Trail Theory MTB

Trail Theory MTBTrail Theory MTBTrail Theory MTB
Home
Sessions and Pricing
About Me
Upcoming events

Trail Theory MTB

Trail Theory MTBTrail Theory MTBTrail Theory MTB
Home
Sessions and Pricing
About Me
Upcoming events
More
  • Home
  • Sessions and Pricing
  • About Me
  • Upcoming events
  • Home
  • Sessions and Pricing
  • About Me
  • Upcoming events

About Trail Theory MTB

Coach Christine Hirst Bernhardt, Ph. D.

I began riding in college, because the mountain bike team needed a girl. While I crashed and cried the whole way down, I fell in love. Many years, a few national titles, 2 babies and 8 knee surgeries later, riding is where I ground my ever turning mind, where I connect with my faith, and when I feel the most  badass.  I'm a lifelong educator, so coaching was a natural step for me. In addition to mountain biking, I have coached gymnastics and horseback riding. 


When I could not get a sponsor, I founded  Vixen Racing, the nation's first professional women's gravity team. I spent years advocating for women in the sport. After years of racing and coaching, I earned my Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning . Today, I bring those two worlds together to create coaching  grounded in both experience and the science of learning. As a PMBI and GSMBS-certified instructor  I bring together decades of riding experience with an evidence-informed approach to coaching that helps riders develop confidence, technical skills, and a mindset for continual growth.

My Expertise and Credentials

  • GSMBC Advanced Air Certified
  • PMBI Certified 
  • Betterride Certified
  • 2x National Champ (expert 4 Cross and DH) 
  • 5X Southern California Pro  DH Champ
  • SoCal Enduro Series Champion 
  • Founder, Vixen Racing 
  • Ph.D., Teaching and Learning (UMD)
  • 20+ years of teaching STEM subjects
  • NICA coach (Southern California)

My Coaching Philosophy

I believe the best coaching goes beyond teaching techniques. Every rider brings different experiences, strengths, goals, and ways of learning to the trail. By combining thoughtful skill progression with personalized instruction, I help riders develop not only technical ability, but the confidence and decision-making that lead to lasting progress.

  • Sessions and Pricing

Contact: trailtheorymtb@gmail.com

Copyright © 2026 Trail Theory MTB - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept