April's First Pro Line @ Whistler! // Dirt Merchant Progression Session

[@trailmonster]

Such great progression April...Kyle you're such a great teacher.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Double thank you!

[@Michi.108]

just wanted to write the same, your so right. @Kyle you´re giving classes?

[@IamActive83]

I was going to write this! :)

[@Vlox47]

April committing to these features is such an inspiration of confidence! Makes me want to get over the features that scare me

[@AprilRideMTB]

You can do it, you can do it!!!

[@The_Sampler]

Let's Goooo April!!! What an incredible achievement; I'll never forget how incredible that felt to complete this legendary trail. So insanely stoked for you and definitely helped to have such a great coach 🤘

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, it felt great and it’s probably my new favorite trail!

[@giuliamantovani2729]

So inspiring! April you’re a legend!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@FallenTimber]

Just a couple years ago, I felt like April had a comparable skill level to myself when I was a kid riding bikes in the neighborhood. Now I watch these videos and her progression has passed me up at 35. Basically, it feels like she has had several decades worth of progression in just a few years. AMAZING. 🙇‍♂️ Huge props to both of you. What a journey to witness.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@grounddodger3212]

I have the most horrendous fear of getting bucked or going dead sailor on jumps not even a third the size of those; I was having panic attacks just watching these 😮 Well done April, what a sender!

[@AprilRideMTB]

haha yeah it can be scary the first time if you aren't ready for how the jump it built, luckily the trail is built super well and only a few caught be off guard.

[@patrikmoller3643]

I love hearing April go "I can do it, I can do it" at the end, it's basically how I talk to myself, and I keep telling myself that the bike can do it, the limiter is me :)

[@faithg9766]

How amazing April to watch you facing real nerves and real fear and then just conquer it. Your journey makes it real. It is quite something to watch both of you now and forget the health challenges Kyle went through. You are both a joy to watch.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@pauleddy5146]

Nice! Having someone tow you in for the proper speed really helps. I'm too old for this, but when someone conquers their, shall we say apprehension?, it's a win! Just apply that same attitude to whatever you're riding! You got this are the best words you can hear!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Yes the tow helps so much!

[@michaeljohnson9758]

1000 thumbs up. Watching her commit to the huge step up brought me back to my dirt bike riding days, pinning the throttle and commiting to the big triple.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Full commit! Thank you 😊

[@danreed2189]

April, it's good to see your strategies to overcome your fear. Awesome! Nothing can hold you back if you are geared up to succeed and have the skills. And, as all your viewers are pointing out, you have the skills now. Fantastic to watch someone develop before our eyes!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the process and hope it will inspire others!

[@TheBauwsMan]

Way to go April!:D

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks!

[@judahteague]

April is such a good rider keep up the good work..... Kyle does a great job teaching

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@ChinoZ32]

Beautiful. Well done Kyle for being so supportive. April, your courage is admirable and also inspiring.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@delaneywaltman]

That was awesome April!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@JohnnyChonko]

10:43 hell yes!

[@AprilRideMTB]

🥳

[@jcsrst]

Great job April!! Kyle is the perfect teacher, so patient and understanding.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@Silversidepro]

I have watched a lot of videos from whistler. I don't recall any that showed a pro-walk of any features like you did here. They may show the feature walking but not really talk about it. I feel like you picked a couple of these features apart pretty well and showed what a pre-ride pro-walk should be. Good Job

[@AprilRideMTB]

So glad you enjoyed the process!

[@planeandsimple431]

Haven't watched in a while, sorry, but April's progression is as banging as that Fox kit she was wearing. She made that look so easy. I remember Seth and Alex doing a "first time" Dirt Merchant vid a few years ago. They made it look a way more difficult and I believe Seth came out with a nice hip bruise.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much! I missed that video and will have to check it out, sounds like a good one haha

[@happyscrappyheropup]

Bam! Great job April! Such a trooper.. Kyle - you da zen man ultimate sensei! Love your vids!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jollygreen68]

