MOUNTAIN BIKING OVER 40 | BREAKING THROUGH MENTAL BARRIERS | Taking on a whale tail

In this episode, "Mountain biking over 40, breaking through mental barriers", Lee McCormack from Lee Likes Bikes has a plan to hit the Whale Tail at Valmont mountain bike park.
The problem is, like a lot of over 40 riders, Lee has developed a mental block that has stopped him like a brick wall for the last several years. Mountain biking is a never ending chain of challenge and acheivement. That's why every mountain biker has an obstacle or barrier that they are working on.
And those obstacles are rarely just physical.
Any over-40 mountain biker is dealing with a lifetime of physical, mental and emotional trauma that has taken up home in our cels. Pushing through all the psychic buildup and mental barriers can feel nearly impossible.
Yet we've all done it and the feeling that comes from breaking though our old limits is the very best kind of living.
The obstacle might be a 20 foot gap or it might be a small drop but the steps to get past any obstacle and the feelign of accomplishment are the same.
Lee coaches other people on how to step up to new challenges every day but today he's going to use his own techniques to get himself over a big physical and emotional obstacle. The Whale Tail at Valmont. Using the same "Pre-Flight Checklist" he uses with clients he evaluates his readiness, hacks his brain chemistry until it's time to switch off the brain and go.
Does he make it?
Does he even go for it?
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0:00 INTRO
0:45 BACKSTORY
4:00 THE CHECKLIST
4:28 INTRINSIC DRIVE
5:10 THE SKILLS
5:40 THE PROCLAMATION
5:52 THE SUPPORT
6:15 READY NOT AFRAID
7:10 THE VISUALIZATION
7:47 THE AROUSAL
8: 15 THE GO
9:45 THE AFTERMATH
Check out Lee at: www.leelikesbikes.com/

[@stumpjumper1dc]

Kudos to Lee and Alex. Talking about mental health and cycling. Big balls guys. First video I have ever seen it mentioned in the same breath. Alex’s comments about being “war torn” (my words not Alex’s) and possibly a bit weathered from a mental and physical perspective as we age was spot on. I think you guys are def onto something here. What a great talking point. It’s interesting that most of us would never think a guy at Lee’s level ever hesitates on anything. Your honesty and forthrightness is super refreshing. Really guys, thanks for sharing this great topic and video.

[@JoyOfBike]

David, you have no idea how much comments like this motivate us to keep making. Thank you! Why do we ride at all? Maybe because it's a microcosm for of all the stuff life throws at us. A place to get better at playing a small game that lifts our ability to play the big game. We think so. More of this kind of content to come. Our sport and lives are way too rich to ignore it.

[@stumpjumper1dc]

@@JoyOfBike small game big game analogy is brilliant. Nailed it. You’re hitting my jam dead center with this topic. It’s why I ride. Nicely done. Thanks again!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Wow, thank you David! We truly appreciate your kind words -- and we are planning lots more great stuff.

[@reynaldopellos]

Dudes! You are putting it out there for us! Thanks! I am so glad I found your channel!

[@christopherogley1714]

I'm watching this because I'm an old mtbr..but to hear him lay his psyche out on the washline is the reason I will continue to watch....this is very close to home but there's got to be enough of us to start some kind of movement ..... refreshing stuff

[@roguewuulf]

Guys, honestly this video got to me. Watching Lee's body language and listening to him talk about everything he was feeling I clicked with it. I grew up my teen years in the 80s so BMXing was what I at and breathed in the day. However joining the military in my 20s and dealing with all sorts of life's twists and turns and just fell away. In my mid to late 30s I got into road biking, and well its really a lone wolf sport, unless you are with a team so I hung that up. No I sit here 53 years old and slightly overweight (254lbs)just bought my first mountain bike last Friday. I am hooked on your videos. I been practicing and tomorrow a buddy and I are going to go and hit the park. I am taking all that I have crunched in over the past week from you guys and get that joy I see in what you do. Thank you both for these excellent vids.

[@chrisdalessandro4695]

I’m 46. I just got into MTB about a year ago, and “accidentally” caught air a few weeks ago. Now, I am obsessed with getting better at jumping. Alex, what you are doing with this channel and your approach to learning skills at our age...I don’t know if you are aware of the gravity your lessons have. Or maybe you do. Either way, I feel it is important for me to tell you that you are doing something amazing for guys like me! I follow a decent amount of KZbinrs, but when I stumbled on your channel, I knew this was pretty much custom cut for me! Thank you so much for doing what you are doing!! You definitely picked up a fan for life!!

[@JoyOfBike]

This absolutely made my day. Or week. Really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Welcome to the crew brother! We're all in this together and it's a lot more fun that way!!!

