Roxy's Ride & Inspire RAWcast - Mountain Bike & Mindset Podcast
A no-bla-bla podcast about mountain biking, MTB coaching, mental training, and mindset improvement, hosted by Rafaella "Roxy" Wieschollek, a Mountain Bike Skills Coach and Graduate Sports Mental Trainer. The show features short, inspiration-dense episodes that debunk mountain bike myths, share inspirational ideas, and explain neurological and psychological concepts in simple terms. The goal is to make mountain biking safer and advance the global standard of mountain bike instruction. New episodes are released as often as the host feels inspired to share.
Episodes
Your Beliefs About Aging Can Add (or Take Away) 7.5 Years of Your Life | Nir Eyal 1/3 - Podcast #58
What if one of the strongest predictors of how long you live isn't your diet, fitness routine, or supplements... but your beliefs about aging? In this special interview (part 1 of 3) with bestselling author Nir Eyal (Hooked, Indistractable, Beyond Belief), we explore the surprising science behind beliefs and how they shape what we see, feel, and ultimately do.Many riders over 35 tell themselves:"I
Flats vs. Clipless: Which Pedals Make You a Better Rider? (According to Science) #57
Which pedals actually improve your mountain biking skills faster: flat pedals or clipless (clip-in) pedals? In this episode we break down the science behind flat pedals vs. clipless pedals, not from a tribal “this is better” perspective, but through the lens of neuroscience, motor learning and coordination training.If you want to develop better long-term coordination, balance, timing, pressure con
Why Thinking Ruins Your MTB Riding (But Is the Key to Progress) #56
You want to improve your skills so you start to practice. You think about your body position, your braking or your timing… and suddenly everything falls apart. 😬 This is where many riders come to the same conclusion: “Thinking is the problem. I should just ride naturally.” But that’s exactly what keeps them stuck. In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening in your brain when you swit
Harsh Self-Criticism in MTB: The Loop That Creates Fear & Overthinking #55
You're out on your MTB and mess up. 😣 Instantly your mind goes: “Why do I always do this?” OR “I should be better by now.” Do you recognise yourself here? Then this episode is for you! Because THAT is a self-criticism loop that is NOT helping you improve - in fact, it's keeping you stuck. It's quietly training your brain to feel more fear, more tension, and less control every time you practice or
Skills Training After 35 (Part 2): 5 Mental Benefits of Training MTB Skills #54
Most riders think skills training is about technique. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful tools to reduce fear, improve focus, and build real confidence — on and off the bike?In this episode, I break down 5 mental benefits of mountain bike skills training that most riders completely overlook.We’re talking about:why fear on the bike is a prediction problem, not a personality flawhow
5 Surprising Benefits of MTB Skills Training After 35 (Part 1 of 2) #53
Most riders think skills training is about riding harder trails or going faster. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful tools to improve your brain, reduce stress, and stay physically capable as you get older? In this episode, I break down 5 surprising benefits of mountain bike skills training, especially for riders over 35.If you’ve ever felt stuck, tense, or like your riding isn’t im
How Mountain Biking Builds (or Destroys) Confidence — The Neuroscience Behind It #52
Mountain biking can rewire your brain for deep confidence and self-trust. But if you’re not careful, it can also train self-doubt, fear, and destructive thought patterns. In this episode, I break down the neuroscience behind both. You’ll learn how real confidence is built through motor learning, awareness, and measurable progress — and why many riders unknowingly train the opposite of what they wa
Why MTB Is Objectively Harder for Women (Physics, Not “Excuses”) #51
If you're fed up with men telling women that they're just making excuses, or you think “women just need to try harder”… you’re exactly why this episode exists. 🤓 It is based on physics, physiology, bike geometry and hormones: it's a clear explanation of why the same trail and the same skill can cost women more. If you'd like to see some great examples of mansplaining, then just check the comments
Why Fear Blocks Progress: The 3 Neuroplasticity Stages That Make MTB Skills Stick #50
Why do MTB skills feel amazing right after a clinic… and then “disappear”? In this episode, I break down what’s really happening inside your brain (neuroscience-based, no fluff, in simple terms) when you learn mountain bike skills:Why your brain deletes new MTB skills (unless you do this)The real reason skills fade: you’re stuck in Stage 1 of neuroplasticity Why confidence isn’t magic, it’s actual
