My own suggestion is pre-ride the trail, re-ride the trail, then free-ride the trail. For me, free-riding a trail 'blind' is danger. Anxiety is very REAL man, I can relate.
This is the precise reason I've decided to start MTB'ing. I'm probably the least confident person in my class, but I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to practice becoming more confident. Get battle scars, build skills, gain knowledge, increase confidence, repeat. We're in this together my dude!
I am the same way! I struggle with anxiety and ADHD and I feel that learning to conquer fear on the trails and killing the 'im not good enough to try this yet' mentality is gonna help me a lot. Good to see other people talking about MTB and anxiety.
Hey man! I'm a beginner so pretty much everything still scares me and I find myself stiffening up quite often. I also deal with pretty bad anxiety and took up MTB because it helps me push my limits and deal with fear differently. I love that you were open and honest about your emotions - showing this type of vulnerability is a strength. Keep at it! I hope to be as good as you someday. Subscribed.
Cheers man. Great to hear that you can relate and I appreciate the support! Mountain biking is the best therapy out there. Keeping riding and pushing yourself! 🤘🏼👊🏼
This was a great video. Awesome job overcoming your fear and wow I’d buy 100 of whatever Willem is selling. Awesome words and great to see that encouragement.
Thanks! Definitely one of my most rewarding rides and videos and yes, Willem is very good at what he does! I am lucky to be able to ride with him and soak it all in.
So timely kudos and thanks. Had my first Oscar Award "over the handlebar" moment recently onto a stone/mud landing zone here in the UK. It was a drop in my comfort zone but I totally mashed it up ! 2 feet or 10 I didnt want to do it again anytime soon. But I did with that feeling in your gut that you dont want. Appreciate the pointers will hit it again in a couple days with a smiley. Again appreciate the vid and pointers.
Happy to help man. We have all been there and if it’s within your limits, overcoming it will out weigh any mental damage that it has done. Be confident in your skills and ride on!
Really goes to show how mental riding can be, i ate it hard a month a go where leading up to the drop i just wasn't feeling it and kinda knew i shouldn't have sent it, but i did 🤦 and I'm still hurting from it. Hopefully I'll get redemption this year if i can get past the mental block, Keep it up and enjoy the ride!
@@MTBTravelReview i got a clip of it too, so if i post to social media I'll be sure to tag you in it so you can share the pain i felt as i had to sense the pain you felt 🤣
Just found this vid. I also deal with anxiety - which comes out huge when mtb'ing. "Eyes up. Breathe. Pedal with purpose" (the last from another of your vids) - is now my mantra. Got me to clear a local trail feature recently that lived for too long inside my head. Thanks for this video!
All kinds of respect for you dude for sharing the mental struggles, You are not alone, but it's helpful when you share this. Keep up the awesome work bro!
Yeah dude I've seen you send stuff like one love at Bolton, this stuff is a cake walk for you! I feel the same anxiety you get, just gotta keep pushing through it!
Some days I kill it, other days I'm at square one. That's the part of riding at a "highish" level that puzzles me but keeps me coming back. I've seen many of your vids and you normally ride at a much higher level than that day. Brush off the dust and progress man🙏
Props to you for being transparent, sharing, and overcoming. I try not to put a ton of pressure on myself for progression but you're obviously at another level than I am. Sometimes i find it help to put down the MTB, go for a surf or a gravel or road ride or just ride some easy trails and have fun which is why I enjoy mtb in the first place. But that feeling of relief after you nail a feature or redemption is awesome!
Appreciate it man, and agreed, sometimes it’s good to take a step back and remember why we do this. Can’t be the feeling of redemption though! Just have to pick your battles.
Top video man! Kudos to you on speaking about your anxiety too bro. Good job on the drop!! You got good friends and good company to get you through life!! 🤙🤙
Cheers man! Wasn't easy to click post on this one, but it's awesome to see that it's helping others who have the same issues. The mountain bike community is filled with some awesome people! Keep riding!
Hah, this is exactly how I felt my first practice at Sugarbush. But you guys lifted me up, and I went out and cleaned my trouble spots, using the same techniques. Shred on buddy!
