MTB Skills Factory, founded by Josh Whitmore, is a premier mountain biking instruction company based in the mountains of North Carolina. With a team of certified instructors, they offer private lessons, group clinics, and instructor training programs designed to empower riders of all levels through intentional skills progression and focused practice. MTB Skills Factory‘s commitment to building a supportive and inclusive community while delivering high-quality, professional instruction has positioned them as a rising leader in the mountain biking education industry.
1. What inspired you to start MTB Skills Factory, and what unique approach doest MTB Skills Factory bring to mountain bike skills instruction?
MTB Skills Factory exists simply to help people “Ride Better”. Whether you want to make a breakthrough with your riding skills to access more terrain with more confidence or need a local expert to take you on an unforgettable adventure, we offer the highest quality and most professional experiences in the region. Backed by a team of the most highly trained and experienced coaches and guides, we aim to raise the bar for the industry.
MTB Skills Factory is a combination of owner/head coach Josh Whitmore’s 30 year experience as a career professional in Outdoor Education and his background as a professional mountain bike racer.
Here’s a quote from Josh, himself:
“During much of my life, I taught skills lessons as a side gig while pursuing a racing career. As racing slowed down, coaching took over full-time. Growing up in Brevard, I’ve witnessed the evolution of our region to become a mountain bike mecca and an outdoor recreation driven economy. Mountain biking has played such an important role as a passion in my own life. The things I’ve learned on the bike have helped me thrive as a human off the bike as well. I’m excited to help facilitate the same experiences and outcomes for others seeking an adventure classroom.”
2.What are the future goals for MTB Skills Factory, and how do you see MTB Skills Factory contributing to the mountain biking community?
MTB Skills Factory is continuing to grow! New for 2025, we’re adding guided rides to our previous “product line” of private skills lessons and group clinics. Whether you are newer to riding and want to try it out in a safe way or are a seasoned rider visiting the area and want to get on the best trails to maximize your experience, our local experts can guide the way.
We’re also invested in helping our regional cycling community thrive through partnerships and support for organizations like Blue Ridge Dirt Skrrts, Riding in Color WNC, Cherokee 7 Moons MTB, and other local riding groups. We’re also thrilled to bring turn-key instruction and guiding services to existing and soon-to-be bike parks in the region.
In addition, owner/head coach Josh is a prominent instructor-trainer in the mountain bike world, helping to raise the level of professionalism and excellence in the mountain bike skills instruction industry by teaching certification courses and conducting staff training for mountain bike coaches and skills schools around the country.
3. How has your business evolved since joining the Outdoor Business Alliance, and what unexpected networking or collaboration opportunities have emerged through your membership?
MTB Skills Factory has benefitted from two main aspects of being associated with the OBA. The first is just business guidance. We’re expert purveyors of adventure but not necessarily small business ownership. The education programs like the Waypoint Accelerator or the seminars available to OBA members have been invaluable in helping us develop a business that is sustainable. The ability to reach out to other OBA members to ask for advice has also been a huge benefit of being a part of the organization.
The other big benefit of being associated with the OBA has been business partnerships. For example, this region is a hub for outdoor gear manufacturing. We foster deep connections in-person with our customers and can influence their purchasing decisions and perceptions of brands. That’s an easy match for gear manufacturers wishing to market to our customer base.
More information about all things MTB Skills Factory visit their website here.
