When floodwaters surged through Biltmore Village in the wake of Hurricane Helene, McHone Performance Training was submerged under nine feet of water. The newly expanded gym—filled with years of effort, investment, and community—was devastated.
Recently, Steven sat down with Skip Mauney on the Good Neighbor Podcast to talk about the MPT origin story, training philosophies, and the power of community through adversity.
It’s a story that still feels surreal.
The space was wrecked. Equipment coated in toxic sludge. The walls soaked. It was hard to even grasp the extent of the damage. What should have been a day of celebration for Coach Steven McHone turned into the beginning of a long and uncertain recovery.
The Community That Rallied
In the thick of shock and disbelief, something incredible started to happen: people stepped up.
One of the quick-thinking coaches at MPT immediately launched a GoFundMe, offering a lifeline before most people had even begun to process what had happened. Donations poured in—not just from current members, but from friends, family, and old connections Steven hadn’t heard from in years. Some gave generously. Others sent messages of encouragement with just a few dollars, writing things like: “Just get yourself recovered and back open.”
Members and neighbors showed up in person. Volunteers helped remove debris. Contractors donated time, tools, and labor. Clients scrubbed kettlebells with toothbrushes. It wasn’t just the gym getting cleaned up—it was a vision being restored, one act of generosity at a time.
That spirit of resilience and community support is what defines MPT to this day.
Movement & Strength With a Purpose
Steven’s drive to help others move well and live fully is deeply rooted in personal experience. Years ago, he watched his father—a former park ranger—lose his ability to explore the wilderness due to declining health and mobility. That memory became the fuel for a mission: help outdoor athletes stay strong enough to enjoy the mountains for life.
At McHone Performance Training, that mission lives in every program. Whether it’s mobility for hikers, strength for climbers, or power work for mountain bikers, the goal is always to train with purpose—for the long run, for the trail, for the love of movement.
Strength Without the Myths
In a recent podcast interview (listen here), Steven breaks down the biggest misconceptions that hold outdoor athletes back, especially around strength training.
Too many people believe lifting weights will slow them down or make them bulky. As a former competitive bodybuilder turned mountain performance coach, Steven explains how smart, intentional strength work actually improves performance, increases injury resistance, and supports longevity in any sport.
Clients at MPT range from teens to 74-year-old downhill mountain bikers—all of them training not just to get “fit,” but to stay active and capable for the adventures that matter most.
The Road Ahead
Today, McHone Performance Training stands stronger than ever. But Steven’s vision is still growing. With eyes on expanding to ten mountain towns, MPT is committed to bringing high-quality, outdoor-focused strength training to communities throughout the Appalachian region.
Ready to train for your next adventure—with guidance, grit, and a team that has your back?
Explore what Mchone Performance Training offers and become part of a community built on strength, purpose, and the belief that:
You never have to stop adventuring—if you train for it.