Awesome video man I do the same thing!!!! Its so hard sometimes when you get in your own head like that. And other times you dont have a care in the world. Thanx for the video man im glad im not the only one!
Like Willem said man, half the battle is telling yourself, your good at bikes, you know how to do this. But, there are also those days on the bike that you gotta just not hit the feature. Progression and confidence come from babysteps not giant drops. I was scared outta my brains my first Enduro race in 2013
Yeeew! 🤙🏾 Good stuff man. This morning I crashed at a techy section after I was pushing myself to ride faster down a local trail. Was riding smooth and feeling good right before that. Was gonna head back to the car bc I lost my motivation, but was like F it...went back up for another lap. Nailed that section and felt good afterwards 🤘🏾
I'm 45 years old, I started mtb to try to get better from a depression, I have a lot of anxiety too, and everything new for me, I'm overweight trying to lose weight, I hope I can walk a little like you do, I'll be happy, thank you for the videos, it has helped me a lot
I mean, this one is on the coach. You gotta walk your drops, you gotta see what going on before you launch your body off of something. It feels like Willem wanted to get back on his old horse and Jimmy ended up being the one that got bucked as a result. Stay safe and patient out there, great video as always!
I put zero blame on Willem. This trail was well within my riding abilities and I ride blind all of the time. Blind or not, this was my decision, not his. I do agree though, for bigger features and new trails it is always good practice to check before you send. Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@MTBTravelReview Exactly, and obviously I'm being tongue in cheek. We are all making our own decisions out there. But I do know how I get when showing people a trail I love and just want to rip, always a good reminder to take it slow with new people and new features, especially as the weather starts to turn and new riders are popping up everywhere. Great vid, keep it up!
@@MTBTravelReview it was my favorite spot on the south shore... have any recommendations? I know blue hills has some fun tech, and wompatuck is... there, but any other east coast mass spots you would recommend checking out?
@@pfoles2112 Vietnam, Lynn woods, Harold Parker, Lowell Dracut, Bruce & Tom’s. There is stuff everywhere. Watch the MA playlist on my channel for videos.
its so amazing you let us see your process. Many of us can relate. Its why we enjoy riding, freeing us from our mental chatter. Helping us be present. . This must be your "clark kent" because i also know that you're an awesome amateur Enduro race champ. A race plate must be your version of a hero cape 😁💪🏽 great video.
Cheers brother! It’s great to see that my story resonates with so many and can help others. That always the goal! And yes, there is something about a timing chip that gives you super human powers. 🤣😁
I can totally relate and great to see a video talking about fear and anxiety. Thanks for posting. Also were your rebound settings not dialed in either for that drop? Looked like you bounced.
Thanks man and glad you can relate. Not many people talk about it, but many deal with it. My rebound is actually super low, just really bad form. Extended way out of my attack position, so it was more of a body bounce than the suspension.
This does not apply very much for me, every time i crash i get injured 😂 so there is no way that i can hit the same thing straight after the crash, Usually is a broken bone so i have to wait like 4 (if i’m lucky) weeks to be back riding. This have made me feel very nervous and uncomfortable in the last year. I cannot be always broken, I need to work etc so to fix this i’m trying to follow some “how to crash techniques” and i hope that this can help my confidence
Sorry to hear that man. I highly recommend working with someone on your technique if you can. You shouldn’t be focusing on how to crash, but making sure you skills improve so you can focus on not crashing. Best of luck and thanks for the support.
I suggest what your friend should've the 1st time you dropped... which is to do a couple roll ups to the drop and invision yourself doing it and choose your lines. Ride up to it until you feel comfortable then send send that shit. Confidence is key and you will be more confident if you take your time doing it for the first time. He said it was good that you didn't stop and just went for it. I disagree
Normally, you are correct. You should always look before you leap, however, it was my decision to ride this blind as I knew Willem wouldn’t send me off of anything outside of my abilities. I’d do it the same way if I had to do it over. Always ride within your limits and at your own risk, but to be clear, Willem is by no means at fault here.
Along with proper technique. Sing a song when going over a feature. The point being its hard to think "OMG, this feature is so big"...You're to busy singing the words. I'm partial to anything Van Halen.😁...but I'm old.