[@chuckbunting9731]

if thisn't a mt bike, motivational speaking and psych class at the highest level at the same time, I don't know what is! Now back to my mini ramps and small ledges :)

[@JoyOfBike]

We're fascinated with WHY we do what we do. Our riding is a journey and the progression is physical, psychological and even emotional. We want to to dig into all of that. Keep the stoke!

[@jholid6y]

I give myself a speech before I hit my mini ramp kicker lol.

[@pauls3616]

Wow, fantastic video. It took a lot of balls for Lee to come on and talk about being in a bad space a while back. I think most people can admit to that and I know first hand how hard it is to remain positive and stoked about life. Alex you nailed it about the trauma as we get older. Losing parents, friends and relationships weigh us down more than most injuries. I am 52 now and I have more time to do the things I love including riding. I hit a few bigger drops last year because I didn’t worry about not being able to go to work or who would look after my mom if I injured myself. It is a pretty powerful feeling to be able to overcome fear. I ride with my 16 year old son and he is good at it without even trying. We push each other to try new things but in a positive manner. Great job to both you and Lee. I am truly looking forward to next season and going even harder than ever!

[@JoyOfBike]

Wow back for sharing about your work and mom. My dad is 87 and it’s become a lot of work to keep him safe. So I know a little about about what you’re dealing with and it makes it doubly impressive when you progress on the bike!! Kudos. I’m feeling really grateful for this moment we have with this channel. We’re reaching a lot of people but the subscriber number is small enough that we have a real community building. More in planning to explore this magical potential of the bike and humans. How great is it to share rides with your son or daughter? The absolute best. Did you know that you can hack your emotions to progress faster? Neither did we but we’re learning all about it and it’s real. Onward!

[@JoyOfBike]

I should add that I agree with you about Lee's courage to tell his story. That is bigger than any jump. And i had no idea he was going to go there when I turned the camera on. Incredible. We ALL struggle with our mental heath and the cultural shame that exists around mental health is stupid and needs to stop.

[@pauls3616]

So true. It is ok to need help and support. It is ok to not always be strong. Everyone needs to realize this. We need to talk to our kids, spouses and friends more than ever now. Not to simplify it into as something as simple as a bike ride but getting out on a trail can help a person push through anything and be stronger for the people around us.

[@JoyOfBike]

@@pauls3616 My family knows I need it. They "encourage" me to go ride because they like the version of me that shows up after a ride best. ; )

[@martorocks8089]

Huge balls for that personal submission! Props!

[@Icantfindtheanykey]

"I'm not saying the 17 year olds don't appreciate it but, honestly, they're not even thinking about it" just blew my mind ... another missing link. Thanks guys.

[@JoyOfBike]

I remember being 17. I couldn't enjoy anything I was in such a rush to get to the next thing!

[@christopherogley1714]

They do exist .I suspect some kind of devolution is at hand. Are we not men?..it must be a global phenomenon. .. young dumb etc etc ... we try and bring them in. Because it's by riding together we learn by example.. unfortunately the mtb ethos..is a lesson some of these young guys need to learn...I think it's like a wisdom thing is good mtb manners and as we know that does come with age. ....

[@christopherogley1714]

I don't know about you guys experience so far...but I can assure you in the strongest possible way that tongues are wagging in lbs about this question of trail trauma and age....you seem to have hit upon an hitherto overlooked area of conversation as the first generation mtbrs hit Thier 50s they are facing the dangers of the sport at a different interface ..very pertinent content...im offbike nursing a knee sprain at the minute...old knees die hard in Yorkshire....a knee episode maybe?for us cruciate guys...braaaap

[@JoyOfBike]

Christopher Ogley We sense it but more than that we just know it’s true and we prefer truth over hype. I’ve had three knee surgeries. Two ACL reconstructions and a clean up hack job. Here’s to attacking that rehab just like you’re riding!!!

[@christopherogley1714]

@@JoyOfBike I'm ACL at the minute on my strong leg. It's an exquisite club the knee. I'm looking at my first ride in a week. I'd say a truism transcends a hype but it sounds like a strapline dosnt it...can't wait to be good for summer....I'm confident...

[@denzilbart5882]

Brilliant video, this is exactly what us older, injured guys and gals need.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks. I’ve known a lot of people who get injured and just quit. All done.

[@stephenrichardson3849]

Just found this channel yesterday and subbed immediately. You guys bring a fresh perspective missing from the dozens of other channels I subscribe to....honest and non-pretentious! First video I watched was on cornering, my Achilles heel. Can’t wait to go practice what you preached. As a 54 year old relative newbie to mtb(3 years), the mental aspect is where I really struggle the most. I have worked my way into the top 10% of riders in my area(according to Strava) yet the psychological barriers and bad techniques prevent me from going further. I just purchased my early retirement gift to myself, a 2020 Pivot Switchblade. Yes, it’s faster, climbs better, etc., but at the end of the day, poor technique and mental barriers can never make that bike any better or faster. I look forward to more videos to help “unleash the beast within.” Cheers guys🤘.

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome to the channel Stephen. Stoked to have you and the kind words. The Pivot and the DW link are sick bikes. I had a Firebird with an air shock and it was a fun lively active ride. I loved it but it got stolen. Those bikes respond really well to row and making heavy moments like the cornering video. Here's to a shreddy 2021!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Welcome Stephen! This is such a wonderful sport. And the better you get, the better it gets!

[@rafasmiech6691]

Lee (loves bikes), Im over 40, just before 50. I sat on my hard tail MTB, after many years (after renovation to current standards, of course). I still practice according to the instructions in your books and KZbin materials. Being aware of how things work, mentally and physically, at this age is important. Teenagers do these things without any knowledge. But they have rubber bones. Thank you.

[@MarathonMindy]

My Mom passed away this March and I believe that Mountain biking is working through my trauma. I miss her every day and most hours of the day. Thank you for this. I had a private lesson with Lee and loved it. Keep it up.oh and I am 45.

[@JoyOfBike]

Sorry to hear about your mom my friend… happy to hear the bike is helping with healing! Sending big love your way!

[@erich8258]

This is such a welcome contrast to most MTB KZbin, in which riders without the proper skills just send it and hope for the best. As an older rider, I can't embrace an approach that involves constant crashing, so this is really helpful.

[@JoyOfBike]

I know what you mean. Rubber side down! Welcome to the channel.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Hi Eric! Welcome!

[@erich8258]

@@lee_likes_bikes thanks guys! I really appreciate your insightful instruction

[@findyourride1171]

I really wanted to thank you for this video. Just turned 50, and yes life trauma is real. I deal with anxiety and mental blocks that affect certain parts of riding. Some days are better than others but It's helpful just knowing I'm not alone. Time to push myself. Thanks again for this video, Aloha!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Right on! Welcome to the channel. Have fun out there!!

[@christopherogley1714]

Me too...50yr barrier.

[@ylana4444]

Another point I feel is important with older riders is … not only have we been through a lot and that stuff lives in our cells but we are more fragile esp us women than we were as younger adults…so we fear falling a lot more…and that’s why if we make a jump or complete a challenging move we feel so happy. Great video guys. Mental health is so important, it’s really at the basis of good physical health in my opinion.

[@spencerbybee3018]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. Full stop. Learning to do hard things, and pushing thru your own mental barriers is such an essential skill to living your best you.

[@JoyOfBike]

Blushing over here!!!

[@marick791]

Just love Lee's emotion at the end, you could see it meant a lot to him to break that barrier :)

[@JoyOfBike]

Powerful stuff this MTB!

[@hitman1421]

I cried with you Lee. Great video. Got in a bad parachuting accident at 19, broke my back skiing at 29. That trauma stays with me on the trail. Hoping your videos help improve my subconscious confidence.

[@susiehooper2798]

Thank you!! This was really touching and inspirational. I'm a 55 year old lady just taking off with MTB and pushing my limits. Just about to do some coaching to master something I've been struggling with. Ticking all the boxes! Just need that moral support as the skill has scared me!!❤❤

[@philipmatyashevsky7578]

You guys doing important work right there. Resonated so well.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you Philip!

[@conradjordan1222]

Guys, especially Lee, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles and talking about mental health.

[@robertjacobs870]

I normally wouldn't add a comment when so many others nailed it already here. But I to felt compelled to do so. First, I agree that having the kahunas Lee to put your mental health challenges out here on social media is welcomed but also so important. And since shredding, to me, is a strong combination of Mental, Physical & Spiritual unlike anything else I've ever experienced, this channel is so valuable especially to older riders who have more life experience (benign way to say our fear of hitting tech stuff is much higher than when younger, especially after injury from drop offs or jumps) the combo on this channel of easy to understand and adopt techniques with real life mental thinking about what you are teaching is second to none. Thanks for taking the time to create this content and make it available to us! I'm still trying to get my head around rip/row body position since I am challenged with a very long bike inseam on a not as long frame (36" inseam, 6' 0" height) and what that means for jumps, drop offs, manuals etc. Keep up the good work Alex and Lee!

[@JoyOfBike]

Well we just turn on the camera and we talk about the mental, physical and spiritual because mixed up in all that is the reason we ride. Really cool to see it resonate with people. I hope Lee sees this and answer but I know that most people are on bikes that are too big. About 80% of the people Lee coaches have their bike set up too big or often the frame is just too big. On his site he has some info on RAD which i think stands for rider area dimensions. Maybe. Anyway there might be some sizing clues in there. If your legs are long and arms are short that might be tricky. But if your arms and legs are both longish then you frame size should be whatever the manufacturer recommends for your height and you will just run your seat higher. If you go bigger to match your inseem you'll lose power in your row for going up ledges etc.

[@juliehaynes6724]

I wondered if others experienced these moments of epiphany and raw emotion…how mountain biking has all kinds of lessons on and off the bike. It’s great to hear some awesome Mtn bikers talking about this and sharing your experiences. Thanks for being real.

[@nottakumi1226]

I need to watch this. A few times. BEFORE I try the next jump line at my local park. Thank you guys.

[@bspan5380]

You guys are awesome. I get more confidence every time I watch these videos. Lee, that was an incredible moment for you to admit of your mental health struggle. Extraordinarily inspiring to us all. Really love this channel.

[@biggsymtb1470]

stoked for you man. grown man. had a little tear for you bro

[@JoyOfBike]

I'll admit the same. I edited that sequence and added the music and boom. Chocked up a bit.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you.

[@pokwerpokwerpokwer]

You guys are so real and honest, it's awesome, thank you.

[@patrick1978maas]

Another great video with a lot of real emotions. I'm 42 and been biking for more than 20 years. But just started (trying to) jumping and dropping some bigger stuff. In the past years the lizzard is pulling my brakes when approaching the jumps and drops a lot more than years ago. The mental aspect is indeed changing when you get older and your movies help me motivate and get the tingling feeling to the upper body. Thanks for making it real and letting us now what is going on in your minds. For me it is time to put the lizzard back in his cage. Thanks. :)

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks!!! It seems as though having children changes the risk level we accept. It's not a conscience decision. It just happens. And suddenly crashing is no longer a viable tool of progression like it was. Most people just stop progressing but we've been trying to find new ways to progress. And part of it is parsing fear and excitement enthusiasm that are just misinterpreted. True fear is still useful and usually a sign that the skills need work. Fun stuff!

[@ChadSextoid1]

I really admire and appreciate the wisdom on this channel. I dont often hear comments about mental state on other MTB channels but it's so important. Especially for us older guys. Cheers.

[@CenturyRide]

Yeah, Lee! I don't think you'll ever see me on the whale tail, but your story and journey just may inspire me to hit a few things that haunt me every...single...season so thank you so much for sharing. Thanks to both of you... I've been struggling with the first nagging (4+ years) injury of my life -- proximal hamstring tendinopathy (runner's bum)... I should own the physio clinic I go to by now, and it really put a lid on my riding (my joy). But I think I'm finally able to manage it and you guys are helping me to want to advance again. My husband and I took up mtb'ing when we were 37... we've taken our bikes all over the place on trips and now at 52 we still love to ride. Love the channel and your positioning: mtb skills for people over 40. So refreshing! Now if I could just find some progressive drops to session... :)

[@davidwhite3702]

Thanks for the great video. Being relatively new to MTB couple of years at 61, I’m usually my biggest opponent to progressing well. I really do want to progress and will start to practice some of the easier techniques, to help me move on to bigger things.👍🏻

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks for watching. Here’s a tip we haven’t talked much about. If you keep smiling and laughing you actually learn faster. More on that to come! Have fun.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you David. Welcome. And have fun out there.

[@onerider808]

This was a great episode. At 63, I’ll be glad to hit anything on the XL line (I usually take the Chicken Line at the park or on the trail). Maybe some day; working on my skills and flow in the meantime. I think it would be sick to hit this for my 65th-70th birthday. What I learn from you gets me closer to those goals.

[@JoyOfBike]

Heck yeah Mark. That would be super rad but progression has many forms and going bigger is just one. Style and flow are so good!!! Spreading the joy is the only metric I care about anymore. I want a Strava that measures that!!! 😂

[@DanRoddy]

Your channel has changed how I feel about my bikes. In the last 2 days I've watched all the clips. For the first time in a long as I can recall I got so excited from watching videos I shot out in my lunch break to the pump track, because what you have said makes sense to me. You've changed this 44 year old Brit's frame of mind. There's nothing stopping me shredding except me. Not any more. Thank you.

[@JoyOfBike]

Wow. So appreciate you taking the time to comment. As you can imagine sometimes these get hard to make every week and it's comments like this that fuel the machine! Stay shreddy!!!

[@mudkayak6305]

62 here and about 1 year in to ressurecting my bike skillz, love pushing it... wife says, "why cant you just be normal?"

[@chrishigginsdrums]

These are hands-down the best MCB videos on KZbin. Every single one of them gives me so much food for thought. I’m heading to Denver on Sunday to be part of a weeklong meditation seminar. All the stuff that is talked about there relates to all of this stuff.

[@clintsuttonillustrationani1461]

Hello Alex, from all the way down in South Africa! I have been following your vids for some time now, and you really do get to the feels with what your doing. Especially this one! I am a few months away from 50, and recently got back into MTBing. I used to race back in the 90's and was just starting downhill, well, downhill was just starting to be a thing back then, and I stopped riding. So after about 25 years away, I am finally back, and loving every second on the trails! When you said "when your older you carry a lot of trauma" I broke. You reached into my core and pulled something out that I never thought about of how it relates to my riding! I have a few trails and jumps I want to conquer and now I have some things I can use. Keep up the great work for us Ballies (oldies in South African)

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks for the comment. I’m always searching for ways to unload the psychic baggage. More to come on that. Long term and short term solutions. Cheers from ColoRADo!!!

[@AncientEnergyEyesOpen]

I raced bmx back in the late 80s and early 90s. I haven't been on a bike much at all in the last 30 years. Just recently the fire ignited again, and I'm slowly pushing myself back into physical shape. Being 47 is a block in itself, for me. Goals feeling so far out of reach. I found this channel just a couple of weeks ago, and loved how your videos were inspiring, thought out, and straight to the point. This video though. The emotion I experienced while watching it, and afterwards was deep and necessary. Thank you both for putting this out there, and sharing your struggles and victories. I needed this.

[@fouglasdir]

Best video on jumps/mtb challenges I've ever seen. Hands down the best. I'm 61 and have been mtn biking about 5 years and can so relate to this. You hit the nail on the head.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks Jeff. More to come! Welcome to the channel.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you Jeff! Welcome.

[@raysnap]

Bravo to the two gentlemen of mountain biking. And thank you for speaking to anxieties that exist, but that we don’t always wanna share with our riding friends. But, here are some tools to face them and conquer them in the trail 👊🏼

[@larryrosen7633]

This comment is for Lee. Wow, thanks for putting yourself out there for us. I went from kind of liking to super-loving you. I broke a dozen ribs last year on a jump (at 54), so I struggle with fear now. Every video of yours from here out I'll watch with admiration--not for your biking as much your person-ing! Total inspiration.

[@specpitchpro]

Lee preaching the gospel of stoke!! Good for you Alex with being "Gentle and empowering" We need more of you on the trails.

[@nlbehr]

You guys are awesome! This was a great video to watch as a 46 year old guy who hasn't been on a mountain bike in almost 20 years. Sad, I know. Thank you!

[@jinavl]

Yall need to make more videos..I dont think yall know how much these vids help

[@jamescleeton8440]

Fantastic video. Really appreciate how you are linking the skills with our minds and emotions

[@grandpashreddypants]

You guys are the best inspiration.

[@b-vk8441]

This is a mtb masterpiece. The essence of riding in 11:02 minutes and I felt like watching full film.

[@JoyOfBike]

Appreciate you!!

[@csjtbanks]

Wow, what an interesting turorital...thx for putting some language around what many of us older riders feel but can rarely articulate !

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks Craig. There’s so much to this sport that transcends mountain biking. We’re gonna keep exploring this space this year.

[@robscott8014]

You two are the BEST!!

[@SteelR4t]

Oh man, what a fantastic video guys, well done. So much resonance and the bits that really stood out for me were, "mistaking excitement for fear" and "when you're older there's so much psychological crap that you have to push through". I also noticed that despite all the logical and positive self talk from Lee before he attempted the jump for the first time, when he said "Time for go", you could still see the fear and anxiety on his face, yet the letting go of all that anxiety, the sense of accomplishment and all those other positive things he was clearly feeling afterwards was just fantastic to see. I think we were all right there with you, brother!

[@daytonp]

Love you Lee. I'm stoked for you.

[@paulmanias8269]

Thanks for putting yourself out there and showing emotion. Makes your channel way more real.

[@EselDoesIt]

You to complement one another phenomenally well. I’m sure you know your chemistry already, But I have to say it’s really refreshing to watch.

[@retrofavorites8972]

Thank you! Absolutely a Great video.

[@SteveLyons57]

Awesome topic and video! Thanks

[@robnelson4869]

WOW 🤩. Heart ❤️ is full. Thank you guys!!

[@deejayohdumb]

This video brought me immense joy and honesty made me have tears of joy with you. I relate so much to emotional struggles and being able to conquer and achieve what seems impossible is a big deal! Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@JoyOfBike]

The Odoms Appreciate you sharing the feelings. That’s what it’s all about!!!

[@wendylee8755]

Thank you for this! Ah ha moment for me... I'm pretty sure I've been interpreting excitement as fear in MANY areas of my life! As a newbie to MTB (at 51), I am convinced this single video is going to unlock my ability to do more than I thought I ever could. Great content!!

[@kuhnsyeti]

Awesome video! This is so on point. There is so much content out there on physical technique, but so little in the mental and emotional challenges of growing as a rider. Kudos to Lee for sharing openly. I can relate to riding for similar reasons at this stage in my life.

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you! I've dedicated the past almost 20 years to dialing in the physical/mechanical aspects of riding. This is the next frontier.

[@JoyOfBike]

Lots to explore on the mental and emotional side. Not just managing but optimizing and hacking your emotions coming up!

[@waynesmith1895]

Excellent video I love the way you two interact. It’s awesome!! Thanks for touching on the mental health issue, it helps a lot.

[@paulcockram9151]

This is great, so often my rides out are ruined by what's going on in my head. Great to see Alex and Lee talking about how to overcome mental hangups

[@funkytomtom]

This is the best MTB channel on youtube hands down. Thanks.

[@JoyOfBike]

Wow, thanks! High praise.

[@jamesjetmar5475]

Good stuff. Thanks guys!

[@LiteShaper1]

Man I loved this! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful - & such a powerful lesson in perseverance and self knowledge. You guys are an inspiration.

[@lornabacon1311]

Huge respect to you guys what an amazing motivational video. Love your perspective on riding and the pure emotion you display. I was terrified of even bumping up a curb a year ago now I get the best high ever whooping along a trail and love the companionship I've found. I've even started digging and trail building at our local bike park 🤘❤️

[@lukefarmer5391]

Great video. Excellent explanation of what happens to much of us that are getting older that may have had no problems with this type of stuff as we were younger. Thank you!

[@wheechie]

Thinking of it as excitement not fear. Love that

[@donaldpilon6735]

Guys, that was fantastic! Proud of you man. Freaking kicked it!

[@dougnevitt2257]

You guys are awesome! Thanks so much

[@JoyOfBike]

Appreciate you. Welcome to the channel!!

[@timmanion2197]

It’s one HELL of a thing to nail mixing education, entertainment, passion, and authentic intimacy. Vid to vid, that’s exactly what I find here (which, of course, rendered me an instant subscriber). I’m - AAAGGGHHHHHH - seventy this year, been around bike-y stuff for the last 30 or so, still at work - as a bike mechanic, middlin’ skills, for REI. If it’s backcountry and muscle-powered, river,mountain, or trail, I’ve at least tried it, and I ain’t done yet - my church is Out There. I’ve never been the mtn biker I’d like to be (all me: just never put in the saddle time), and yet never been able to get rid of the bug. I live in the PNW, surrounded by some of the greatest riding in the world, so the bug’s pretty irritating. Your channel is scratching those bug bites SOOOOOO hard, and I couldn’t be more grateful; believe me when I report that at this age (level of distinction?… level of creakiness?…) the voices whispering in the reaches of the night that age has truthfully become a pretty legitimate excuse for , you know, kinda hanging it up, can get pretty damn convincing on a bad day…… Changed definition of “better at mtn biking” from past years? Oh, you bet. The chance to reach for being a better mtn biker still alive? Bet on that one too! And these days, be assured that your channel is one of the factors keeping the dream , the drive, happily alive. Man, I gotta grab my Jones rig and GET OUT THERE!!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

[@nicholea5135]

Great video, and spot on! What I love about your videos is how real and open you guys are. By making yourselves so relatable, it’s easier to learn from you both than a lot of other folks on KZbin. Keep up the stoke!

[@JoyOfBike]

Appreciate you!

[@urospodboj7535]

Man i really love you guys. As someone with anxiety problems and also prescribed medication i can really relate with what lee is talking about. Really aprecieate him opening up about this and you two talking mtb philosophy 😁 i am also very interested in what mountaim biking can do to your psyche. For me its a method for facing and overcoming fear. First on bike and then in real life. Cheers to everyone

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks. Lee showed a lot of courage in this one. We will keep unpacking the mental and spiritual side of the ride. Sending love from Colorado!

[@mavericksolea]

This has been one of the best bike videos I've seen in a long time. It is very relatable. I'm Definitely subscribing to both your channels. You both are consciously self awared men. And I like how you implement your life's struggles, fears, and achievements into your riding. It truly is therapy. Much respect to you both. Thank you for making this video. It's inspiring.

