One thing I completely forgot to mention in the video when it comes to riding alone! Most riders on the trails are super friendly so it’s not uncommon to find a stranger on the trail who offers to ride with you or someone willing to help with any mechanical issue you might have.
Obviously this is true, but I actually love riding alone, fwiw. I've become pretty experienced with trailside maintenance (and I keep my bikes in good repair so I usually don't need to fix anything), carry a huge kit with me everywhere (it makes me feel better; just today, I saved a huge group of riders by having a CO2 on me), and I never feel like I'm letting anyone else down (when I can't keep up) or shaming them (when they can't keep up with me). And also I can go get lost and explore weird stuff that no one else wants to ride. And I kinda enjoy getting yelled at by hikers when I trespass on 'their' trails.
Normal human nature is to offer help to others, especially the solo rider but a reasonable degree of self-sufficiency is appreciated. At least carry a spare inner tube, pump, tyre levers and basic tools.
You are so right, I got lost one time on the trail, couldn’t find my way out. Finally another biker showed up, he saw me stopped standing on the side. He did not bother to stop and ask me if I needed any help. He did help find my way out. MTB community very friendly and helpful community!
From someone that has been Mtn biking for 36 years, I love your approach and recommendations for the newbies. Especially emphasizing someone doesn’t need to drop $5K on a bike to just get started. I’ve said for years, getting started on a hardtail, even continuing to ride a hardtail makes you a better rider. Keep it up, great job.
I’m there for the climb! The sense of accomplishment, knowing we climbed those thousands of feet by the strength of our own engine. Downhill is just the commute back home. 😁
I started mountain biking in the early 1980's, I have had my ups, and downs, but I'm still at it, I retired 15 yrs ago, I've worked on trails for 7 or 8 years now, I have bikes for, trail (Epic EVO), gravel, a fat bike, city bike, vintage bike, etc. and my newest is a Haro Dirt Jumper, yeah at 77 I'm riding pump tracks, and jump lines, the doctors at the VA Hospital say, "whatever you're doing, keep doing it !!!", many of them ride mountain bike trails, etc. I don't take any meds, I've ridden 3500 miles this year, (so far, I ride outdoors all year, in Michigan) mostly MTB/Gravel, its all good, sure I get injured, but I'm just testing my immune system, to see how long it takes to heal, is what I tell the Doc's.. LOL I actually heal fast, once you get serious about riding, you change your diet, way of life, sleeping, etc.. I'm looking forward to many more years of Happy Trails. Don't give up, pay it forward, work on the trails, its good for the soul, and upper body, "IF YOU DON"T USE IT, YOU LOOSE IT !!!" ;) !!! 4 wheels transport the body, 2 wheels transport the soul !!!!
Great video. Mtb literally saved my life from addictions, it's a massive investment of time and effort and 100% worth it. There's such value in solo rides with massive climbing and epic adventures that nothing can replace, it's now a total life dedicated obsession that has organized and made life purely centered on health, fitness and adventure. And the Strava community is such a healthy yet competitive group, building trails, jump sessions, all of it, bikes are life.
I’ve had my Marlin 7 for 5 years now and will probably never be a good mountain biker but I ride cross country because it gets me out. Sure, I’ve spent more money that I should have on gear and components but I am old enough to be satisfied with the sense of freedom that bicycling brings. Have I hurt myself? Yes. Badly? A few times, but it’s not about knowing your limits or quitting because of them but learning to overcome them and not quit.
Great video. MTB keeps me really fit, so I’ll keep going for as long as possible. I’m 60 next year but I feel like a kid when I sit on a bike. A big problem is RU-vid showing so many elite riders doing crazy stuff and whilst it is highly entertaining it does not reflect the reality for most mtb.
I'm 61 and started 2 years ago and I hope and pray I can bike until I'm 100..been over the handlebars 2 times several trees and 2 broke ribs and i love it..call me crazy...lol..after watching your video you just reinforced my reasons to ride more..
I live a 5 minute bike ride from the Erie singletrack in your bonus footage and this summer I crashed hard on a jump on the prickly pear run. Watching your crash footage made me wince every time. I wasn’t tempted to give up altogether but I did think about giving up on trying anything more advanced. I watched a lot of RU-vid videos to figure out what I’d done wrong while I recovered. After that I took it slower, got back out there on jumps, and am back to riding prickly pear, and have a lot more confidence now. It’s now my favorite run at the park! The sense of progress is one of the best parts of this hobby and you can’t get that if you don’t get out of what’s comfortable. I know those trails and you and your group were hitting them really well, that was fun to watch, nice riding! Please keep the videos coming.
