Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

Do we need advanced mountain bike features on the trail? [RNL S1, Ep20]

Overcoming difficult obstacles on the mountain bike, and in life, are key elements of progression, stoke and joy.  Does conquering fears on the trails lead to more fun and how challenging do you want your local trails to be?  

We're here to progress our skills on the trail and progress in life!  Do hard things, feel good and unlock your mountain bike skills!  It feels good to work hard and overcome obstacles.  Dan and Sage debate how difficult trails should be.  Should the trails be doable for everyone, or progressive for beginners to experts?  Do you prefer tech trails or flow trails?  Listen along, laugh and comment!  We appreciate you! 

Dan talks about riding Gold Canyon and South Mountain.
Dan's Gold Canyon Ride: https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/71975454/  
South Mountain Preserve: https://www.trailforks.com/ridelog/view/71975456/

Check out the TrailSage video with the TrailBoss, Jeff Lenosky, here:
https://youtu.be/Mji_9T5eogA

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Honda Odyssey - Sage's trusty Honda minivan has been a reliable mountain bike adventure machine!  From Sage's daily driver to MTB day trips to week-long MTB adventures, the Honda Odyssey has been the perfect vehicle for hauling bikes, gear and riders!  Thank you Honda Odyssey!

Dan: Platinum Sol - Dan talks about trying cold plunge!  It's really hard but feels really good.  Dan's wife found Platinum Sol in Arizona for sauna, red-light therapy and cold plunge. The owners and staff are so supportive and kind.  Thank you Matt, Klaire & Platinum Sol!  Learn more about Platinum Sol here: https://www.platinumsolaz.com/ 

MTB Tip of the Week

Make sure the camera on your phone is set up for 4k and 60 frames per second.  This will give you good quality video and allow you to slow it down in case you want to study the footage.

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/FcMIzcp8rSE

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 #MTBtips #MTBPodcast

Strange MTB Terms, mountain bike dating apps, emergency pedal kicks and more! [RNL S1, Ep19]

MTB terms that we use all the time on the trails are stranger, and funnier, than we ever realized!  Terms like 'babyhead rocks' and 'false-flat' are ubiquitous to mountain biking, but actually sound kind of weird & crazy when you really think about it! 

Dan & Sage discuss and joke about all thing’s mountain biking.  Would you date a mountain biker?  Do you agree on our take on group riding dynamics?  What's the difference between babyheads vs. rock-gardens? Laugh and comment on more benefits (and drawbacks) of single speeds, MTB dating apps, dirt jumpers, electric toothbrushes and more! 

Dan visited the Phoenixville Bike Park with his daughter Ella and had an awesome time.  If you want to learn more about the Phoenixville Bike Park visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PXVBP and if you want to support this worthy mission check out “More Kids On Bikes” https://www.morekidsonbikespa.org 

TrailSage video about the Phoenixville Bike Park:
https://youtu.be/f4FQOHRWmUM   

Dan & Sage's ride this week was at Walking Purchase Park aka Sals
https://www.trailforks.com/region/walking-purchase-park

Learn more and support the park at VMB or Valley Mountain Bikers here:
https://www.bikevmb.com  

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Sage thanks his good friend Jess who hires him for freelance production work.  This work really helps to sustain Sage's MTB lifestyle (and channels!).  Thank you Jess!

Dan: Dan has so much gratitude for his daughters, Ella (13) & Summer (10).  After a great day of riding bikes with Ella and then attending Summer's elementary graduation, Dan is just overflowing with gratitude and love for his wonderful children.  Life is good!  Thank you kids!

MTB Tip of the Week

Save your old toothbrushes to clean your bike.  Manual toothbrushes work better than electric. LOL!  Bonus tip - Dish Soap doubles as a cheap degreaser!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/YuGx8JWPKF0

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 #MTBtips #MTBPodcast

Full Arse Ahead! Conquering awesome features on the mountain bike [RNL S1, Ep18]

The boys are stoked on conquering some awesome features on their latest mountain bike ride. Join an absolutely hilarious conversation about riding MTB's on boulders, slabs, skinnies and a new diabolical rotating feature that we're going to name together!  

The enthusiasm and joy is flowing this week!  Join Dan & Sage as they laugh and joke about jank, gnar, tech, slabs, skinnies, single speeds, bloomin arse's, gears, Dee Snyder and more!  We ride features, meet the trail builders and are so stoked to share our joy with you!  

