Mountain bike training, mtb workouts, and trail laughs all packed into this Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast episode! Dan shares his indoor trainer setup, ERG mode hacks, and high-cadence climbing tips, while Sage explains road bike HIIT rides, power meter training, and why cadence variety matters for slaying technical climbs on the trails.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Trek Bicycle Ardmore - Big thanks to Trek Bicycle Ardmore! After bending his derailleur hanger, Sage stopped by the shop where mechanic Anthony straightened it out on the spot—for free. Quick fix, no charge, just bikers helping bikers. Love it!  Check them out here - https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/ardmore/ 

Dan: Pivot Cycles and Action Rideshop - Shoutout to Pivot Cycles and Action Rideshop of Mesa. Dan discovered a crack in his beloved Firebird frame, and Lance at Action Rideshop handled all the warranty issues and rebuilt the bike better than ever. Pivot stood behind their bike, replacing the rear triangle at no cost. Funny enough, a busted derailleur actually revealed the crack. Proof that even bad luck can lead to good outcomes! 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Purchase 1-2 spare derailleur hangers to keep in your garage and in your pack.  A spare derailleur hanger is light, inexpensive and easy to carry.  And it can save your ride! 

Featured Riders

Venture MTB - https://www.instagram.com/venture_mtb

Additional Links

Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift - https://www.instagram.com/wahoofitnessofficial

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

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 bike skills, hardtail riding tips, and trail laughs in one episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! From mustache drama to fist bump etiquette, Sage and Dan mix technical advice with hilarious trail stories. Sage shares hardtail techniques for riding faster and more dynamically, while debating Garmin vs. Wahoo, underbiking, and whether speed is your friend. Plus, meet the stoked Filipino MTB crew “Padyak,” hear wild javelina encounters, and laugh through brake failures on big jumps. It’s MTB skills, comedy, and life lessons—all in one ride.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Blue Mountain Bike Park Mechanics -Huge thanks to the mechanic and crew at Blue Mountain Bike Park!  Sage appreciates Mike, who offered brake parts off his own bike to help get him rolling again. And shoutout to mechanic Rob, who spent an hour trying everything to fix the bike—no luck, but no charge either! (Unless Keeton secretly paid for it… in which case, thank you too!)

Dan: Matt - While Dan was riding was riding his hardtail on National Trail, he met Matt who was also on a hardtail and had experience riding National Trail. Dan got a huge confidence bump following Matt on his hardtail.  Thank you Matt!

MTB Tip of the Week:

At downhill MTB parks, you scan a pass to access the lift. Sage recommends keeping your card in the top of your glove—it makes scanning at the chairlift quick and easy. Important: put it in your non-dominant hand! Sage learned the hard way after losing his card when he took that glove off on the lift.

Featured Riders

SplooshMTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb/

Additional Links

Zane's Minority Mountain Bikers Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh73s4kTQ0I&t=49s

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KW2CQS9WFp0 

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 hot takes, squeaky brakes, and wheel size debates — we cover it all in this week’s Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! Whether you're flowing or overthinking on the trail, your brakes (and your shifting!) might be telling the whole story. Dan and Sage talk about the sounds of riding: skids, shifts, and... dropper posts? Yep, even your dropper post strategy says something about your mindset. 

Join the debate as the guys dive into wheel size wars (27.5 vs. 29 vs. the mythical 32”), the beauty of under biking, and why DJ bikes might be the ultimate challenge. Plus: chasing e-bikes, full-suspension BMX, and why Red Bull Hardline is the best thing on two wheels. Packed with laughs, insights, and hot takes — this episode is a ride. Subscribe, listen, and let us know if you’re Team Over-brake or Team Flow!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Suunto Sonics – Because silence is terrifying.  After 4+ years of loyal service, Sage’s bone conduction headphones finally gave up the ghost. RIP. But thanks to a shiny new pair, the soundtrack to his road and trail rides is officially back. Whether it’s lo-fi beats or guilty-pleasure pop, Sage is once again pedaling to the rhythm. Thanks Suunto!   *Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/41m8BT6 (Affiliate Link)

Dan: Banshee Paradox V3 aka "The Aggressive Hardtail!" - With his full squish in the shop, Dan’s been rocking the hardtail life on the Banshee Paradox — and he’s totally here for it!  The Banshee jumps like a dream, climbs like it’s angry, and reminds Dan what challenge (and thigh burn) really feel like. Thank you Banshee! 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Shoe Goo: The MVP of MTB Footwear - Got pricey MTB shoes falling apart? Don’t toss ’em — Goo ’em. Shoe Goo is the duct tape of the MTB world (but way less sketchy), and it’ll squeeze a few extra months out of those beat-up kicks. Trails destroy shoes... Shoe Goo fights back. *Purchase Shoe Goo Here: https://amzn.to/3J1nt35 (Affiliate Link)

Featured Riders

Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb

Additional Links

We The People "Swamp Master" - https://www.wethepeoplebmx.de/bikes/swamp-master

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/MjRTJe5xvMU

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

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!

Ride & Laugh now has an official MTB Coach on the podcast!  Sage dives into his intense weekend of becoming a certified mountain bike coach — and it wasn’t easy! Humbled by beginner drills, flat pedals, and slow-speed skills, Sage shares how letting go of ego and being open to learning transformed his mindset (and riding!). ✨ It’s just like riding a roller coaster: the more you trust, relax, and let go of control — the better the ride. 💫

We also talk sweaty hug regrets (DNA transfer?!), trail stress is a sloppy drunk, and finding gratitude when the trail (or life) gets gnarly.  Plus: e-bike bans, superhuman riders like Mael Feron, fat-adapted riding vs sugar bombs, and one wild javelina attack in the  Arizona desert. 🐗  Oh — and yes, Dan still can’t pronounce French names. Ride with us. Laugh with us. Progress with us!  

👉 Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts!   

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Patreon - Big shoutout to the TrailSage Patreon crew! 🙌 Your monthly support keeps Sage rolling — on the trails and in life. It truly means the world. Thank you for being part of the ride!  https://www.patreon.com/TrailSage

Dan: Thomas & Arturo - Massive thanks to Thomas and Arturo! When Dan’s bike broke mid-ride, he was ready to hoof it down the mountain. But these legends stepped in, worked some trailside magic, and got him gliding again. Mechanically skilled and generous? That's the dream team. Mountain bikers are the BEST!

MTB Tip of the Week:

🩺 Get CPR & First Aid Trained! - Crashes happen. When they do, knowing how to help could make all the difference. A little training can go a long way — on and off the trail.

Featured Riders:

ButlerDoesIt - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76

Additional Links:

Sunrise Bike Park - https://www.sunrise.ski/

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kPMr5roNagA

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

From hardtails to rigid single speeds, underbiking forces you to ride more dynamically, improve line choice, work different muscles and build serious MTB skills. Underbiking is a fun, budget-friendly way to turn familiar trails into fresh challenges. 

The guys also debate 'overbiking,' ideal bike setups, argue about gravel bikes (spoiler: Dan is not a fan), and agree that mixing it up keeps things interesting. Bottom line? When you conquer difficult trails on a less capable bike, you realize it's not just the bike — it's the rider!  Let's go! 

Links:

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

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

Big milestone! Ride & Laugh Mountain Bike Podcast just hit 25,000 downloads and we’re feeling all the gratitude! In this episode, Dan and Sage talk about the power of rest — from skipping trail rides to skipping meals (on purpose). Dan took two full weeks off the bike and realized his body, brain, and adrenal glands were seriously thanking him. 

From extended fasting to ditching sugar, the guys share their own ways of hitting reset and getting stronger — on and off the trail. There’s also a mountain bike glove review (shoutout TAKK!), jokes about mustard jars, and Dan butchering the name of a French downhill legend (apologies Benoit!). Plus, how letting go of limits — mentally and physically — opens the door to real flow, fun, and freedom. Take the break. Then come back unlimited.   

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Keswick Cycle! - Sage mentioned to the crew at Keswick that his MTB helmet was over six years old — and they sprang into action, hooking him up with a brand new Specialized Ambush MTB Helmet. Huge gratitude to Keswick Cycles in Paoli — awesome shop, even better people!  Specialized Ambush Helmet https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ambush-2/p/1000208204

Dan: Insight Timer App! - Dan’s giving thanks for the Insight Timer App, his go-to for guided meditations. It’s free, user-friendly, and packed with great content. Meditation has had a huge impact on Dan’s mindset, and Insight Timer has been a key part of his mindfulness journey.

MTB Tip of the Week:

If you're training on a road bike or indoor trainer to improve your mountain biking, Sage recommends adding HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to your rides. Just make sure your training reflects the kind of MTB riding you do — so you show up strong and ready on the trails!  

Featured Riders:

ButlerDoesIt https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76

Additional Links:

TAKK Adventure Wear www.takkadventurewear.com

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xVJz9dPllZw

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

Dan hits Sunrise Mountain Bike Park and gets wrecked by dust, fear, and stiffness — until he finally commits and finds his flow.  Sage breaks down how being dynamic, not just low, is the key to unlocking control and confidence on the bike. Ride high and low, loose and centered — and practice being aggressive even on the easy trails. 

The guys dive into the full-power vs. SL eMTB debate: are lighter e-bikes the future, or do we just want more juice for bigger progression?  They also discuss trail access, land manager concerns, and whether e-bikes really damage trails. Plus: do you really need sunglasses on your ride — or can your eyelashes do the job? Sage reviews his photochromic shades, shares his mustache theories, and the guys drop gratitude, jokes, and wisdom all along the way. We crash so you don’t have to!

Question for YOU: Have you ever psyched yourself out on the bike? What helps you get into flow? Drop it in the comments!  Subscribe for more MTB laughs, tips, and mindset shifts every week!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: His Crash - Dan has gratitude for his scariest crash in a long time.  Really for all of his crashes at Sunrise MTB Park!  Dan realized it was time for a small break from mountain biking.  An annual reset off the bike.  Let go of planning rides. Let go of all of it.  No expectations.  Trust everything. Go for walks. Take a breath and relax. 

Sage: Road Bike - Sage has gratitude for his road bike... even though he doesn't prefer road riding, it's been so wet and humid in his area that he can still train.  Sage keeps a high level of fitness because of the road bike.  So even though trails are wet, Sage is finding something to appreciate... he has a road bike and he can stay fit.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Charge your AXS battery in the car!  If your battery is dead, you can charge it in the car on the way to the trails!    

Featured Riders:

Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/art_tours_mtb/

Additional Links:

TrailSage Sunglass Review - https://youtu.be/v3X3Bzi477g

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/p6L-vFqcYuk

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

Can the J-hop jump technique work on every MTB jump… or is that a fast track to disaster?  Dan and Sage dive deep into this potent skill—plus a surprising mountain bike balance tip that might change how you ride: widen your knees!

Sage battles brutal humidity and wet trails (with a fresh new mustache!) while Dan faces scary desert gap jumps and questions whether his mindset — or technique — is holding him back. They break down how body position affects bike control, balance, and flow, with a nod to MTB legend Greg Minnaar for inspiration.

The guys get real about fear, overthinking, and the power of TRUST on the bike.  Plus, how music can help you quiet the mind, find flow, and let go of the illusion of control.

Question for YOU: Have you ever psyched yourself out on the bike? What helps you get into flow? Drop it in the comments!  Subscribe for more MTB laughs, tips, and mindset shifts every week!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: His Body - Dan’s sending big gratitude to... his body!  Waking up healthy, strong, and ready to roll is something we all take for granted. Next time you look in the mirror, remind yourself: “I’m strong, I’m capable... and yeah, pretty dang good-looking too.”  You’ve got this.

