Kingdom Trails - East Burke, VT May 17-18, 2025 An Unforgettable Mountain Biking Clinic with an Unmatched Coaching Crew I recently had the opportunity to attend a mountain biking clinic with the leadership team from my company, and I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding and energizing weekends I’ve had in a long time. Right from the start, I knew I was in good hands with coaches Patrick, Joe, and Mike. Each brought something unique to the table— Patrick, the head coach, brought a steady presence and laid out each session with a clear, step-by-step approach that made everything feel safe and achievable. Joe was quieter but exuded confidence—his calm support and flawless demos spoke volumes. He let his riding do the talking, and it definitely made an impression. Watching him effortlessly handle the terrain on his e-bike had me rethinking my own setup. I never thought I’d be considering an e-bike, but thanks to Joe, it’s officially on my radar. Mike, the technical mastermind, not only demonstrated each skill with ease but also made sure everyone’s bike was dialed in just right for the terrain ahead. They were incredibly supportive, endlessly patient, and clearly passionate about what they do. More importantly, they made the experience personal and fun—I immediately felt like I was among my people. One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to trust the bike—especially the tires. I had been holding back without realizing just how much the bike could handle. Through their guidance, I began to let go of that hesitation. They helped me refine what I was already doing right, while also opening my eyes to just how much more there is to learn. A highlight of the weekend was conquering features that once seemed out of reach—like launching over 5-foot gaps and navigating 6-foot drop-ins with confidence. It wasn’t just about learning the technique (which they broke down step by step); it was about believing I could do it. And believe me, those guys made sure I did—sometimes with a perfectly-timed wisecrack, but always with genuine encouragement. Climbing is still not my strong suit, but according to Patrick, Joe, and Mike, I was doing better than I gave myself credit for. They were right there on every tough ascent, coaching, cheering, and giving me that extra push to keep going. If you ever get the chance to be coached by Patrick, Joe, and Mike—or even just bump into them on the trail or on the street—you’ll understand what I mean when I say they’re a phenomenal group of guys. Their expertise, humor, and ability to connect made the experience not just a clinic, but a true adventure. Highly recommend.