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 episode!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Emigos Bike Shop! - Dan is grateful to Emigos Bike Shop for setting up an e-bike demo day! Emigos is an awesome shop with great staff, service and bikes! Dan and Jeff W. were very impressed with their test ride on the awesome Specialized Levo 4 which is available to demo, rent or purchase at Emigos! Check them out! https://www.emigosbikeshop.com/

Sage: Mt. Penn Trails! - With all the rain in the northeast lately, Sage is so grateful that he can ride Mt. Penn in the wet! Since Mt. Penn has so many raw and rocky trails, mountain bikers are able to ride there even when other trail systems are too wet. Gratitude to the trails for draining well and to all the volunteers who maintain and create these trails!

MTB Tip of the Week:

When the trails are wet or slick, drop your mountain bike's tire pressure by 1-3 psi. Lower PSI will add grip on slick surfaces which will increase your confidence and fun!

Featured Riders:

Josh at Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground Johnny Pedals - https://www.instagram.com/johnnypedals Donny Rosko - https://www.instagram.com/donnyrosko Keeton - https://www.instagram.com/rideandshred Ryan - https://www.instagram.com/wrolb

Additional Links:

Gratitude Journal: https://amzn.to/3HPQezg (Affiliate Link) Emigos Bike Shop https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike Blue Mountain Bike Park https://www.instagram.com/bikepark_blue_mountain NEMBA (Vietnam Trails) - https://www.instagram.com/nemba.vietnam Turbo Levo 4 - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-levo-4-expert/p/4218704 Phoenixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark Berks Trail works - https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks BAMBA - https://www.instagram.com/berksareamba Hawes Trail Alliance - https://www.instagram.com/hawestrailalliance

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

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.

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

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! Listen for a great mix of laughs, insights, and the joyful struggle of becoming a better rider!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Jeff Winsor - Huge thanks to Jeff Winsor for organizing an epic day — mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Salt River near Phoenix! From ripping trails to relaxing on the water, it was the perfect balance of stoke and chill. Grateful for the good rides, good vibes, and good friends. Thanks, Jeff!

Sage: Will from Keswick Cycles - Will hooks Sage up with a demo of the all-new Specialized Levo 4 — and it does not disappoint. Huge thanks to Will and the Keswick crew for the opportunity! The more Sage rides e-mountain bikes, the more he sees their potential — and the Levo 4 blew him away with its power, precision, and insane customization

MTB Tip of the Week:

Tubes Helping Tubes! Tired of flats with tubes? Cut up an old inner tube and use it as DIY rim tape — a quick, cheap fix that helps protect against punctures from the inside out!

Featured Riders:

Ryan - https://www.instagram.com/wrolb/ Will - https://www.instagram.com/will_costa_25/ Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell/

Additional Links:

Specialized - https://www.instagram.com/specialized_mtb Stumpjumper - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-15-pro/p/4221403 Turbo Levo 4 - https://www.specialized.com/us/en/turbo-levo-4-expert/p/4218704 Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli/ Phoenixville Bike Park - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/N9y7i0kUxA4

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

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