Sage: Ethan - Sage is grateful to his riding buddy Ethan not just for riding together but also for encouraging Sage to join a running group.  Running, and especially trail running, is a great way to crosstrain for Mtbing and social running is something Sage is excited to try.    

MTB Tip of the Week:

Dirt jump in running shoes! Seriously — old running sneakers grip flat pedals surprisingly well thanks to that squishy EVA foam. Bonus: they absorb impact like a champ and feel way comfier than stiff MTB shoes. Perfect for dirt jump days (but maybe not your enduro ride).  

Featured Riders:

Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/art_tours_mtb/ 

Additional Links:

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

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Ez6JKKsu8wg

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

Sometimes we need to ride our mountain bikes backwards to set up for a better line on the trail!  This week, Sage & Dan discuss how taking a step back, on the bike and in life, often helps move you forward. They share MTB mindset hacks for handling overthinking, finding flow, and staying stoked even when trails (or life) aren’t perfect.

The guys discuss their recent test of the new Specialized Levo 4 e-bike, talk about trail “flowification,” and debate whether making trails easier is hurting progression. Good laughs, good vibes, and MTB life lessons all packed into one episode!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Emigos Bike Shop! - Dan is grateful to Emigos Bike Shop for setting up an e-bike demo day!  Emigos is an awesome shop with great staff, service and bikes!  Dan and Jeff W. were very impressed with their test ride on the awesome Specialized Levo 4 which is available to demo, rent or purchase at Emigos!  Check them out!   https://www.emigosbikeshop.com/

Sage: Mt. Penn Trails! - With all the rain in the northeast lately, Sage is so grateful that he can ride Mt. Penn in the wet!  Since Mt. Penn has so many raw and rocky trails, mountain bikers are able to ride there even when other trail systems are too wet.  Gratitude to the trails for draining well and to all the volunteers who maintain and create these trails!  

MTB Tip of the Week:

When the trails are wet or slick, drop your mountain bike's tire pressure by 1-3 psi.  Lower PSI will add grip on slick surfaces which will increase your confidence and fun!   

Featured Riders:

Josh at Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground

Additional Links:

Gratitude Journal: https://amzn.to/3HPQezg (Affiliate Link)

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

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 Bike group ride dynamics have unspoken rules!  How do you know where to “slot” yourself in the pack on trail rides?  This episode is jammed full of jokes, but also packed with real technique gold. Sage learns a mind-blowing MTB jump tip! The result? More arc, more control, more style — and way less sketch. Sage’s whole jumping philosophy gets flipped, and yours might too. 

The fellas also discuss flip chips, pedal strikes and log over/lift techniques (Hint: The J-Hop may be the key!).  Sage demoed the beastly new Specialized Levo 4 and Dan fell into the Salt River!  Listen for a great mix of laughs, insights, and the joyful struggle of becoming a better rider!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Jeff Winsor - Huge thanks to Jeff Winsor for organizing an epic day — mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Salt River near Phoenix! From ripping trails to relaxing on the water, it was the perfect balance of stoke and chill. Grateful for the good rides, good vibes, and good friends. Thanks, Jeff!  

Sage: Will from Keswick Cycles - Will hooks Sage up with a demo of the all-new Specialized Levo 4 — and it does not disappoint. Huge thanks to Will and the Keswick crew for the opportunity! The more Sage rides e-mountain bikes, the more he sees their potential — and the Levo 4 blew him away with its power, precision, and insane customization  

MTB Tip of the Week:

Tubes Helping Tubes! Tired of flats with tubes? Cut up an old inner tube and use it as DIY rim tape — a quick, cheap fix that helps protect against punctures from the inside out!  

Featured Riders:

Ryan - https://www.instagram.com/wrolb/

Additional Links:

Specialized - https://www.instagram.com/specialized_mtb

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/N9y7i0kUxA4

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