Fun on a mountain bike often includes new and difficult features, but how do we know when we're truly ready to 'send it' on that tough slab, jump, drop or gnarly trail?  MTB skills are important, but more than anything, riders need the supreme confidence which comes from a quiet and insightful mind. 

Join the guys for a candid and honest conversation about tuning into intuition, paying attention to signs, 100% commitment, self-worth, approval and doing things for ONLY the right reasons.  We are all more than worthy already so our bikes should only enhance our joy.  This episode, Dan and Sage discuss the surprisingly complex emotions of mountain biking decision making.  Live in the moment, trust your abundance and let go of thoughts that do not serve you.  Flow on the bike, Flow in life! 

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: 4th Street Cafe - Dan appreciates this diner for all the pre-work meals he and Sage have had there.  Talking bikes and life over a meal and a cup of coffee is better than therapy!  Perfect start to a day! Gratitude to the 4th Street Cafe and gratitude for friendship! Check them out here: https://www.facebook.com/p/4th-Street-Cafe-100088899905568/

Sage: Dan pulling Sage off a wet jump trail.  Sometimes the signs are as obvious as your friends telling you something may not be a good idea!  Sage really wanted to ride a jump trail even though it was wet, and conditions were less than ideal.  Maybe it would have been fine and maybe not.  But Sage appreciates Dan making the call based on his intuition and moral compass.  Gratitude to friends and the guidance they often provide.  Together, "we got this!"

MTB Tip of the Week

Ride with Intention - Ride the bike, don't let the bike ride you.  Work the bike at all times but especially in wet conditions.  When you ride with intention, you will be instinctive and purposeful in your actions. Push into the ground, know when to get heavy and when to get light, when to brake and when to roll.  Trust your skills, eyes up, stay present, react and flow! 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/tf9y7v-1KtM

The Ride and Laugh 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

Incredibly long and steep slabs on trails require high level mountain bike handling skills, balance, confidence and commitment.  Learn about your internal guidance system and how to know you’re ready for 100% commitment on high consequence and dangerous MTB features!

We discuss the proper technique for riding super steep features as well as why practice and repetition breed confidence through muscle memory.  Turn your thinking mind off, fully commit and succeed!  But what if there is doubt and the brain is still in survival mode?  Listen and find out what happens!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: Arnica – Arnica is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been known to increase circulation.  For mountain bikers (and other athletes) this means accelerated healing!  Dan is currently using arnica to heal a contusion on his quad from a scary fall of his MTB. Arnica can be applied topically and taken orally.  Anything that helps us heal and get back on the bike faster is a win!  Arnica is an affordable and natural way to speed up healing.  Gratitude and appreciation to arnica and the companies that package this amazing plant medicine!

Topical: https://www.amazon.com/Bruising-Swelling-Natural-Montana-extracts/dp/B08KT7Q7YX

Sage: Aaron Homiak! - Sage has so much gratitude and appreciation for Aaron and his friends giving us a tour of their local trails.  Aaron has a lot to do with the building and creation of many of those high level trails and gnarly features.  In addition to being an amazing rider, Aaron is also an incredible photographer.  Gratitude to Aaron for giving us a tour but also for his friendliness, trail-building and being an all-around high-vibe/awesome mtb’er!  Mountain bikers are the best!  Check out Aaron on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_homiak

MTB Tip of the Week

Body position and technique on SUPER STEEP slabs.  When the slabs are more like walls, it’s impossible to get far enough behind the bike and stay balanced.  Sage explains how to keep your body centered and in control while riding the super steeps.

Featured Riders:

Phoenixville Bike Park

Natalie (Roaring Creek) Ride

Additional Links:

Mt Penn: https://www.trailforks.com/region/mount-penn-preserve

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/q9WCG1yHJM4

The Ride and Laugh 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

Why is Mountain Bike Culture so awesome and what is it about riding bikes on dirt trails that brings out the best in people?!  What are the reasons that give MTB such an amazing culture of friendliness, support, encouragement and stoke!?

