Incredibly long and steep slabs on trails require high level mountain bike handling skills, balance, confidence and commitment. Learn about your internal guidance system and how to know you’re ready for 100% commitment on high consequence and dangerous MTB features!

We discuss the proper technique for riding super steep features as well as why practice and repetition breed confidence through muscle memory. Turn your thinking mind off, fully commit and succeed! But what if there is doubt and the brain is still in survival mode? Listen and find out what happens!

MTB Gratitude of the Week

Dan: Arnica – Arnica is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been known to increase circulation. For mountain bikers (and other athletes) this means accelerated healing! Dan is currently using arnica to heal a contusion on his quad from a scary fall of his MTB. Arnica can be applied topically and taken orally. Anything that helps us heal and get back on the bike faster is a win! Arnica is an affordable and natural way to speed up healing. Gratitude and appreciation to arnica and the companies that package this amazing plant medicine!

Topical: https://www.amazon.com/Bruising-Swelling-Natural-Montana-extracts/dp/B08KT7Q7YX Oral: https://www.boironusa.com/product/arnica-30c-tablets

Sage: Aaron Homiak! - Sage has so much gratitude and appreciation for Aaron and his friends giving us a tour of their local trails. Aaron has a lot to do with the building and creation of many of those high level trails and gnarly features. In addition to being an amazing rider, Aaron is also an incredible photographer. Gratitude to Aaron for giving us a tour but also for his friendliness, trail-building and being an all-around high-vibe/awesome mtb’er! Mountain bikers are the best! Check out Aaron on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_homiak

MTB Tip of the Week

Body position and technique on SUPER STEEP slabs. When the slabs are more like walls, it’s impossible to get far enough behind the bike and stay balanced. Sage explains how to keep your body centered and in control while riding the super steeps.

Featured Riders:

Phoenixville Bike Park Nik @jns1014 Scott @scottherbert43 Steve @bentspokesmtb

Natalie (Roaring Creek) Ride Aaron @aaron_homiak Brett @mfnfbm666 Ed @bassface462 Rylan @rylan570 Dane C. Patrick M.

Additional Links:

Mt Penn: https://www.trailforks.com/region/mount-penn-preserve Phoenixville Bike Park: https://www.phoenixville.org/2861/Phoenixville-Bike-Park Roaring Creek: https://www.trailforks.com/region/roaring-creek-tract-weiser-state-forest

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/q9WCG1yHJM4

The Ride and Laugh 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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