[@JoyOfBike]

Appreciate it!

[@daretocoaching]

Wow guys that was so empowering it brought a tear or two to my eyes. Thank you so much great clip 👍🏼😃 loved it.

[@peterhaworth6859]

That was brilliant!! Well done Lee, feel stoked for you dude💪👌 fantastic channel.. you two make a great team.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks Peter!

[@lee_likes_bikes]

Thank you Peter!

[@michaelleyba5396]

Great video Alex and Lee! Thank you for sharing these experiences!!

[@JoyOfBike]

Michael Leyba Thanks buddy!!

[@arneilson4450]

So glad I came across your videos! As a 50 year old who is still trying to push my riding you guys are inspiring!

[@JoyOfBike]

I like your attitude!!

[@domlongman185]

Absolutely brilliant video and channel. Lee, as a 47 year old UK based MTBer just getting back into it, particularly to help with my own mental challenges this past year, your comments really resonated with me. Putting that out there takes strength. Really appreciated! Most of my previous jumping has had no form to it, now looking forward to finally cracking the wheelie too!. Keep it up. Super inspirational

[@JoyOfBike]

Keep smiling and shredding Dom!!!

[@taylorm2008atyahoo]

Excellent video, absolutely spot on! So glad I watched this. I only spotted your channel a few days ago and I’m so grateful for the info you guys provide as I’ve very recently returned to mountain biking to hopefully help break away from what has been a long illness of depression and anxiety. It’s been 10 years since I last did any cycling and it’s been nerve wracking yet exciting to return to, especially now I’m over 40. This has certainly helped my motivation, keep up the fantastic work guys it’s awesome!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you found us and glad it’s helping. The bike has helped me through a lot in life. I’m just trying to return the favor. Depression runs in my family so this show and Lee’s courage to talk about it means a lot to me. It is a brutal thing to go through and we sure don’t need any stigma attached to it. Kudos to you brother! Here’s to a great year on the bike and off!

[@cactusflats6592]

Alex, Lee...killer vid! Killer collab! Mind killer of a topic...so much mental game in MTB, especially as we get older. 39 here, def feel the sentiment about trauma in our cells, and agree that the feeling of conquering a feature that has been a mental roadblock is so incredibly cathartic. Cheers again!!

[@JoyOfBike]

We want to continue to explore the mental game. Appreciate you!

[@MrAnimal1971]

Well said. I'm 50 this year in 2021 and mountain biking is helping me conquer alot of my issues. Life takes a toll and finding that "thing" that helps. I must mention that I quit my office job to start working at a bike shop and yes it's hard work but the people I work with and my customers are awesome.

[@JoyOfBike]

That’s a gutsy change. I applaud you!

[@tamsheikh]

Its takes two really++ well experienced riders 20+ years of riding to finally do a detailed analysis of what it's like in your head when lining up to a bigger jump. Ground breaking epic stuff guys. I've some nemisis's to get over... Muchos Grascias.

[@JeremyRabbit]

I am SOOO thankful to you guys, sharing your knowledge and skills in such an awesome fun format, but I am MOVED by your authenticity, your humanity and your willingness to share that with us. It’s relevant and totally relatable. Thank you.

[@JoyOfBike]

Wow, thank you!

[@paulmarshall9189]

Great vid, thanks very much for posting.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks Paul

[@th3gughy]

Thank you guys.. this is an amazing lesson to learn in life. There is so much packed in only 11 minutes and that's incredible. It's not just biking, it's life. Thank you guys!!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you liked it!

[@ModernOCDad]

Awesome video Alex and Lee! Super inspiring for everyone especially us over 40. So stoked for you Lee to conquer that Whale Tail again!!

[@rojmahaj]

Wow...thank you both for ALL of your fabulous tech tip videos...this one knocked it out of the park unlike any other with honesty and depth of character. "Regression Is A Gift" is my new mantra of the week. I'm very new to MTB and come from a lifetime of climbing and big mountain skiing with over half of it as a sponsored athlete...In my late thirties as my power was naturally going away, deep down inside there was a low level of depression as a result of not being able to separate my true inner stoke from my ego...fortunately I found it again in my forties and even higher in my 50's by digging into my experience, developing new skills and pushing the intrinsic stoke meter each day until... I ...reach....FLOW...

[@JoyOfBike]

So good!!

[@jhdebeer1970]

Just brilliant stuff and content Alex and Lee. Thank you for sharing. The combination of joy, age, skills and mental health really works. What hit home for me was where you physically build up excitement or fear, and that we even confuse the two. I think most of us have been doing it subconsciously - but explaining it like you did means knowledge and improvement. And more joy!

[@JoyOfBike]

Glad you dig it. Thanks!!!

[@adamhoughton2697]

This was a really beautiful and inspiring video. Thanks guys for being out there sharing that experience.

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks so much!

[@workhorsemtb7075]

I found your channel last night and I haven't got much work done today because I have been binge watching all of these videos. Excellent, excellent work on this channel. Thanks for sharing all of this stuff. Way to go Lee!

[@JoyOfBike]

LOL. You got plenty work done brother. Work on your MTB!!! Welcome to the crew!

[@gregwebster8784]

Yep! I broke my neck ( C1 and C2) my 2nd month of mtb and 2 weeks after my 50th birthday. It's taken 3 years to get past that. These videos would have saved me a lot grief, lolololol. But the rewards as an older guy are extraordinary. It's great to feel as excited about a sport as I did in my youth. Thanks for making these videos.

[@JoyOfBike]

That is soooo intense. My best friend passed away from the same injury when we were riding together. He probably loved to ride more than anybody I ever knew. I think about the accident every day. I’m glad you’re still with us and riding!!!

[@angeline7659]

Huge props for this video. I'm someone that is so interested in sports psychology and a real over-thinker when it comes to sports. This is so rad to see true vulnerability in a breakthrough. Watching your reaction to smashing the jump made me tear up too. Finding this channel has literally changed my life. Keep being rad!

[@JoyOfBike]

Heck yeah!!

[@kenkim8017]

Just discovered your channel, and now I'm binge watching. You guys are knowledgeable, articulate, and just REAL. Subscribed!

[@JoyOfBike]

Welcome to our crew!!

[@1uniqueislander968]

Never too old, too tired to ride and be stoked 😄👍

[@lee_likes_bikes]

So true.

[@MrRicho32]

Thank you for such a great video. I have got a huge obstacle when riding & that’s myself. Thanks again

[@JoyOfBike]

Thanks for watching and commenting. You’re not alone. I know there are times when the only thing standing between me and the future me is the present me. Can’t get out of my own way. : )

[@bmdt81]

Wooooow. I've been loving your videos, guys, and I've specifically saved this one and one other until I knew I was ready to watch it. 40 on my next birthday, and I'm really feeling this psychic crap! But that's definitely empowering to know that maybe we've got something on the 17 year olds!

[@JoyOfBike]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@gilbertb737]

New subscriber and just wanted to add my appreciation to both Alex and Lee for your down to earth demeanor. I just turned 55 and coming up on my 3rd year of riding. To me, you guys just added a whole new perspective to MTB that I can relate to. Keep up the great work!

[@JoyOfBike]

I’ve gained the same new perspective and just passing it on.

[@bnewburn]

You guys are such a great pairing

[@hangdogr]

This is a great video. I love what you guys are doing here. Lee's honesty is awesome. I don't know why we feel afraid to share our pain when being heard and validated is the number one way we can start to heal. (Wisdom I'm trying to learn from my wife who's a psychologist.) Anyway, I love the introspective approach here. I especially like the comment about the difference between us older guys and the younger people. When I was young I was always first out the door for any adventure. These days, I have a lot of anxiety to cut through. Like Lee in this video, when I manage to get through it, it's always worth it, cathartic even - sometimes even when the outcome isn't how I envisioned and I crash. The number one thing I'm finding that's helpful in making a decision to send it is what Lee talked about in his checklist - knowing I have the skills. I think that's a really important callout. Self doubt and negative self talk can ruin the day if we let it and it's helpful to have friends around to encourage you. ...if only we could all have people like Alex to ride with.

[@JoyOfBike]

Truth! To build on the people thing. We all deserve a great crew. And we all have a responsibility to each other to be that kind of member of the crew. It might be interesting to explore how we should show up for each other. It's critical to success, fun and even safety.

[@blumenpedaler9516]

Great way to approach challenges! Thanks for a great video

[@JoyOfBike]

🙏

[@xTypeTwoFunx]

Holy shit, this is such a great video! This translates to so much more than riding. Thanks for the checklist fellas 🤙🏻

[@patopimienta100]

Genial muchachos uno de los mejores videos!!! Keep going

[@nickdellar3468]

I’m not crying, my eyes are just sweating😭 Thank you guys, this video is much more than bikes. 🙏

[@JoyOfBike]

Ketchup makes my eyes sweat. No lie. But I still love it!!

[@cassysamel3914]

So much respect to be able to disclose mental health like that on KZbin! Subscribed bruhh 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@cassysamel3914]

Also it's huge as a novice to hear from experts that they're probably not ready to hit a feature for whatever reason. We all wanna be pushed, but sometimes we need that voice of reason. Good stuff.