Back in 2010, after two amazing seasons mountain bike coaching in Canada, I decided to set up as a coach in Bristol. Sat in a pub, with would be co-founder, Sam Fowler and some mutual friends, I shared my vision and the echo from those in the room was positive. This was the motivation I needed and in 2011 Pedal Progression was born.

It’s been an incredible 12 years and so much has been achieved. Some of my many highlights include:

• Organising and managing the Ashton Court Nova Trail refurbishment in 2018. Shout out to all the volunteers who came along to make it happen.
• Writing and winning our first commercial tender (for Bath Bike Park) with a 100% quality score.
• Hosting Mountain Bike World Champion, Steve Peat for a mass ride and then DJing back to back with ‘K-Rad’!
• Writing and delivering a mountain bike module for GCSE PE students in Bristol.
• Training coaching staff and seeing their development as they grow in their ability to teach and communicate complicated movements effectively.
• Constantly seeing people find joy in riding bikes, regardless of their age, stage, race, gender or ability. I’m proud to have been part of a company that seeks to be inclusive.

It’s been a wild ride and I’ve loved (almost!) every minute but it’s the right time for a change. The tipping point for me, was not being able to deliver Bath Bike Park. This was the ultimate dream and in my mind, the next logic step for the business. Ollie and I spent 4 years designing, business planning, liaising with the public, Council and stakeholders whilst working with our construction partners Architrail Velosolutions UK, to create something incredible.

My heart and my head were equally invested in Bath Bike Park and it was an exciting time. Not only because of the project content, doing something I was passionate about, but also my development professionally as I learned new skills daily. I felt alive everyday, even when things got difficult.

I’m leaving the company to my business partner Ollie Cain. I’ve known Ollie for almost 15 years. He employed me at Evans Cycles, Bristol, long before he joined the Pedal Progression team in 2015 and he’s the best person to take things forward.

Thank you to our amazing customers who have been an absolute delight, to the companies and organisations who have partnered with Pedal Progression this far and to all those who have believed in me and my vision.

I’m working (Tuesday to Friday) up until 9th March and I’d love to see as many of you as possible before that time. Then I’ll be having some time away whilst I decide what comes next.

I am now actively looking for the next step. If you think I’d be suitable for your team or business, you can find me on LinkedIn, or send me an email directly – matt.george633@gmail.com

Happy trails,

Matt