Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be coaching and instructing me?
Get ready to ride the trails with PMBIA Professional Level 2 Mountain Bike Coach, Vanessa Hair. A true force of energy and a former Downhill Alberta Champion and Female Athlete of the Year, Vanessa wants to carry on her legacy and experience to inspire and coach others. Vanessa saw that mountain biking can change lives and mountain biking creates unique and effective tools for her clients as they explored the mental, physical, and mechanical skills on the trails. Embrace the luxury experience you deserve and conquer the trails together!
​​
Are your lessons only for beginners?
Though we do offer beginner lessons, we also have options for intermediate, advanced, and professional riders! Our lessons, programs, and private coaching sessions are for riders of all levels. Development is a journey, and we believe every mountain biker can improve their skills and techniques!
​​​​​
How do I know what kind of rider I am?
Check out our guide to skill levels or get in touch - we'd love to chat!
​
What if I really want to join a Group Program but cannot make all of the dates?​
Sign up! We will get you sorted out. If you are unable to make the full program scheduled dates, you can turn your missed class(s) credit into a private lesson(s) with Vanessa Hair! Contact her for booking details at welcome.bold@gmail.com or call/text at 778-821-2453
What should I bring to my lessons/coaching sessions?
Be sure to bring a water bottle or a hydration pack, bug spray, sunscreen, and bear spray. Wearing a helmet is mandatory and the helmet should be less than 5 years old. We recommend elbow and knee pads, gloves, riding glasses, and grippy flat sole shoes (ie. fivetens or vans). Feel free to bring a backpack with extra snacks and mountain bike tools (spare tube, patch kit, plugs, tire lever, hand pump or Co2 cartridge, extra quick link, multi-tool). Be sure to wear comfortable and breathable clothes, and bring warm and/or waterproof layers depending on the weather.
​
I need a bike or gear and I want to learn how to mountain bike - what do I do?
In the Okanagan, we're so lucky to have some amazing local bike shops! If you are in the market to purchase a mountain bike or any mountain biking gear, head to one of the below shops:
​
West Kelowna:
Sovereign Cycle
Kelowna:
Lake Country:
Lake Country Cycle
What about hot weather, rain, thunderstorms, forest fire, or smoke?
Classes and lessons will continue rain or shine, so long as it is not a consistent downpour or thunder and lightning. If the weather forecast is calling for a 70% chance or more of rain or storms by 9pm the day before, then the call will be made to either delay the lesson start or reschedule (an email and phone call will be sent out as notification at that time). Cancelled classes will be made up within a month of originally booking.
​
Air quality is taken into consideration prior to lessons. Learn more about health and safety during fire season here. If AQHI is higher than 7 or 8 index the day of the lesson, we'll make the call to delay the lesson start or reschedule (an email and phone call will be sent out as notification at that time). Cancelled classes will be made up within a month of originally booking.
​
What is the booking policy?
Payment is due upon booking. If you’re injured, sick, or can’t make it to your lesson, please let us know as soon as possible. With no-shows, unfortunately we are unable to reschedule or issue a refund. Please see our full cancellation policy below. ​
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations for private lessons made less than 48 hours from the lesson start time will not be eligible for a refund. However, you may reschedule for a future lesson within the next 2 months of your original booking date. Clients who do not attend the class and fail to provide notice will be charged the full lesson fee.
Group clinic and lesson cancellations made 14 days prior to start time will receive a refund of 75% of their class fee. Cancellations made 7-13 days prior to start time will receive a refund of 50% of their class fee. Cancellations made 3-6 days prior to start time will receive a refund of 25% of their class fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the clinic/lesson start time will not be eligible for a refund. With advanced notice, clients who are unable to attend one of the classes can make up the class through a private lesson experience at a discounted price.
BOLD reserves the right to cancel a class due to extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, clients will be notified to reschedule for a future class date. Cancelled classes will be made up within 2 months of originally booking.
​
A minimum number of participants is required for our group programs to proceed. If the minimum enrolment is not met, BOLD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the program. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified at least 72 hours in advance of the lesson start date and provided with options for alternative sessions or a full refund. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to providing a fun and enriching experience for you!