Hahaha love it! It’s true though, if you think less and let your body do what you trained it to, you will always have better results on a bike. That’s the constant fight against my anxiety for me. It has a very loud voice and I can only turn the music up so far. 😬
My own suggestion is pre-ride the trail, re-ride the trail, then free-ride the trail. For me, free-riding a trail 'blind' is danger. Anxiety is very REAL man, I can relate.
Bro, I have immense respect for you, keep it coming!
Cheers man. Will do!
This is the precise reason I've decided to start MTB'ing. I'm probably the least confident person in my class, but I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to practice becoming more confident. Get battle scars, build skills, gain knowledge, increase confidence, repeat. We're in this together my dude!
Heck ya! That is what it’s all about. Cheers!
I am the same way! I struggle with anxiety and ADHD and I feel that learning to conquer fear on the trails and killing the 'im not good enough to try this yet' mentality is gonna help me a lot. Good to see other people talking about MTB and anxiety.
@@ItsKam keeping fighting it! MTB is the best therapy you can find. 🤘🏼
Hey man! I'm a beginner so pretty much everything still scares me and I find myself stiffening up quite often. I also deal with pretty bad anxiety and took up MTB because it helps me push my limits and deal with fear differently. I love that you were open and honest about your emotions - showing this type of vulnerability is a strength. Keep at it! I hope to be as good as you someday. Subscribed.
Cheers man. Great to hear that you can relate and I appreciate the support! Mountain biking is the best therapy out there. Keeping riding and pushing yourself! 🤘🏼👊🏼
That what man should be conquer our fear untill we got it....salute brotha
Proud of you brother. You're an inspiration to a lot of us! Stay safe and keep biking!
Cheers! Thanks for the support!
I commend your openness! You’ll only get stronger
Cheers man and thanks for the support!
This was a great video. Awesome job overcoming your fear and wow I’d buy 100 of whatever Willem is selling. Awesome words and great to see that encouragement.
Thanks! Definitely one of my most rewarding rides and videos and yes, Willem is very good at what he does! I am lucky to be able to ride with him and soak it all in.
So timely kudos and thanks. Had my first Oscar Award "over the handlebar" moment recently onto a stone/mud landing zone here in the UK. It was a drop in my comfort zone but I totally mashed it up ! 2 feet or 10 I didnt want to do it again anytime soon. But I did with that feeling in your gut that you dont want. Appreciate the pointers will hit it again in a couple days with a smiley. Again appreciate the vid and pointers.
Happy to help man. We have all been there and if it’s within your limits, overcoming it will out weigh any mental damage that it has done. Be confident in your skills and ride on!
Really goes to show how mental riding can be, i ate it hard a month a go where leading up to the drop i just wasn't feeling it and kinda knew i shouldn't have sent it, but i did 🤦 and I'm still hurting from it. Hopefully I'll get redemption this year if i can get past the mental block, Keep it up and enjoy the ride!
It happens to all of us man! You will get it when the time is right. Thanks for the support!
@@MTBTravelReview i got a clip of it too, so if i post to social media I'll be sure to tag you in it so you can share the pain i felt as i had to sense the pain you felt 🤣
@@Guineson if it’s not on camera it didn’t happen 🤣👌🏼
Just found this vid. I also deal with anxiety - which comes out huge when mtb'ing. "Eyes up. Breathe. Pedal with purpose" (the last from another of your vids) - is now my mantra. Got me to clear a local trail feature recently that lived for too long inside my head. Thanks for this video!
Great to hear that the video resonates with you and thank for you the support!
All kinds of respect for you dude for sharing the mental struggles, You are not alone, but it's helpful when you share this. Keep up the awesome work bro!
Appreciate the support man! 👏🏼🤘🏼
Just want to say that your editing and overall video quality has gotten really good lately!
I really appreciate it brother. I have to keep pushing and learning to keep up with your skills!
Yeah dude I've seen you send stuff like one love at Bolton, this stuff is a cake walk for you! I feel the same anxiety you get, just gotta keep pushing through it!
It’s wild how you can go so big one day, but the anxiety hits and you suddenly forget it all. Appreciate the support and totally agree man!