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Trail Builders at Mt. Penn!  New skinnies, trails and technical trails (aka 'lines') keep popping up at Mt. Penn, our favorite riding spot in PA.  Thank you Dane, Fred & all trail builders for building awesome and challenging features!  We appreciate you! 

Dan: Cameras!  Whether it's your phone or an action camera, taking photos on the ride adds to the stoke and keeps the stoke going long after the ride! Thank you trail cameras!  

MTB Tip of the Week

Learn how to remove all the air from your hydration pack bladder. No more sloshing water while you ride! 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/weID1CfCxGg

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 #MTBtips #MTBcoaching #MTBPodcast

Maximum stoke on each ride! How to make every mountain bike ride epic [RNL S1, Ep17]

Maximize the fun on each and every mountain bike ride!  Raise the vibration of yourself and your friends before, during, and after each MTB ride and unlock unlimited confidence, stoke, progression, joy and fun! 

Dan and Sage discuss tips and methods they have learned to make each group ride as much fun as possible!  Absolutely try these tips on your next ride and in life!  Look for things to be enthusiastic about.  Look for things to authentically compliment.  Positive self-talk, avoid excuses, accept compliments and celebrate often!  Let us know what raises your MTB stoke!

If you want to learn more about F1RE please visit them at: https://f1remtb.com or
Check out their Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/f1remtb

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage takes a moment to appreciate all the friends he has met on the trails or enjoyed a mountain bike ride with.  Riding with a friend can instantly make us feel better.  Thank you for all the support, enthusiasm and love! 

Dan: Gratitude can come in all shapes and sizes.  This week Dan takes a moment to give appreciation to the weather apps on his phone. Something most mountain bikers are checking ALL the time.  Knowing the forecast and planning accordingly is really nice. Thank you weather apps!

MTB Tip of the Week

Prepare your bike and riding gear the night before your next ride!  Then when it's time to head to the trails, you're relaxed, not rushed and in a good head-space!  Have a relaxing drive to the trail, give yourself plenty of time to get ready in the parking lot.  Set yourself up for the best ride possible!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WVaV1-LMGXE

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 #MTBtips #MTBcoaching #MTBPodcast

Unlock your mountain bike skills - Correct body position techniques & tips [RNL S1, Ep16]

Body position on your mountain bike affects all aspects of your riding on the trail.  Learn tips and techniques of how to move your body on your bike to increase speed, traction, confidence, fun and stoke! 

A good mountain biker is dynamic, fluid, balanced, centered and flowing on their bike.  Join a fun conversation as the guys discuss and debate the most important techniques of body position on your MTB. 

Tips include how and why to get centered, stay low (lower!), keep elbows & knees fluid, eyes up, hip-hinge, bike/body separation (stay loose), turn your hips towards the trail and flat turns vs. berms.  With proper bike/body separation, you will unlock your skills on the bike.  Pump the trail with fluidity, confidence and flow.  Flow on the bike, flow in life!  Anything is possible!  You've got this! Let's drop in...

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Main Line Cycles - Sage's local bike shop understands the passion of mountain bike riders like us.  Sage has so much appreciation for the shop as they prioritize his repairs and always take good care of his bikes and gear. Thank you Main Line Cycles!  Thank you local bike shops everywhere! Check out their Insta @mainline.cycles or visit them at https://www.mainlinecycles.com/ 

Dan: Michael's Restaurant - Michael's is the diner Dan, Sage & Stick frequent after most local mtb rides.  The owners and servers are so friendly and courteous.  Food is great too!  But more than anything, Dan expresses his gratitude for the conversation with buddies after the ride.  Thank you Michael’s Restaurant!  Thank you all diners/restaurants that put up with us staying too long... sipping coffee, munching on muffins and talking bikes!  Life is good! https://maps.app.goo.gl/csfURCorZY2xvX7m9

MTB Tip of the Week

Move your hips in the direction of the trail. Today's tip is to visualize a flashlight in your belly button and it's shining at the exit of the turn.  Get those hips around & flow through turns!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/sJoNpuP25UY

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 #MTBtips #MTBcoaching #MTBPodcast

MTB Racing Primer (and why we DON'T race!) – Enduro, XC, DH & More! [RNL S1, Ep15]

What are the primary types of mountain bike races, who is racing for, and what are the benefits of MTB racing?  Determine if racing your mountain bike is right for you, or would you rather just ride with your friends!?

