DONUTS & BIKES: The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast

An Insight Into Expert Coaching & The GSMBC Level 4 Course

Paul Howard & Kristian Jackson Season 4 Episode 7

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.

People on this episode

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

SmartLess Artwork

SmartLess

Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
The Ride Companion Artwork

The Ride Companion

TRC Media House
Climbing Gold Artwork

Climbing Gold

Duct Tape Then Beer
Huberman Lab Artwork

Huberman Lab

Scicomm Media
Pisgah Podcast Artwork

Pisgah Podcast

Drew and Mangler