Been riding 40 years. Challenge yourself to a level you’re capable and comfortable with. I had the opportunity to ride with a group of pros DH/Enduro all in their 20s I’m 64. The speed and reaction time at speed was an awesome challenge. PR’s on every segment. 🎉 felt like the ol days
@ oh man, that’s back in the pioneer years of MTB. That’s super cool. I started in 87. Still compete in a few races super fun running with those old dudes still. Yeah riding with those young guys man what a blast. And you gotta be on your toes cause it’s so fast. Happy trails.
This reminds me of the balance therapies used to treat ADHD. Mountain biking was always the best therapy for my "Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes" because riding difficult terrain requires (allows) my brain to shut off all the (difficult) extraneous thoughts, and instead full focus on maintaining physical balance.
I've always thought people who like mountain biking scramble bikes, off road stuff in general are a bit ADHD? I'm not so good off road myself though I can greatly enjoy it I disassociate a lot and tend towards the 'meditative journeying' kind riding on road. I just find it interesting. As a youth a lot of us had motorbikes and again I noticed that the scrambler crowd had a different mind set. That said I do like zipping through traffic, my brain comes alive with the extra focus and feeling of flight. Again, it's all interesting.
Yes, I believe I have adhd or possible bipolar (diagnosed major depressive)I’m overweight but hard exercise clears my head. Nothing else has same effect. I’ll continue riding.
Wow, this is one of the most interesting mtb videos I have seen in a very long time and mtb videos are about the only thing I watch. Seriously.....well done!
I started mountain biking in 1986. I remember going out every day after work (as a young school teacher) and teaching myself new skills. No TH-cam back then, but magazine articles. It was a lot of session work: How to climb, how to descend steep loose stuff, how keep the front end under control,... I still use those basic skills l taught myself back in the day. Thanks for the great video! It is a subject that I seemed to feel intuitively, but seeing actual research and data is very cool (old science teacher).
@@gilabear11 thanks for the feedback! I intuitively felt it too. When we read the Doidge book it all clicked! BTW I got my first real MTB in the late 80s. I'd ride it to my university campus and kids would stare at my rad bike. 🙌
I don't go on trails as much as I should but I make sure to practice my trackstand whenever I'm waiting for a red light when out commuting in addition to riding no hands, bunny hopping and doing aggressive cornering whenever I'm in the mood for it. The last one of course when no pedestrian is near!
Great video. I've been MTB-ing for over 30 years here in Scotland. I think it's the variety and unpredictability of each trail, corner, descent, climb, rocky/rooty section etc that you navigate etc that helps keep the brain nicely tuned.
Love this! I’m a neuropsychologist who works with dementia patients. I started mountain biking in my early 40’s and competed in Mtb races for years as a cat 2. Now at 57 I still Mtb and I definitely see the cognitive and emotional benefits. I have to challenge myself conservatively due to multiple injuries but I still challenge myself and tell people about the importance of doing the same! Well done!
Really all extreme sports are like this. I am not one for normal work outs as I find it isn't engaging enough for my brain. Mountain biking was a perfect jump into exercise again in my 40s coming from rock climbing, aggressive inline, skateboarding in my earlier days. Super accessible and very engaging.
I'm a very high-tension person, and I've found long trail-days(10-16 miles for me) always leave me relaxed and mellow for the next few hours. It really sets me up for success for the rest of the week.
Best mtb video in a long time. So long as it is a feature I do intend to conquer (I have put a limiter on how big I’m willing to go) I cannot ride around it until I have conquered it. I’ll sesh the hell out of it until I can ride it, then go back and hit it in flow with the entire trail. Only then do I say that I have ridden a trail. After that, if I’m not feeling it on some ride I’ll ride around and don’t care, but I just can’t ride a trail with a feature that I have not conquered. It eats at my brain and mocks me. Lol.
This is really interesting. I had noticed the "feel like a kid again" experience from MTB for years, and also had noticed being more capable generally after a ride. This video really puts together these pieces and explains the significance along with why this happens.
Great content! Big fan of Huberman already but hadn't put this together with mountain biking. Was a BMX racer back in the 80's and have been mountain biking for 30 years. This is GREAT incentive to never quit! 😎
While recovering from a TBI, I rode a 4.5 hour MTB race. It was the longest sustained concentration I had done. After the race, my brain made a major jump because it was such an intensive focused exercise. It was in incredible experience. My therapists were impressed.
This is the first video I've watched from someone of my MTB skillset AND age. Wow, this was so well done, it actually motivated me past my current plateau, (that I'm starting to get frustrated with). I'm legit thankful for your help and motivation. Thank you!!!
BTW, I'm scared of jumps but really want to learn and have fun with son on them. I'm not scared of "jumping" itself, I'm scared of getting hurt, (when I mess up, and I will mess up learning), and not healing up well or fast, enough.
I've been mountain biking since before there was suspension... awesome video explaining how great MTB is for our brains! thank you. Nice shirt, by the way. Love that little bike shop.
Absolutely fantastic Kelly. We talk a lot about mindset on our podcast, but I love how you get into the science behind it. Thank you for all the helpful insights. Keep up the great work. Sage
I started out road riding back in the 70’s in high school. Now, I mountain bike exclusively. There’s so much more variety to it, and yes, I think that’s good for your brain.
Perfect research/reference video for my 10yo son’s school project. The class is free to explore the “body”. He loves mtb and have decided merge the two together for his thesis, and serendipitously this video pops up.
So much good info. This is the only thing that takes my mind off everything else. Flying down a mountain trying not to crash gets my brains full attention.
I always feels that MTB is the best sport to improve not only my fitness or cardiovascular capacity, but also feel my brain connection through all my body improving every cell, every nervous system and every neurons in my brain! Thanks for the video ❤
There must be something wrong with me because if I encounter an obstacle that gives me problems, then I feel an uncontrollable urge to master that trail segment. Sometimes it takes me several attempts and sometimes I only clear the obstacle during half of my attempts. Overall, a nice video - a bit "way too scientific" for my taste in a few areas but you bring out some really worthwhile things to consider. BTW, I ride intermediate trails about 34 to 42 miles a week and I'm 66. In the past 3 years I've had four bad crashes so, my pace is slower but my mindset has shifted to different ways to enjoy trail riding. I get a kick out of mastering longish uphill trails with nasty obstacles, I focus more closely on fewer handlebar and pedal strikes, I make an effort to avoid slide-into-fall turns, I've been increasing mileage even though I'm riding at a purposeful, "not-quite-as-fast as I used to" pace, and I am exploring new trails (we have several great MTB parks nearby). I'm new to your channel so I'm looking forward to perusing your videos - thank you, ride often & enjoy!
This video is the first of yours I came across. 3/4 through I subscribed. I was determined to learn manuals a few years ago. Everything you said and shown is exactly right. I would practice and practice and get frustrated and get sloppy. I would take a day or two off and wow! All of a sudden my attempts were very improved… before I knew it I can manual with the best of them. But your video just made me realize I need to be more conscious of mindset, state of mind, state of rest and preparation. Bravo 👏 Truly one of the best mountain bike videos on how to enjoy and advance your riding.
A vey inspiring video, makes me want to get back on my MTB. Ex cycle-cross race experience and triathlon/duathlon. I will be looking over the skills to enhance my balance, see how far I can get as I can only use visual as the inner ears no longer work. Thank for the tips, I would love to get back to the Durham Forrest. 😊
I've noticed similar things from my experience, yet was struggling with expressing this to my friends/girlfriend/family. Thank you for your scientific approach and sharing it with us!
When my mother asked me why I ride my bike so much, I told her “it’s like my religion” 😂. It brought me peace of mind and a sense of wellbeing. If I didn’t ride for 3 or 4 days, I could tell the mental shift away from well being. I haven’t rode much recently due to my bike getting stolen, and moving (used to live a mile from a trailhead, accessible by a bike path that ran behind my apartment, so no excuse to not ride every day…well except for rain). Got a new bike recently, and trying to rekindle the good habit of riding a lot! Been riding off and on since I was 5, almost 50 now.
I just started MTB this year after ankle surgery restricted my running ability. I could feel my mental alertness and focus almost immediately. it was very noticeable and helped my reading speed. now I know why! thanks!
Full-Time Skills Coach & Neuro-Mental Trainer for Adult Mountain Bikers writing here: Hi Kelly, Thank you for this incredibly valuable video! I wanted to add a perspective that might resonate with the riders you’re addressing. Just sessioning on the trail - even if you embrace frustration and maintain focus - can sometimes lead to what I call "fake progress" rather than true progress. You mentioned the importance of having a clear goal and embracing errors, which is absolutely true. However, it's critical that the practice is not only goal-oriented but also technique-oriented. Here's why: When you repeatedly session sections on a trail, you might feel like you're improving as you eventually clear the section. You’ll likely develop strength, better line choice, and anticipation, which all contribute to performance. But if your movement patterns-the hard skills that truly matter-are flawed, you may be unknowingly reinforcing incorrect habits. These “wrong patterns” often go unnoticed until later, when they lead to stagnation or crashes. By that point, the flawed movements have already become automatised, making them much harder to correct. So, why does it feel like we’re improving? Well, the external results (like clearing the section) can trick us into thinking our skills are getting better. In reality, we’re often compensating with physical strength or better trail awareness, not improved foundational technique. That’s why practicing off the trail with a technique-oriented approach - where the focus is on HOW you execute a movement - can accelerate progress immensely. It allows riders to isolate and refine those critical movement patterns in a safe and controlled environment. Not only is this approach far safer, but it also prevents "fake progress" and builds true, reliable skills that translate effectively on the trail. This is exactly what riders do when they work through my home training courses. By focusing on intentional, technique-driven practice, they see faster, more meaningful improvements-and they avoid ingraining habits that could hold them back. Thanks again for this video, Kelly. It’s so great to see others bringing awareness to the importance of how we practice! Cheers, Roxy
@@CenturyRide I'm 72 years old. Last year I got a new hip and knee. Last summer I did a 250 mile solo bike tour. The other knee gets replaced in 2 weeks. I'm already planning a 320 mile ride in August. If I didn't keep challenging myself, I think I would just crumble. I've definitely pushed it to the limit, and I am a great advocate for taking plenty of time to recover. Seems to be working so far. This video was very enlightening. Onward and upward. Be Well and Prosper!
Fabulous insights and thank you. You are very articulate in this domain and my first reaction was to wonder if you have had anything to do with Norman Doidge, being local to you. Here in Australia, my wife and I and both our kids are very active trail runners and mountain bikers and really enjoyed this episode. Adding to your wonderful information, it is my understanding that your brain delights in being in an organic/natural environment (no straight lines). When you are riding/running in uneven terrain, your brain gets into a self-reorganisation mode, in effect, going through the latest accumulated sensory information (conversations, emotions, smells etc.) and discards those that are irrelevant and for the relevent 'items', wires them to existing memories/senses etc. stored in your brain. This is what makes your memory uniquely yours (ie. not to be replaced by AI), and also explains why you invariably finish your trail sessions feeling mentally and emotionally clearer and happier than you were at the start. Anyway, that's my understanding as read some years back. I think it was a brain book that Deepak Chopra had something to do with. In any case, adding your insights to that makes for a very compelling set of reasons to go 'bush' and get active! Many thanks and cheers from your latest Sydney subscribers - David & family PS. This weekend I'm going to find some MTB challenges to work on!
@@deldridg @@deldridg The Doidge connection is coincidence. 😊 My husband read that book shortly after we started MTB and it explained so much. And Huberman just adds to the expertise now. So fascinating! So great to have you and the fam on the ride with us.
@CenturyRide Fabulous! How fortunate we are to be on this journey together on opposite sides of the planet. As an aside, mum is 83 now and is extremely active. We lost my beautiful dad last year and she has embraced the challenge of maintaining excellent fitness and keeping socially active with her church and other groups, rather than succumbing to the pain of loss. It's very inspiring and while she is not a mountain biker, she will enjoy your channel, no doubt! I'll pass it on tomorrow!
@@deldridg sorry for your loss. My mom is 84 and looking after my dad who is struggling. She also is keeping a positive attitude. It's what ingorms and motivates our content.
Great findings, at hard enduro we constantly tip from frustration to joy. Has an additional step, I’ve started recording my rides so I could review and relieve the moments I wanted to improve.
A fascinating insight into mountain biking, I used to live in the Scottish Highlands, excellent for mountain biking. I now live some way from good mb tracks, I tried my first sk8 park in my fifties on quads, your insight applies to mastering new undulating parts of sk8 parks, very insightful 😊
Was daunted with jumps but I really wanted to become airborne so I had to practice bunny hops, drops, pumping, etc. I cant explain the ellation I experienced when I did a jump line in my local trail. I felt like a kid opening up Christmas presents. The risk that is apparent and the success is enough for the "buzz". You know you did great when your hands are shaking afterwards. Keep shredding.
Hi Kelly. What a great and timely video. I shared with with my Mountain Biking over Sixty group that I just started on FB and it has received some good feedback. Keep videos like this coming. Thanks.
@@CenturyRide We'll make an exception for you😁. We would be so ecstatic if you'd join and share your experiences and encouragement. It's not easy getting boomers to stay active so any help we can get would be appreciated.
really interesting video, I have always been a bike rider, but more recently have taken up MTB and trail riding at an older age... and have gradually worked my way from Green trails to Blue, to a few Blacks now. And I have been in my hometown area helping with my elderly mum, but it has allowed me to ride the same trails over and over... and I have pretty much done what you said in this video. I used to just ride generally, and there was plenty of features I would have to flub or walk around... but gradually as I got a bit more aware I ended up with more of a process, and sometimes examining the feature a bit more picking a line etc, or sessioning it a a bit to just try to get it right or starting halfway etc. Eventually I was starting to get all of those features... and then eventually I started ticking off the A-Lines (instead of taking the B-Lines) one by one... and now I can do some of my local trails and complete the whole trail and only do the A-Lines... I haven't quite managed every A-Line on every trail yet.. but I am still ticking off a new feature most times, as I have grown more confident, and also found that I CAN achieve more than I thought. And like you said, that ability to study how other people approach things (youtubes etc), and breaking it down into smaller chunks has definitely helped. The dopamine is real, as now every time I go there for a ride I am almost determined to tick off another A-Line feature, and the progress seems to be getting faster! I think this also parallels things in music, as I have been a musician my whole life, and you have similar learning experiences, steep learning curves, plateaus, frustration, and ultimately successes... but exactly what you said at the end.. you only become a better plastic-learner IF you stick at it for that skill after you fail for a while, and not walk away (embrace the frustration etc). That is a classic thing that happens to a lot of people who try to learn an instrument.. and then fail a few times and give up... if solidifies that anti-learning and they never go back to finishing learning that instrument.
