This week on the Downtime Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Howard – founder of ZEP Mountain Bike Camps and the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC). Paul’s been instrumental in shaping the coaching standards used by instructors and schools around the world.
We get into what effective coaching really looks like, how teaching techniques have evolved, why rider movement is more important than ever, and what most people get wrong when they’re trying to ride faster or with more control.
From developing fundamental skills to helping experienced riders refine their technique, Paul shares decades of experience in a way that’s accessible to every level of rider. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a lifelong rider, or someone looking to finally hit that next level, there’s plenty here to take to the trail.
#MTBCoaching #MTBTraining #DownhillMTB #RideFaster #MTBProgression #BikeSkills #MountainBiking #MTBPodcast #ZEPCoaching #mtbtips
Podcast Stuff
Listener Offers
Downtime listeners can now get 10% off of Stashed Space Rails. Stashed is the ultimate way to sort your bike storage. Their clever design means you can get way more bikes into the same space and easily access whichever one you want to ride that day. If you have 2 or more bikes in your garage, they are definitely worth checking out. Just head to stashedproducts.co.uk/downtime and use the code DOWNTIME at the checkout for 10% off your entire order. And Just so you know, we get 10% of the sale too, so it’s a win win.
Patreon
You can support the podcast to help it keep going and improving by heading over to https://www.patreon.com/downtimepodcast/
Merch
If you want to support the podcast, and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that's using renewable energy. So check it out now over at https://downtimepodcast.teemill.com/
Newsletter
If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at https://www.downtimepodcast.com/newsletter/
Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Each episode will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it's totally free. You'll find all the links you need at https://www.downtimepodcast.com/follow-podcast/ You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there.
Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at https://www.downtimepodcast.com/episodes/
Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Mountain Biking Coaching
10:06 The Impact of Online Resources on Coaching
20:02 The Role of Equipment in Coaching
30:09 The Changing Nature of Coaching Skills
39:57 Balancing Technique and Flow State in Performance
41:24 Flow State and Performance Optimization
42:49 Technique and Off-Season Training
43:44 Understanding Body Positioning and Fatigue
46:08 Biomechanics and Rider Strength
47:15 Analyzing World Cup Riders' Techniques
51:10 The Outlier: Dakota Norton's Unique Setup
53:34 Sam Hill's Riding Philosophy
56:55 The Role of Action Cameras in Coaching
01:01:10 Training for Speed and Safety
01:06:05 Terrain-Based Learning for Skill Development
01:10:00 Coaching Kids in Mountain Biking
01:15:18 Advice for Aspiring Coaches
#mountainbike #downtimepodcast #mtbpodcast