Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

Crash recovery, mountain bike confidence, mindset, presence, and letting go of negativity take center stage on the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast where we talk MTB progression after crashes, riding without fear, mental toughness, flow state, and why we don’t believe in jinxes (only winning streaks).

We dive into mountain bike setups, enduro bikes, confidence-building handlebar changes, tire pressure experiments, Pivot Firebird and Specialized Stumpjumper talk, plus why being present on the trail makes you a better rider (and happier human).

What’s your go-to mountain bike right now, and would you trade climbing speed for...

Join Dan and Sage as they break down modern MTB bike fit, dynamic body position, and dive into a fun progression debate: eMTB vs. dirt bike - which one actually levels up your riding faster?  

They also discuss how you can stay positive when you can’t ride, GoPro’s mysterious “lanky filter,” progressive bike parks popping up across the country, and why talking out loud through features can shut down fear and stop the involuntary brake check.

Is your bike fit still working for you, or is it time for an update? And if you had to c...

Cold-weather Sage squares off against desert-rider Dan as they discuss the MTB Flannel Snuggies, Trail Tire Inspired Kielbasas, and a Granny Gear Defense absolutely no one asked for!  Laugh along as the guys crack up over tire inserts, mispronouncing Schwalbe, Dan’s painful journey toward higher PSI, and the Ride & Laugh Food Truck featuring the infamous Cream of Chamois Sauce... fermenting at a multi-day stage race near you! 

The fellas spiral into a full debate about Granny Gear, with Dan fiercely defending all grandmas everywhere while Sage insists his karate-trained grannies could still beat Dan’s in a hill...

Desert rain turns trails into hero-dirt and chaos, and Dan somehow finds the one rain rut big enough to swallow a full-grown mountain biker—3 riders enter, 2 riders leave! The guys break down brake-lever angle mistakes, High/Ready vs. Low/Ready body positions, and why tiny setup tweaks can make a massive difference as features, jumps, and tech get more consequential.

They also map out the Ride & Laugh MTB Timeline—from XC beginnings to the “Age of Sessioning”—and remind riders that progression isn’t linear, sometimes you’re just pulling the bow back before launching forward (or in Dan’s case…...

On this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive straight into the good stuff—bash guards, brake rub, bar width, flip chips, bike fit, and why riding loose, centered, and chin-forward unlocks real MTB control. They mix legit skill breakdowns with hilarious trail moments, from climbing fails and emotional resilience to enduro mindset debates and discovering a group of javelinas is called a “Squadron.”

The guys also unpack crashes, line choice, bouncing for traction, and the ups and downs of progression. Packed with MTB tips, mindset gems, and plenty of laughs, this episode delive...

This episode of Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast dives into fresh eyes, fresh lines, and letting go of old thinking - on the trail and in life! Join us as Dan and Sage break down “Trail Jerrys,” unlocking new lines, riding with intention, and seeing familiar trails with the same fresh-start energy you bring to a new job. They dig into body-position gold from Arizona legend Rob Drew, riding strong on jumps, Dan’s crash streak and confidence rebuild, and whether e-bikes actually boost your tech skills. 

With big laughs (yes… the infamous Ride & Laugh Food Truck makes an appear...

In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage break down how to ride loose, dynamic, and centered so you get more traction, more flow, and more confidence on the trail—and in life. They talk about mountain bike mantras, jump progression, trusting your instincts, and why staying present keeps you from “Oppenheimering” (overthinking) mid-feature. 

The guys also chat about Red Bull Rampage, pushing limits vs. unnecessary risk, encouragement vs. pressure, and how to know when to commit - or walk away - with no shame. Plus listener feedback, crash breakdowns, progression wins, and plenty o...

In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive deep into what it really means to be active and intentional on your mountain bike — from pumping the trail to pushing through the G-Out on steep slabs.

Between Dan’s visit from Arizona to Pennsylvania, epic rides, and hilarious crash stories, the guys unpack the secrets to better traction, flow, and confidence.  Whether it’s standing tall through jumps, driving into corners, or committing to transitions, they share how staying dynamic on the bike transforms your riding. From over-rotating jumps to mastering the “push,” this episod...

Dan and Sage dive deep into MTB confidence, flow state, and positive self-talk in this hilarious and insightful episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast!  From big gap jumps at the Ceres Trails to Dan’s epic struggle mounting his Schwalbe radial tires, the guys tackle overthinking, fear, and the art of trusting your instincts on the trail. ✨

They break down how to build confidence when every feature is expert-level, how to follow your friends’ lines with flow, and why thinking less can actually make you a better mountain biker. Dan and Sage also share laughs about ride lead...

In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive deep into social media and the influence it has on mountain biking — the good, the bad, and the scroll-happy ugly. They share how riding used to be before phones and GoPros, how Trailforks and YouTube changed the game, and how to stay positive in the age of MTB influencers and online comments.

It’s all about using social media as a tool, not a trap — keeping your mindset, rides, and feed focused on what really matters: the love of mountain biking.  Join us in the...

Learn how to ride your mountain bike with more grip and control by mastering your braking and body position!  We can find flow on steep, loose, rowdy trails by being active on the bike and intentional in our movements.

Sage and Dan break down how smart braking, dynamic movement, and balanced body position can keep your tires hooked up on steep slabs, tech trails, and flowy descents. They share pro tips on when to use front vs. rear brake, how to stay low and forward, and why rolling faster often gives you more traction. With laughs, mindset t...

Your mind is your most powerful mountain bike tool! In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive deep into mountain bike mindset, positive self-talk, and trusting your future self to ride with flow, confidence, and grace. 

As always, the guys mix in plenty of laughs about cooked taints, chamois cream, and the eternal MTB shoe battle of BOA vs. laces while reviewing the new Schwalbe Radial MTB tires. From the cost of mountain biking to manifesting pro-level confidence, the guys keep it real, relatable, and ridiculously funny. Whether you’re working on you...

Ever wonder how pro mountain bike riders make riding gnarly trails look so effortless and smooth? In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into the secrets of brain processing speed, staying perfectly centered, and learning to mountain bike at speed without overthinking. 

Join Dan and Sage as we talk about mtb tire upgrades, jump techniques, and trusting your flow. Can you rewire your brain to see trails—and life—with fresh eyes? Tune in, laugh with us, and ride better every time you hit the trails!

MTB Gratitude of th...

Boost your mountain bike confidence and braking skills on all spicy features, steep rolls and sketchy trails!  Dan and Sage share positive mantras like “aggressively centered” and “keep ’em rolling” to help you stay calm, ride loose, and trust your skills on all sorts of trails. 

With tips on using less front brake for more traction and plenty of laughs (yes, even Dan’s imaginary riding buddy Benoit), this episode is all about flow, self-talk, and having more fun on the bike.  You're not who you think you are... you're better!  

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

In this episode we dig into the mental game of MTB jumping including building confidence, when to case vs. overshoot, and why “Aggressively Centered” riding keeps you safe and smooth on gnarly tech and scary gap jumps. 

We also talk flat pedals vs. clipless, riding at "The Local Bike Park" progressive lines, and how just two days at a downhill park can skyrocket your jump confidence. 

Plus our takes on bike computers vs. GPS watches, smelly hydration packs, and the legendary “Power of the Sour” sourdough bread. Packed with mountain bike tips, stories and laughs, this episode...

Mountain biking is all about mindset—positive self-talk, progression, and pushing your MTB skills without pushing past your limits. In this episode, Dan and Sage share mountain bike tips on building confidence for downhill, enduro, and trail riding while keeping the laughs rolling. From jump line trains and party laps to hardtail challenges, MTB crashes, and the always-hilarious chamois cream debate, we cover the culture and the comedy of riding.

Whether you’re into MTB training, downhill bike park laps, enduro racing, or just love hearing real riders talk skills, gear, and mindset, this podcast has something for...

Casing jumps vs. overshooting jumps, trusting your skills, letting go of the brakes and conquering MTB fear.  Dan and Sage dive into mountain bike skills, jumping mindset, and the hidden truth about chamois cream (and a hilarious revelation!). 

Do you think a day at the bike park can add confidence to your next ride?  Hear about an epic day at Mountain Creek Bike Park and finally clearing sketchy jumps at Blue Mountain.  Learn how trust, pressure, and sessioning can transform your riding. Faster really can be smoother—if you can get past your brakes and your brain!  Whether...

Mountain bike crashes — the worst part of MTB or just part of the trail life? We dive deep into the ups and downs of crashing: the pain, the broken bikes, the bloody wounds, and even the dreaded first shower after a crash. Sage and Dan get real about negative self-talk, nagging injuries, and the guilt of feeling like you ruined the ride for your friends.

But it’s not all bad — crashing can bring surprising benefits. From learning powerful lessons and building resilience, to deepening friendships and finding gratitude in those who help us on the trail, crashe...

Mountain bike training, mtb workouts, and trail laughs all packed into this Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast episode! Dan shares his indoor trainer setup, ERG mode hacks, and high-cadence climbing tips, while Sage explains road bike HIIT rides, power meter training, and why cadence variety matters for slaying technical climbs on the trails.

The guys debate flat pedals vs. clipless, smooth pedal strokes, and wheel size wars—32” wheels, fading 27.5’s, and whether “giant mullet bikes” could be the future. And yes, there are plenty of laughs: chamois cream “pre-creaming,” “Bull-taint!” as a new swear word and saddle sore survival.

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Mountain bike skills, hardtail riding tips, and trail laughs in one episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! From mustache drama to fist bump etiquette, Sage and Dan mix technical advice with hilarious trail stories. Sage shares hardtail techniques for riding faster and more dynamically, while debating Garmin vs. Wahoo, underbiking, and whether speed is your friend. Plus, meet the stoked Filipino MTB crew “Padyak,” hear wild javelina encounters, and laugh through brake failures on big jumps. It’s MTB skills, comedy, and life lessons—all in one ride.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage...

Mountain bike hot takes, squeaky brakes, and wheel size debates — we cover it all in this week’s Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! Whether you're flowing or overthinking on the trail, your brakes (and your shifting!) might be telling the whole story. Dan and Sage talk about the sounds of riding: skids, shifts, and... dropper posts? Yep, even your dropper post strategy says something about your mindset. 

Join the debate as the guys dive into wheel size wars (27.5 vs. 29 vs. the mythical 32”), the beauty of under biking, and why DJ bikes might be the ultimate challenge. Plus: chasing e-bikes...

Ride & Laugh now has an official MTB Coach on the podcast!  Sage dives into his intense weekend of becoming a certified mountain bike coach — and it wasn’t easy! Humbled by beginner drills, flat pedals, and slow-speed skills, Sage shares how letting go of ego and being open to learning transformed his mindset (and riding!). ✨ It’s just like riding a roller coaster: the more you trust, relax, and let go of control — the better the ride. 💫

We also talk sweaty hug regrets (DNA transfer?!), trail stress is a sloppy drunk, and finding gratitude when the trail (or life) gets...

From hardtails to rigid single speeds, underbiking forces you to ride more dynamically, improve line choice, work different muscles and build serious MTB skills. Underbiking is a fun, budget-friendly way to turn familiar trails into fresh challenges. 

The guys also debate 'overbiking,' ideal bike setups, argue about gravel bikes (spoiler: Dan is not a fan), and agree that mixing it up keeps things interesting. Bottom line? When you conquer difficult trails on a less capable bike, you realize it's not just the bike — it's the rider!  Let's go! 

Links:
Pivot Cycles - https://www.in...

Big milestone! Ride & Laugh Mountain Bike Podcast just hit 25,000 downloads and we’re feeling all the gratitude! In this episode, Dan and Sage talk about the power of rest — from skipping trail rides to skipping meals (on purpose). Dan took two full weeks off the bike and realized his body, brain, and adrenal glands were seriously thanking him. 

From extended fasting to ditching sugar, the guys share their own ways of hitting reset and getting stronger — on and off the trail. There’s also a mountain bike glove review (shoutout TAKK!), jokes about mustard jars, and Dan butcherin...

Dan hits Sunrise Mountain Bike Park and gets wrecked by dust, fear, and stiffness — until he finally commits and finds his flow.  Sage breaks down how being dynamic, not just low, is the key to unlocking control and confidence on the bike. Ride high and low, loose and centered — and practice being aggressive even on the easy trails. 

The guys dive into the full-power vs. SL eMTB debate: are lighter e-bikes the future, or do we just want more juice for bigger progression?  They also discuss trail access, land manager concerns, and whether e-bikes really damage trails. Plus: do...

Can the J-hop jump technique work on every MTB jump… or is that a fast track to disaster?  Dan and Sage dive deep into this potent skill—plus a surprising mountain bike balance tip that might change how you ride: widen your knees!

Sage battles brutal humidity and wet trails (with a fresh new mustache!) while Dan faces scary desert gap jumps and questions whether his mindset — or technique — is holding him back. They break down how body position affects bike control, balance, and flow, with a nod to MTB legend Greg Minnaar for inspiration.

The guys...

Sometimes we need to ride our mountain bikes backwards to set up for a better line on the trail!  This week, Sage & Dan discuss how taking a step back, on the bike and in life, often helps move you forward. They share MTB mindset hacks for handling overthinking, finding flow, and staying stoked even when trails (or life) aren’t perfect.

The guys discuss their recent test of the new Specialized Levo 4 e-bike, talk about trail “flowification,” and debate whether making trails easier is hurting progression. Good laughs, good vibes, and MTB life lessons all packed into one epis...

Mountain Bike group ride dynamics have unspoken rules!  How do you know where to “slot” yourself in the pack on trail rides?  This episode is jammed full of jokes, but also packed with real technique gold. Sage learns a mind-blowing MTB jump tip! The result? More arc, more control, more style — and way less sketch. Sage’s whole jumping philosophy gets flipped, and yours might too. 

The fellas also discuss flip chips, pedal strikes and log over/lift techniques (Hint: The J-Hop may be the key!).  Sage demoed the beastly new Specialized Levo 4 and Dan fell into the Salt River! ...

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 chas...

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...

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...

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 progres...

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 flo...

"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.i...

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 vi...

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...

The best mountain bikers in the world have an elite level perspective!  Raise your vibration, access a positive attitude, focus on the good, visualize success, be prepared, remove expectations and more!  

Use these mountain bike mindset tips to access your flow state!  Ride with more confidence and have maximum fun!  Unlock all of your unlimited progression!  Let each ride be what it's supposed to be.  If you're having fun without judgement, you're an elite level "Ride & Laugh" rider!  You got this!  We got this! 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https...

The evolution of mountain bikes has been nothing short of amazing! These top innovations lead to more confidence, comfort, safety, flow and fun on all bike trails, jumps, drops, features and tech!  

Join the conversation about the top MTB innovations!  From dropper posts, disc brakes, 1x drivetrains, wheels sizes, tubeless tires and more!  It's an awesome time to be a mountain biker.  Modern mountain bikes are amazing!  What is your favorite MTB innovation?  What innovations did we miss?  

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PUtkQHPm0PY

The...

Mountain bike knee pads, elbow pads and full face (enduro) helmets add protection but maybe they don't help all riders!?  Is Sage right to refuse MTB pads on trails and bike parks!?  Let the trial begin! 

Flow on the trails starts with confidence and comfort.  If we believe that pads protect us and add confidence, then they are already working!  But the same is true for the opposite belief system!  Debate the pros and cons of wearing MTB pads on trails and bike parks.  What pads do you wear?  Why do you wear/not wear pads? What do you t...

The final episode of Ride and Laugh Season 1 with guest star Johnnie U from MTB Q&A is all smiles as we discuss finding and following your passion, mountain bike enthusiasm, hugs over fist bumps, trail pizza, ebike joy, MTB friendships, stoke and of course; unlimited gratitude & appreciation!  Learn about Sage's crazy '1 minute hug rule', magnetic pedals, dropper posts & bike geo, Florida jump trails, MTB tan lines, fitness vs. health and much more!  

Gratitude and appreciation to all our listeners and supporters!  Mountain bikers are the best!!  Ride & Laugh is taking a short break BUT we still...