About

From the Start

Established in 2010 by two passionate mountain bikers, WyeMTB was created with a simple aim: to deliver high-quality, personal, and professional mountain bike coaching and leadership training in some of the best riding terrain the UK has to offer. We are a small, specialist business, and we pride ourselves on being approachable, flexible, and genuinely focused on the people we work with.

We believe that great mountain biking experiences come from confidence, good decision-making, and strong foundations. Whether someone is completely new to riding, looking to improve their skills, or aiming to become a qualified Mountain Bike Leader, our role is to support them with clear instruction, honest guidance, and a positive, encouraging approach.

Based in Monmouth, in the heart of the Wye Valley and surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we are perfectly placed to deliver real-world riding experiences. Rolling hills, ancient woodland, open countryside and technical trail centres provide the ideal classroom for developing both riding and leadership skills. It’s an environment that naturally inspires adventure, learning, and respect for the outdoors.

WyeMTB is led by co-owner David Windebank (BSc), a British Cycling Level 3 MTB Guide and Tutor, Level 2 MTB Coach, and trainee Level 3 MTB Coach. David has over 15 years of experience coaching and guiding riders of all abilities. With a background in outdoor education, including running an outdoor education course at a local FE college, he brings a strong educational foundation to everything WyeMTB delivers. His focus has always been on building confidence, encouraging safe practice, and helping people achieve more than they thought possible.

As a micro business, we offer something that larger providers often can’t:
personal attention, consistency, and genuine care for every client. When you book with WyeMTB, you are not just another name on a list. We take the time to understand your goals, your experience, and what you want to gain from your time with us. Courses are delivered in a supportive, friendly atmosphere where learning is encouraged and mistakes are seen as part of the journey.

We are proud to be a registered training provider for the British Cycling Mountain Bike Leadership Awards, offering training and assessment across the full pathway, including:

  • Off-Road Leader

  • Trail Leader

  • Mountain Bike Leader

  • Night Leader

  • Remote Leader

Our leadership courses are built around real riding, realistic decision-making, and practical skills that leaders can immediately apply in the outdoors.

Alongside leadership training, we also deliver British Cycling coaching for riders of all abilities. From complete beginners to experienced riders looking to refine their skills, we provide:

  • Regular group coaching sessions

  • Bespoke 1-to-1 coaching

  • Guided rides that focus on enjoyment, progression and confidence

Age, background, or ability is never a barrier. Mountain biking should be inclusive, supportive, and fun, and that philosophy runs through everything we do.

With decades of combined experience within the mountain bike and outdoor industry, WyeMTB can also support organisations, schools, clubs and activity centres with technical advice, operational guidance, and the development of safe working practices.

At its heart, WyeMTB is about people.
We care about:

  • Your progression

  • Your confidence

  • Your safety

  • Your enjoyment

Whether you’re aiming for a professional qualification, improving your riding skills, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out on the trails, we deliver a personal, professional, and genuinely supportive experience every time.

WyeMTB
Coach | Guide | Educate

Whether you’re looking to gain a formal qualification in mountain biking, improve your bike skills, or perhaps you’re after an unforgettable mountain bike adventure with friends and family, we can cater for you. For more information and to enquire, feel free to contact us.

Meet The Team

David Windebank

BC Level 3 Coach and Leadership Tutor, ITC 16hr Level 3 Outdoor first aid

With a BSc (Hons) Degree in Outdoor Education, David “Windy” Windebank is an accomplished lecturer in outdoor education. Despite being well versed on the water, with qualifications in canoe and kayaking, Windy co-founded WyeMTB to deliver exceptional mountain bike education and guided ride experiences.

As an early member of the British Cycling Mountain Bike Leadership program, Windy has worked closely with Scottish Cycling, Welsh Cycling and British Cycling to help develop the award’s curriculum and delivery schedule. His involvement with the award program has played an integral role in its success.  He is one of the leading mountain biking tutors in the UK, and one of only a handful qualified to deliver the prestigious Level 3 Leadership Award.

Windy also holds certificates in other outdoor awards including Mountain Leader, Single Pitch Award, Canoe and Kayak Coach Level 3. He’s a member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning holding his Accredited Practitioners of the Institute for Outdoor Learning award.

Gareth Sheppard

BC Level 3 Coach and Leadership Tutor, ITC 16hr Level 3 Outdoor first aid

Gareth’s love for mountain biking began in the early ’90s, and his enthusiasm for the sport took him all the way to the European and World Mountain Bike Championships where he proudly competed for Great Britain.

With years of mountain bike racing under his belt, Gareth took up the position of Performance Manager for the British Cycling Team for six years. During this time, Gareth travelled the world with Team GB, taking them to many World Championships, World Cup events, the 2010 Commonwealth Games and, more notably, the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Gareth now runs the Pedalabikeaway Trail Centre in the Forest of Dean which hosts one of the largest kid’s mountain bike clubs in the country, Little Fodders. Through this club, Gareth has coached many young riders into successful mountain bike racers over the past several years.

Gareth holds a British Cycling Level 3 MTB coach qualification and British Cycling Level 3 MTB leader award.

Clare Muir

BC Level 2 MTB Generic Coach, BC Level 2 MTB Coach; BC Level 3 MTB Leader, ITC 16hr Level 3 Outdoor 1st Aid

I started cycling 20 years ago after my horse died as I needed a new hobby where I got constantly covered in mud!  I quickly got into XC racing and spent many happy years racing with a team from our local bike shop. After moving to this area several years ago I gave up racing and just embraced the different terrains this area has to offer. I became an MTB coach and guide as I love to see others gain new skills and experiences, and pass on my passion for the sport.  My ‘happy place’ to cycle is in the Black Mountains, with the amazing views and brutal climbs!

Joe Goode

Jedi

Some say his favourite drink is chain lube and that his relationship status on facebook is a four bar linkage – all we know is that he’s called Coach Joe.

Joe started racing Mountain bikes from the age of 11 and was drawn into this exciting sport and has never looked back. He has competed in multiple disciplines within mountain biking since he was bitten by the bug and, time allowing, still races today.

He has over a decade of experience in the bike trade, managing a busy shop in Greater London and working closely with an infamous distributor. This however did not leave enough time for riding and the Forest called. He and his family moved to the area and they have never looked back!

Joe is a British Cycling Level 2 MTB coach and a Level 2 Guide, who also coaches the Little Fodders kids club based at Pedalabikeaway.

Sam Copp

“Golden Eagle, dropping in”

Sam raced downhill for a number of years before going to study outdoor education to become a multi-activity instructor.  However, he soon discovered that instructing and leading mountain biking was the sole direction he wanted to go!  When Sam is not working as a guide or coach, he is riding his bike.  Some say he is obsessed, he merely states he is prefers to spend his time in his happy place 🙂

Sam is a British Cycling  Level 3 Guide and a MTB Level 2 MTB Coach.

Seth Barrett

I started riding mountain bikes at the age of 8.  All thanks to my older brother and Dad who, after countless attempts of antagonising them for me to go with them, agreed. From that moment, I’ve never looked back and been obsessed with this sport ever since.

I’ve been lucky enough to race all over the world doing what I enjoy most. I have competed in a few Downhill World Cup rounds and an Enduro World Series round.  I mainly focus on downhill racing because going fast is addictive! However, I am happiest being on a fun ride on any bike with some good mates.  Racing has helped me analyse myself and what I can do better and feel I’ve become quite methodical with my riding, which is why I enjoy coaching so much.

I believe you can always do better and supporting people to improve their mountain biking skills is something that I find very rewarding.  You can find me any given day on my bike and enjoying the amazing trails that the local area has to offer.

Cheers!