About Me
About Me
I’ve spent nearly two decades chasing the edge of what’s possible on two wheels. With over a thousand laps at Whistler Bike Park and countless miles across the globe, mountain biking isn’t just my job—it’s my life’s work. From the steep, loamy trails of British Columbia to the world stage of mountain bike film and culture, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering and sharing every facet of this sport.
As a Level 3 PMBIA-certified coach, filmmaker, and lifelong rider, I bring a deep understanding of the art and science of progression. My approach goes far beyond line choice and bike setup—I help riders unlock their flow through a balance of mental focus, emotional awareness, and technical precision. Whether you’re dialing in a new trick, recovering from injury, or chasing podiums, I’ll help you break through the barriers holding you back.My specialty lies in advanced skill progression, especially in air awareness, trick development, and building the mindset required to push your limits safely and sustainably. I’ve guided riders through everything from their first rock roll to their first backflip, always emphasizing confidence, mindfulness, and genuine connection with the trail.
Off the bike, I’m deeply involved in mountain bike media, with work featured in projects like Dirt Diaries and other creative collaborations that capture the soul of the sport. Every snap, every lap, and every coaching session is part of one mission—to help riders ride harder, smarter, and with more purpose than ever before.
If you’re ready to elevate your riding—mentally, technically, and creatively—you’re in the right place.
Grit with Wisdom Podcast
I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the “Grit with Wisdom” podcast! The Mind Mountain (Jake Johnstone) is a local coach and podcaster in the sea to sky who shares a similar holistic and mindful approach as my own to professional mountain bike skills coaching
On this episode of Grit With Wisdom, we have Michael Sousa. Mike is a passionate Mountain Biker, Instructor, Guide, and Filmmaker based in Whistler, BC. After almost 20 years of honing his skills on the steep and technical trails of BC, he has dedicated the summer to learning air tricks on his mountain bike. As well as this personal exploration, Michael recently gained his Level 3 PMBIA coaching qualification which for those that aren’t aware, is the gold standard of Instructor training and no easy feat. He has also been part of numerous Filmmaking projects, perhaps most notable are the Dirt Diaries and VIMFF films in which he has featured as both an actor in front of the lens and a filmmaker capturing the action.
Level lll certified PMBI Mountain Bike Instructor
OFA Level lll First Aid Certified
AST Level 1 Avalanche safety certified
Youth coaching and Child Care expertise
Sports Psychology and Behavioural Specialist
Drone Operator
BC Class 4, 5 & 6 Driver’s License
Certified Whistler Sightseeing/History Tour Guide
Certified Snowmobile/ATV Tour Guide
Qualified by Canadian Autism Network