Enduro, XC, downhill, stage races, youth racing and more!  Join Dan and Sage as they debate the merits and drawbacks of MTB racing.  The guys discuss their race experience, opinions, and which race format they like the most.  But why did Dan & Sage both decide to stop racing?  Is racing right for you?  Do you prefer race day speed or working on progression with a friend? Mountain biking is awesome and there's no wrong answer.  Let's drop in!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Trail Advocates!  Community MTB leaders who teach mountain bike skills, lead local rides and coach kids MTB teams!  Learn basic skills and get involved in mountain biking!  Thank you!

Dan: Intuition & Trust!  Dan wasn't feeling some sketchy features in the wet, so he skipped them.  This is a different type of progression!  Trust your intuition, go with the flow, be good to yourself.  Know that everything will work out. Anything is possible!  Thank you!    

MTB Tip of the Week

Practice everything for the race before the race!  Know your nutrition plan and your gear.  Don't change anything or try anything new on race day.  Train, be ready and commit.  You got this! 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VHIF9VigcYY

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 #Racing #Enduro #XC #MTBPodcast

Strava: The App We Love and Love to Hate! [RNL S1, Ep14]

What are the 5 most impactful mountain bike technologies? Can we all agree that Strava is the KOM (King of the Mountain) of MTB online technology?

Do you love or hate Strava?  Join the conversation as Dan and Sage debate the pros and cons of Strava.  The guys recognize the benefits of Strava adding to the MTB community and fitness tracking but also some cons like altering trails or bringing out the over-competitiveness in some riders.  We also discuss our Top 5 MTB Technologies: 1) Strava 2) Trailforks 3) Bike Computer 4) YouTube 5) Action Cameras.  What do you think of our list?  Please comment, like & subscribe!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: MTB Community! After Sage busted the frame on his full suspension bike, he's been blown away by all the love! So many riders offering to lend him a bike, get him a discount or just offer words of encouragement.  Mountain bikers are awesome!  Thank you everyone!

Dan: Trailforks!  Dan utilizes and appreciates Trailforks' ability to create a mountain bike route.  Creating a route and then downloading that to your bike computer is amazing and opens up riding so many new places.  Thank you Trailforks & everyone who contributes! 

MTB Tip of the Week

How to rail 'flat turns' or turns that are not bermed. Drop the outside foot and let the bike move while keeping your body upright.  Bike/body separation for the win!  

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/kkpVMH3fZek

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.  

#Strava #MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtech

The 5 most important mountain bike skills (To advance your riding!) [RNL S1, Ep13]

What are the 5 most important mountain bike skills to advance your riding on the trails?! Use these MTB skills to ride with more confidence, conquer more features, ride safer, have more fun and add more stoke on your next trail ride!

Join the conversation!  Once Sage defined the title... we're off to the races in a really fun debate on the most important mountain bike skills to advance your riding.  Trail Stand, Endo-turn, Step-up, Bunny-hop/J-hop and Pedal kick.  Which skills do you have?  Which skills do you want to learn?  Do you agree with our top 5?  What skills would you remove? Which skills would you add?  Where and how do you learn some of these skills!? 

The guys also discuss skills clinics, power meters, road rides on your mountain bike, training indoors vs. outdoors, single speed MTB technique, pump tracks and much more!

Learn these skills and more with a mountain instructor and skills clinic like DirtSmart.  Dan enjoyed his weekend clinic with Andy at Dirtsmart and highly recommends it! https://www.dirtsmartmtb.com/

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Sage: Stages Power Meter - Sage has so much gratitude for the power meters designed by the company "Stages."  As the news comes out that Stages is in serious financial trouble, Sage reflects on how much he appreciates their products and all the awesome training he's done with Stages power meters on two of his bikes. Thank you Stages!

Dan: Backyard pump track! - Last summer Sean at Sticks and Stones Trail Co. installed a pump track in Dan's backyard (See it here: https://youtu.be/fIanVFip_sY). Since it's now spring in the northeast, Sean visited to tune-up the pump track, so now Dan is back to shredding laps in his backyard. Pump tracks are so much fun, teach great skills/habits and are a great workout! Dan has so much gratitude to his wife for her support and to Sean and Keeton for their hard work and trail building skills!  Thank you Sticks & Stones Trail Co.! instagram.com/sticksandstonestrailco

MTB Tip of the Week

How to do a trail-stand! One tip to keeping balance on your mountain bike while it's not moving forward is to pick something in the distance to focus on. There's another secret tip Sage gives out as well. Listen and learn!

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HB5EzqnMU4U

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 #MTBskills