How much suspension travel do we REALLY need on a mountain bike? Dan and Sage dive into the “over-biked” debate, asking whether less suspension travel can actually mean more fun, more responsiveness, and a more dynamic riding experience. Plus, Sage reveals his new “back tire steering/turning” technique - using the rear wheel like a rudder to help change direction - and wants to know: is this actually a thing?!

The guys also talk MTB jump technique, body position, short-travel trail bikes, airbag jump training, MTB cross-training, and the never-ending quest to ride better, safer, and with more confidence.

What do YOU think: Are most mountain bikers over-biked, and have you ever used your rear wheel to help steer through a turn? Let us know! Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Heather Pasqualino - Sage gives a huge shoutout to Heather and her youth mountain bike team, the SOL Riders! He’s grateful for the awesome coaches and young riders who are helping grow the next generation of mountain bikers. Sage also celebrates all MTB youth coaches who share their skills, passion, and love of riding. Heather also played a big role in creating PHXBP, an amazing place for kids, riders, and the entire MTB community!

Dan: Keswick Cycles - Dan is grateful to Keswick Cycles in Paoli for the awesome mountain bike demo! The team at Keswick Cycles gets it—they’re helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and always bringing the high stoke. Supporting great local bike shops makes the MTB community stronger!

MTB Tip of the Week:

How do you share MTB knowledge and riding tips without being “that guy”? Notice the effort. Are they trying hard and showing signs they’re open to advice? Compliment first. Give them some positive feedback and see how they respond. They may naturally ask a question. Share the stoke! Offer tips to riders who are open to receiving them. Open to Give. Open to Receive. That’s how we keep the MTB community positive, supportive, and growing!

Featured Riders:

Seth at Berm Peak - https://www.instagram.com/sethsbikehacks

Additional Links:

Pheonixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1_ubMOZyaMg 

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Do mountain bikers NEED to crash to improve, or can the right MTB skills, coaching, and trail intuition help prevent serious injuries? In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive into the hidden lessons, gratitude, confidence, and personal growth that come from returning to the trails after an MTB injury. 

Join us as we discuss eMTB progression, whether a coil shock upgrade is worth it, MTB torque specs, loose cranks, creative ways to level up on familiar trails, and why Yellowjackets might be the scariest thing on the mountain! 

Have you ever come back stronger after an MTB crash or injury, or do you think crashing is just part of mountain biking? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Dan - Sage gives gratitude to his friend Danny for offering honest advice and a fresh perspective. Great friends help us see what we can't always see ourselves—whether it's improving our mountain biking skills or growing in life. When we're open to listening, a different perspective can unlock confidence, progression, and better riding.

Dan: Orbea Wild - Dan is incredibly grateful for his new Orbea Wild eMTB from Emigos Bike Shop. The bike makes every ride feel like the best parts of mountain biking, with more downhill laps, more progression, and more fun. Huge thanks to Orbea and Emigos for helping to make this such an exciting time to be an MTBer!

MTB Tip of the Week:

When climbing a steep, technical trail, slide your hips forward on the saddle to match the angle of the climb and improve rear tire traction. This position also makes long, steep climbs feel more comfortable. For short, punchy climbs, lower your dropper post, stand up, and power through the climb.

Featured Riders:

Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew

Additional Links:

Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vyKClGgoqhk 

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Whether you're mountain bike curious or already obsessed, this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast dives into the many reasons to start mountain biking and why MTB is one of the most rewarding hobbies on the planet. We explore the incredible benefits of mountain biking—from fitness, confidence, adventure, travel, and mental health to trail progression, bike parks, eMTBs, and the amazing MTB community that keeps us coming back for more. 

Dan and Sage share their mountain biking origin stories, why riding dirt beats pavement (we're definitely biased!), and how MTB can change your life in ways you never expected. If you love mountain biking, or you're thinking about giving it a try, this episode is for you! 

