Do guides provide bikes and helmets?

No—participants must bring their own bikes; helmets are mandatory. Partner rental discounts are available with code SCHOOLOFMTB10.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 8; younger riders must have appropriate skills and be grouped with similar ability riders.

How big are the groups?

Groups are commonly limited to six riders to maximize coaching time and safety.

What if trail conditions are poor?

Guides may reroute or change plans based on trail conditions and safety; expect alternatives chosen to match ability and conditions.

Is prior experience required?

This session targets intermediate to advanced riders; you should be comfortable on steep, technical singletrack and able to handle rock features.

How can I book or get discounts?

Book via the provided referral link; rentals with partner shops can use code SCHOOLOFMTB10 for discounts.

Gillard Gravity Experience: Kelowna's Steep Technical Singletrack Coaching | Bike Tour | Guided Tour

On a bright Kelowna morning, The Gillard Gravity Experience drops you into the hard-won singletrack of Gillard in Myra-Bellevue (Crawford), British Columbia, Canada. This guided, skills-focused mountain bike outing pushes intermediate and advanced riders down steep pitches, over technical rock features, and along flowy ridgelines that run the length of the Bench and Vapour zones. Certified coaches tailor lines to your group, alternating instruction, demonstration, and ride time so you leave with sharper technique and more confidence on technical descents.

Gillard’s trails are defined by steep, short climbs that give way to committed, punchy descents. The substrate here is glacially scoured bedrock and fractured volcanic outcrops—an unforgiving but rideable surface that rewards precise line choice. Vegetation shifts from dry Ponderosa pine and sagebrush on lower benches to denser Douglas fir stands higher on the ridge, creating changing light and traction through the ride. Expect exposure, rocky rollovers, and flow sections that let you build speed between technical features.

The typical outing meets at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford). Guides set objectives around Bench or Vapour trail systems so groups ride lines matched to ability; younger riders (minimum age 8) are welcome in family-friendly formats when skills align. Helmets are mandatory and participants must provide their own bikes—guides carry first-aid and repair tools, and operators reserve the right to reroute for safety or trail condition. There’s a practical bonus: partner rental discounts are available with code SCHOOLOFMTB10 for those who need a bike.

Typical departures run 2–3 hours and keep groups intentionally small—guides commonly limit parties to six riders to maximize instruction and minimize turnaround. The meeting point at Myra-Bellevue (Crawford) puts you steps from trail access: load your bike, do a short pedal or shuttle to the ridge, then expect a mix of coached laps and point-to-point runs. Weather on the bench can change quickly, so bring layered clothing and be ready for dusty summer traction or slick spring rock.

The coaching format is the trip’s core value proposition. Rather than a single guided descent, certified instructors break skills into repeatable drills on natural features, then put those drills to work at pace. Coaches offer immediate feedback on body position, brake modulation, and line choice while managing risk through progressive run selection. Riders of similar ability get consistent coaching, so technical moves become rehearsed rather than accidental.

For visitors based in Kelowna, the Gillard Gravity Experience is a concentrated, effective way to sample the Okanagan’s gravity terrain. Safety-forward instruction, a focus on sustainable trail etiquette, and local trail knowledge make this an ideal step-up experience before exploring more of the region’s network. Come prepared, be coachable, and expect to leave with measurably better technique—and a series of descents you’ll want to ride again.

About School of MTB

School of MTB is a Kelowna, British Columbia mountain biking school offering targeted instruction and guided sessions for riders of varying abilities. The company provides a range of experiences including Private lesson/Camp, Private Intro to Mountain Biking, Personalized Private Lessons, and Private Group Sessions. Each offering is designed to build skills, confidence, and enjoyment on local trails.

The Private Intro to Mountain Biking session covers bike setup, control, and braking with expert guidance before riding a scenic trail—an approachable option for beginners seeking a relaxed first descent. Personalized Private Lessons focus on rapid skill development through tailored coaching, video feedback, and confidence-building drills to help riders tackle technical features safely. Private Group Sessions adapt coaching to a group's skill level, providing shared instruction, personalized feedback, and opportunities to develop a common riding language. Private lesson/Camp blends exploration and social connection in lively group adventures crafted around participants’ interests.

All programs emphasize personalized instruction and on-trail coaching. Sessions are customized to individual goals and group needs, with experienced instructors delivering guided practice and targeted feedback. The School of MTB operates from Kelowna and uses local trails to teach real-world riding techniques and trailcraft.

Booking information, session length, prices, and availability are provided directly by the School of MTB. Prospective participants should contact School of MTB in Kelowna for current schedules, equipment requirements, and booking details. Instruction emphasizes safe riding techniques, progressive skill building, and clear on-trail communication, suited to beginners through more experienced riders seeking focused coaching and improvement every season.