The guys are discussing all the reasons that make mountain bike culture so inclusive and fun.  Dan & Sage also get into their MTB mindset tips, rides of the week, perfect headtube angle for modern trail bikes, jumping MTB vs. BMX, the magic of the present moment and how updating our belief system can change everything we thought was possible! 

Featured Riders:

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Action Cameras / GoPro - Sage has so much gratitude for all the amazing moments that his GoPro allows him to capture.  Action Cameras allow us to document MTB memories and have opened the world of "Mountain Bike YouTube."  Now we can see what else is possible on a mountain bike, MTB Destinations and MTB tutorials!  It's a great time to be a mountain biker!  Gratitude to GoPro and all  MTB Action Cameras!  https://gopro.com

Dan: Dirtsculpt & BAMBA! - Dan is incredibly grateful for the incredible Skyline Jump Trail at Mt. Penn in Reading, PA.  Dirtsculpt built an amazing bike park quality jump trail that has unlocked enormous progression for the guys this summer.  BAMBA is the organization that had Skyline trail built and maintains this epic trail!  Gratitude to DirtSculpt, BAMBA & all the people who built and maintain Skyline Jump Trail!

Dirtsculpt: https://dirtsculpt.com/

MTB Tip of the Week

When you go to the bike park, instead of bringing a full hydration pack, you can use a water bottle and a much smaller hip pack to hold some key items: Tube, Tire Plug, Mini-Pump & Multi-Tool!  Less weight on your back and more comfortable sitting on the chair lift!

REI Amphipod Hip Pack: https://www.rei.com/product/883556/amphipod-airflow-microstretch-plus-belt

Additional Links:

Skyline Trail on Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/skyline-53365/

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/i26MmsNHRF8

The Ride and Laugh 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 biking can be scary but what's the difference between rational fear and irrational fear when you're tackling jumps, drops and tech on the trails?  Learn how a simple shift in perspective can quiet the fearful mind and unlock unlimited MTB Progression! 

The guys discuss techniques for dealing with fear on MTB trails and in life.  Perspective is everything and we are all unlimited!  You are unlimited!  Listen along to learn more about dedicated bike park bikes, coil shock vs. air shock, tire plug tips, shark-fins vs. wall rides and, as always, lots of laughs, gratitude and high vibes! 

Additional Links:

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: His buddy Anthony - Sage has gratitude for his awesome friend Anthony.  While Anthony may not be a rider, he's the type of friend who is always supportive and excited for Sage.  Whether it's riding or not, good friends are always appreciated.  Gratitude to Anthony & all the awesome people who support us in our crazy passion for mountain biking!

Dan: Listener Comments! - Dan is blown away by the awesome feedback and comments from Ride & Laugh Podcast listeners!  Supreme gratitude that the pod is resonating with mtb'ers!  R&L listeners are awesome, each comment is valued and we're all becoming better riders together.  This is so cool!!  Thank you R&L listeners and everyone who comments or emails us! 

MTB Tip of the Week

Stan's Dart! - The "Stan's Dart" is an upgraded version of the traditional 'bacon strip.'  Stan's Dart is designed to plug holes in your mountain bike tire right on the trail.  Sage has saved many a ride by using the Stan's Dart to fix a flat tire!  Check out the TrailSage video on the Stan's Dart to learn more: https://youtu.be/kezpNatwChA

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/o-Zxe4U9484

The Ride and Laugh 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

Positive self-talk will increase your confidence to hit big features on your mountain bike.  Feeling your practice pay off and progressing on MTB jumps and drops is thrilling, satisfying and oh so much fun!!  Vibes of fun, Vibes of Confidence, Vibes of Stoke!

The guys talk about hitting some of the biggest jumps and drops yet at Mountain Creek Bike Park!  Dan discusses how a gratitude moment put him in the flow state (and saved his day!).  Sage is excited to 'make shapes' in the air and considers mountain bike yoga for his aching back. 

