How To Improve Your Mountain Bike Confidence | Progress Your MTB Riding

Sometimes your riding can feel like it has reached a plateau and you are not making any progress. Here is Rich with a few tips on how to build your confidence and get over that MTB hump!
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Whether it's a big feature you're hoping to hit or simply progressing from blue trails to red trails, the process is the same. Ride as much as you can, mix up the trails that you ride, practise your basic skills, wear the appropriate protective gear, visualise your sucess, and get your riding buddies involved!
Did you find these tips helpful?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@mtb14292]

I cleared a big drop for the first time today🤟👍

[@TMan29]

Yaaay good on you, I will try a drop near my place as well. 💕🙌

[@damianmichalewski6682]

noice, adleast you have a bike lmfao ;-;

[@lewisd2566]

Sick

[@TommyC11442]

Nice!

[@ur_mum2341]

Good job man

[@kevinm1728]

I ran into trouble by focusing on the ground 5 feet in front of me. A huge break through for me was when I realized I need to be looking 15-20 feet ahead of the trail to pick my line.

[@lordladdusingh]

same problem 🤣

[@janeprice8371]

Just realized I do this 😅

[@jexner]

Pads and a fat bike, that's what helped me over serious trail trauma

[@sam.wootton]

With explosion of social media, easy to feel intimidated / stupid. As you say, ignore the park-rats, do what u need for u.

[@scottkeappock5574]

"Trust your bike setup" makes it a bit easier when u have a 7 grand bike, like our buddy rich here ;)

[@alejandro9rojas]

His name isn’t Rich for no reason 😎

[@kaedeschulz5422]

Some ppl with expensive gear have a very messed up setup as they have no idea what they are doing yet still mess with all the knobs. Good setup doesn't mean expensive.

[@tomnutting3836]

Sounds like a whinger, who doesn’t trust their bike set up/makes excuses 😬🤔👋

[@petebates6576]

I thought Buddy Rich was a drummer??

[@archieholden9345]

@@petebates6576 i mean i hope you’re joking😂

[@its_nygl1568]

Step 1 get your friend to say SEEEENDDD ITTTTTTT!!!!!!

[@SidiNic]

I got the best friends for that 😅

[@dirrology]

@@SidiNic I don't have friends that loves mtb soo sad :(

[@decementon6702]

Yeahh dude send it

[@its_nygl1568]

@@dirrology 😞😞😞

[@andrewasf1648]

Then im the friend to have

[@charlie9ine]

Yes! Wear as much protection as you want and don’t feel bad about it. Riding is about your comfort level and nobody else matters. Riding under protected doesn’t prove anything to anyone.

[@rchaouen]

I'm about 1 month into MTB and at this point am getting much better at falling and anticipating what's coming ahead. I agree with envisioning the jump etc. Thanks for this!

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Also, practice going as slow as you can and keeping control. It is vital. Bike control is vital. Like one trail I was on. Went down sharp to the right, then 15 feet; there was a switchback like a z with no room for oversteering. To the right was the drop-off. I committed to doing it, and I made it. But it was very slow, and total balance was required. Remember, rocks and slow are problematic in the beginning. A great practice is in the parking lot. How tight and slow can you go left and right turns back to back. Practice is the key to advancement. Riding around things on the ground is another great practice. It can be as simple as sticks and rocks you place on the ground for your practice session. Make it fun and challenging.

[@bryan3125]

Thanks for the tips, all the way from Sydney Australia. Right grab some friends! 😉

[@Losovox]

Haha Perth over here

[@timjacob991]

Enjoy that summer while you have it. Excited for it to bounce back up!

[@lucajames10]

Griffith nsw here

[@toranaandy2245]

@@timjacob991 that’s the problem, way too hot for heaps of riding in summer, at least in Brisbane. I do most of my riding in the other 9 months. Summer you’ve gotta be on the trails as the sun rises or you just sweat your arse off 🤙

[@danielcortes7891]

hows the manly dam going? ;)

[@cb6866]

Thanks Rich...be safe mate!

[@psychonaut038]

I just go and afterwards I think: how the hell did I managed this sector.

[@DaanRacer]

I have the exact same hahaha

[@lucani4428]

🤣🤣 same here

[@drzxy5498]

The feeling is great and especially when I drift the rear tyre

[@dsdiesel8667]

Same, did it this past weekend on my first ride lol

[@robertsutton3001]

Me too!

[@kenyvej3774]

Two days ago i started riding my new bike after half a year of not riding and yesterday i did the biggest stairs ever and that gave me so much confidence

[@Moomin420]

Waves goodbye to any confidence I had before lockdown 😂

[@tonyoffred562]

Today I went for a few hour ride with my buddies and for the first time I felt confident on my bike. Few years went by since I felt this confident. It's probably because I haven't been ridimg for a few years. Also the geometry of the bike I'm riding at the moment is very different from the one on my old bike and it's something I need to get used to. I hope this video will help me even more.

[@HUSHHUSH-]

Great tips . The more time on the bike is the best tip. Session things makes you really good at it ✊🙌

[@senanryan8476]

Right when i needed it thanks guys

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

Riding skidoo and bike trails this winter has gotten my confidence up. Just yesterday went over a sketchy skinny bridge Ive been walking over all summer. Felt fantastic.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

The little hops you guys do sure makes such a difference. Like when you go into the rocky over the hill. One tiny wheel hop, and now you were aligned just right with some speed in tow. Awesome.

[@unclerick09]

Thanks for the tips. Excited for summer to arrive here in Northern Canada to get out on the new bike!

[@Bessunger]

extremely appreciated! Thousand thanks!

[@mtbm9664]

i've been riding MTB since mid-April 2021, everything you've stated is absolutely 100% true. Everything from wearing gear to feel safe/confident to repeating certain lines and obstacles over and over to gain confidence. This is everything I'm going through right now

[@michaelfinan7889]

Thank you , That really has built my confidence

[@billfleming8344]

More clips please. Great clip loaded with tips. Thanks

[@Silverripples]

In my opinion practicing on stairways and as steep as you can find them helps a lot. I don't mean rolling them high speed but as slow as a walking pace improves your skillset. getting confident on stopping midway on them furthermore improves your skills. I see technical off-road like irregular stairways.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

I love stairs. But I must say I have never tried to stop. slow and controlled, yes all the time. So thank you for the brilliant idea. And I know the hairy stairs I want to do it on because there are like turns and short platforms and yes you better be over the rear wheel on these stairs.

[@4partmedia]

6:20 That's a Squad right there! Def helps to ride with friends who can shout out live update pointers ;)

[@James-po6ks]

After watching this video, it makes me inspired to learn the Downhill Mountain Biking.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Side note knee and elbow pads. I bought the first fox. I learned fast. Then moved into Poc. A world of difference when you slam into the ground. They really absorb the blunt force and great skid protection. Shin guards by Fox are great for pedal strikes. Yes, you will feel the blow, but you won't have spike damage on your shins.

[@streetstylemm]

exacly what i needed

[@Icehso140]

I found an old fire road rock trail and trained on it up and down many times. Now 20-30 ft "rock gardens" on other trails don't even bother me...let alone the unsuspected root or rock that pops up on easier trails. The training really helped me enjoy my first time at Thunder Mtn Bike Park with all their downhill trails. I wouldn't have had the confidence to run the trails as fast as I did. Lastly when your friends double dog dare you...confidence or not, you gotta do it. LOL Good video. Thanks.

[@monkeyridemtb1247]

Thx for our good tips and videos. They help a many people including me a lot🙏 😁

[@gmbn]

Happy to hear that!

[@elanorfairbairn]

And it helped me too. Being an overweight out-of-breath nervous newbie rider this was exactly what I needed

[@emeline894]

Excellent tips. Thanks :)

[@tobiasscholl8692]

Rich does a great job

[@05GDF]

Nice one Rich 🙌

[@ThornleighThunderU]

Some great tips, but one thing I like to do is occasionally drop back onto the cheap hardtail and ride a section I'd normally use the dually for. Then when I do just back on the dually it just reminds me how much more it allows me to do, thus boosting my confidence.