You two are just the greatest thing! Seeing Kyle be SO patient, explain everything, but not in too much detail (so as not to overload the mind), and then just be such a great cheerleader for April is absolutely amazing. I wish I had a buddy or MTB friend that was as good as Kyle, yet SUCH a great teacher, calm and patient. It's such an inspiration to see these different videos of big jumps or drops and knowing how scary they are. It's one thing to WANT to do these, but a totally different thing to commit and do them! It takes MAJOR guts to do what April is doing in such a short amount of time. Then seeing Kyle show April over and over how to accomplish it, and then seeing April struggle, but get better and better each time until she sends it! It's unreal and just wanted to thank the both of you for being such cool people and sharing all of this great content with us. I learn so much by watching you two and just hope I can ride as well as you two someday! April is really brave and it's so inspiring to see her do these difficult things that seem so easy to good riders. And Kyle is such a good rider, such a good guy and great teacher. You guys are crazy lucky to have each other and have such a great relationship. Best

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@AppleJack76]

Love all of April's riding sound effects. 😁

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha channeling my inner child

[@austinhammond3076]

Are you kidding me?! You guys are killing it, those features look huuuggeee

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much! They are definitely bigger in real life!!!

[@DrumguyCiv]

Good job, to both of you! To April for overcoming fears and to Kyle for being such a good teacher.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jefffaulkner5704]

“Commit, commit. I can do it.” Nails it. Well done April!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@lionelhernandez34]

April 👊 that was awesome, Kyle you have a gift man great coaching

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@Turbodudedk]

Great riding April wauw. You can do it, okay and you do 😵‍💫 Those drops and the step up we’re Big

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@thebrewgeek]

Dang, April was flying! Wish I could jump that well. 👍👍

[@CP-qx2ff]

Great coaching and great riding April. The progression in your riding is inspiring.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!

[@ColoradoFamilyof5]

Kyle, I am a father of 3 kiddos,and I want to thank you. Watching your interaction with April and teaching her is inspirational. I try to employ the same patience and confidence technique in teaching my kids in everything that challenges them.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear!

[@petterastrom4322]

Wow, just wow! Thank Kyle but praise yourself too for committing April, love your vibe together!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!!

[@sammus1412]

Awesome job April! Love the little celebratory “woo” every time you clear a feature 🎉

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha thanks!

[@Mezzarino]

Glad I was there to see April crush this 👏🏻👏🏻

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for the support!!!

[@bullseye0112]

So rad April, crushing it🔥🔥👊🙌

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jameshayton3860]

Not sure if you guys realise what an inspiration you are. As a 50+ year old guy I get intimidated by jumps but April's progress shows us all what's possible. Can’t wait for the next video to drop. Respect and admiration to you both ❤

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear, thank you!

[@philippegingras6282]

Bad ass April! You guys are great.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@FlowConsciously]

April talking to herself probably saved a life or two!! LOL.- #selftalk is IMPORTANT!! Great video Kyle & April!! Thank you guys!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha thank you!

[@markjones4896]

Once again Kyle you are doing a great job with April's progression you two keep up the good work I enjoy watching your videos ❤

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!

[@RastaMouse86]

Brilliant work April. It's been fun watching your progression. Kyle you are such a great coach and person.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@durasal81]

I absolutely love the interaction between the two of you! Kyle is an awesome coach and positive influence always encouraging April. The trust she has with Kyle is a beautiful thing to behold…Great video!!💯🫶👏🏽

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@mikoyle]

As always, the most relatable videos on mtb. Always enjoy the human element.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you enjoy it, thank you!

[@jltrack]

You did so well April!! I wish I had Kyle to show me the ropes

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! It’s really nice to trust him and that he’s willing to help me 😊

[@a.k2156]

What a frick, April did sooo good! You have come a long way in few years, good job!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@Bogdan_Ch]

Just realized how important is to have someone pushing you calmly and staying ahead to match the pace and speed. Awesome stuff. Congrats to both of you, your gorgeous 😊

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you got something out of it, thank you!

[@jc2044]

This is a contact sport, and practice is what shapes the monk. It's wonderful to witness both of you continually sharing your life journeys.

[@Opd351]

big kudos April, that is awesome. What a joy it is to overcome our fears its awesome you get to challenge yourself. Kyle knows what your capable of and is a fantastic motivator

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much! It really is the best feeling when you overcome your fears!

[@i.amsimplyval]

Kyle, I’m so happy to see you healthy and living an amazing life. God bless you and April.

[@paulgaerlan4362]

Way to go April! Way to go Kyle for your coaching and patience. You both are great to watch and an inspiration for progression

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@KevinT3141]

Stellar, you must have been there just after I left. I stuck to greens, blues, and some technical blues, but no jumps or drops for me yet. Really jazzed to watch you two hitting it though! Well done!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@subpar_singletrack]

Her progression and the support and teamwork is awesome!!!