Been watching since 2021, and Matty you are looking confident and fast out there! So cool to watch you progress! You’ve helped me stay on the trails a couple times. Much love!
Sometimes the weather here in the UK is so miserable, for weeks at a time, I don’t want to commit to riding in the mountains. The saving grace is exploring my local town. With some friends we’ve developed an urban route across parkland, through multi storey car parks, down stairs etc. There are plenty of technical bits too, like riding off/up tall kerbs, skinnies, up stairs etc. The more we look, the more we find. It’s just a case of being sensible as no one appreciates mountain biking in a crowded shopping area. We also don’t need as much kit, being twenty minutes from the van or minutes from the next cafe. It keeps us fit and fired up ready for a trip to the real stuff. 🎉🎉
That is some sick footage! I am just getting into MTB. I will be competing with only myself by getting in better shape. I like to cruise and ride. I am not trying to go wild with it. Just good, healthy fun. Videos like this motivate me to get out there as often as possible. Fortunately for me I have enough space to ride everyday if I choose to do so. Just dirt and grass for me, and one pretty long climb, but manageable. I am super stoked for getting back out there. Thanks a bunch for the motivation!
I ride with a 69yr old who doesn’t look like he’s stopping before he’s 80+. His only concession to aging is to ride an eBike to take out the steeper hills.
I was a roadie only for years, but in my late 50’s I bought a mountain bike to ride with friends and really enjoying it even though I’m the slow guy in my group. Now at 64 after selling my business a couple years ago and retiring, I’m riding my bikes at least 3 times a week, and recently bought a modest power ‘24 Specialized Levo SL which I absolutely love since it feels close to a regular bike but gives me a little help with the climbs when I need it. Best time of my life!
I’ve been riding bicycles, my whole life. I am now 73 and transitioned into a e-mountain bike 8 months ago. I still get the same workout as on my previous mountain bike, but I am able to travel many more miles than before. I usually only ride it in the lowest Eco mode, but when I’m in a hurry to get home for the last few miles, or it’s getting really cold, then I’m able to kick it up to turbo and be home in a flash. I love your videos Matty. Happy riding from So-Cal.
I'm thinking of going mountain biking, again, at 55, after years of not doing it. 2 knee replacements and 2 shoulder replacements later, and my weight has climbed. I need to make exercise fun again. I won't be jumping or flying downhill, though. 😂
Get into shape and youll love climbing! I lost a buddy just over a year ago on his bike. He hit some trees and hes gone.never would have thought. So sad. He was 34.
This was a cool video! What I'm struggling with is getting confident with my first 29" professional bike shop bike going from a 27 " Walmart bike.This thing is so smooth but seems like your riding way up in a semi truck and if you crash would be falling from space😂
Riding had and will always be fun. Sharing with people is fun but sometimes you just can't beat riding alone and finding that peace that comes with it. Climbs are exhausting, but what goes up must come down. Everything is better on a bike😂 Happy holidays and a Happy Healthy New Year to you. 🚵
I am glad you did not quit. Nothing is better for the body and soul than a mountain bike and a trail through the woods or wherever. I started riding in 1994 and never looked back. I saw a lot of friends and family give it up, but I could not. I am 57 now and definitely a bit slower but everytime I get out on those trails I feel like its 94 all over again.
I completely appreciate everything you have gone through. I too have gone through this. The sport has rewarded me with an abilty to help others, organize with trail maintenance and meet several friends that i still ride with. I need to ride more! Thank you
I used to love climbing. Unfortunately I had a bad accident in February and broke my Femur and hip at only 12 mph. Spent a week in hospital and now held together with Titanium and it took me 10 months to recover and get back on the bike. I have now bought shorts with hip protection pads, never knew they existed! Fitness has gone so I have a few hard months ahead to regain my fitness. I have an excellent trail network on my doorstep so the mental anxiety of not riding was also hard. Good video and some excellent points covered. I’m from England and we can ride all year, usually muddy most of the time.
Femur and hip! I wish you well! I broke my wrist a couple of months ago, still doing physio, also have a big hematoma on my thigh. Luckely, i could work from home for 6 weeks using one hand! I am still thinking is it worth it?
Distance. That’s the thing. I spend an amount of time and money to get to my local trails. Minimally 30 mins drive without traffic, and at least 2 tolls going, that makes it 4 for to and fro. And to come home to a family waiting for me for lunch. That’s not really freedom.
I mountain biked in High school but have gotten back into this year and have already broken a rib and had an AC separation… but I have a trail system next to my neighborhood with 12 miles of trails … so life is good lol ! 😂
I’ve learned early on that you have to embrace climbing, learn to enjoy it as it makes you a stronger rider & the payoff is the downhill afterwards, I absolutely love the challenge of a tough climb, I refuse to get off & walk & im 61, it works for me & I consider myself a pretty strong rider, nice vid!
I don't drive and live in a city I ride my bikes everywhere but a mountain It makes me very sad watching people get out and me have to ride urban spots. Ah well, life goes on. Great video bro.
Thanks Matty, New subscriber here. I have enjoyed your last few videos. I guess I knew what I was getting into when I got back into MTBing. I put it off for years thinking I could never do the climbs. Spent 20+ years just cruising on paved bike trails. The first time I went out on dirt I had essentially a flat bar gravel bike with, but I discovered my happy place. Now a few years later I am always on the jones waiting for my next ride on dirt.
Broke my collar bone once and it made me stop for at least 5 years. It sucked so bad that it made me more conscious on my line choices and riding etiquette moving forward.
Back in my day we had to climb the mountain twice before we could descend! (best old man voice, or what I call my own) When you buddy asks how far, just tell him one more gentle roller. Love your content.
Looking ultra smooth and carrying some serious speed! Really like how you stress the importance of wearing protective gear, it can be the difference between life and death. Keep up the shred!!👊🏽
hah yeah the small crashes can sure suck. I find it helpful to just chuckle at myself and not stress about it. I know I'm new, anyone watching me can probably tell I'm new, so who cares? I'm out here having fun.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m a complete newbie in mountain biking, but have a decent mechanical skills, and what a joy it was to rebuilding my average hardtail to a decent bike! Will get on a trail as soon it’s a bit drier out there
Hi here bro. I'm more like a roadie than a mtb'er. I've ridden mtb since 2015. But now I combine it with offseason road activities. Having fun and embracing the crashes and uphills...and don't forget the tactical parts. It's an whole other world. I do XC
New subscriber and love your channel and vibe. I get the points in your video as an old man (pushing 50) I gotta say I’m planning to ride mtb into my 80s. Climbing and cost, no problem. Crashes, know yourself! Accessibility I’m lucky to be able to ride tons of trails nearby and finally, I’m blessed to have a riding partner to ride with me every Saturday, like clockwork.
Brother, I know you mean. I got into mountain biking though being a bike Machic and one day I went on a trail and loved it. I have to ride by myself, but I really didn't have to spend a lot of money on my bike because I built it myself which was nice after I saw the prices. Here in Florida the trails aren't too bad but I'm getting up in my age and eventually I'll have to quit but for now it's not time. So, I'll keep on enjoying because there's nothing like it.
64 and been biking most of my life. Got out of mountain biking about 5-6 years ago. Why? Replacing broken parts especially derailleurs just got too expensive!! Gravel bike touring is the thing for me now. Great video and excellent advice. Like the hardtail for beginners at reasonable price advice.
50 degrees here in Central Mass Christmas afternoon. I rode for an hour just to get out on a warm ish winter day. I'll ski tmrw When I retired (72 now) I needed something to keep me active and suuplment my in line skating, so I got my Expert Specialized Rockhopper to keep me on the move and away from traffic. Thanks for this video.
Fear of crashing almost made me not begin with the sport. Not knowing any people made me nearly quit the sport. I have multiple scars now, actually had a heavy crash yesterday but going again tomorrow :) I built up a MTB Group with around 20 people. I call 3 MTB´s my own. Love the sport, will always continue. You don´t have to do the scariest jumps or biggest feature to have fun on a bike.
I have dealt with some of those same reasons, but like you said, I'm glad I didn't give up MTB, it is so therapeutic for me and I'm glad I didn't QUIT.
I sometimes feel that I'm just not up to riding. After the first climb and I get to the top my attitude is lifted. I encounter so many nice folks on the trail. Everyone has a big smile.
I just wish I had done it sooner than 57. I was a hiker for work and play since my 30's, but only last year bought a modern mountain bike. It was all the trail vids that made me say why am I not doing this!!!! All your items I feel fer sure but I cant quit. Today's ride for example, complete serenity and flow even though it was a simple ride in the woods, not full on tech challenge. Even took some time to chill in this grove of trees off trail and was like earth church.
I've never been tempted to quit riding but I almost quit jumping once. I had a crash on my old XC 26er hardtail (Specialized Hardrock Sport) on a small jump that looked lame as hell but it bruised my ribs bad. I'm sure they were close to cracking. It was the end of my second season of riding. But that spring, I was able to afford my first full suspension bike (Polygon Siskiu T7) and instantly gained confidence and started jumping again. It's been 2 more seasons and I'm confidently hitting 20' long tables and I even conquered Drop the Hammer. All that progression was surprisingly without any crashes! I'm slow and methodical about what I try because I'm 45 and not getting any younger! I'm so glad I didn't give up jumping. It's so much fun! I don't remember when I started watching your videos but I can say it was when you weren't nearly as good as you are now. I've really enjoyed watching your progression! 🤘
Been mountain biking since the late 1970’s, before it even had a name (on modified 10-speed road bikes on dirt bike trails). Fast forward to today, and I’m still just as captivated….it the ‘experience’ not the equipment in the end that keeps one coming back for more
Great video. Awesome message. Im lucky that the climbs at my local track park are short(but steep). Im always stoked to make it to the top. Its a great feeling.🤙Honestly, climbing is the biggest part of trail mtn biking. We all should get to like it or at least respect it. 🤙
For me, when I am on my eMTB it's the only time that I don't hear the tinitus in my ears, it is so enjoyable! Yeah i've stacked, plenty of times and there are always excuses not to ride, but don't look for excuses not to ride, find reasons to!
Got my first mtb in 91, so 32 years and counting. I have learned to love climbing, same for riding alone. I've have had my fair share of crashes. Even a few that required hospitals, and one that required 2 helicopters. It's never fun. Can't stress the importance of a GOOD helmet. And if you get something like an ixs trigger you can wear a full face always. You'll be glad you did when your teeth are fine but the helmet isn't! While mtbs are expensive and risky, if you keep at it the health benefits are real. I am 58 and have great cardio etc. Many of my friends my age are on a million meds and can't really enjoy the outdoors. They are weezing after a few stairs. I take nothing. Everything works and feels like it always has and I have no limits on what I can do. And that is a great reason to not quit! Great channel!
Yup, climbs make you stronger. I often ride with my s.o. who's a newbie, and I just smile whenever I see her struggle and can't talk while I just talk and climb like it's a leisurely walk. I've been mtbing for over 4 years now. XD
Good job. I loved the grunting uphill made the ride down so worth it. Lived in Whistler for 10 years. Single track was pucking hell to learn holy 💩 but in time and a few endo’s I got into it. Started in 90-> hard frame period no shocks lol. By the time it moved away 2002 most folks were taking the gondola up to rip downhill w full on dually shocks & now no mo Multiple front rings….
There's something special about mountain biking! For myself I don't view the climbs as bad, but before mtb I was doing spin class for a couple of years.
NICE save at 2:47! Last time I did something similar, my helmet's chin bar saved me.... There's riding by yourself, and riding where you are really alone. I ride local (Chicago area) trails alone, knowing that if I get hurt or break down, someone will probably come along soon, and MTB folk are usually helpful. But I've had off-season weekdays in Copper Harbor MI and northern WI where I rode for one, two or more hours and saw no one at all. I came to realize that if I was seriously injured, I might not be found for a long time (CH has no cell service and likes it that way!). I found this seriously inhibiting, so I make an effort to arrange to find riding buddies when I travel. I'm a terrible athlete by nature. Damn near quit early on, on The Day of The Four OTBs. I found that professional coaching really helped me move along the skills curve. It can be expensive, but worth every dime to me. Definitely has helped me avoid serious injuries.
Living up here in northern CA by the mountains is what motivates me to continue ever since moving in the area over 20 years ago. Riding through forests and seeing all kinds of animals is so much better than cars, buildings and large crowds. But watching you ride in the video id like to ride in that topography there where you just keep going on with uninterrupted views of the horizon all around you. Must be nice at dusk riding there..watching city lights beyond there. You can never get bored especially if youre alone riding those trails.
I absolutely adore climbs. You're right. That sense of achievement is off the scale. But the real reason I love bike climbs.....the rush of smashing it back down 🙂🙂🙂🙂
So much truth in this video but you're right... don't quit. One you didn't put in... MTB season. I'm a NICA coach and its a huge amount of work. I actually find myself dreading it in the pre-season after having a break from Nov-April. Once i get out there with the kids that apprehension dies down really quick though.
Yeah you had me at hello. Just kiding you had me at reason 1 climbing. In my local trails it a 30 min climb to get to the start and i have been riding for 13 years . Now i think it's time to get an ebike 😎. By the way great video 🤘🏼
I've been off the bike for 3mths after a crash. About to get back on just as soon as I buy a new helmet and make the most of the fact that I still can. Will avoid any advanced trails/features until I get my strength and coordination up to scratch :)
Reason #4 hits home for me. I usually fall off after daylight savings time because I literally hate night riding and by time I get off work and get home right before 5pm…after family, dog walk, a bite to eat, loading up my bike, and making the 20minute drive to the MTB park….the sun is already going down. And no, I do not enjoy group rides or group night rides. I like to ride alone or at a park where there are other bikers out.
I'm one of those big city slickers who doesn't own a car so because getting to good trails is so difficult (even when you do own one), I simply take a commuter train upstate to the trails that let you rent a hardtail and make a day of it, usually getting a hotel room where I can shower and sleep, wake up the next day and do it again before checking out and sleeping on the commuter train back home. You only need to bring a small backpack with your pads, a couple changes of clothes, some bars or fuel of your choice and your water bottle. Don't forget your helmet! While at home, we do have subway and train access to our own scaled-down citified trails but they're very short and not too technical. I happen to also own a gravel bike so I now ride our urban trails like slightly more technical gravel trails! I just avoid the jumps and restrict myself to the shallow drops!
I am fortunate to live in greater Vancouver, BC. I have three mountain biking trail networks within a 15-minute drive and 3 more, including the North Shore, within half an hour. Squamish is about an hour.
I just went otb for the first time since being a kid and got a concussion, broken nose, a few bad scratches, broken tooth, and hurt my shoulders. Also broke my phone and broke my bike, and lost a BT earbud. I kinda thought I might be done at least for a good while, but here I am 3 weeks later wanting to go out again. It was a really sudden and painful lesson that I'm not a kid anymore and I really have to think about some things when it comes to riding and safety. I am ok though and I'm getting back on the damn bike after I fix it and I'm going to be better than before.
I think it's a shame how many people can't ride due to affordability and accessibility which can often go hand in hand... There really needs to be more affordable entry level options out there . Thankfully the used market is saturated now and deals can be found.
I think a part of the problem is, if you were looking to get into the sport and started watching big brand RU-vid channels, you’d come away thinking you need these fully specced full suspension bikes when in reality you could a decent mid range hardtail and that would be ideal, and agree about the second hand market
Crashing is the only thing that has had me question if I want to stop riding. 3 surgeries had a way of doing that. But, I love riding in the woods too much to give it up.
Going uphill is SO FUN! It's more fun when people are having a hard time and you're skidding your front wheel while your going past them. I had one extremely steep section that I just couldn't get up. My wheel just started spinning on the spot. I went to the store and bought extremely aggressive tires and went back that afternoon just so I could do that part! SO fun! I was at the verge of falling backwards down the hill. I mean it was very steep, even for walking! I can't wait for the weather to be good so I can head out again. Still snowing here today in Canada.
Climbing… if ya is really lazy… get an emtb.. even better.. get fit. Gear.. yeah don’t buy it all until you know you want it. But basic stuff like helmet and gloves are a must imo. Crashing… yeah that’s a learned skill staying fit helps avoid injuries in crashes. Accessibility is huge… that’s been trouble for me sometimes. I won’t quit riding over that I may have quit my job over lack of riding time though…
I get mountain bike fatigue once or twice a year, I am pretty used to it by now, I just take the bike to the mechanic and have him rebuild the suspension and a major maintenance to the whole bike, I tell him to take as long as he needs. Sometimes it takes him 3 weeks, but the moment I see the bike totally clean and I know the suspension is just rebuilt I feel the need to ride.
It's important to have a place nearby where you can get a quick ride in once in a while, the "hassle" element is what does most folks in. It can be frustrating, I've ridden very little this year, with family commitments and frankly a lot of rain around the weekends it's made it difficult. It's just a great way to get out and get some exercise. Where I live most trails are up and down, you happen to live in a place where it's all climb then all downhill. I'm not sure how much I'd like that, honestly. I like to mix it in here and there to get the heart rate up, cool down then back at it.
This might sound weird, but I'm thankful for Quebec winters. It allows me to recharge my batteries, focus on other stuff and gets me so stocked when the trails open again after a couple of months. I'm pretty sure I would get tired of mountain biking at some point if it weren't for that
I love climbing, especially technical climbing, but we do have a loop in Colorado Springs that has about a 21 mile climb, that gets a little old. I ride alone a lot, but sometimes it's nice.
I'm 60 beeb riding my whole life, I'm always alone so I carry tools medical water and food and in the winter I carry lighter and space blanket and because all my riding is in deep woods a gun, great channel by the way
