Wes Holland is the owner of Bullmoose Softgoods where he designs and produces one-of-a-kind bags for cycling and adventuring. Bullmoose is based in Summerville, Massachusetts and currently offers handlebar and frame bags plus hip packs and accessories.

• What came first for you: bikes or bags? 
• What kind of riding do you like to do? What is the riding scene like in Boston?
• There are a lot of hip packs and handlebar bags out there, so why make your own?
• What types of materials are you working with?
• What's your shop setup like?
• Your hip packs aren't cheap, with prices starting at $130. What makes bags like this so expensive?
• What's the trickiest part about making a bag for biking? How long does it take to make a frame bag, for example?
• Have you had any failures when testing new designs?
• With accessory mounts becoming more common across all types of bikes, does this make fitting or attaching bags easier for you as a bag maker?
• What's in your hip pack?
• Do you have new products or projects on the horizon?

Check out Wes's work at bullmoosesoftgoods.com.

An auto-edited summary of our conversation is available at Singletracks.com.

Greg Mazu is the self-described "Chief Dreamer" behind Backslope Tools, a company that designs and sells tools for trail building and forest maintenance. He's also the founder of Singletrack Trails, a trail building company that recently finished its last project after 20 years in the business.

• When did you build your first trail? 
• How did you get into professional trail building?
• What motivated you to start Tools for Trails, and later Backslope tools?
• Where are Backslope tools manufactured?
• If you could only have one tool to use for building a trail, what would it be?
• Some riders say they prefer natural trails to machine-built ones. Do you have a preference for riding machine- or hand-built trails? Can a machine-built trail be built to feel like a natural or hand-built trail, or vice versa?
• Singletrack trails was involved in some iconic projects over the years in places like 18 Road and Lunch Loops in Fruita, Black Mountain in North Carolina, Palisade Plunge in Colorado, and Handcut Hollow in Bentonville. Which trail building projects are you most proud of? 
• What are some favorite trails you weren't involved in building?
• What are some of the challenges the trail building industry is facing in meeting increased demand for trails?
• Have we reached a peak in terms of trail quality, or is there room for further growth and improvement? What are some of the latest, or upcoming innovations riders can look forward to?

See the tools we talked about at backslopetools.com and follow @gregmazu on Instagram.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

In this episode of the Singletracks podcast, Matt and Jeff discuss the current trends around mountain bike weights. Are bikes too heavy, or are they where they should be given how durable and capable they are today?

This discussion covers:

• Examples of specific bikes and their weights
• Why bike weights might be increasing
• The benefits to lightweight -- and heavy -- mountain bikes
• Areas where mountain bikes might be able to cut weight

This is Matt's last episode with the Singletracks podcast so to start the show we talk about some of his most memorable stories from the past 6 years. We'll miss you Matt!

Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at⁠⁠⁠ ExploreBrevard.com⁠⁠⁠.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Today we’re wrapping up our mid-travel, trail bike mashup with our bike testers, Chris, Gerow, and Matt. We’ll meet the testers, discuss how the bikes were selected, and find out how the test rides were conducted. Then the team will share which bikes were their favorites, and talk about some of the surprises along the way.

As a part of this roundtable discussion, Chris, Gerow, and Matt also talk about which bikes offer the best value, and offer advice for mountain bikers looking to purchase a new trail bike. Finally, we hear which bikes the team wants to text next!

Read the written reviews at singletracks.com/MTM and watch video reviews at youtube.com/singletracksmtb. 

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Arrie Rossouw is the co-founder and CEO of LuvTRAILS, an online and mobile platform helping groups raise funds for trail building and maintenance. 

Jeremiah Bishop is a professional cyclist with countless major wins in short track, marathon, and ultra endurance racing. He’s also a leading advocate for cycling. 

We ask Arrie and Jeremiah:

• How did Luv Trails come about? How is it connected to Trail Care?
• Jeremiah, what is your involvement with Trail Care and Luv Trails? 
• What does the Luv Trails app do?
• How do mountain bike clubs get included on the Trail Care website and in the Luv Trails app?
• Where do the donations go? How much of the money goes to the club vs. paying credit card fees and overhead?
• Why are monetary donations so important to trail groups? 
• How do riders connect their Stava account to Trail.care?
• What is the average donation per mile ridden?
• Do people tend to ride the same local trails over and over, or are you seeing people travel outside their area and supporting other clubs?
• Are clubs seeing meaningful revenue yet? How does this compare to the old-fashioned trailhead donation box?
• How do you convince riders to sign up or to make a one time donation? Once people sign up, do they tend to stick around and keep donating?
• What does the future hold for Luv Trails and Trail Care?

Find the Luv Trails app in the Apple and Android app stores, or visit trail.care.

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Chip Hawkins is the founder and chairman of the board at Wahoo Fitness (wahoofitness.com). The company’s stated mission is to “create innovative solutions to make hard fought goals attainable and lives better,” through products like smart trainers, bike computers, watches, and heart rate monitors.

We ask Chip:

• Why did you start Wahoo Fitness? What were the limitations of existing fitness sensors at the time?
• Before smartphones and GPS units, were you big on tracking your own fitness data?
• What are the advantages of using a dedicated fitness head unit over the smartphone everyone is already carrying in their pockets? Why do we need another device?
• How important are accuracy and precision when it comes to fitness data tracking?
• Do you think the existing fitness software that’s available to athletes does a good job analyzing workout data? Are today’s algorithms helping riders make significant gains?
• Is tracking power output better suited to road training, or is it useful to look at it for trail rides too?
• Can sensors help with nutrition tracking?
• What can mountain bikers gain from riding a smart trainer? Does tech make the experience any less terrible?
• How do products like smart bikes and smart trainers play into the evolution of sport and competition?
• What’s next in the fitness tracking arms race? If everyone has access to the same tools, how can individual athletes use tech to gain an edge over competitors?

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Jeremiah Stone is a mountain bike skill instructor who has taught hundreds of riders across the western USA with Ninja Mountain Bike Performance and the Sedona Mountain Bike Academy. He’s also a freelance trail builder and machine operator in addition to being a skilled rider.

In this interview, we ask:

• How did you develop your own mountain bike skills? Did you have a coach?
• Do you think today’s mountain bikes make it easier to be a good biker, compared to the equipment that was available in the old days?
• Timing seems to be a big factor when it comes to landing jumps or clearing doubles. How can riders develop a good sense of timing and speed?
• Why is it easier to ride a technical feature once you’ve seen someone else ride it first?
• What are some common bad habits when it comes to technical trail descending?
• Beyond improving physical fitness, are there skills that can make climbing on the bike more tolerable?
• Do you have any tips for helping riders overcome their fear of trying something new? How does that advice change for someone recovering from a traumatic crash?

