Mountain Bike Coach - Whitney Houck
Availability, Profile, and Reviews for Coach Whitney Houck
Meet Coach Whitney Houck, an experienced mountain bike coach and retired Coast Guard Veteran with a passion for riding that dates back to 2007. Originally born in Honolulu Hawaii, Whitney has been teaching lessons since 2019. Relocating to Brevard NC in 2021, she quickly became a vital part of the mountain biking community through coaching, community involvement, and a commitment to fostering a love for the sport.
Book a Private Skills Lesson with Whitney
Choose a Day / Time first, then choose a Location during the booking process.
Choose a Length for your Lesson:
2 Hours: Quick pace. Best for focused topics. Includes enough practice time for you to get a feel for it and then go practice on your own afterwards.
3 Hours: (most common) More in-depth. Better for more topics and more practice time with analysis from your coach.
4 Hours: Deeper dive into topics or cover more goals. Lots of focused practice time with analysis to get the milage you need for true progression during the lesson.
Whitney is available for Private Lessons at the following Locations:
DuPont State Forest
Ride Kanuga Bike Park
Pisgah National Forest (near Brevard)
Chestnut Mountain Nature Park (Berm Park)
Old Fort Gateway Trails
Whitney Houck: Professional Mountain Bike Coach
Quick Facts
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii
Loves to ride downhill, carving turns, and bumping off anything that can give her air
Is often heard yelling “Woo-Hoo” on the trail
Favorite trails in the area (at the moment):
Kanuga - Rhodo Rukus and the new Deadwood
Pisgah - Long Branch, Spencer/Trace, Daniel Ridge
Outside of NC - Ohana Trail on Oahu and Frederick Watershed in Maryland
Qualifications
Certified Mountain Bike Instructor, GSMBC and PMBIA Level 2 “Advanced Coach - Air Instructor”
Wilderness First Responder
15+ years riding mountain bikes and 7+ years experience coaching
Teaches a Mountain Bike Course at Brevard College
Retired Coast Guard Commander with specialty in training members and managing a technical training center
Attended multiple bike maintenance clinics and courses
Target Clients
Works will beginner through advanced riders of all ages and backgrounds
Conducts many women’s skills clinics to help grow the community of women on bikes
Loves to teach riders how to find flow in corners, over features, and through technical terrain
Is equipped to teach lessons for riders on e-bikes or tow clients on their “acoustic bike” to the top to get more laps with less effort (in locations that allow e-bikes)
Coaching Philosophy and Teaching Style
Enjoys empowering riders with more confidence through fundamental skill development & refinement, as well as encouraging them to be more playful on trails.
After ensuring safety, making time on the bike be FUN is Whitney’s goal.
Talented at customizing the lesson towards your goals, no matter your riding style, such as cross-country efficiency, playful park riding, downhill speed, or maximizing your all-round fun level.
Community Involvement
Serves on the Board of Directors for Blue Ridge Dirt Skrrts, a local non-profit that works to get more women on bikes
Volunteers with Pisgah Area SORBA and Friends of DuPont
Graduate of Blue Ridge Community College Vision Program
Reviews
“I had an incredible learning experience with MTB Skills Factory! Whitney created an excellent, individualized plan for increasing my Mountain bike skills through her thoughtful teaching style that exactly met my needs and desires! I’ve been using so many of the skills on my weekly rides and can’t wait to sign up soon to learn more.” - Marie Graven