MTB Confidence Over Skill, Riding Relaxed, Red Bull Rampage and Evading Big Crashes [RNL S2, Ep 60]

How do you find your edge in mountain biking without crashing? We’re talking MTB confidence vs. skill, focusing on riding successes instead of past failures, and practical ways to relax your nervous system so you can ride looser, trust your skills, and tackle challenging trails with confidence!

Plus, the Red Bull Rampage debate heats up as we discuss bigger features, progression, and Hannah Bergmann’s incredible recovery after a practice-run crash. We share tips for overcoming fear, managing trail anxiety, knowing when to push your limits, and finding that “I got this!” moment without forgetting that mountain biking is all about fun.

What helps you calm your nerves before a scary feature, and do you think confidence or skill matters more? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at rideandlaugh1@gmail.com

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Adobe Premiere Pro - Sage is grateful for Adobe Premiere Pro, the video editing software that helps him produce the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast every week. Editing both the podcast audio and YouTube video takes a lot of time and effort, and Adobe Premiere Pro is an essential tool in bringing each episode together!

Dan: Bike Stand - A vertical bike stand from Amazon! This handy, wheeled MTB stand stores your mountain bike vertically and makes it easy to move around the garage. For around $40, it's a great deal! Seth from Berm Peak recommended it, and Dan loves how well it works. Check it out here: Amazon Vertical Bike Stand https://link.amazon/B0ccBzKw6 (Affiliate Link)

MTB Tip of the Week:

Carry tweezers in your MTB pack, especially if you ride in the Southwest or other desert climates! Getting poked by a cactus is bad enough, but removing those stubborn needles without tweezers can be even worse. Dan recently got several cactus needles stuck in his hand, and his trusty tweezers made removal much easier. They're lightweight, inexpensive, and take up almost no space, making them an essential addition to your mountain biking first-aid kit!

Featured Riders:

Hannah Bergemann - https://www.instagram.com/hannahbergemannShadey - https://www.instagram.com/___shadey_Chris Huffmire - https://www.instagram.com/adrnln_jnkeAlex Honnold - https://www.instagram.com/alexhonnoldJackson Goldstone - https://www.instagram.com/jacksongoldstoneJulia Biddle - https://www.instagram.com/julia.biddleRyan Butler - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76Jeff Winsor - https://www.instagram.com/jwinsor20Joe - https://www.insta