Why did you get into MTB, and what benefits has mountain biking brought to your life? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

Links:

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PwFt9o3_kuE 

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Ride new trail features with confidence as we dive into trail intuition, flow state, and when to trust your first instinct instead of stopping to overthink every obstacle. We also break down technical mountain bike climbing, covering gear selection, traction, high vs. low cadence, lifts, logovers, and the J-hop technique to help you conquer more technical terrain. 

Along the way, we debate what to call a group of mountain bikers, share mindset hacks for building confidence on the trail, and explore how certainty beats doubt in both riding and life. 

Do you prefer to ride new features in the flow, or stop and study them first? And what are some ideas for the best name for a group of full-suspension MTB riders? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Fans - Dan is grateful for the three fans that keep him cool during his indoor MTB training sessions. Staying comfortable helps him push through tough workouts, build fitness, and be ready for his next mountain bike adventure.

Sage: Mother Nature - After a storm, a large tree crashed into Sage's yard and knocked out his Wi-Fi, leaving him unable to work on the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast and his YouTube channel. Instead of focusing on the inconvenience, he realized the tree missed his house, garage, and car completely. That simple perspective shift turned frustration into gratitude and reminded him that sometimes things work out better than we first realize.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Jump Tip: If your mountain bike drifts or pulls to one side while jumping, you may be steering with your hands instead of controlling the bike with your feet. Sage explains that great jump technique starts from the feet—drive through the pedals, keep your hands relaxed, and let the bike move naturally beneath you for smoother, more controlled MTB jumps.

Featured Riders:

Dane Clay – https://www.instagram.com/daysuselesslyspent

Additional Links:

TrailSage Channel www.youtube.com/@TrailSage

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/B6J-8F7UHMM 

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Ride with certainty, not doubt, and learn how to tune into your bike, body, and the trail instead of distracting thoughts when tackling difficult MTB features, technical climbs, jumps, and new trail sections. In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into MTB mindset, confidence, visualization, flow state, body awareness, muscle activation, coaching, and trusting your skills so you can ride with more control, fun, and progression.

We also talk about the difference between self-aware vs. self-conscious, how video footage can reveal hidden riding habits, why enthusiasm leads to practice, and how mountain biking is the perfect tool to practice certainty even when results haven’t shown up yet. 

What’s one thought you’ve replaced on the trail to ride with more confidence? Would you rock a “The Steez” MTB jersey? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Steve - A huge shoutout to Steve from Bent Spokes for inviting Sage to his home to celebrate the Fourth of July! Steve is an awesome mountain biker, a high-stoke rider, and an all-around great person. Thanks for the warm hospitality and for making the MTB community such an amazing place to be.

Dan: Dave Davidson - This week's gratitude goes to Dave Davidson from MTB Academy! After joining the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast a couple of episodes ago, Dave went above and beyond by creating an exclusive YouTube video for Ride & Laugh listeners, sharing mobility exercises to open your hips, improve movement, and help you ride stronger. Thanks, Dave, for your generosity and for helping our mountain biking community progress!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Stop brake pad rubbing in minutes! Sage shares a quick and easy mountain bike maintenance tip to eliminate disc brake rub by properly centering your brake pads. It's a simple fix you can do in your garage, or even on the trail, to keep your brakes running quietly and your rides rolling smoothly. 

Featured Riders:

Ryan Butler – https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76

Additional Links:

Dave's Mobility Workout - https://youtu.be/KaHX1LbNHFA

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QjXQLI8qMKo

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Mountain bike progression isn't linear—and the secret to riding with more confidence, flow, and fun is embracing variety while letting go of pressure and expectations. In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we share MTB skills, jump tips, mindset coaching, confidence builders, and why trusting the process on the trail (and in life) leads to your biggest breakthroughs. We also dive into skinnies, BC Bike Race (XC Racing!), baking soda for endurance, DIY hydration drinks, dangerous trail animals, and the story behind why we unofficially named the Ride & Laugh family... "The Steeze!" 

