Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

Hit the "Rut Track" with the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast as we break down mountain bike technique, learning to trust your tires, and the powerful MTB lessons that translate directly to trail riding. We also dive into unnecessary pressure riders put on themselves, Strava expectations, and why mountain biking at 50+ can still be your strongest, most progressive riding years. 

From crashes, confidence, and traction control to mindset, benefits of aging, MTB progression, and riding for fun—not numbers—this episode is packed with mountain bike tips, training insights, and real rider perspective. Plus we talk Pinkbike fails, TrailSage Bloopers, and our upcoming “Ride & Laugh Across America” MTB road trip. 

Have you ridden a Rut Track (do you want to)?  Do you put pressure on yourself to hit certain ride stats? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Ethan Hens - Sage is grateful for his buddy Ethan—young, super talented, and always pushing the progression. Riding the MTB rut track for the first time opened Sage’s eyes to new mountain bike skills, traction control, and cornering technique. Learning to trust the tires, lean into the ruts, and flow through steep turns was a huge breakthrough. Proof that riding with skilled friends is one of the best ways to improve your MTB skills and confidence on the trail! https://www.instagram.com/hensmtb/

Dan: Jake Robertson- Dan appreciates an awesome email from listener Jake, who shared how much he enjoys the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast. Even cooler, Jake took the time to send a ton of mountain bike trail recommendations, ride details, links, and local insights for our upcoming Ride & Laugh Across America MTB Road Trip. The MTB community is incredible, and support like this makes the journey even more exciting. Thanks Jake—we can’t wait to hit those trails! https://www.instagram.com/jake_robertson/

MTB Tip of the Week:

Want better MTB cornering and traction? Do your braking before the turn. If you brake while turning your mountain bike, you’ll often lose traction and control. Instead, slow down before the corner, keep the wheels rolling through the turn, then accelerate out for smooth flow and maximum grip. This simple mountain bike technique will help you corner faster, ride smoother, and stay in control on the trail.

Featured Riders:

Chris Huffmire – https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnke
Jeff Winsor – https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20
Rob Drew – https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew
MTB Q&A – https://www.instagram.com/mtb_qa
Steve at BentSpokesMTB – https://www.instagram.com/bentspokesmtb
Dan Ackerman – https://www.instagram.com/danackerman8
Vaughn – https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb
Braydon Bringhurst – https://www.instagram.com/braydonbringhurst
Arturo – https://www.instagram.com/byclas_mtb

Additional Links:

SoMo Short Bus Shuttle  https://www.facebook.com/1ShortBus4James
Pinkbike – https://www.instagram.com/pinkbike
Strava – https://www.instagram.com/strava
Parks & Rec – https://www.instagram.com/parksandrec
HoverAir X1 Pro – https://www.instagram.com/hoverair_global
DJI Neo 2 – https://www.instagram.com/dji

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/eOAcI9I3H2M 

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 [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Perspective shift on the trail and in life!  In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan explores the powerful mindset of “How is this working out FOR me?” while also having a breakthrough with clipless pedals—realizing they’re not just for pedaling efficiency but for lifting, boosting, and moving the bike with more control. The guys dive into mountain bike mindset, presence on the trail, arm pump, suspension setup, flat pedals vs clipless technique, and why it’s the rider—not the bike—that truly unlocks progression.

From a crash on Geronimo Trail that shook Dan’s confidence and sparked another perspective shift, to helping riders progress and planning the Ride & Laugh Across America MTB tour, this episode is packed with laughs, mindset insights, and real MTB wisdom.

Did anyone else think clipless pedals were ONLY for pedaling like Dan did? And when something frustrating happens on a ride, can you shift your perspective and ask “How might this be working out for me?” Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: David Stein - Sage's buddy and TrailSage Patreon member David purchased a new indoor trainer and offered the old trainer to Sage for free!  So generous! Sage has been wanting an indoor trainer and here it is! The universe provides! Thank you David! Pay it forward... whether its giving someone a physical item like your old trainer or giving someone encouragement, lessons, positivity and stoke!

Dan: Urgent Care - Dan appreciates that 'Urgent Care' exists! When I was growing up, you went to the hospital, or you went home.  It's so cool that Urgent Care exists for our minor injuries that need a little professional medical attention.  It beats a hospital visit and while never ideal, we're so grateful that we can get fixed up in a few hours. 

MTB Tip of the Week:

When learning a new skill on the mountain bike, like jumping, pick one tip or technique to focus on.  Do not focus on 5-6 things...  pick one or two things to perfect.   Be positive. Focus on what you did right.  Build confidence, stack wins, get excited and watch the magic happen! The skills are in there, you're just unlocking them!

