As a 38 year old dude coming back to mountain biking after probably 15 years, I completely appreciate all the videos you've been making. The openness, honesty, and humor in your vids is great. Cheers to y'all
been riding all my life but didn't really start till Covid hit (as my shonky vids show) at 51. At 38 your just a kid... perfect time for watching Lee / Alex and the rest of us old kids.
Tenho 64 anos e a 27 anos iniciei no MTB, até hoje fico motivado vendo os caras mandar bem e ensinar de forma bem clara as técnicas para vencer as dificuldade das trilhas e procuro estar sempre me aperfeiçoando com elas. Obrigado Camaradas👐👐
Just thought I’d say I’m nearly 65 now and I’m implementing what I’m seeing in your joint YT chan and three things have happened. 1. I’m more confident. 2. I’m riding better. And.... 3. I’m having way more fun on the trail 🤣 Thanks 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
What I really love is the chemistry you have. You touched the most important thing - riding with people who will be happy for your achievements and support you when you want to retry or unsuccessful. Thank you for pointing that out. Something you need to rehearse from time to time.
The part about this video that is 100% is the "mental" talk. While being relatively new to MTB, I have been in sports throughout my life (baseball, football, running marathons, road cycling, etc). Your head is a play-place. Recently, on my MTB, there was one downhill (I know this video is about climbing, but mental is all), that owned me. I hadn't done it cleanly, crashed on it twice, once hurting my back for a good 5 weeks. This past Monday, I came upon it again, butterflies and nerves abounding. I took several deep breaths, told myself I could do it, asked God to help, and BAM! I did it cleanly!! Then I went back right after it and did it again, cleanly! Thank you for all of your videos, but especially this one. Your own head is a very large part of doing or not doing.
Mountain biking saved my biking life! back injury forced me to quit road riding, and I was depressed. I found that I could mountain bike with out pain, AND I enjoyed it more! It was an adrenalin rush and I wasn't trying to impress anyone. You guys are awesome!! I always leave your channel encouraged and motivated, rather than DIScouraged like I feel with other channels. Thank You!!!
Thanks so much for making the videos guys. No alcohol for 6 years now. My son almost died twice from his drinking problem and is also 6 years w/o. My technical skills have improved a great deal since I started watching both you and Lee. I am jumping better now (66 years young) than I have in my 30 years of man biking. Highly recommend the RipRow machine to others as a way to help you get stronger and feel confident about rowing and anti-rowing. Alex, great job making the videos. It is a lot of work to produce a quality product. Cheers guys!
OMG! After watching this video I took these things out to my local trail and my MTB world has changed at 55. Climbs that used to be grueling for me and some tech sections that were always hit or miss became almost easy and way more fun! PR'd my 12 mile loop because I wasn't using all my energy on these techy climb sections. Liked, Subscribed! Thank you!! Cant wait for my next visit to Hall Ranch!!
As someone barely three months into mountain biking (and at age 40, of course!), I've found that as expected most skills will clearly require a lot of practice and careful development over time. A good video might give me insight into the skill but rarely does simply watching it result in noticeable improvement right away. I experienced almost instant improvement from the advice in this one, however, because these are just such seemingly simple but functional changes to how I was approaching riding up obstacles. Really appreciate the practical approach you and when present, Lee have in your videos: they've helped me a ton!
You guys. I come for the bike lessons, but so often I'm moved by the life lessons. Thank you both for sharing your vulnerability along with your knowledge. Also Alex...CAUGHT YOU looking down at 9 minutes in! Head up! ;)
Your humbleness is very remarkable, especially since Lee is a professional coach. Showing your fears and limits is a great way to teach, I think, because people can relate in a deep way with you and what they’re learning. As in almost everything, mindset is key. Thumbs up guys! (A little suggestion from a video professional, try to turn down the gain of those mics, the signal is a bit distorted:)
I ride for the same reason. Love you guys and I like the simplicity of how the "row" technique and hinging. These fundamental things are woven into every thing you can do on the bike. It definately makes it easier and me more confident knowing if I do these simple things, Ill at least be safe. That is powerful and so far its been working to quiet my lizard. Thanks!
I watched this video first thing this morning. Then went for a ride to apply what I learned. This video helped my uphill game so much. What helped the most was standing tall when I climb. Not only could I control my breathing and relax while going up, it required less work from my legs to accomplish the same result. I felt more in control than before. Secondly, moving my hands inwards on the bar. This helped me stand taller and keep my weight more centered. Lastly, keeping my head up. This was the most difficult for me, because the lizard brain is a real thing. It still has a tendency to take over. But a massive improvement on my overall experience. Thank you for posting this video 🤘🏼
Dudes, I mean, internet gold. A little self-disclosure, some skill teaching, some failure followed by success. Sessioning. On trails..... Really beautiful. There's a little 1 mile XX loop on my home trail with 6 extreme difficulty, technical climbs. I've cleared them all individually but 0-500 cleaning the whole loop. 501 today!
Nice! Yeah, MTB is about sessioning tricky features until you are either satisfied or have your battery drained. And about having good supportive people around. So true!
I love the part of riding with folks who flame the stoke! That is spot on… as I expand my riding crew I’m expanding my skill set. Love all of this!! Move those darn leaves!! 👍🏽
Like so many before have said, you guys give me the confidence to try and fail and try again and not worry about it. I had a steep roll off I couldn’t bring myself to go down, I was riding the chunky rocky portions OK but my ‘lizard brain’ kept going ‘whoa dude! there has to be another way’. Last week I rode with a random MTB rider (Noel) who happened to be on the hill. He was very chill, he had me follow him in and now I roll over that hill like it’s a pebble. Lee is right about how much of this is mental. I have zero problems blasting down a double black ski run because I have been skiing since I was 3 or 4 and the lizard never got ahold of my skiing brain. But my MTB brain! the lizard has it’s tail wrapped right around the stem! Love your show. 🚴 🦎 🧠
What helped me greatly was consciously practicing low-speed pedaling and track stands. The ability to maintain a one-minute track stand in the driveway never interested me; I designate skills-practice focused trail rides a couple of time per month, and that's when I do momentary track stands all over the mountain. It has helped me ride the steep chunky stuff, starting slow and in short bits, then after I can clean the whole section slowly and confidently, I started endeavoring to float over it, which requires higher speed.
I can see that the attack position going up hills like you did here would make it impossible to go up. I can totally see the pivot moves on this video. So good, thank you!
bit of a Wade Simmons angle here. he was a bmx racing phenom in Kamloops (BC interior city) as a kid and did it for years. he moved to the coast and saw an early mountain bike. he was blown away by gears! he could climb and ride anywhere all of a sudden. free ride was born.
Never heard that story. Very cool. I rode some BC area trails before they started building stuff. It’s funny because the trails were pretty terrible at the time and now it’s an epicenter.
Got back into the sport 4 years ago after a 25 year hiatus and hooked up with some incredible riders... following them up tech was the the ultimate education. I learned what looked impossible wasn't actually, I gained confidence in my ability to try, to session, to find the right gear, speed and line. There's still plenty of climbs and features I can't clear but instead of saying 'thats not possible' I'm saying 'some day soon.'
OMG, you're + Bogusky! I lived in The Grove for 20+ years, now Hollywood, ride Markham/Amelia/VK. Read your About and it clicked! I too have plateaued for 20yrs, looking to up my game at 63! I love the Philosophy and Physics of riding, so this is perfect! Ride on! -Chuck
You two guys crack me up! Clearly having an awesome time making these vids. I turned 40 this year and bought a bike for the first time in 20 years. Your vids are making a huge difference to my riding and my stoke!
"A thousand units of kung-fu violence"! Love it! We did some tech/steeper climbs with a class of little ones yesterday evening. "Scan and plan" was the song of the session.
I love the story about that first technical climb that flicked the switch for you, Alex. I can pinpoint the beginning of my MTB passion to a single day about 10 years ago. I knew nothing about mountain biking when my friend organized a short cycling trip to Norway. I rented a cheap hardtail, with half-seized up fork, bald tyres and no more than 580 mm wide handlebar (I thought it was awesome back then :-) We rode the "Rallervegen" route and the whole time I was in perfect flow - the landscape and the physical effort peppered with moments of fear and excitement when going over something technical. I was hooked. A few weeks later I bought my first bike and it put me on a whole new path in life.
Lots of good info in this video. I do a lot of your tips already but I'm notorious for throwing more energy than I need at an obstacle. I'm definitely going to try and stand up in the center of the bike more often.
Very cool to see you guys do a vid that fits more squarely in the 'normal' riding arena, rather than 'bike parky'. I LOVE your jump and drop stuff, but there's less of that stuff around for many of us, myself included. But steps, logs, roots, and rocks can be found just about anywhere. This vid also is probably one of the clearest demonstrations of row-anti-row you've done yet, and it was really cool to see. I've been following Lee's stuff for years, since the first "Mastering" book, (and riding for 25ish years) and I still learned a TON here. Plus, it's stuff I can use on nearly every ride I do, not just when I search out jumps and drops...
"People that are not stoked when you do something....slowly ease them out....you deserve to have people that feel good when you...." This is a life lesson that can be used in all parts of life. This issue came up at breakfast with my kids (about an hour after I watched this video - timing)! Had them watch this portion of the video - they are dealing with an unsupportive 'friend' (aka: crew member) on their swim team.
Alex said something like this in our last video: The bike is a the vehicle we use to learn all life lessons. Anything you do with true depth can be that thing. Violin, flycasting, writing code, whatever. This channel (I believe) has great instructional content, but we're using all of that as a way to access the universal Life lessons.
Next level for the channel!! Getting to be a part of breakfast lessons with the kids. One way to start might be to do a team meeting setting expectations for every team mate. They all agree to support each other and then anything else becomes easier to talk about and correct. Hope this helps!!
@@JoyOfBike They (13 year old twins) liked the idea of surrounding themselves with friends (teammates) that do get stoked in each others improvements....and found the idea of 'slowly easing them out' funny in a 'how can we accomplish this sort of way.' They want to be good teammates, but rather not see the poor sportsmanship.
U guys nail it..... I actually jumped out my seat when u got up that hop up ( where u smashed ya chain ring)....... and I find my self in the woods .... shouting ... row when I have to use a row.... which is a lot of times... lol Great content guys.... I actually set my alarm on Thursday morning before work so I can watch your content....... so so I’m touch with riders ...
@@JoyOfBike no pressure at all.... I get to watch all your videos weather they be on Thursdays or any day u get them out.... the live content u done was great.,.. and lee’s live web chat is great .... u guys really do the. BIke world proud ...... trusted viewer
You guys are awesome! I have ridden bikes off and on for years. At 62 years young now and carrying about 40 pounds of extra weight I am learning so many "REAL" ways to actually ride. I share your videos with my wife and riding partner. She is not as daring as I am but we both love the time outdoors and the time riding together. Your videos help in so many little ways that I am certain so many take for granted. Keep up the great work, you guys really make a difference for so many!!!
