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Home / Tips / Health

Health & Nutrition for Mountain Bikers

A close-up image of a wrist wearing a smartwatch displaying health metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV) readings. The watch shows a current HRV average of 50 ms and indicates it is balanced, along with baseline values and last night’s average. The wrist is partially covered by a black glove, with a blurred background of outdoor scenery.

Don't stress over HRV: Here's how to look at the data

Heart rate variability tracking can indicate when riders need rest. And to improve it, you probably need less stress, not more miles.

A modern mountain bike positioned on green grass, surrounded by trees. An orange "Buy Now" button with a medical symbol overlay is featured prominently.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

You may be able to use HSA funds to buy your next bike

Now there's an easy way to use your Health Savings Account funds to pay for qualifying bike purchases.

Podcast hosts engaged in conversation, with one man on the left wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, speaking into a microphone, and a woman on the right smiling, wearing a cap and headphones, with a cozy background featuring framed posters and a plant.

Can you out-ride a bad diet? The truth about junk food and MTB performance

Join registered dietitian Alex Larson as she demystifies nutrition for cyclists, tackling essential questions about fueling, hydration, and balancing indulgence with performance.

A close-up of a bike handlebar with a GPS device displaying a map. The screen shows battery life at 85%, the time at 12:45, and route information with distance markers. The background features greenery, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Could navigating MTB trails be good for brain health?

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A group of mountain bikers navigating a rocky terrain under a cloudy sky. The focus is on a rider in the foreground, wearing a helmet and protective gear, skillfully riding downhill, while others follow in the background. The landscape features patches of purple heather and greenery surrounding the rocky path.

How Scottish MTB therapy gives mental health patients control of their lives

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Study shows lifetime bicycling reduces knee pain and osteoarthritis

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A mountain biker in a black helmet and colorful socks jumps a rocky section of a green, lush forest trail, smiling as they ride their red bike.

This Mental Health Counselor is Using Mountain Biking as Adventure Therapy

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Smiling woman wearing a gray hoodie, sitting on a floor near a light-colored wall. She has her hair pulled back and is looking directly at the camera with a friendly expression. A blurred background indicates a cozy indoor setting.

What should mountain bikers eat? We asked a registered dietitian for tips.

A close-up image of a Clausthaler Dry Hopped IPA non-alcoholic beer bottle sitting on a white surface, with a blurred outdoor background featuring greenery and soft natural light. The bottle showcases its label prominently, highlighting it as a non-alcoholic beverage with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.

Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beers to Get You Through Dry January

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A cyclist riding on a dirt road through a foggy forest, surrounded by trees in a monochrome setting. The cyclist is leaning forward, navigating a curve in the road as the mist creates a mysterious atmosphere.

The Relief of a Fading Infatuation to Mountain Bike and Why the Off-Season Should be Embraced

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A mountain biker balances on a rock while riding on a dirt trail at night, illuminated by a headlight. The rider wears a light-colored helmet and a dark jacket, with shrubs and vegetation visible in the background.

Mountain Biking to Mend: The Clarity of Outdoor Therapy for Vets at a 24 Hour Race

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A woman with long dark hair smiles while standing in a kitchen. She is wearing a pink sleeveless sweater and holding an avocado in one hand while an assortment of fresh vegetables, including lettuce and onions, is in a large bowl in front of her. The kitchen features wooden cabinets and a countertop with various other ingredients displayed.

Using Nutrition to Improve Recovery and Fuel Your MTB Rides

A mountain biker riding along a dirt trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees, with a large rocky mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Saddle Up for Success: Trading Self-Help for Mountain Biking Adventures

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A can of Athletic Brewing Co. beer sits on a wooden stump in a green, outdoor setting, with a bicycle partially visible in the blurred background.

Is Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer any Good for Mountain Bikers?

19

A person wearing a helmet and a yellow jacket drinks from a water bottle while surrounded by tall trees in a sunlit forest, with warm light streaming through the foliage.

Three Things to Remember about Hydration and Fueling for Hard Endurance Rides This Summer

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A cyclist riding on a gravel path at dusk, surrounded by trees, with bike bags attached for storage. The soft light highlights the motion as the cyclist pedals forward.

6 Mental Tricks for Surviving the Toughest Parts of the Ride

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A group of people is seated in a bike shop during a presentation. A woman in a red vest stands in the foreground, smiling and holding a notebook while speaking to the audience. The background features bicycles and bike parts on the walls, along with shelves and storage units filled with tools and accessories. The audience consists of a diverse group of individuals, some sitting cross-legged on the floor, engaged and listening attentively.

MTB Confidence, Motivation, and Mental Skills Training with Dr. Kristin E. Keim

A person riding a fat bike along a snow-covered trail, accompanied by a dog. The scene is set in a winter landscape with sparse trees and grasses, and a small stream visible beside the path. The cyclist is wearing a bright green jacket and a helmet, while the dog runs alongside on a wooden bridge.

3 Expert Tips to Improve Winter Mountain Bike Performance

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A white cup filled with a warm beverage, topped with a waffle, sits on a white saucer. Next to the cup, there are two pieces of broken waffle. The background is a simple gray.

The Rise of the Stroopwafel: From Dutch Delicacy to Trailside Treat

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A group of people gathered around a wooden table in a lively bar setting. Some individuals are engaged in conversation, while others are looking at their phones. Several drinks and a couple of pitchers are placed on the table, along with bike helmets and other items. The atmosphere appears casual and social, with dim lighting and bar decorations in the background.

The Licensing Effect Helps Explain Binging After Big Rides and Why Diets can be Problematic

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A cocktail being poured from a strainer into a stylish coupe glass, filled with a brownish beverage, against a dark background. The image captures the pouring action, highlighting the bubbles and clarity of the drink.

The Morning After: 3 Tips for Mountain Biking With a Hangover

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A white plate garnished with grilled chicken pieces, accompanied by vibrant broccoli, carrots, and chunks of yellow bell pepper. Two large, roasted tomatoes sit at the top, showcasing a charred exterior. A dark sauce contrasts the bright colors of the vegetables, creating an appetizing presentation.

Mountain Biker's Guide to Paleo: Reviewing the Whole Foods Diet for Riders

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A close-up view of an open backpack resting on green grass, with a blue inhaler prominently displayed among other items inside the bag. A black bicycle helmet is partially visible next to the backpack.

Mountain Biking with Asthma: How One Elite Athlete Controls it

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A variety of refreshments arranged on a concrete surface, including three bottles of Powerade sports drinks in blue, green, and yellow, two packages of frosted donuts labeled "Racetrac," and a soft pretzel in a paper bag. A bicycle tire is visible in the background.

Mountain Bikers: Are You Currently on a Diet?

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A plate with a cooked egg featuring a bright yellow yolk and crispy strips of bacon, resting on a white plate with a light blue rim.

Mountain Biker's Guide to Keto: A Brief Overview of the Low-Carb Diet for Riders

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A lone figure standing on a grassy hillside, overlooking a mountainous landscape shrouded in hazy, orange-tinted air. A winding dirt path leads through the foreground, while pine trees are visible in the background against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

When is it Too Smoky to Mountain Bike?

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Scottish Mountain Bike Mental Health Program Set to Expand in 2021

A person in a black motocross helmet and goggles performs a plank exercise on a yoga mat in a living room with red walls and indoor plants. The individual is wearing a short-sleeved shirt and dark pants, with visible tattoos on their arms. Natural light comes through a window, illuminating the space.

MTB Training Tips and Tricks for the Untrainable Athlete

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A hand holding a burrito wrapped in foil, resting on the steering wheel of a car, with the interior dashboard visible in the background.

