The fourth annual CAF-Idaho APEX Mountain Bike Adventure brought together 65 athletes and 26 world-class coaches from across the country for an unforgettable weekend of connection, coaching, and off-road thrills. With multiple trail days, adaptive bike builds, a finale race at Bogus Basin, and countless moments of camaraderie, this year’s APEX Adventure was one for the books. 

From First Ride to Finish Line 

The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner where participants reconnected and geared up for the adventure ahead. Over the next two days, athletes trained on the trails at the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Bike Park and Foothills Learning Center, receiving personalized instruction from top adaptive MTB coaches and experts. 

The weekend culminated with a race at Bogus Basin, where riders put their skills to the test—many for the first time on a competitive course. Through every steep climb and epic descent, the weekend proved that progress, confidence, and community go hand-in-hand. 

Words from the Trail 

Participants described the experience in ways that captured the spirit of APEX: 

• Melodie Buell: “An incredible way to play and connect.” 

• Noel Joyce: “I came away from this event with more knowledge, new experiences, and new friends.” 

• Lyle Tarbett: “Just get out and do it!” 

Whether racing, cheering, or learning something new, each athlete walked (or rode) away with memories—and motivation—that will last well beyond the trails. 

Bikes, Builds, and Breakthroughs 

In a unique pre-clinic opportunity, a small group of riders met at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse to build open-source adaptive mountain bikes with Noel Joyce of Project Mjolnir, furthering CAF’s commitment to accessibility and athlete-driven innovation. 

The clinic also included two CAF grant presentations: 

• Jaxon Palmer received a ReActive Adaptations Wildcat T1 Kid’s Offroad Handcycle 

• Chase Henrie received a Scor 4060 Z ST XT Electric Mountain Bike 

By the Numbers 

• 65 athletes 

• 26 expert coaches 

• 4 days of trail time, training, and racing 

• 2 adaptive bike grants awarded 
• Countless breakthroughs on and off the trail