Featured Riders:

Johnnie U https://www.youtube.com/@MTBQandA

Additional Links

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Terry & David (and the MTB Ethos!). Sage hurt his back at Mt. Penn.  Terry & David didn't hesitate in helping Sage back to his car. These riders embody the spirit and culture of mountain biking.  High stoke, high character and just really kind individuals.  Mountain bikers are awesome!  Gratitude for your help and positivity Terry & David!

Dan: Dan's new & super protective downhill helmet is the Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS Helmet. But downhill helmets only come with "D-Ring" fasteners which are extremely difficult/frustrating to hook and unhook with mtb gloves on! Dan did some searching and found an awesome D-Ring replacement on Amazon! There are several types but Dan purchased this unit and it works fantastic! https://amzn.to/4lmVk5k (Affiliate Link)

MTB Tip of the Week

If you ride with a hip pack or hydration pack carry a small first aid kit with you.  They are not expensive, light and don’t take up too much space.  You never know when you, or a fellow rider, could need it so be prepared. https://amzn.to/47lvDeO (Affiliate Link)

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5wGh9VnGp9M

The Ride and Laugh 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!

Discuss the different techniques between jumping your mountain bike on 'ramp' jumps vs. 'lippy' jumps.  All jumps and features on the MTB trail have a 'commitment line' where riders must be comfortable being all-in!  You got this!

The guys are stoked about progression on ramp jumps, cannon jumps, huge gap jumps and mega-sized trail drops!  Each jump and feature has a 'commitment line' where riders need to stop or fully commit.  Sage has great tips on jumping ramp jumps while Dan warns of 'absorbing' the jump too much.  Practice, gain confidence, and full commit! 

Featured Riders:

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Steve & Brian!  Sage has so much gratitude to the awesome riders that gave us a tour of Ceres!  Steve & Brian demonstrated all the jumps/features, answered all questions, tow'd us in and kept the stoke super high!  Unlimited thank you to Steve & Brian!  Check out their YouTube channels (links above).

Dan: ANY STYLE TRAIL!  The 1st trail named after the Ride & Laugh Podcast! Thank you trail builders at Ceres!  Thank you all listeners, fans and riders!  We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the awesome reception of the podcast.  Thank you everyone! To hear the full Any Style story watch this excerpt: https://youtu.be/pH7O-hFLo9Q

MTB Tip of the Week

Keep your hydration bladder dry and free of mold!  Learn how and why to air out your hydration bladder after each ride!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/aVpRYgyS7Ag

The Ride and Laugh 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

Unlock essential tips on how to jump your mountain bike at your local trails or the bike park!  Learn MTB techniques for crushing corners, railing berms and staying positive after a crash!

Mountain bikers are awesome!  Align your mindset with success and unlock more progression on the trail than you ever thought possible.  You are unlimited!  Listen along with Dan and Sage as they discuss what they're learning about jumping, cornering and drops.  Look before you leap, believe in yourself and commit!  The guys also discuss how to recover a positive mindset after a crash, solve the breaking bumps mystery and much more! 

Additional Links:

Mountain Creek Bike Park: https://mountaincreek.com/bike-park/trail-report-hours/

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: G-Form Pro Rugged Knee & Elbow Pads - After a nasty crash on the black diamond jump trail, Dan walked away with only minor scrapes and bruises.  So much gratitude to the G-Form Rugged Pro Knee & Elbow pads for absorbing the majority of the impact! Crashing is never fun, but the pads did their job and Dan is super grateful for this awesome product.  https://g-form.com/products/pro-rugged-bike-knee-pad

Sage: Mountain Bikers! - After Dan's crash, some riders went out of their way to check on Dan.  These riders were so kind and helpful.  Gratitude to mountain bikers!  Share the stoke!!

MTB Tip of the Week

Sewing!  Sage points out that some simple sewing skills can rescue your torn gear.  Whether it's torn elbow pads from a crash or a favorite mtb glove that starts falling apart; you can rescue MTB gear with a needle and thread!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zZUY2xzioW0

The Ride and Laugh 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

Approaching new and big drops on your mountain bike can be very intimidating!  Look before you leap, ask other riders, trust your skills, fully commit, spot the landing and fully commit!

