Aging on Dirt

Joel Zieve

Mountain bikes have improved dramatically recently, yet as we age, many of us are riding less. Why? Join Northern Utah’s local trail legend Joel Zieve as he interviews global experts and inspiring locals who refuse to let age slow them down and who are defying expectations one pedal stroke at a time. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you keep the dirt flying, no matter your age. Host: Joel Zieve never rode a MTB until age 50, yet became immediately addicted. Joel is on a mission to share valuable insights on getting more joy from our riding as we age.

  1. Fat Bike Panel Discussion

    11/26/2024

    Fat Bike Panel Discussion

    Summary This podcast episode features a panel discussion on fat biking, focusing on the joys, techniques, and gear necessary for winter riding. The panelists share their experiences, tips on tire pressure, clothing, and how to introduce new riders to the sport. They emphasize the importance of riding conditions and the benefits of fat biking for skill development and year-round biking enjoyment. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of fat biking, particularly focusing on tire pressure, bike selection, essential gear for winter riding, maintenance tips, riding skills, and safety considerations when encountering wildlife. They share personal experiences and practical advice to enhance the fat biking experience, especially in winter conditions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding equipment, and adapting riding techniques to ensure safety and enjoyment on the trails. As discussed in this episode, here is a quick read to get additional tips on riding in cold weather: www.jzmtb.com/post/mountain-biking-in-cold-weather Keywords fat biking, winter sports, mountain biking, tire pressure, riding tips, winter gear, biking skills, outdoor activities, fat bike panel discussion, biking community, fat biking, tire pressure, winter riding, fat bike maintenance, riding skills, wildlife awareness, night riding, biking gear, biking safety, biking tips Takeaways Tire pressure can go as low as one and a half PSI for better snow performance. Wide, low-pressure tires, allows riders to stay on top of the snow, similar to snow shoes. Riding in winter can improve overall biking skills and balance. Proper clothing is essential for comfort while fat biking in cold weather. It's important to introduce new riders to fat biking in ideal conditions. Fat biking extends the biking season, allowing for year-round riding. The joy of fat biking includes peaceful rides and less crowded trails. Using bar mitts can keep hands warm and allow for easy access to snacks. Lower tire pressure helps prevent damaging trails and improves ride quality. Fat biking can be a fun way to maintain fitness during winter months. Using an analog gauge for accurate tire pressure is crucial. Demoing fat bikes before purchasing is highly recommended. Dropper posts are essential for comfort and control. CO2 cartridges may not work effectively in cold temperatures. Always plan for emergencies when riding in winter conditions. Smooth and consistent pedaling is key to maintaining traction on snow. Night riding can be enjoyable with the right lighting setup. Wildlife encounters require caution and respect for animals' space. Fat bikes require less maintenance compared to full suspension bikes. Experimentation is necessary to find what works best for individual riding styles. Sound Bites "You can go pretty darn low." "Low PSI: It helps you stay on top the snow." "Check your tire pressure where?" "Don't buy a fat bike until you try it the sport - be sure you like it as it's not for everyone." "A dropper post is a must." "Plan for emergencies in winter rides." "Always bring a friend for safety." "CO2 won't work in when it's really cold" "Night riding adds a different wrinkle." Chapters 00:00 Exploring Tire Pressure for Fat Biking 03:06 Introduction to Fat Biking and Its Joys 05:59 Panelist Introductions and Riding Backgrounds 08:48 The Joy of Fat Biking and Skill Development 12:07 Clothing and Gear for Winter Riding 15:02 Introducing New Riders to Fat Biking 18:12 Tire Pressure Insights for Optimal Performance 27:22 Understanding Tire Pressure for Fat Biking 31:02 Choosing the Right Fat Bike 36:03 Essential Gear for Winter Riding 44:03 Maintaining Your Fat Bike 45:59 Riding Skills and Wildlife Awareness 50:50 Night Riding and Safety Tips

    54 min
  2. Jeremy Arends: Tales from the Local Trails/Newbie to Epic Rides in 12 Months