I want you to remember that you are not alone and almost anyone would get frustrated and mad
Some days I kill it, other days I'm at square one. That's the part of riding at a "highish" level that puzzles me but keeps me coming back. I've seen many of your vids and you normally ride at a much higher level than that day. Brush off the dust and progress man🙏
If it was easy it wouldn’t any fun right! Well said man. I appreciate the support.
dude you're doing really good, based on your riding abilities you seem like anxiety is not even on your radar. keep your head up and stay a warrior!!!
Cheers man! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Dude that thumbnail is the best. Congrats on the progression
Thanks man!
Props to you for being transparent, sharing, and overcoming. I try not to put a ton of pressure on myself for progression but you're obviously at another level than I am. Sometimes i find it help to put down the MTB, go for a surf or a gravel or road ride or just ride some easy trails and have fun which is why I enjoy mtb in the first place. But that feeling of relief after you nail a feature or redemption is awesome!
Appreciate it man, and agreed, sometimes it’s good to take a step back and remember why we do this. Can’t be the feeling of redemption though! Just have to pick your battles.
I feel it man. Good shit.
Top video man! Kudos to you on speaking about your anxiety too bro. Good job on the drop!! You got good friends and good company to get you through life!! 🤙🤙
Cheers man! Wasn't easy to click post on this one, but it's awesome to see that it's helping others who have the same issues. The mountain bike community is filled with some awesome people! Keep riding!
Excellent advice and another awesome video!!
Thanks as always!
Hah, this is exactly how I felt my first practice at Sugarbush. But you guys lifted me up, and I went out and cleaned my trouble spots, using the same techniques. Shred on buddy!
Heck ya man! 🤘🏼
That was hard to watch but glad you didnt get really hurt man. I really identified with so much that you said.
All part of the game. Great to hear you can relate. 👊🏼
@@MTBTravelReview I hope to overcome my own personal stuff and this has been a huge encouragement.
Awesome video man I do the same thing!!!! Its so hard sometimes when you get in your own head like that. And other times you dont have a care in the world. Thanx for the video man im glad im not the only one!
That’s why I shared it man! You are not alone. Glad I could help and keep at it brother!
Like Willem said man, half the battle is telling yourself, your good at bikes, you know how to do this. But, there are also those days on the bike that you gotta just not hit the feature. Progression and confidence come from babysteps not giant drops. I was scared outta my brains my first Enduro race in 2013
That was a gnarly looking trail and you shredded it🤘
Yeeew! 🤙🏾 Good stuff man. This morning I crashed at a techy section after I was pushing myself to ride faster down a local trail. Was riding smooth and feeling good right before that. Was gonna head back to the car bc I lost my motivation, but was like F it...went back up for another lap. Nailed that section and felt good afterwards 🤘🏾
Sometimes it just has to be done! Kudos to you for getting back up there and conquering that section! 🤘🏼
I'm 45 years old, I started mtb to try to get better from a depression, I have a lot of anxiety too, and everything new for me, I'm overweight trying to lose weight, I hope I can walk a little like you do, I'll be happy, thank you for the videos, it has helped me a lot
Happy to help!
Man, you are my hero 👊
I’m no hero, but hope the video helps!
This was much more than a MTB video. Thank you.
Cheers man!
I mean, this one is on the coach. You gotta walk your drops, you gotta see what going on before you launch your body off of something.
It feels like Willem wanted to get back on his old horse and Jimmy ended up being the one that got bucked as a result.
Stay safe and patient out there, great video as always!
I put zero blame on Willem. This trail was well within my riding abilities and I ride blind all of the time. Blind or not, this was my decision, not his.
I do agree though, for bigger features and new trails it is always good practice to check before you send.
Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@MTBTravelReview Exactly, and obviously I'm being tongue in cheek. We are all making our own decisions out there.
But I do know how I get when showing people a trail I love and just want to rip, always a good reminder to take it slow with new people and new features, especially as the weather starts to turn and new riders are popping up everywhere.
Great vid, keep it up!
A hard crash definitely shakes me! I don't think you should beat yourself up over it. You just need a bit to soak it all in.
Couldn’t agree more, but that’s the funny thing about anxiety... nothing is easy. That’s why I keep pushing!
good on ya man, you rocked it :)
Cheers man!
I cried too. Not because of this video, but because pine hills is getting destroyed 😭😭
So I’ve heard... 😭
@@MTBTravelReview it was my favorite spot on the south shore... have any recommendations? I know blue hills has some fun tech, and wompatuck is... there, but any other east coast mass spots you would recommend checking out?
@@pfoles2112 Vietnam, Lynn woods, Harold Parker, Lowell Dracut, Bruce & Tom’s. There is stuff everywhere. Watch the MA playlist on my channel for videos.
@@MTBTravelReview I’ll give it a look! Thanks for helping a new(er) rider out 🤟
What’s up with pine hills?
its so amazing you let us see your process. Many of us can relate. Its why we enjoy riding, freeing us from our mental chatter. Helping us be present. . This must be your "clark kent" because i also know that you're an awesome amateur Enduro race champ. A race plate must be your version of a hero cape 😁💪🏽 great video.
Cheers brother! It’s great to see that my story resonates with so many and can help others. That always the goal! And yes, there is something about a timing chip that gives you super human powers. 🤣😁
must be awesome to ride with a friend thats a coach that can help you.
You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Willem is one of the good ones.
Great stuff!
🔥🔥🔥🔥, thanks for keeping it transparent with us
Cheers man! Trying to keep it as raw as possible!
Hey man, very relatable content! Subscribed! I'm kinda new and doing my best. You're videos look better than mine, good stuff!
Cheers man! I appreciate the support Keep it!
Keep at it man!! Great job!!
Cheers man!
That's big drop but nice you bounce there
Nice one 👍
I can totally relate and great to see a video talking about fear and anxiety. Thanks for posting. Also were your rebound settings not dialed in either for that drop? Looked like you bounced.
Thanks man and glad you can relate. Not many people talk about it, but many deal with it. My rebound is actually super low, just really bad form. Extended way out of my attack position, so it was more of a body bounce than the suspension.
It’s OK to cry.... I shed a few tears watching Instant Family w Mark Wahlberg the other day 🥲 😃
🤣👌🏼
💪💪
🤘🏼🤘🏼
This does not apply very much for me, every time i crash i get injured 😂 so there is no way that i can hit the same thing straight after the crash, Usually is a broken bone so i have to wait like 4 (if i’m lucky) weeks to be back riding. This have made me feel very nervous and uncomfortable in the last year. I cannot be always broken, I need to work etc so to fix this i’m trying to follow some “how to crash techniques” and i hope that this can help my confidence
Sorry to hear that man. I highly recommend working with someone on your technique if you can. You shouldn’t be focusing on how to crash, but making sure you skills improve so you can focus on not crashing. Best of luck and thanks for the support.
My own suggestion is pre-ride the trail, re-ride the trail, then free-ride the trail. For me, free-riding a trail 'blind' is danger.
I suggest what your friend should've the 1st time you dropped... which is to do a couple roll ups to the drop and invision yourself doing it and choose your lines. Ride up to it until you feel comfortable then send send that shit. Confidence is key and you will be more confident if you take your time doing it for the first time. He said it was good that you didn't stop and just went for it. I disagree
Normally, you are correct. You should always look before you leap, however, it was my decision to ride this blind as I knew Willem wouldn’t send me off of anything outside of my abilities. I’d do it the same way if I had to do it over. Always ride within your limits and at your own risk, but to be clear, Willem is by no means at fault here.
Right on. If it was your decision. Happy riding!
@@austinnoll2869 cheers man!
You should NEVER do anything that you’re not ready for. Guys can lead you off a cliff.
Agreed.
Along with proper technique. Sing a song when going over a feature. The point being its hard to think "OMG, this feature is so big"...You're to busy singing the words. I'm partial to anything Van Halen.😁...but I'm old.
Hahaha love it! It’s true though, if you think less and let your body do what you trained it to, you will always have better results on a bike. That’s the constant fight against my anxiety for me. It has a very loud voice and I can only turn the music up so far. 😬