Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

How much suspension travel do we REALLY need on a mountain bike? Dan and Sage dive into the “over-biked” debate, asking whether less suspension travel can actually mean more fun, more responsiveness, and a more dynamic riding experience. Plus, Sage reveals his new “back tire steering/turning” technique - using the rear wheel like a rudder to help change direction - and wants to know: is this actually a thing?!

The guys also talk MTB jump technique, body position, short-travel trail bikes, airbag jump training, MTB cross-training, and the never-ending quest to ride better, safer, and with more confidence.

What do YOU think: Are most mountain bikers over-biked, and have you ever used your rear wheel to help steer through a turn? Let us know! Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Heather Pasqualino - Sage gives a huge shoutout to Heather and her youth mountain bike team, the SOL Riders! He’s grateful for the awesome coaches and young riders who are helping grow the next generation of mountain bikers. Sage also celebrates all MTB youth coaches who share their skills, passion, and love of riding. Heather also played a big role in creating PHXBP, an amazing place for kids, riders, and the entire MTB community!
Sol Riders - https://www.instagram.com/sol_riders/ 

Dan: Keswick Cycles - Dan is grateful to Keswick Cycles in Paoli for the awesome mountain bike demo! The team at Keswick Cycles gets it—they’re helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and always bringing the high stoke. Supporting great local bike shops makes the MTB community stronger!
Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli 

MTB Tip of the Week:

How do you share MTB knowledge and riding tips without being “that guy”? Notice the effort. Are they trying hard and showing signs they’re open to advice? Compliment first. Give them some positive feedback and see how they respond. They may naturally ask a question. Share the stoke! Offer tips to riders who are open to receiving them. Open to Give. Open to Receive. That’s how we keep the MTB community positive, supportive, and growing!

Featured Riders:

Seth at Berm Peak - https://www.instagram.com/sethsbikehacks
Dani Wilson - https://www.instagram.com/bigcrazeed
Sean at Sticks & Stones - https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstonestrailco
Robin Dunn - https://www.instagram.com/skiphreaknj
Ryan Butler - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76
Gary - https://www.gbrunning.com/
Jeff Fields - - https://www.instagram.com/fields_of_indulgence
Dave Davidson at MTB Academy - https://www.instagram.com/mountainbikeacademy
Will at Keswick Cycles - https://www.instagram.com/will_costa_25

Additional Links:

Pheonixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark
Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli
Orbea - https://www.instagram.com/orbeamtb_
Ibis - https://www.instagram.com/ibiscycles
Specialized - https://www.instagram.com/iamspecialized_mtb
Pivot Cycles - https://www.instagram.com/pivotcycles
BAMBA - https://www.instagram.com/berksareamba
Berks Trail works - https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks
RNL Costa Rica Trip adventuremeraki.com/service-page/join-ride-laugh-podcast-in-costa-rica

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

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

Do mountain bikers NEED to crash to improve, or can the right MTB skills, coaching, and trail intuition help prevent serious injuries? In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive into the hidden lessons, gratitude, confidence, and personal growth that come from returning to the trails after an MTB injury. 

Join us as we discuss eMTB progression, whether a coil shock upgrade is worth it, MTB torque specs, loose cranks, creative ways to level up on familiar trails, and why Yellowjackets might be the scariest thing on the mountain! 

Have you ever come back stronger after an MTB crash or injury, or do you think crashing is just part of mountain biking? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

 

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Dan - Sage gives gratitude to his friend Danny for offering honest advice and a fresh perspective. Great friends help us see what we can't always see ourselves—whether it's improving our mountain biking skills or growing in life. When we're open to listening, a different perspective can unlock confidence, progression, and better riding.

Dan: Orbea Wild - Dan is incredibly grateful for his new Orbea Wild eMTB from Emigos Bike Shop. The bike makes every ride feel like the best parts of mountain biking, with more downhill laps, more progression, and more fun. Huge thanks to Orbea and Emigos for helping to make this such an exciting time to be an MTBer!
Emigos Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike

MTB Tip of the Week:

When climbing a steep, technical trail, slide your hips forward on the saddle to match the angle of the climb and improve rear tire traction. This position also makes long, steep climbs feel more comfortable. For short, punchy climbs, lower your dropper post, stand up, and power through the climb.

Featured Riders:

Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew
Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb
Steve - https://www.instagram.com/sjbell/
Dave Davidson at MTB Academy - https://www.instagram.com/mountainbikeacademy
Curtis Miller - https://www.instagram.com/curtismiller948
Josh at Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground
Nino Schurter - https://www.instagram.com/nschurter
Dale Stone - https://www.instagram.com/dalestonemtb
Cole Gregg - https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycole
Kyle Wood - https://www.instagram.com/kylewood_917
Ryan Butler - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76
Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell
Brian on a Bike - https://www.instagram.com/brian_on_a_bike
Josh Rozenboom - https://www.instagram.com/jerozen 

Additional Links:

Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli
Ride Dialed MTB Tune Shop - https://www.instagram.com/ride_dialed
Orbea - https://www.instagram.com/orbeamtb_
Adventure Meraki - https://www.instagram.com/merakirides
Rock Creek Park - https://www.instagram.com/riderockcreek
The Loam Wolf - https://www.instagram.com/theloamwolf
TrailSage Coaching https://trail-sage.com/coaching/
Andy at DirtSmart MTB Coaching - https://www.instagram.com/dirtsmart_mtb
BC Bike Race - https://www.instagram.com/bcbikerace
RNL Costa Rica Trip adventuremeraki.com/service-page/join-ride-laugh-podcast-in-costa-rica

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

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

Whether you're mountain bike curious or already obsessed, this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast dives into the many reasons to start mountain biking and why MTB is one of the most rewarding hobbies on the planet. We explore the incredible benefits of mountain biking—from fitness, confidence, adventure, travel, and mental health to trail progression, bike parks, eMTBs, and the amazing MTB community that keeps us coming back for more. 