[@acmtb20]

Thanks for thus video, this will help me a lot! Gr8 content keep up the good work

[@gmbn]

Glad it helped!

[@i_love_diffin9061]

love these vids

[@satchmotionrc8202]

Excellent video! Great information.

[@gmbn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mabunixda]

Repitition does also include doing things not always the same ( same errors, same lines ) - also try different lines on the same trails :)

[@WildBill1911]

Thanks! A friend of mine is a much better mountain biker than me. It has been very helpful riding with him. I now ride technical sections better. Still trying to get better. Jumps and drops are still scary!

[@tylerboothe4514]

Lol my first ever blue trail was today and after a few years of not riding for a while I got most of the way scared poop less then crashed close to the end.

[@rrocket8204]

Great content 👍

[@willleonardmtb95]

Awesome video👍🔥🤟

[@rithvikmanikandan2754]

5:58 - Wow Rich!

[@manolettereyes2385]

Close your eyes and send it!

[@jacobmoon6484]

Is the worst thing to do

[@nathanwazowski698]

Preferably not close your eyes lmao...

[@charliegall9985]

same level as oiling squeaky breaks

[@dougiegraham662]

Don't forget to tense up

[@decementon6702]

Pull up not out

[@hostilemgtow603]

Great and informative video 💡🎓👍.

[@kevinm1728]

Don't overthink it, just get out there and ride. Ain't nothin to it but to do it.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Thanks for your videos Rich, there‘s allways something new to learn. If you had to pedal up and had limited fitness, would you rather do a few runs to the bottom or many runs of a smaller section?

[@MrTKorho]

Good humane level content!

[@TopsMiah]

Brilliant

[@mrmark5529]

"Dont take the same route all the time" bro i just begun yesterday

[@linustakee7547]

jajaja so good video love the jumptrail! now feel motivated what gest me going the longest while bike is delta parole or other rokk music!

[@flatlanddownhill]

good video👍

[@charlie9ine]

Two thumbs up Rich. One of your best segments.

[@basicmtber3840]

a much needed video keep up the good work

[@mastasienircea6880]

i once was afraid to send a double bc i tought i was gonna case it but i built a kicker as big as the one from the double and then sent it to flat lol and from that time i can send anything and im not afraid anymore lol

[@Paulm622]

Awesome

[@DanniJean25]

I have to admit I get self-conscious when I have tons of protection on when on blue trails...Especially when I see others with less protection. Thanks for the reminder that the ride is about me...

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Remember your fall, you pay, and their thought means nothing. But when you get back up, you are not busted up because protection saved you. Who is smiling now? Personally, my protection has made me smile many times.

[@jimbo4203]

Ride ! Ride!! Ride!!!

[@SUPERFUDSTER]

I'm pretty new to MTB but these are things that are obvious to anyone for the most part, like every tip here is the exact things that i do, I don't mean to sound like a jerk but i'm not as excited about waiting for the next GMBN vid like i always have been, doesn't seem like they care, they need a new guy in there to help with the ideas for new videos. It's like my line of work, you if you don't produce then blow them out and bring in the new guy, Also Blake and Neil, I could be totally wrong on this but i'm guessing that GMBN doesn't pay as much as they would like to be paid. I don't think that 1.6 mill subs produces that much revenue to take care of this staff, This channel should be Rockin !!! and it has the potential to do so, Get on it Boyz and give us some great Vid's were excited to watch!!! Thanks Frank..

[@bananasstuff3344]

What is obvious to you isnt necessarily obvious to someone who has almost never ridden a bike and has just bought their first 'real' mountain bike, then immediately had a confidence draining crash.

[@SUPERFUDSTER]

@@bananasstuff3344 I just bought my first mountain bike maybe 4 months ago. literally haven't rode a bike for easily 25 years prior, this stuff is like shaking your head No, you can go to a isolated Tribe and shake your head No and they would understand what it means with out having to explain what shaking your head means.

[@MTBChuckQC]

My second summer doing this sport. I'm so glad I already doing all those things right, I have a good teacher! If can add one thing, for those who can't ride as much, and even for those who can, watching people ride on youtube on POV really helps your brain develop to analyse lines! I mean if you concentrate enough. I also analyse the braking and hoping. Tried my first real black the other day, it was something!!

[@jessescott775]

I'm just getting comfortable on the blues after a couple months. If I can get to blacks in 2 years I'll be so happy 😂

[@MTBChuckQC]

@@jessescott775 mann, I made it to the end, but my front arms were dead, was on the break most of the time so it was real bumpy hahaha, wasn't a black trail with huge features, more like enduro style. (Search Bromont MTB Farfadet on youtube if you wanna see it!

[@MTBChuckQC]

@@jessescott775 also.. you can do it man! try to ride at least 1 time a week :) try to variate the style of ride, like go to jump tracks, pump tracks, street sessions and do bike paths too, all will help :)

[@1stFlyingeagle]

How many wipeouts can we watch on youtube? And now, when I see them, I can tell you they don't pay attention to what is being instructed on how to do jumps. When you see the front wheel dives off the edge, that is a lack of skills. This does not count for the extreme riders in their own class of riding.

[@teundrumhead]

that area looks mega

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

now i'm going to go watch a run down the Mountain of Hell video over at the Owlaps channel and get some inspiration!

[@keebaeklim]

This is where I struggle. I get into my own head and think i'm not good enough as other riders and get intimidated :\

[@marick791]

I had bags of confidence last year, in fact perhaps too much. I then had a couple of crashes and now find even small drops scary. I want my confidence back! its hard to find a smaller feature to get you back to the main one again. I know the issue, I get scared and then a crazy stiff on the bike rather then going with the flow, also more on the brakes so too slow and then its OTB time! Argghhhh its so annoying!

[@n0va135]

Keep it up

[@kevinm1728]

On days where you don't have time gear up and hit the trail, throw out some cones in your yard, local park, or in the street and practice tight turns, switch backs, track stands, etc. The key to confidence, IMO, is balance and knowing that you are in complete control of your bike the vast majority of the time. And this is very important when you're on the trail- focus on where you want to go, not on what you want to avoid.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Right on, Kevin. Absolutely. Also, I like setting up cones on hilly grassy areas. Tight turns and track stands are killer practices. And when you get to use it on the trail, it is an amazing feeling, especially when there is danger lurking to one side of you, and you pull it off with no problem.

[@Nineteenstarsabove]

You’re right. Dont care what people say….i wanna wear protective gear.

[@Trailblazers323]

good video

[@kelseya330]

Where are you in this video?! That forest is gorgeous

[@alxforth1]

Can we have a Meet the Presenter with Rich 🤙

[@markmoreno7295]

Following a better rider allows me to have the correct speed. Sometimes too slow is not good for momentum.

[@ur_mum2341]

yo so im not lacking confidence in my skills but im lacking confidence in my bike so can you make a video on how much you can do on a budget xc hartail I myself have an orbea mx20 which is about $800

[@bristolbicylerider1825]

Is that rowberrow Warren ?

[@matthew_dag6201]

That looks a little bit outta my league Send it!!!!

[@DaMasterPNut]

Like the front mud guard, what brand?

[@merryweatherfleet2267]

I have anxiety do i find myself doubting my ability when it cones to drops or jumps, i found putting a helmet, pads and so on and going soo fsst i dont have time to overthink it usually works

[@FatboyAussie]

I try to get out on the bike a few times a week. Days I’m lazy the kids want to ride and I have to keep going.

[@garycutter520]

Went on my first trail ride today for 6 years… was terribly unfit and crashed as soon as I hit the red 😂🤦‍♂️ but every fall is a reason to get back up again… right? 😂

[@Racingrock-lo4mk]

I have started mtb recently and am just wondering does my rims get bent over time by going down drops

[@olliebroughton5319]

i stick with 27.5 because they are better in the air and fond bend as easily

[@vincenteast2438]

also if they do get them trued its a thing where they straighten the wheels

[@Racingrock-lo4mk]

@@vincenteast2438 thanks!

[@Racingrock-lo4mk]

@@moa-wg3bo i have bontrager 27.5

[@TheZwiftRacePlace]

I’m pretty sure that first shot didn’t do that first hill justice. I’ve tried taking pics of steep sections like that on a camera before and it never seems to look as steep as it really is.

