Adaptive Mountain Biking: Finding Belonging on the Trail Artwork

DONUTS & BIKES: The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast

DONUTS & BIKES - The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast - will help transform your riding or coaching while delighting your taste buds! The hosts, Paul Howard (GSMBC President & Education Director, ZEP MTB Camps Owner & Head Coach, PMBIA Founder & Past- President) and Kristian Jackson (Senior Lecturer at Appalachian State University’s Department of Recreation Management & Physical Education, Trail Boss Rocky Knob Bike Park, GSMBC Coach Mentor) are two of the top-tier, industry leading mountain bike coaches and instructor trainers, with over 40 years of collective experience. Listen in as Donuts & Bikes pairs all things MTB skills and coaching, along with a feature donut on every episode. Get your ride and eat on and bite into Donuts & Bikes!

If you like what we do and want to support the show, please feel free to check out our patreon page at www.patreon.com/donutsandbikes where listeners can choose to donate only a few bucks per month. The proceeds will go directly to helping us create engaging and valuable content, for you, the listeners.

All Episodes

DONUTS & BIKES: The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast

Adaptive Mountain Biking: Finding Belonging on the Trail

January 26, 2026 • Paul Howard & Kristian Jackson • Season 5 • Episode 1

0:00 | 1:23:08

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 🍩

No Silver Spoons®

Welcome to No Silver Spoons®, a podcast that celebrates grit, resilience,...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.