The Trailhead Team

Jo Wall

Founder and Owner of Trailhead Coaching

Jo grew up riding bikes, naturally becoming hooked on the freedom, independence and the places it allowed her to explore throughout her childhood. During the late 90’s Jo rekindled her childhood love of riding and discovered mountain biking and the opportunities it allowed her to travel, explore, keep fit and connect with like minded people. 

Jo completed a 6 year stint of XC racing at the elite level. The opportunity to travel and race overseas following the world cup circuit and representation at multiple World Championships were career highlights for Jo. Jo has also dabbled in multi day MTB stage races, a solo 24hr race (Obtaining the National Title) Team 24hr racing, and also Gravity Enduro.

Throughout all of Jo’s racing, the strength that flowed through each experience and discipline was; her technical ability to apply skill and ride challenging terrain smooth, fast and with efficiency. Technical skills; and the continual learning and refinement of these throughout her riding, is what drives Jo.

Jo started skills coaching in 2011, she enjoys the process and loves to share her love of riding along with tailored instruction that enables others to unlock their riding potential and progress with confidence. 

Having a career in Primary Teaching Jo was motivated to step out of the four walls of the classroom and make MTB skills coaching her full time gig! Her special interest is working with kids and providing a pathway to progress in the sport. Her goal is to eliminate barriers to participation in the sport and she believes that skill acquisition can assist in and encourage greater engagement. 

In 2022 Jo became Australia’s first female PMBIA Instructor Trainer. This role enables Jo to contribute to the growth and development of the MTB skills coaching industry here in Australia which is something she is very passionate about.

• Level 2 Coach, Level 1 Course Conductor- Professional MTB Instructors Association (PMBIA)
• Remote First Aid
• Registered Teacher – Victorian Institute of Teaching (WWCC)
• Child Safeguarding in Sport E-Learning Induction
• Child Protection and Safeguarding E-Learning Course
• Grad Dip Teaching and Learning (Primary)
• BA Nature Tourism

NATALYA GARDEN

With 17 years in the bicycle and outdoor industries as well as being a dedicated mountain biker, Natalya brings a wealth of experience to Trailhead Coaching. Natalya grew up on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people and spent a lot of time banging about on some pretty basic bikes as a kid through the bush, for transport, recreation and also to connect with self, nature and community. Her family organised mountain bike and road races in South East Queensland, as well as running a bicycle accessories wholesaling company – bikes have always been in her blood.

When she relocated to Naarm in the mid 2000’s, she fell in love with “modern” MTBs and to this day is still riding her trusty Specialised Stump jumper hardtail around town (which is surprising that it still works after all the abuse it sustained in team 6, 12 and 24 hour events way back when). After connecting with Trailhead founder Jo, for some coaching for herself and her young children, Natalya experienced first hand how important skill development was, despite having ridden off-road for many, many years. Thus she began her journey to becoming a PMBIA certified coach.

Her belief is that riders can benefit from coaching at any stage of their journey. She is personally committed to her own continued development as both rider, coach, and guide. Natalya has a special interest in supporting girls and women to utilise their strength and confidence through mountain biking and loves working with people of all ages, genders, and abilities.

With a background working in community services and therapeutic support, Natalya understands how MTB skills development, with the guidance and feedback of a coach, can have a hugely positive impact on riders’ lives both on and off the bike. She is passionate about mountain biking for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Natalya manages our Castlemaine programs and is also available for private and group sessions in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Bendigo and surrounding areas.

Natalya also supports Trailhead Coaching with some “behind the scenes” administration and program development.

·       Level 1 Coach, Professional MTB Instructors Association (PMBIA)

·       Development Instructor – Mountain Bike (AusCyling)

·       Wilderness First Aid

·       Working with Children Check

·       Child Safeguarding in Sport E-Learning Induction

·       Child Protection and Safeguarding E-Learning Course

·       Masters in Experiential & Creative Arts Therapy

·       Registered Clinical Member – counselling (PACFA)

Jack Kelly

Jack has been riding a bike since he could walk! Jack pursued his love of riding through participation in the Bendigo Mountain Bike Clubs’ 2Wheel Academy. He started off racing XC and then made the shift to his now love of all things Enduro racing along with some Down Hill. 

He is a talented rider and his skills on the bike are the envy of all who ride with him! He likes riding fast, having fun on the bike, and finding new and creative lines wherever possible. Jack enjoys seeing new riders try new things and progress with their riding out on their bikes and having fun. He is passionate about working with kids and providing opportunities for them to progress and grow within the sport. 

He also works as a bike mechanic at a local bike shop in his free time which helps his helps his bike knowledge out on the trails. Jack has also returned to the 2 Wheel Academy as a coach and takes great pride in fostering our riders’ enthusiasm for the sport. 

• Level 1 Coach – Professional MTB Instructors Association (PMBIA)
• Senior First Aid Certificate
• Child Safeguarding in Sport E-Learning Induction
• Child Protection and Safeguarding E-Learning Course

Daan van Dorenmalen

Daan started riding in the nineties, trying his hand at a few amateur down hill races but generally rode bikes for fun. With a group of friends Daan started a mountain bike club in the Netherlands called (a bit outdated) 26” mountain bike club!

Bike riding took a back seat when he moved to Australia, but his love for the sport rekindled when his brother-in-law left a bike behind when moving to Canada, it was at this point that he got involved in the local riding scene. Daan loves showing people the local trails and if he is not on his bike he is generally out and about maintaining the areas many trails.

Daan started coaching with the Bendigo Mountain Bike Club’s 2Wheel Academy in 2020 and became an accredited PMBIA coach the same year. He gets a lot of joy seeing riders improve their skills and confidence to tackle more challenging terrain and generally have more fun on the bike.

Daan joined the Trailhead Team in 2023 and coaches in Castlemaine, he is available for private and group sessions.

• Level 1 Coach, Professional MTB Instructors Association (PMBIA)
• Development Instructor – Mountain Bike (AusCyling)
• Wilderness First Aid
• Working with Children Check
• Child Safeguarding in Sport E-Learning Induction
• Child Protection and Safeguarding E-Learning Course

Roz Bradley 

Acknowledgements and Contributions

Trailhead Coaching acknowledges the Bendigo Mountain Bike Club and Castlemaine Rocky Riders Mountain Bike Club for their support towards our coaches obtaining their PMBIA coaching accreditation and for continued development opportunities.

Trailhead Coaching pays their respects to the Djarra people, the traditional custodians and first nations people of the lands on which we work and play. We show our respect to the Djarra people and other First Nations people past, present and emerging and express our deep gratitude for their continued care of country.

Trailhead Coaching is a licensed tour operator with Parks Victoria.