This episode first aired on February 22, 2021.

Connect with Jeremiah on Instagram @vitabrevis and learn more at ridelikeaninja.com.

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Joe McEwan is a career aerospace engineer and carbon composites expert who founded Starling Cycles in 2014. The brand’s bikes are developed, engineered and handmade for the demands of UK trails, and the bikes have been well received among both the media and athletes.

Find out why Joe thinks carbon fiber is almost the McDonalds of bikes, and also:

• What first piqued your interest in building steel bikes? Have you tried building bikes with other materials?
• Can the average rider feel a difference between a steel frame and say carbon fiber or aluminum? Do fat tires and suspension limit the effect when it comes to mountain bikes?
• How does tube shape and bracing affect ride feel?
• Why do you use Reynolds over tube stock from other suppliers?
• How is the tubing sized in terms of lengths?
• What is the cost of raw tubing?
• How do you go about making a steel tube stiffer in one direction than the other?
• Are there any design considerations that are unique to steel full-suspension frames?
• Why are most steel FS frames single-pivot?
• What are some design considerations around the headtube junction? How do you make that area stiff enough to hold a slack fork while keeping the bike’s weight low?
• Why do larger bike sizes need a brace between the top tube and seat tube?
• What can you do to dial in BB stiffness when building with steel?
• Has the recent shipping dilemma affected your frame business? How about components?
• What are you hearing from owners and fans of the gearbox driven Starling Spur?
• Are there advantages to a gearbox over an external drivetrain that go beyond broken derailleurs?
• What are your thoughts on the rising popularity of mixed-wheel bikes?
• What’s next for Starling Cycles? Are there any steel e-bikes in the future?

View photos and learn more about the bikes mentioned in this episode at StarlingCycles.com.

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Gene Hamilton is a mountain bike skills coach and the founder of Better Ride.  He's taught clinics around the world to thousands of riders looking to ride faster and more confidently.

In this episode, we ask Gene:

• How did you get into mountain biking racing?
• Once you realized that you had hit a wall in terms of your own skills development, how did you go about researching proper mountain bike skills?
• Were there any surprises based on your early research, or any “aha” moments that stuck out?
• How can riders take advantage of momentum to go faster on the trail without putting in extra effort?
• Is it possible for mountain biking to be bad for our health?
• What’s a mountain bike skill that separates pros from those who would consider themselves advanced or even expert riders?
• Are some bike tires better at cornering than others? Which ones?
• How has mountain bike skills training changed over the past two decades, in terms of the techniques and the skills you’re teaching?
• As someone who has won Masters-level DH competitions, what tips do you have for staying fast and fit at your age?
• Do you think today’s bikes make it easier for riders to go faster, or to have more fun? How much of performance comes down to the bike, and how much to the rider?

This first aired as a two-part episode on March 29, 2021.

Connect with Gene and his team at Betterride.net.

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Sean Madsen is WTB’s Saddle Category Manager and is an expert in cycling biomechanics with more than 24 years of experience. Over his career he's studied and taught bike fitting to thousands worldwide, and he's helped create many innovative saddle concepts while working with top athletes.

In this episode, we ask Sean common questions about bike saddles including:

• How are bike saddles constructed?
• What are some of the different materials that are used for padding? Are there advantages to using materials like gel?
• What is the purpose of titanium or carbon saddle rails?
• How does bike saddle sizing work?
• Are more expensive saddles more comfortable?
• What’s the idea behind saddle cutouts?
• Why do you think the Volt is one of WTB's best selling saddles?
• Do men and women need different bike saddles?
• Are saddles generally designed under the assumption that riders will be wearing a chamois?
• Are mountain bike saddles different from road bike saddles?
• How have saddle designs changed over the past few seasons? What’s driving the changes?
• What are some signs that it’s time for a new or a different saddle?

Find out more about saddles and WTB designs at wtb.com.

--To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Rocky Mountain is giving Singletracks listeners a chance to win one of five limited edition prize packs. Visit singletracks.com/rockymountain40 by August 31, 2021 and enter your name and a valid email address to be considered. One entry per person, no purchase necessary, void where prohibited.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Rocky Mountain Bicycles officially got its start in 1981, and this year the innovative brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary. In that time Rocky Mountain has produced countless innovations and firsts, and their sponsored athletes have won races on all of the world’s biggest stages. Today Dre Hestler and Stephen Matthews are joining me to talk about the brand’s history, and to look to the future.

In this episode we learn:

• How Rocky Mountain got its start
• Why the brand's first production model in 1982, the Sherpa, was so special
• What it's like working at Rocky Mountain, and how the company's operations in BC and Quebec influence product design
• Which Rocky Mountain athletes and races stand out over the years
• How the brand partnered with freeriders Richie Schley, Wade Simmons and Brett Tippie at the dawn of the sport
• Where 27.5" mountain bikes came from, and where they currently fit in
• Which bikes Dre and Stephen are most proud of
• How DynaMe is different from other e-bike drive systems on the market
• What the future looks like for Rocky Mountain

To celebrate the anniversary, Rocky Mountain is giving Singletracks listeners a chance to win one of five limited edition prize packs. Visit singletracks.com/rockymountain40 by August 31, 2021 and enter your name and a valid email address to be considered. One entry per person, no purchase necessary, void where prohibited.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Chris Smith is the USA Marketing Manager for Lazer Sport (lazersport.com) where he’s worked for more than 7 years.

In this episode, we ask:

• What’s the purpose of the helmet shell? What is it typically made of?
• What is EPS? What makes it such a good material for helmet construction?
• Where are most helmets produced?
• How do retention systems work? What is the purpose of a chin strap?
• Do you have any tips for testing helmet fit? How does sizing work?
• What are the main safety standards that cover bicycle helmets? 
• What kinds of tests are done on mountain bike helmets?
• Are there any common misperceptions when it comes to bike helmets?
• What is the advantage of extended rear coverage on a half shell helmet?
• How do rotational impact protection systems like MIPS work, and why is this type of protection important?
• Why do all mountain bike helmets have visors, unlike road helmets?
• Are you seeing more mountain bikers choosing full face helmets for trail and enduro rides?
• What are your thoughts on mounting a camera or light to a bike helmet?
• What does the future of bicycle helmet tech look like?
• If there is one thing everyone should know about wearing a bike helmet, what is it?

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Jon Yazzie and Nadine Johnson own Dzil Ta’ah Adventures, an adventure travel company based in Arizona. A full-blooded Diné, Jon and his team run bike trips on Navajo land, and use the proceeds to help fund a local youth cycling program.

• What makes land in the Navajo Nation so special and unique? What is the riding like there?
• Why did it take so long to receive permits for conducting bike tours on Navajo land?
• How were you able to adapt your tour business in the time of Covid-19?
• What is bikerafting, and is it different from bikepacking? Do you combine the two on your trips?
• How are your trips set up? What is the cost?
• Do you provide history and context to the landscape as a part of your tours? 
• In addition to yourself, do you employ others as bike guides? 
• What role do you think tourism can play in terms of boosting the local economy?
• What is the goal for the Navajo-youth bike program you are supporting?
• Is there one thing you wish more people could understand or know about the Navajo culture? 

Learn more and  get in touch at dziltaahadventures.com, and follow them on Instagram @dziltaahadventures.

--This episode is sponsored by Jamis Bikes.  Jamis has been designing and building quality bikes since 1979, and they were among the first to produce mountain bikes beginning in 1982. Check out the entire lineup of Jamis high performance mountain bikes at www.jamisbikes.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Will Hart is Product Marketing Manager at Cane Creek, a western North Carolina based maker of suspension and bike components.

• Besides looking cool, what are some advantages of a coil shock?
• Are certain styles of riding better suited to a coil shock than others?
• What makes some FS mountain bikes coil compatible, and others not?
• How does compression damping work on a coil shock? Is there any air involved?
• Tell us about the Cane Creek Tigon. What's the idea behind combining a coil with an air spring?
• How are progressive and linear coil springs different?
• How do you set sag on a coil shock?
• What about other settings? Are coil shocks as tunable as air shocks?
• What does tightening the pre-load on a coil shock do?
• How does bottom-out work on a coil shock?
• Is it difficult for lighter riders to find an appropriate spring?
• How does the weight of a coil shock compare to an air shock?
• Will a coil feel different over time as the metal fatigues? 
• Are coil shocks lower maintenance than air shocks?
• What is your advice for mountain bikers who are coil curious?

Find out about the Cane Creek Coil Curious program at canecreek.com.

Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at⁠⁠ ExploreBrevard.com⁠⁠.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Penny Deck is the Operations Manager for the Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association in British Columbia. She’s worked as a volunteer trail builder with the North Shore Mountain Bike Association for over 8 years and led the NSMBA Trail Academy.

In this episode, we ask Penny:

• Most mountain bikers have probably heard of the North Shore but may not be familiar with the area. Where is the North Shore?
• What makes the NS so unique and special for mountain biking?
• Is the NS a big draw for mountain bike tourists outside of Vancouver and surrounding areas, or are the majority of the riders locals?
• How are the trails organized in the North Shore? Are there a few key riding areas?
• Are there many family-friendly trails in the North Shore?
• Which rides are the most challenging?
• What are some lesser-known trails where riders can get farther away from town?
• Who builds and maintains the trails in the area?
• Are there tour operators or clubs visitors can connect with if they want to ride with locals?
• Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
• Where is the best area to find lodging for a North Shore MTB trip?
• What is the best time of year to visit?
• Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?
• Is there anything else mountain bikers need to know before visiting the North Shore?

For more information visit nsmba.ca.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Tinker Juarez has been a professional mountain biker for more than 30 years. In that time he's competed in the Olympics twice, was crowned the 24-Hour Solo world champ four times, and was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. This year Tinker turns 60 years old, and he's still racing strong.

In this episode we ask:

• What was the local biking scene like in California in the 1960s and 70s when you were getting started?
• Why did you make the switch from BMX to cross country mountain biking?
• What was it like racing in the 1996 Olympics, the first year that mountain biking was added to the competition?
• Are you able to use the fact that you're such a well-known pro to your advantage, or are there drawbacks?
• Does winning big mountain bike races take more physical or mental strength? Do you think you excel at one more than the other?
• What’s the most difficult mountain bike race you’ve competed in?
• Do you miss the 24 Hour race scene?
• How do you train for ultra endurance races like La Ruuta, RAAM, and 24 Hour Solo races?
• Your race calendar tends to be very full every year, so what’s your recovery routine look like?
• What’s the secret to staying fast on the bike and continuing to beat riders who are half your age?
• What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were competing in your 20s?
• You’ve raced bikes all over the world; where are your favorite places to ride for fun?

Find out more about the Tinker Classic race at gropromotions.com/tinker-classic/

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Julian Tyo has lived in the Wood River valley for over a decade where he started the Ketchum bike park and managed the development of gravity trails on Bald Mountain and at Sun Valley Resort. Today he’s on the board of the Wood River Trails Coalition and also serves as the Community Recreation Supervisor & Events Manager for the city of Ketchum.

In this episode, we ask Julian:

• How did you end up in Sun Valley?
• What makes Sun Valley stand out among mountain bike destinations?
• Who builds and maintains the trails in your area?
• What are some of the challenges the Wood River Valley faces as a popular recreation destination?
• For someone visiting for the first time, what are 2 or 3 must ride trails or trail systems?
• What are the family-friendly rides, and which ones are the most challenging?
• What are some lesser-known trails where riders can get away from the crowds?
• Who are the tour operators or clubs visitors can connect with if they want to ride with locals?
• Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
• Is there camping available in the area? Are there bike-friendly hotels in town?
• What is the best time of year to visit? Are there any festivals or races visitors can plan to attend?
• Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?
• Is there anything else mountain bikers need to know before visiting Sun Valley?

For more information, and to support mountain biking in the Wood River Valley, visit woodrivertrailscoalition.org

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Dr. Kate Leeming is an explorer and adventurer who has biked tens of thousands of miles around the world, including 15,000 miles around the Australian continent in 2004 and 2005 and 22,000km across Africa from Senegal to Somalia. In 2019 she became the first person to cycle 1600km through the sands of the Namibian coast and is working toward the first-ever Antarctic bicycle crossing via the South Pole for her educational outreach organization, Breaking the Cycle.

In this episode, we ask Kate:

• What is your first memory of going on an adventure?
• Were you a good student in school? Did you enjoy learning?
• Have you always considered yourself an explorer?
• How does Breaking the Cycle: Education connect with your expeditions? What is the goal?
• What got you interested in the traversing the Skeleton Coast in Namibia by bike?
• Tell us about the all-wheel-drive fat bike you used. Was this a custom set up, or something you were able to find off the shelf? How did the bike perform?
• Were there any surprises along the way?
• How do you prepare for such massive expeditions, especially ones that no one else has completed before? How much of the preparation involves physical training versus research and logistics? How do you prepare yourself mentally?
• What are the challenges that women continue to face in the world of adventuring and exploring today?
• Are there ways we can be “explorers” in our day-to-day lives? What is the value of staying curious?
  

Learn more and connect with Kate at KateLeeming.com and BreakingTheCycle.Education. Diamonds in the Sand will air on Outside TV this summer.

Cover photo: Simon Wearne.

Anya Bruhin is a Northwest Arkansas local who has lived and worked in Fayetteville and Bentonville for 25 years. She’s also the education program manager for Bike NWA.

In this episode we ask Anya:

• What makes Northwest Arkansas stand out among mountain bike destinations?
• For someone visiting for the first time, what are 2 or 3 must ride trails or trail systems?
• What are some family-friendly rides?
• Which rides are the most challenging?
• What are some lesser-known mountain bike trails?
• Who builds and maintains the trails in Northwest Arkansas?
• What are some ways visitors can connect with local mountain bikers?
• Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
• What is the best time of year to visit? Are there any festivals or races visitors can plan to attend?
• Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?
• Is there anything else mountain bikers need to know before visiting Northwest Arkansas?

For more information and resources visit bikenwa.org.

Cimarron Chacon is the president and race director at GRO Promotions, which offers mountain bike event and trail development services in and around St. George, Utah. She also founded the Dixie Mountain Bike Trails Association which is now known as the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah.

We ask Cimarron:

• What makes St. George stand out among mountain bike destinations?
• For someone visiting for the first time, what are 2 or 3 must ride trails or trail systems?
• Which trails are family-friendly, and which ones are the most challenging?
• What are some lesser-known trails where riders can get away from the crowds?
• Who builds and maintains the trails in the area?
• Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
• What are some of the mountain bike races or events visitors can plan to attend (or avoid)? 
• Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?

Learn more about mountain biking in St. George at tasutah.org and gropromotions.com.

This episode is sponsored by Explore Brevard. Picture yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of public lands and over 300 shredable miles of single track. A place often referred to as one of the top mountain biking towns in the country. Brevard, North Carolina has countless epic adventures for every kind of rider on tap. Whether you love rocky, rooty technical lines in Pisgah, or flowy lines in Dupont State Recreational Forest, or something in-between – Brevard has it all…in spades. Come discover the place often referred to as the Cycling Capital of the South. Start planning your trip at ExploreBrevard.com

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Kevin Adams is a board member for the Verde Valley Cyclist Coalition, a nonprofit group working to promote cycling in the Verde Valley, including the town of Sedona, Arizona. Kevin also is the President of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund that raises money for the maintenance and enhancement of the non-motorized trails near Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. In his spare time, he’s the Chair of the Arizona State Committee on Trails. Of course he’s a mountain biker too, and he’s been connected to the local scene for almost a decade.

There are massive plans for new mountain bike trails in the Verde Valley, and Kevin fills us in on the details. In this episode, we also ask:

• What makes Sedona and the Verde Valley stand out among mountain bike destinations?
• What are 2 or 3 must ride trails or trail systems? Which trails are family-friendly, and which ones are the most challenging?
• Are there any lesser-known trails where riders can get away from the crowds?
• Who builds and maintains the trails in Sedona?
• Are there tour operators or clubs visitors can connect with if they want to ride with locals?
• Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
• Where are the best places for mountain bikers to stay during their visit?
• What is the best time of year to visit? Are there any festivals or races visitors can plan to attend? 
• Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?

Find out more at vvcc.us and visitsedona.com.

This episode is sponsored by Explore Brevard. Picture yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of public lands and over 300 shredable miles of single track. A place often referred to as one of the top mountain biking towns in the country. Brevard, North Carolina has countless epic adventures for every kind of rider on tap. Whether you love rocky, rooty technical lines in Pisgah, or flowy lines in Dupont State Recreational Forest, or something in-between – Brevard has it all…in spades. Come discover the place often referred to as the Cycling Capital of the South. Start planning your trip at ExploreBrevard.com

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Dr. Adam Phaneuf is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a degree in Exercise Science based in Bellingham, WA. He's also a bike fitter and has studied bicycle biomechanics.

In this episode we ask:

• How important is bike fit to mountain bikers compared to say road or gravel riders? Even within MTB, is fit more important for XC than gravity riders?
• What are some signs that a rider needs a better bike fit? What types of improvements can mountain bikers expect to see?
• How does a bike fit work?
• How much does a bike fit generally cost?
• Can non-racers benefit from a bike fit in terms of comfort or other factors?
• What are some key component swaps that can be done as part of a bike fit, and why?
• How can you tell if your bars are too wide?
• Do you have a rule of thumb for setting seat height for mountain biking? Do droppers make seat height settings easier, or more complicated?
• What's the best way to figure out the proper bike frame size? Are there certain key measurements buyers should consider?
• What are the challenges to fitting extremely tall or short riders?

Follow Adam on Instagram @apexbellingham and visit the website apexchirobellingham.com.

This episode is sponsored by Explore Brevard. Picture yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of public lands and over 300 shredable miles of single track. A place often referred to as one of the top mountain biking towns in the country. Brevard, North Carolina has countless epic adventures for every kind of rider on tap. Whether you love rocky, rooty technical lines in Pisgah, or flowy lines in Dupont State Recreational Forest, or something in-between – Brevard has it all…in spades. Come discover the place often referred to as the Cycling Capital of the South. Start planning your trip at ExploreBrevard.com

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

David Billstrom is the CEO of Kitsbow, a North Carolina based cycling apparel company known for producing high-quality products. The company utilizes a made-to-order model for many of the items in their catalog to reduce waste, cut lead times, and support the local economy.

In this episode we ask:

• What is lean manufacturing? How does it work specifically for an apparel company like Kitsbow?
• How significant are transportation costs associated with manufacturing your products overseas?
• Has it been difficult to find manufacturing workers in Old Fort, North Carolina? Is hiring a bottleneck in terms of expanding domestic production?
• How much waste is due to forecasting errors on sizing, styles, etc.? Does lean manufacturing eliminate most of this?
• What are some of the things you’ve learned from your customers or been able to improve about your products?
• What does the future of cycling apparel look like for Kitsbow?

Learn more at Kitsbow.com.

This episode is sponsored by Explore Brevard. Picture yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of public lands and over 300 shredable miles of single track. A place often referred to as one of the top mountain biking towns in the country. Brevard, North Carolina has countless epic adventures for every kind of rider on tap. Whether you love rocky, rooty technical lines in Pisgah, or flowy lines in Dupont State Recreational Forest, or something in-between – Brevard has it all…in spades. Come discover the place often referred to as the Cycling Capital of the South. Start planning your trip at ExploreBrevard.com

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Sean Leader is the founder of Windrock Bike Park and Southern Gravity, a Tennessee-based company that builds ramps and shuttle vehicles for bike parks. Not only that, Southern Gravity recently released a prototype steel DH mountain bike that's being tested by top elite and junior DH riders.

• You've worn many hats in the mountain bike world. When was the moment you realized you could make a living in the sport?
• How did Windrock Bike Park get started? 
• What were some of the challenges you faced as a bike park operator?
• Why build your own DH bike?
• What are the advantages of a steel DH bike frame compared to other materials?
• Did the expiration of the DW-Link patent figure into your design plans?
• Tell us about the Southern Gravity Racing team. Who are the athletes on the team, and which races are you targeting?
• How would you describe the southern DH mountain bike scene today? How has it evolved?
• What do you say to folks who think the southeast doesn't have quality trails or challenging terrain?

See the bike and connect with Sean at SouthernGravity.com.

Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at⁠ExploreBrevard.com⁠.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Ashley Korenblat is the CEO of Western Spirit Cycling Adventures and founder of Outerbike, as well as the Managing Director of Public Land Solutions, a non-profit dedicated to “providing comprehensive recreation planning and stakeholder coordination to support effective and sustainable public land solutions.” She also previously served as IMBA Board chair.

In this episode we ask Ashley:

• What is a “recreational asset?” Is this considered in strictly monetary terms, or are intrinsic values considered as well?
• How does PLS identify recreational assets and what does a typical plan look like?
• How significant is the Land and Water Conservation Fund in terms of recreation project funding in the US? 
• Is there an opportunity to work with energy development companies on recreation plans?
• What are some of the ways trail advocacy groups could improve on their current land management and access strategies?
• What is the PLS stance on MTB Wilderness access?  
• How does your advocacy background inform and connect with your trip offerings at Western Spirit?

Learn more about Public Land Solutions at publiclandsolutions.org and Western Spirit at westernspirit.com.

This episode is sponsored by Explore Brevard. Picture yourself in the middle of 100,000 acres of public lands and over 300 shredable miles of single track. A place often referred to as one of the top mountain biking towns in the country. Brevard, North Carolina has countless epic adventures for every kind of rider on tap. Whether you love rocky, rooty technical lines in Pisgah, or flowy lines in Dupont State Recreational Forest, or something in-between – Brevard has it all…in spades. Come discover the place often referred to as the Cycling Capital of the South. Start planning your trip at ExploreBrevard.com

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Josie Fouts is a two-time National Paralympics Road and Track Cycling Champion with plans to compete at the 2021 Games in Tokyo. She's also working to make mountain biking a Paralympic sport and stars in a new short film called Go Josie.

In this episode, we ask Josie:

• Have you found being stubborn is a strength? Does it ever get you in trouble?
• Are you able to use your formal education in nutrition and nutritional immunology as a part of your own training? 
• What is the level of competition like at the US National Paralympics? Were you surprised the first time you competed?
• How difficult is it to find off-the-shelf products that work for para athletes? Have you found gear manufacturers are willing to work with you to find solutions?
• What’s it been like working with a gear sponsor like Swiftwick? 
• Are there things the bike industry could be doing to make equipment more para-friendly? 
• Why do you think mountain biking is not a part of the Paralympics?
• What do you do to keep your workouts interesting? Is training fun for you?
• Were there any surprises on the first bikepacking trip you recently completed?
• Are there other challenges you’ve set for yourself this year in addition to competing in Tokyo?

View the short film Go Josie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1GfDjyUBJ4

Follow Josie on Instagram @ms.stubbornness. Thanks to Josie's sponsor Swiftwick for arranging this interview.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Renee Hutchens is a mountain biker, storyteller, and artist living in Colorado. As a member of the Diné Nation, Renee is an advocate for both Indigenous people and the lands they call home.

In this episode we discuss what it means to have a respectful and consensual relationship with the lands where we ride. Renee explains the meaning of the phrase environmental justice and talks about the mission of the Ute Land Trust. We talk about how words and naming in the bike industry can be hurtful to indigenous communities and why land acknowledgements at races are important.

Follow Renee on Instagram @renay.h and view her work at linktr.ee.

Editor's note: We reached out to Handup for comment about the "savage" glove mentioned in this interview and received the following reply: "We stopped selling these gloves in June 2020 after this came to our attention. Since then, we've changed gears to highlight 'Gloves that Give' in order for us to be able to give back to underrepresented community members of the mountain bike industry."

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Matt Martinez is the executive director of Dream Bikes, a non-profit organization that strategically places used bicycle stores in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods to provide hands-on, paid job training to teens. Dream Bikes has refurbished and returned more than 10,000 bikes to service, and operates two shops in Wisconsin.

We ask Matt:

• Is there a lot of demand for bike mechanics? How does the pay for professional mechanics compare to other jobs?
• What kind of impact can access to affordable bikes have on communities?
• Are you seeing increased demand for bikes during the pandemic? 
• Beyond providing repairs and selling bikes, how does a thriving local bike shop impact neighborhoods?
• Is there an environmental aspect to your mission?
• Beyond the training your group provides, what is the value of a more formal bike repair education?
• Does a lack of infrastructure like bike lanes or even trails limit the reach or utility of the program in the communities where you operate?
• What are some ways mountain bikers can help your organization?
• Are there other opportunities to help communities through bikes? What is the greatest need you’re currently unable to meet?

Learn more at dream-bikes.org.

Cover photo caption: Experienced bike mechanic Paul Brazeau works with Ryan Jackson on a repair.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

No, this isn't a sponsored episode; we just wanted to geek out on a topic that most of us take for granted! 

Rob Martin is the managing director at Outdoor Sports Insurance, a Horizon Agency program dedicated to working with sports equipment manufacturers and retailers.

Tori Hoeschler is senior vice president at Horizon Agency and works with all aspects of the Outdoor Sports Insurance Program.

Like us, you may have wondered:

• Are bike shops liable for faulty repairs?
• Are more bike shops starting to offer rentals?
• What should consumers know about signing equipment rental or guide service waivers? 
• With such a high demand for bikes currently, are your retail clients seeing an increase in theft?
• How does product liability coverage work? How is that related to product recalls and warranty issues?
• How much of the cost of a bike product, or a service like a bike park lift ticket, typically goes toward covering insurance?

More information at outdoorsportsins.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

This is part two of our interview with pioneering mountain bike skills coach Gene Hamilton. If you missed part one, be sure to load it up in your podcast app and listen!

In this episode, we ask:

• Is it possible for mountain biking to be bad for our health?
• What’s a mountain bike skill that separates pros from those who would consider themselves advanced or even expert riders?
• Are some bike tires better at cornering than others? Which ones? 
• How has mountain bike skills training changed over the past two decades, in terms of the techniques and the skills you’re teaching?
• As someone who has won Masters-level DH competitions, what tips do you have for staying fast and fit at your age?
• Do you think today’s bikes make it easier for riders to go faster, or to have more fun? How much of performance comes down to the bike, and how much to the rider?

Connect with Gene and his team at Betterride.net.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Gene Hamilton is a former pro downhill racer who created one of the first mountain bike skills courses in the late 1990s. Today Better Ride holds clinics around the US, teaching regular riders and pros alike how to ride fast.

In the first half of our conversation, Gene answers:

• How did you get into mountain biking racing?
• Once you realized that you had hit a wall in terms of your own skills development, how did you go about researching proper mountain bike skills?
• Were there any surprises based on your early research, or any “aha” moments that stuck out?
• How can riders take advantage of momentum to go faster on the trail without putting in extra effort?

And we're just getting started! Tune in next week for part two of our conversation where Gene shares the skills that separate the pros from advanced riders, his favorite tires for cornering, and how our understanding of bike skills has evolved over the years.

Connect with Gene and his team at Betterride.net.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Rick Reed is the Brand Manager for Ride Concepts, a mountain bike footwear company based in Reno, Nevada. Before joining Ride Concepts, he was a sales director at Five Ten.

In this episode we ask Rick:

• Why are mountain bike shoes more expensive than “regular” shoes? Is there really an advantage to wearing something made specifically for biking?
• How does pedal grip translate to trail grip when it’s time to hike-a-bike?
• Is there a sweet spot when it comes to sole stiffness? Is stiffer always better, at least when you’re on the pedals?
• What do you think about the trend toward moving cleat positions back toward the mid foot?
• Are there advantages to using traditional laces instead of Velcro or something like a Boa, or is that just for aesthetics?  
• What types of features can be built into a shoe to provide protection against injury?
• What are the biggest constraints when it comes to designing a good bike shoe?
• How is the environmental footprint factored in when designing a pair of shoes? Are there ways the impact can be minimized?
• Where are most mountain bike shoes manufactured?
• How are women’s mountain bike shoes different from men’s shoes?
• When you sponsor athletes like Rachael Atherton, do you have a way of quantifying the return on that investment? Do influencers move the needle to a similar degree?

Get more info about some of the shoes we covered in this episode at RideConcepts.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Douglas Carchrie is a bicycle mechanic, mountain bike guide, and mountain bike trail consultant at Big Mountain Scotland. He has also served as a national park conservation intern and conducted research into mountain biker behavior as a student at the University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

In this episode, we ask:

• Do mountain bikers tend to bother animals more than other trail users?
• What are some of the things mountain bikers have been asked to do to avoid disturbing animals like the threatened Capercaillie bird?
• Based on your study, do you think most mountain bikers are willing to change their behavior if they understand the impact of their actions?
• Which methods are most effective when it comes to communicating conservation information to riders?
• There are a number of tools available to land managers, including enforcement, trail design, and education. Which ones provide the biggest impact in your opinion?
• Based on your experience as a mountain bike guide and director for Big Mountain Scotland, where are some of the best places to ride in the country?

Read more about Carchrie's study here:

https://www.bigmountainscotland.co.uk/post/mountain-bikers-awareness-of-capercaillie-in-the-cairngorms-national-park

And if you missed part one of our discussion of mountain biking and the environment, be sure to go back and listen to our previous show, episode #279.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Doug Blease is a mountain biker and environmental researcher based in Scotland. He’s a member of IMBA-EU and has served in active trail planning roles with the Aberdeen Trail Association.

In this interview, we ask:

• What does an environmental impact assessment look like when it comes to trail planning?
• How big of a concern is erosion when it comes to bikes, especially compared to other trail users?
• How resilient is nature in terms of the ecosystem? Could there be long-term effects due to trail building if it’s not done properly?
• As individuals, how can we minimize the impact of our rides?
• How can we balance the tension between creating opportunities to enjoy the environment, with protecting it from damage or overuse?
• How would you grade the mountain bike industry’s overall eco footprint?

If you'd like to contact Doug for advice or to ask a question, email info@singletracks.com and we'll pass your message along.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

*Cover photo: Luis Ascenso Photography from Lisbon, Portugal, via Wikimedia Commons

Joel Smith is the Brand Leader for Reserve, a Santa Cruz, CA brand that designs and markets wheels for everything from downhill to road biking. Steel Wisdom-Wilhelmsson is engineering lab technician responsible for lab-conditions wheel testing. 

In this episode we ask:

• How are MTB wheels assembled? For high-end wheels, is most of it done by hand?
• How does rim construction contribute to ride feel? Is a shallower rim better than a deep rim for ride feel?
• What are the advantages of a high engagement freehub? Is there a number that most riders will find meets their needs or is more always better?
• Are wheel sizes and standards continuing to evolve? What about rim widths? 
• Are today's carbon rims stronger and more durable than aluminum? How do the weights compare?
• What other advantages does carbon have over aluminum rims?
• How much stronger does a DH wheel need to be compared to a lightweight XC wheel? Front vs. rear? 
• What is the most common mode of failure when it comes to mountain bike wheels?
• What are your thoughts on tire inserts? 
• How have rim profiles changed over the years?
• What role does spoke lacing and the number of spokes play in a wheel's strength and ride feel? 
• Is a Super Boost wheel a better wheel?
• What's the deal with mountain bike wheel warranties? Generally speaking, do riders make many claims?
• What's your advice to mountain bikers when choosing a wheel upgrade?

Check out reservewheels.com to learn more about the brand.

This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.

Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at
ExploreBrevard.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Jeremiah Stone is a mountain bike skill instructor who has taught hundreds of riders across the western USA with Ninja Mountain Bike Performance and the Sedona Mountain Bike Academy. He’s also a freelance trail builder and machine operator in addition to being a skilled rider.

In this interview, we ask:

• How did you develop your own mountain bike skills? Did you have a coach?
• Do you think today’s mountain bikes make it easier to be a good biker, compared to the equipment that was available in the old days?
• Timing seems to be a big factor when it comes to landing jumps or clearing doubles. How can riders develop a good sense of timing and speed?
• Why is it easier to ride a technical feature once you’ve seen someone else ride it first?
• What are some common bad habits when it comes to technical trail descending?
• Beyond improving physical fitness, are there skills that can make climbing on the bike more tolerable?
• Do you have any tips for helping riders overcome their fear of trying something new? How does that advice change for someone recovering from a traumatic crash?

Connect with Jeremiah on Instagram @vitabrevis and learn more at ridelikeaninja.com. 

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Jon Cariveau is the head of marketing for Moots, the Steamboat Springs, Colorado based bike brand known for hand building premium, titanium bikes. Jon is a passionate rider and racer, and has been with the brand for 24 years, starting in the shop when Moots had less than half a dozen employees.

Moots is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year so we look back at some of the brand's unique bike designs and product decisions over the years, starting with the YBB soft tail mountain bike released in the 1980s.

We also ask:

• What are the biggest advantages of a titanium mountain bike frame? What are the disadvantages or tradeoffs?
• In 2010 Moots featured a "96er" in the lineup. Are you surprised to see mixed wheel bikes making a bit of a comeback today?
• As a company that is building bikes domestically, how has Moots been dealing with supply chain disruptions due to Covid?
• How does the company's location in Steamboat Springs, Colorado influence the products and design?
• What does Moots have in store for the next decade? What will we be talking about when Moots celebrates its 50th anniversary?

To learn more about Moots, visit moots.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Tony Boone has been building mountain bike trails for more than 30 years, and literally helped write the book on the subject, contributing to IMBA’s Guides to Building Sweet Singletrack and Providing Great Riding. He established the first bike patrol in Colorado in 1989 and has been an active member of the Professional Trail Builders Association since 1995.

Tony talks about the trail building and mountain bike scene in China, what it's like to work as a government land manager, and the projects he's most proud of.

In this interview we also ask:

• What are some of the most common mistakes new trail builders make?
• How do concepts like sustainability and stewardship fit into recreational trail building?
• How do the early trails you built compare to the ones you’re involved in creating today?
  • Can trail builders benefit from a more formal education?

To connect with Tony, or to learn more about his work and the studies mentioned in this episode, choose from the following links.

• https://www.tonyboonetrails.com/
• http://www.timberlinetrailcraft.com/
• https://outdoorindustry.org/resource/2017-outdoor-recreation-economy-report/
• https://www.bea.gov/data/special-topics/outdoor-recreation
• https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/about-us/newsroom/bicycling-provides-137-million-in-economic-benefits-to-northwest-arkansas

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Earl Serafica is the owner of Earl’s Bike shop, a Specialized dealer located on the west side of Atlanta near the Georgia Tech campus and close to downtown. I first met Earl on a mountain bike ride several years ago, and he’s remained a good friend and tireless promoter of the local cycling community here in Atlanta.

Earl talks about how the pandemic and surprising bike boom has affected business, and his approach to connecting with new and old customers. 

We also ask:

• What’s the most common repair you make?
• Which repairs are more challenging?
• How has Covid affected your inventory and your ability to get bikes and parts?
• Which bikes sold the fastest in 2020?
• Do you worry that delays, and lack of inventory is pushing some folks toward alternatives like wrenching at home, or buying complete bikes online?
• How are e-bike sales looking? Which types of electric bikes are people choosing, and what do the buyers look like?

Connect with Earl and his shop at earlsbike.shop.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Rab Wardell is a mountain bike athlete and coach living in Glasgow, Scotland. He recently set the fastest known time on the West Highland Way, a 96 mile off-road route connecting Milngavie and Fort William.

In this episode, we find out what makes a Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempt different from other mountain bike races, and why Rab chose to challenge the FKT on the West Highland Way in Scotland. Rab outlines the steps he took to prepare his body and his gear for the attempt and shares some of the issues he faced during the ride.

In addition to competing, Rab is also a cycling coach, and he shares his tips for building skills, confidence, and fitness that any rider can apply.

For more info and to connect with Rab, visit rabwardell.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Simon Lawton is the founder of Fluidride, a world-class mountain bike instructional school that offers both online courses and in-person clinics around the world.  We first spoke with Simon on the podcast in the summer of 2019, and spent some time catching up and learning what mountain bike skills clinics and instruction look during Covid-19.

With so many new mountain bikers joining the sport in 2020, Simon talks about the opportunity for not just skills training but also educating riders on trail use and etiquette. For those rejoining the sport, we ask if certain mountain bike skills can get rusty, and what it takes to break old habits.

In this episode we also talk about the mountain bike scene in Baja, Mexico where Simon now spends his winter season. Connect with Simon and learn more at fluidride.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Fabio Wibmer is an Austrian trials rider and mountain biker with almost 6 million YouTube followers and is closing in on 1 billion views. He’s known for starring in videos like Wibmer’s Law, Fabiolous Escape 1 and 2, and most recently, Home Office. In addition to trials riding, Fabio is also a winning downhill and freeride mountain biker.

In this episode, we ask Fabio how he got his start riding and talk about the athletes who have inspired him along the way. Fabio shares the source of his confidence on the bike, the projects he’s most proud of, and tells us what he would be doing if he weren’t a Red Bull sponsored athlete. We also ask if he considers himself a perfectionist, hear about his recovery from a recent broken foot, and learn his secret for pulling off a really good whip. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Find Fabio on YouTube at youtube.com/user/fabwibmer and Instagram @wibmerfabio.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Mat Stanke is a trail builder and board member of the Clinch Valley Trail Alliance in Oak Ridge, Tennessee outside of Knoxville. He and his club recently opened a new skills park called the Dirt Lab through a grassroots effort involving local businesses and community members.

We talk about the vision behind creating the Dirt Lab bike park and how it differs from the natural singletrack trails that were already available to riders in the area. Mat walks us through approvals, funding, and construction, offering insight into the process for others who might be considering the same for their local community. More than just a place for riders to progress their skills, the Dirt Lab offers builders an opportunity to hone their trail feature building skills for future projects as well.

Tune in to hear about the mistakes the group made along the way as Mat speaks candidly about some of the challenges the project faced.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Ron Bergin is the Executive Director of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, also known as CAMBA, located in northern Wisconsin. The club is known for maintaining a well known network of mountain bike trails which host popular races and events including the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival and the Borah Epic. CAMBA recently worked with River Falls Research Center on a study linking trail visits to $7.8 million in economic impact within two surrounding counties.

We learn how the CAMBA trail usage and economic impact study was conducted, and what the results mean for future trail building and maintenance. Are events big economic drivers, or are trails alone enough to make an impact? Is it tough to find enough local volunteers to maintain trails used primarily by tourists? Do groomed fat bike trails draw winter visitors? Ron answers all these questions and more.

Read the full report here (https://cambatrails.org/about/economic-impact-studies/) and learn more about the group at cambatrails.org.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Ben Turits runs a coaching business and sports therapy practice called The Endurance Collective. He’s joined us a couple of times on the Singletracks podcast in the past, and we’re stoked to have him back to talk about strength and fitness training in the time of Covid.

Pro and amateur cycling athletes alike have seen their 2020 race and training schedules disrupted, so we dig into the ways athletes are adapting. While our discussion is centered around the effects of the current pandemic, many of the takeaways are applicable to anyone who is facing fitness or training challenges due to unexpected events.

We discuss mental tricks for staying focused, the effect of competition on performance, and the positive things some have learned amid forced downtime. The current pandemic is accelerating training technology adoption so we discuss which changes will stick around.

Connect with Ben at theendurancecollective.com

This podcast is sponsored by Gloworm Lites.

Gloworm is a mountain bike light brand founded almost a decade ago by two mountain bikers in New Zealand, and today the company offers some of the most customizable, highest quality bike lights on the market. Gloworm’s complete line of lights start at 1200 lumens and range up to a blinding 3400 lumens, all at reasonable prices.

Save 15% off all light systems on the Gloworm website with the coupon code SINGLETRACKS2020. Shop for lights at glowormlites.co.nz

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Carol Baldwin is the founder of Flownetic MTB Skills and is a PMBIA Level 3  certified mountain bike skills instructor. She's also a Singletracks contributor and product tester. 

In this podcast we ask Carol:

• Have you alway mountain biked with flat pedals?
• Was it difficult to switch from clipless to flat pedals? Why?
• What are the advantages of flat pedals compared to clipless?
• What are the disadvantages of flats compared to clipless pedals?
• Are bigger and/or wider pedal platforms better?
• What's the right number of pins per side?
• What is your favorite shoe, or type of shoe for mountain biking?
• What is your favorite flat pedal?
• Are aluminum pedals better than composite?
• Are there certain types of rides that are better or worse for flat pedals?
• For people who have only used flats, is it worth giving clipless a try?
• Is riding on flats more fun?

Learn more and connect with Carol at flowneticmtb.com.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

In this week’s episode, Gerow, Jeff, and Matt sit down to discuss the latest mountain bike news, starting with a question that seems to come up every few years: is this the golden age of mountain biking? We’ll talk about interesting new products including a linkage upgrade and a shippable, cardboard pump track template, plus we take a look at the short 2020 professional mountain bike race season.

There’s also much to talk about in the world of e-bikes, from trail access to the latest take on lightweight eMTBs from Orbea. Listen in as we answer the question: what’s been your best and worst ride lately?

This podcast is sponsored by Gloworm Lites.

Gloworm is a mountain bike light brand founded almost a decade ago by two mountain bikers in New Zealand, and today the company offers some of the most customizable, highest quality bike lights on the market. Gloworm’s complete line of lights start at 1200 lumens and range up to a blinding 3400 lumens, all at reasonable prices.

Save 15% off all light systems on the Gloworm website with the coupon code SINGLETRACKS2020. Shop for lights at glowormlites.co.nz

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Chris Currie is a bike industry veteran with decades of experience in everything from retail and marketing to product design. His patented mountain bike suspension design, dubbed 3VO, is well regarded and is currently being used by Jamis Bikes in their full suspension bike line.

Chris fills us in on what it takes to design and patent a brand new mountain bike suspension setup, and talks about what makes his approach unique. We also ask Chris to explain confusing but important terms like instant center and axle path. What’s the most annoying thing about mountain bikes at the moment? Listen in to find out how Chris answers.

This podcast is sponsored by Gloworm Lites.

Gloworm is a mountain bike light brand founded almost a decade ago by two mountain bikers in New Zealand, and today the company offers some of the most customizable, highest quality bike lights on the market. Gloworm’s complete line of lights start at 1200 lumens and range up to a blinding 3400 lumens, all at reasonable prices.

Save 15% off all light systems on the Gloworm website with the coupon code SINGLETRACKS2020. Shop for lights at glowormlites.co.nz

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

The Singletracks staff has tested a ton of gear this year, and this week we’re looking back at some of our favorites. Listen in to hear what impressed us about each of these items, from clothing and accessories to complete bikes.

Some of the products covered in this episode:
MTB components
* TRP G-Spec brakes* Teravail Honcho tires * Schwalbe Magic Mary tires* Formula Selva R fork * Hope Fortus 30 wheels * Versus tires* MRP Raven fork * Ohlins TTXAir shock * And four more favorite tires tested in 2020

MTB accessories
* Topeak Burrito seat pack * Thule Roundtrip duffel bag * Garmin Forerunner 235 watch * Polar Grit X watch * Topeak Tubi 18 mini tool * Topeak DA mountain pump * Fidlock bottles * Camelbak Chase hydration vest * Topeak Prepstand Pro work stand

Clothing and wearables
* Pactimo Ridgeline hoodie * Gore C5 All-mountain shorts * Tasco gloves * Giro Ventana shoes * Endura MT500 jacket * Fox Speedframe helmet

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

Dr. Chris Leatt is the founder of the eponymous bike and moto protection brand based in South Africa. The company’s bike product line has expanded over the years to include helmets, pads, goggles, and even hydration packs, all designed with a focus on safety and protection.

We find out how the Leatt company got its start, and what the brand is doing to help athletes stay safe. Dr. Leatt explains how everything from neck braces to helmets and body armor are designed to work, and offers tips for reducing risk on the bike trail.

This episode is sponsored by Boeshield (boeshield.com), makers of Boeshield T-9, a lube designed to waterproof your bike chain, lubricate cables, and prevent rust with its unique and effective all-in-one formula. This month Boeshield is giving away a free prize pack to a lucky listener! Visit singletracks.com/Boeshield to enter — open to anyone the contiguous United States, no purchase necessary.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks