WELCOME TO THE GSMBC BLOG!
Dig in below to all the articles about our 20 year history that led to the creation of GSMBC and all the latest news, technical articles, coaching tips and updates!
GSMBC is an independent organization and is not affiliated with PMBIA or its programs. Any references to past contributions are intended solely to reflect GSMBC’s history and experience in the industry.
What Makes GSMBC Coach Education Different?
At GSMBC (Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches), we’re always evolving—and one of the most exciting areas of growth is in how we train and educate our coaches through high-quality coach education and certification courses.
Certifications vs. Training: Understanding Their Roles in Coach Education
Certifications vs. Training: Understanding Their Roles in Mountain Bike Coach Education
At GSMBC, we distinguish between certifications and training to clarify their respective roles within the coach education system.
SLOW IS SMOOTH, SMOOTH IS FAST!
Riders, do you want to progress more efficiently?
Coaches, do you want to be better riders?
In this blog, we unpack the saying “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” in the context of coaching and riding to unlock some ideas to improve performance.
The saying “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” may sound counterintuitive at first, especially when applied to mountain biking. But when you break it down, it’s a mindset that can transform your riding and racing experience.
WHO WE ARE… WE GOT YOU!
Mar 24, 2025
Written By Paul Howard
A NEW CHAPTER IN MTB COACH EDUCATION - GSMBC is an independent organization with no affiliation to PMBIA or other certifications, but it’s built by the same experienced team that helped shape modern mountain bike instructor training. With over two decades of industry leadership, our founders—including the former PMBIA Technical Director and key members of the technical team and trainer network—are bringing their passion and expertise to GSMBC.
PINKBIKE PRESS RELEASE - LAUNCHING GSMBC!
Introducing the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC): The Next Evolution of Mountain Bike Coach Education & Certifications
After nearly two decades of shaping globally recognized coaching standards and certifications under the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA), the founding team—including the former PMBIA Technical Director—has transitioned into a new organization: the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC).
GLOBAL LAUNCH OF GSMBC!
Introducing the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC) - For nearly 20 years, this team have contributed to the advancement of global standards in mountain bike coaching, and are now excited to bring a new chapter to MTB coach education and certifications.
PROVEN EXPERIENCE. NEW VISION. ELEVATING STANDARDS.
Get ready to Inspire | Connect | Elevate with GSMBC.
Check out the GSMBC Press Releases here;
CHECK US OUT AND SIGN UP FOR A COURSE TODAY!
ZEP MTB Camps and Endless Biking Launch the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association
Mountain bike is still a relatively young sport and a professional standard for instruction, like what snow-sports has been enjoying for years, has yet to be established, until now. Nearly ten years in the making, ZEP Mountain Bike Camps and Instructor Training has joined forces with Endless Biking to form the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association (PMBIA). We sat down with PMBIA Technical Directors, Paul Howard and Darren Butler, to find out how this history making partnership occurred and what it means for our industry.
PINKBIKE ARTICLE - Endless Biking: Roots
The roots of Endless Biking push back beyond their inaugural camps in 2004 to the early 90’s and days of riding in hiking boots and chasing buffalo on borrowed bikes. Raised in non-mountain biking families, Kelli and Darren, owners and operators of Endless Biking, both still remember the moment that riding came into their lives and the profound change it brought with it.
In Nelson, British Columbia, Kelli remembers a purposeful adventure on borrowed bikes into the mountains that made her both want to puke – on the climb – and feel the spark of addiction – on the singletrack. Immediately she began to dream about the feeling of being a kid again and it was not long after that she got her very first bank loan and purchased her very first mountain bike.
NSMB Gets PRO with PMBI Certification
I had a feeling that I would like Paul Howard as soon as I first found out about him. He is a well spoken fellow Englishman, who moved to Whistler around eight years ago. Paul is a great rider, soon to be father, has somehow memorized the entire order of a QWERTY keyboard, and has an uncanny ability for teaching. So much so, in fact, that if he was to have written this article, he would probably have told you everything you need to know, concluded it and taken you out riding by the time he was at this sentence right here. Last week, taking my Level two Professional Mountain Bike Instructor (PMBI) course with his company, ZEP Techniques, and Paul as my instructor, was eye opening in a number of ways.
BC BIKE PARKS PMBI ROAD TRIP WITH ZEP 2011
BC BIKE PARKS PMBI ROAD TRIP
Jul 14, 2011 at 0:24
So this year is setting some records for ZEP... we have been busier than ever, with camper numbers up and the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor courses being more popular than ever. We've ran 15 PMBI courses already this season... 15!
WANNA BE A MOUNTAIN BIKE INSTRUCTOR?
Have you ever found yourself always giving your mates a few tips every time you go out for a ride? Are you the person people always turn to when their girlfriend/boyfriend wants to start riding and they need you to give them a lesson?