Have you tried training with more variety, or do you have a homemade hydration recipe—or even a better name for a group of mountain bikers? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: West Valley Trail Alliance - Thank you, trail builders! Sage gives a huge shout-out to the West Valley Trail Alliance after an incredible ride on the Goat Pass trails. Dan also shares his appreciation for the Hawes Trail Alliance and all the volunteers who build and maintain amazing mountain bike trails. We're grateful to every trail builder who helps create fun, safe, and unforgettable places to ride!

Dan: Chris Huffmire - Dan gives a big thanks to riding buddy Chris for his honest mountain bike coaching, encouragement, and helpful riding tips. From real-time trail feedback to a screenshot analyzing Dan's body position, Chris proves how valuable supportive riding friends can be for MTB progression and confidence. Ride with people who challenge you, encourage you, and help you become a better rider! Chris Huffmire – https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnke 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Never hit the trails without a small roll of Gorilla Tape in your MTB pack! It's lightweight, inexpensive, and one of the most useful items for quick trailside bike repairs and emergency maintenance. A few wraps of tape can save your ride and get you back on the trail in minutes.

Featured Riders:

Ryan Butler – https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76

Additional Links:

TrainerRoad – https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/3EUSwk4ziWs 

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Ready to break through your mountain bike progression plateau? This week on the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we're joined by Dave Davidson of MTB Academy to dive into MTB skills, mobility, mindset, body positioning, confidence, flow state, cornering, jumping, and the movement patterns that help riders progress faster and ride with more freedom. 

Learn why hip mobility, core activation, and functional movement matter more than simply copying faster riders, plus Dave's powerful 4-step progression process to unlock fast thinking and seamless technique on the trail. 

Which of Dave's lessons hit home the most for you? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Lisa Gares - Sage is grateful to Lisa for inviting him on an awesome mountain bike group ride at the legendary Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia. It was a new riding group with zero expectations - just good people and great trails. Sometimes the best MTB adventures begin when you simply say "yes," put yourself out there, and see what happens! Lisa - https://www.instagram.com/gareslisa/ 

Dan: Topo Joes Bike Shop - Dan recently rode in Globe, Arizona, and was blown away by the incredible crew at Topo Joe's Bike Shop and Shuttle. From the shop staff to the shuttle drivers, everyone created a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that made the experience unforgettable. A great local bike shop doesn't just support your ride—it helps build an amazing mountain bike community. Topo Joes Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/topojoes 

Dave: Kevin Stiffler & Brett Tippie - Dave gives a huge shout-out to mountain bike coach, Kevin Stiffler, whose positivity, enthusiasm, and coaching have made a lasting impact on riders in the MTB Academy riding. He also shares appreciation for Brett Tippie, whose infectious energy reminds us all to be "yes" people and bring great vibes to every ride.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Crashes do not define you - you are not the crash. Let go of the story and focus on what's possible. As Dave says, "Every setback is a setup for a comeback." Before attempting a feature, check in with your body and mind: Are you rested? Do you feel confident? Visualize yourself riding it successfully—not crashing. If needed, follow another rider, ask for advice, or choose to walk away. Every ride is another opportunity to build confidence, improve your MTB skills, and come back stronger.

Featured Riders:

Dave Davidson - https://www.instagram.com/mountainbikeacademy

Additional Links:

Dave's Mobility Workout - https://youtu.be/KaHX1LbNHFA

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ONNIybkwmuI

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links. Commissions earned through the Amazon Affiliate links help support this channel's content creation. Thank you!

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Train smarter, ride with more flow, and discover why sometimes less is more on the mountain bike and in life! In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into MTB fitness, climbing motivation, mental focus, confidence, and how letting go of fear can unlock your skills and help you ride more centered and faster. 

We also talk jump technique, technical descending, MTB imposter syndrome, eMTB progression, CushCore tire inserts, hydration packs vs hip packs, and using faster riders as motivation instead of comparison. Plus, hear stories from Bean Peaks and Goat Camp, listener questions, and mindset tips to help you trust your skills, stack wins, and find more flow on every trail. 

What's your take: Would you rather bring too much water or too little?  And are tire inserts worth it for your riding? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Tom Thompson - Sage's MTB Gratitude of the Week is once again his awesome Dad, aka Big Pizon! After Sage's computer system crashed, Big Pizon spent countless hours repairing and restoring everything. Without his help, there would be no Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast this week. Thanks Dad for keeping the mountain bike podcast rolling!

Dan: Jeff Winsor - Dan's MTB Gratitude of the Week goes to riding buddy Jeff Winsor for some clutch mountain bike advice. Dan recently installed CushCore tire inserts on his enduro bike, and Jeff wisely suggested bringing the wheels, tires and inserts inside where the air conditioning and a couple of fans could keep things cool. Since installing tire inserts for the first time can be a challenge, staying comfortable made the whole process much easier. Thanks Jeff for the pro tip and for helping keep the stoke high!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Like a skirt… but definitely NOT a skirt! A changing kilt is an absolute game changer for mountain bikers. It makes changing out of sweaty riding gear after a ride quick, easy and discreet. Unlike a towel that can unexpectedly fall off (and turn the parking lot into an awkward scene), a changing kilt keeps everything covered while you get cleaned up and ready for the drive home (or the diner!). Trust us, your fellow riders will thank you!

Featured Riders:

Chris Huffmire – https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnke

Additional Links:

USWE Hydration – https://www.instagram.com/uswesports

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/NupmtdMcwC4

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links. Commissions earned through the Amazon Affiliate links help support this channel's content creation. Thank you!

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Mountain biking is the perfect sport to prove that anything is possible, and this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast explores the mindset shifts that turn fear into confidence and help riders trust their skills. "Know thyself" doesn't mean avoiding progression—it means knowing exactly when to push limits, let go of pressure, and ride with flow. 

We talk MTB visualization, jump progression, technical trail riding, moto vs. mountain biking, intuition, and why speaking with confidence in the present can change your riding. 

How do you visualize yourself on the trail—through the handlebars (1st person), from a camera or drone view (3rd person), or from multiple angles? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Tom Thompson - Sage shares gratitude for his amazing father getting remarried to the wonderful Toshiko. Sage's dad played a huge role in helping launch the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, and we're incredibly grateful for his support. He's a great example of love, celebration, and making the most of every moment. Celebrate the wins and seize the moment!

Dan: Amazon - Dan tells the story of losing his DJI Neo 2 drone during a mountain bike ride. Even at the time, he believed it would somehow work out for him—and it did! Dan shares his gratitude for Amazon's outstanding customer service after they refunded him for the lost drone. A great reminder that sometimes things really do work out for us.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Tired of your hydration hose flapping around on the trail? The guys share an inexpensive mountain bike hack using a retractable keychain carabiner ($7-8) to keep your hydration pack hose secure, accessible, and out of the way while riding.Dan's Hydration Hose Carabiner: https://amzn.to/43ApxGn  (Affiliate Link)

Featured Riders:

Dan Ackerman – https://www.instagram.com/danackerman8

Additional Links:

DJI – https://www.instagram.com/DJI

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/F3LV6cYo6yQ

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links. Commissions earned through the Amazon Affiliate links help support this channel's content creation. Thank you!

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Are you letting mountain bike imposter syndrome steal your confidence? In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into why your worth has nothing to do with your skill level and why your crashes, mistakes, and failures do NOT define you as a rider—or as a person.

We explore mountain biking confidence, fear, comparison, progression, mindset, riding with faster riders, and the Ride & Laugh mantra: "The Skills Are In There." Learn how to trust your abilities, stack wins, lean into your strengths, and let go of self-doubt so you can ride with more flow, fun, and freedom.

Do you ever struggle with MTB imposter syndrome or compare yourself to other riders? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

Links:

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZlAhTEez7tw

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips