These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry Nine​With no racing to talk about this week, we called #USDH racer Dylan Maples to chat about his epic 2023 season! Dylan might have only started racing downhill a few years ago, but the Team NorCal rider has quickly become one of the most exciting American racers on the World Cup Circuit. We discussed his quick progression within the sport, what it's like being a DH racer from Sacramento, how his approach to racing has evolved as his confidence has grown, the importance of having time at home after being on the road for two months, going from a privateer program to having full-factory support with his fill-in ride with Commencal Muc-Off, riders he looks up to, who he hates getting beat by, and goals going into the last two World Cups. We hope you enjoy our conversation, and thank you, Dylan, for taking the time to talk with us! 

It's hard to believe the first U.S. Open of MTB was held 20 years ago in 2023. The event has come a long way since then with a prize purse totaling $80,000 this year, all thanks to the hard work of Clayton Harper and his crew. Vital talks with Clayton and #USDH shredder, Neko Mulally, to discuss the event's history and what we can expect in 2023.The 2023 U.S. Open of MTB takes place September 21-24 with Downhill, Enduro, Dual Slalom and Whip-off events at Killington Resort in Vermont. Amateur and open classes all use the same downhill track, making for a memorable experience for up-and-coming riders as they can compare their times to world-class pros.Riders confirmed for 2023 include the Santa Cruz Syndicate, Dakotah Norton, Neko Mulally, Wyn Masters, Jill Kintner and more.Vital is stoked to have the Gravity Cooperative filming a full race replay show that will air on Vital MTB. The Gravity Collective is the crew behind the awesome race replay shows from Downhill Southeast and the 2022 U.S. National Champs. We'll bring you a Vital RAW, POVs and race action from Jack Rice, too.Hit up www.usopen.bike or follow them on Instagram @usopenmtb

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineIn case you have any doubts, Les Gets, France, still produces the best World Cup downhill races. The intensity of the track, the passion of the French crowd, and the ability of French racers to rise to the occasion make Les Gets a picture-perfect stage for iconic racing. Last weekend was no exception, as a dry and loose track delivered a race with less drama, more first-time winners, and a riot-inducing double French victory. Join Dak as he brings you between the tape along with professional bench racers Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew chats about Dylan Maples filling in on Commencal Muc-Off, the toughness of Erice van Leuven, the challenge of racing a track like Les Gets that deteriorates so much, Vital's Shorts Bounty, the hardest part of Les Gets being the first two turns, Dean Lucas retiring, and the US Open happening in two weeks, and much more. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody next week for some mid-season chit-chat!

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineFor the first time, the World Cup circus stopped in Loudenvielle, France, for round #5 of the 2023 World Cup season. The week kicked off with last-minute schedule changes due to the weather and only got weirder from there. Luckily, an insane track and constantly changing conditions delivered some of the most exciting racing of the year. And to top it off, our boy Dak Norton finished second—his best World Cup result to date! Join Dak as he brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from the fresh Loudenvielle track with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses the precedent set by the schedule change in Andorra, why junior racing shouldn’t have been canceled, Aaron Gwin crushing it as a commentator, why Loudenvielle was a good DH track and not easy to ride, the Nina vs. Vali battle, Kade Edwards and Thibaut Dapréla doing tuck-no-handers mid-run, the river in the middle of the track, and so much more. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody next week after Les Gets! Enjoy!

Today the Junior World Cup Downhill race in Loudenvielle, France, was canceled. The race organizers claimed the track conditions were unsafe for competition due to overnight rain and the steep layout of the course.  Early in the morning, Junior riders struggled during practice, but as the day progressed, some riders were able to make safe top-to-bottom runs. Ultimately the race was canceled and qualifying results from the day before stood as final results.Jack Rice speaks with riders and mechanics to get their opinion on the cancellation.   Marshy of Cube, Jorge Gomes of Transition Factory Racing, John Hall of IFR, Wyn Masters of GT Factory Racing, Tim Flooks, Ethan Craik and Dean Lucas share their insight.

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Burgtec | Industry NineAfter a seven-week break (interrupted by World Champs), the World Cup Downhill season resumed last weekend from Pal Arinsal, Andorra. The weekend was filled with ups and downs that saw some riders' seasons, unfortunately, cut short while others checked off career-first wins. The weather again played a huge factor all weekend and ultimately decided the Elite Men's race. The racing was as tight as ever, and the track was fast, straight, and loose!Per usual, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Andorra with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses what the hell is going on with semi-final points, the struggle of rain delays on race day, Troy Brosnan running a 200mm front and 220mm rear rotor, if Andorra's track makes for good racing or just good broadcasting, Loic Bruni's impressive run against the elements, and speculate on the new Loudenville track for this coming weekend.Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody next week after Loudenvielle! Enjoy!

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Is it really possible to make carbon mountain bike frames, wheels and components cheaper in Canada than overseas? Dustin Adams, former World Cup downhill racer and owner of We Are One Composites says it is, and he is proving it. On this episode of The Inside Line podcast, we talk with Dustin, Nate Schumacher and Vlad Yordanov to hear about the journey of We Are One and how they're successfully making affordable and durable mountain bike parts in Kamloops, British Columbia. Dustin talks about the abrupt end to his seemingly successful downhill career as he was dropped by the Giant factory team, dealing with that life change, depression, multiple car accidents, and how he returned to find mountain biking.Thank you listeners for making The Inside Line what it is today! Enjoy the show.Show contents 0:00 - Why is Dustin Adams Fasting?4:05 - Getting into MTB in Kamloops7:25 - Move to Giant Factory Team and U.S. Racing13:10 - Surprise End to His DH Career20:35 - Finding Therapy for Depression24:50 - The Beginnings of We Are One32:42 - The First We Are One Rims are Built44:30 - Making We Are One Bike Frames53:17 - DH Bike Prototype for Testing Parts1:01:25 - OEM Future?1:11:27 - We Are One Name and FutureWatch the photos slideshow of this podcast on YouTube

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecWorld Champs, baby! This year, the chase for the elusive rainbow jersey went down on the legendary Fort Bill track, creating the perfect storm for some historical racing. Charlie Hatton (finally) took his first elite-level victory (becoming the 4th first-time winner in four races this season); Henri Kiefer secured his first Junior Men's victory after multiple podium finishes this year; Vali Höll became back-to-back World Champion in dominating fashion; and the Junior Women's field saw an all-New Zealand podium. What a year of racing we've all been treated to! And we can't wait to see how the back half of the World Cup season unfolds. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and is joined by semi-professional bench racers Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses when World Champs should take place each year, the short-comings of this year's broadcasting, confusing qualifying start orders, custom worlds bikes and kits, the Bentonville logo on the USA jerseys, where Charlie Hatton won the race, Dak taking a break in his race run, speculation on why Fort William isn't on the 2024 schedule, and finish with a recap of who finished where on race day. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody after World Cup #4 from Andorra in a month! Enjoy!

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecAfter the first stint of World Cup racing this year, we were overdue for a little #USDH coverage! Last weekend, the 2023 Gravity National Championships took place from Ride Rock Creek, North Carolina. Another bike park built by Neko Mulally and crew, the first time Nat Champs venue delivered quality tracks for downhill, slalom, and enduro racing. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape to break down his weekend, the track, and the current state of #USDH. Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder feed the questions, and the crew covers the rise and dominance of Asa Vermette, Rock Creek’s World Cup-caliber DH track, the cost of racing USNats, first-time National Champions, why you should book a trip to Morzine, and why Dak was an hour late to record this episode. Enjoy!

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Brian Cahal sits down with Dan and Steve from Vorsprung Suspension to discuss the trajectory of their business as they've grown from mountain bike suspension servicing and upgrades to creating their new MTB shock.0:00 - From suspension service to making upgrade parts10:46 - Making The Vorsprung MTB shock17:04:- Vorsprung Suspension Problem Solving24:53 - Future of MTB Suspension / Electronic Suspension29:53 - What Would You Changet to Make MTB Better?35:28 - When Will the Vorsprung Shock Be Available?

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | BurgtecHoly cow, what a weekend of racing from Val di Sole! Arguably the gnarliest track on the circuit, this year provided spectacular racing thanks to some methodical course adjustments and bucketloads of new dirt. Racers were treated to periodic rain that really mixed things up as the track was ever-evolving, and bikes and bodies were put to the test, surviving the infamous Black Snake track. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Val di Sole with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses if VDS should be the blueprint for a World Cup DH track, what it’s like being chased by livestream drones, Jackson Goldstone’s textbook technique and bike setup, Ronan Dunne ingesting six Red Bulls on race day, weights strapped to down tubes, Dakotah playing in the tape during Semi-Finals, and the speed Junior racers in 2023. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody after World Champs in a month! Enjoy!

These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!Maxxis | Industry Nine | Burgtec​The B Practice Podcast is back! After some unfortunate technical difficulties last week that saw our post-Lenzerheide show evaporate from existence, the powers that be allowed our post-Leogang show to happen. Only two rounds into the UCI Downhill World Cup season, and we’ve been treated to tons of epic racing. We don’t know if there has ever been a season with as close of racing and so many potential winners. As always, Dakotah Norton brings you between the tape with his trackside insights and breaks down the excitement from Lenzerheide and Leogang with Tanner Stephens and Jason Schroeder. In this episode, the crew discusses initial impressions of the new race format, thoughts on the new broadcasting, the impressive crop of talent spread across each category, first-time category winners, Rachel Atherton’s legend status, and Loic Bruni’s futuristic gear. Thank you so much for listening, and we will see everybody after Val di Sole in a few weeks! Enjoy!

These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMaxxis Tires | Jenson USA | FOX Love him or hate him, Taylor Sage, or TSage as many call him, has been a breath of fresh air in the mountain bike scene for nearly 20 years. He's raced XC and downhill, he was a main builder at the infamous Hidden Valley trails, he's filmed for multiple New World Disorder movies, dug at Rampage for Kyle Strait and Cam Zink, helped keep MTB real with the 2Six Stallions, films and builds with Brandon Semenuk and so much more. Oh, and he's not on Instagram.Enjoy the show with a living legend who's all grown up now...sort of. #MTB #podcast #mountainbike Show Contents0:00 - Strava, Lopes and Racing XC5:43 - MTB history9:18 - Meeting Kyle Strait14:40 - Building Trails and MTB vs BMX27:54: - Mike Hucker Clark30:36 - Zink, Strait, 2Six Stallions, Filming for NWD39:51 - Robbie Bourdon's Broken Neck47:23 - Film, Digital and Battling The Collective with NWD50:47 - 2Six Stallions vs The Bicycle Rockers52:53 - Sage is Unmarketable and Being Blind in One Eye1:04:36 - TSage and Cam McCaul Saw a UFO1:12:50 - Losing His Index Finger1:28:15 - No Social Media1:41:29 - Camera Gear, Semenuk, Editing Process1:48:42 - The Future and Reflecting on the past

The B Practice Podcast is back after a small hiatus! Since our last recording a few months back, the crew has been busier than ever. Austin moved from Colorado to California to start a new role with Specialized, Dakotah has been in the thick of developing the latest Intense DH bike while continuing to build his house, Tanner’s been busy jump-starting his career as a producer, and I’ve just been doing what I can to keep pumping out cool content for the site. With the 2023 World Cup downhill season less than a month out, the good news is that we will soon be back to our normally scheduled post-race podcasting. This offseason has been longer and more action-packed than usual, and a lot of pre-season racing has ensued. We sat down to discuss how the current crop of elite racers are looking after these warm-up events, who will be contending for the win at Lenzerheide, find out how Dak is feeling heading into summer, highlight some fast up-and-coming #USDH racers, and speculate on what type of course tape will be used at the first round. As always, a huge shoutout to Maxxis, Industry Nine, and Burgtec for supporting the B Practice Podcast! Enjoy this episode, and we will see everyone the week after Lenzerheide for our post-race show. These awesome brands make The B Practice Podcast possible!​MAXXIS TIRESINDUSTRY NINEBURGTEC

Welcome mountain bikers, I’m excited to have Ben Plenge on the show today. He’s a rider, racer, but he’s also the founder and coach at The Strength Factory in the UK. We discuss how Ben found mountain biking and being a fitness coach as well as specific philosophies and techniques to become a stronger, fitter rider.Episode Topics0:00 - Intro 2:34 - Getting into MTB and Joining the Army 9:21 - Becoming a Fitness Coach and Founding the Strength Factory 15:36 - Fitness for MTBers over 40 years old 21:32 - Mental Health, Training and Empathy 27:01 - Do You Need Weights or Tech Gadgets to Train Well? 34:13 - Importance of Posture for MTB 39:33 - Different Body Types and Training Based on Forward Riding Foot 44:37 - Nasal Breathing for MTB 50:26 - Being Successful with a Fitness Plan - Realistic Time Management 59:28 - Benefits of Low-Intensity Aerobic Training 1:10:48 - Does an E-Bike Make You Weak? 1:14:36 - Racers Ben Admires 1:16:56 - MTB Strength ProgramsStrength Factory Promotions for Vital MTBersUse the code VITALMTB for 20% off the Complete MTB ProgrammeUse the code VITALDH for 20% off the Complete DH ProgrammeUse the code VITAL40 for 20% off the Over 40s MTB ProgrammeAll discount codes expire on 31st May.Instagram: @strengthfactory_coach YouTube: @thestrengthfactory. These great companies make The Inside Line possibleMAXXIS TIRES - JENSON USA - FOXBreathing InformationThe Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeownBreath by James NestorFollow @_brianmackenzie or his website: Shift Adapt

Luca Cometti is a professional mountain biker and filmmaker from Southern California. He moved from BMX to MTB at an early age, hitting local races and making videos of his friends. As the years progressed, he turned that passion into becoming a Dual Slalom specialist, landing a ride on a factory team to race World Cup downhills, competing in Crankworx festivals all over the globe and creating film projects with some of mountain biking's most talented riders. Enjoy the show with one of the nicest riders in the game.The Inside Line is supported by these great sponsorsJenson USAMaxxis TiresFOX Racing ShoxSee Luca on YouTube - @luca_cometti  Follow Luca on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luca_comettiShow Contents0:00 - The Coffee Setup8:12 - Bonus for Beating Strait & Slalom Bike Setup21:11 - Finding Bikes and Grom Video-making in San Diego30:36 - DH Racing Progression & BetterRide Camps36:46 - Pursing a DH Racing Career43:43 - From Factory Racer to Privateer52:56 - Pursing Crankworx Instead of World Cup57:07 - Marketing as a Rider and Filmmaking1:06:19 - Importance of Social Media Influence1:11:04 - Quality of Content1:22:44 - Brands Measuring Athletes with Promo Codes1:27:37 - Video Project with Greg Minnaar1:31:22 - Filming Kyle Strait's Back-breaking Rampage Crash1:38:05 - Crankworx Hustle and Bernard Kerr's Success1:44:21 - SURON Riders Wrecking Trails?1:54:13 - Racing Big Mountain Enduro in 20232:00:30 - Why Isn't Dual Slalom a UCI Event?#MTB #mountainbike #bike

U.S. downhill mountain bike racer, Charlie Harrison, joins us on The Inside Line to discuss his race career, injury and why he's decided to retire. Charlie has seen success with multiple World Cup DH podium results over the years. We talk about how he went from motocross racing to finding downhill MTB, career highlights, riding for Intense Factory Racing and Trek Factory Racing. As injury plagued the end of his time on the track, Charlie decided it was time to hang up the number plate and set his sights on a career in firefighting. He continues to ride regularly and does bike test work for Santa Cruz on occasion. #MTB #mountainbike #usdh Video contents0:00 - Using PVC Pipe as Fake Roots on a DH Track3:03 - What is SoCal Speed Team6:37 - From Moto to MTB13:06 - Will We Ever See Skatepark Chuck Again?16:05 - DH Race Progression / Fontana24:54 - World Cup Visions28:14 - First World Cup DH Success36:45 - Getting Comfortable at World Cups39:06 - Riding for Intense Factory46:08 - Breaking into Top 10 at the World Cup49:57 - Moving to Trek Factory Racing56:00 - Reece Wilson Story1:00:45 - Plagued with Injuries1:13:59 - Retiring from DH Racing1:20:56 - DH Training Program1:24:23 - Outside Hobbies and Overlanding1:28:32 - Helping with Santa Cruz1:32:52 - Embarrassing CrashWatch the episode - https://youtu.be/WYbuPIpYCkI

