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.

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