Imagine a sport that transforms your life, teaches you resilience, and connects you with nature in ways you never thought possible. That’s mountain biking for me—a journey I’ve been on for 20 years, and one that’s reshaped how I view adventure, challenge, and even myself. But here’s where it gets controversial: as the sport evolves, I can’t help but wonder if we’re losing something essential along the way. Let’s dive into the six most profound lessons I’ve learned, and why they might just change how you think about riding—and life itself.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Singletracks.com. Now, let’s ride.
Like many millennials, I grew up on two wheels, but my first true singletrack experience was a game-changer. At 16, already hooked on adventure sports like downhill skiing and mountain boarding, I finally gave mountain biking a shot. My mentor, Dean Glaze—a trail-building legend who co-created one of the nation’s oldest singletrack systems, Levis Mounds—had been nudging me for years. I reluctantly agreed, hopping on my clunky, fully rigid steel Giant Iguana, a bike so outdated it felt like a relic. Chasing Dean through the woods, I was instantly captivated. The technical challenge, the speed, the raw connection to nature—it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. By the time I graduated high school and moved to Montana, I was all in.
Over two decades, I’ve pedaled thousands of miles across the globe, turning what started as an off-season hobby into a way of life. Mountain biking isn’t just my career; it’s my passion, my therapy, and my ultimate challenge. Through epic adventures, grueling training rides, and more post-ride beers than I can count, it’s taught me lessons that go far beyond the trail. Here are six of the most important ones.
1. The Gear Isn’t the Point—The Adventure Is
Mountain bike technology has leaped forward since I started, but here’s the truth: the gear is just a tool. It’s the experiences it enables that matter. Yet, too many riders get caught up in the latest trends—wireless drivetrains, e-bikes, you name it. Don’t get me wrong, better gear enhances the ride, but obsessing over it misses the heart of the sport. Riding through the mountains, feeling the wind, and connecting with nature—that’s what it’s all about. But here’s the controversial part: Are we losing sight of this as marketing departments push us to constantly upgrade? What do you think—is the gear obsession overshadowing the adventure?
2. Exploration Beats Sending Every Time
I started mountain biking as a way to stay active when I couldn’t ski, but over time, I realized something: exploring vast landscapes trumps sending it down a trail any day. Resort-based riding and lap-based trail systems are fun, but they pale in comparison to pedaling through the backcountry, where the stakes are higher and the views are breathtaking. It’s not just about the thrill; it’s about the journey. And this is the part most people miss: The ultimate MTB experience isn’t about speed or tricks—it’s about discovering the world on your own terms. Do you agree, or do you live for the adrenaline rush?
3. You’re Capable of More Than You Think
Mountain biking has pushed me to my limits—and then shown me I could go further. From tackling dirty centuries and rocky trails to recovering from injuries and traveling the world with my bike, it’s taught me that my limits are far beyond what I imagined. This growth mindset has spilled over into every area of my life, helping me navigate divorce, job loss, and personal challenges. Here’s the question: What’s one thing you’ve been afraid to try? Could mountain biking—or any challenge—help you discover your potential?
4. The Easy Way Out Is Tempting—But It’s Not Worth It
Mountain biking hooked me because it was hard. The struggle, the sweat, the sense of accomplishment—that’s what built my confidence. But today, with the rise of e-bikes, the sport is changing. Over 25% of mountain bikes sold in the U.S. are now e-bikes, and in countries like Germany, that number is over 90%. While e-bikes are great for accessibility, I can’t help but wonder: Are we cheating ourselves out of the very challenges that make the sport so rewarding? Michael Easter’s Comfort Crisis argues that our obsession with convenience is harming us, and e-bikes feel like Exhibit A. What’s your take? Is the ease of e-bikes a step forward, or a step away from what makes mountain biking special?
5. Traveling to Ride Changed My Life—And It Could Change Yours
Before mountain biking, I barely traveled. But once I started, it became a natural extension of my passion. My first international trip to Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2015 ignited a love for exploring foreign landscapes on two wheels. Since then, I’ve visited 22 countries, 41 U.S. states, and five Canadian provinces, all while riding nearly 10,000 trails. Here’s the kicker: Traveling to ride isn’t just about the trails—it’s about immersing yourself in new cultures, pushing your limits, and discovering the world in a way that sightseeing never could. Have you ever traveled just to ride? If not, what’s holding you back?
6. Nature Is the Ultimate Healer—And We All Need More of It
Depression, anxiety, obesity—these modern ailments are skyrocketing, but there’s a simple solution: spending time in nature. Studies show that even small doses of the outdoors can reduce stress, boost creativity, and increase empathy. For me, mountain biking is my daily dose of nature, and I’m convinced it’s kept me sane. But here’s the bold claim: If everyone spent more time in nature, the world would be a kinder, less divided place. Do you agree? Or do you think our screen-dominated lives are here to stay?
As I reflect on 20 years of mountain biking, one thing is clear: this sport is about so much more than riding trails. It’s about growth, connection, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. So, I’ll leave you with this: What’s your mountain? Whether it’s a literal trail or a personal challenge, grab your bike—or your metaphorical gear—and start climbing. The view from the top is worth it.
