Naeema Bhyat, Mountain Bike Coach

Naeema Bhyat

Naeema turned childhood dreams into reality in 2017. Chasing chill vibes, she’s the queen of scenic rides and downhill thrills. As a mountain bike coach and skiing pro, she’s on a mission to make sports accessible for everyone. Naeema’s curious quirks include a love for the unknown, and did you know she aced a sprint triathlon on a mountain bike?


Revelstoke is Naeena’s trail haven, but Turkey’s her dream biking destination – think of great scenery, interesting trails, food, history, and water! With Naeema, every trail becomes a celebration. Snacks? Oh, her pack’s a feast with apples, trail mix, sandwiches, and chocolate. She coaches with a mantra of self-love and encouragement, proving that biking is all about fun and the joy of progress!


Locations

  • Bragg Creek / Calgary

Credentials

  • PMBIA Level 1
  • Taught skiing for 5 years
  • Teaches in an adaptive snowsports program

Schedules

Beginner

Experienced Beginner

  • Thursday June 6th to 26th

About Naeema Bhyat

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


I started mountain biking in 2017 although I rode a lot earlier in life too. Mountain biking as an adult is realizing a long-delayed childhood dream to build a sketchy backyard ramp and jump my tiny bike off it. Back then my grandmother prevented me from rash judgment.


If you were to describe your riding style in one word, what would it be?


My riding style is pretty chill – I enjoy scenery most of all but also a good downhill.


Who was/is your inspiration for riding and why?


I take inspiration from the many fantastic and generous riders and coaches I’ve been fortunate to get to know on the trails. I’ve seen what they’ve done and how I can get better watching and listening to them.


What’s the best thing about mtb for you?


The best thing about biking is getting outside in a lot of different weather conditions, in all seasons and challenging yourself. There’s always something new to learn and different styles of riding, you’ll never get bored.


What’s unique about your coaching style?


I want sports and the outdoors to be accessible to everyone. I also to encourage the group to come together and cheer each other on. I’ve seen riders try things they didn’t think they could through other riders’ support.


What makes you, you? What’s your best quirk?


My best quirk is that I’m curious about things.


What’s a fun fact about you?


A fun fact about me is that I rode a mountain bike in my first sprint triathlon. It was strictly for fun so I never considered a road bike.


Favourite trail?


My favourite trails are in Revelstoke where there’s a ton of variety and they’re flowy and rocky in lush forested landscapes whether it’s wet or dry.


Dream destination?


My dream destination for mountain biking would be Turkey for great scenery, interesting trails, food, history and water


Favourite trailside snack?


I’m never without food on the trails, you’ll find everything from apples, trail mix, sandwiches and chocolate in my pack.


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


I want my students to purposely notice and congratulate themselves on what they’re doing right and the progress they’ve made. All the skills we try take time to learn and there’s nothing like self-encouragement over all the ways we think we should be doing it better.


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


The best advice I’ve had is to remember it’s about fun!