Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast

Mountain bike progression isn't linear—and the secret to riding with more confidence, flow, and fun is embracing variety while letting go of pressure and expectations. In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we share MTB skills, jump tips, mindset coaching, confidence builders, and why trusting the process on the trail (and in life) leads to your biggest breakthroughs. We also dive into skinnies, BC Bike Race (XC Racing!), baking soda for endurance, DIY hydration drinks, dangerous trail animals, and the story behind why we unofficially named the Ride & Laugh family... "The Steeze!" 

Have you trie...

Ready to break through your mountain bike progression plateau? This week on the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we're joined by Dave Davidson of MTB Academy to dive into MTB skills, mobility, mindset, body positioning, confidence, flow state, cornering, jumping, and the movement patterns that help riders progress faster and ride with more freedom. 

Learn why hip mobility, core activation, and functional movement matter more than simply copying faster riders, plus Dave's powerful 4-step progression process to unlock fast thinking and seamless technique on the trail. 

Which of Dave's lessons hit home the most for you? Jo...

Train smarter, ride with more flow, and discover why sometimes less is more on the mountain bike and in life! In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into MTB fitness, climbing motivation, mental focus, confidence, and how letting go of fear can unlock your skills and help you ride more centered and faster. 

We also talk jump technique, technical descending, MTB imposter syndrome, eMTB progression, CushCore tire inserts, hydration packs vs hip packs, and using faster riders as motivation instead of comparison. Plus, hear stories from Bean Peaks and Goat Camp, listener q...

Mountain biking is the perfect sport to prove that anything is possible, and this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast explores the mindset shifts that turn fear into confidence and help riders trust their skills. "Know thyself" doesn't mean avoiding progression—it means knowing exactly when to push limits, let go of pressure, and ride with flow. 

We talk MTB visualization, jump progression, technical trail riding, moto vs. mountain biking, intuition, and why speaking with confidence in the present can change your riding. 

How do you visualize yourself on the trail—through the handlebars (1st per...

Are you letting mountain bike imposter syndrome steal your confidence? In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into why your worth has nothing to do with your skill level and why your crashes, mistakes, and failures do NOT define you as a rider—or as a person.

We explore mountain biking confidence, fear, comparison, progression, mindset, riding with faster riders, and the Ride & Laugh mantra: "The Skills Are In There." Learn how to trust your abilities, stack wins, lean into your strengths, and let go of self-doubt so you can ride with more fl...

What happens when a mountain biker tries moto/dirt bike training for the very first time? This episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast dives into MTB mindset, overcoming fear and resistance, flow state riding, group ride pressure, and how trusting yourself on the trail can completely change your riding experience.

Dan shares lessons from his first moto training session, the guys discuss comparison and peer validation in mountain biking, and Dan tells the painful story of losing his brand-new DJI Neo 2 drone! Plus, they talk Costa Rica MTB trip stoke, progression without pressure, and learning to...

MTB technique, fear vs. excitement, and trusting your skills — this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast is packed with mountain bike progression, mindset shifts, jumping tips, and aggressive riding confidence! The guys discuss elbows out riding position, bunny hop/J-hop practice, staying dynamic on the bike, and how “just get into it” applies both on the trail and in life.

Dan shares breakthroughs practicing downhill MTB skills on his eMTB, while Sage talks modern vs. older mountain bike geometry after a recent ride on his 2018 Ibis Mojo. Plus: Arizona MTB riding, MTB travel stoke, jump technique, pump t...

Ride your ride, trust your skills, and replace negative self-talk with gratitude on this week’s Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! We dive deep into mountain bike mindset, positive self-talk, flow state riding, confidence on technical terrain, and why we’re all better riders than we think we are when we stop comparing ourselves to others and simply stay present.

In this episode, Dan and Sage recap an epic ride through the granite slabs and slow-speed tech of the Granite Dells in Prescott, talking body position, aggressive riding, jumps, confidence, visualization, abundance, and how MTB skills transfer directly into...

Learn how to trust your MTB skills and tap into your amazing MTB intuition to find the rhythm of even the gnarliest of trails!  In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive into mountain bike progression, jump technique, aggressive body position, trail confidence, and how trusting yourself helps unlock smoother riding on jumps, tech, and steep terrain.

We talk about why mtb skills practice should still feel fun, how to shift from fear to excitement, and why riding loose and present creates better flow on the trail. From learning proper jump t...

Jump technique breakthrough and no pressure rides take center stage in this fun, mindful mountain biking episode—where dialing in proper jump form meets the freedom of riding with zero expectations. We break down MTB jump tips, body position, step-up jumps, and how letting go of pressure leads to smoother riding, more confidence, and way more fun on the trail.

On this Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast road trip update, Dan shares his huge jump breakthrough (hint: “jump off the ramp like the bike isn’t there!”), while Sage drops coaching gold on safer technique, timing, and why bigg...

Ride with aggressive confidence and unlock your best mountain biking by staying fully present—on the trail and in life. In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, Sage and Dan dive into MTB confidence, overcoming crashes, proper jump technique, and why presence is the ultimate mountain bike skill. 

From Arizona trail riding to conquering fear after a fall, they share mountain biking tips, mindset strategies, and lessons that apply far beyond the bike. 

Do you get more aggressive after a crash, or more cautious? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or em...

Why do some mountain bikers love technical climbing while others dread it? In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into MTB climbing techniques, debating big gear vs granny gear, standing vs seated climbing, cadence vs leg power, and why rocky technical climbs can actually be more fun than smooth fire road grinds. We break down momentum, torque, pedal cadence, traction, and technical climbing strategy, plus how different riders (and even eMTBs) approach steep mountain bike climbs.

What’s your climbing style—sit and spin in an easy gear or stand and hammer a bi...

Dan’s crash and injury update from the Ride & Laugh Across America trip takes center stage in this episode—3 crashes, 15 stitches, and a powerful mindset shift to “everything happens FOR us, not TO us.” We break down each MTB crash, the lessons learned in jumping technique, patience, and trusting the process, plus how mindset, presence, and language shape performance on and off the bike.

Recorded from Dan’s backyard in Arizona, this special episode dives into mountain biking progression, overcoming fear, injury recovery, and the mental side of MTB—from “dead sailor” jumps to rebuilding skills the right way. If yo...

Ride & Laugh From the Road | MTB Mindfulness Across America

Dan and Sage record this short, high-vibe episode straight from their awesome vehicle (er, minivan) during their Ride & Laugh Across America MTB road trip.

They reflect on letting go of fitness anxiety, trusting the process, and how confidence and progression naturally build when you stay present and stop forcing outcomes. From discovering incredible new riding spots to lessons learned through crashes and intuition, this episode is all about embracing the moment—on and off the bike.

If you’ve ever stressed about being “ready,” this is...

Aluminum vs. carbon mountain bikes—frames and wheels—sparks a lively debate in this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast. We break down which MTB components, suspension, and bike upgrades are actually worth the money, and whether modern budget bike parts, derailleurs, and aluminum rims perform just as well as the more expensive carbon options. From carbon vs aluminum frames and wheels to Kashima coated suspension and asking why pro downhill racers run aluminum rims, we dig into the real performance differences and where your MTB dollars matter most.

What do you think—which mountain bike u...

Who really has the right of way on mountain bike trails—climbers or downhill riders? In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we debate classic MTB trail etiquette, the long-standing rule that downhill riders yield to uphill riders, and whether that rule still makes sense on modern mountain bike trails and flowy descents. We dive into real riding scenarios—technical climbs, ripping downhills, trail karma, faster riders catching up, and even the special case of eMTBs.

What do you think—should downhill riders finally get the right of way, or should climbers always have priori...

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, Trail...

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’...

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 m...

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 Podc...

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 ad...

Does strength training help on the mountain bike? In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into this question as well as the flat vs. clipless pedal debate, optimal mountain bike handlebar width, and highlights from the Hawesfest MTB Festival - plus tips to improve flow, jumping, and trail performance.

We break down whether learning to ride flat pedals actually builds better MTB technique, how to measure the perfect handlebar width, and what we learned shredding Arizona’s Hawes trails. Packed with MTB training tips, bunny hop/J-hop technique talk, fitness insights, and rid...

Does strength training help on the mountain bike? In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we dive into this question as well as the flat vs. clipless pedal debate, optimal mountain bike handlebar width, and highlights from the Hawesfest MTB Festival - plus tips to improve flow, jumping, and trail performance.

We break down whether learning to ride flat pedals actually builds better MTB technique, how to measure the perfect handlebar width, and what we learned shredding Arizona’s Hawes trails. Packed with MTB training tips, bunny hop/J-hop technique talk, fitness insights, and rid...

Power vs weight, big battery vs range extender, full-power vs lightweight eMTB — we dive deep into the eMTB debate, plus why clean eating for mountain bikers matters even if you ride hard and feel “fit.” We also break down how to flip negative thoughts into a winning streak mindset, build confidence, and keep stacking wins on and off the trail.

From Orbea Wild eMTB demos, indoor trainers, mullet vs 29er setups, and killer bike shop support, to real talk on MTB nutrition, sugar addiction, real food, fat adaptation, and long-term riding health, this episode is packed with stoke...

Flats or clipless pedals—which really help your MTB skills, confidence, and progression? We break down the real benefits of flat pedals vs clip-in pedals, plus introduce the MTB Yearbook of Stoke—a simple way to zoom out, track your wins, and remember just how capable you really are.

This episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast dives into traction techniques for snow, rain, and bad conditions, confidence after mistakes, pedal panic on downhills, enduro shoes, knee & elbow pads, and how Pro Downhill Racers choose flats or clips for speed and control. We also talk mindset, rele...

Learn a powerful MTB intuition hack (when to listen and when to wait), why speaking out loud while riding sharpens your trail-brain, and why we’re sending massive gratitude to Brian at BKXC for shaping modern mountain biking stoke. 

In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, we break down intuition vs ego (statements vs questions), patience on big features, stacking wins after crashes, desert riding tips, wind awareness, and how presence on the bike changes everything. We also cover suspension errors, traction timing, bouncing technique, front-wheel weighting in loose terrain, route-building artistry, listener corrections, and...

In this episode of the Ride and Laugh MTB Podcast, Sage shares an inspiring jump story about trusting his skills, listening to his intuition, and riding with confidence—regardless of what others are saying. By focusing on his strengths and building his own line, he unlocks smoother jumps, better flow, and a powerful mindset for MTB progression.

The guys also dive into bouncing vs. pumping technique, traction, frozen dirt, visualization, and how confidence on the trail translates to better riding everywhere. Add in laughs about tire pressure, enduro racing, bike parks, and gratitude, and this episode delivers mo...

Ever finish a ride and think, “I earned this entire buffet”?  This episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast dives deep into MTB eating habits, fasting, sugar crashes, and why “I rode today so I’m going to stuff my face” might be the ultimate mountain bike eating disorder.

We also break down riding loose, pumping and bouncing the trail for more traction and flow, J-hop technique (jump like a jaguar!), and how getting heavy/light on the bike unlocks speed, grip, and confidence. Add in mindset tips, hilarious listener stories, and a reminder that the skills are already...

Happy New Year from the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! Dan and Sage dig into the difference between MTB goals vs. expectations, how riding with presence fuels progression, and why judging riders (or ourselves) only holds us back.  The guys reflect on 2025 wins—from fitness gains and confidence on the bike to better mindset and less judgment—while setting 2026 MTB goals like more presence, flat pedals, travel, racing, and continued progression. 

Packed with mountain bike mindset, confidence, progression, eMTB discussion, jumping, and gratitude for the Ride & Laugh community, this episode is all about building momentum and trusting the proces...

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...