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 in there, you just need to unlock them! You got this!

We wanna know! Do you struggle more with post-ride eating? Are you working on staying loose and flowing on the trail? Join the conversation and leave your comments below, or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Trail Builders – Sage is grateful for all the local trail builders putting in the work behind the scenes. On a recent ride, he discovered several new features and was reminded that someone out there is spending real time and effort building trails and creating progression. Huge thanks to the riders building and shaping trails at Smedley and all our local trail systems!

Dan: Hawes Trail Alliance - Dan is incredibly grateful to the Hawes Trail Alliance. The HTA has done amazing work improving the trails, adding jumps, and even building a new (and awesome) parking lot. Their dedication makes riding better for everyone. Please consider donating to the HTA and/or to your local trail builders and advocates everywhere.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Keep a shock pump handy. Air shocks can lose PSI at any time, and having the right pump can completely save your ride. A shock pump also lets you fine-tune your suspension, so your mountain bike feels dialed and ready to rip.

Fox Digital Shock Pump https://amzn.to/4qsPnGd (Affiliate Link)

Featured Riders:

Ethan - https://www.instagram.com/hensmtb Mark (POV Trails) - https://www.instagram.com/everydaymountainbike Shadey - https://www.instagram.com/___shadey_ Vaughn - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb Jeff Lenosky - https://www.instagram.com/jefflenosky Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20 Ryan Butler - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76 Joe Mullins - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_ Kyle - https://www.instagram.com/mr_anderson480 John Ferrell847 - https://www.instagram.com/ferrell847

Additional Links:

Hawes Trail Alliance - https://www.instagram.com/hawestrailalliance Berks Trail works - https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks BAMBA - https://www.instagram.com/berksareamba

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_IACz8LRNl0

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

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 process.

What are some of your 2026 goals? Can snow sports like skiing and snowboarding make mountain bikers more comfortable with jumping? Join the conversation and leave your comments below, or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan & Sage: The Ride and Laugh Community - For the final gratitude of 2025, the guys send massive thanks to the incredible Ride & Laugh listeners. Everyone who listens, downloads, comments, emails, shares, and supports the pod is what makes this community so special. Ride & Laugh has become a place for positive vibes, encouragement, and shared stoke—and we’re beyond grateful. Thank you all… the sky’s the limit!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Tag #RideAndLaugh in your social posts and share your rides with Dan, Sage, and the Ride & Laugh community. Help spread the podcast and connect with riders who are supportive, positive, and stoked—because that’s what this community is all about. Abundant good vibes! 🤘 @RideAndLaughPodcast

Featured Riders:

Nathan at Ride Reactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive Steve at Bent Spokes - https://www.instagram.com/bentspokesmtb Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb Logan - https://www.instagram.com/fogan_lox_rides_bikes Shelly's son Chris - https://www.instagram.com/crispy_g_26 Bearded MTBR - https://www.instagram.com/beardedmtbr Arturo - https://www.instagram.com/byclas_mtb Brian on a Bike - https://www.instagram.com/brian_on_a_bike

Additional Links:

"Cased" MTB Pads - https://www.instagram.com/ridecased G-Form Pads - https://www.instagram.com/gformofficial PHXBP - https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvillebikepark Takk Gloves - https://www.instagram.com/takkadventurewear

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/LyKfb13IC9c

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

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 choose—e-bike or dirt bike for progression—what are you picking and why? Join the conversation and leave your comments below, or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Howie and Denis - Dan was deeply moved by emails from two listeners, Howie and Denis, who reached out after some especially vulnerable episodes. Their encouragement reminded Dan and Sage how powerful authenticity, emotional honesty, and support—especially among men—can be. We have mountain biking, and we have each other, and that perspective matters. When MTB stops being fun, it can feel like a betrayal—but often it’s just a misunderstanding. We’ve got this.

Sage: Cubist Media - Sage is grateful for his freelance work and the perspective shift it’s given him. Even when the jobs aren’t exciting, they fund riding, bikes, parts, and freedom. Changing “I have to do this” into “I get to do this” makes all the difference. Show up positive and shine your light.

MTB Tip of the Week:

Presta valve tips can easily get clogged with sealant. When you park your bike for the night, leave the valve at the bottom of the wheel so any sealant can drain out. Simple habit, annoying problem solved.

Featured Riders:

Dean Tenant - https://www.instagram.com/deantennantmtb Remy Metailler - https://www.instagram.com/remymetailler Reece Wallace - https://www.instagram.com/reece_wallace Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb Nathan at Ride Reactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive Dan - https://www.instagram.com/danackerman8 Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew Nikky Shreds - https://www.instagram.com/stoic.mtb Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20 Joe Mullins - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_

Additional Links:

TrailSage Videos - https://www.youtube.com/c/TrailSage The Rock Yard (Tulsa OK, Bikepark) - https://www.instagram.com/the.rock.yard Singletracks Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/singletracks Lee Likes Bikes - https://www.instagram.com/leelikesbikes Lauren Adams - https://www.instagram.com/laurenadamsloves_life Coach Josh Whitmore - https://www.instagram.com/iamjoshwhitmore

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g8VBli7y3mE

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

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 climb. It’s pure laughs, real riding, and high-vibe MTB mindset—your weekly trail buddies helping you ride better, think bigger, and have way more fun!

