The Marin Museum of Bicycling and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame has once again honored a group of individuals whose impact on the sport is both profound and enduring. The 2025 induction ceremony, held in Marin County, California, brought together riders, builders, innovators, and fans to celebrate the contributions of five new inductees. Each honoree has shaped mountain biking in unique ways, and their inclusion in the Hall of Fame reflects decades of dedication, creativity, and influence.
Jill Kintner: A Champion Across Disciplines
Jill Kintner’s name is synonymous with excellence in competitive mountain biking. With 25 elite USA national championships across six disciplines, three World 4X championships, and 43 gold medals in professional competition, her career is nothing short of legendary. Kintner’s versatility-from BMX to downhill, dual slalom to enduro-has made her one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history.
Her technical precision, fierce determination, and ability to adapt across formats have inspired countless riders. Beyond the podium, Kintner has been a vocal advocate for women in mountain biking, pushing for greater visibility and support. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is a recognition not only of her victories but of her role in shaping the sport’s future.
Cam Zink: Pushing the Limits of Freeride
Cam Zink is a name that resonates with anyone who’s ever watched a freeride mountain bike video and gasped at the impossible. Known for his jaw-dropping tricks and fearless approach to terrain, Zink has redefined what’s possible on two wheels. From massive backflips at Red Bull Rampage to pioneering new lines in the backcountry, his riding style is both aggressive and visionary.
Zink’s influence extends beyond performance. He’s helped design bikes and components that meet the demands of modern freeride, and he’s mentored younger riders entering the sport. His induction honors a career built on risk, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of progression.
Joey Klein: Trail Advocate and Builder Extraordinaire
Joey Klein’s legacy lies not in competition but in the trails themselves. As one of the world’s most respected trail builders and advocates, Klein has spent decades shaping the physical landscape of mountain biking. His work with IMBA and other organizations has led to sustainable trail systems across the globe, making the sport more accessible and environmentally responsible.
Klein’s philosophy blends artistry with ecology. He believes that great trails should challenge riders while respecting the land. His induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes the foundational role trail builders play in the sport’s growth and sustainability. Without Klein’s vision and labor, many of the world’s most beloved trails would not exist.
Paul Turner: Engineering the Ride
Paul Turner’s contribution to mountain biking is deeply technical. As the founder of RockShox, Turner revolutionized the sport by introducing suspension technology that transformed how bikes handled rough terrain. His innovations in fork design and shock systems laid the groundwork for modern mountain bike geometry and performance.
Turner’s background in motorcycle racing gave him a unique perspective on suspension, and his willingness to experiment led to breakthroughs that are now industry standards. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a tribute to the engineers and inventors who make mountain biking faster, safer, and more fun.
Steve Simons: Visionary of BMX and MTB Crossover
Steve Simons is often credited with bridging the worlds of BMX and mountain biking. As a rider, promoter, and product developer, Simons helped bring BMX-style riding into the mountain bike realm, influencing everything from bike design to event formats. His work in the early days of dual slalom and freeride helped shape the sport’s identity.
Simons also played a key role in developing components and gear that supported aggressive riding styles. His induction celebrates the creative minds who saw potential in blending disciplines and who helped mountain biking evolve into a multifaceted sport.
The Ceremony and Its Significance
The 2025 induction ceremony was more than a celebration-it was a reflection of mountain biking’s diversity. Held at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in Marin County, the event brought together past inductees, industry leaders, and fans. Each speech, each story, highlighted the different paths that lead to greatness in mountain biking.
From racing and freeride to trail building and engineering, the ceremony underscored how the sport thrives on collaboration and innovation. The Hall of Fame serves not only as a historical archive but as a living testament to the passion that drives the mountain biking community.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The 2025 inductees represent a wide spectrum of mountain biking’s evolution. Jill Kintner’s competitive dominance, Cam Zink’s freeride audacity, Joey Klein’s trail stewardship, Paul Turner’s technical ingenuity, and Steve Simons’ creative crossover all point to a sport that is constantly reinventing itself.
Their stories inspire new generations of riders, builders, and thinkers. Whether it’s a young athlete dreaming of gold medals or a volunteer shaping a local trail, the Hall of Fame reminds us that mountain biking is built on vision, grit, and community.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues
As mountain biking continues to grow globally, the contributions of these five inductees will remain foundational. Their influence can be seen in race results, trail maps, bike designs, and the culture of the sport itself. The Hall of Fame ensures that their legacy is preserved and celebrated.
Future inductees will stand on the shoulders of these pioneers, pushing boundaries and redefining what mountain biking can be. The 2025 class sets a high bar, reminding us that greatness comes in many forms-from the roar of a crowd to the quiet rhythm of a trail rake.