[@MilatovichFamily]

You need kashima coating on your forks and shocks to be 100% confident.

[@danielburke43]

First great content keep it up

[@theocraske6643]

Lmao

[@roxalin]

I've been watching videos and practicing but I can never get that bunny hop down (or up rather). I've recorded myself, rewatch, tried to get it right but I can't seem to get it. I'm doing all of these alone mind you. I got nobody to point out what I'm doing wrong or right. In case you guys are wondering, I can never get the rear wheel up to clear a branch let alone a curb height.

[@1stFlyingeagle]

When you pull up on the pedals, your toes point downwards. Also, Remember you must preload, then explode upward. Practice preloading and trying to drive your bike into the ground. Then practice exploding into the air after the bike is compressed. I like doing bunny hope over speed bumps. Where I live, there are plenty to practice over. It also helps me with timing it right. Too soon on preload, the rear tire hits the speed bump. And, time it right, and both tires sail over with ease. By the way, your pedals do have some kind of spikes on them, right. If not buy pedals that do.

[@peterwor]

What Fox pants are those?

[@lifeofsully967]

ive been riding for years but after a huge crash i havent touched it in a year and im too scared

[@khalliddo1385]

the last part made me sad all the way down to the bottom bracket of my XC hardtail frame coz we/I'm trying to ride the DH/Enduro trails with it. 😭

[@rio5866]

Though it may not be as good as a enduro or trail bike on that type of stuff, but it's still doable. One person hit our local dh proline on a hardtail.

[@GK-yh1yc]

Hi gmbn Could you compare the Canyon stoic 4 Vs Nukeproof scout comp

[@bananasstuff3344]

Hell yes loving the look of the stoic but not sure how it compares to nukeproof or whyte or vitus etc.

[@thanos8107]

In my country you have to wear a mask while cycling, so I'm wondering is it possible to bicycle with a mask on and get proper air?

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Of course. A lot of people even use tubular scarfs like the Buff, also used by snowboarders and hikers. It's quite nice during the cold seasons actually, and if you are living in a city you can also get some with FFP3 filters, to reduce the car emissions you have to breathe in.

[@uncaged_aaahhhlll]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🔥🔥

[@dukekaboom4105]

Once I was afraid.........I was petrified 😎

[@SynchroFPS]

You know its a British vid when the second word is "blimey"

[@mariadelacarswell6704]

Rich please teach me, I’m a beginner 🙏🏼.

[@joshuamaroney2881]

What part of the world is this filmed in

[@paulandrohawinay6378]

Oh my i must try wearing helmet asbhit bigger and bigger jumps

[@carlosarango9390]

Is it ok if I just use my motorcycle helmet??

[@krispinktattoostudio1916]

And the fact that in lockdown and living in highly built up areas with no trails within you local area

[@mojaverc1585]

What about skateparks? A lot to learn there

[@krispinktattoostudio1916]

@@mojaverc1585 I have a local park that has tarmac path and football field . Dog walkers, old folk, families and kids all doing their daily fitness that's it within 5 miles

[@mitchellhartney7906]

4:53 he said "brack protector "

[@onerider808]

This sport has made me realize Im just basically chicken. I am ok ripping on an ATV or motorcycle, but fast speeds on my bike are just scary to me. I still do it, but am always a mixture of scared and exhilarated.

[@Trailblazers323]

I live in a place that has some of the best trails in the country. By best I mean incredibly advanced. There's no intermediate trails just beginner and expert. I am trying to figure out how to advance. ugh

[@jtsimaras]

The more riding the better... So ride when ever you can. Happy riding 😁

[@pier6240]

Do advanced really slow

[@Trailblazers323]

@@jtsimaras Thanks

[@Trailblazers323]

@@pier6240 Thanks. Yes I will ride some of it then walk some of it

[@pier6240]

@@Trailblazers323 practice makes perfect! Cheers ✌🏼

[@hallotschuss5570]

Ride oftenenpugh well my teachers hate us studnents and as soon one class test is over we have to learn for a new test. :(