Rich Houseman forged a successful career as an American mountain bike racer in the late nineties and early 2000s. Taking wins in downhill, dual slalom, 4x and dual, Rich has seen all the different trends and changes that mountain bike racing has taken over the last two-and-a-half decades. As his race career wound down, he found himself at a company called Sponsorhouse, which managed athlete and brand sponsor partnerships. Sponsorhouse changed its name to Hookit and Rich has remained an integral part of the business for 19 years. He continues to oversee athlete and sponsor relations and discusses how Hookit uses data-driven information to help companies and riders succeed in their marketing efforts.Thanks  to JENSON USA  and MAXXIS TIRES  for supporting The Inside Line MTB podcast.Watch this podcast on YouTube Discussion Topics0:00 - Introduction and Fontana7:10 - BMX to Basketball to Downhill16:50 - World Champs DH in Cairns19:57 - First Sponsors, Racing for Tomac24:54 - Slalom, Dual & 4X30:59 - Bike Setup Back in the Day34:28 - Why Did 4X Die?35:56 - Proudest Racing Moment38:08 - Making a Living Racing MTB42:48 - Discovering Aaron Gwin54:05 - Sponsorhouse to Hookit1:00:17 - From MTB Racer to Desk Job1:06:26 - Social Media's Impact on MTB Sponsorship1:19:53 - What Makes a Successful Social Media Pt?1:32:52 - Difficulties Female Athletes Face on Social Media1:35:27 - Athletes Succeeding on Social Media1:40:14 - Leticia Bufoni using Hookit1:47:32 - Lew Buchanan Riding for OnlyFans1:51:22 - Wyn Masters' Sponsor Value1:56:11 - Dad Life#MTB #Mountainbike #bike

It's a downhill bike. It's an enduro bike. It's a gearbox bike. It's a regular derailleur-based drivetrain bike. Learn all the details about Trinity's diverse and unique mountain bike with Mic Williams. Mic runs Williams Racing Products and is 1/3rd of the Trinity crew. Interview Contents0:00 - Trinity and WRP Background2:39 - Gearbox-Adaptable Trinity Design7:15 - Steel and Aluminum Frame Build9:30 - Modular Frame Flex and Compliance Tuning 4:54 - Importance of Swingarm Flex17:33 - Geometry - Matching Rear-center & Reach?19:24 - Suspension Kinematics23:44 - Modular Drivetrain Design25:47 - WRP Gearbox Explained

Aaron Gwin's mechanic and potential 2023 Fontana 30-39 Expert champ, John Hall, joins Team Robot, Jason Schroeder, Jonny Simonetti and gordo on The Inside Line Ride Along. We spend three hours discussing everything from the unwritten rules of World Cup downhill warm-up spots, spoke tension myths, creating mountain bikes for consumers vs. pro racers, the new Intense M279 HP6 prototype,  Gwin's chainless victory in Leogang and plenty more.These great partners support The Inside Linewww.jensonusa.com - use coupon code INSIDELINE and receive 10% off qualifying items.MAXXIS TIRES - they've been with The Inside Line since day one and make the best-performing mountain bike tires for all styles and riding conditions.Interview contents0:00 - Intro / Semi-final World Cup DH format Impact on Mechanics17:35 - How Many Tires Used at a World Cup DH?21:15 - John Hall was Jason Schroeder's Mechanic25:45 - Becoming Aaron Gwin's Mechanic40:35 - Trying to Get 27.5 DH tires and wheels in 201347:57 - Spoke Tension Debates53:25 - Prototypes and Different Rider Setups1:00:54 - Recipe for Winning1:15:47 - Will John Hall Be the 2023 Fontana Ex 30-39 Champ?1:27:50 - Thoughts on e-Enduro Racing?1:38:38 - Developing Bikes for Every Rider1:59:13 - Bike Reviews Based on Incorrect Setup2:11:14 - You Can't Scrub2:14:36 - Don't Make Bets with Mitch Ropelato or Aaron Gwin2:19:36 - John Tomac Stories2:24:29 - Developing the Prototype Intense M279 HP62:43:18 - Suspension Platforms2:54:45 - The Broken Chain Leogang Win Story3:12:53 - SoCal Speed Team