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 global coaching standards under the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA), the founding team, including the former PMBIA Technical Director and Senior Trainer Team, has launched the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC).
GSMBC brings a fresh, independent vision to mountain bike coach education, focused on innovation, adaptability, and excellence. The organization builds on its legacy of advancing instructor training while offering a modern approach to certification and coach development, tailored to the evolving needs of the global mountain bike community.
GSMBC is Launched!
Redefining Coach Education
GSMBC’s approach recognizes the growth of mountain biking and coaching over the past two decades and aims to continually evolve to offer the best in coach education and certifications. With a human-centric coaching philosophy, GSMBC empowers coaches to deliver exceptional rider experiences and skills progression. The GSMBC Mountain Bike Coach Education System includes:
Core Training Courses (3-5 Days, In-Person): In-depth coach education courses to refine skills and earn the GSMBC Level 1-4 certifications.
Professional Development Courses (2 Days, In-Person): Specialized courses to enhance coaching skills while offering the ability to earn Supplemental Coaching Certifications.
Online Coach Education (OCE): Continuing education courses, webinars, and mentorship to support ongoing professional development for mountain bike instructors and coaches.
With decades of combined experience, the GSMBC leadership team remains committed to educating coaches and fostering community growth, setting new standards in professional mountain bike coaching.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS HERE
EXPERTISE | INNOVATION | ELEVATION
The GSMBC is dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and elevating the global mountain bike coaching community through innovative education and certification. Built on over two decades of expertise, GSMBC's missions is to provide world-class coach education resources, foster collaboration across instructor organizations, enhance the value of coaching programs, and elevate coaching as a respected career for outdoor educators worldwide. We’re excited to be laying the foundation for the next evolution of mountain bike coach education and certifications for decades to come. But we can’t create all our dreams in one go! Launching in 2025, we’re starting with:
Cutting-edge Learning Tools
With initiatives like our new multilingual website, Online Education Courses (OECs), coach education webinars, community forums, advanced learning management software for streamlined course administration, and our partnership with Sportsense Coaching Analysis App, GSMBC is poised to elevate the instructor training and coach education game in 2025 and beyond!
Progressive, Diverse & Specialized Coach Education
GSMBC’s offerings will include a diverse range of programs, including adaptive coaching certifications, mental skills coaching, supplemental certifications such as the brand new Apprentice Coach Course(designed for high schoolers or volunteers who want to assist other certified coaches), Intro to Air Coach Course (for Level 1 coaches introducing small jump and drop features), 1-to-1 Coach Mentorship Programs, and more.
By combining the classic 4-tier Coach Certification System with supplemental certifications, online courses, and webinars, GSMBC represents the next evolution of progressive instructor training. This modern approach ensures greater access to ongoing education and opportunities for growth, allowing coaches to not only better connect, but to also continue learning and progressing between certification levels.
"New Zealand's mountain biking scene is thriving, with world-class trails and growing participation at all levels. Introducing GSMBC courses here will elevate our coaching standards, ensuring New Zealand's coaches have access to world-class professional development and can align their skills with the global industry. Establishing on-ground support in the country, with the backing of an incredible global team, will mean that GSMBC courses can become the most easily accessible and effective way for coaches to upskill and meet the growing demands of riders in NZ. I'm stoked to be a small part of a major step forward in the New Zealand MTB coaching space."—Rory Bingham - GSMBC Global Education Team Member, New Zealand Program Coordinator, Owner Onward MTB Coaching
"Over the past 17 years I have had the privilege to work with Paul and his team. I have been able to run courses in mountain bike areas all over the world and see the direct impact that these courses can make, creating pockets of culture that inspire rider and instructor development. With the unprecedented growth in MTB participation over the past few years the need for high-quality, professionally trained coaches is greater than ever. The inception of the GSMBC is perfectly aligned to help facilitate the development of coaches to foster the safe progression of new riders in our sport. I am thrilled at the opportunity to bring more availability and adaptability to MTB instructor training in Australia.—Rhys Ellis - GSMBC Global Education Team Member, Australian Program Coordinator, Owner Apogee Academy Online Coaching
ADAPTATION | EVOLUTION | HUMAN-CENTRIC | COMMUNITY.
Strengthening Communities Through Coaching
Professional coaching plays a vital role in building stronger local riding communities, from shop rides and school programs to clubs and bike parks. A globally recognized certification ensures coaches operate within a unified framework, enhancing the credibility and accessibility of mountain bike programs. With well-trained coaches and instructors, riders experience safer, more enjoyable and effective progression.
A Holistic Model for Success
GSMBC's comprehensive coaching model emphasizes six core elements essential for student success:
Social: Connecting with students to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Guiding: Ensuring safety and managing risk effectively.
Coaching: Applying proven teaching methodologies.
Mental: Supporting the psychological aspects of learning and progression.
Riding: Developing core skills and biomechanics.
Equipment: Mastering equipment and bike setup and maintenance.
This adaptable approach empowers coaches to excel across all rider levels and disciplines, including adaptive MTB. By prioritizing safety, progression, and enjoyment, GSMBC is committed to making mountain biking more accessible and inclusive for all.
