Adult Mountain Bike Coaching
You are NEVER too old — or too new — to start mountain biking.
BOLD MTB offers adult coaching ranging from complete beginner through intermediate and advanced skill development. The youngest I've taught is age 4 and the wisest I've taught is age 74!
Maybe your goal is simply to feel comfortable riding a dirt trail. Maybe you want to understand how to corner without feeling nervous, descend with more control, or finally learn how to navigate rocks and roots. Or perhaps you’re ready to work on technical features, drops, jumps, and carrying more speed. There doesn’t have to be one definition of what makes someone a mountain biker.
Your progression should reflect the kind of rider you want to become.
Group programs offer the encouragement and energy of learning alongside other riders, while private lessons allow us to focus specifically on your goals, riding habits, and progression.
Finding Community on the Trails
Skills are only one part of BOLD MTB. Community is another. Our Social Rides (MTB & GRAVEL), including rides created specifically for women, give riders an opportunity to meet other people, explore the trails, and simply enjoy riding together.
Mountain biking can sometimes feel intimidating when you’re new. You may wonder whether you’re fast enough, skilled enough, fit enough, or experienced enough to join. At BOLD, we want riders to know that we want you to experience how coaching and groups can transform you. You don’t need to ride the biggest feature or be the fastest person in the group. You just need to be willing to learn, support the riders around you, and enjoy being on your bike.
Coaching That Meets You Where You Are
BOLD MTB is supported by a team of highly trained and certified coaches who share the same commitment to safety, progression, and creating a positive rider experience.
Every rider arrives with different goals, experiences, strengths, and challenges. That’s why our coaching isn’t about forcing everyone through the same progression. We meet riders where they are and help them build the skills to get where they want to go.
My vision is for BOLD MTB Coaching to be the name people think of when they’re looking for mountain bike coaching in the Okanagan; whether that’s a parent searching for an incredible experience for their child, an adult getting on the trails for the first time, or an experienced rider ready to take their skills to the next level.
Because sometimes the biggest progression isn’t the feature you ride.
It’s realizing what you’re capable of.
Ready to Ride BOLD?
2026 Fall mountain bike programs are now open for booking.
Explore youth programs, adult group coaching, private lessons, and upcoming BOLD MTB opportunities throughout the Okanagan Valley.
Visit www.boldmtbcoaching.com or call/text Vanessa at 778-821-2453 to find the program that fits your riding goals.
Build skills. Build confidence. Find your community. Ride BOLD.
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