In this episode, I sit down with Lewis Brindley, founder of Adventure Fuel, a professional bike guide with Adventure South NZ, and a New Zealand mountain biking expert.

Originally from the UK, Lewis shares how a rough first ride in Queenstown sparked a lifelong passion for mountain biking that would eventually take him around the world. From seasons in Whistler and Morzine to riding the length of New Zealand and guiding riders through some of the country's most remote terrain, Lewis has built a unique perspective on progression, adventure, and what makes mountain biking such a powerful vehicle for growth.

Together, we explore the value of coaching, the mental skills required for riding unfamiliar trails, and how to navigate fear, uncertainty, and decision-making on the bike. Lewis shares practical strategies for building confidence, using points of commitment, and recognizing when to push versus when to listen to your intuition.

We also dive deep into New Zealand's mountain biking culture, why guided experiences can unlock a completely different level of riding, and what riders can expect from an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps. Whether you're planning your own MTB adventure or simply looking to improve your riding mindset, this episode is packed with lessons from years of exploration, coaching, and trail experience.

Check out the NZ MTB Expedition here.

https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/

https://adventurefuel.org/

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Lewis Brindley

02:05 Lewis's First Mountain Bike Experience

05:00 The Coaching That Changed Everything

07:10 From Chef to Professional Bike Guide

09:30 Building Adventure Fuel & Teaching Bikepacking

12:20 Why Guiding Mountain Bikers Is So Rewarding

14:15 What Makes New Zealand Riding Special

15:30 Riding Blind & Making Better Decisions on Trail

19:15 Managing Fear, Doubt & Uncertainty

22:45 Knowing When to Push and When to Back Off

25:00 Pre-Ride Mindset & Self-Assessment

27:00 The Power of a Point of Commitment

29:45 Physical Reset Cues for Technical Riding

32:20 New Zealand MTB Culture & Community

35:20 Why Guided MTB Expeditions Are Different

38:30 The Reality of Riding in New Zealand's Mountains

40:40 Preparing Riders for Remote Terrain

42:10 Exploring Wanaka on a Rest Day

44:15 Riding Glenorchy Bike Park

46:20 Cardrona & the Peak-to-Pub Experience

49:30 Managing Energy on Multi-Day MTB Trips

53:15 Why Queenstown Belongs on Every Rider's Bucket List

54:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Conversation

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FREE Mental About MTB Community with direct access to me 👇
themindmountain.com/mental-about-mtb-application

Want to work with me?

Join us on a Global MTB Expedition👇
themindmountain.com/globalmountainbikecoaching

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Full Circle MTB Mentorship 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗵👇
themindmountain.com/squamish-coaching-package

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THE MIND MOUNTAIN
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DISCLAIMER: The opinions, thoughts, and views in the content created by The Mind Mountain, the Grit With Wisdom Podcast, and Jake Johnstone, including the guests they interview, are solely their own and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other organization, person, or company mentioned or featured in the podcast. ...