Having been involved with the original PMBI courses since before it became an association, I've witnessed the impact it has had both locally in the Sea to Sky area and globally in helping welcome new riders into the sport, as well as helping riders progress to expert levels as safely as possible. When this new direction was presented to me, it was an easy decision to continue with the same people and I am excited by the opportunity to have a trainer-driven direction for future courses.—Ross Dunlop - GSMBC Global Education Team Member, GSMBC Level 4 Mentor, Co-Owner Sportsense Coaching Analysis App
"In 2025, I’ll celebrate 20 years of mentoring instructors and guides in the mountain bike industry — a passion that’s shaped my life. Sharing knowledge, empowering others, and enriching communities through bikes has been an incredible journey. I’m excited to continue this work with GSMBC, an organization that shares my commitment to education, safety, and professionalism.—Darren Butler - GSMBC Global Education Team Member, Co-Owner Endless Biking
The next evolution of mountain bike coach education
SUPPORT | COMMITMENT | COMMUNICATION
At GSMBC, we recognize change can bring questions. That’s why we’re here to reassure you that while GSMBC might seem ‘new,’ it’s an evolution of everything we’ve built over the last 20 years. Our mission remains the same: to provide the industry with a top-tier, professional coach education & certification system. Along with regular updates and communication on our social media, here are some key initiatives we are implementing to support instructors and coaches as we continue to roll out GSMBC:
Free & Easy Crossovers for Certified Instructors
If coaches are interested in continuing their education with GSMBC, they can simply submit their PMBIA certificate to receive the equivalent GSMBC Coach Certification—meaning they can simply continue their training with GSMBC without retraining, recertifying, or paying for a GSMBC membership. If you're half way through a course and need to retest, you can even finish this process with GSMBC... our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible for any coach choosing to enter our system.
- Learn more at Entry From Other Certs.
- Not PMBIA certified? There’s a crossover process for you too—we welcome everyone!
Prioritizing Accessibility
We’re dedicated to ensuring affordable and accessible mountain bike coach education. That’s why we’re offering lower course prices and introducing new Online Education Courses (OECs) and webinars this spring and summer. Our goal is to provide flexible learning opportunities so more coaches—regardless of location or financial situation—can grow, connect, and thrive.
Flexible Membership Options (Launching Spring 2025)
GSMBC’s optional membership tiers help keep course costs down while allowing coaches and instructors to choose if, when, and how much they contribute each season. Whether you need online courses, in-person training, or gear discounts, you can choose what works best for you.
With Eastern Canada, particularly Quebec, seeing a surge in new trail networks, the demand for skilled mountain bike coaches has never been greater. After working alongside Paul, Ross, and the team for the past decade, I’m thrilled to join this next chapter of coach education with the Global Standard Mountain Bike Certification (GSMBC). This new structure empowers coaches with the tools to deliver high-quality lessons and customize their certification pathways to meet their clients' needs. The GSMBC’s commitment to translating materials into French, including their website, highlights their dedication to elevating rider education and supporting the East Canadian biking community.—Charles Renaud-Roy, GSMBC Global Education Team Member, East Canada Program Coordinator
I’m thrilled to be working with GSMBC to further develop a certification stream for Adaptive Mountain Bike Coaches, as well as tailored coaching for riders. It’s been incredibly rewarding collaborating with aMTB riders and ambassadors to refine coaching techniques specific to these evolving bikes. Moving forward, we’re excited to expand access to our courses by offering them in more locations and providing online content and training.—Hannah Bostrom - GSMBC Adaptive Program Director
Online Courses & Webinars will include Kids Coaching, Adaptive Coaching, Mental Skills Coaching, Race Coaching, Bike & Suspension Set Up & More!
RECOGNIZED | READY FOR YOU! | VALUES
Due to GSMBC's history as industry pioneers creating and teaching instructor training courses for over two decades, the GSMBC certifications are already accepted and recognized by industry leaders, including insurance providers worldwide and premier destinations like Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Silver Star Bike Park.
Our values define who we are and guide how we treat others. Coaching is about connection and working with people. That's why our approach is always people-first, whether we're training individuals on courses, conducting business, or collaborating with clubs, coaches, or communities. The team behind GSMBC values the connections, communities, and relationships that strengthen an organization. We believe these bonds are the foundation of our success and are central to the culture we continue to build.
1. Empathy & Respect
2. Safety
3. Continuous Learning
4. Community
5. Integrity | Code of Ethics
6. Passion
"Mountain bike coaching and instructor training has been my life's work for over two decades.
It’s been a long road of passion, dedication, and sacrifice—but we’re more excited than ever and have so much more to offer. The same goes for Shannon, Darren, and Kelli, my fellow GSMBC founders. GSMBC is here to stay and ready to evolve because mountain bike coach education is what we do best and what we are so passionate about. It’s about more than just riding bikes in the woods—the impact is real. As we push our own limits, we’re excited to help coaches discover theirs and continue to provide opportunities for mountain biking to help lift up communities worldwide. The potential is limitless with this team and I can't wait to see where this next chapter takes us."—Paul Howard, GSMBC President & Education Director, Owner ZEP Coaching
Since officially launching in January we have been overwhelmed with the support from the coaching community and industry in general. With our longstanding partners and friends in the industry supporting this team, we're excited for the future. With over 130 courses currently scheduled worldwidefor 2025, we couldn't have hoped for a stronger reception.—Shannon Howard, GSMBC Managing Director
"For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of shaping what mountain bike instruction and mentorship can be. As part of the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches, I’m excited to share that our journey has evolved. Today, we’re not just setting standards—we’re expanding our vision to embrace a more holistic approach. We’re dedicated to elevating every facet of our craft—learning, coaching, teaching, guiding, mentorship, and leadership—while continuing to build a thriving, close-knit community in the sport I love.—Kelli Sherbinin - GSMBC Global Education Team Member, Co-Owner Endless Biking
Discover GSMBC Today
Explore a modern, inclusive approach to mountain bike coaching. Visit www.gsmbc.pro to explore our certifications, programs, and resources, and join us in setting a new benchmark for excellence in mountain bike coach education and certifications.
Disclaimer: GSMBC is an independent organization and is not affiliated with the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) or its programs. Any references to past contributions reflect the expertise and history of GSMBC’s founding team in the mountain bike coaching industry.
