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 delivers trail stoke from start to finish.

Also, let us know where you have your brake levers positioned, and if you ride elbows wide or elbows back?!  Leave your comment/feedback below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com. 

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Dan: Sticks & Stones Trail Co. - Dan is fired up about Sean from Sticks & Stones Trail Co.—a trail-building legend who lives and breathes MTB. Sean and his crew built, "The Local," which is a free bike park for their community, and it’s pure gold for riders of all levels. Huge gratitude for people who build trails, build stoke, and make mountain biking better for everyone!

Sticks & Stones Trail Co. - https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstonestrailco/ 

Sage: X-Alp Summit MTB Shoes - Sage is loving his new Pearl Izumi MTB shoes! After reviewing a complimentary pair and getting 1.5 years of hard use, he bought another pair with his own money. That's a legit endorsement!. Big shoutout to Pearl Izumi for gear that actually survives Sage’s riding. Check out Sage's full review on the YouTube channel, TrailSage! https://youtu.be/ta6eUvCA4os

MTB Tip of the Week:

Sage breaks out a handlebar prop and wants to know: Where do YOU run your brake levers? Even more interesting—are your elbows up (out) or back (in)? It feels natural to keep elbows up, but we’ve noticed pros running elbows back for more control and stability. Which style do you ride?

Featured Riders:

Matt Jones - https://www.instagram.com/mattjonesmtb

Jono Jones - https://www.instagram.com/jono_jones1

Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20

Jackson Goldstone - https://www.instagram.com/jacksongoldstone

Stef McDaniel - https://www.instagram.com/m0sstef

Zane at Sploosh MTB - https://www.instagram.com/sploosh_mtb

Dak Norton - https://www.instagram.com/daknorton

Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew

Anson - https://www.instagram.com/aplusmtb

Thomas - https://www.instagram.com/all_terrain_thomas

Vaughn - https://www.instagram.com/v.spencer_mtb

AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor 

Additional Links:

Hawes Enduro Race - https://www.instagram.com/mbaaraceseries

UCI Downhill - https://www.instagram.com/uci_mtbworldseries

Lee Likes Bikes - https://www.instagram.com/leelikesbikes

Stumpy Evo - https://www.instagram.com/iamspecialized_mtb

Pivot Firebird - https://www.instagram.com/pivotcycles

BeMoreBikes - https://www.instagram.com/bemorebikes

OneUp Components - https://www.instagram.com/oneupcomponents

Pearl Izumi - https://www.instagram.com/pearlizumiofficial 

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/guBdC7Sk3wg 

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