Alison Barnfather, mountain bike instructor with Shred Sisters

Alison Barnfather

Coach in Bragg Creek & Calgary


A lover of mountain air with a good sense of humour, Alison instructs in Calgary & Bragg Creek. She obtained her PMBIA Level 1 Certification back in 2016 and is an instructor with and past president of the Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club. Alison focuses first and foremost on FUN! Following that, what could be better than having students master solid foundational skills they can continue to build on as they fall more and more in love with mountain biking!


Credentials

  • PMBIA Level 1
  • Wilderness first aid 40 hours
  • Occupational Therapist – Specialize in Concussion

Schedules

Weekend Experienced Beginner 

  • Saturday June 8th
  • Saturday July 13th

 

About Alison Barnfather

She has a name for everything she owns (not just her bikes but her vehicles and plants too!) and is often caught singing to herself or giving herself tips while navigating gnarly sections on a trail. You will feel absolutely comfortable riding alongside her and will learn a ton from this wealth of knowledge!


When did you first start riding and how did you get into it?


I first started riding as a kid of course and am still reminded by my dad how angry I got when he brought out some training wheels for my first bike. “No way Jose!!” my childhood-self told him as I rode away down the cul-de-sac on my own, crashing into the bushes at the end of the street because I hadn’t quite figured out braking yet!! I started “mountain biking” in earnest in 2009 when I realized that MTB meant so much more than just riding off a paved trail!


What’s the best thing about mtb for you?


Love the ability to explore my favourite places on two wheels gulping in the mountain air while getting an amazing workout and adrenalin rush. No end to the ways to challenge yourself and push some limits.



What’s unique about your coaching style?


I love injecting humour into everything  that I do. I am the least intimidating person you will meet and I live to see that “aha” moment when a student figures out a new skill or tweaks a maneuver.


What makes you, you? What’s your best quirk? Fun Fact about you or story?


I love having a running soundtrack or narration to my life.  You may find me singing a tune as I ride or giving myself tips as I descend a particularly knarly section or as I try and work out the perfect line! Oh and I name almost everything I own…bikes, vehicles…plants!


Favourite trail?


This can change yearly but I guess I could say Powderface-Prairie Link is a fave , Cumberland Trails, 727, Race of Spades & Mercy Me at Panorama



What do you want your students to gain from your coaching/teaching?


My wish for my students is to create a solid foundation of skills that they can continue to build on for years to come! I want them to know they don’t have to be the fastest, most aggressive, or fearless riders to experience all the joys of MTB. Also, it’s never too late to become a solid MTB rider and see positive changes every year you go out!


What has been the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given or received in mountain biking or any other sport?


– Strive for Progress not Perfection!!


– Do it for the Love of the Sport!!!


– and my personal face…Cowboy Legs & Cowboy Arms