All Ride MTB

All Ride MTB: mountain bike coaching for women on the Sunshine Coast

All Ride MTB is an Australian company dedicated to women's mountain biking, founded and led by Jo Prothero. Its activity focuses on skills coaching, organising events and retreats for women, and consulting for clubs and destinations that want to develop mountain biking strategies and events. The company operates on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, and has its training base at Sugar Bag MTB Park, in Caloundra.

Background and career of the founder

Jo Prothero got into mountain biking during her time as Director of Marketing & Communications at Falls Creek All Season Alpine Resort, in north-east Victoria. She took on that role in 2012, at the start of trail development to increase visits outside the traditional winter season. As she tells it, she learned "the hard way", with a hardtail bike and lots of rocky sections. That experience led her to want to help other women learn to ride in a fun, safe and supportive environment. She took part for more than eight years in promoting and positioning the Falls Creek trails. She currently lives on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, with her partner Dave and her dog Scooby, and often trains at Sugar Bag, Parklands and Tewantin National Park.

Coaching, events and consulting

All Ride MTB's offering is structured around three areas:

• Skills coaching: sessions designed to improve technique and confidence on the bike, with an approach that combines fun, support and professionalism.
• Events and retreats: riding weekends for women looking to share the experience with other enthusiasts, with social and relaxation elements, as well as improving confidence on the bike.
• Consulting: advisory services for local clubs and destinations, with the aim of developing strategies, events and other initiatives in the mountain biking sector.

Coaching sessions are held at Sugar Bag MTB Park, in Caloundra, and the retreats aim to combine friendship and improved technique. The company also organises monthly social rides across the region.

Training and credentials of the instructor

Jo Prothero is a Professional Mountain Biking Association (PMBIA) Level 1 Instructor and an Aus Cycling Development Instructor. She has received remote wilderness first aid training with St John. She is also the local representative of the Bushrangers MTB Club women's advocacy group, Go G.I.R.L, and organises the aforementioned monthly social rides.

Student testimonials

The site includes feedback from participants in 2024. Eunice highlights that just a few classes with Jo made a big difference to her riding, gaining confidence and understanding her bike better, and that the tips on body coordination and technique were applied immediately on her regular rides. Ali Bowness describes Jo as a patient coach who explains clearly and demonstrates what she wants you to do, and who adapted to her goals. Kate Barry calls her fun, skilled and supportive, and notes that she helped her overcome fears and that she felt comfortable even when she needed to walk a section; she also values that she adapted to all levels in the group and taught her skills she applied immediately.

Philosophy and community

The company maintains that mountain biking is not just a sport, but a community. Its stated mission is to make it easier for more people to ride mountain bikes confidently, offering a fun, supportive and encouraging environment to learn skills and take part. Its values are oriented towards an inclusive and passionate community, with a sense of belonging, safety and growth for riders of all backgrounds and levels. The vision it expresses is to inspire and empower women to enjoy mountain biking and form a community of confident riders who explore the trails.

Location and contact

PO Box 501 Cotton Tree QLD 4551 · Phone: 0449 293 008 · Email: jo@allridemtb.com.au