The guys are stoked to hit a new mega drop at their local bike park.  Sage sent the drop and inspired other riders to go for it!  Discuss how to determine the right speed for new features.  The skills are in there!  You got this!  New tech moves, "huck to flat" drops, meeting Ride and Laugh listeners and more! 

Additional Links:

Jess Buch: https://www.instagram.com/buchbikes/

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Blue Mountain Bike Park - Sage appreciates our local southeast Pennsylvania bike park.  Blue Mountain may not be large but they are constantly improving the trails, adding new trails and features!  Thank you Blue Mountain Bike Park! https://www.skibluemt.com/mountain-biking

Dan: Mountainsmith Mountain Bike Bag - Dan appreciates his trusty mountain bike bag!  This bag holds and organizes all his bike gear.  Everything is always in the right place.  A good mountain bike duffel bag is on every trip & every ride.  Thank you Mountainsmith Bike Bag!  https://mountainsmith.com

MTB Tip of the Week

Gnats swarming your head/face is part of the mountain bike experience in many parts of the world.  Sage shares the top speed of a gnat and how fast we need to pedal to outrun the annoying buggers!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zY27-drE-Xs

The Ride and Laugh 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 you start to clear jumps on your mountain bike, when do you add in 'style' moves like whips and bar-turns?  We know moving the bike in the air looks awesome, but does it also add stability and flow to the jump?  

Ride along with us today as we discuss braking bumps, where they come from and our plea to avoid making more.  Tips to recapture motivation to train after a big MTB trip or race is over.  Do e-bikes change trail etiquette? Is it easier to get into a flow state on flow trails or a flow state on tech trails?  Details on how to plan a mountain bike trip, how to use Trailforks to make a route and Penny-farthing bike jumps!  What's up with that!?  

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: 1Up Bike Rack - Dan's bike rack is Sage's gratitude this week!  Sturdy, well made, modular, well designed and made in the USA.  The 1Up Bike Rack has been a great MTB travel tool!  Thank you 1Up! https://1up-usa.com/ 

Dan: Just past the 1 year anniversary of the bike crash that broke his jaw, Dan has so much gratitude for the Dr's that helped put him back together.  Dr. Foote and Dr. Koenig at UPenn Hospital as well as the Emergency Response Team, many more Dr's, nurses, friends and family!  Gratitude to everyone for all the healing support and love! 

MTB Tip of the Week

How to use Trailforks to find a place to ride.  How to use Trailforks to create a route to follow on your next destination ride!  www.trailforks.com 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/rAQP8uVSe2o

The Ride and Laugh 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

Did the new Pivot Firebird mountain bike increase Dan's confidence, skill or both? What happened when Sage rode an old-school MTB on tech trails for a couple months straight? 

Confidence can come from a shiny new bike but also from rocking success on an older, less capable bike.  Notice how the pressure of leading a MTB ride may help you commit to a tough jump or tech trail.  The guys also discuss mountain biking in the Olympics, e-bikes for fitness vs. fun, MTB jump coaching, the joy of a new MTB tire, meeting Ride & Laugh fans, tubeless vs. tubes and more!   

Additional Links:

WPL ForkBoost

Coffee Powered Cyclist

Pivot Firebird

Phoenixville Bike Park

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: USWE Hydration Pack - Dan appreciates his USWE pack and how well the "No Dancing Monkey" harness keeps the pack stable and comfortable in all conditions!  Thank you USWE for making a fantastic mountain bike hydration pack! https://uswe.com

Sage: Dell Precision 5570 Laptop - Sage appreciates the speed and power of this mountain bike video editing machine!  To watch, process, edit and render video from modern 4K action cameras you need a lot of computing power.  Sage appreciates his laptop.  Thank you Dell! https://www.dell.com 

MTB Tip of the Week

Hum or sing a tune while riding flow and jump trails.  Stay connected to the present moment, tame your mind and keep skills unlocked by singing to yourself.  Try it out & let us know if it worked for you and what songs are best!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/yPQQ7fTF0lg

The Ride and Laugh 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