Mountain bikers may struggle to learn new skills or add fitness and that's completely normal. However, we can learn, progress and become stronger riders without the mental suffering! Give yourself grace, recognize your inherent worthiness and celebrate all the small wins on this amazing mountain bike journey!

Share the stoke, progression and MTB lessons as Dan recounts two awesome South Mountain rides in Phoenix, Arizona! First up was a National Trail Technical Climbing CLINIC with new friends Mike & Stefanie McDaniel! The very next day Jeff, Joe, Ryan and Dan embarked on a massive 5 1/2 hour South Mountain Epic Trail Ride called "National Trail Coast to Coast." Progression on tech, climbing, descending and fitness all in one massive ride!

The guys also discuss giving grace to ourselves around the holiday season (and all the extra eating we may have done!). Let go of judgement and step into presence on the trail and in life! Join the conversation as we debate MTB trials skills vs. moto skills, radial tires for MTB, tech climbs, body position, short travel vs. long travel bikes, learning from better riders and much more!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Nick, Christian & the Infinity Demo! - Sage sessioned some frozen jumps and learned from expert level jumpers. Thank you Keswick Cycles for the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 demo!

Dan: Dan appreciates all the riders he's met in Arizona so far. Gratitude to all the people he's met and who have welcomed him on group rides. Special shout out to listener Jeff Jackson for getting this all started! Mountain bikers are the best! Jeff’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jeffjacksonmtb

MTB Tip of the Week:

Follow Riders Better than You! If you have the opportunity to ride with mountain bikers better than you, take it! Observe, ask questions, learn and progress!

Featured Riders:

Mike - https://www.instagram.com/rosenfieldmike/ Sean - https://www.instagram.com/saguarosingletrack/ Stefanie - https://www.instagram.com/m0sstef/ Jeff - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20/ Joe - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_/ Ryan - https://www.instagram.com/ryanwilliamjames/ Nick – https://www.instagram.com/jns1014/ Christian - https://www.instagram.com/_______christian_/

Additional Links:

Schwalbe Radial Tires - https://www.schwalbetires.com/radialtires-mtb/ CST Tires - https://www.csttires.com/us/tires/bike/ American Classic Tires - https://www.amclassic.com/

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Eh6WHHETRvQ

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

2025 means unlimited progression on our mountain bikes! Join us as we refine our bike jumping skills, improve body position, increase confidence and unlock more flow & joy on the trails!

Dan & Sage discuss their 2025 MTB & Podcast goals. Move forward from fear, make 'shapes' in the air and be open to advice! How much does beer/alcohol play in your mountain biking? Why is jumping a smaller bike more technical than a larger mountain bike? Practice being present on easy trails, so you're 'locked in' and present on the harder trails!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: Godeson Presta Tire Gauge - Dan appreciates this little gadget for checking mountain bike tire PSI before each ride! Tire PSI is so important in mountain biking and this simple gadget confirms that Dan's tires are exactly where he wants them before each ride. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09GF2D326/

Sage: Ceres MTB Crew (Steve, Nic, Ed, and Mike) - Sage is incredibly grateful for the tour, advice, encouragement and stoke from this awesome crew of riders! The trail building and the riding at Ceres has been a huge part of Sage's progression, jump journey and MTB joy! Thank you fellas!

MTB Tip of the Week:

How to stay 'present' on the trail! Before your ride, set an intention or a goal to work on. Focus on one or two skills to practice and look for opportunities to practice as you ride. Not only will this keep your mind in the moment, the practice will make you a better rider!

Featured Riders:

Nik “Salty Shredz” https://www.instagram.com/jns1014/ Mike - Ceres MTber https://www.instagram.com/ceresmtber/ Steve - Bent Spokes MTB https://www.instagram.com/bentspokesmtb/ Ed https://www.instagram.com/chefboyar_edd/

Additional Links:

Lee Likes Bikes - https://www.llbmtb.com/ Ceres Park: https://www.trailforks.com/region/ceres-park/

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/gfPjo1siZ5g

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

We're upgrading our mountain bike operating system from moving backwards with fear to moving forward with aggressive confidence! Take a deep dive into clever techniques and new thought patterns to perfectly balance on the bike and attack the trails with increasing confidence!

The 'fear response' of leaning back on the bike is not serving Dan so Sage suggests a new 'fear response' of moving forward with trust in our MTB skills! We do not need to be the kind of riders we thought we were. Let's all update our belief systems to be the best riders we can imagine! Also discussed are trials bikes, BMX & moto for MTB Skills, tips for riding trails "blind," best MTB tires and much more! Flow on the bike, flow in life! Anything is possible and you're unlimited! We got this!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Demo of the new Specialized Stumpjumper 15! Thank you Sean at Specialized for making it happen! Early reports from Sage are that the Stumpjumper feels incredibly stable/planted on the ground and instantly comfortable in the air! The bike wouldn't allow a pre-ride. It goes! Huge gratitude to Sean, Keswick Cycles and Main Line Cycles for making this demo happen! Specialized Stumpjumper 15 https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper

Dan: Dirt Therapy Project! Helping military veterans find healing through mountain biking! Everything we love about mountain biking all wrapped up in a great cause. Fun, stoke, community, joy, laughter, progression and appreciation! Happiness through Mtbing! Consider joining your local Dirt Therapy chapter, donating or buying some swag to support this great cause! Dirt Therapy Project https://veteransfuture.org/pages/dirt-therapy

MTB Tip of the Week:

When you're leading a group ride, you have to pay attention to all elements of all riders. Set a pace that is comfortable, provide a good warmup and choose progressive jump and/or tech features that everyone can enjoy.