Watching this after just riding for a week in Moab. Always leave there feeling challenged and gaining new skills. On my regular trails, I have the list of features to conquer and stopping to session is invaluable.
Makes better sense now why my epilepsy specialist got excited when I told him I enjoyed mountain biking. In 2016 my right temporal lobe was removed, doctor told me a great way to rewire my brain was to keep biking, now it makes sense. I still have seizure while I sleep (there's goes 1 of the steps) but it's still a load of fun and at least I can do it.
my god, just stumble across this amazing content, just in time when i was getting into this neurolink thing and been interested with the brain, autoliked and subscribed. keep up the great work!
Skills clinics, videos...but learning from clinics is the safest way to get better and do so without bad habits. Good luck, it never quits being fun and there's always more to learn.
@@CenturyRidecheck out her videos on me 72 and sending it. I’ve had 5 lessons with her and I hit large jumps and “Drop the Hammer” I started riding 3 years ago😊
So much of this episode rings true to me in how I've been able to learn new things that have often been very frustrating. Struggling with something and taking a break or "sleeping on it" has often led to breakthroughs or eureka moments in my learning😂. Hearing the science behind it all is exciting. IDK. I think I understand the term "Embrace the suck" a whole lot better now! 😂
recently back to riding MTB again after a couple years, as I was out for some back issues. Its sort of like starting all over and loving it ! I also play tennis and ski, also very engaging sports. I am always working on something . even if im just riding around on the street I'll work on my turns and popping off curbs , no need to have a boring ride ever!
I’ve always felt that the clock speed my brain has to operate at to keep up with the constant decisions needed to navigate a challenging trail will keep my brain young and nimble and “plastic”. I would love your thoughts on that. Subscribed. Love this video and the inspirational video about North Shore Betty.
Thank you! When I was learning... I could feel the plasticity. If you're working on something you're trying to conquer... I think so. But I think we get all kinds of other brain benefits outside of plasticity too. I should do a video on that. All that focus, increased heart rate... It's all good! 🙌
Good video. I have been MTB riding mostly the fire roads around here fearing the trails and crashing. So I think i will try a section of a trail that i fear, and work at it. I have been mostly focused on my aerobic conditioning and my VO2 Max appears to be excellent for being 72 years old. I have been learning to play piano for the last couple years thinking that would challenge my brain which i know is slower now. However, this adds a new dimension to things. Thanks for the video.
thanx while huberman can be questionable ,. he has some good insights and isnt spreading bull en masse , love this vid and i love especially the mountain bike style frame . have been biking now for over 30 years , year round and in the scary winter praries too NO STUDS im olskoo . and not to brag talented on ice i have learned alot , you learn alot falling on yer butt and geting cold ! going to ride my precious TITANIUM vintage kona right freeking meow / gets a bike peeps it will change your life , again well said and thnx for this message
This video speaks to me, my background as a ski instructor and mountain bike riding makes me good at this plasticity thing. That's why I'm having so much fun riding my new Cannondale. Very cool and informative, thanks.
Love from Bulgaria,i consider my self mtb pro after 8years of many jumps,trials,stairsets,wheelies but the saddest it that i stopped doing new things and learning new tricks so the rides become really empty and just calming.I have thought many times about the flow concept which is famous in my bike community and the so amasing expricence of the sport .I will try returning better to my favourite sport with putting more self expression and creativity into mtb!
50 yr old guy here. Yeah... I "walked away from the endavour". I've given up on trying to jump a 16 ft / 5 meter double on the pumptrack for 3 blimmin' years. Sessioning it to bits, 30 to 40 jumps in each session of an hour. But everytime sheer fear was just holding me back. Loads and loads of frustration until I guess even my brain gave up :) But hey, I've stepped away from it for a year now, been doing lots of downhill and park-ish things, so things might be different now. Who knows. Nice video, thnx!
Great video. Helps me figure out how I was able to beat a stopping point I always had on a climb and, has inspired me to beat a couple features. Until the next glass
Great video, I’ve only been MTB riding 2 years now, but over coming my fear has been a huge part of improving my skill set. I’m definitely enjoying MTB riding, it was extremely physically demanding last year, but at the end of this summer I have had break through after break through. I never in my entire life thought I could have so much success or have the ability to expand my mind and body. Since I only MTB ride on the weekends, I ride my gravel bike during the weekdays to maintain and build my strength. Hopefully next year I will be able to add a light weight road bike to begin riding through the hill country (or do a parts upgrade to the gravel bike) that’s another dream I’d love to achieve.
This reminds me of a ride I took near Canyon Lake in Texas. I had ridden the trail several times in daylight on my hardtail trekking bike so I was familiar with it. Then I set out on it late at night with no moon and glaring far off light pollution. I could see almost nothing except I did have a vague memory of the ~3 mile out-and-back trail and I was able to look all around the "center" of the trail to get the gist of its location, but seeing it outright was impossible (I purposefully left my bike lights off because I wanted the challenge and park hours were closed so I was not supposed to be there). It was fascinating how well my memory and the "feel" for the trail worked. Several times I flew off into the grass or into small ditches but never hurt myself. Total fun.
This is great information even if I don't always trust Andrew Huberman after reading about how he conducts his lab and his private life. I started biking (mountain, gravel, road, and BMX) just three years ago at age 64. I have found I get better at different biking skills when I use deliberate practice techniques in my learning. And now a shameless plug, I am starting my own TH-cam channel to record my journey as I take up cycling on different types of bikes and riding all the different types of rides out there.
“Take with you what is useful; leave the rest behind.” We don’t have to be perfect in all areas of our lives before we can help others. About MTB, I’ve been riding for decades (now I’m 67), but only in the last year I began to see large improvements after taking on more technical trails, lots of rock gardens, ledges, etc. I think the key is to shoot for gradual improvement rather than drastic ones (baby steps). Becoming impatient and attempting to jump too far ahead can lead to serious injury, and then what? You’re down for weeks or months. So, patience, perseverance, focus, knowledge of these principles, etc. Stick to developing/strengthening skills and see what happens: Miracles.
This is such an awesome video, and 100% correct! I started MTB in 2012 at age 41, and within a year was already doing all the black and red diamond trails at my local park. Got lots of injuries and frustrations along the way, and that just motivated me to keep doing it till I don’t fall anymore (err, yesterday’s fall don’t count 😂). This sport has definitely improved my cognitive function better than anything else I’ve done, including being a pianist and pilot.
@ you’re welcome! And yeah, when he was saying stuff, my brain immediately thought of flight maneuvers and how MTB actually improves all functions related to flight controls…except for the falling part, which I try to avoid while flying. 😆
Subscribed! Great topic and discussion. Reinforces the intuitions I had of why I enjoy riding and challenging myself. Let me know when you come to Sedona again and let’s ride.
Awesome! I get annoyed at not sliding through corners (to not lose speed). Obviously the skill required is a different level. Thanx for being there to put pen to paper on how this develops in the ole noggin.
