I got back on a bike for the first time in over 30 years in November 2017 at age 55. My younger cousin invited my out to mountain bike after I had a cardiac event in June 2017 with 7 stents placed, and I needed something to do to improve and maintain my cardiovascular health. This was my first time on a mountain bike and I was hooked. My wife bought me a Giant Talon 3 and I ride the trails near my house in Phoenix 3 days a week. I love mountain biking and enjoy your videos.
20 years for me but I still road dirt bikes, gsxr1000s, harleys, and so on. But I'm looking at a trek or YT. But it's going to be interesting in the cardiovascular department. But all these guy Makin these vids have got me pumped for sure, good job guys.
Love seeing brothers enjoying their rime together mountain biking. Fitness is always a factor and more so in the beginning. We will always be in the pain cave but ive found i get better at body weight distribution on turns and carrying speed
I have to say that, i happened to be browsing youtube and stumbled onto your channel, seeing your energy and excitement, actually, really did inspire me to look into getting a bike and riding so at the age of 50, I purchased my first ever MTB and my first bike since I rode BMX in the early 80's. I'm not fit but i'm loving it every time I get out. Keep up to great work Alex.
Hey Anthony! So stoked you found my channel man, and even more stoked that you got back on the bike after so many years!! You may not be fit at the moment, but hopefully you are still having some fun. Don't worry, the fitness comes!
Wow, I actually cant believe you replied so quick or indeed replied, cheers mate, much appreciated comment from you. I'm hooked on MTB now and even through its cold and wet here in the UK, I;m still peddling around.
This sounds like my story. I raced BMX early 80's and started freestyle in the mid 80's. Life took me away from it. Then I went to MTB in late 97'. Road a little BMX in early 2005 (story for another time). That only lasted two years. I just built a FatBike to jump back on the trails and am turning 50 next month. Alex, this channel that I stumbled on, is the reason that I decided to ride again. I'm old, fat and out of shape but what is the best way to lose weight and get in shape? Live Free. Ride Hard. Get Stoked!!!!!!!
The edits keep getting better. Everyone is right about your positive attitude and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work Alex..! I look foreword to each and every edit..!
Good Job Alex and Mac! Always fun to turn someone on to the sport. I was 65 and got my 65 yo neighbor riding MTB and road 3 years ago. He'd not been on a bike in 25 years and never mountainbiking. Can't say he's smeaashing it, but he gets out there and rides!
meignotus I’m 64 and started three years ago. My riding partner is 68. We ride 2 or 3 times a week on single track in the mountains. I’ve never been in better shape.
You are always so stoked and positive. Spreading the love you have for riding is awesome. Your vids lift my grumpy old man soul to be a better, nicer person. Seriously Sounds cheesy but true. Ride or die.
2017 I got back on my mountain bike after a decade. I gotta be honest, day 1 sucked. Pushing up hills. I wasn't even out of shape! Well, I soon learned lifting weights does not help mtb endurance. I'm now loving riding again. Absolutely, I encourage anyone to embrace the suck and you'll soon be loving it!!! I should add, I'm now at the stoked stage!
only started riding a bike at 25, but now it's my no.1 passion, and I simply love it, couldn't imagine myself without it! so, it's never too late to learn, or get back to it. channels like yours, Alex, keep the flame burning higher! thanks for all the inspirational stuff, and keep it rollin'!
Dude your enthusiasm is amazing. You’re always so stoked. Nothing makes me want to ride more than watching how happy riding in general makes you. And I’m sure it keeps a lot of viewers coming back. Keep up the good work man. Live free, ride hard, and get stoked!
Fellow St. Pete Homies. Love seeing videos from my home trails. Great to see your brother get back on the back, he did a great job! Reminds me of when I first got back on the bike after a multi year lay off. Always look forward to your videos, seeing your enthusiasm and love for our sport is awesome!!!
Awesome! I started mountain bike in September 2017 after 12 years away. I did not realize how much I missed riding mountain bikes. Thanks to you Alex & Seth & Brian for making awesome videos that I watch while I work out at home to increase my fitness level.
I'm in the same position, bought a cheap entry level bike, after 8-10 years not getting on one, rode it about a month and the skill came back pretty fast. Started watching you and Seth, GMBM and got inspired and educated, now I'm building my dream bike and inspiring my friends to buy bikes for commuting and having fun like you guys on the local trails! Keep the good work, waiting forward for the van build, you deserve it!
Thats so cool dude!! I love getting other people on bikes almost as much as riding them myself lol It's just so much fun to share the stoke with others!
Started riding again a few years ago after a permanent health problem forced me to give up about 10 years ago. Now I'm still a rookie when it comes to mountain biking as only really started riding properly last year but I don't care about not being as good as others because I'm out enjoying myself and that's all that matters to me. That's why I love your channel Alex. You post these videos because you're having fun and that's the real meaning of mountain biking.
You, Seth, Phil, and Brian have inspired me to ride again after 15 years. I used to do BMX in my youth and being back on again brings me back to those days of freedom and fun. Thank you guys. If you catch yourself in southern California, I'd love to get the chance to ride with you
Your videos along with Brian's and Seths is the reason i got back into biking. Seeing how much fun you guys have together and individually is what inspired me to get back on the bike. Keep on creating great content 🤙🚴♂️🤘
Nice Alex! So cool to see you get your bro back on a bike. I just took my 15 year old nephew for his first real trail ride recently and he loved it! And he wants to go again. I'm so stoked! I actually just got back on a mountain bike last year after about 10 years in Costa Rica with only a dirt bike. So it's so killer to ride a new full suspension bike down trails that I find with Trail Forks. But the best part is all the other riders I've met and had fun riding with. It's a way of life for me now and it's all good. I'm happy to see you having so much fun.
Dude, I can sooo relate to that, my fitness level is on the floor too but boy how fun it is. I've just got back to riding after a 15 years. Found my old bike in my grandma's attic and it sparked me up. Hope your bro keeps riding now.
great video.i recently got back on the bike after probably 25 years and your videos have helped me a lot.ive never done anything else that could make me that tired yet i couldnt wait to do it again.thanks keep up the good work.
To me, the most inspiring thing about this video is seeing you take an old hard tail with rim brakes on this kind of trail. Really shows that as long as your bike is sturdy, you can get away with a lot.
Bro, the best time is always the first time!!! Then it's chasing the rush from the first time!!! That is what has kept me on a MTB for almost 30yrs.LIVE-LIFE-LOUD...Ohh that PIC, at the end it priceless thanks for sharing BRO!!!🤙🏽
Holy cow! You are unrecognizable without the beard man! Great video. I'm a bigger guy (280lbs) getting into mountain biking and the fitness part is a definite struggle. But after 4 or 5 rides I can notice a huge difference in how long i can go. First ride in was only able to do 4 miles. After 4 rides i am now up to 10-15 miles. It also helps to have a good friend who can be supportive and help ease you in to the sport. I makes the rides more fun as well.
ZeroHourContingency Same here, man. Even if you're reasonably fit, with a weight like ours the adaptation to MBTing sure has a progress curve. But when you get used to the effort... holy cow, it feels like you're a feather on a hurricane 😄
I am 48 and following my son into mountain biking. I have a Giant Talon 2 and live in Rockhampton, Queensland , Australia and would like to thank The Singletrack Sampler and Seths Bike hacks for making it a bit easier
Hey Alex, you and Seth got me into mountain biking around late October and it's been though your videos that I have been able to advance my riding over the past 3 months. Last week I went to carder road and grapefruit trail in Florida for the first time. It was allot of fun and I finally learned how to clear some big tabletops(for me) at grapefruit and I just wanted to thank you for bringing mountain biking into my life. Keep up the great vids!!
Always great to hang out with your brother(s). I don't get to see mine enough. Ironically got into MTB because of my brother and we have never ridden together.
A little late to the party on this vid. Just got back on my MTB about a week ago after a 10 plus year "nap" myself. At 45 I'm totally bagged after each ride but glad to be back in the saddle again. Slowly getting my mojo back. Love your enthusiasm brother.
Alafia in January was an awesome choice to bring him to. North Creek without options is a great intermediate trail, with all the options(except poop loop” is one of my favorite overall trails. Props to Jeff and all the people who keep that place fun. Your brother did great ! I like how you don’t send him in completely blind, shouting out what’s ahead. I broke a collar bone coming around one of those blind corners, trying to not hit a little kid and grandfather walking North Creek, which is bikes only. Something the state I’m currently stuck in should figure out. (Jersey).
Bro, I'm 33 now, just got a mountain bike about a month ago but haven't ridden a bike for 20 YEARS since I was 13!🤣 Good thing is I used to race BMX so smashing and getting AIRBORN is 2nd nature ✌✌
I'm about to be doing the same thing. Just turned 32 and will have a mb by spring. Raced bmx until I was 13, until school sports and motorcycles got in the way lol. I wore 2 tapes of the movie Rad out as a youngster haha. Keep us posted on your progress. If you were any good on the bmx bike, I bet it comes back quicker than one would think.
Just got a full suspension bike in September, I'm 47 and haven't ridden since 1990... my last bike was a rigid. Things have definitely changed! Now I'm a complete @#^#!@! addict riding insane technical single track in the north east. Nice vids btw!
kingdom come Progress is going good man. Of course I wiped out 2 to 3 times, every ride, for the first couple rides but after about 4 weeks I only fall every once in awhile when hitting jumps higher than 5 feet of air or going too fast on corners. Mountain biking is definitely a different animal but I got a basic full suspension (2017 DB Atroz troz) which makes it a LOT MORE COMFORTABLE and easy on my body now that I'm older. No more painful shockwaves running up your arms & legs from hard landings👌😁 Oh...one thing that drives me insane about MTB is the derailers seriously I've already gone through one new derailleur, 2 hangers, one bent and the other stripped. If you live in an area with lots of rocks you're going to wreck your derailleur on a regular basis at least side seem too. I wish I could weld a metal protective plate on it but then it would look like crap and obviously throw my bike off balance. One thing's for sure MTB is not bomb-proof like a BMX which is kind of a pain if you ride in rough Terrain.
I just bought my first mountain bike today. I had kinda stumbled across videos from you and Seth and while watchin youtube mtb vids at 6am i then shot over to craigslist and picked up an SE Big Mountain this afternoon. Its nothing too fancy but ive had a fun cpuple hours on it so far.. Heres to the journey anf thanks for the videos that inspired this new purchase..✊
I used to ride with my older cousin back in 2006-2009. I was 12-15 years old. Watching you, Seth, and Phil definitely inspired me to start riding the local trails in South Florida again. I’m now riding his old 2000 Kona Stinky. It’s a bit janky, so I’m starting to save up for own brand new bike. I’m thinking a Kona Honzo. Can’t wait!
Hey Mack, great job 👍🏻 After a ten year hiatus that’s just amazing. If you are up for more trails, you are more than welcome for a ride on my hometrails here in Germany 🇩🇪 Cheers Arvid
Im nearly 30 rode bmx and dirtbikes my whole life, got into mtb after i stopped riding bmx 2ish years ago and man its the best! I get the same feeling about it as i did with the other two hobbies. Been watch alot of your vids aswell as seths and phils and it pumps me that much more to ride again. Loving your work man keep it up!
You are the perfect person to start out riding with you really know how to encourage a person without making them overconfident. I really wish I could ride with you
Awesome video man.! My brother and I are actually riding partners it’s so much fun and we push each other to new limits every ride.!! Love this upload my dude.!
It was great meeting you and your bro! You're just as cool, if not cooler in person! Thank you for inspiring us and shedding our local Alafia trails. #send'er
Ahh man! It would have been great to ride with you guys. I go to Alafia just about every other weekend. Northcreek is the trail I usually start on. I stumbled across your channel getting back on the bike after so many years. Needed another outlet besides running and weight training. Thank you for the laughs! I watch you, Seth, Brian and Phil.
You always get me so pumped to go out and ride! I have been trying to get my younger brother out riding with me and he is expressing interest so I think it is so cool that you didthe same! And if you are ever in town you need to check out Ray's Indoor MTB Park in Cleveland OH, it is a paradise for Mountain Bikers! Peace and Ride Safe!
I had to stop early in the video to add this comment, I found it to be brilliant when you said "thumb makes it easier, index finger makes it harder" that is the best way to get the concept through on shifting. I find myself being on those idiots when it comes to shifting I just keep clicking it until I find the right spot, no clue on the upshift, downshifting etc. I love to learn new things and I hate admitting after being a rider for years that I did not know that simple way was the best explanation of shifting on a bike. :)
Your videos are awesome. I bought a Pivot Mach 5.5 a few weeks ago. I have rode mtb in 16 years. You have inspired me and I'm loving it. My fitness is terrible but I will get there.
You need to go "visit" your brother in Germany and check out some of their amazing looking single tracks! Germany has always been a dream destination for me. Your brother looked really comfortable for 10 years off a bike, by the end of the video you could have never guessed how long he has been off one. My brother is the one I ride with the most and our brother rivalry has pushed us both to get much better.
Ain't ridden my bike in 5 years. Felt nice to get back on it this month, even if it was just for a street trip to the bank (though some of the crazy street potholes and the unpaved and eroded roads near my home justify using a hardtail for the trip, I mean damn!). Your pure enthusiasm over Mac's riding only gets me more fired up, Alex!
i bought a giant trance 3 because of you, now im 2500 dollars in the hole.... but i got a bike!! last time i did downhill it was 17 years ago and all we had was hardtails, so i cant wait to try my full suspension once i get it. thank you for the inspiration!!
I took like 7 years off because my bike got stolen. Finally got a new bike and went to the trails and it was kinda sketchy at first but before long I got my confidence back and started sending it. Now I've been back on the bike for over 5 years and wonder how I managed to live without it. I now have 2 mountain bikes (one spare for friends to borrow) and a bmx bike and it's just the greatest feeling no matter which bike I'm riding or where. I love this sport!
I'm not sure exactly how or when I came across you and Seth.... but I did about two months ago. Last week I bought a hard tail (trek marlin 5) and am going to these same trails sometime within the next 72 hrs as they're in my home county. Your channel along with Seth's brought me to this point. Thanks for all the content man \m/
I've been watching for a few months now, love your vids. I'm just starting out, getting my first real bike in a few days, (CAN'T WAIT) its a 2016 Fuji Nevada 1.6 27.5. For the last 2 months i have been breaking Walmart bikes while saving what i can to get it. I'm hoping to go on my first ride on it, this Tuesday. the first vid i watched was the one on Fire Mountain, in North Carolina, and will be my first trip to ride (time permitted). I am 40 years old, and haven't been in shape sense my daughter was born almost 10 years ago. being a single dad, i doubt i will be able to do much with my funds for at least another 10 years, but one day, i hope to have half the skill you do. Thank you, you are the inspiration i needed to get out and get healthy, while having the most fun of my life. Staying stoked, Travis (OldManMTB)
I'm a recent back to mtbing. Although it wasn't you who inspired me to ride again , it's you who I watch to keep stoked on riding. I was riding back in the late 1980's through the 1990's then life circumstances took me away for my core group riders that kept the stoke going. I use to ride Mammoth Mtn. Kamikaze on a hardtail and original Manitou forks by Doug Bradbury. I'm 6'6" and pedal to my seat where my pelvic bones ride is 40". got long legs. I've refurbished my old bike added a current stem and carbon handle bar (820mm), gone to flats(pedaling innovations they're the biggest for my size 14eeee's) and so far like them. Since I'm a do-it-yourselfer (I designed my bike), I've a 29 plus hardtail on the drawing board. I already have TrueTemper bike tubing from the age and I have picked up some additional parts for a complete frame. The goal: ride and get my endurance back up, practice going slow and practice trials techniques so I feel comfortable balancing on the bike again. Have the new frame complete by July 1st of this year. I'm an "OLDER guy", this is as much about healthy lifestyle so I can age a "little more" gracefully. So, live free, ride hard, and stay stoked.... and watch for Muddy Paws on the trails in the near future.....
This video was perfect! I just got back on my bike cause my new neighbor rides and he got me motivated. I hit the gym every other day and I'm in great shape, but lifting weights is much different than riding. Looking forward to getting my cardio back lol
I was dying on the parts where you kind of freak out as he is hitting it like a boss out there, hahaha, loved the vibe of this! If you ever pass through Lake Havasu you're welcome with us and we've got some pretty cool trails.
Yeah, I can relate to this... My older brother is the one that got me into mountain biking. Now I can see what I must have looked like from his perspective haha!