Dan and Sage share their mountain biking origin stories, why riding dirt beats pavement (we're definitely biased!), and how MTB can change your life in ways you never expected. If you love mountain biking, or you're thinking about giving it a try, this episode is for you! 

Why did you get into MTB, and what benefits has mountain biking brought to your life? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

Links:
John Hilburn  - https://www.instagram.com/johntoday1/ 
Dane - https://www.instagram.com/daysuselesslyspent 
RNL: Case Closed! Indisputable Proof that Mountain Bikers are the Coolest! https://youtu.be/i26MmsNHRF8

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PwFt9o3_kuE 

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

Ride new trail features with confidence as we dive into trail intuition, flow state, and when to trust your first instinct instead of stopping to overthink every obstacle. We also break down technical mountain bike climbing, covering gear selection, traction, high vs. low cadence, lifts, logovers, and the J-hop technique to help you conquer more technical terrain. 

Along the way, we debate what to call a group of mountain bikers, share mindset hacks for building confidence on the trail, and explore how certainty beats doubt in both riding and life. 

Do you prefer to ride new features in the flow, or stop and study them first? And what are some ideas for the best name for a group of full-suspension MTB riders? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

 

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Fans - Dan is grateful for the three fans that keep him cool during his indoor MTB training sessions. Staying comfortable helps him push through tough workouts, build fitness, and be ready for his next mountain bike adventure.

Sage: Mother Nature - After a storm, a large tree crashed into Sage's yard and knocked out his Wi-Fi, leaving him unable to work on the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast and his YouTube channel. Instead of focusing on the inconvenience, he realized the tree missed his house, garage, and car completely. That simple perspective shift turned frustration into gratitude and reminded him that sometimes things work out better than we first realize.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Jump Tip: If your mountain bike drifts or pulls to one side while jumping, you may be steering with your hands instead of controlling the bike with your feet. Sage explains that great jump technique starts from the feet—drive through the pedals, keep your hands relaxed, and let the bike move naturally beneath you for smoother, more controlled MTB jumps.

Featured Riders:

Dane Clay – https://www.instagram.com/daysuselesslyspent
Mike Schen – https://www.instagram.com/mikeschen
Brian on a Bike – https://www.instagram.com/brian_on_a_bike
Joe Mullins – https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_
Jeff Winsor – https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Evan at VentureMTB – https://www.instagram.com/venture_mtb
Rob Drew – https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew

Additional Links:

TrailSage Channel www.youtube.com/@TrailSage
TrainerRoad – https://www.instagram.com/trainerroad
Pheonixville Bike Park – https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark
RNL Costa Rica Trip adventuremeraki.com/service-page/join-ride-laugh-podcast-in-costa-rica

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/B6J-8F7UHMM 

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

Ride with certainty, not doubt, and learn how to tune into your bike, body, and the trail instead of distracting thoughts when tackling difficult MTB features, technical climbs, jumps, and new trail sections. In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into MTB mindset, confidence, visualization, flow state, body awareness, muscle activation, coaching, and trusting your skills so you can ride with more control, fun, and progression.

We also talk about the difference between self-aware vs. self-conscious, how video footage can reveal hidden riding habits, why enthusiasm leads to practice, and how mountain biking is the perfect tool to practice certainty even when results haven’t shown up yet. 

What’s one thought you’ve replaced on the trail to ride with more confidence? Would you rock a “The Steez” MTB jersey? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Steve - A huge shoutout to Steve from Bent Spokes for inviting Sage to his home to celebrate the Fourth of July! Steve is an awesome mountain biker, a high-stoke rider, and an all-around great person. Thanks for the warm hospitality and for making the MTB community such an amazing place to be.
Steve at Bent Spokes – https://www.instagram.com/bentspokesmtb 

Dan: Dave Davidson - This week's gratitude goes to Dave Davidson from MTB Academy! After joining the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast a couple of episodes ago, Dave went above and beyond by creating an exclusive YouTube video for Ride & Laugh listeners, sharing mobility exercises to open your hips, improve movement, and help you ride stronger. Thanks, Dave, for your generosity and for helping our mountain biking community progress!
Dave Davidson - https://www.instagram.com/mountainbikeacademy 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Stop brake pad rubbing in minutes! Sage shares a quick and easy mountain bike maintenance tip to eliminate disc brake rub by properly centering your brake pads. It's a simple fix you can do in your garage, or even on the trail, to keep your brakes running quietly and your rides rolling smoothly. 

Featured Riders:

Ryan Butler – https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76
Anthony – https://www.instagram.com/anthony_vega1
Jeff Winsor – https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Chris Huffmire – https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnke
Nathan at Ride Reactive – https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive
Mike Schen – https://www.instagram.com/mikeschen

Additional Links:

Dave's Mobility Workout - https://youtu.be/KaHX1LbNHFA
PHXBP – https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark
Adventure Meraki – https://www.instagram.com/merakirides
RNL Costa Rica Trip adventuremeraki.com/service-page/join-ride-laugh-podcast-in-costa-rica

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QjXQLI8qMKo

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