[@THESEGMENTPR]

Wow!!!! So good!!! What a great teacher and student video! April nicely done on that progression to check off Dirt Merch!!! So sick!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@madisongutierrez8499]

I love how patient and supportive he is with April. I love seeing her progress

[@stephenchilcoat3808]

Kyle is great at assessing April’s ability and giving her confidence. I feel like that is a hangup I have. I think I can do things but I don’t have someone I trust re-assuring me. It goes a long way.

[@tonyfernandez1957]

Awesome April has progressed so much, great coaching Kyle 👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

Yes! Thank you!

[@ytriDlO]

yes incredible progess. Awesome!

[@bradmiller4927]

Loving April’s in ride commentary and positive self talk! 😊💪🏻

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@Kevinwalker777]

Good stuff! Fun to watch April conquer a gnarly trail, Kyle always does a fantastic job coaching too, great job guys!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@bouzouki2006]

Congrats April! Overcoming fear is always the hardest part.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@derekmccray9332]

Yooooo April!! Amazing work....real fear, real challenge, real example of mastering the mind!! Commit, commit commit. I can do it!! 🤘✋️👊

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@rollwithmemtb]

So great to see the progression on this trail. It's very helpful to see someone figuring it out from start to finish. Great riding April, and great instruction Kyle 👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericmonty]

As everyone has said, incredible progression!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@willbell9642]

Man I felt that one, you can hear it in Aprils breathing as she pushes back the last time before nailing it, amazing job digging deep and it’s dope to see the trust as well. Nice work team, I’ve learned from this.

[@BenBike]

So freaking impressive!!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you 😊

[@jennkuenzler2420]

Holy shit April. I was scared watching this! I can’t believe how far you’ve come. You are truly an inspiration. AMAZING JOB!!! …and I can’t forget Kyle. He is an incredible and patient teacher. Truly you deserve much credit Kyle.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha Thank you!

[@ericburgess5087]

I have to finally sayypu two are great and April is my new hero I am 58 and just got back into MTBing after nearly 20 years and watching Kyle teach and April learn has brought me further that I imagined soo thank you

[@VelkePivo]

Great job, April! Yesterday I crashed really hard on a drop 1/3 the size of that big one. My hands were sweating just watching this. I woulda chickened out for sure 😂

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! Sorry to hear that, I hope you're doing alright. Surprisingly I wasn't that scared of the drops, it was more the step up. But these drops are built so well and with following Kyle, it really eliminated a lot of fear I would have had.

[@Rhyridesbikes]

Very timely video for me! Seemed to fail to transfer my jumping when trying new trails and you guys breaking down the process gave me a lot of insights. Thank you! It's nice to see April's progression as well!

[@AprilRideMTB]

That’s great to hear, thank you!

[@niklaswejedal463]

Cool to see April's progession! That was awesome!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@melwestlake8539]

Kyle, you are so patient and sweet with April. April, you are more fearless than you know. Watching you two is like a Hallmark Christmas movie. Good feelings all around. 😀 Wonderful to see the progression.

[@siradinar]

Amazing to see how far April has come! Very inspriational! And kudos to Kyle being patient with her and not pressuring her to do anything she's not comfortable doing. You guys are awesome!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@Ecualogic]

Awesome instructor and awesome student. Love you guys! Awesome progression April! ❤

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jscorwin16]

Damn April is a rock star! Impressive progression and always great coaching from Kyle. Keep the great videos coming.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@christianb9829]

I want to ride with them 2 on 1 for a day! such a kind encouraging, great teaching couple!

[@CanadaEhAlmostMadeIt]

Hey guys, I wanted to thank you for making these videos. Watching you two work together is such a positive influence. My daughter is 6 years old and loves riding her mountain bike, but she gets intimidated buy mild hills and repeating bumps. Seeing April’s progression over these couple years has been great for confidence building (for me and her), I always try to show my daughter what other girls can do and that learning is for life. Winter is around the corner here in Calgary Alberta, so she and I are joining an indoor bike park to work on some skills and get ready for next season. Videos like yours help keep the stoke high.

[@AprilRideMTB]

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing! I wish I had more access to influential women growing up, it’s such a great time for kids now having access to so much whether it’s all of the amazing parks being built or just through the internet. -April

[@motortrack7903]

Great coaching and April just applies her self so well and keeps trying at it.just wonderful to see great job all round 🎉

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@twozero_20]

Amazing progress! 😃

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@faxizm]

April you are like 100000x better than me but your progression and confidence level of everything new is so relatable

[@AprilRideMTB]

I’m glad you find it relatable!