I did a proclamation of awesome last week. I yelled, “ I’m so good at this!” but the were people around. They patted me on the back and said, “ you are good at this”. Then I realized they thought I was someone ”special” friend. They were surprised when I told them I only needed my helmet on the bike and not during the day too
you are so right about vibration. i had a friend that we always encourage each other and we progressed so much, quick and most importantly have FUN!! feel great no matter how many mistakes we made. when are kids, parents,teachers have this stupid attitude to make things perfect otherwise critisise but we are here on earth for progress, for enjoying trying, doing, practicing. you are awesome! great content and great vibe of FUN !
Such a great video, the chemistry between you guys is just amazing. Can't wait to get off work today and go ride. The tech climb is my achilles heel at the end of a long ride when I'm tired. I get lazy and keep my head down. When I look through the tough spots I always clear them. When I wheel watch I do the walk of shame. I do feel defeated like Alex when this happens.
Thanks brother!! It's fun that there is no end to the challenge. I saw a trials rider go up a 4 foot ledge and he was apologizing that it wasn't harder. : ) No end!!
Into the meat of the fourth dimension....thank you for your openness....both emotionally and physically (failure!)...and for your hacks to overcome "issues". Brilliant. MTB videos boldly going where no man (or woman) has gone before... Onwards and upwards. Tim Brighton Pump Track
I just wanna thank you both for taking the time to make such an awesome video. I woke up this Sunday morning and randomly watched it and surprised my boyfriend with a morning MTB ride. My ridding skills skyrocketed today because of your video and my boyfriend was super impressed ☺️I had the best ride ever!!!Thank you so much! I love your teaching style, your humor and the philosophy.
Thank you for all of your videos! Your super-positive spirit and your detailed explanations while focusing on the feel in body and mind are just awesome and very helpful. For me personally a huge confidence boost ... Mark, 47 years old :-)
@@JoyOfBike in fact, it made me jump on my bike right now and conquer these uphill steps i am struggling with since ages! 😁 Thank you so much for your time and effort!
Great video. I get the most joy from cleaning a technical climb. I like the feeling of precision and power I need to get through a tough section. I am definitely going to start rowing further away from the obstacle to get the front wheel over instead of running into it. Great to see so much happiness from you two, we all need more of that in our lives. My chainring wants me to watch the video again and to hit the like button. Done and done!
This is pretty much the best mtb Chanel on TH-cam. To me it all started whit the "Do you need a Dirt Jumper?" Video, like two Months ago. Now I have a Dirt Jumper and a Trail Bike. Thank you Guys so much! I am having MAD Fun and the Time of life with 42. You are making a Difference. Keep up with the good Work, 'cause I am hooked.
Thank you so much for this. 23 years ago, living in Singapore, all I could do was subscribe to mountain bike action and try my best to imagine what the writer was instructing. Your videos help to complete the picture on what I read back then. Now at 50 y.o. I can't wait to go out there and try everything that you've shown. Love and respect from Singapore.
I have a compliment for you guys. I watch almost all videos at 2x speed. What people are saying isnt really that important, and can be skimmed. In fact most videos could be half as long and twice as useful. For your videos, i slow the speed way down, because two friends, creative smart people, talking...im willing to spend the time to get the details. You guys are that entertaining and informative. Mahalo for putting your friendship and biking online for people like me. Ive been riding over 40 years and wish i lived nearer to you so we all could ride. You should bring more of your friends onto the channel for a group ride with video!
Great video lads . I live next to a old mining slag heap and always struggle to get up some of the climbs . Will put ur advice into practise . Cheers 🍻
When you dig your chain ring into the rock and then spin the pedals it grinds the chain into the obstacle like a track on a tank, which then pulls you up and over the obstacle. Perfectly sensible climbing technique, lol.
Best I've ever seen, a friend comes back from a big 'off' at the top of a land fill 40ft step up... (trail bikes) I get him to take his white helmet off... He has a tyre print up the back of his helmet... not quite sure how he ran over his own head, but it didn't stop him from going back to 'get it right'.
Hello to you both. My name is Marko. I am a 62 yr old XC rider from Toronto ON. Can. We in The Greater Toronto Area are blessed with 4 great river systems. All are single track paradise. I ride to and from work along a sing track. How great is that. After watching all you videos and grasping the concept of rowing, pivoting ones bike on the main crank, my biking skills, energy usage and FLOW have improved immensely! I have been spreading your "gospel" to all XC riders I come across. Thank you both for "opening" my mind and body to better riding!
What makes this channel so awesome, is the energy and good vibes you guys promote!! Of couse, great pro tips and content keep it up guys. tks for sharing.
I gave these a go today and man it made a difference. The way you described how the center of gravity shifts when you go uphill helped me heaps, thus keeping my heartrate at a more sustainable level whilst climbing further up the crux. Thank you so much for the excellent pedagogical take on this sport. Looking forward to the next one! Best wishes from Norway.
Absolutely! Technique trumps power every time. Yet, when I don't know the theory it's hard to practise the correct technique. I've asked my fellow riding buddies on this issue before and none of them have been able to frame it like you guys do. Your contribution to mtb-youtube is grately appreciated!
Thank you for this! I had asked for this before and on the same day it came out I was riding big technical rocks like never before. I agree that that biggest obstacles are the mental ones.
43 year old finally getting back into mountain biking after 10+ years out of it. I'm so glad i found this channel when I did. Can't wait to try these tips.
I started sessioning hall ranch last year and have gotten so much better at technical climbing. I know all of those rocks, and have struggled and overcome just like you guys. gotta stay positive, and have a buddy that gets stoked for you for sure.
