Rivington/Darwen MTB Mega Loop - Mindful challenge Series - Mileage/Climbing/Endurance Focus

Today's edit is another "Mindful Challenge” with the emphasis on distance and climbing or Endurance if you like.
We wanted to ride in familiar surroundings while pushing climbing and distance figures compared to our average riding or our go to endurance loop riding to Rivington from home (24 miles-ish 800m climbing) while hopefully managing to make an interesting edit.
We managed 30 miles and 1000m climbing which was less than we had hoped for but it was a very hot and humid day so the perceived effort was very high so all in all a B+ for effort.
I hope this inspires you to get out and test you endurance/push your boundaries (a little), though please off course do this sensibly and do not take any risks. small increases in distance are best way to increase your endurance and mental toughness.
The 3 rules of endurance riding are:
1) Pace - Keep the pace low and steady, don’t push hard anywhere and keep some energy in the tank.
2) Nutrition - make sore you have plenty of snacks and food and take a few hundred calories in every 45 mins riding.
3) Hydration - plenty of water is essential but hydration tabs will provide the required salts and prevent cramping so I would recommend you use them.
Be mindful of the experience. Take notice of your thoughts and feelings as you push yourself, I had several internal battles when my body was trying to give in to the challenge, just telling yourself you’re not tired has incredible power over the body.
Let us know in the comments how it goes.
The next in the "Mindful challenges” series will likely be skills based focusing on technique or a particular riding skills.
Todays edit benefits massively from this amazing track from our very good friends “The Rodians”.
Please check them out using the links below:
Bandcamp: therodians.bandcamp.com/album...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1nTlr...
Insta: / therodians
I would greatly appreciate your comments and please like and subscribe as it really does make all the filming and editing worthwhile.
#rivingtonmtb #Darwenmtb #mtb #adventure #mentalhealth #mtblife #mtblifestyle #mountainbike #mountainbiking #ukmtb #mtblove #mtbiking #outdoors #outsideisfree #enduromtb #downhill #challenge #mindfulchallenge #santacruznomad #santacruzbikes #vanlife #traildog #vizsla #xcmtb #mentalhealthawareness #anxietyrelief #mentalwellness #itsokaytonotbeokay

[@simonspeak4775]

Great video guys, I really enjoy your content and the general vibe you put out - keep up the good work!

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Simon, you are there man! 🙌 Thank you very much indeed, it’s incredibly uplifting to receive such positive feedback! there is lots of work (labour of love) that goes into planning, filming and editing and to feel that its being enjoyed is such a boost! Thank you

[@Neil.C57510]

Thanks for introducing me to the Rodians, what a great band 👌🏻

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Hey Neil.. They’re are ace aren’t they!! The singer and guitarist is my brother in law! Wish I lived in Cornwall so I could check them out live more often. Thanks for the message 👍

[@owenrobert1333]

Great video. You always seem happy and positive! 👍 MY bike finally arrived so I'll try and get out and get healthy after Christmas is over.

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Aw thanks man! Appreciate it! I have my moments like anyone but biking certainly helps keep me aiming high, grateful and gracious! Good news on tbe bike, are you completely new to MTB?

[@owenrobert1333]

@@MindfulTrailBiker pretty much. Yes. I did a bit last year and the year before but only near my house. Just around the canal and the lodges. It was only a cheapish bike so I couldn't really go too crazy. Hopefully I can get into it a bit more now I've picked up something a bit better.

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

@owenrobert1333 well I was intending to do a beginner riders guide to rivington so if you want to get involved I can show you that route while recording an edit.

[@owenrobert1333]

That would be great 👍

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

@@owenrobert1333 cool, if you find me on instagram we can message more easily 👍

[@grumpymtb4311]

Awesome well done, it’s a nice ride over to darwen tower, i ride over from Wigan so know what is like with the distance, you get a sub from me 🤙

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Thank you very much!! Ive never been much of a distance rider. I blame the dog for that! 🤣 Thank you for the comment and the Sub!!

