Does Crashing NEED to be Part of Mountain Biking? MTB Coaching, eMTB update and more [RNL S2, Ep 51]

Do mountain bikers NEED to crash to improve, or can the right MTB skills, coaching, and trail intuition help prevent serious injuries? In this episode of the Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast, Dan and Sage dive into the hidden lessons, gratitude, confidence, and personal growth that come from returning to the trails after an MTB injury.  Join us as we discuss eMTB progression, whether a coil shock upgrade is worth it, MTB torque specs, loose cranks, creative ways to level up on familiar trails, and why Yellowjackets might be the scariest thing on the mountain!  Have you ever come back stronger after an MTB crash or injury, or do you think crashing is just part of mountain biking? Join the conversation and leave your comments below or email us at [rideandlaugh1@gmail.com](mailto:rideandlaugh1@gmail.com)   MTB Gratitude of the Week: Sage: Dan - Sage gives gratitude to his friend Danny for offering honest advice and a fresh perspective. Great friends help us see what we can't always see ourselves—whether it's improving our mountain biking skills or growing in life. When we're open to listening, a different perspective can unlock confidence, progression, and better riding. Dan: Orbea Wild - Dan is incredibly grateful for his new Orbea Wild eMTB from Emigos Bike Shop. The bike makes every ride feel like the best parts of mountain biking, with more downhill laps, more progression, and more fun. Huge thanks to Orbea and Emigos for helping to make this such an exciting time to be an MTBer! Emigos Bike Shop - https://www.instagram.com/emigosbike MTB Tip of the Week: When climbing a steep, technical trail, slide your hips forward on the saddle to match the angle of the climb and improve rear tire traction. This position also makes long, steep climbs feel more comfortable. For short, punchy climbs, lower your dropper post, stand up, and power through the climb. Featured Riders: Rob Drew - https://www.instagram.com/therobdrew Dennis - https://www.instagram.com/dennyjannettymtb Steve - https://www.instagram.com/sjbell/ Dave Davidson at MTB Academy - https://www.instagram.com/mountainbikeacademy Curtis Miller - https://www.instagram.com/curtismiller948 Josh at Slanted Ground - https://www.instagram.com/slantedground Nino Schurter - https://www.instagram.com/nschurter Dale Stone - https://www.instagram.com/dalestonemtb Cole Gregg - https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycole Kyle Wood - https://www.instagram.com/kylewood\_917 Ryan Butler - https://www.instagram.com/butlerdoesit76 Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell Brian on a Bike - https://www.instagram.com/brian\on\a\_bike Josh Rozenboom - https://www.instagram.com/jerozen  Additional Links: Keswick Cycles Paoli - https://www.instagram.com/keswickcycle.paoli Ride Dialed MTB Tune Shop - https://www.instagram.com/ride\_dialed Orbea - https://www.instagram.com/orbeamtb\_ Adventure Meraki - https://www.instagram.com/merakirides Rock Creek Park - https://www.instagram.com/riderockcreek The Loam Wolf - https://www.instagram.com/theloamwolf TrailSage Coaching https://trail-sage.com/coaching/ Andy at DirtSmart MTB Coaching - https://www.instagram.com/dirtsmart\_mtb BC Bike Race - https://www.instagram.com/bcbikerace RNL Costa Rica Trip adventuremeraki.com/service-page/join-ride-laugh-podcast-in-costa-rica The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vyKClGgoqhk  *The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the\ride\abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [rideandlaugh1@gmail.com](mailto:rideandlaugh1@gmail.com).* #MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips