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

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

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