[@petewilson2054]

Awesome ride that. Always brilliant content. The Mrs looks like she could have gone a few more miles. I think she was just agreeing with you 😂😂

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Haha, bloody hell pete, you’re not half wrong there. She found it considerably easier than me which I’m putting down to the fact that she wasn’t carrying 3 litres of water, a GoPro and grip stand, 2 wraps, 4 bars, tools and spares and isn’t hauling a full on enduro rig around. 😂😂 that’s what I’m telling myself anyways 😂 We always appreciate your kind words Pete! Thank you again sir! 🙏

[@petewilson2054]

@@MindfulTrailBiker haha brilliant a fair statement indeed.

[@shannonmtb]

I know darwen trails very well and some good ones in roddlesworth (tockholes) woods if you both ever want a reccy (they just arent great in winter) so maybe next year ha

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Yeah that would be awesome, cheers! I e not biked through there for a long while. They seemed to be making effort to stop bikes but I suppose that’s on the footpaths really

[@shannonmtb]

@@MindfulTrailBiker yeah I know the guys that have put some tracks in....someone who raced for someone famous but not saying on here ha! They aren't mega steep but very loamy when dry but because it's that peaty type stuff in the woods it doesn't weather well so need a good sustained period of dry weather to get the best from them

[@Grandadgreyhair]

Well done cycled all those bits but never in that order, we sometimes do a route like this over to Entwistle reservoir which is a similar there are so many routes in the area

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

I can honestly say I’ve never been to entwistle for some unknown reason, I need to check it out 👍

[@Grandadgreyhair]

@@MindfulTrailBiker if you want a route let me know,

[@mikemoran7036]

Hi im new to mtb and this is the area that is closest to me for trails so great to see someone posting videos of the area. Is it okay to ride for a beginner? Can you send any routes please?

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Hi Mike, thanks for watching! If you check my other edits for Rivington area there is a few edits with garmin and Trailforks routes attached. Rivington has some farily tech descents but there are also some easier ones as well. The San Marino descent can be taken at ta steady pace and priced together by a beginner rider. I would have a look at my winter guide to rivington edit as the all weather tracks are some of the easier Mone’s to tackle for a beginner. Hope that’s helpful 👍

[@mikemoran7036]

Thanks for the advice, I've been watching some of your San Marino descents, looks super fast to me but will take it steady 👍

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

@@mikemoran7036 it’s a good place to start Mike. Plus then any of the climbs you have done ti reach it would be good descents for a beginner rider. I have intended to do a begginer route for Rivington edit but not got round to it. Healey Nab is good for practicing berms drops and jumps etc once you feel confident. Also Phillips park and Clayton vale are way marked trails that are suitable for new riders 👍

[@Grandadgreyhair]

When you dropped down to Belmont and started climbing there is a much better climb that follows a nearly parallel trail and pops out at the top, it goes in all weathers.

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

Ah cool, is that parallel to the road or to the bridleway? We tried to get on the whitton way at the Belmont reservoir but it was closed off. Ended going back down the hill and down Egerton road instead.

[@Grandadgreyhair]

Just as you pass the pub, then a rather large house there is a footpath on the right, go up this then across a short field over a style and you are on it. It is well defined and a couple of techy bits near the top. I can send map if you need

[@Grandadgreyhair]

@@MindfulTrailBiker interesting from Belmont we usually cross the reservoir and go up the track to the farm, go through gate and up onto the weavers track rather than turn right up the road just over the reservoir to access it. I’m not sure they can close off both, but they were doing some work a few weeks ago the Egerton road is harder work and not something we have ever done. As you have probably gathered we have been riding area for years and don’t stick to bridleways.

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

@@Grandadgreyhair The wide path across the reservoir is closed off and we didn’t want to gamble with paths, you never know what you’re going to get. your route sounds good. please email it if you get chance or link it on here. [e-mail] Thank you

[@patdoherty901]

Great ride both.. will do it myself.. are u on komoot?? Great app allows us to follow route

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

I’m not I’m afraid Pat. I have a garmin link here if that’s any good? connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/11982903807/share/1?lang=en&t=1694461216

[@patdoherty901]

Cheers.. take a look at komoot pal.. it’s opens loads of rides for me.. GPS nav from yr door 👍👍

[@patdoherty901]

Also check out Hebden Bridge for some techy downs