Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

MTB Trail Closures — Riding the Fine Line Between Sanctioned and Illicit Trails [RNL S2, Ep 5]

Ever ridden an “illegal” mountain bike trail? Has one of your favorite trails or features been recently shut down?  How do we deal with closures and rogue trail building?  This week, we dive into the wild world of mountain biking’s gray areas — from rogue builds and red tape to trail shutdowns and the passionate advocates fighting to keep the stoke alive. Whether it’s sketchy lines or battles over building rights, we’re covering all things MTB, on and off the map.

Plus, the boys explore more MTB topics on this episode — from brainstorming Strava titles mid-ride to chasing flow and letting go of expectations. Dan and Sage get real about self-worth, fear, music, body position, and finding freedom on two wheels. It’s all about trusting your skills, riding with intention, and maybe… building a new bike park for every trail that gets shut down!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Shoutout to listener Jason - Jason took inspiration from the R&L podcast and crushed a gnarly tech climb he once thought was impossible. The skills were there all along — he just had to believe it. We got this. You’re stronger than you think, and Jason’s proving it out on the trails!  

Sage: Big thanks to Keeton and Jose - two super skilled riders who shared tips and trail wisdom with Sage at Blue Mountain Bike Park. Riding behind talented folks takes the guesswork out of the game. Just trust the speed, trust your skills… you’ve got this!  

MTB Tip of the Week:

When the trail’s muddy, ride through it, not around it. Getting your bike (and legs) dirty is way better than widening the trail by going off-path. Trust us, land managers and trail builders will thank you!  

Featured Riders:

Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/byclas_mtb
Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb
Jeff W - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Keeton https://www.instagram.com/rideandshred
Jose https://www.instagram.com/jose_el_tp_chavez

Additional Links:

Hawes Trail Alliance https://www.instagram.com/hawestrailalliance
Berks Trail Works https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks  
Bamba https://www.instagram.com/berksareamba
Frederick Watershed https://www.instagram.com/frederickwatershedtrails
Blue Mountain Bike Park https://www.instagram.com/bikepark_blue_mountain
Phoenixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark 

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

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

How to Increase the Vibe, Fun, Progression and Stoke on Every Group Ride! [RNL S2, Ep 4]

Raise the collective vibe, confidence, stoke and progression on your next mountain bike group ride!  Learn tips to maximize fun on the trails when riding with mountain bikers of all levels.  Whether you're the fastest, slowest or somewhere in between, let go of judgement, find your flow and appreciate the progression that is coming! 

The guys discuss riding in difficult conditions like rain and dust.  Dan explains the gnarly trails at Sunrise Bike Park while Sage's incredible jump progression continues on his Dirt Jumper at PhxvBP.  How does Sage push such a big gear on steep climbs? What are the best MTB Enduro Shoes and MTB Chest Protectors? Keep the wheels rolling this week with all the fun, gratitude, appreciation and joy of mountain biking!  You're not the rider you think you are... you're better!   

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage:  Anthony, Shelly and Jess  - Sage contemplates pursuing MTB Coaching and his gratitude this week are friends who encourage and inform!  Sage appreciates his friends Anthony, Shelly and Jess for encouraging him to follow his passion and answer all his questions about coaching.  Anything is possible! 

Jess Buch - https://www.instagram.com/buchbikes
Shelly at Fire - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell

Fox Union Shoes - Dan has been really impressed with his Fox Union shoes. They are very comfortable, stiff for pedaling, easy to walk in and seem sturdy so far!  The BOA closure system has been resilient and has a lifetime guarantee (which Dan has used!). Thank you Fox for making an excellent enduro shoe! 

Fox Union Shoes - https://amzn.to/4jxewLu  (affiliate link)

MTB Tip of the Week:

Sage keeps a small tool/tackle box in the car with all the random bolts he's collected throughout the years. Keeping bolts is easy, small and will often come in handy! MTB Hoarding can be a good thing! 

Featured Riders:

Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/art_tours_mtb
Keeton - https://www.instagram.com/rideandshred
Joe Mullins - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_
Justin from Tucson - https://www.instagram.com/justindietrich50
Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground
Sploosh MTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb
Brian on a Bike - https://www.instagram.com/brian_on_a_bike 

Additional Links:

Sunrise Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/sunriseskiaz
Phoenixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark
Troy Lee Design Rockfight - https://amzn.to/3ZfdZXn (affiliate link)
Leatt Reaflex - https://amzn.to/3SzQnsB (affiliate link)
Fax Baseframe Pro - https://amzn.to/4mM0XdI (affiliate link)
G-Form MX MTB Spike Chest & Back Shirt - https://amzn.to/4kUe3Eh (affiliate link)

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/EimE5wd6UI4

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!

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

No Dabs and Steep Slabs! How to Stay Perfectly Centered On Your Bike at All Times! [RNL S2, Ep 3]

Letting go of expectations leads to more flow and progression on our mountain bikes!  Whether it's climbing incredibly difficult technical trails without 'dabbing' (foot down) or confidently riding steep rock slabs, being centered on the bike and in our minds is the key to ultimate confidence, flow and fun on all rides!  

This week Dan and Sage discuss seeing the infamous "White Line" trail in Sedona, AZ.  How riding with no expectations leads Jeff Winsor to an amazing 'no dab' climb up the notoriously difficult National Trail in Phoenix, AZ.  When is Too Slow actually harder on steep tech?  The guys examine the importance of being perfectly centered on the bike,  jumping hardtails vs. full suspension, and the right budget for upgrading an older mountain bike.  As always, there's a healthy dose of gratitude, appreciation and mindset tips for riding your best ride and living your best life!  Thanks for listening! 

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Dan's gratitude this week is his friendship with Sage - Dan expresses his gratitude to Sage for pointing out Dan's overthinking and anxiety.  Reminding Dan to go with the flow.  Release anxiety, release expectations, step into presence.  Dan is so grateful for Sage's ability to bring Dan back to presence.  On and off the bike!   

Sage: Sage's gratitude of the week is his wonderful Father aka "Big Pizon" aka "Tom." - Sage describes a special moment with his family and all the support he receives from his Dad.  Sage's Dad believes in Sage.  Sage follows his passion and he is able to do so with the support of his amazing Father! 

Featured Riders:

Lotte - https://www.instagram.com/lotte_black/
Sean - https://www.instagram.com/saguarosingletrack
Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/art_tours_mtb
Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Aaron Homiak - https://www.instagram.com/aaron_homiak
Patrick - https://www.instagram.com/patrick__mulhern
Ryland - https://www.instagram.com/rylan570

Additional Links:

Wolf Tooth GeoShift Performance Angle Headset - https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com
Shockwiz - https://www.sram.com/en/quarq/series/shockwiz
Sedona MTB Park - https://www.instagram.com/sedonabikepark
Phoenixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/F1r8u5HRIuo

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

From Anxious to Awesome: How to Replace MTB Anxiety with Excitement & Confidence! [RNL S2, Ep 2]

When you feel intimidated or anxious about a mountain bike trail, feature, jump or drop you can absolutely flip that anxiety to excitement and confidence!  Each MTB ride, you're going to focus on the best possible outcome, release expectations, use positive affirmations and give yourself grace!  You're not who you thought you were... you're better!  

Join Dan & Sage as they discuss the mindset for optimal success and fun on mountain bikes!  Are 12-speed cassettes really necessary for mountain bikes? Did the harsh Arizona terrain change Sage's mind about MTB pads?  How important is the MTB community for progression?  Sage is feeling confident jumping the Infinity Dirt Jumper but is Dan ready to send the bike jumps at the local bike park? Follow along as the boys discuss how to stack wins, gain confidence and build up to success with patience and excitement!  

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Berks Trail Works and the Birdsboro Enduro MTB Race! - Sage appreciates the opportunity to record and document the Birdsboro Enduro Race.  The race was well organized, the racers were great and the vibes were fantastic! Gratitude to the race organizers, sponsors and all the racers! 

Dan: Great bike shops! - Dan appreciates Emigos Bike Shop (near South Mountain in PHX area) and Junction Bike Shop (near Hawes in PHX area).  Good bike shops understand MTB culture, stoke and excitement!  Both Emigos and Junction Bike Shops went above and beyond to get Dan and Sage back on the trails ASAP!  Fantastic service!  Gratitude to great bike shops!

MTB Tip of the Week:

When riding a new area, stop into a local bike shop!  Ask about local trails, routes, features, etc.  Bike shops are a fantastic resource for learning about the best trails for you in the area!  Plus, you have the opportunity to buy some cool swag!  Support local bike shops!  

Additional Links:

Junction Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/junctionbikecompany
Emigos - https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike
Berks Trail Works - https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks 
TrailSage video on Birdsboro Enduro Race - https://youtu.be/7V3jdhkbFTg 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/99Sy3udyBpw

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

Say "Yes" to Progression! How to Simplify Challenging MTB Features [RNL S2, Ep 1]

Sage's visit to Arizona and all the amazing trails in the southwest are just further proof that anything is possible on and off our mountain bikes.  The boys talk about how to break down complicated features, jumps and drops on the trail in order to gain confidence for that important 100% commitment moment!  We are not who we thought we were... we're better! And so are you! 

Ride & Laugh Season 2 kicks off with tips that you can take to the trails on your next ride!  Dan & Sage discuss in detail the mountain bike mindset techniques that allow them to flow through features, jumps and drops that may seem frightening or intimidating.  Let the ride be what it will be!  Stay present, stack wins, stay positive and have fun!  Flow on the bike, Flow in life!  

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Dan, Family & Arizona Friends!  - Sage is grateful for his trip to Arizona and the hospitality of Dan, Dan's family and all the Arizona riders!  Further evidence to say yes to life. Things can work out better than we could ever imagine! 

Dan: Sage’s Friendship - Dan is so grateful for Sage's visit, friendship, positivity and progression.  All the rides, conversations, meals and road-trips.  There's something special about connecting with good friends and growing as people and riders together.  

MTB Tip of the Week:

Break features down piece by piece.  Several features or jumps in a row may seem daunting to our minds.  So break it up into sections, get comfortable, build confidence and allow your mind to relax.  Stack wins, build confidence slowly, give yourself grace and see what happens!  

Featured Riders:

AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor
Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/byclas_mtb
Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb/
Jeff W - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Joe M - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_
Mike T - https://www.instagram.com/iits_miikey
Vaughn S - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb

Additional Links:

Arturo’s Sedona Guided Tours - https://www.instagram.com/art_tours_mtb
Sedona Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/SedonaBikePark
Emigos Bike Shop https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike
Junction Bike Company - https://www.instagram.com/junctionbikecompany 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Dp18Nlvn7ys

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

Pumptrack Training Adds Speed, Control, Flow, and Fun on Your Next MTB Ride! [RNL Quick Rip]

"You gotta, 'Pump the Hump!'" Developing skills and technique on a pump track has direct application to your next mountain bike ride! Pump tracks teach free speed on trails along with the ability to crush berms, pull for jumps, stay perfectly centered and work on your manual game! 

The guys may (hilariously) struggle to explain what a pump track is but they definitely agree that pump tracks are awesome for mountain bikers!  You don't need to be into hunchbacks to enjoy this episode, but it certainly won't hurt!  Ride and LAUGH!  

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstonestrailco
https://www.instagram.com/velosolutions

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/bWYOwOvjSG0

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

Pedal Through Anything! 6 Key MTB Moves to Conquer Slow Speed Tech! [RNL Quick Rip]

Pedaling through "Slow Speed Tech" trails on your mountain bike requires all your physical and mental MTB tools!  A good tech trail is like a MTB puzzle.  Use the tips discussed in this episode to unlock the puzzle, complete the trail and feel the stoke!  

Eyes up, keep moving forward, dropper down, be dynamic... you got this!  Join Sage & Dan as they discuss their love for slow-speed tech as well as their key tips and moves to conquer all the gnar, chunk, rocks and chunder any trail throws at you!  *This episode really shines on YouTube!*  

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7GMA0h0Uy0E

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

Top 7 MTB Features For Fun, Progression, Flow & Stoke! (And 1 to Skip?) [RNL Quick Rip]

What are your favorite mountain bike features on the trails?  Mountain biking provides endless fun and challenges with all kinds of skinnies, drops, jumps, slabs, berms and more!  

Join the conversation as the guys discuss their top 7 mountain bike features and the 1 feature they can do without!  Do you agree with Sage and Dan?  What is your favorite MTB feature?  Which is your least favorite feature?  And what makes some of these features so much fun!?  Mountain biking is amazing, mountain bikers are the best!  Thank you for listening and watching!  

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZJtVt_aVgW8

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