I need to make a follow up to my earlier comment 2 days ago....to let you know that I DID IT!!! I went right up over an obstacle just like Lee explained! Oh WOW! 2 spots where I either had the “legs stopped pedalling and had to get off the bike” or another one that I always detoured. Or where I fell over. And yesterday I just did the row-off the seat-anti row, and BAM!! Right over both obstacles like they were NOTHING!! WOW!!! Amazing explanations!! This is the first time I’ve watched a video and could actually do what was explained....so yes this is certainly (for me) the BEST MTB “how to” video ever! Keep it up! And a big thanks for taking the time to share these tips and explanations!
I love these videos. You guys both have a wonderful energy and the tips are both humorous and incredibly helpful. As a 54 year old who just got back on a bike, I appreciate you both!
Thanks for your videos, keep them coming! I practiced replaying a couple of difficult hills over the last few weeks. Learning technical climbing was really helpful. Today I made it up these hills and thought, that was really easy. Before I thought I would never get up them. What a cool feeling, just had to pass on.
Guys, your cornering video has me hanging real close to way more experienced and younger riders over flat or downhills (THANK YOU!!). So I'm keen to try the row for climby bits. My biggest weakness is fitness I think. I'm so slow on the up hill sections. I have good power, but long uphill sections, no bueno. I actually checked to see if my brakes were stuck on...they weren't... I'm loving what you guys are putting out, it's awesome! Thanks again! Such a great channel
I’ve been watching other channels for a few years and have to say. I got nowhere until coming across you guys. The scientific approach works better. And started to finally pick up fakie skills. Never have I rode backwards in 42 years until the other day. Great feeling indeed.
Thanks guys - I was on a long trail ride today and shifted my body mass forward going up a rocky gnarly trail which has always exhausted me - I flew up it today with nowhere near the energy waste! Told my 12 year old about your comment about being stoked for your buddies and he loved it.
These guys are great. I am seriously interested in attending an in person class with them. I'm 53 and just getting back in MTB. Favorite line "I just left my chi all over this!" Hilarious!
Hits like that are still why I ride a 2 X 10 setup. I ride tons of 1-2" log hops and rock step ups. The carbon bash guard and bigger ring can take some abuse.
The only dislikes on this video are from riders who've been slowly eased out of their crews . . .
Ha!!!
OMG!!
Bike bilkers of good vibes 😄
@@JoyOfBike this helped me learn stair climbing :)
Or riders that have OTBd at Hall Ranch haha.
As a 38 year old dude coming back to mountain biking after probably 15 years, I completely appreciate all the videos you've been making. The openness, honesty, and humor in your vids is great. Cheers to y'all
I appreciate that!
I started MTB at 38, 51 now and learning.
been riding all my life but didn't really start till Covid hit (as my shonky vids show) at 51.
At 38 your just a kid... perfect time for watching Lee / Alex and the rest of us old kids.
Just to add, as 47 year old dude, huge thanks from Croatia 🙂
Tenho 64 anos e a 27 anos iniciei no MTB, até hoje fico motivado vendo os caras mandar bem e ensinar de forma bem clara as técnicas para vencer as dificuldade das trilhas e procuro estar sempre me aperfeiçoando com elas. Obrigado Camaradas👐👐
Just thought I’d say I’m nearly 65 now and I’m implementing what I’m seeing in your joint YT chan and three things have happened. 1. I’m more confident. 2. I’m riding better. And.... 3. I’m having way more fun on the trail 🤣 Thanks 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
That is awesome! That is the riding trifecta!
Its saved my life too. Gave me a reason to not drink on Friday and Saturday nights. Amazing the transformation that happened after that.
I imagine that's how Aristotle and Plato would have been. 2 dudes in nature just philosophising. Working shit out.
LOVE!!
Aristotelian - Clips. Platonist - Flats.
Yes!!! And using their Antikythera mechanism to find their way back to town and check PRs!!!
I love how nerdy this comment thread is.
No man ever rides up the same step twice, for it's not the same step and he's not the same man....and possibly his chainring is more bent....
What I really love is the chemistry you have. You touched the most important thing - riding with people who will be happy for your achievements and support you when you want to retry or unsuccessful. Thank you for pointing that out. Something you need to rehearse from time to time.
The part about this video that is 100% is the "mental" talk. While being relatively new to MTB, I have been in sports throughout my life (baseball, football, running marathons, road cycling, etc). Your head is a play-place. Recently, on my MTB, there was one downhill (I know this video is about climbing, but mental is all), that owned me. I hadn't done it cleanly, crashed on it twice, once hurting my back for a good 5 weeks. This past Monday, I came upon it again, butterflies and nerves abounding. I took several deep breaths, told myself I could do it, asked God to help, and BAM! I did it cleanly!! Then I went back right after it and did it again, cleanly! Thank you for all of your videos, but especially this one. Your own head is a very large part of doing or not doing.
SO GOOD!!!
God is a huge fan of shred.
@@lee_likes_bikes I agree! He created the downhill!!!
You're going to hear me yelling "KEYAAAAAHHHH" all over every mountain from now on. Great tips. Funny video! Can't wait to try them out.
You two are killing it. You make such a great team and every video is great to watch, even when you know how to do what is being discussed.
I left chi all over this thing. My new phrase when I destroy a climb 😎
Mountain biking saved my biking life! back injury forced me to quit road riding, and I was depressed. I found that I could mountain bike with out pain, AND I enjoyed it more! It was an adrenalin rush and I wasn't trying to impress anyone. You guys are awesome!! I always leave your channel encouraged and motivated, rather than DIScouraged like I feel with other channels. Thank You!!!
Thanks so much for making the videos guys. No alcohol for 6 years now. My son almost died twice from his drinking problem and is also 6 years w/o. My technical skills have improved a great deal since I started watching both you and Lee. I am jumping better now (66 years young) than I have in my 30 years of man biking. Highly recommend the RipRow machine to others as a way to help you get stronger and feel confident about rowing and anti-rowing. Alex, great job making the videos. It is a lot of work to produce a quality product. Cheers guys!