Why Solo Rides Feel So Hard — And How to Make Them One of Your Strongest Training Tools #49
Riding alone can feel surprisingly hard, especially for MTB beginners, often more so for women, but sometimes even for experienced mountain bikers. Fear, lack of focus, and constant “what if” thoughts often have a lot to do with how the brain reacts when we lose external support. This episode is especially helpful if you want practical, science-based confidence strategies. In this episode, we brea
Why Your Brain Clings to the Bad — And How to Train It Otherwise #48
In today’s episode, we dig into one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) features of the human brain: your built in negativity bias. You'll learn:why your brain holds onto negative experienceswhy “reality” is filtered, not objectivehow the Reticular Activating System (RAS) decides what you noticeand how mountain biking is a surprisingly effective tool for retraining your attentionIf you’v
How Menopause Affects Riding – And How Mountain Biking Helps #47
We dive into what’s actually happening in peri- and postmenopause (hormonally, neurologically, and physically) and how those changes show up on the bike. From fear on technical trails, to fatigue, difficulties concentrating, to the “hit by a truck” recovery days… none of this is random. This episode is science-based and NOT only for women 🤓You’ll learn:to understand women deeper and why the transi
Attention Training: What MTB and Social Media Teach Your Brain Every Day #46
In today’s episode, we dive into something unexpectedly powerful: how a simple, honest video about positivity received 968 positive comments across 4 platforms and just A SINGLE negative comment, and what this reveals about human connection, the social media algorithm, and your brain’s built-in negativity bias. This episode is both personal and deeply science-based. You’ll hear why authentic hone
The Perfection Trap — and How to Escape It #45
Why perfectionism slows progress, what’s really happening in your brain and body, and how to break the loop — on and off your mountain bike.In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest hidden blockers in adult MTB learning: perfectionism. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I should be better by now,” or you get frustrated when a skill doesn’t click instantly — this episode is for you. We
How to Overcome Fear on MTB Trails (Does “Just Ride Scarier Trails” Work?) #44
Struggling with fear on technical MTB trails? I certainly did! In this episode, I share my personal story of trying the “just ride scarier trails” method - whether it works for overcoming fear mountain biking, and how I finally built confidence on steeps, rocks and technical trails that once intimidated me. You'll learn why fear doesn’t actually vanish through random exposure, how your adult brain
Brain Gain, E-MTBs & Inclusion: My Takeaways from the IMBA Summit #43
Last week I had the honor of giving a keynote speech at the IMBA Europe Summit in Boltaña, in the heart of the Pyrenees in Spain (a GORGEOUS riding area). In this episode, I share my biggest takeaways, how new research shows E-MTBs change riding behavior and keep more people riding longer, and why mountain biking is much more than just “send-it” culture.From inspiring projects in Nepal, Bhutan, an
What I learned coaching 400 riders across Europe: How skills change lives (at any age) #42
In this episode, I’m sharing raw reflections from my current coaching tour across Italy, Germany, and Austria - where I've already worked with over 400 mountain bikers in just a few weeks. You’ll hear stories that fuel my passion: like Raymond, who started riding at 75 and now (at 77!!) navigates trails with more control than many half his age. Or Sarah, whose confidence on and off the bike has tr
MTB Longevity: What Riders Over 40 Need to Know About Strength Training, Sleep & Nutrition #41
Are you a mountain biker (man or woman) over 40 who's interested in finding out how to adapt to your hormonal changes? In this episode, we dive into what really changes after 40 and how to adapt your training, recovery, and nutrition to ride stronger, and with more confidence. Whether you're dealing with slower recovery, declining energy, mood swings, or just want to future-proof your riding, this
Mental Strength Training: Handling Hate & Bullying Like a Pro #40
Don’t feed the trolls — let them FUEL you. 🔥 In this episode, I share my 5-step protocol for transforming verbal bullying into mental strength.You’ll learn how to:- Take hate less personally- Understand the psychology of bullies and “anger talk”- Respond with integrity and a growth mindset- Use neuroscience to understand why hate can hurt — and why it doesn't have to- Build resilience like resista