Featured Riders:

Alena https://www.instagram.com/alayna_mtb Andrew https://www.instagram.com/heyitsblandrew Mike https://www.instagram.com/mikepetruzzi Danae https://www.instagram.com/danae.dearden JeffJackson MTB: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb

Additional Links:

Slanted Ground - Breaking the Glass Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJjcfVS78VE Keswick Cycles https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli Mainline Cycles https://www.instagram.com/mainline.cycles Hawes Trail Alliance: https://www.instagram.com/hawestrailalliance/ 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/Mrmcg7vn1gM

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Unlock safer and bigger jumps on your mountain bike with this key piece of mountain bike wisdom! Override the fear response, drive your bike forward and super-coffee your way to maximum MTB confidence!

Dan & Sage discuss how the 'fear response' sneaks into our rides in multiple different ways. The universe provided Dan with some of the best MTB advice ever! Chin forward, push the bike, don't be pulled and be intentional. We're breaking bad MTB habits and progressing into the riders we know we are! The skills are in there! You are unlimited!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Evelyn “Pili” Pardo - Pili is a TrailSage Patreon member and she gifted Sage a pair of Animoz MTB pants! Sage is excited to try out these cool 'long-sleeve' shorts! https://www.instagram.com/animoz.ridingwear

Dan: "Unsolicited Advice!" The universe gave Danny two incredibly helpful pieces of advice this week! Riders helping riders. People helping people. Open to receive! Thank you Josh. Thank you Cole! Mountain bikers are awesome!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Adjust your mountain bike brake levers for your attack position, not your seated (casual) position. Setting your brakes to match your attack position will encourage proper form when the trails get gnarly or sendy!

Additional Links:

Evelyn “Pili” Pardo https://www.instagram.com/pilipardo/ Salesianum Mountain Biking https://www.instagram.com/sallies_mtb/ Desert Trails Bike Park https://www.visitmesa.com/directory/desert-trails-park-parks/ Phoenixville Bike Park https://www.phoenixville.org/2861/Phoenixville-Bike-Park

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

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

High Speed "Superman" type MTB Crashes are our kryptonite on the trails but that won't keep Sage from a great day of mountain bike jumps, progression and stoke! Discuss technical climbing techniques, tire inserts, ideal tire casings and much more MTB content for your week!

Was Sage really sick or just in caffeine withdrawal? This episode we discuss winter MTB trail prep, pros/cons of tire inserts and ideal mountain bike tire casings for different conditions. Could technical climbs be easier on a single speed mountain bike? Learn the correct way to jump a shark-fin jump, but not if you're wearing winter gloves!? We're unlimited and so are you! Join us for a fun conversation about all things mountain biking!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Listeners!!! Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast surpassed 10,000 downloads!! We absolutely love recording Ride & Laugh, we appreciate our listeners and we're so grateful that our podcast is resonating, inspiring and entertaining other awesome riders each week! Thank you everyone!! We are unlimited and so excited to see what happens next!!

Dan: MTB Instagram & Social Media! Dan appreciates his Instagram feed which is 90% mountain biking and 10% gratitude. Social media used with a positive intent can have a positive and high vibe! Appreciation to all the MTB content creators for the smiles, laughs and inspiration!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Pump the terrain for speed & flow! Before a big feature or jump, pedaling can knock you off rhythm. Instead, pump the terrain with intention, find free speed and enter the next level of mountain bike flow!

Featured Rider:

Logan Fox - https://www.instagram.com/fogan_lox_rides_bikes/

Additional Links:

Sean at Sticks & Stones: https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstonestrailco JB's Bike Shop in Shillington, PA: https://jbsbikeshop.com Mansfield Outdoor Center: https://mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca Send-It Daily! email newsletter: https://www.thesenditdaily.com

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/G9nu2yrQUQw

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Challenging technical climbs on analog mountain bikes is alive and well at the famous National Trail at South Mountain! What's the difference jumping steep "Dirt-Jumper Jumps" vs. "Mountain Bike Jumps" and should you significantly raise handlebar height to boost confidence in the air?