We wanna know! Do you have 'flip chips' on your bike, and do you ever flip your chip!? Also, what should we name the Ride & Laugh Kielbasa dish? (MTB Themes Only!) Join the conversation and leave your comments below, or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Spingo Tube! - Dan picked up a flat on a recent ride and swapped in the ultra-light, bargain-priced Spingo tube from Amazon. Despite its featherweight build, the Spingo held strong through a long, technical, rocky ride. Big props to Spingo—awesome performance, awesome value, and a solid backup to keep in your pack! Spingo Tube: https://amzn.to/48I2wTP (Affiliate Link)

Sage: Family! - Sage credits every MTB adventure to the support, love, and patience of family. None of this happens without them. We can’t overstate how much gratitude we have for the people who lift us up—family, friends, and everyone who fuels the fun. Appreciate the love and embrace the connection!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Sage discovered that leaving an item in his online cart sometimes triggers an automatic discount—an easy way to save a few bucks. So next time you’re shopping for bike gear, try the “leave it in the cart” trick and see what happens. And let us know: has this worked for you? Is it a legit MTB money-saving hack?

Featured Riders:

Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20 Nathan at Ride Reactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive Johnnie at MTB Q&A - https://www.instagram.com/mtb_qa Dan - https://www.instagram.com/danackerman8 Joe Mullins - https://www.instagram.com/_mojoe_

Additional Links:

Emigos Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike Schwalbe Tires - https://www.instagram.com/schwalbe_mtb Vittoria Tires - https://www.instagram.com/vittoriatires JensonUSA - https://www.instagram.com/jensonusa Maxxis - https://www.instagram.com/maxxisbike

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/IlkGMmIvcq4

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

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… firing a harpoon). With listener advice, e-MTB debates, and a community full of compassion, stoke, and zero judgment, this episode dives deep into confidence, presence, and taking the pressure off your riding journey.

Join the conversation! What stage of the MTB Timeline are you in? What small tweak has made the biggest difference in your riding lately? Leave your comments/feedback below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Daughter Summer - Dan is grateful for his relationship with his daughter Summer, especially for the honest conversation and thoughtful advice she shared over their one-on-one breakfast. Kids often bring the most grounding perspectives, and Dan deeply appreciates both his girls. Big gratitude and love to Summer!

Sage: BTW and BAMBA - Sage is giving thanks to the trail advocates at Mt. Penn—Berks Trail Works and BAMBA—for clearing leaves during peak fall chaos in the Northeast. Blowing trails is time-consuming and unglamorous, but it transforms the ride and makes the whole system shine. Mountain bikers love, fix, and maintain their trails, so support your local trail crews!

BAMBA - https://www.instagram.com/berksareamba Berks Trail Works - https://www.instagram.com/berkstrailworks

MTB Tip of the Week:

Carry Spare Presta Valve Cores! Valve cores can clog with sealant or break at the worst times, so always stash a spare in your pack. A tiny valve-core tool makes removal and installation quick and easy—small gear, big peace of mind.

Presta Valve Core Removal Tool: https://amzn.to/4op4mPq (Affiliate Link) Spare Presta Valves: https://amzn.to/4pkAJjx (Affiliate Link)

Featured Riders:

Lauren Adams - https://www.instagram.com/laurenadamsloves_life Ethan - https://www.instagram.com/hensmtb Vaughn - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20 Nathan at Ride Reactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb Nicky Shreds - https://www.instagram.com/stoic.mtb Evan Kinsey - https://www.instagram.com/evankinzey12

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/mLAuK1fClQM

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

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 appearance - this time with some very questionable sauces!), real MTB coaching moments, and why giving ourselves grace matters as much as good form, this one has takeaways for riders on every part of their journey!

Do e-bikes make you a better rider on steep and difficult tech trails? Have you ever ridden a trail with “fresh eyes” and unlocked something new? Let us know in the comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Sage’s family! - During his recent Pennsylvania trip, he stayed at the Thompson home with Sage’s dad and son, and he couldn’t be more thankful. He loved hanging out with Jack and was blown away by what a great young man he’s becoming. Big gratitude to the whole Thompson crew for the hospitality and good vibes!

Sage: iPhone 16 - Sage is giving gratitude to… his new phone! The iPhone 16 camera is unreal, and the crisp video has been a huge upgrade for his YouTube channel and the podcast. Both Dan and Sage are grateful for how easy it is these days to capture great MTB footage—thanks to everyone out there with a smartphone making the stoke look good!

MTB Tip of the Week:

Bounce on the trail! Squish the bike into the ground to load traction, then let it pop you into the next move. Sage started by literally bouncing to feel grip, which unlocked intentional weighting and unweighting for way more control. It works on loose trails and grippy ones—push into corners, load the bike, and bounce out with extra speed and confidence!

Featured Riders:

Nathan at RideReactive - https://www.instagram.com/ride.reactive Zane at Sploosh MTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb Chris - https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnke Josh at Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground Ryan at PHXBP - https://www.instagram.com/wrolb Vaughn - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew Thomas - https://www.instagram.com/all_terrain_thomas Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb Janet - https://www.instagram.com/janetkthompson/ Jack - https://www.instagram.com/jack.thpzn/

Additional Links:

Sourdrew Bread - https://www.instagram.com/sourdrewbread Specialized Levo 4 - https://www.instagram.com/iamspecialized_mtb Pivot Shuttle AM - https://www.instagram.com/pivotcycles

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/uTtH5cronSI

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