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.
DONUTS & BIKES: The Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast
Can We Ride Like Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet?
Can We Ride Like Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet? | Lessons from World Cup MTB Racers
Can everyday mountain bikers learn to ride like World Cup pros Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet? While their speed and style might seem out of reach, the truth is: they’re using the same fundamental skills that all riders can develop.
In this episode of the Donuts and Bikes Mountain Bike Coaching Podcast, Paul and Kristian dive into what makes these elite racers so good—and how you can apply those lessons to your own riding.
🎧 Topics covered include:
- Why World Cup DH racers still use the same foundational MTB skills
- The difference between position and movement on the bike
- How consistent movement improves bike control
- The role of strength and fatigue in maintaining stability
- Why riding taller may give you better control
- How to connect why you're moving with how you move
- The power of quality movement for better trail performance
- How jump training builds timing and coordination
- Adapting to new terrain by refining your jumping skills
- The importance of social support in rider development
- What separates top racers from the rest of us
- The role of mindset: positivity, happiness, and grounded performance
- Experience vs. skill—and how mentors shape growth
- Why reflection leads to mature riding decisions
- And of course… a donut from down under 🍩🇦🇺
Whether you're a weekend trail rider or chasing race goals, this episode is packed with practical insights to level up your riding.
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
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
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
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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.