This week the guys discuss the joys of technical climbing on mountain bikes. Is it better to practice jumping a smaller BMX/Dirt-Jump bike on steep (and scary!) jumps or to practice jumping the 'humps' at the local pump track? Will raising the handlebar height on a dirt-jumper make it feel more like a mountain bike? Can an e-bike get us in trouble by attempting a climb that's too steep!? Join us for a fun conversation about all things mountain biking!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Sennheiser Profile Microphone! After some listener comments about the Ride & Laugh Podcast sounding 'professional,' Sage appreciates how our Sennheiser microphones do a great job for our mountain bike podcast. Technology is awesome and we appreciate our equipment which allows the Ride & Laugh podcast to happen! Sennheiser Profile Microphone: https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us/catalog/products/microphones/profile-usb-microphone

Dan: Troy Lee A3 Helmet! Dan has found the Troy Lee Designs A3 Helmet to fit exceptionally well. The helmet looks nice, stays secure and has MIPS protection. A comfortable helmet is appreciated in mountain biking! Troy Lee A3 Helmet: https://troyleedesigns.com/collections/bike-helmets

MTB Tip of the Week:

When/if your bike isn't shifting correctly or staying in gear, stop & get off the bike. Check to make sure your bolts are tight! The bolt that secures the derailleur to the bike may be loose! Also, make certain your rear wheel is on tightly so check that rear thru-axle! In fact, check that both your wheels are on tight before each ride!

Additional Links:

Ninja MTB Ramp: https://ridelikeaninja.com MTB Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/@MTBQandA Be More Bikes (Mega Tall Stem) https://bemorebikes.com/rr-stem.html National Trail at South Mountain: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/national-14939/ Giant Fathom 1: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fathom-1-2022 Action Ride Shop: https://www.actionrideshop.com/ Desert Trails Bike Park: https://www.trailforks.com/region/desert-trails-park/

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

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Unlock more flow, confidence and skill on your mountain bike by learning to jump on a smaller "Dirt Jumper" bike! What are the different techniques needed to ride/jump on a Dirt Jumper and how might those skills translate to your MTB Progression!?

The guys may be struggling to feel confident jumping their dirt jumpers, but they have a strong feeling, this progression will be very worthwhile come bike park season! Also discussed this week are more cold weather riding tips, jumping fat bikes, Cushcore benefits, BMX vs. DJ, butt buzzing on steeps and getting back into the flow after a tumble. We are all unlimited! Anything is possible! Let's do this!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Max at Main Line Cycles! - Max went above and beyond to custom fit a cush core tire insert into Sages's Carbo-Beast Fat Bike! Sage was hesitant to ride his fat-bike at low PSI on rocks but now with Cushcore rim protection, the fat bike is unleashed in all conditions! Thank you Max and Main Line Cycles! https://www.instagram.com/mainline.cycles/

Dan: SpurCycle Bike Bells! - Dan has gratitude for this proper bicycle bell. Hikers respond with positivity and friendliness when they hear a bell. SpurCycle is a high-quality bell with an excellent chime. Thank you SpurCycle! https://www.spurcycle.com/

MTB Tip of the Week

Get your confidence back after a fail or a crash. Sage instructs us how to stack wins after a MTB fail to get you back in the flow state. Flow on the bike, Flow in Life!

Additional Links:

Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brian_on_a_bike/ JeffJackson MTB: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb/ Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/wrolb/ CushCore Tire Inserts: https://cushcore.com/ Phoenixville Bike Park: https://www.phoenixville.org/2861/Phoenixville-Bike-Park Carver Carbo’Beast: https://carverbikes.com/frames/carbobeast/

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/D2_CHRXGD7o

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Sage proves that a good rider can make any mountain bike look good as he sends big jumps on his 'old geo' single speed. Dan is stoked to see how Enduro racers prepare for a race on a double black tech trail at Hawes Trail System in Arizona!

The guys discuss their experiences riding with pro-level and super high level riders. Try applying the "J-Hop" technique to your next jump session and unlock more confidence and height in the air! Realize that everything happens for you and all those frustrating falls turn into beneficial lessons. Sharing our trails and lines with friends feels great! Mountain bikers are the best!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: Dan has so much gratitude for riding with both of his daughters this week. We visited Desert Trails Bike Park in Arizona. It was a great day with family on bikes! Desert Trails Bike Park: https://www.trailforks.com/region/desert-trails-park/

Sage: TrailSage Patreon members! Sage finished a fantastic ride with his TrailSage Patreon Member, Steve Vrabel and he has so much gratitude for his Patreon Members. Each TrailSage Patreon member supports Sage's MTB YouTube channel. Sage delights in meeting his supporters and appreciates everyone's efforts to keep his MTB dreams alive! Thank you TrailSage Patrons!! https://www.patreon.com/c/TrailSage

MTB Tip of the Week

When approaching a steep lip jump utilize the j-hop technique. Compressing into the ramp and releasing through the lip will provide the perfect arch and take your jumping to the next level.

Featured Riders:

Steve Vrabel: https://www.instagram.com/srvrabel/ JeffJackson MTB - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb/ Sean (17 year old): https://www.instagram.com/saguarosingletrack/ AJ: https://www.instagram.com/aj_steeber/ Steven: https://www.instagram.com/oldmanbagby/ Vaughn: https://www.instagram.com/spencespins85/ Jeff W. https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20/

Additional Links:

Hawes Trail Alliance: https://www.instagram.com/hawestrailalliance/ Mt Penn: https://www.trailforks.com/region/mount-penn-preserve Phoenixville Bike Park: https://www.phoenixville.org/2861/Phoenixville-Bike-Park

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kc8asC0ZMSw

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 rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips