Why Thinking Ruins Your MTB Riding (But Is the Key to Progress) #56

You want to improve your skills so you start to practice. You think about your body position, your braking or your timing… and suddenly everything falls apart. 😬 This is where many riders come to the same conclusion: “Thinking is the problem. I should just ride naturally.” But that’s exactly what keeps them stuck. In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening in your brain when you switch from autopilot to conscious control and why that awkward, frustrating phase is NOT failure…You’ll learn:- what changes in your brain when you start thinking about movement- why things feel worse when you go into that second brain mode- and how to use that phase to actually build better, more reliable skillsIf your riding "falls apart" the moment you try to fix something… this episode will change how you see that. 

You're out on your MTB and mess up. 😣 Instantly your mind goes: “Why do I always do this?” OR “I should be better by now.” Do you recognise yourself here? Then this episode is for you! Because THAT is a self-criticism loop that is NOT helping you improve - in fact, it's keeping you stuck. It's quietly training your brain to feel more fear, more tension, and less control every time you practice or ride. In this episode, we break down the neuroscience about what harsh self-criticism actually does inside your brain and why it pushes you out of learning mode. You’ll understand/learn:- why mistakes start to feel dangerous and why that's NOT a good thing - a simple 4-step system (P.A.S.T.) to stay regulated and improve faster- how self-criticism creates overthinking and blocks progress - why “being strict on yourself” isn't motivating, but actually backfires- and how to interrupt the loop in real time using a simple system you can apply on every ride (the Roxybike P.A.S.T System) This is about staying regulated so your brain can actually learn. And once you see this pattern on the bike…you won’t be able to unsee it in the rest of your life. Want to improve your confidence and mental strength with me on your doorstep?Find all my courses here and start my TRACKSTAND COURSE for free (it's the first course listed on the following page): https://roxybike.podia.com/mountain-bike-online-coursesWork with my personal feedback to pinpoint your causal mistake and get clear, motivating feedback: https://roxybike.podia.com/online-mtb-coaching Support my ads-free podcast by becoming a Patron or buying me a coffee 💗 

Most riders think skills training is about technique. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful tools to reduce fear, improve focus, and build real confidence — on and off the bike?In this episode, I break down 5 mental benefits of mountain bike skills training that most riders completely overlook.We’re talking about:why fear on the bike is a prediction problem, not a personality flawhow structured practice creates real motivation (instead of frustration)how skills training improves focus and mental clarityhow riding can become a powerful tool for stress regulationand how building skills builds self-trust that transfers into lifeThis episode is especially relevant for riders over 35 who feel stuck, hesitant, or like progress isn’t sticking — despite putting in time on the bike. Because the problem usually isn’t effort. It’s the lack of a system.👉 Want to train this in a structured way?Check out the Skill Up Challenge, we start April 18th: https://roxybike.podia.com/skill-up-2026-your-all-in-one-mtb-skills-program?coupon=LATE-BIRD

Most riders think skills training is about riding harder trails or going faster. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful tools to improve your brain, reduce stress, and stay physically capable as you get older? In this episode, I break down 5 surprising benefits of mountain bike skills training, especially for riders over 35.If you’ve ever felt stuck, tense, or like your riding isn’t improving despite putting in time, this episode will shift how you think about training.👉 Want a structured way to train all of this?Check out the Skill Up Challenge, my live all-in-one program, we start April 18th: https://roxybike.podia.com/skill-up-2026-your-all-in-one-mtb-skills-program 

Mountain biking can rewire your brain for deep confidence and self-trust. But if you’re not careful, it can also train self-doubt, fear, and destructive thought patterns. In this episode, I break down the neuroscience behind both. You’ll learn how real confidence is built through motor learning, awareness, and measurable progress — and why many riders unknowingly train the opposite of what they want. I explain how skills training, when done intentionally, becomes a powerful tool to overcome limiting habits and beliefs — based on how the brain actually works.This isn’t motivation fluff. It’s brain science applied to the trail.Because MTB is more than sport. If used consciously, it becomes a laboratory for rewiring belief systems.You’ll also hear the story of Samantha, a rider who went from constant self-doubt to grounded confidence — through understanding cause and effect, and how you can, too! You’ll learn:- Why confidence is a trained neural pattern (not a character trait)- How to build confidence circuits in your brain- Why awareness is the true foundation of self-confidence and what the German word for confidence (Selbstbewusstsein) has to do with it- How the Notice → Accept → Adjust → Repeat loop builds self-trust- Why dopamine from small wins is more powerful than big breakthroughs- Why negative self-talk blocks learning- Why even your posture and body tension directly influence confidence- How familiarity — not difficulty — determines fear- Why safe practice environments accelerate growth- How skills training on the bike transfers into real-life self-beliefLinks mentioned in the episode: Join my once a year LIVE COHORT starting in April: https://roxybike.podia.com/skill-up-2026-your-all-in-one-mtb-skills-programPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rideandinspireBuy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/roxyinspiresWork with me with my remote coaching: https://www.roxybike-coaching.comSign up for my FREE newsletter with tips directly to your inbox and get a FREE BALANCE COURSE to start rewiring right on your doorstep: https://roxybike.podia.com/sign-me-up Book MentionedWay of the Peaceful Warrior – Dan Millman

If you're fed up with men telling women that they're just making excuses, or you think “women just need to try harder”… you’re exactly why this episode exists. 🤓 It is based on physics, physiology, bike geometry and hormones: it's a clear explanation of why the same trail and the same skill can cost women more. If you'd like to see some great examples of mansplaining, then just check the comments below this reel, which ironically addresses this topic with FACTS already: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF2rxqqsb78/?igsh=cm9nbGZobnUzNWti This is not a political statement and not “activism.” I’m NOT here to fight culture wars. I’m here for truth, physics, and better coaching — so more women+ ride bikes, stay motivated in the sport, feel seen and progress faster. In this episode you’ll learn:the difference between relative strength vs absolute strength and why mountain biking doesn't care that women can have more "relative lower body strength" why cues like “just send it”, "stop making excuses", or “just pull up” are NOT helpful when coaching womenhow power production, fatigue, recovery, and threat response can change the learning curvewhere bike geometry and component sizing can quietly reduce control for many womenwhy women often ride closer to their limits on the SAME trail or when performing the SAME movewhy women can't just "make it snappier" as easily as men. One boundary up front:This episode is for women and men. However, it's for genuinely strong men: the kind who can handle facts, respect context, and support women without putting them down to feel superior.If you’re here to learn (regardless of gender): welcome. If you’re here to “correct” women’s experiences, minimize biology, degrade me or others — that’s not a discussion, and it’s not welcome here. Also: That’s not masculinity. That’s insecurity with a keyboard. 🤓This space is for respectful, grounded (wo)men+ who value understanding, empathy, and better solutions.Looking for coaching that’s designed around different biologies and adapts skills training to your age, body, and bike? Sign up for free here:https://roxybike.podia.com/sign-me-upSupport this ads-free podcast: https://www.patreon.com/c/rideandinspire Scientific resources & Citations: Strength & Power differences between women and men: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8477683/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37772882/ and https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP284198 and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7930971/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7930971/ Physiological differences between genders: Women and men gain strength well relatively, but not absolutely: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3529284/ and why testosterone matters: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6391653/Intimidation and Perception: A 2010 Sacred Rides survey showed that 60% of women believed the perception of mountain biking as "hard-core" was deterring women from participating Media Representation: Research about inclusivity by Fiona Spotswood, Bristol University: "media continues to anchor male authority and reinforce hypermasculinity, falling short of its transformative potential. Women disengage and can feel disconnected from mountain biking" Fostering Inclusive Action Sport: "We need a better understanding of the practices that reconstitute, or challenge, the established production of male-dominated content that masculinizes sport." The eye-opening books for all of you saying women are not underrepresented: "Invisible Women" written by Caroline Criado Perez

Why do MTB skills feel amazing right after a clinic… and then “disappear”? In this episode, I break down what’s really happening inside your brain (neuroscience-based, no fluff, in simple terms) when you learn mountain bike skills:Why your brain deletes new MTB skills (unless you do this)The real reason skills fade: you’re stuck in Stage 1 of neuroplasticity Why confidence isn’t magic, it’s actually something called myelination (and it's simple to build!)Why fear blocks learning: the amygdala rule every MTB rider (and MTB skills coach) should knowYou’ll learn how to move from temporary performance to trail-proof skill by understanding the 3 stages of neuroplasticity and how to train in a way that actually sticks.Real progress isn’t about talent or bravery. It’s about wiring the skill deep enough that it shows up when it matters. In this episode you'll find out how to do that! 👉 Start rewiring with:My FREE Balance course → https://roxybike.podia.com/sign-me-upWork with me personally → More info hereSupport me to keep this podcast ads-free and value-driven: By supporting me on Patreon 😍 (Which also unlocks exclusive peaks) By buying me a virtual coffee 😍

Riding alone can feel surprisingly hard, especially for MTB beginners, often more so for women, but sometimes even for experienced mountain bikers. Fear, lack of focus, and constant “what if” thoughts often have a lot to do with how the brain reacts when we lose external support. This episode is especially helpful if you want practical, science-based confidence strategies. In this episode, we break down:why solo MTB rides trigger fear and overthinkinghow self-talk influences confidence and riding performancehow third-person self-talk (Illeism) can calm the nervous system (and why it works based on neuroscience) how to make solo rides safer and more effectivepractical strategies for solo ride safety and preparationYou’ll learn how to:ride alone with more confidencestrategies for guided self-talk reduce fear on solo mountain bike ridesstay focused without external validationbuild trust in yourselfStart my free on-bike balance course designed specifically for mountain bikers 35+: https://roxybike.podia.com/sign-me-up For the Ladies 40+: Sign up for free MTB + Menopause Tips: https://roxybike.podia.com/menopause-tips Train your strength and coordination at home (course specifically for mountain bikers 35+): https://roxybike.podia.com/building-basics-introduction-to-strength-coordinationSupport this podcast by becoming a patron or buying me a coffee 😍 (It's NOT sponsored to keep it value-driven, not algo-driven)☕️ https://buymeacoffee.com/roxyinspires🙏 https://www.patreon.com/c/rideandinspire 

In today’s episode, we dig into one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) features of the human brain: your built in negativity bias. You'll learn:why your brain holds onto negative experienceswhy “reality” is filtered, not objectivehow the Reticular Activating System (RAS) decides what you noticeand how mountain biking is a surprisingly effective tool for retraining your attentionIf you’ve ever wondered why one bad ride, one mistake, or one negative comment sticks in your mind far longer than all the good stuff combined, this episode will finally help you make sense of it and CHANGE it! You’ll learn practical, science-backed tools to start training your attention today (on the trail and in daily life) so your brain becomes better at noticing possibilities, capabilities, and micro-wins instead of dangers and mistakes to build a more supportive inner environment.We explore:Baumeister et al., “Bad Is Stronger Than Good”the fast subcortical threat pathway that triggers your amygdala before you can thinkwhy positive moments fade unless you consciously reinforce themhow attention literally rewires your neural pathway Hebbian learningand why your RAS acts like a “bouncer,” filtering your world based on what you engage with✨ Patreon Bonus: Patrons get a free downloadable cheat sheet that summarizes all tools and concepts from today’s episode.Join here to get it PLUS other exclusive perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/rideandinspire This episode is not sponsored. It’s made possible by the lovely humans who support my work on Patreon. If you want to help me keep creating science-based, real-talk MTB content, JOIN my Patreon, thank you. 🩵Research, Citations & Sources: All of what I mention in this episode is solid sports psychology:Negativity Bias — “Bad Is Stronger Than Good”: Baumeister, R.F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K.D. (2001).Review of General Psychology, 5(4), 323–370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.5.4.323Fast Threat Detection, Subcortical “Low Road” Pathway: This is Joseph LeDoux’s foundational fear-circuit research. Emotion circuits in the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23, 155–184. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.23.1.155Subcortical fast route via thalamus → amygdala This paper describes how threat cues take a fast shortcut to the amygdala. Morris, J.S., Ohman, A., & Dolan, R.J. (1999).A subcortical pathway to the right amygdala mediating “unseen” fear. PNAS, 96(4), 1680–1685. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.96.4.1680Emotional memory consolidation — why threat sticks more. This is the amygdala → memory research that explains why negative events imprint so strongly. Phelps, E.A., & LeDoux, J.E. (2005). Contributions of the amygdala to emotion processing: From animal models to human behavior. Neuron, 48(2), 175–187. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2005.09.025Cognitive attention networks — why attention shapes perception. This is the Corbetta & Shulman paper: Corbetta, M., & Shulman, G.L. (2002). Control of goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention in the brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 3, 201–215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn755 Hebbian Learning = “Neurons that fire together wire together”. This is the classic foundation for how repeated thoughts build neural pathways. Hebb, D.O. (1949).The Organization of Behavior. New York: Wiley & Sons. https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/neuroscience/hebbian-learning Dopamine, reward learning, and the need for repetition. Wise, R.A. (2004). Dopamine, learning and motivation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 5(6), 483–494.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1406Speaking cues aloud improves focus + reduces fear, Research on self-talk regulating attention and performance: Theodorakis, Y., Hatzigeorgiadis, A., & Chroni, S. (2008).Self-talk: Positive impact on sports performance. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 20(2), 178–195. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26167788/ Reticular Activating System (RAS): The RAS has decades of neuroanatomical research. A clean modern summary is: Moruzzi, G., & Magoun, H.W. (1949). Brain stem reticular formation and activation of the EEG. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 1(4), 455–473. DOI: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0013469449902199?via%3Dihub

We dive into what’s actually happening in peri- and postmenopause (hormonally, neurologically, and physically) and how those changes show up on the bike. From fear on technical trails, to fatigue, difficulties concentrating, to the “hit by a truck” recovery days… none of this is random. This episode is science-based and NOT only for women 🤓You’ll learn:to understand women deeper and why the transition is not "in their head" how estrogen and progesterone influence fear, focus, coordination and recovery,why everything can suddenly feel harder,why muscle soreness and fatigue stick around longer,why menopause affects balance and timing,why MTB is one of the most powerful tools to feel better during menopauseAs always: This is education, not medical advice. Please speak with a healthcare provider about your individual situation — especially if considering HRT or if you have medical conditions.🩵 want to leave a comment? Find this episode on YouTube here: How Menopause Affects Riding – And How Mountain Biking Helps #47https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/56niS0Ogsng?feature=oembed 💌 Join the MTB Menopause Newsletter:Get science-backed training, fueling, and mindset tools specifically for midlife riders delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here: https://roxybike.podia.com/menopause-tips Follow my new page on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtbmenopause/ 🐰 Start my BUNNY HOP COURSE with a methodology designed specifically for women & riders 40+ Key Links & Research Mentioned, also, diving a little deeper: Menopause physiology & STRAW+10:STRAW+10 staging system (official reproductive aging framework): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3340903/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3580996/Exercise benefits in peri- and postmenopausal women:Sleep, mood, psychological well-being: Systematic review (exercise & sleep in menopausal women) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39627770/Mind–body exercise & sleep improvement (yoga, stretching, relaxation): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40694785/ Aerobic exercise benefits: Aerobic training improves sleep, mental health, and fatigue in peri/postmenopause: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26382311 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32993147/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9730414/Strength training & cognition:Resistance training paired with cognitive training improves cognitive function and slows brain-structure decline in older women (RCT): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36312128/Skipping breakfast & metabolic health:Skipping breakfast linked to higher risk of osteoporosis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34313618/No benefits of time restricted eating vs. just exercise: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40880914/ Protein for midlife women:Whey protein supplementation helps avoid muscle loss and also builds muscle, if paired with strength training: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235862/Sleep: Sleeping less related to higher obesity risk: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35730978/Estrogen, why important and why we need to fuel differently: Estrogen’s role in muscle, collagen, tendons, inflammation, neuromuscular control (major review): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23460719/Hormone Therapy: Benefits & risks of HRT: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34432008/Menopause symptoms & prevalenceMenopausal transition symptoms overview (cycle changes, brain fog, vasomotor symptoms, mood): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35525259/ 🩵 Thank you for listeningIf you found this episode helpful, please share it with another midlife rider — it makes a huge difference. And DO rate the podcast, or comment below an episode 🩵