What's up, Mr. Alex? What's the Singletrack Sampler have for us today? Let's ride! 1:18 - I can only imagine what someone who didn't know what you were doing might be thinking if they saw this. 4:48 - For me it's "Thumb is make it easier, thumb is make it harder." Yup the same finger controls both up and down shifting. 8:39 - "on the fitness scale, I'm on the ground floor." I'm right there with you, bro. I haven't been able to ride in almost two months and now I'm starting to get back in the saddle and I'm feeling it! 9:38 - I think it's great that you get so excited for other riders, Alex. I suspect that riding with you is very good for the morale of less experienced riders. 10:10 - "I have no energy to feel proud." I totally get that feeling. What a great video. It's so nice to see families doing this sport. I had fun watching you coach him and even recognizing when he didn't need the coaching. You guys seem to get along pretty well. Thanks for sharing this, Alex! I'm hoping to get out on the trail here pretty soon. I have a follow-up with my orthopedic doctor in the next couple of days. It's my hope he'll give me the all clear to start riding trails again. #lfrdgs -Brian
I kinda had to. The name I started with is very similar to another channel. And the focus I initially hoped for just wasn't happening. I actually explain this change in my latest video (You should go watch it 😉). I'm didn't think anyone would even notice. I didn't think very many people were paying attention to me. Here's hoping this channel name is generic enough that I can have it focus on anything MTB and that there isn't something similar already out there. So far I haven't seen anything. -Brian
I've been waiting for this video for a week or two now and I'm so hyped it finally came. I was out riding (we met at the bike shop area) and it was honestly a dream come true to talk and get a picture with one of my favorite UA-camrs and riders
My brothers and I started 4 weeks ago, did unwharrie forest with Walmart bikes and almost died. Upgraded to 500.00 giant bikes, went back last week, had a blast but it was very rocky and almost killed us. It’s hard work but it’ll get better and the downhills are so rewarding! Thanks for inspiring dude
hahaha dude that is AWESOME!! I did the exact same thing on a Huffy back in the day. Nothing better than just being out in the woods with the brothers messing around though. Wouldn't trade it for the world
I seriously feel like if I went riding with you, I'd feel like the best rider on the planet after like 20 minutes or so. You are so stoked and encouraging towards everybody who is around you! Ever plan on checking out trails in KC area or Switchgrass in central KS?
Old specialized hard rock! That was my first bike when I got back into mtb after 10 yrs.those bars are so narrow haha.first thing I did was upgrade those.it still shreds!
AWESOME! I could hear the genuine excitement of riding with your brother. I have EXACTLY the same memories! That's where "Willbros" comes from...Williams Brothers. I lived here in Bentonville and he moved here shortly after I started riding, which was a little over 3 years ago. We would spend ALL DAY on BMX bikes as kids back in the late 70's and early 80's. Riding bikes together again was amazing, and even though he almost puked after our first ride, just like I did my first ride 3-4 months earlier, we instantly re-connected and have been riding together ever since. He's moved back to the Dallas area now, which sucks in a lot of ways, but we still get together and ride a few times a year. What was amazing, was how at nearing 50, it makes us feel like kids again every time we ride. We noticed that there were no good local videos chronicling our trails, so we started the channel to try to improve that. Now the scene has BLOWN UP here in NWA, and they are flying pro's in here to shoot videos!
Thank you Alexander for inspiration to hop back on the bike after a broken tibia and 13 years of not riding. I'm definitely living free riding hard and getting stoked..... Well when I get back in top form haha
Yoooo !!!! Little bro kill it , he handle it very well who knows maybe we get Mackenzie riding in Germany in the simple track sampler Europe edition 😂. No joke great job Mackenzie.
Alex this is so cool man, I am the youngest out of 3 boys, but i can only wish that I can ride with my older brothers....would be so sweet to ride with you one day as my brothers name is also Alex lol thanks for sharing dude, I miss my family so much!
Good job of running the basics over with him prior to going out. I have taught my wife and grown kids and I "bored" them with my 10 minute drill on braking, shifting and body position. Really thought your brother was gonna wind up in those channels, would have made for good video. Tell him to take one for the team and do a swan dive!
Man I love the enthusiasm and positive attitude you show in every one of your videos. I wish more people where like you.
I was thinking the same thing. As a new MTB'er, I wish I could find a 'mentor' with his enthusiasm and positivity.
Agree with the fact you said 'mountain biking gets more fun the fitter you are' 💯
TrailRiderMTB
Hell yeah. If it doesn't burn your whole body to ride, you can enjoy it a shitload more.
Goes for any kind of physical activity, really.
gods i hope so im waaaay too fat and ive just got back on a bike after 12 years
It never actually gets easier... you only go faster.
The Mongoose How was their first year back in the saddle?
I got back on a bike for the first time in over 30 years in November 2017 at age 55. My younger cousin invited my out to mountain bike after I had a cardiac event in June 2017 with 7 stents placed, and I needed something to do to improve and maintain my cardiovascular health. This was my first time on a mountain bike and I was hooked. My wife bought me a Giant Talon 3 and I ride the trails near my house in Phoenix 3 days a week. I love mountain biking and enjoy your videos.
That's great to read, sir. Keep on the bike for me, we have six feet of show all around us!
This is what I'm talking about, good on you man!! So stoked to hear you are enjoying mountain biking!
20 years for me but I still road dirt bikes, gsxr1000s, harleys, and so on. But I'm looking at a trek or YT. But it's going to be interesting in the cardiovascular department. But all these guy Makin these vids have got me pumped for sure, good job guys.
Love seeing brothers enjoying their rime together mountain biking. Fitness is always a factor and more so in the beginning. We will always be in the pain cave but ive found i get better at body weight distribution on turns and carrying speed
I have to say that, i happened to be browsing youtube and stumbled onto your channel, seeing your energy and excitement, actually, really did inspire me to look into getting a bike and riding so at the age of 50, I purchased my first ever MTB and my first bike since I rode BMX in the early 80's. I'm not fit but i'm loving it every time I get out. Keep up to great work Alex.
Hey Anthony! So stoked you found my channel man, and even more stoked that you got back on the bike after so many years!! You may not be fit at the moment, but hopefully you are still having some fun. Don't worry, the fitness comes!
Wow, I actually cant believe you replied so quick or indeed replied, cheers mate, much appreciated comment from you. I'm hooked on MTB now and even through its cold and wet here in the UK, I;m still peddling around.
This sounds like my story. I raced BMX early 80's and started freestyle in the mid 80's. Life took me away from it. Then I went to MTB in late 97'. Road a little BMX in early 2005 (story for another time). That only lasted two years. I just built a FatBike to jump back on the trails and am turning 50 next month. Alex, this channel that I stumbled on, is the reason that I decided to ride again. I'm old, fat and out of shape but what is the best way to lose weight and get in shape? Live Free. Ride Hard. Get Stoked!!!!!!!
Great little story Billie, I figure in truth we are never to old to ride, I just wish I started again sooner.
The edits keep getting better. Everyone is right about your positive attitude and enthusiasm. Keep up the great work Alex..! I look foreword to each and every edit..!
Good Job Alex and Mac! Always fun to turn someone on to the sport. I was 65 and got my 65 yo neighbor riding MTB and road 3 years ago. He'd not been on a bike in 25 years and never mountainbiking. Can't say he's smeaashing it, but he gets out there and rides!
meignotus I’m 64 and started three years ago. My riding partner is 68. We ride 2 or 3 times a week on single track in the mountains. I’ve never been in better shape.
You are always so stoked and positive. Spreading the love you have for riding is awesome. Your vids lift my grumpy old man soul to be a better, nicer person. Seriously Sounds cheesy but true. Ride or die.
I love how stoked you are all the time, I feel you could make a stationary bike sound like a hell of a time!
man your babying him so much :P if it was my brother i would be like "figure it out and don't die" :P
There is nothing better than family, MTB and beers. Love riding with my pop and bro. Usually our rides end up the same way🍺
2017 I got back on my mountain bike after a decade. I gotta be honest, day 1 sucked. Pushing up hills. I wasn't even out of shape! Well, I soon learned lifting weights does not help mtb endurance.
I'm now loving riding again. Absolutely, I encourage anyone to embrace the suck and you'll soon be loving it!!!
I should add, I'm now at the stoked stage!
only started riding a bike at 25, but now it's my no.1 passion, and I simply love it, couldn't imagine myself without it! so, it's never too late to learn, or get back to it.
channels like yours, Alex, keep the flame burning higher! thanks for all the inspirational stuff, and keep it rollin'!
Live Aeons
That's rad, man, glad you're enjoying it.
same here.
Dude your enthusiasm is amazing. You’re always so stoked. Nothing makes me want to ride more than watching how happy riding in general makes you. And I’m sure it keeps a lot of viewers coming back. Keep up the good work man. Live free, ride hard, and get stoked!
Fellow St. Pete Homies. Love seeing videos from my home trails. Great to see your brother get back on the back, he did a great job! Reminds me of when I first got back on the bike after a multi year lay off. Always look forward to your videos, seeing your enthusiasm and love for our sport is awesome!!!
Awesome! I started mountain bike in September 2017 after 12 years away. I did not realize how much I missed riding mountain bikes. Thanks to you Alex & Seth & Brian for making awesome videos that I watch while I work out at home to increase my fitness level.
I'm in the same position, bought a cheap entry level bike, after 8-10 years not getting on one, rode it about a month and the skill came back pretty fast. Started watching you and Seth, GMBM and got inspired and educated, now I'm building my dream bike and inspiring my friends to buy bikes for commuting and having fun like you guys on the local trails! Keep the good work, waiting forward for the van build, you deserve it!
Thats so cool dude!! I love getting other people on bikes almost as much as riding them myself lol
It's just so much fun to share the stoke with others!
Started riding again a few years ago after a permanent health problem forced me to give up about 10 years ago. Now I'm still a rookie when it comes to mountain biking as only really started riding properly last year but I don't care about not being as good as others because I'm out enjoying myself and that's all that matters to me. That's why I love your channel Alex. You post these videos because you're having fun and that's the real meaning of mountain biking.
"You're actually on the ground, so technically you're right!" 😂
You, Seth, Phil, and Brian have inspired me to ride again after 15 years. I used to do BMX in my youth and being back on again brings me back to those days of freedom and fun. Thank you guys. If you catch yourself in southern California, I'd love to get the chance to ride with you
Your videos along with Brian's and Seths is the reason i got back into biking. Seeing how much fun you guys have together and individually is what inspired me to get back on the bike. Keep on creating great content 🤙🚴♂️🤘
The kind of support everyone needs to hear on trail. Good job encouraging, Alex!
Nice Alex! So cool to see you get your bro back on a bike. I just took my 15 year old nephew for his first real trail ride recently and he loved it! And he wants to go again. I'm so stoked! I actually just got back on a mountain bike last year after about 10 years in Costa Rica with only a dirt bike. So it's so killer to ride a new full suspension bike down trails that I find with Trail Forks. But the best part is all the other riders I've met and had fun riding with. It's a way of life for me now and it's all good. I'm happy to see you having so much fun.
Dude you're so encouraging. It's so helpful for anyone less skilled than yourself. Love that positivity dude
Dude, I can sooo relate to that, my fitness level is on the floor too but boy how fun it is. I've just got back to riding after a 15 years. Found my old bike in my grandma's attic and it sparked me up. Hope your bro keeps riding now.
great video.i recently got back on the bike after probably 25 years and your videos have helped me a lot.ive never done anything else that could make me that tired yet i couldnt wait to do it again.thanks keep up the good work.
hahaha it's funny how that all works isn't it?
To me, the most inspiring thing about this video is seeing you take an old hard tail with rim brakes on this kind of trail. Really shows that as long as your bike is sturdy, you can get away with a lot.
Bro, the best time is always the first time!!! Then it's chasing the rush from the first time!!! That is what has kept me on a MTB for almost 30yrs.LIVE-LIFE-LOUD...Ohh that PIC, at the end it priceless thanks for sharing BRO!!!🤙🏽
Holy cow! You are unrecognizable without the beard man! Great video. I'm a bigger guy (280lbs) getting into mountain biking and the fitness part is a definite struggle. But after 4 or 5 rides I can notice a huge difference in how long i can go. First ride in was only able to do 4 miles. After 4 rides i am now up to 10-15 miles. It also helps to have a good friend who can be supportive and help ease you in to the sport. I makes the rides more fun as well.
ZeroHourContingency
Same here, man. Even if you're reasonably fit, with a weight like ours the adaptation to MBTing sure has a progress curve. But when you get used to the effort... holy cow, it feels like you're a feather on a hurricane 😄
I am 48 and following my son into mountain biking. I have a Giant Talon 2 and live in Rockhampton, Queensland , Australia and would like to thank The Singletrack Sampler and Seths Bike hacks for making it a bit easier
Hey Alex, you and Seth got me into mountain biking around late October and it's been though your videos that I have been able to advance my riding over the past 3 months. Last week I went to carder road and grapefruit trail in Florida for the first time. It was allot of fun and I finally learned how to clear some big tabletops(for me) at grapefruit and I just wanted to thank you for bringing mountain biking into my life. Keep up the great vids!!
Oh hell yea dude!!!! Congrats on clearing those tables!
Always great to hang out with your brother(s). I don't get to see mine enough. Ironically got into MTB because of my brother and we have never ridden together.
A little late to the party on this vid. Just got back on my MTB about a week ago after a 10 plus year "nap" myself. At 45 I'm totally bagged after each ride but glad to be back in the saddle again. Slowly getting my mojo back. Love your enthusiasm brother.
Alafia in January was an awesome choice to bring him to. North Creek without options is a great intermediate trail, with all the options(except poop loop” is one of my favorite overall trails. Props to Jeff and all the people who keep that place fun. Your brother did great ! I like how you don’t send him in completely blind, shouting out what’s ahead. I broke a collar bone coming around one of those blind corners, trying to not hit a little kid and grandfather walking North Creek, which is bikes only. Something the state I’m currently stuck in should figure out. (Jersey).
Bro, I'm 33 now, just got a mountain bike about a month ago but haven't ridden a bike for 20 YEARS since I was 13!🤣
Good thing is I used to race BMX so smashing and getting AIRBORN is 2nd nature ✌✌
Oh man if you have a background in bmx you are all set...
I'm about to be doing the same thing. Just turned 32 and will have a mb by spring. Raced bmx until I was 13, until school sports and motorcycles got in the way lol. I wore 2 tapes of the movie Rad out as a youngster haha. Keep us posted on your progress. If you were any good on the bmx bike, I bet it comes back quicker than one would think.
Was in unwharrie forest last week, rode on the gravel road with no hands...felt pretty proud like I was a kid again lol
Just got a full suspension bike in September, I'm 47 and haven't ridden since 1990... my last bike was a rigid. Things have definitely changed! Now I'm a complete @#^#!@! addict riding insane technical single track in the north east. Nice vids btw!
kingdom come Progress is going good man. Of course I wiped out 2 to 3 times, every ride, for the first couple rides but after about 4 weeks I only fall every once in awhile when hitting jumps higher than 5 feet of air or going too fast on corners.
Mountain biking is definitely a different animal but I got a basic full suspension (2017 DB Atroz troz) which makes it a LOT MORE COMFORTABLE and easy on my body now that I'm older.
No more painful shockwaves running up your arms & legs from hard landings👌😁
Oh...one thing that drives me insane about MTB is the derailers seriously I've already gone through one new derailleur, 2 hangers, one bent and the other stripped.
If you live in an area with lots of rocks you're going to wreck your derailleur on a regular basis at least side seem too.
I wish I could weld a metal protective plate on it but then it would look like crap and obviously throw my bike off balance.
One thing's for sure MTB is not bomb-proof like a BMX which is kind of a pain if you ride in rough Terrain.
I just bought my first mountain bike today. I had kinda stumbled across videos from you and Seth and while watchin youtube mtb vids at 6am i then shot over to craigslist and picked up an SE Big Mountain this afternoon. Its nothing too fancy but ive had a fun cpuple hours on it so far.. Heres to the journey anf thanks for the videos that inspired this new purchase..✊
I used to ride with my older cousin back in 2006-2009. I was 12-15 years old. Watching you, Seth, and Phil definitely inspired me to start riding the local trails in South Florida again. I’m now riding his old 2000 Kona Stinky. It’s a bit janky, so I’m starting to save up for own brand new bike. I’m thinking a Kona Honzo. Can’t wait!
Hey Mack, great job 👍🏻
After a ten year hiatus that’s just amazing. If you are up for more trails, you are more than welcome for a ride on my hometrails here in Germany 🇩🇪
Cheers
Arvid
Mackenzie, sounds like you got a fun invite here!!
Come over to Brilon here in Germany and Ride the Local Trail with us buddy
Im nearly 30 rode bmx and dirtbikes my whole life, got into mtb after i stopped riding bmx 2ish years ago and man its the best! I get the same feeling about it as i did with the other two hobbies.
Been watch alot of your vids aswell as seths and phils and it pumps me that much more to ride again.
Loving your work man keep it up!
Awesome bro definitely include him in other videos. You guys had a good time. Hopefully he's practicing where ever he's at. He did great.
This is true. Watching your video is partly the reason I am getting back into riding. Just bought a new bike 3 weeks ago.
You are the perfect person to start out riding with you really know how to encourage a person without making them overconfident. I really wish I could ride with you
Thanks for that Bobby :D
Awesome video man.! My brother and I are actually riding partners it’s so much fun and we push each other to new limits every ride.!! Love this upload my dude.!
It was great meeting you and your bro! You're just as cool, if not cooler in person! Thank you for inspiring us and shedding our local Alafia trails. #send'er
Oh yea boi!! Great to meet and ride man, I'll be back there too, so perhaps we can do it again!
Ahh man! It would have been great to ride with you guys. I go to Alafia just about every other weekend. Northcreek is the trail I usually start on. I stumbled across your channel getting back on the bike after so many years. Needed another outlet besides running and weight training. Thank you for the laughs! I watch you, Seth, Brian and Phil.
What an awesome big bro to have his lil bro borrow pumpkin!! Single Tracks Pride and Joy!!
You always get me so pumped to go out and ride! I have been trying to get my younger brother out riding with me and he is expressing interest so I think it is so cool that you didthe same! And if you are ever in town you need to check out Ray's Indoor MTB Park in Cleveland OH, it is a paradise for Mountain Bikers! Peace and Ride Safe!
My best advice to you Brad is to make sure you start him easy! A bad first experience can turn someone off forever, so start slow
Right on, Thanks!
I had to stop early in the video to add this comment, I found it to be brilliant when you said "thumb makes it easier, index finger makes it harder" that is the best way to get the concept through on shifting. I find myself being on those idiots when it comes to shifting I just keep clicking it until I find the right spot, no clue on the upshift, downshifting etc. I love to learn new things and I hate admitting after being a rider for years that I did not know that simple way was the best explanation of shifting on a bike. :)
Duuude, Alex looks so different but in a way the same, so crazy to see him 10 years ago. I like the throwback pics!
Your videos are awesome. I bought a Pivot Mach 5.5 a few weeks ago. I have rode mtb in 16 years. You have inspired me and I'm loving it. My fitness is terrible but I will get there.
Haven't rode in 16 years. Lol sorry for the typo.
You need to go "visit" your brother in Germany and check out some of their amazing looking single tracks! Germany has always been a dream destination for me. Your brother looked really comfortable for 10 years off a bike, by the end of the video you could have never guessed how long he has been off one. My brother is the one I ride with the most and our brother rivalry has pushed us both to get much better.
Ain't ridden my bike in 5 years. Felt nice to get back on it this month, even if it was just for a street trip to the bank (though some of the crazy street potholes and the unpaved and eroded roads near my home justify using a hardtail for the trip, I mean damn!). Your pure enthusiasm over Mac's riding only gets me more fired up, Alex!
You're a good brother
i bought a giant trance 3 because of you, now im 2500 dollars in the hole.... but i got a bike!! last time i did downhill it was 17 years ago and all we had was hardtails, so i cant wait to try my full suspension once i get it. thank you for the inspiration!!
I took like 7 years off because my bike got stolen. Finally got a new bike and went to the trails and it was kinda sketchy at first but before long I got my confidence back and started sending it. Now I've been back on the bike for over 5 years and wonder how I managed to live without it. I now have 2 mountain bikes (one spare for friends to borrow) and a bmx bike and it's just the greatest feeling no matter which bike I'm riding or where. I love this sport!
Hard, you shall ride. Stoked, you shall be. MMmmMm
I'm not sure exactly how or when I came across you and Seth.... but I did about two months ago. Last week I bought a hard tail (trek marlin 5) and am going to these same trails sometime within the next 72 hrs as they're in my home county. Your channel along with Seth's brought me to this point. Thanks for all the content man \m/
Love the positive vibe man, makes me want to ride! Bring on spring weather!
I've been watching for a few months now, love your vids. I'm just starting out, getting my first real bike in a few days, (CAN'T WAIT) its a 2016 Fuji Nevada 1.6 27.5. For the last 2 months i have been breaking Walmart bikes while saving what i can to get it. I'm hoping to go on my first ride on it, this Tuesday. the first vid i watched was the one on Fire Mountain, in North Carolina, and will be my first trip to ride (time permitted).
I am 40 years old, and haven't been in shape sense my daughter was born almost 10 years ago. being a single dad, i doubt i will be able to do much with my funds for at least another 10 years, but one day, i hope to have half the skill you do.
Thank you, you are the inspiration i needed to get out and get healthy, while having the most fun of my life.
Staying stoked,
Travis (OldManMTB)
You motivated me so much that I broke my fork on my 3 ride within a week but definitely going to keep riding no matter what
I'm a recent back to mtbing. Although it wasn't you who inspired me to ride again , it's you who I watch to keep stoked on riding. I was riding back in the late 1980's through the 1990's then life circumstances took me away for my core group riders that kept the stoke going. I use to ride Mammoth Mtn. Kamikaze on a hardtail and original Manitou forks by Doug Bradbury. I'm 6'6" and pedal to my seat where my pelvic bones ride is 40". got long legs. I've refurbished my old bike added a current stem and carbon handle bar (820mm), gone to flats(pedaling innovations they're the biggest for my size 14eeee's) and so far like them. Since I'm a do-it-yourselfer (I designed my bike), I've a 29 plus hardtail on the drawing board. I already have TrueTemper bike tubing from the age and I have picked up some additional parts for a complete frame. The goal: ride and get my endurance back up, practice going slow and practice trials techniques so I feel comfortable balancing on the bike again. Have the new frame complete by July 1st of this year. I'm an "OLDER guy", this is as much about healthy lifestyle so I can age a "little more" gracefully.
So, live free, ride hard, and stay stoked.... and watch for Muddy Paws on the trails in the near future.....
This video was perfect! I just got back on my bike cause my new neighbor rides and he got me motivated.
I hit the gym every other day and I'm in great shape, but lifting weights is much different than riding. Looking forward to getting my cardio back lol
I was dying on the parts where you kind of freak out as he is hitting it like a boss out there, hahaha, loved the vibe of this! If you ever pass through Lake Havasu you're welcome with us and we've got some pretty cool trails.
Yeah, I can relate to this... My older brother is the one that got me into mountain biking. Now I can see what I must have looked like from his perspective haha!
Yooooo it's Step 1 Send It!! That's rad dude - always great to get out and ride with family and share the stoke.
Step 1 Send It same in 1st grade i had no intrest in mbting im now in 5th grade im stoked to go on a ride
What's up, Mr. Alex? What's the Singletrack Sampler have for us today? Let's ride!
1:18 - I can only imagine what someone who didn't know what you were doing might be thinking if they saw this.
4:48 - For me it's "Thumb is make it easier, thumb is make it harder." Yup the same finger controls both up and down shifting.
8:39 - "on the fitness scale, I'm on the ground floor." I'm right there with you, bro. I haven't been able to ride in almost two months and now I'm starting to get back in the saddle and I'm feeling it!
9:38 - I think it's great that you get so excited for other riders, Alex. I suspect that riding with you is very good for the morale of less experienced riders.
10:10 - "I have no energy to feel proud." I totally get that feeling.
What a great video. It's so nice to see families doing this sport. I had fun watching you coach him and even recognizing when he didn't need the coaching. You guys seem to get along pretty well.
Thanks for sharing this, Alex! I'm hoping to get out on the trail here pretty soon. I have a follow-up with my orthopedic doctor in the next couple of days. It's my hope he'll give me the all clear to start riding trails again.
#lfrdgs
-Brian
Did you change your channel name again Brian?
I kinda had to. The name I started with is very similar to another channel. And the focus I initially hoped for just wasn't happening. I actually explain this change in my latest video (You should go watch it 😉).
I'm didn't think anyone would even notice. I didn't think very many people were paying attention to me. Here's hoping this channel name is generic enough that I can have it focus on anything MTB and that there isn't something similar already out there. So far I haven't seen anything.
-Brian
I've been waiting for this video for a week or two now and I'm so hyped it finally came. I was out riding (we met at the bike shop area) and it was honestly a dream come true to talk and get a picture with one of my favorite UA-camrs and riders
Yooooo it was great to meet you dude!! *Stoked*
The Singletrack Sampler by any chance are you coming to the fat tire festival at Santos in March?
You and seth really inspired me a lot.I REALLY LIKE YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS☺
This video is awesome and reminds me of the first 2 rides my friend took me on. I will say that getting back on a mtb was the best choice ever.
My brothers and I started 4 weeks ago, did unwharrie forest with Walmart bikes and almost died. Upgraded to 500.00 giant bikes, went back last week, had a blast but it was very rocky and almost killed us. It’s hard work but it’ll get better and the downhills are so rewarding! Thanks for inspiring dude
hahaha dude that is AWESOME!! I did the exact same thing on a Huffy back in the day. Nothing better than just being out in the woods with the brothers messing around though. Wouldn't trade it for the world
I know how your brother feels. Thats me after every ride. Working on getting back in shape.
As someone getting back into bikes after not having one for 15 years, because of your videos, I did not want to see Mac fail!
That picture of you guys😂😂. Love getting to go ride with my brother too. Great video as usually. That trail looks fun
I seriously feel like if I went riding with you, I'd feel like the best rider on the planet after like 20 minutes or so. You are so stoked and encouraging towards everybody who is around you! Ever plan on checking out trails in KC area or Switchgrass in central KS?
Old specialized hard rock! That was my first bike when I got back into mtb after 10 yrs.those bars are so narrow haha.first thing I did was upgrade those.it still shreds!
That babyface in the throwback picture. Amazing =D
Gret video, glad you two had such a good time.
hahaha I thought you guys would appreciate that :D
Loved seeing this! Riding with your brother is so fun!!
Alafia is a great place to learn, Best trails in FL!
You sounded like me riding with my son. "DONT DO THAT! Oh my god he's doing it! Holy shit he nailed it" repeat lol.
Awesome vid. I love seeing people get back into it. I gotta get over to Alafia soon!
Cool to see you hitting my local trails. Nice!
As always... fun to watch and big motivation there. Greetings from Germany :P
That trail looks like a lot of fun
Wow, the picture of you two is SUPER COOL.
I love this bro, thanks Alex great vid. Your brother can shred. Mtb must be in the your blood.
Bro love the vibes of your videos. gotta say your my favorite youtuber
Is it just me, or is Alex's enthusiasm contagious? 😃
I'm just about to start mountain biking at 44 years old. Got myself a Diamond Back 5c release. Wish me luck.
Those trails are Amazing
Love the throw back pic at the end!
I started riding again at the end of 2016....... up until then I hadn’t been on a mountain bike since around 1998........
AWESOME! I could hear the genuine excitement of riding with your brother. I have EXACTLY the same memories! That's where "Willbros" comes from...Williams Brothers. I lived here in Bentonville and he moved here shortly after I started riding, which was a little over 3 years ago.
We would spend ALL DAY on BMX bikes as kids back in the late 70's and early 80's. Riding bikes together again was amazing, and even though he almost puked after our first ride, just like I did my first ride 3-4 months earlier, we instantly re-connected and have been riding together ever since. He's moved back to the Dallas area now, which sucks in a lot of ways, but we still get together and ride a few times a year.
What was amazing, was how at nearing 50, it makes us feel like kids again every time we ride. We noticed that there were no good local videos chronicling our trails, so we started the channel to try to improve that. Now the scene has BLOWN UP here in NWA, and they are flying pro's in here to shoot videos!
Thank you Alexander for inspiration to hop back on the bike after a broken tibia and 13 years of not riding. I'm definitely living free riding hard and getting stoked..... Well when I get back in top form haha
It'll come Chris, just keep working at it dude! So sick to hear that you are back after 13 years.... CONGRATS!
Oh yeah thank you for your great videos. Hopefully I'll be able to shred with you or some of the trails you ride
i know what that feels like, i had an 8 year break myself and the thing i noticed the most was fitness :)
Lol thanks for the big show case brother. You got me inspired.
More fit, more fun! I agree 100%!
Yoooo !!!! Little bro kill it , he handle it very well who knows maybe we get Mackenzie riding in Germany in the simple track sampler Europe edition 😂. No joke great job Mackenzie.
Alex this is so cool man, I am the youngest out of 3 boys, but i can only wish that I can ride with my older brothers....would be so sweet to ride with you one day as my brothers name is also Alex lol thanks for sharing dude, I miss my family so much!
+Monster Vlogster doesn't get any better than sharing the stoke with family!
I couldnt agree more!
good watch. just bought a 2019 stumpy after watching your channel for the last few weeks.
Good job of running the basics over with him prior to going out. I have taught my wife and grown kids and I "bored" them with my 10 minute drill on braking, shifting and body position. Really thought your brother was gonna wind up in those channels, would have made for good video. Tell him to take one for the team and do a swan dive!
North Creek, ALAFIA!!! Love it !