As I was watching your video I was thinking who would really like to know about this video and Roxy came to my mind. Thanks for creating this as I follow Dr. Huberman as well and value his insight but it gets a bit too technical for me sometimes and listening to your message resonates more with me
Im a musician and from that frustration im now a pro, i was a mtb er and looking to get a canyon soectral amd pick it back up, play is defo what you gotta do to stay young, im 41 and im still spinning my fire props learning and im getting a new prop to start learning and practicing again!! Play play play and yes mtb is play the best play! I want to improve jumping and land my accudental whips! I wasnt pumping on the landing so my front end would lose it. Hopefully getting a 150 mm canyon spectral soon
I'm a Physiotherapist/ MTBer who took up MTBing at age 49. Started racing soon after with a huge learning curve. Fast forward 10 years, some fear started to creep in. Took it as a challenge to learn added some professional mtb training and boom, began to progress quickly again ( drops, rolls, steeps - very steep). I read the book, The Brain that Changes It's Self many years ago. As Physiotherapist, we were taught about plasticity from the outset. Great book - mostly about grey matter. A book truly about making mistakes and learning is The Talent Code. Great book that focuses on white matter changes in the periphery (of the body) that bring about changes, rewriting our neuro-pathways (myelination). Loving MTBing more and more at the age of 60! ❤
This is an incredibly interesting topic, and I couldn’t agree more! I also think there is something about mountain biking that touches a primal, animal part of our brains, because riding a bike sort of makes us quadrupedal. So it’s like we’re acting as if we’re a lion or wolf chasing prey, or maybe a deer or whatever running away from a predator, out in nature. Might be a goofy idea, but I think there’s something to it.
Enjoyed your video! I used to ride Oberserved Trials as a teen on motorcycles, and barnyard bmx stuff. Do you hang glide? Similar learning states. Got into that and really enjoy it. Now just picked up a good mountain bike and want to do that as well. Great video!
MTB and dancing is the trick for me. Im 31 but I really feel the changes in my movement, on and off the bike, and in mood (in my thinking to be precise).
I road, gravel, and MTB. I always say MTB is the most fun!! and gravel is my next favorite because these two connect me most to the dirt trails and keep me sharp making me chose the right lines. Road I like because it’s all about endurance for me.
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Дурные и тупые
This deserves way more views than it has.
Excellent upload!
Been riding 40 years. Challenge yourself to a level you’re capable and comfortable with. I had the opportunity to ride with a group of pros DH/Enduro all in their 20s I’m 64. The speed and reaction time at speed was an awesome challenge. PR’s on every segment. 🎉 felt like the ol days
@@Mtb9r 🙌 Way to go! Love this.
I am 62. Started riding mountain bikes in 1979. Every time I go riding with the fast kids I improve. The young fast kids are a great training tool.
@ oh man, that’s back in the pioneer years of MTB. That’s super cool. I started in 87. Still compete in a few races super fun running with those old dudes still. Yeah riding with those young guys man what a blast. And you gotta be on your toes cause it’s so fast. Happy trails.
This reminds me of the balance therapies used to treat ADHD. Mountain biking was always the best therapy for my "Ferrari brain with bicycle brakes" because riding difficult terrain requires (allows) my brain to shut off all the (difficult) extraneous thoughts, and instead full focus on maintaining physical balance.
Exactly... focus is one of the key elements.
I've always thought people who like mountain biking scramble bikes, off road stuff in general are a bit ADHD? I'm not so good off road myself though I can greatly enjoy it I disassociate a lot and tend towards the 'meditative journeying' kind riding on road. I just find it interesting. As a youth a lot of us had motorbikes and again I noticed that the scrambler crowd had a different mind set. That said I do like zipping through traffic, my brain comes alive with the extra focus and feeling of flight. Again, it's all interesting.
My ADHD brain likes difficult rock climbing for that reason. It requires full focus, especially if the consequences of a fall are unpleasant.
Yes, I believe I have adhd or possible bipolar (diagnosed major depressive)I’m overweight but hard exercise clears my head. Nothing else has same effect. I’ll continue riding.
The way I feel after a difficult ride is amazing, best drug around!
@@BerserkerMac stay tuned my next video is all about that feeling! 🙌
Wow, this is one of the most interesting mtb videos I have seen in a very long time and mtb videos are about the only thing I watch. Seriously.....well done!
@@MrMojoRisin22 oh wow, thank you 🙏
I feel the same! Skipped nothing.
Time to hit some new trails!
I felt the same!! And I watch a lot of MTB videos!
I started mountain biking in 1986. I remember going out every day after work (as a young school teacher) and teaching myself new skills. No TH-cam back then, but magazine articles. It was a lot of session work: How to climb, how to descend steep loose stuff, how keep the front end under control,... I still use those basic skills l taught myself back in the day.
Thanks for the great video! It is a subject that I seemed to feel intuitively, but seeing actual research and data is very cool (old science teacher).
@@gilabear11 thanks for the feedback! I intuitively felt it too. When we read the Doidge book it all clicked! BTW I got my first real MTB in the late 80s. I'd ride it to my university campus and kids would stare at my rad bike. 🙌
I don't go on trails as much as I should but I make sure to practice my trackstand whenever I'm waiting for a red light when out commuting in addition to riding no hands, bunny hopping and doing aggressive cornering whenever I'm in the mood for it. The last one of course when no pedestrian is near!
Only started mtbing 5 months ago at 44. Absolutely love it. The complete separation my brain gets from daily thoughts is amazing.
@@adambland5544 🎯 the focus on just that is amazing. 🙌
Great video. I've been MTB-ing for over 30 years here in Scotland. I think it's the variety and unpredictability of each trail, corner, descent, climb, rocky/rooty section etc that you navigate etc that helps keep the brain nicely tuned.
Same here except in the US. Also just being out in nature among the trees is good for mental health.
@@peterstrachan1794 yes... I love that there's always a challenge.
Bet that Scottish weather helps too 🥶
Love this! I’m a neuropsychologist who works with dementia patients. I started mountain biking in my early 40’s and competed in Mtb races for years as a cat 2. Now at 57 I still Mtb and I definitely see the cognitive and emotional benefits. I have to challenge myself conservatively due to multiple injuries but I still challenge myself and tell people about the importance of doing the same! Well done!
@@cycotgmtbr9562 I'm turning 57 this week 🙌 really appreciate the feedback. Thank you!
Really all extreme sports are like this. I am not one for normal work outs as I find it isn't engaging enough for my brain. Mountain biking was a perfect jump into exercise again in my 40s coming from rock climbing, aggressive inline, skateboarding in my earlier days. Super accessible and very engaging.
@@mrgoatbeard yep... It feels more like play. Love it.
I'm a very high-tension person, and I've found long trail-days(10-16 miles for me) always leave me relaxed and mellow for the next few hours. It really sets me up for success for the rest of the week.
@@robertcowher I can relate. I think it's the exercise, focus and for me being in the woods.
Mountain biking is usually my best therapy.
Best mtb video in a long time. So long as it is a feature I do intend to conquer (I have put a limiter on how big I’m willing to go) I cannot ride around it until I have conquered it. I’ll sesh the hell out of it until I can ride it, then go back and hit it in flow with the entire trail. Only then do I say that I have ridden a trail. After that, if I’m not feeling it on some ride I’ll ride around and don’t care, but I just can’t ride a trail with a feature that I have not conquered. It eats at my brain and mocks me. Lol.
You nailed it. That's exactly how I approach it too. 🙌 Thanks for watching!
This is really interesting. I had noticed the "feel like a kid again" experience from MTB for years, and also had noticed being more capable generally after a ride. This video really puts together these pieces and explains the significance along with why this happens.
49 and been riding for 42 years, and plan on riding for another 40 plus years. it is an addiction.
@@viperdemonz-jenkins yesss!
Great content! Big fan of Huberman already but hadn't put this together with mountain biking. Was a BMX racer back in the 80's and have been mountain biking for 30 years. This is GREAT incentive to never quit! 😎
Right on! Keep going!
this is your brain, this is your brain on bike.
@@viperdemonz-jenkins lol I nearly put that in the video. 🤣
Love it 😅😊
While recovering from a TBI, I rode a 4.5 hour MTB race. It was the longest sustained concentration I had done. After the race, my brain made a major jump because it was such an intensive focused exercise. It was in incredible experience. My therapists were impressed.
@@anthonypeterson428 that is fascinating, Anthony! So impressed. 🙌
WOW, did not know how beneficial mountain biking provide. Learn new things in this video. Thank you !!!
This is the first video I've watched from someone of my MTB skillset AND age. Wow, this was so well done, it actually motivated me past my current plateau, (that I'm starting to get frustrated with). I'm legit thankful for your help and motivation. Thank you!!!
BTW, I'm scared of jumps but really want to learn and have fun with son on them. I'm not scared of "jumping" itself, I'm scared of getting hurt, (when I mess up, and I will mess up learning), and not healing up well or fast, enough.
@@MrMatthias03 thank you!! Really appreciate the kind words. 🙌
@@MrMatthias03 me too! Watching my husband do it really helped. He also helped me figure out the speed. Only do it if your gut is telling you yes. 👊
I've been mountain biking since before there was suspension... awesome video explaining how great MTB is for our brains! thank you. Nice shirt, by the way. Love that little bike shop.
@@AdventureMuse thank you for watching! And yeah... Can't wait to get back to Sedona. 🙌
Absolutely fantastic Kelly. We talk a lot about mindset on our podcast, but I love how you get into the science behind it. Thank you for all the helpful insights. Keep up the great work. Sage
@@RideLaughPodcast thanks so much, Sage! 🙌
So dirt jumps is what made me so smart, cant wait to tell mom!
@@amtberproducts you're welcome 🤣
I started out road riding back in the 70’s in high school. Now, I mountain bike exclusively. There’s so much more variety to it, and yes, I think that’s good for your brain.
@@jimbo6993 💯
Perfect research/reference video for my 10yo son’s school project. The class is free to explore the “body”. He loves mtb and have decided merge the two together for his thesis, and serendipitously this video pops up.
Right on! Let me know how the project goes. 🙌
So much good info. This is the only thing that takes my mind off everything else. Flying down a mountain trying not to crash gets my brains full attention.
@@JGomez-ju3wo same for me 🙌
I always feels that MTB is the best sport to improve not only my fitness or cardiovascular capacity, but also feel my brain connection through all my body improving every cell, every nervous system and every neurons in my brain! Thanks for the video ❤
@@bataqueroenojado thanks for watching! 😊
Awesome Content! I love Roxy, I think she is the Best Teacher of skills. Thanks for helping learn new things!
Agreed.. Roxy's great! 😊
There must be something wrong with me because if I encounter an obstacle that gives me problems, then I feel an uncontrollable urge to master that trail segment. Sometimes it takes me several attempts and sometimes I only clear the obstacle during half of my attempts. Overall, a nice video - a bit "way too scientific" for my taste in a few areas but you bring out some really worthwhile things to consider. BTW, I ride intermediate trails about 34 to 42 miles a week and I'm 66. In the past 3 years I've had four bad crashes so, my pace is slower but my mindset has shifted to different ways to enjoy trail riding. I get a kick out of mastering longish uphill trails with nasty obstacles, I focus more closely on fewer handlebar and pedal strikes, I make an effort to avoid slide-into-fall turns, I've been increasing mileage even though I'm riding at a purposeful, "not-quite-as-fast as I used to" pace, and I am exploring new trails (we have several great MTB parks nearby). I'm new to your channel so I'm looking forward to perusing your videos - thank you, ride often & enjoy!
@@KILLA-J welcome and thanks for the great comment. I'm also prioritizing skill over pace these days. 🙌
Great video, as an educator I understand brain plasticity, as an EMTB rider I get flow, I just love the way this puts it together.
This video is the first of yours I came across. 3/4 through I subscribed.
I was determined to learn manuals a few years ago. Everything you said and shown is exactly right.
I would practice and practice and get frustrated and get sloppy. I would take a day or two off and wow! All of a sudden my attempts were very improved… before I knew it I can manual with the best of them.
But your video just made me realize I need to be more conscious of mindset, state of mind, state of rest and preparation.
Bravo 👏
Truly one of the best mountain bike videos on how to enjoy and advance your riding.
@@concrerto thank you for the support! Really appreciate it.
8:40 Chasing the high...
Totally agree with everything...
Feel snowboarding/ skiing is the same. Plus your outside in nature bouse
A vey inspiring video, makes me want to get back on my MTB. Ex cycle-cross race experience and triathlon/duathlon. I will be looking over the skills to enhance my balance, see how far I can get as I can only use visual as the inner ears no longer work. Thank for the tips, I would love to get back to the Durham Forrest. 😊
@@Active180-gl7lm Durham Forest is the perfect place to stage your MTB comeback! 🙌
I've noticed similar things from my experience, yet was struggling with expressing this to my friends/girlfriend/family. Thank you for your scientific approach and sharing it with us!
@@hermannhetzel2883 thanks for watching!
When my mother asked me why I ride my bike so much, I told her “it’s like my religion” 😂. It brought me peace of mind and a sense of wellbeing. If I didn’t ride for 3 or 4 days, I could tell the mental shift away from well being. I haven’t rode much recently due to my bike getting stolen, and moving (used to live a mile from a trailhead, accessible by a bike path that ran behind my apartment, so no excuse to not ride every day…well except for rain). Got a new bike recently, and trying to rekindle the good habit of riding a lot! Been riding off and on since I was 5, almost 50 now.
Our weekly email was on that subject: people riding to fight depression or just feel better. Keep going... never stop riding 🙌
I just started MTB this year after ankle surgery restricted my running ability. I could feel my mental alertness and focus almost immediately. it was very noticeable and helped my reading speed. now I know why! thanks!
@@mikeycuzz amazing!
Full-Time Skills Coach & Neuro-Mental Trainer for Adult Mountain Bikers writing here:
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for this incredibly valuable video! I wanted to add a perspective that might resonate with the riders you’re addressing.
Just sessioning on the trail - even if you embrace frustration and maintain focus - can sometimes lead to what I call "fake progress" rather than true progress.
You mentioned the importance of having a clear goal and embracing errors, which is absolutely true. However, it's critical that the practice is not only goal-oriented but also technique-oriented. Here's why:
When you repeatedly session sections on a trail, you might feel like you're improving as you eventually clear the section. You’ll likely develop strength, better line choice, and anticipation, which all contribute to performance. But if your movement patterns-the hard skills that truly matter-are flawed, you may be unknowingly reinforcing incorrect habits.