Featured Riders:

Rob Drew https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew/
Thomas – https://www.instagram.com/all_terrain_thomas
Vaughn – https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb
Nikky Shreds – https://www.instagram.com/stoic.mtb
Ryan Butler – https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76
Denny Janetty – https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb
Parker – https://www.instagram.com/parkerhaas.mtb
Jeff (Parkers Dad) – https://www.instagram.com/jeff_haas_backpacker

Additional Links:

Sourdrew Bread – https://www.instagram.com/sourdrewbread
Tristan at Ride Dialed – https://www.instagram.com/ride_dialed
DJI Mic Mini  – https://www.instagram.com/dji
F1RE MTB  Team – https://www.instagram.com/F1RE

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HaWY6JzuZb4 

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 [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive deep into a powerful mindset shift for mountain bikers: stop labeling trails and features as “easy” or “hard” and start seeing them as “familiar” or “unfamiliar.” We explore how practicing presence off the bike helps you find flow, confidence, and progression on the trail—and Dan finally announces his long-awaited eMTB decision: the Orbea Wild, coming soon from Emigos Bike Shop (comment for build details and reasoning if interested!).

We also debate the best MTB drone for content creators (HoverAir X1 Pro vs. DJI Neo 2), question whether mountain bikers even want drones, and ask: do you really need constant content… or are some of us just avoiding silence? Plus, Sage may or may not be peeing into an old hydration bladder mid-episode thanks to excessive coffee intake ☕😂.  If you’re into mountain biking mindset, MTB progression, eMTB training, flow state riding, MTB skills, and high-vibe trail talk—this one’s for you.

Have you tried reframing “hard” as “unfamiliar”? And who’s ridden the Orbea Wild—or flown one of these drones? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Red Bull - Huge shoutout to Red Bull for putting on absolutely world-class MTB events. From Red Bull Rampage to Red Bull Hardline, Sage appreciates how much effort goes into producing something at that level. The course builds, the logistics, the athlete support, the media production—it’s an army of passionate people working behind the scenes to create unforgettable moments for riders and fans.  We see you. We respect the grind. Thank you for elevating mountain biking and bringing the stoke to the world! https://www.instagram.com/redbullbike 

Dan: Tristan - Dan's gratitude this week is for Tristan at Ride Dialed! Tristan tuned the suspension on Dan’s Pivot Firebird, and it’s riding better than Dan ever imagined—plush, controlled, and confidence-inspiring.  What really stands out? The follow-up. Tristan keeps checking in, offering feedback, and dialing in suggestions like a true pro. He also walked Dan through every option on his upcoming eMTB build with patience and expertise. Absolute first-class MTB experience. Thank you, Tristan!  https://www.instagram.com/ride_dialed 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Suspension Tuning Pro Tip 🔧
Your true fork PSI is the unweighted PSI.
Here’s the proper sequence when adding air to your fork:

Pump up your fork.

Cycle (compress) the fork a few times.

Unweight the front tire completely.

Then check your PSI.

If the pressure reads lower than expected, add a little more air and remove the shock pump. Small details = big performance gains. Dial it in and feel the difference on the trails!

Featured Riders:

Ryan – https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76/
Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb
Nik - https://www.instagram.com/stoic.mtb/
Nathan at Ride Reactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive
AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor
Joe - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_/  

Additional Links:

Orbea Wild – https://www.instagram.com/orbea/
Hoverair - https://www.instagram.com/hoverair_global
DJI Neo 2 - https://www.instagram.com/DJI
Emigos Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/C5u3fEec1jI

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 [email protected].

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

Suspension tuning, functional weight training for mountain biking, and learning to ride loose are the big themes in this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast—because a custom dialed setup and a strong, dynamic body can completely transform your MTB performance. We break down how a custom tune from Ride Dialed eliminated arm pump on Dan’s Pivot Firebird, why lifting heavy (for bone density, injury prevention, and functional strength) matters for male and female riders, and how bouncing, pumping, and weighting the front tire unlock next-level flow.

We also celebrate 2 YEARS of Ride & Laugh Podcast, revisit classic bits (jar of calluses!), and dive into bike fit insights inspired by shredder Benoit Coulanges.  From trail etiquette and follow distance to naming our cross-country MTB road trip (GNAR? Stoke Tour? Unlimited Stoke?), this one’s packed with mountain biking tips, bike setup talk, and pure trail stoke.

What’s ONE thing you’re working on right now—suspension setup, gym strength, or staying loose on descents? And help us out… which road trip name gets your vote? Would you listen to lo-fi trail episodes on the road? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: SKS Raceblade Pro Fenders - Sage is grateful for the simple upgrade that makes a huge difference on cold, wet rides: quality fenders on his road and gravel bike. His current setup has lasted over 12 years and still keeps spray out of his face and off his back. For winter cycling, gravel riding, and rainy road miles, staying dry is staying warm—and staying warm means riding longer and happier. Sometimes the best bike upgrades aren’t flashy… they’re functional.
SKS Raceblade Pro https://amzn.to/3OwSX3V (Affiliate Link)

Dan: Jeff Winsor - Dan appreciates his buddy Jeff for intentionally riding behind him to offer real-time MTB coaching and trail feedback. Jeff slowed his own pace to help Dan improve body position, loosen up, and ride more dynamically. That kind of mountain bike mentorship and on-trail support is priceless. Progress happens faster when you ride with friends who care.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Be open to feedback and ask for it. Film each other riding, talk through bike handling technique, body position, cornering, braking, and weighting the front tire—then apply the tips on your next lap. Mountain biking progression accelerates when you accept advice, stay humble, and share knowledge. No ego. No pressure. Just stoke, skill-building, and getting better together.

Featured Riders:

Benoit - https://www.instagram.com/benoitcoulanges/ 
Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell/ 
Thomas - https://www.instagram.com/all_terrain_thomas/ 
AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor/ 
Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20/ 
Vaughn - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb/ 
Sploosh MTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb/
Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew 
Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb 

Additional Links:

RNL Road Trip Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4UwRRMQNgjB3U7W8
Haribo Twin Snakes - https://www.instagram.com/haribousa
Tristan at Ride Dialed - https://www.instagram.com/ride_dialed/ 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/GE2plEReDJs 

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 [email protected].

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!

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips

In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive deep into the benefits of becoming a fat adapted athlete—riding fasted, steady power delivery, weight loss, improved metabolic health—and why most mountain bikers don’t need constant carbs, gels, and sugar to perform. We also explore the power of consuming positive media vs. negative media, the mindset shift of listening to podcasts at 1x speed vs. 2x speed, and how slowing down might actually help you get more from less.

We also cover eMTB talk (full power vs. lightweight builds, range extenders, and the adjustable battery setup on the Specialized Levo), frozen Northeast trails vs. sunny Arizona riding, saddle swap frustrations, Hardline Tasmania weather cancellations, and even a potential R&L MTB Cross-Country Road Trip from PA to AZ!

Would you ride fasted? Do you listen at 1x or 2x speed? And what should we name our epic MTB road trip? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [email protected] —and if you survived the 12-hour “silent episode,” DM us for your R&L sticker 😂

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Podbean - The service Ride and Laugh uses to distribute the podcast, Podbean, does an outstanding job getting each episode out to listeners. Sage is grateful for the incredible technology that allows us to record a simple conversation and instantly share positive energy with riders around the world—while also building new friendships along the way.
Podbean https://www.podbean.com/ 

Dan: Lauren (his wife) - Dan is filled with gratitude that his wife, Lauren, received a clear PET scan after a long battle with cancer. The experience reminded the Fields family to live life at 1x speed—be present, appreciate every moment, and focus on thriving rather than surviving. We don’t live forever, but while we’re here, let’s see how good life can get.

MTB Tip of the Week:

There are two main types of mountain bike cleats from Shimano. The SH-51 cleats release at a single angle, while the SH-56 cleats allow multi-directional release, making them easier to unclip. Beginners often prefer the SH-56 for confidence and safety, while experienced riders may favor the more secure feel of the SH-51—so be sure to check which cleat type you’re buying.

Shimano Cleats SH-51 https://amzn.to/3OwYoQ9 (Affiliate Link) 
Shimano Cleats SH-56 https://amzn.to/4qLXMDU (Affiliate Link) 

Featured Riders:

Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew
AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor/
Dan Ackerman - https://www.instagram.com/danackerman8
Nathan - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive/
Ray - https://www.instagram.com/bikingrayray/
Sploosh MTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb/
Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb

Additional Links:

RNL Road Trip Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4UwRRMQNgjB3U7W8
Hardline Tasmania - https://www.instagram.com/redbullbike
WTB Volt Saddle - https://www.instagram.com/wildernesstrailbikes
Haribo Twin Snakes - https://www.instagram.com/haribousa
Tristan at Ride Dialed - https://www.instagram.com/ride_dialed/
Orbea Wild - https://www.instagram.com/orbeamtb
Specialized Levo - https://www.instagram.com/specialized_bikes
Dove Valley Regional Park - https://www.instagram.com/dovevalleybikepark/
Insight Timer - https://www.instagram.com/insighttimer

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OBDeaCwL2oE 

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 [email protected].

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!

#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips