THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU CAN MAKE? YOURSELF.
Progression plateau?
Asked your mates for advice?
Upgraded your bike?
The biggest performance gains come from within. We’ll bring them out.
Our coaching caters for all ability levels, from beginner to expert riders. Our coaches are qualified to the highest global standards and take pride in their involvement in progressing mountain bike coaching standards.
We create a relaxed, safe and fun environment for you to learn in. It’s low pressure, collaborative and approachable - so you have the best setting for acquiring new skills.
Feel like you are ‘stuck’ with your riding and aren’t progressing? We have the answers. Our experts can instantly analyse your riding and identify potential performance gains. We’ll get you past the barriers that are holding you back.
We operate all across the Queenstown trail networks, so you can ride what you are most familiar with. We coach at Seven Mile, Wynyard/Fernhill, Ben Lomond Trails and Coronet Peak.
A LIFE LONG PASSION
Founder and Head Coach
Rory Bingham
For over 7 years, I have had the privilege of sharing my passion of riding and teaching.
I started Onward because I wanted to combine my own experience and abilities into a new standard of coaching experience for the Queenstown market.
My own riding journey started as a young lad in rural England. I rode mountain bikes and BMX with my brother for many years growing up, but it wasn’t until my early teenage years where I focused solely on mountain biking. Ever since then I have ridden across the world, often with incredibly talented athletes, ticked off some iconic trails and learned a lot along the way. Our backyard in Queenstown is special - I love the people, the trails and the community that we have here.
I love to meet new people and will try to get to know you on a personal level when I coach. A relaxed, collaborative environment is what I aim to create, as I feel this leads to best results from students. Ultimately, I do this to deliver the most valuable learning experience to you.
Come and ride with us and let us give you the keys to unlocking your full riding potential.
“A relaxed, collaborative environment is what I aim to create, as I feel this leads to best results from students. Ultimately, I do this to deliver the most valuable learning experience to you.”
7+
7+ years experience teaching at the highest levels for leading coaching companies in NZ and Canada.
L4
Professional mountain bike instructors association (PMBIA) level 4 coaching certification.
L1&2
Level 1 & 2 PMBIA instructor trainer for New Zealand - I coach the coaches.
PHEC
Pre hospital emergency care (PHEC) first aid certificate.
STAFF
Coach
Regis Smets
Regis made the move to Queenstown in 2020 to escape the Belgian winter. With a background in bike mechanics, we’re excited to have Regis join the team for the 2024/25 season.
We admire Regis’ inquisitive nature and drive to deeply understand mountain biking - there aren’t many with the same attention to detail, hunger for learning and analytical skills. He adopts a truly holistic approach to improving rider’s bikes and skill sets - we like that.
In his own words:
“A strong drive to understand how things work nourished my interest of the mechanical side of bicycles. I have been a bicycle mechanic for over 10 years now, with a brief appearance on the downhill world cup circuit.
My coaching and guiding journey started in 2021, convinced by Rory to take part in my first PMBIA course. I quickly understood that the same drive applied to 'how to ride a bike' - there is so much to learn & share.
How wonderful is it when you can help other people in the process?
I love the variety of people we get to meet in this line of work. I am excited to meet you!”
Regis is available for data acquisition setups, private and group coaching sessions for novice to strong intermediate riders. Regis is fluent in English and French.
10+
10+ years experience working at the highest levels of bike mechanics.
L2
Professional mountain bike instructors association (PMBIA) level 2 coaching certification.
10+
Years riding experience across the world
2 DAY
Outdoor First Aid Certificate.
READY TO RIDE?
READY TO RIDE?
We are here to make sure your riding experience with us is the best it possibly can be. If you have any questions, please get in touch