These “wrong patterns” often go unnoticed until later, when they lead to stagnation or crashes. By that point, the flawed movements have already become automatised, making them much harder to correct.
So, why does it feel like we’re improving? Well, the external results (like clearing the section) can trick us into thinking our skills are getting better. In reality, we’re often compensating with physical strength or better trail awareness, not improved foundational technique.
That’s why practicing off the trail with a technique-oriented approach - where the focus is on HOW you execute a movement - can accelerate progress immensely. It allows riders to isolate and refine those critical movement patterns in a safe and controlled environment. Not only is this approach far safer, but it also prevents "fake progress" and builds true, reliable skills that translate effectively on the trail.
This is exactly what riders do when they work through my home training courses. By focusing on intentional, technique-driven practice, they see faster, more meaningful improvements-and they avoid ingraining habits that could hold them back.
Thanks again for this video, Kelly. It’s so great to see others bringing awareness to the importance of how we practice!
Cheers,
Roxy
@@Roxybike_Ride.and.Inspire hey, Roxy! Thanks for weighing in. Agree and that's exactly why this video leads to my interview with you! 🙌
@@CenturyRide😍🙏🥰 so glad you’re out there contributing to making this sport safer!
Absolutely Great perspective on Mtb, this channel so refreshing. I consume a lot of Mtb Tubers and love this.
Look out Seth 😊.
Keep it coming 🤙🏼
Oh man, thanks for that! Seth's the 🐐
Much Wisdom! Much appreciated!
Thank you!
@@CenturyRide I'm 72 years old. Last year I got a new hip and knee. Last summer I did a 250 mile solo bike tour. The other knee gets replaced in 2 weeks. I'm already planning a 320 mile ride in August. If I didn't keep challenging myself, I think I would just crumble. I've definitely pushed it to the limit, and I am a great advocate for taking plenty of time to recover. Seems to be working so far. This video was very enlightening. Onward and upward. Be Well and Prosper!
@katsujinkin60 wow... You're inspiring. Good luck with the new knee 💪 Keep going!
@@CenturyRide FORWARD!
Fabulous insights and thank you. You are very articulate in this domain and my first reaction was to wonder if you have had anything to do with Norman Doidge, being local to you.
Here in Australia, my wife and I and both our kids are very active trail runners and mountain bikers and really enjoyed this episode. Adding to your wonderful information, it is my understanding that your brain delights in being in an organic/natural environment (no straight lines). When you are riding/running in uneven terrain, your brain gets into a self-reorganisation mode, in effect, going through the latest accumulated sensory information (conversations, emotions, smells etc.) and discards those that are irrelevant and for the relevent 'items', wires them to existing memories/senses etc. stored in your brain. This is what makes your memory uniquely yours (ie. not to be replaced by AI), and also explains why you invariably finish your trail sessions feeling mentally and emotionally clearer and happier than you were at the start.
Anyway, that's my understanding as read some years back. I think it was a brain book that Deepak Chopra had something to do with. In any case, adding your insights to that makes for a very compelling set of reasons to go 'bush' and get active!
Many thanks and cheers from your latest Sydney subscribers - David & family
PS. This weekend I'm going to find some MTB challenges to work on!
@@deldridg @@deldridg The Doidge connection is coincidence. 😊 My husband read that book shortly after we started MTB and it explained so much. And Huberman just adds to the expertise now. So fascinating! So great to have you and the fam on the ride with us.
@CenturyRide Fabulous! How fortunate we are to be on this journey together on opposite sides of the planet.
As an aside, mum is 83 now and is extremely active. We lost my beautiful dad last year and she has embraced the challenge of maintaining excellent fitness and keeping socially active with her church and other groups, rather than succumbing to the pain of loss. It's very inspiring and while she is not a mountain biker, she will enjoy your channel, no doubt! I'll pass it on tomorrow!
@@deldridg sorry for your loss. My mom is 84 and looking after my dad who is struggling. She also is keeping a positive attitude. It's what ingorms and motivates our content.
I like your vid so much! Here a 71er riding mtb twice a week, most seriously since two last years, and still learning and improving!
Way to go! And thank you for the kind words. Keep going! 🙌
Great findings, at hard enduro we constantly tip from frustration to joy. Has an additional step, I’ve started recording my rides so I could review and relieve the moments I wanted to improve.
@@jackaofdp great idea!
Rock gardens are great: one can ride the same rock garden every day, just choosing different combinations of lines each time. Up and down.
@@Birdpoo777 True.. new lines can keep the thrill alive 🙌
Just did this today. Rode up a rock garden in a way I've been avoiding.
Absolutely LOVE this video… I try explaining my obsession for MTB… and this really explains it all.
@@earlydawnproductions412 aww.. thanks for the kind words. 👍
A fascinating insight into mountain biking, I used to live in the Scottish Highlands, excellent for mountain biking. I now live some way from good mb tracks, I tried my first sk8 park in my fifties on quads, your insight applies to mastering new undulating parts of sk8 parks, very insightful 😊
@@markgormley9662 thanks, Mark! 😊
Was daunted with jumps but I really wanted to become airborne so I had to practice bunny hops, drops, pumping, etc.
I cant explain the ellation I experienced when I did a jump line in my local trail. I felt like a kid opening up Christmas presents.
The risk that is apparent and the success is enough for the "buzz". You know you did great when your hands are shaking afterwards.
Keep shredding.
@@mikeuy5450 right on 🙌
We love this so much!
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙌
Hi Kelly. What a great and timely video. I shared with with my Mountain Biking over Sixty group that I just started on FB and it has received some good feedback. Keep videos like this coming. Thanks.
@@tmwei396 thank you so much! I'll look for the group. 🙌... I don't qualify yet 😂
@@CenturyRide We'll make an exception for you😁. We would be so ecstatic if you'd join and share your experiences and encouragement. It's not easy getting boomers to stay active so any help we can get would be appreciated.
@@tmwei396 thank you! I'd love to join.
really interesting video, I have always been a bike rider, but more recently have taken up MTB and trail riding at an older age... and have gradually worked my way from Green trails to Blue, to a few Blacks now. And I have been in my hometown area helping with my elderly mum, but it has allowed me to ride the same trails over and over... and I have pretty much done what you said in this video. I used to just ride generally, and there was plenty of features I would have to flub or walk around... but gradually as I got a bit more aware I ended up with more of a process, and sometimes examining the feature a bit more picking a line etc, or sessioning it a a bit to just try to get it right or starting halfway etc. Eventually I was starting to get all of those features... and then eventually I started ticking off the A-Lines (instead of taking the B-Lines) one by one... and now I can do some of my local trails and complete the whole trail and only do the A-Lines... I haven't quite managed every A-Line on every trail yet.. but I am still ticking off a new feature most times, as I have grown more confident, and also found that I CAN achieve more than I thought.
And like you said, that ability to study how other people approach things (youtubes etc), and breaking it down into smaller chunks has definitely helped. The dopamine is real, as now every time I go there for a ride I am almost determined to tick off another A-Line feature, and the progress seems to be getting faster!
I think this also parallels things in music, as I have been a musician my whole life, and you have similar learning experiences, steep learning curves, plateaus, frustration, and ultimately successes... but exactly what you said at the end.. you only become a better plastic-learner IF you stick at it for that skill after you fail for a while, and not walk away (embrace the frustration etc). That is a classic thing that happens to a lot of people who try to learn an instrument.. and then fail a few times and give up... if solidifies that anti-learning and they never go back to finishing learning that instrument.
@@Timbotao wow, 🏆 for this comment. You nailed it.
Watching this after just riding for a week in Moab. Always leave there feeling challenged and gaining new skills. On my regular trails, I have the list of features to conquer and stopping to session is invaluable.
Yep... it just keeps it all so fun. Never been to Moab but we rode Sedona this time last year... phenomenal. 🙌
Great video, I'm 80 yo and do have issues with features; drops, baby heads, deep sand. I will now 'session' these to see if it helps. Thanks again.
@@jimjr4432 Jim you are so inspiring! Thank you for watching.
Makes better sense now why my epilepsy specialist got excited when I told him I enjoyed mountain biking. In 2016 my right temporal lobe was removed, doctor told me a great way to rewire my brain was to keep biking, now it makes sense. I still have seizure while I sleep (there's goes 1 of the steps) but it's still a load of fun and at least I can do it.
@@theepimountainbiker6551 thank you so much for sharing. How amazing is it that MTBg is your therapy?!? Incredible. Wishing you all the best. 🙌
my god, just stumble across this amazing content, just in time when i was getting into this neurolink thing and been interested with the brain, autoliked and subscribed. keep up the great work!
Thank you, Pat! I appreciate this. 🙏
We are happy that we found your channel…extremely motivating….we are now subscribed….Thank you so much!
PS: you deserve a lot of more subs
@@pinthesky thank you! I appreciate your support. 😊
I really enjoyed this video. I’m a beginner mtber at 48yrs old and I wish I had started sooner
Way to go. Enjoy all the brain mapping going on. Watch my interview with North Shore Betty... You'll realize how long you can enjoy our sport! 🙌
Skills clinics, videos...but learning from clinics is the safest way to get better and do so without bad habits. Good luck, it never quits being fun and there's always more to learn.
Hire a trainer/coach if you get to Bentonville, AR . I recommend Anneke Beerten ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!
@douglaskaye1395 great tip. I'd love to check out Bentonville.
@@CenturyRidecheck out her videos on me 72 and sending it. I’ve had 5 lessons with her and I hit large jumps and “Drop the Hammer” I started riding 3 years ago😊
So much of this episode rings true to me in how I've been able to learn new things that have often been very frustrating. Struggling with something and taking a break or "sleeping on it" has often led to breakthroughs or eureka moments in my learning😂. Hearing the science behind it all is exciting. IDK. I think I understand the term "Embrace the suck" a whole lot better now! 😂
@@noelbrown6771 haha, I live it! It really is frustrating... But feels sooo good when it starts to come together. 🙌 Thanks for watching, Noel.
recently back to riding MTB again after a couple years, as I was out for some back issues. Its sort of like starting all over and loving it ! I also play tennis and ski, also very engaging sports. I am always working on something . even if im just riding around on the street I'll work on my turns and popping off curbs , no need to have a boring ride ever!
@@stevegordonson720 yesss!
I’ve always felt that the clock speed my brain has to operate at to keep up with the constant decisions needed to navigate a challenging trail will keep my brain young and nimble and “plastic”. I would love your thoughts on that. Subscribed. Love this video and the inspirational video about North Shore Betty.
Thank you! When I was learning... I could feel the plasticity. If you're working on something you're trying to conquer... I think so. But I think we get all kinds of other brain benefits outside of plasticity too. I should do a video on that. All that focus, increased heart rate... It's all good! 🙌
Good video. I have been MTB riding mostly the fire roads around here fearing the trails and crashing. So I think i will try a section of a trail that i fear, and work at it. I have been mostly focused on my aerobic conditioning and my VO2 Max appears to be excellent for being 72 years old. I have been learning to play piano for the last couple years thinking that would challenge my brain which i know is slower now. However, this adds a new dimension to things. Thanks for the video.
@@rkoby42 thanks for watching! In my interview with Roxy, she talks about learning skills without crashing. Sounds good to me! Way to go 🙌
@@CenturyRide I signed up for her fundamentals course.
I have seen 2 of your videos and about to watch a third. Very good content, enjoyed them a lot!
@@stephenkrause6059 thank you! 🙏
thanx while huberman can be questionable ,. he has some good insights and isnt spreading bull en masse , love this vid and i love especially the mountain bike style frame . have been biking now for over 30 years , year round and in the scary winter praries too NO STUDS im olskoo . and not to brag talented on ice i have learned alot , you learn alot falling on yer butt and geting cold ! going to ride my precious TITANIUM vintage kona right freeking meow / gets a bike peeps it will change your life , again well said and thnx for this message
@@virtuosoification thanks for watching! 💪
Brilliant video!
Thank you for sharing!
@@IsraelMagalit thanks for watching!
This video speaks to me, my background as a ski instructor and mountain bike riding makes me good at this plasticity thing.
That's why I'm having so much fun riding my new Cannondale.
Very cool and informative, thanks.
Right on! Thanks, Ritchie 😊
Love from Bulgaria,i consider my self mtb pro after 8years of many jumps,trials,stairsets,wheelies but the saddest it that i stopped doing new things and learning new tricks so the rides become really empty and just calming.I have thought many times about the flow concept which is famous in my bike community and the so amasing expricence of the sport .I will try returning better to my favourite sport with putting more self expression and creativity into mtb!
You gotta still do hard things, right? Thanks for your comment. Let me know what new skill you master this year.
50 yr old guy here. Yeah... I "walked away from the endavour". I've given up on trying to jump a 16 ft / 5 meter double on the pumptrack for 3 blimmin' years. Sessioning it to bits, 30 to 40 jumps in each session of an hour. But everytime sheer fear was just holding me back. Loads and loads of frustration until I guess even my brain gave up :) But hey, I've stepped away from it for a year now, been doing lots of downhill and park-ish things, so things might be different now. Who knows. Nice video, thnx!
@@bauke-LV426 maybe your gut is telling you something! That's healthy too. Thanks for watching 🙌
Great video. Helps me figure out how I was able to beat a stopping point I always had on a climb and, has inspired me to beat a couple features.
Until the next glass
Right on! 🙌
Omgosh. This is great. I’m 54, cycling 35 years, mtb’n 20,000+ miles. I keep saying I feel 20. No wonder why 🏆
@@johnmausteller right on! 🙌
Great video, I’ve only been MTB riding 2 years now, but over coming my fear has been a huge part of improving my skill set. I’m definitely enjoying MTB riding, it was extremely physically demanding last year, but at the end of this summer I have had break through after break through. I never in my entire life thought I could have so much success or have the ability to expand my mind and body. Since I only MTB ride on the weekends, I ride my gravel bike during the weekdays to maintain and build my strength. Hopefully next year I will be able to add a light weight road bike to begin riding through the hill country (or do a parts upgrade to the gravel bike) that’s another dream I’d love to achieve.
Right on! I thought I was fit when I started MTBg... Lol. So wrong, the more fit I got, the more skills I could learn. More skills, less fear. 🙌
Phenomenal video. Thanks for sharing. 👍
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
This reminds me of a ride I took near Canyon Lake in Texas. I had ridden the trail several times in daylight on my hardtail trekking bike so I was familiar with it. Then I set out on it late at night with no moon and glaring far off light pollution. I could see almost nothing except I did have a vague memory of the ~3 mile out-and-back trail and I was able to look all around the "center" of the trail to get the gist of its location, but seeing it outright was impossible (I purposefully left my bike lights off because I wanted the challenge and park hours were closed so I was not supposed to be there). It was fascinating how well my memory and the "feel" for the trail worked. Several times I flew off into the grass or into small ditches but never hurt myself. Total fun.
The closest I get to that is seeing my trails in my dreams.😊
Been biking many years. I think I’ve over come my fears and will try my first road gap jump, back flip over a train next week.
Right to the train....oh yeah
This is great information even if I don't always trust Andrew Huberman after reading about how he conducts his lab and his private life. I started biking (mountain, gravel, road, and BMX) just three years ago at age 64. I have found I get better at different biking skills when I use deliberate practice techniques in my learning. And now a shameless plug, I am starting my own TH-cam channel to record my journey as I take up cycling on different types of bikes and riding all the different types of rides out there.
@@RideAllTheBikes good luck with your new channel!
“Take with you what is useful; leave the rest behind.” We don’t have to be perfect in all areas of our lives before we can help others. About MTB, I’ve been riding for decades (now I’m 67), but only in the last year I began to see large improvements after taking on more technical trails, lots of rock gardens, ledges, etc. I think the key is to shoot for gradual improvement rather than drastic ones (baby steps). Becoming impatient and attempting to jump too far ahead can lead to serious injury, and then what? You’re down for weeks or months. So, patience, perseverance, focus, knowledge of these principles, etc. Stick to developing/strengthening skills and see what happens: Miracles.
@@louisbunster4266 agreed Louis... Progress at your own rate. 👍
This is such an awesome video, and 100% correct! I started MTB in 2012 at age 41, and within a year was already doing all the black and red diamond trails at my local park. Got lots of injuries and frustrations along the way, and that just motivated me to keep doing it till I don’t fall anymore (err, yesterday’s fall don’t count 😂). This sport has definitely improved my cognitive function better than anything else I’ve done, including being a pianist and pilot.
Thanks! That pitch, yaw and roll stuff is right up your alley.
@ you’re welcome! And yeah, when he was saying stuff, my brain immediately thought of flight maneuvers and how MTB actually improves all functions related to flight controls…except for the falling part, which I try to avoid while flying. 😆
@@paulis7319 lol... good plan! 🤣
Subscribed! Great topic and discussion. Reinforces the intuitions I had of why I enjoy riding and challenging myself. Let me know when you come to Sedona again and let’s ride.
@@CarlosGonzalez-ms3qx thank you, Carlos. Sedona is currently top of my list to return to. I ❤️ it!
What an outstanding video !!! Thank you
@@THESEGMENTPR thank you! 😊
Awesome! I get annoyed at not sliding through corners (to not lose speed). Obviously the skill required is a different level. Thanx for being there to put pen to paper on how this develops in the ole noggin.
🙌
Your amazing, thanks for posting such an informative video! This is great incentive to continually pursue progression. Subscribed!
@@dimitrin101 thank you, Dimitri! Keep going!! 🙌
As I was watching your video I was thinking who would really like to know about this video and Roxy came to my mind. Thanks for creating this as I follow Dr. Huberman as well and value his insight but it gets a bit too technical for me sometimes and listening to your message resonates more with me
Thank you for the feedback, James!
Interesting 👏. I always felt my mtb is my moving meditation 🙏
@@stianjarnass I'm sure there's those moments too!
Im a musician and from that frustration im now a pro, i was a mtb er and looking to get a canyon soectral amd pick it back up, play is defo what you gotta do to stay young, im 41 and im still spinning my fire props learning and im getting a new prop to start learning and practicing again!! Play play play and yes mtb is play the best play! I want to improve jumping and land my accudental whips! I wasnt pumping on the landing so my front end would lose it. Hopefully getting a 150 mm canyon spectral soon
42 yo here, you've made me feel better about the kung fu kicks I've just recently started trying 😂
I'm a Physiotherapist/ MTBer who took up MTBing at age 49. Started racing soon after with a huge learning curve. Fast forward 10 years, some fear started to creep in. Took it as a challenge to learn added some professional mtb training and boom, began to progress quickly again ( drops, rolls, steeps - very steep). I read the book, The Brain that Changes It's Self many years ago. As Physiotherapist, we were taught about plasticity from the outset. Great book - mostly about grey matter. A book truly about making mistakes and learning is The Talent Code. Great book that focuses on white matter changes in the periphery (of the body) that bring about changes, rewriting our neuro-pathways (myelination). Loving MTBing more and more at the age of 60! ❤
@@topcat304 thanks for the book recommendation. Will check it out. 👍
This is a good spot to repeat one of my favourite quotes: "We do not stop playing because we grow old. we grow old because we stop playing"
💯
Just exactly what I need to hear, I send you big hugs ❤
Hug accepted! 😊
This is an incredibly interesting topic, and I couldn’t agree more! I also think there is something about mountain biking that touches a primal, animal part of our brains, because riding a bike sort of makes us quadrupedal. So it’s like we’re acting as if we’re a lion or wolf chasing prey, or maybe a deer or whatever running away from a predator, out in nature. Might be a goofy idea, but I think there’s something to it.
Yeah, I agree!
This is incredibly interesting! I can see how other sports like martial arts and obstacle courses could produce the same kind of result.
@@mobilemiall agree!
Brilliant thank you for this video.
@@oliverbradleyliveoutloud thanks for watching, Oliver!
Super relevant video! You have a new sub! Thanks!
Thank you! And thanks for the sub!
You are a wonderful human. Thanks
@@Motorcykey Aww, thank you! 😊
I really enjoyed this. It was very informative. Thank you
Thank YOU! 😊
Love this! Great information. 🙏🏾
@@mtb_alan thanks, Alan! Love your channel.
Please watch Alan’s videos he challenges himself in every video!!!!
@@CenturyRide 🙏🏾
Great video , thank you !
@@mikegeorge-jj4ix thank YOU!
Enjoyed your video! I used to ride Oberserved Trials as a teen on motorcycles, and barnyard bmx stuff. Do you hang glide? Similar learning states. Got into that and really enjoy it. Now just picked up a good mountain bike and want to do that as well. Great video!
MTB and dancing is the trick for me. Im 31 but I really feel the changes in my movement, on and off the bike, and in mood (in my thinking to be precise).
Agree!
I road, gravel, and MTB. I always say MTB is the most fun!! and gravel is my next favorite because these two connect me most to the dirt trails and keep me sharp making me chose the right lines. Road I like because it’s all about endurance for me.
First year with a gravel bike for me. MTB is #1 but it's great to work on fitness and go far on the gravel bike.
Love this thank you!
@@allenperry9151 thank YOU, Allen 😊
This probably why i love taking out my SS rigid mtb
Awesome information!
Thank you! 😊
Love this.
Subbed❤
@@solobellimino2356 thank you! Appreciate it.