    11/12/2024

    Jeremy Arends: Tales from the Local Trails/Newbie to Epic Rides in 12 Months

    Summary In this episode of Aging on Dirt, host Joel Zieve interviews Jeremy Arends, who began mountain biking at the age of 41. They discuss Jeremy's rapid progression from a complete novice to tackling epic rides, the importance of coaching, and the mindset required to improve. The conversation emphasizes the significance of pushing boundaries, enjoying the journey, and setting intentional goals in mountain biking. Jeremy shares his experiences with various rides, the challenges he faced, and how he learned to compare his progress to his past self rather than to others. The episode concludes with insights on maintaining a holistic approach to improvement and the joy of mountain biking. Keywords mountain biking, aging on dirt, epic rides, coaching, fitness, mindset, progression, technical skills, enjoyment, outdoor adventure Takeaways Mountain biking can be enjoyed at any age. Starting late doesn't mean you can't achieve epic rides. Coaching can significantly accelerate your learning curve. Pushing your limits helps improve your skills. Mindset is crucial; focus on your own progress. It's important to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Riding with intention will speed your progress. Comparison should be with your past self, not others. Sessioning features can improve skills without sacrificing fitness or much time. A holistic approach to biking includes enjoyment, fitness, and skill development. Titles Defying Age: Mountain Biking at 41 From Newbie to Epic: Jeremy's Biking Journey Sound Bites "We age, but we don't have to get old." "I started riding at 41." "I was very nervous at first going on my first out of town ride." "You got to take a holistic approach." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mountain Biking at Any Age 02:44 Jeremy's Journey from Newbie to Epic Rides 05:01 Epic Rides and Pushing Boundaries 10:22 The Importance of Coaching and Intentional Practice 15:17 Mindset: Comparing Yourself to Others 20:27 Progressing Through Challenges and Comfort Zones 25:40 Holistic Approach to Improvement and Future Goals

    28 min
  3. Dr. Jeff Hirschi - Catastrophic Crash? How to Increase Your Survival/Recovery Rate

    10/29/2024

    Dr. Jeff Hirschi - Catastrophic Crash? How to Increase Your Survival/Recovery Rate

    Summary In this episode of Aging on Dirt, host Joel Zieve engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Jeff Hirschi, an emergency room doctor and wilderness medicine expert, about the critical aspects of injury preparedness while mountain biking. They explore the importance of staying calm in emergencies, essential first aid skills, common injuries faced by bikers, and the significance of having proper safety gear. Dr. Hirschi shares his experiences in emergency medicine, emphasizing the need for community awareness and preparedness in outdoor activities. The conversation highlights the dedication of first responders and the importance of being informed and ready for potential accidents on the trails. Keywords mountain biking, emergency response, first aid, injury prevention, Dr. Jeff Hershey, biking safety, wilderness medicine, trauma care, risk assessment, biking injuries Takeaways Injuries can happen unexpectedly while mountain biking. Staying calm is crucial in emergency situations. Basic first aid knowledge can save lives. Risk assessment is essential before attempting challenging trails. Wearing proper safety gear can prevent serious injuries. Communication with emergency services is vital during an accident. Having a basic/minimalist first aid kit can make a difference in emergencies. Understanding common biking injuries helps in prevention. Insurance concerns should not deter seeking medical help. Community support and training are key in emergency preparedness. Titles Understanding Risks in Mountain Biking The Importance of Calmness in Emergencies Sound Bites "I need to be there for you when you need me." "I've never seen panic help." Chapters 00:00 Injury Preparedness on the Trail 02:55 Meet Dr. Jeff Hershey: A Lifesaver's Journey 05:50 Understanding Emergency Response 09:09 The Importance of Staying Calm 12:02 First Aid Essentials for Mountain Bikers 14:56 Risk Assessment and Safety Gear 17:53 Navigating Emergency Situations 21:12 Common Mountain Biking Injuries 24:06 Insurance and Emergency Room Access 27:00 Success Stories in Emergency Response 29:52 The Heart of Emergency Medicine

    42 min
  4. Beyond Dirt - Father & Son Building Bonds

    10/15/2024

    Beyond Dirt - Father & Son Building Bonds

    Summary Wayne and Rhett Baker, a father and son pair, share their mountain biking journey and the bond it has created between them. They discuss their favorite trails, their different riding styles, and the lessons they have learned from each other. Wayne is a coach with NICA and emphasizes the benefits of mountain biking for parents and kids. Rhett expresses his long-term goals of pushing himself to ride longer distances and becoming stronger. Both Wayne and Rhett highlight the joy and sense of adventure that mountain biking brings to their lives. Keywords mountain biking, father and son, NICA, riding styles, bonding, long-term goals, joy, adventure Takeaways Mountain biking can create a strong bond between parents and children. Riding together can improve resilience, mindset, and overall well-being. Parents who are new to mountain biking should give it a try and experience the benefits firsthand. NICA provides a supportive community and opportunities for riders of all levels. Mountain biking offers a sense of adventure and the opportunity to push oneself physically and mentally. Titles Pushing Limits: Long-Term Goals in Mountain Biking NICA: Creating a Community for Riders of All Levels Sound Bites "He's improved so much, even the past month. That was so fulfilling for me to see as a dad." "Our bond, like dad said, we've gotten much closer over the past year than I think we've ever been." "Your mindset is the biggest thing in life. If you think you can do it, you most likely will be able to do it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:53 The Bond Between Father and Son 06:09 Getting Started with Mountain Biking 09:31 Lessons Learned and Improving Skills 14:12 Coaching with NICA and the Benefits 17:30 Different Riding Styles and Mindset 19:22 Encouraging Parents to Try Mountain Biking 23:41 Long-Term Goals and the Joy of Mountain Biking 28:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

    29 min
  5. Dr. Cameron Garber: Healthy Living Patterns

    10/01/2024

    Dr. Cameron Garber: Healthy Living Patterns

    Summary Dr. Cameron Garber discusses the six patterns of healthy living: eating, movement, sleep, stress, gratitude/happiness, and social. By making small changes in these patterns, individuals can make big sweeping changes in their overall health and wellness. The patterns are interconnected, and making positive changes in one area can inspire changes in other areas. It's important to make decisions instead of just reacting to our environment, and to make small 1% changes that are sustainable over time. By reviewing personal patterns and making conscious decisions, individuals can thrive in all areas of their life. Keywords healthy living, patterns, eating, movement, sleep, stress, gratitude, happiness, social, small changes, decisions Takeaways Making small changes in our patterns can lead to big sweeping changes in our overall health and wellness. The six patterns of healthy living are eating, movement, sleep, stress, gratitude/happiness, and social. The patterns are interconnected, and making positive changes in one area can inspire changes in other areas. It's important to make decisions instead of just reacting to our environment. Making small 1% changes in our patterns is more sustainable and leads to long-term success. Titles Decisions vs. Reactions The Power of 1% Changes Sound Bites "By tweaking just small little bits of those patterns, we can help them make big sweeping changes in their overall health and wellness." "By changing just one thing, she made a massive change in her job satisfaction." "Increasing their awareness and being able to see certain patterns." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:26 The Six Patterns of Healthy Living 07:46 Making Small Changes for Big Results 13:24 Increasing Awareness of Patterns 18:08 Decisions vs. Reactions 26:36 Interconnectedness of the Patterns 28:30 The Power of 1% Changes 30:28 Conclusion

    31 min
  6. Mark McClellen: Tales from the Local Trails/Mental Health

    09/17/2024

    Mark McClellen: Tales from the Local Trails/Mental Health

    Summary Mark McClellan shares his personal journey of using mountain biking as a tool to improve his mental health. He discusses his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how riding his eMTB has provided him with a reprieve from his mental health challenges. Mark emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and finding a combination of strategies that work for each individual. He also talks about his involvement with NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) and his desire to advocate for eMTB trail access and help others gain confidence in mountain biking. Keywords mountain biking, mental health, depression, anxiety, eMTB, NICA, trail access, confidence Takeaways Mountain biking can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and providing a reprieve from depression and anxiety. Seeking professional help and finding a combination of strategies that work for each individual is important in managing mental health challenges. eMTBs can be a game changer for individuals with physical limitations or weight concerns, allowing them to enjoy the sport and improve their fitness. Getting involved in the mountain biking community, such as coaching or advocating for trail access, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Being kind, friendly, and helpful on the trails can create positive interactions and restore faith in humanity. Titles Creating Positive Interactions on the Trails Using Mountain Biking to Improve Mental Health Sound Bites "The bike has given me like a new lease on life." "I can work as hard or as little as I want, depending on the power mode." "I'm thinking of getting more involved at a local level." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Personal Struggles with Depression and Anxiety 08:34 Using Mountain Biking to Improve Mental Health 18:21 The Power of eMTBs in Overcoming Physical Limitations 24:29 Getting Involved: Coaching and Advocacy in the Mountain Biking Community 30:57 Creating Positive Interactions on the Trails

    33 min
  7. Stacking Benjamin's Hosts: When Money Spent on MTB is OK

    09/03/2024

    Stacking Benjamin's Hosts: When Money Spent on MTB is OK

    Summary The conversation explores the topic of discretionary income and how it relates to mountain biking and financial planning. The hosts discuss the importance of having a plan for saving and spending, and how to determine when it's okay to use discretionary income on expensive hobbies like mountain biking. They emphasize the need to prioritize and be intentional with spending, while also considering the physical and mental benefits of engaging in enjoyable activities. The conversation also touches on the challenges of resisting marketing and trends in the mountain biking industry, and the importance of planning for health insurance in retirement. In this conversation, Joel, Doug and OG discuss the importance of having a money coach and the benefits of coaching in various areas of life. They also delve into the topic of healthcare costs in retirement and the options available for coverage. They emphasize the need for planning and budgeting for healthcare expenses, as well as the importance of investing in one's health and well-being. Keywords discretionary income, mountain biking, financial planning, saving, spending, prioritizing, intentional spending, physical benefits, mental benefits, marketing, trends, health insurance, retirement, money coach, coaching, healthcare costs, retirement, planning, budgeting, investing in health, Stacking Benjamins Takeaways Having a plan for saving and spending is crucial for making informed decisions about discretionary income. Prioritizing and being intentional with spending can help balance financial goals with enjoying expensive hobbies like mountain biking. Engaging in enjoyable activities, like mountain biking, can have physical and mental health benefits. Resisting marketing and trends in the mountain biking industry can help avoid unnecessary spending. Planning for health insurance in retirement is important, especially for individuals who engage in high-risk activities like mountain biking. Having a money coach or financial advisor can provide valuable guidance and help improve financial outcomes. Planning and budgeting for healthcare costs in retirement is crucial, as healthcare expenses can be significant. Investing in one's health and well-being is an investment, not an expense. The Stacking Benjamins podcast offers a fun and entertaining approach to discussing personal finance topics. Titles The Physical and Mental Benefits of Engaging in Enjoyable Activities Prioritizing Enjoyment: Using Discretionary Income for Expensive Hobbies The Benefits of Having a Money Coach Planning for Healthcare Costs in Retirement Sound Bites "Having too much money is also important to focus on." "If you've got it, it's okay to spend it." "Financial planning is uniquely personal." "Having the right team in your corner...having a money coach in your corner." "Anytime that you can have professional counseling around the thing that you want to get better at, you're going to see some immediate results." "Fidelity estimates that if you're 65, you should earmark $300,000 of your retirement account specifically for healthcare costs in the future." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Saving and Avoiding Excessive Debt 06:11 Using Discretionary Income for Expensive Hobbies 09:29 Determining When to Use Discretionary Income 15:01 Resisting Marketing and Trends in the Mountain Biking Industry 19:17 Balancing Priorities and Making Informed Spending Decisions 21:38 The Satisfaction of Engaging in Enjoyable Activities 23:04 Knowing When to Upgrade Equipment and Avoiding Unnecessary Spending 24:00 Planning for Health Insurance in Retirement for Mountain Bikers 24:29 The Benefits of Having a Money Coach 27:14 Planning for Healthcare Costs in Retirement 32:04 The High Cost of Healthcare 36:20 Investing in Health: An Investment, Not an Expense 46:27 Stacking Benjamins: A Fun and Entertaining Podcast on Personal Finance

    48 min
  8. Coach Mike Staten: NICA, Behind the Scenes

    08/20/2024

    Coach Mike Staten: NICA, Behind the Scenes

    Summary Mike Staten, a high school mountain bike coach, shares his experience and insights on coaching young riders. He discusses the importance of mindset and self-belief in achieving success on and off the trail. He also highlights the positive impact of the high school mountain biking program in building character, fostering inclusivity, and promoting trail advocacy. Mike emphasizes the growth of the sport for women and girls and the need for more trail venues to accommodate the increasing demand by all trail users. He encourages individuals to connect with their local NICA team to get involved in coaching or join the sport. Keywords mountain biking, coaching, high school, mindset, self-belief, character, inclusivity, trail advocacy, women and girls, NICA Takeaways Success in mountain biking starts in the mind, with self-belief and a positive mindset. The high school mountain biking program promotes character development, inclusivity, and trail advocacy. The sport is for everyone, and it is particularly exciting to see the growth of the sport for women and girls. Connecting with local NICA teams is a great way to get involved in coaching or join the sport. Titles The Power of Mindset in Mountain Biking Trail Advocacy and the Growth of the Sport Sound Bites "The success in climbing the hill or winning the race happens in your head long before it happens on the trail." "The high school mountain biking program attracts kids who want to have fun and be part of a team." "The growth of the high school mountain biking program gives the sport more political clout in advocating for trails." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Meeting Mike Staten and the Purpose of the Interview 03:16 Mike's Background and Introduction to Mountain Biking 06:36 Transition from Parent Riding to Coaching 08:01 Becoming the Head Coach and Team Growth 09:26 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching 13:19 Addressing Negative Perceptions of NICA 15:11 Riding with Kids and the Benefits of Coaching 18:31 Differences Between Coaching Kids and Adults 21:37 Life Lessons Learned from Coaching 23:03 The Impact of NICA on Trail Advocacy 26:48 The Sport of Mountain Biking: Who is it for? 28:47 Trail Advocacy and Non-NICA Racing 34:05 Connecting with NICA Teams 36:32 Conclusion

    37 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Mountain bikes have improved dramatically recently, yet as we age, many of us are riding less. Why? Join Northern Utah’s local trail legend Joel Zieve as he interviews global experts and inspiring locals who refuse to let age slow them down and who are defying expectations one pedal stroke at a time. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you keep the dirt flying, no matter your age. Host: Joel Zieve never rode a MTB until age 50, yet became immediately addicted. Joel is on a mission to share valuable insights on getting more joy from our riding as we age.