Glad to hear you and your boy are doing well!
"units of kung fu violence" and "proclamations of awesome"... What's not to love?!? Inspired to go up there and sesh for hours!
"1000 units of Kung Fu violence" is among the best things I've ever heard related to cycling.
First 1 minute is so emotionally powerful!!
OMG! After watching this video I took these things out to my local trail and my MTB world has changed at 55. Climbs that used to be grueling for me and some tech sections that were always hit or miss became almost easy and way more fun! PR'd my 12 mile loop because I wasn't using all my energy on these techy climb sections. Liked, Subscribed! Thank you!! Cant wait for my next visit to Hall Ranch!!
As someone barely three months into mountain biking (and at age 40, of course!), I've found that as expected most skills will clearly require a lot of practice and careful development over time. A good video might give me insight into the skill but rarely does simply watching it result in noticeable improvement right away. I experienced almost instant improvement from the advice in this one, however, because these are just such seemingly simple but functional changes to how I was approaching riding up obstacles. Really appreciate the practical approach you and when present, Lee have in your videos: they've helped me a ton!
Lee is definitely the best mountain biking skill coach out there.
🙏🏼🤙🏼✨
You guys. I come for the bike lessons, but so often I'm moved by the life lessons. Thank you both for sharing your vulnerability along with your knowledge.
Also Alex...CAUGHT YOU looking down at 9 minutes in! Head up! ;)
32 PRs out of 36 segments on one trail yesterday after putting some of your tips into practice. So much positivity!
YES X 32 !!!
THAT IS INSANE!! CONGRATS!!
Your humbleness is very remarkable, especially since Lee is a professional coach. Showing your fears and limits is a great way to teach, I think, because people can relate in a deep way with you and what they’re learning. As in almost everything, mindset is key. Thumbs up guys!
(A little suggestion from a video professional, try to turn down the gain of those mics, the signal is a bit distorted:)
Same settings and it clipped like mad. Not sure what happened.
I'm adopting that bit about agreeing that every ride will include trying to roll off the hill a bit better than when we started pedalling.
Now you have to define what does "better" mean for you.
I ride for the same reason. Love you guys and I like the simplicity of how the "row" technique and hinging. These fundamental things are woven into every thing you can do on the bike. It definately makes it easier and me more confident knowing if I do these simple things, Ill at least be safe. That is powerful and so far its been working to quiet my lizard. Thanks!
I watched this video first thing this morning. Then went for a ride to apply what I learned. This video helped my uphill game so much. What helped the most was standing tall when I climb. Not only could I control my breathing and relax while going up, it required less work from my legs to accomplish the same result. I felt more in control than before. Secondly, moving my hands inwards on the bar. This helped me stand taller and keep my weight more centered. Lastly, keeping my head up. This was the most difficult for me, because the lizard brain is a real thing. It still has a tendency to take over. But a massive improvement on my overall experience. Thank you for posting this video 🤘🏼
You are welcome! And congrats on your great riding!
Dudes, I mean, internet gold. A little self-disclosure, some skill teaching, some failure followed by success. Sessioning. On trails..... Really beautiful. There's a little 1 mile XX loop on my home trail with 6 extreme difficulty, technical climbs. I've cleared them all individually but 0-500 cleaning the whole loop. 501 today!
YES!
Let us know how it goes!!
Nice!
Yeah, MTB is about sessioning tricky features until you are either satisfied or have your battery drained. And about having good supportive people around. So true!
I love the part of riding with folks who flame the stoke! That is spot on… as I expand my riding crew I’m expanding my skill set. Love all of this!! Move those darn leaves!! 👍🏽
I rewatched this 3 months after starting biking and I finally got it! Amazing!
Like so many before have said, you guys give me the confidence to try and fail and try again and not worry about it. I had a steep roll off I couldn’t bring myself to go down, I was riding the chunky rocky portions OK but my ‘lizard brain’ kept going ‘whoa dude! there has to be another way’. Last week I rode with a random MTB rider (Noel) who happened to be on the hill. He was very chill, he had me follow him in and now I roll over that hill like it’s a pebble. Lee is right about how much of this is mental. I have zero problems blasting down a double black ski run because I have been skiing since I was 3 or 4 and the lizard never got ahold of my skiing brain. But my MTB brain! the lizard has it’s tail wrapped right around the stem! Love your show. 🚴 🦎 🧠
What helped me greatly was consciously practicing low-speed pedaling and track stands. The ability to maintain a one-minute track stand in the driveway never interested me; I designate skills-practice focused trail rides a couple of time per month, and that's when I do momentary track stands all over the mountain. It has helped me ride the steep chunky stuff, starting slow and in short bits, then after I can clean the whole section slowly and confidently, I started endeavoring to float over it, which requires higher speed.
I can see that the attack position going up hills like you did here would make it impossible to go up. I can totally see the pivot moves on this video. So good, thank you!
bit of a Wade Simmons angle here. he was a bmx racing phenom in Kamloops (BC interior city) as a kid and did it for years. he moved to the coast and saw an early mountain bike. he was blown away by gears! he could climb and ride anywhere all of a sudden. free ride was born.
Never heard that story. Very cool. I rode some BC area trails before they started building stuff. It’s funny because the trails were pretty terrible at the time and now it’s an epicenter.
Got back into the sport 4 years ago after a 25 year hiatus and hooked up with some incredible riders... following them up tech was the the ultimate education. I learned what looked impossible wasn't actually, I gained confidence in my ability to try, to session, to find the right gear, speed and line. There's still plenty of climbs and features I can't clear but instead of saying 'thats not possible' I'm saying 'some day soon.'
That is awesome!
so right about the little things you do you didn't think you'd be able to; cheers!
This all about science of mountain biking✊
OMG, you're + Bogusky! I lived in The Grove for 20+ years, now Hollywood, ride Markham/Amelia/VK. Read your About and it clicked!
I too have plateaued for 20yrs, looking to up my game at 63! I love the Philosophy and Physics of riding, so this is perfect! Ride on!
-Chuck
Hey, maybe we could get a Submission Chicken rider, that does everything we tell it to? Jump, crash, etc 🤣
You two guys crack me up! Clearly having an awesome time making these vids. I turned 40 this year and bought a bike for the first time in 20 years. Your vids are making a huge difference to my riding and my stoke!
Right on!
"A thousand units of kung-fu violence"! Love it!
We did some tech/steeper climbs with a class of little ones yesterday evening. "Scan and plan" was the song of the session.
I love the story about that first technical climb that flicked the switch for you, Alex.
I can pinpoint the beginning of my MTB passion to a single day about 10 years ago. I knew nothing about mountain biking when my friend organized a short cycling trip to Norway. I rented a cheap hardtail, with half-seized up fork, bald tyres and no more than 580 mm wide handlebar (I thought it was awesome back then :-) We rode the "Rallervegen" route and the whole time I was in perfect flow - the landscape and the physical effort peppered with moments of fear and excitement when going over something technical. I was hooked. A few weeks later I bought my first bike and it put me on a whole new path in life.
So great!!
I'm always surprised by people who can take it or leave it. The bug bites hard!!
Lots of good info in this video. I do a lot of your tips already but I'm notorious for throwing more energy than I need at an obstacle. I'm definitely going to try and stand up in the center of the bike more often.
Very cool to see you guys do a vid that fits more squarely in the 'normal' riding arena, rather than 'bike parky'. I LOVE your jump and drop stuff, but there's less of that stuff around for many of us, myself included. But steps, logs, roots, and rocks can be found just about anywhere.
This vid also is probably one of the clearest demonstrations of row-anti-row you've done yet, and it was really cool to see. I've been following Lee's stuff for years, since the first "Mastering" book, (and riding for 25ish years) and I still learned a TON here. Plus, it's stuff I can use on nearly every ride I do, not just when I search out jumps and drops...
Climbing has made me such a better rider in every aspect, I use to hate it, but now i love it! Great video, thanks🤙
And it can make you better at descending too. All the same motions just add pedaling.
This channel is life
Appreciate you!!
I'm watching it on repeat. At least 3 times
"People that are not stoked when you do something....slowly ease them out....you deserve to have people that feel good when you...." This is a life lesson that can be used in all parts of life. This issue came up at breakfast with my kids (about an hour after I watched this video - timing)! Had them watch this portion of the video - they are dealing with an unsupportive 'friend' (aka: crew member) on their swim team.
Alex said something like this in our last video:
The bike is a the vehicle we use to learn all life lessons. Anything you do with true depth can be that thing. Violin, flycasting, writing code, whatever.
This channel (I believe) has great instructional content, but we're using all of that as a way to access the universal Life lessons.
Next level for the channel!! Getting to be a part of breakfast lessons with the kids. One way to start might be to do a team meeting setting expectations for every team mate. They all agree to support each other and then anything else becomes easier to talk about and correct. Hope this helps!!
@@lee_likes_bikes I remember him saying that and nodding my head in agreement.
@@JoyOfBike They (13 year old twins) liked the idea of surrounding themselves with friends (teammates) that do get stoked in each others improvements....and found the idea of 'slowly easing them out' funny in a 'how can we accomplish this sort of way.' They want to be good teammates, but rather not see the poor sportsmanship.
U guys nail it..... I actually jumped out my seat when u got up that hop up ( where u smashed ya chain ring).......
and I find my self in the woods .... shouting ... row when I have to use a row.... which is a lot of times... lol
Great content guys.... I actually set my alarm on Thursday morning before work so I can watch your content....... so so I’m touch with riders ...
Thanks for the support on that ledge. Appreciate it. Alarms set for us!!!! Too much pressure. We might switch days eventually so don’t forget us!!
@@JoyOfBike no pressure at all.... I get to watch all your videos weather they be on Thursdays or any day u get them out.... the live content u done was great.,.. and lee’s live web chat is great .... u guys really do the. BIke world proud ...... trusted viewer
You guys are awesome! I have ridden bikes off and on for years. At 62 years young now and carrying about 40 pounds of extra weight I am learning so many "REAL" ways to actually ride. I share your videos with my wife and riding partner. She is not as daring as I am but we both love the time outdoors and the time riding together. Your videos help in so many little ways that I am certain so many take for granted. Keep up the great work, you guys really make a difference for so many!!!
Appreciate you!!
I did a proclamation of awesome last week. I yelled, “ I’m so good at this!” but the were people around. They patted me on the back and said, “ you are good at this”. Then I realized they thought I was someone ”special” friend. They were surprised when I told them I only needed my helmet on the bike and not during the day too
you are so right about vibration. i had a friend that we always encourage each other and we progressed so much, quick and most importantly have FUN!! feel great no matter how many mistakes we made. when are kids, parents,teachers have this stupid attitude to make things perfect otherwise critisise but we are here on earth for progress, for enjoying trying, doing, practicing. you are awesome! great content and great vibe of FUN !
Mountain biking saved my life in more than one ways.
Amen!
So many of us. Glad you're here!!
Such a great video, the chemistry between you guys is just amazing. Can't wait to get off work today and go ride. The tech climb is my achilles heel at the end of a long ride when I'm tired. I get lazy and keep my head down. When I look through the tough spots I always clear them. When I wheel watch I do the walk of shame. I do feel defeated like Alex when this happens.
Thanks brother!! It's fun that there is no end to the challenge. I saw a trials rider go up a 4 foot ledge and he was apologizing that it wasn't harder. : ) No end!!
Am I the only one that cheered for Lee when he cleared that?
Into the meat of the fourth dimension....thank you for your openness....both emotionally and physically (failure!)...and for your hacks to overcome "issues". Brilliant. MTB videos boldly going where no man (or woman) has gone before...
Onwards and upwards.
Tim
Brighton Pump Track
Yes! I wish I could share a live map of the brain in a video!!
Please continue! By fare you two are the best combo. @Lee you just swiped from Obi-Wan to Bruce Lee with your Kong fu power!
I just wanna thank you both for taking the time to make such an awesome video. I woke up this Sunday morning and randomly watched it and surprised my boyfriend with a morning MTB ride. My ridding skills skyrocketed today because of your video and my boyfriend was super impressed ☺️I had the best ride ever!!!Thank you so much! I love your teaching style, your humor and the philosophy.
Thank you for all of your videos! Your super-positive spirit and your detailed explanations while focusing on the feel in body and mind are just awesome and very helpful. For me personally a huge confidence boost ... Mark, 47 years old :-)
You are so welcome! This week was difficult to get a show out so it's good to hear it was worth it.
@@JoyOfBike in fact, it made me jump on my bike right now and conquer these uphill steps i am struggling with since ages! 😁 Thank you so much for your time and effort!
Great video. I get the most joy from cleaning a technical climb. I like the feeling of precision and power I need to get through a tough section. I am definitely going to start rowing further away from the obstacle to get the front wheel over instead of running into it. Great to see so much happiness from you two, we all need more of that in our lives. My chainring wants me to watch the video again and to hit the like button. Done and done!
Your chainring should avoid my chainring. He's a bad influence.
This is pretty much the best mtb Chanel on TH-cam. To me it all started whit the "Do you need a Dirt Jumper?" Video, like two Months ago. Now I have a Dirt Jumper and a Trail Bike. Thank you Guys so much! I am having MAD Fun and the Time of life with 42. You are making a Difference.
Keep up with the good Work, 'cause I am hooked.
These have become my favorite mtb instructional videos on TH-cam. I hope I can take class from Lee soon. Please keep making these!
I'm here. Let's do it!
@@lee_likes_bikes Gotta make it to Colorado, unless you’re ever in Southern California.
More to come!
Thank you so much for this. 23 years ago, living in Singapore, all I could do was subscribe to mountain bike action and try my best to imagine what the writer was instructing. Your videos help to complete the picture on what I read back then. Now at 50 y.o. I can't wait to go out there and try everything that you've shown. Love and respect from Singapore.
I have a compliment for you guys.
I watch almost all videos at 2x speed. What people are saying isnt really that important, and can be skimmed. In fact most videos could be half as long and twice as useful.
For your videos, i slow the speed way down, because two friends, creative smart people, talking...im willing to spend the time to get the details. You guys are that entertaining and informative.
Mahalo for putting your friendship and biking online for people like me. Ive been riding over 40 years and wish i lived nearer to you so we all could ride. You should bring more of your friends onto the channel for a group ride with video!
Wow, thank you so much!
Wow man that is a really great thing to hear. Are you in Hawaii?
@@JoyOfBike Si, Señor.
Aloha to you guys, where are you?
@@marcalvarez4890 Colorado!! But i have a place in Kauai
@@JoyOfBike ....well that's the dream!...
it's funny that with age, enjoy of the ride is on another mental level, do more guys. Do Patreon guys I will support you 100%.
Great video lads . I live next to a old mining slag heap and always struggle to get up some of the climbs . Will put ur advice into practise . Cheers 🍻
Just getting into MTB seriously at 52, after riding SS all my life starting with BMX back in the 80's - LOVE your vids and positivity!
That "chainring as traction device" move was smooth, man... Novel as all get out... A rotary ice claw. Consider my tiny mind blown. :-p
I thought "okay, I subscribing", but... I was already subscribed.
The clip with the weightlifters arms being ripped off was hilarious!
That's a damn good video; life wisdom, mountain biking wisdom, and humor. The clip with the weightlifter losing his arms was priceless.
The loose rock removal to change the mental game was pure genius. Love the way you guys riff off of each other.
I agree. That was genius.
Thanks brother. When I raced moto my dad told me he bought special faster gas one time. He was lying but I still went faster. : )
"How'd you make that happen?" "I smashed my chain ring in..."😂 me every climb.
When you dig your chain ring into the rock and then spin the pedals it grinds the chain into the obstacle like a track on a tank, which then pulls you up and over the obstacle. Perfectly sensible climbing technique, lol.
Thought that's what the big ring was for
Actually a viable technique on big logs, like arborist spikes for the bike.
Best I've ever seen, a friend comes back from a big 'off' at the top of a land fill 40ft step up... (trail bikes)
I get him to take his white helmet off... He has a tyre print up the back of his helmet... not quite sure how he ran over his own head, but it didn't stop him from going back to 'get it right'.
@@TheButlerNZ he was probably concussed and that’s why he though it was a good idea to try again.
You have answered many of my climbing questions. The best video !!
Hello to you both. My name is Marko. I am a 62 yr old XC rider from Toronto ON. Can. We in The Greater Toronto Area are blessed with 4 great river systems. All are single track paradise. I ride to and from work along a sing track. How great is that. After watching all you videos and grasping the concept of rowing, pivoting ones bike on the main crank, my biking skills, energy usage and FLOW have improved immensely! I have been spreading your "gospel" to all XC riders I come across. Thank you both for "opening" my mind and body to better riding!
Right on! We're stoked you're stoked!!
This painted such a lovely picture of the trails and your progress. Keep preaching brother!! We appreciate it!!
the cyclocross joke is really funny, coz so many people do it :)
Hahaha. I was worried that wold go unnoticed!
12:40 - now THIS is some awesome truth here! bravo guys!
Cheers Tony!!
What makes this channel so awesome, is the energy and good vibes you guys promote!! Of couse, great pro tips and content keep it up guys. tks for sharing.
Thanks man!! Keep the good vibes flowing.
I gave these a go today and man it made a difference. The way you described how the center of gravity shifts when you go uphill helped me heaps, thus keeping my heartrate at a more sustainable level whilst climbing further up the crux. Thank you so much for the excellent pedagogical take on this sport. Looking forward to the next one! Best wishes from Norway.
Isn't it wild how well it works. Melt through!!
Absolutely! Technique trumps power every time. Yet, when I don't know the theory it's hard to practise the correct technique. I've asked my fellow riding buddies on this issue before and none of them have been able to frame it like you guys do. Your contribution to mtb-youtube is grately appreciated!
Thank you for this! I had asked for this before and on the same day it came out I was riding big technical rocks like never before. I agree that that biggest obstacles are the mental ones.
43 year old finally getting back into mountain biking after 10+ years out of it. I'm so glad i found this channel when I did. Can't wait to try these tips.
Got my first mountain bike last year, also a GT Zaskar, bloody love it ❤
Me too! Love GT's hardtail geometry.
I started sessioning hall ranch last year and have gotten so much better at technical climbing. I know all of those rocks, and have struggled and overcome just like you guys. gotta stay positive, and have a buddy that gets stoked for you for sure.
U guys are a great team. I learn a lot, thanks. Alex, ur chill attitude is great. Keep it up.
I need to make a follow up to my earlier comment 2 days ago....to let you know that I DID IT!!! I went right up over an obstacle just like Lee explained! Oh WOW! 2 spots where I either had the “legs stopped pedalling and had to get off the bike” or another one that I always detoured. Or where I fell over. And yesterday I just did the row-off the seat-anti row, and BAM!! Right over both obstacles like they were NOTHING!! WOW!!! Amazing explanations!! This is the first time I’ve watched a video and could actually do what was explained....so yes this is certainly (for me) the BEST MTB “how to” video ever! Keep it up! And a big thanks for taking the time to share these tips and explanations!
Yes!! Congrats 🎉
Lee climbs 45* slope:
Headphone users: rip ear drums.
I love these videos. You guys both have a wonderful energy and the tips are both humorous and incredibly helpful. As a 54 year old who just got back on a bike, I appreciate you both!
Just got to watch this video today. Missing content from you guys. Hope to see more from you guys soon. Godspeed and be safe. 🤙
Thanks for your videos, keep them coming! I practiced replaying a couple of difficult hills over the last few weeks. Learning technical climbing was really helpful. Today I made it up these hills and thought, that was really easy. Before I thought I would never get up them. What a cool feeling, just had to pass on.
I have leaned sooo much from this video and found answers on questions I had before. Thanks sooo much 🤟🏻😃
Love these sessions. I watch, practice and repeat as needed. Really cool experiencing improvement
Guys, your cornering video has me hanging real close to way more experienced and younger riders over flat or downhills (THANK YOU!!). So I'm keen to try the row for climby bits. My biggest weakness is fitness I think. I'm so slow on the up hill sections. I have good power, but long uphill sections, no bueno. I actually checked to see if my brakes were stuck on...they weren't... I'm loving what you guys are putting out, it's awesome! Thanks again! Such a great channel
That's so great. Downhill is the best!! I think somebody messed with my breaks this morning. 2,000 ft of steep loose climbing and I was NOT ready!!!
I’ve been watching other channels for a few years and have to say. I got nowhere until coming across you guys. The scientific approach works better. And started to finally pick up fakie skills. Never have I rode backwards in 42 years until the other day. Great feeling indeed.
Incredible to read this. Stoked to be a part of your progress. 🙏
@@JoyOfBike Buzzed. And that is a first, a reply. Keep em coming fellas. Sensemaking on a bike.
Man I love this channel
I love the chaotic energy of this video. Very entertaining and informative. Thanks
12:22 heck yeah, that's the rear wheel lift we were lookin for, nicely done!
Thanks brother!!
I loved the vibe between you two guys in this video 😁. Made me laugh out loud a few times 👌👏👏
Thanks guys - I was on a long trail ride today and shifted my body mass forward going up a rocky gnarly trail which has always exhausted me - I flew up it today with nowhere near the energy waste! Told my 12 year old about your comment about being stoked for your buddies and he loved it.
YESSSS!!!!!
Your 12 year old rocks!
I share the same story! I think thats why I like climbing. Something about that sufferfest and you-vs-you is so cleansing.
I've watched this a few times and adopted the 3x rule. Thanks guys! absolute game changer.
These guys are great. I am seriously interested in attending an in person class with them. I'm 53 and just getting back in MTB. Favorite line "I just left my chi all over this!" Hilarious!
Love the vibe you bring guys!
Sessioning. Groovy vibes. Exclamations of positivity. Those three loose rocks. I am SO on this! Thanks.
Man, love the psychological components of these videos. So helpful.
These are lessons for life. I love this vid.
All the life lessons are in the bike!!!
Hits like that are still why I ride a 2 X 10 setup. I ride tons of 1-2" log hops and rock step ups. The carbon bash guard and bigger ring can take some abuse.