[@sapinva]

Kyle makes everything sound so chill.

[@keniwatterson4860]

Well done, That was awesome you should be proud of what you've accomplished

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, we are!

[@wchangose]

Great video, very inspirational. April, you're a badass... good job. Thanks guys!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@trevin1691]

What a ride ! Thanks for taking us along for the ride👍

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for watching!

[@damianluby8973]

That was the most nail biting video I've watched for a while. I kept putting myself in your shoes and thinking, there's no way I'd do that but you did it. You've come so much further than me and in a shorter time.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

It's always fun watching you two April and Kyle! I'm not an MBer and this is still great entertainment.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for watching even though you don’t ride 😊

[@joshuaeller7732]

Great job April! Fantastic coaching Kyle! Love to watch your progression as it make me more excited to work on my own skills. Keep encouraging and affirming each other. We should all strive to be so patient and kind to our spouses.

[@MyGuitartime]

I literally cheered for her on the step up! Great job!

[@andreageller4804]

April is a BOSS... no other words!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@mtbzen]

Damn!!!! April has come a looong way!!!🔥 I remember when she was just trying to get comfortable with drops (doesn’t seem long ago). Then she disappeared to train with Yoda, and now she’s like a Jedi😮!😳 - Unrelated, the audio sounds excellent! No wind sound, the tires rolling sound is beautiful, and April’s narration sounds so clear (and funny that it’s so calm). Can you give an update on how you’re filming? - Ok, thanks for the video. Take care you two!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much! Drops did scare me a lot, I still am not sure on speed first try without a tow. But after hitting a few bigger ones that are built so well, I have a lot less fear and actually wasn't that scared of these drops, but was mostly scared of the step up. We each use DJI microphones that we clip onto our jerseys with wind buffers. It adds a lot of extra editing time, but is worth it to make the videos more viewable for everyone.

[@mtbzen]

@@AprilRideMTBthanks for the response. Also, thanks for the extra time and effort to edit (it really is excellent audio, and adds to the story - it is greatly appreciated). Lastly, I meant to say - great coaching (Kyle) and great studenting (April). See you next video!

[@bingoberra18]

That was awesome, its really so much in the head and overcoming your fears

[@AprilRideMTB]

Very true!

[@coreycanuck1315]

Best Dirt Merchant video on KZbin for us normal mortals! Thank you for the effort put into the video and posting!! Much apprecaited..

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@nrmrvrk]

I love hearing April's self talk while she was riding and approaching the bigger features. I beat myself up when I'm pushing my limits trying to hit new features (that are nowhere near the size of the features that April was hitting). Thanks for sharing the inside look.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LeonardoSNogueira]

Awesome, you two have a good vibes too 👏👏👏👏

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!

[@DukeTDang]

Welcome to our back yard, Canada! 🇨🇦

[@JasonSchmidt]

I love how ya'll progress through the run, and April keeps pushing. Kyles you are a great teacher! Great inspriation!

[@davidgeorge7443]

holy smokes, way to go!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@alainbergeron1675]

From Montreal Canada! April, you're much better than me. I think I would chicken out. Kyle is Pro! Good work guy's. Showing others; "you can do it".

[@bwholladay]

Wow, massive kudos April! Wish this was published before I went to Whistler earlier this year. Kyle's guidance and quiet confidence makes me want to go back and try Dirt Merchant now.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@sagifern4444]

WOW !! April is so good overcoming her fears and keep trying and succeeding although the feel of fear .. that's an awesome quality !!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@Low__expectations]

Nice work April - we're all very proud/happy for you. And nice work Kyle with the coaching - getting towed in is just priceless, but not always enough without the coaching and encouragement you gave.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jimbo4203]

Wow ! Haven't watched in a while , but that's impressive , April has stepped it up big time !

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@jimbo4203]

I'm still waiting on a dirt bike video

[@Heidi5353]

Great video - love hearing April's play by play on the descent :) you're badass April! Such a calculated rider too!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, I kind of feel like I sound like a kid and some of the thoughts they have haha

[@RonnRider]

April, you inspire me so much! I’ve got a bit of a phobia of step ups and you just inspired me to give it a go. We’ll done legends.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much, good luck the next time you try a step up!