Parallels Between Music and MTB with Performance Psychologist Noa Kageyama #39
Whether you're struggling with steep trails, feeling stuck in your skills, or just want to train smarter, this episode offers fresh insights from the world of elite music performance — applied directly to mountain biking. In this powerful conversation, Roxy talks with Noa Kageyama, performance psychologist and creator of The Bulletproof Musician, about the fascinating overlap between music and mou
Can Mountain Biking & Skills Training Help with Burnout? The Science + Mistakes to Avoid #38
Can mountain biking help you recover from burnout - or could it secretly be making overwhelm and exhaustion worse? In this episode, we touch on the neuroscience of burnout and boreout, proven ways to rebuild skills, inner stability, and joy on the bike and how burnout impacts your nervous system, decision-making, and overall well-being. As a full-time mountain bike coach and certified mental train
I Did All the Clinics. Still Sucked on Trails. Here's Why! (How To Stop Overthinking) #37
Have you ever invested time and money into mountain biking skills clinics, only to find yourself facing the same challenges on the trails weeks later? I've certainly been there! In this episode, we delve into why a certain way of training falls short in delivering lasting improvements, the cause for overthinking on trails and we'll explore the principles of motor learning and what kind of skills t
Are You Just Riding… or Actually Training? Why Trail Time Isn’t Always Progress #36
Are you riding more than ever, but still not seeing real progress? In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest myths in mountain biking: that riding trails automatically makes you better. Spoiler: if you're an adult mountain biker: It doesn’t. And if you’re only riding you might actually be reinforcing bad habits that lead to plateaus, frustration, or even crashes. Find out why in this episod
Harness Comparison! How Wo(men) Can Use MTB Envy to Ride Better (Despite Biology) #35
Do comparisons frustrate you more than they fuel you? You're not alone - especially as a woman rider navigating a sport that's often tougher for us physically and mentally. Ever had a male riding buddy muscle through a tricky section (or skill) and then casually tell you, "It's easy"? Yeah, we've all been there. In this episode, I share 3 practical tips on how to turn that envy and frustration int
Small Tweaks, Big Gains: MTB Training Insights & Coaching Myths with Dr. Liz Koch #34
I discuss the importance of personalized training for women in mountain biking with Dr. Liz Koch, Physiotherapist and Strength & Endurance Training Expert. We talk about the significance of understanding movement patterns, biomechanics, and some common misconceptions in coaching and training, address a tailored approach to strength training and skills development, particularly for women and ri
What REAL Confidence is: That Gap Jump Won’t Make You Happy - Here’s What Will! #33
This episode is the audio from my video, "It took me 20+ years to realize what I’ll tell you in about 10 minutes." And honestly? I wish I had heard this pep talk two decades ago. I want to save you YEARS of frustration - those painful moments of feeling like a failure, pushing yourself into rides you THINK you should do, but that actually hold you back. In this episode, I share:- Why I felt empty
Staying Motivated When Progress Feels Invisible - A Practice Hack for Faster MTB-Skills Growth #32
Feeling stuck in your mountain biking progress? Frustrated learning wheelies, bunny hops or other MTB skills? In this episode, I share how to bio-hack your brain for faster skills growth, a practice hack to stay motivated when progress feels slow or invisible, and why to embrace the process. Tune in for practical tips and a mindset shift to help you overcome plateaus and enjoy the journey of maste
From Frustration to Fun: Science-Based Tools to use Gratitude to Transform your Ride #31
Taking you on a hilly walk (sorry for being a little out of breath), sharing how gratitude can revolutionize your mountain biking experience and life! In this episode, we explore the science-backed benefits of thankfulness, why it boosts joy - and deliberately choosing your focus can create flow and more happiness both on and off the trails. Learn simple, actionable exercises to embrace gratitude,
Life lessons I learnt from MTB Racing - The art and importance of FOCUS! #30
Sharing a few surprising lessons I learnt racing in a local mountain bike (and e-mtb) hobby race on the weekend. If you want to see the type of trails we rode and a fun little moment when Berni's mom called, then watch this short video on YT: https://youtube.com/shorts/0MOuFHehn6A?feature=share I also talk about:an inspirational story one of the racers (aged 70+!) shared with usthe elusive Flow St
You will NOT believe these comments 😳 - Misogyny in the MTB-World, a deeper reflection #29
How can we leverage mountain biking to make the world more inclusive? What do mountain biking ladies think about sexism in the mtb world (and beyond)? Is hate on social media a reflection of society? Is there systematic misogyny? Is it a coincidence that most Nobel Prize winners are male? How can mountain biking help build skills for life? In this episode I address these and many more questions, s
How I beat anorexia - Real Talk - Recording of an interview by journalist Bay Hagebeek #028
In this episode I share a recording of an interview conducted by journalist Bay Hagebeek - a deep talk during which we dived into topics like mental health, sexism, soul vs. ego, authenticity, why I became a coach, spirituality, eating disorders, how being egoistic can actually serve the world and how I've started to take hate on the internet less to heart. Here's the written interview Bay publish
The dangers & limits of free tutorials on the web - coming from a full-time skills coach #027
In this episode I talk about the dangers of free YouTube Tutorials (and internet tutorials in general), about the limits of tutorials and "how to" videos - and also my personal experience learning with tutorials, as well as my experience coaching a lot of riders who used to work primarily with free skills tutorials. Fun fact: when I said Tim the DIY guy, I meant Tim „The Toolman“ Taylor 😆 Work wit
How to avoid getting injured on jumps - Learning MTB-Skills as an adult #026
How is it possible to learn to jump as an adult without getting hurt? That's what I (as a full-time coach with many years of experience coaching both riders of all levels, but also other coaches) talk about in this episode. Want to learn front wheel lifts, how to bunny hop (which is the perfect preparation for jumping) and get PERSONAL feedback from me, to avoid practicing and ingraining errors? T
4 Simple Steps: How adults learn Mountain Bike Skills safely #025
In this episode I share a simple, yet highly effective 4-step recipe for learning MTB Skills (and motor skills in general). I developed this protocol based on neuroscience, sports science and have been applying it my daily experience as a MTB Skills Coach, International Instructor Trainer and Graduate Mental Trainer for years. I also share why some people progress quickly and safely, while others
Shred, Send it & Insane Stunts! Is Mountain Biking marketed realistically? #024
Does popular Mountain Bike Marketing distort expectations, decrease self-esteem & ruin trails? I certainly believe it does to some extent - especially for adult riders new to the sport. In this episode I share my doubts and my thoughts about what really matters for most mountain bikers, what truly makes an expert rider and I appeal to the marketing experts of the huge brands. Here's the Reel I
Is the MTB Mantra "Speed is your friend" true? Why it may NOT help women! #023
In my daily job as a MTB skills coach and instructor trainer I hear SPEED IS YOUR FRIEND a lot - and while it does have its truth, it also has its limits and dangers. In this episode I talk about why it may help, why and when it won't, why it can cause mountain bikers to plateau and crash, and how you can improve your skills without having to crash or "balls"/courage. I also answer these and more
How to find a good Mountain Bike Skills Coach? #022
Are men or women better at coaching? What to look for in an exceptional MTB Coach? Are racers good/better coaches? Are women or men better at coaching mountain bike skills? Are instructor certifications important and which is the best certification? Are race qualifications an indication for good coaching? Do you need a coach with mind-blowing riding skills? How will you find a coach that fits your
A simple, yet highly effective method to deal with difficult emotions (on or off the bike) #021
In this episode of my podcast I share a mental training tool called the ABC method - it's super easy to remember and highly effective to tackle negative emotions such as fear, anger, overwhelm or jealousy (and many more) - on and off your mountain bike. I use it a lot with my clients in my counselling, but also with the athletes when we work on mental strength and resilience - and also use it a lo
My reaction to sexism and haters - Let's bring more respect to the mountain biking world #020
Sharing the top 3 sexist comments I got last week, some more mean comments other ladies got and examples of mean comments especially women in the mountain biking world face. Also, I share how I react to them, why I've started to enjoy some of them and how to take hate and bullying (and sexism) less personally. This is the instagram post I mention in this episode: https://www.instagram.com/roxybike
The snobbification of mountain biking - What makes a REAL mountain biker? #019
A short, but thoughtful episode about a topic, that has been bothering me for a while now... It started off with something I heard on Pinkbike about "trail bumblers"...As a full-time mountain bike skills coach, mental trainer and psychological counselor I have seen how this aspect of mountain bike "culture" has it negative side effects.This is the video I talk about in this episode:https://www.you
Turning frustration into motivation! Tips to leverage mountain biking for emotional balance #018
Sharing some of the most common reasons why athletes get frustrated, how to turn frustration into motivation, why a FEAR OF FAILURE is stopping many people from progressing, and how we can utilize emotions we feel during mountain biking to create growth and emotional equilibrium in our daily life. As a graduate mental trainer I work with riders of all levels to improve their confidence, reduce the
Fearful despite being motivated? When encouragement becomes dangerous in mountain biking #017
This episode is about something I call "toxic positivity" in mountain biking. In my experience, responsible, professional and effective mountain bike coaching is WAY more than motivating people into technical sections - actually over-motivation can be very dangerous! In this episode I share why "it's easy, you can do it" can actually hurt, where good mountain bike coaching starts, why to listen to
Overcome fear when mountain biking: The most common reasons + how to handle fear on trails #016
Are you fearful on trails, even if you've ridden them before? Heard someone say "you've ridden way techier stuff before" but still feel scared?? Well, then let's look at why many riders are fearful on technical trails, the most common reasons for fear that I see in my full-time experience working with riders of all levels as a mental trainer and skills coach - and how you can work WITH your fear t
Speed is your friend and Mountain Biking is dangerous!💥...IS THIS TRUE?! #015
Sharing my frustration with you (in a constructive way) - because I believe sharing it will contribute to making mountain biking safer! As a full-time coach and graduate mental trainer I KNOW how the brain and body work - but to me it seems as though some people rather ignore the facts - perhaps because they believe in a magic pill or so... 🤨 In this episode I'm sharing 3 true stories that may cur
YES! Short riders & women struggle more with bunny hops, manuals, etc. - So STOP mansplaining! #014
When I train skills instructors or when I work with couples on bunny hops, manuals (or skills in general) it drives me CRAZY: When the guy says "It's easy, just..." Because NO, for women and shorter riders it's often NOT easy! In this episode I share my experience as a full-time mtb skills coach (and the frustration I endured when I started riding, especially as a female student being taught moves
Spontaneously forget your skills on trails? The science of learning MTB Skills (effectively)! #013
Exploring the science of learning mountain bike skills (and all motor skills), touching on neuroscience, answering why you technically know what to do, but then suddenly forget what to do on trails, why there are more effective mountain bike skills coaching methods than the currently popular ones and how you can learn ANY skill you want as an adult effectively and safely in a sustainable manner. A
The Big Dilemma of MTB Social Media: Which skills make you a "real" mountain biker? #012
Personal insights on how I consume social media, how to set realistic expectations for learning mountain bike skills and why "popular" skills may be misleading us. I also address which MTB skills every mountain biker should be able to perform, explain how we learn movements and give you food for thought to find out: "What kind of mountain biker are you?", "What is "real" mountain biking?"If you wo
Burn Out, Anxiety + Overwhelm: How to use mountain biking as your "therapy" - and how NOT to! #011
In this episode I talk about how mountain biking can help when you are feeling burnt out, anxious, or overwhelmed - and how it can actually HARM you, too. Also, I explain the difference between "burn out" and "bore out" - how I work with my clients as a mental trainer on topics such as ride anxiety. Also, I share one of the methods that may help you look into what is driving you to ride mountain b
Avoid this Pitfall: One of the most common Progress Blockers for Mountain Bikers! #010
What are basic skills every mountain biker should be able to perform? Which order should you learn skills in? Is a bunny hop a basic skill? Why should a beginner book the most experienced coach? Why does unlearning take longer than learning? How you can learn mountain bike skills at any age? In this episode MTB Coach Roxy answers these questions and talks about one of the most common progress jeop
Feet flying off pedals in gnarly terrain? Is clipping in the solution? #009
Losing contact to your flat pedals? "Just ride clipless pedals!" But is it really that easy? In this episode MTB Coach Roxy looks at some causes for riders' feet slipping off the pedals and how to correct these errors - and of course WHY you should do so, if you would like to become a well-rounded mountain biker. Also, you will find out why you should NOT drop your heels as a default, why your fee
The 4 Stages of Learning - Why many mountain bikers get stuck in "Idiot Valley" 🤓 #008
Learning MTB Skills - and in fact the acquisition of any skill (or knowledge) - involves 4 stages. The transition from stage 1 to 2 is the most crucial step - but often our ego, our experience or our current skill level stops us from reaching stage 2, which then of course entirely keeps us from ever reaching stage 3 or 4. And then, there is still the "Valley of Comfort" which I have deliberately n
Hands on tools to INSTANTLY regulate Stress Levels - Effective not only for Mountain Biking 😉 #007
Fear on trails CAN be healthy and helpful - BUT it can also simply be a sign for an over-activated nervous system. In this episode mental trainer Roxy explores how pain and stress affect your nervous system: with easy, neuroscientifically proven tools to instantly regulate your stress levels. We briefly explore whether stress is bad and what the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems do a
E-Bike Haters - I feel you! E-Bike Lovers - You must listen to this! #006
"E-Bikes are for lazy people, they are just motorcycles in disguise, and e-bikers don't deserve respect; you need to earn your climbs!" - is this something you have heard, thought or said? Then this episode is for you!In this episode of my RawCast I explore E-MTB Hate, share my own experiences with E-Bike Hate and share some insights about E-Mountain Biking you may not yet have considered.Would yo
Crashing your MTB (too) often? Pro MTB-Coach shares the top reasons (and how to avoid them)! #005
As a full-time mountain bike coach I see SO many avoidable crashes - in this episode I am sharing some of the top reasons why I see riders crash and how you can avoid them, by following easy and practical rules, practicing in a specific environment and by choosing your riptides wisely.Would you like to access my proven drills to crash less and ride safer? Then start my free on-bike equilibrium cou
3 Tips to Learn Skills Faster: How to accelerate your MTB Skills Growth #004
Fearful of making mistakes? Not learning fast enough? In this episode MTB Skills Coach and Mental Trainer Roxy addresses some common misconceptions about learning mountain bike skills, how to learn skills (and in fact, anything) faster and how our ego often gets in the way of learning. Of course, you'll get 3 precise and practical tips to follow. Links mentioned in this episode: Is crashing really
Fear on Trails - Men vs. Women: Why they react differently and how to be more confident as a female mountain biker #003
In this episode long-time skills instructor, mental trainer and psychological counselor Roxy answers the following questions: Why do women tend to feel more fearful on trails? Why does a man often ride faster than a woman? Why is "if in doubt, ride it out!" NOT a good piece of advice to give to your wife? Why women and men react differently when faced with a dangerous situation on the trails? What
Two common MTB Beginner Mistakes - I committed them, but they were life-changing! #002
In this episode I share two huge errors I committed as a mountain bike beginner. I also talk about my first crash, negative self talk, comparing myself to others and dangerous tip traps. Delve into this episode with me to learn from my mistakes! Video mentioned in this episode, featuring Dr. Liz Koch - Who is a professional physiotherapist and strength training coach for mountain biking ladies: CL
MTB Advice: When you're not crashing, you're not learning! Is it really true? #001
Crashing your mountain bike too often? Heard riders promote a "crash-culture"? In this episode Professional Mountain Bike Coach and Mental Trainer Roxy explores two common reasons why mountain bikers crash (too) often and whether crashing is part of the game of mountain biking. You will also learn about some basic principles of the neuroscience involved in motor learning, how we really learn MTB s
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