The Progression Guide – August

A Monthly Online Skill Builder Series

AUGUST EDITION 2025 – JUMPING

Jumping is one of the most exciting skills in mountain biking—it’s how riders turn speed and control into airtime, style, and confidence. More than just “sending it,” jumping is about timing, balance, and precision that transform the trail’s features into opportunities to fly.

In this edition, we’re diving into the fundamentals of jumping: how to approach a lip with control, use your body to create lift, and stay balanced in the air. From loading your bike on takeoff to spotting a smooth landing, these techniques will help you build consistency and confidence every time your tires leave the ground.

Whether you’re boosting tabletops, clearing gaps, or just starting small, mastering the art of jumping opens the door to more speed, more flow, and a whole new level of fun on the trail.

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Building Skills Through Coaching

My name is Amanda, and I am from Holderness, NH. I started riding in high school as a way to train for cross-country skiing, and my love for the sport quickly evolved into what it is today. So I guess that means I’ve been riding for about 8 years. The first experience I had at Highland was a Wednesduro in I think 2019 with my ski and mountain bike coach at the time. We did 5 laps, which I don’t think I’ve done since then!

My first coaching experience at Highland was working in the training department, leading Find Your Ride groups. I have been coaching since the summer of 2021, so just over 4 years. I have coached Women’s Gravity Weekend three times and Women’s Freeride Festival once. Coaching these sessions has taught me so so much! In the name of keeping it brief, I’ll say my top three takeaways from coaching these programs are as follows:

1. Everybody learns at a different pace and in different styles
2. The only person who can decide if you’re ready to tackle a challenge is yourself
3. Consistent work toward a goal will always pay off- whether it is a technical goal or a mental goal

Breakthrough Moments

I remember having one of my dear friends and colleagues in the training department tell me that the key to really jumping a feature (or boosting, if you will) is to feel like you’re leaning back off the lip, and that is what creates that beautiful pop and arch. My jumping progression and style took off after hearing that piece of advice. I always tell my participants just what my friend told me. Pairing that with having the athlete watch a video of themselves jumping as they keep this advice in mind can completely alter the way they ride jumps. Almost everything I know about gravity riding has come from me explaining it to other athletes. Explaining and showing a concept to someone else is the final test of whether you yourself have mastered that thing. I owe my coaching experience all of the credit when it comes to my own riding! 

I think the most important thing that I take away from the programs I have coached is a feeling of inspiration! It is truly amazing to see the progress that these ladies can have in just one weekend, and getting to play a role in that is such a blessing. These programs, like Women’s Gravity Weekend, bring a certain kind of energy and motivation to the sport that I have yet to find elsewhere. Coaching these programs has showed me the power that a community of like-minded individuals (in this case, women that shred) can have. The confidence that I see these ladies leaving the park with after a weekend of programming is so special to see.

Looking Ahead

The value of training at Highland is unimaginable. The most important aspect of having fun on your bike and doing it safely is having the confidence in your ability. This confidence is what Highland does such a fantastic job of instilling in all of its participants and athletes. It is absolutely worth the time and the money, and I do not say that lightly. These programs can literally change the trajectory of your riding and connect you with some of the most talented and inspirational riding buddies that you will find! My main riding goal will always stay the same: to have fun on my bike and explore new places to ride! Other than that, I’m currently trying my hand at enduro racing and going for the Eastern States Cup overall title this year!

Progression, Confidence, & Community

Women’s Gravity Weekend is the ultimate opportunity to ride, progress, and connect in a supportive all-women environment. Over two days, professional female coaches will help you sharpen your skills, gain confidence, and push your riding to the next level. Whether you’re building fundamentals or tackling new challenges, this weekend is all about progression and fun—on and off the bike.

Who says the kids get to have all the fun? Progression never stops, and our adult programs are here to help you take your riding to the next level. Whether you’re chasing confidence, speed, or style, we’ve got a lineup designed for you:

• Adult Ayr Academy – Fall Sessions
  Dial in your technique with Highland’s signature coaching program. Small groups, professional instruction, and plenty of time on the trails make this the ultimate way to progress.