Ontario Adaptive MTB Riders Weekend Retreat
Jen Gadoua
Turkey Point, Ontario
The Ontario Adaptive MTB Riders weekend project involved planning and hosting an Adaptive mountain biking camp for new riders in May 2025. It was important to Jen to implement this in their community because there were no such programs locally when Jen wanted to learn to ride. Connections were made and continue to evolve with both riders and volunteers asking when we can do it again! This event will become an annual camp, and there are plans to expand opportunities and continue developing volunteer support networks for aMTB riders, as well as to plan and implement program development and implementation across the province.
Expanding Access to the Trails, One Rider at a Time
Following a spinal cord injury in 2021, Jen had to find a new way to recreate outdoors. Early attempts with a self-propelled off-road wheelchair were frustrating, and eventually, Jen had the life-changing opportunity to attend an adaptive mountain biking camp in Canmore, AB. Since 2022, Jen has spent many hours developing her riding skills, participating in trail access initiatives, and becoming an adaptive MTB instructor. Jen successfully hosted the first adaptive MTB Camp in Ontario on May 23-25, 2025, at the Long Point Eco Adventure Centre on the Turkey Point MTB Club trails.
Connections were made quickly, and both riders and volunteers keep asking when we can do it again.
Jen learned there is a clear need for people to drive the development of inclusive outdoor programming and that there are people willing to help make this a reality. The impact has been far-reaching, including the creation of a collaboration between Ontario Adaptive Riders, the Handcycling Club of Canada and the Ontario Cycling Association. Jen has also become a consultant for the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC) and will deliver adaptive training modules periodically to non-disabled riders to bridge the gap in aMTB training programs.
The next planning stage for this project is to expand by offering events in additional locations. The next camp was scheduled for October 2-5 at Horseshoe Resort in Barrie and had 24 riders registered.
The challenges during the project were numerous and included:
Attendance: In the week and days leading up to the Women and non-binary’s weekend Camp and all-gender demo day, two people dropped out (one a week before and one two days before the event). On the day of arrival, a message indicated that another participant may be unable to attend. At that point, the group was made up of all genders, with permission from the women/non-binary folks who were already signed up.
Logistics/Equipment: The co-instructor from BC’s flight was delayed by 12 hours, which was also stressful, but we made it work. Then a battery for one of the bikes was delayed in UPS delivery, so on the night before camp, the organizers tried every solution imaginable, including calling people and texting to see if anyone within driving radius had a battery to loan. Late at night, a message was relayed to the CEO of Bowhead, who lives 4 hours away, and he met a volunteer to pass off the battery. It really saved the day and was a side quest for one of the camp’s keen volunteers.
The project sparked far-reaching impact, including new collaborations
The next step is to continue offering introductory adaptive biking events and create program hubs with equipment, trained volunteers, and coaches to support people in learning to ride adaptive bikes. The main impact has been increased visibility for the aMTB camp and events in Ontario.
About Jen Gadoua
Jen is a mom of 3 and a Doctor of Audiology who loves the outdoors. She spent most of her youth and young adult years swimming, trail running, adventure racing, and hiking. A spinal cord injury in 2021 led Jen to find a new way to recreate in the outdoors. Jen has dedicated countless hours to developing her riding skills, advocating for trail accessibility, and earning certification as an adaptive MTB instructor. In May 2025, she successfully hosted Ontario’s first-ever Adaptive MTB Camp, held from May 23–25 at Long Point Eco Adventure Centre on the Turkey Point MTB Club trails.
Instagram: @bionic_heart_roller
Other links: @ontario_amtb_riders
#aMTB #morebuttsonbikes #allbodiesonbikes