The Pre-Ride Guide to Breakfast Burritos

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A mountain biker in a helmet sits on a blue bike, positioned beside a trail in a wooded area. The background features trees with autumn-colored leaves and a trail marked by wooden structures. The ground is covered in fallen leaves.

Mountain Bike Training in the Time of Covid [Podcast #269]

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A variety of snacks arranged on a bed of pebbles, including a bag of Nice! Fruit and Nut Trail Mix, a package of Haribo Sour Goldbears, a bag of Sun Chips in Harvest Cheddar flavor, a Keebler Toast and Peanut Butter snack pack, and a can of Coca-Cola.

Gas Station Nutrition, in a Pinch: Fueling Your Bike Ride

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A collection of health and nutrition products displayed on a wooden surface, including a bag of instant cacao mix labeled "Risveglio di Buddha," a packet of vegan omega-3 algae oil, a container of raw organic protein powder, a bottle of vegan B12 supplement, and a carton of almond drink labeled "Bevanda di mandorla." A pink rose is placed in the foreground, adding a decorative touch to the arrangement.

We Talk Plant-Based Diets for Mountain Bikers With Keri Hatley of Shred Science Nutrition [Interview]

A beautifully arranged breakfast table featuring a plate of sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, a mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, and fresh rolls. A cup of latte art coffee sits nearby, alongside a smartphone displaying a food-related app. Natural wood table surface enhances the cozy atmosphere.

How Tracking Macro-Nutrition Can Help Mountain Bikers Unlock Their Full Potential [Podcast #237]

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A mountain biker, dressed in a bright red jersey with sponsor logos, sits on a bike in a wooden structure. The rider is wearing a full-face helmet and goggles, preparing for practice or competition. The background features natural lighting and wooden walls, creating a rustic atmosphere.

Building Psychological Resilience and Coping with the Pressures of Mountain Bike Racing

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Four freshly baked oatmeal cookies arranged on a white plate with a blue rim, set on a textured fabric background. The cookies have a golden-brown color and a rustic appearance, showcasing their chunky oat texture.

Fun Insurance: Bake These Homemade Cookies for Your Next Group Ride

A close-up of a hand resting on a metal railing, wearing a green fitness tracker on the wrist, with a blurred water and city skyline background. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool day.

Fitness Trackers Have the Potential to Make us Crazy

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Watch: The Mental Game with Kate Courtney [Rising Series]

6 Apps to Help you Gain Strength, Focus, and Time on the Bike, all While Stuck in the Office

A bookshelf filled with various books, featuring a large overlay of a sound or broadcast symbol in the center.

Mountain Biking and Nutrition, with Jenny Corso [Podcast #221]

A red shaker bottle, a canister of recovery protein powder, and two bags of nutritional supplements are displayed on a rock surface, with a mountain bike wheel in the background. The products are from brands such as Tallwind Nutrition and P4 Recovery, showcasing a focus on post-workout nutrition and hydration for athletes.

4 Mountain Bike Recovery Drink Recommendations, Based on Science

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A black and white image depicting a shadow of a person and a bicycle on cobblestone pavement. The person's shadow is stretched out, and both shadows create contrasting shapes against the bright background.

Stepping Up From a Crash to Recovery, Seeking a Return to the Coveted Flow State [Three Deep Breaths]

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A person riding a mountain bike over rocky terrain with greenery and a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is smiling, wearing a helmet and vibrant cycling attire.

Sonya Looney Talks Mountain Bike Nutrition, Risk Taking, and Competition [Podcast #217]

A close-up image featuring a red Blender Bottle with measurement markings, along with a scoop of white powder on a sandy surface. In the background, there is a black cycling glove and a red cycling shoe positioned next to a bike tire.

Taking a Deeper Look at Recovery Drinks and Nutrition with a US Olympic Center Dietician

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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a lush, green forest. The rider is wearing a bright helmet, sunglasses, and biking gear, captured mid-jump with dirt flying from the bike tires. A large graphic symbol representing sound waves is overlaid in the center of the image.

Mountain Bike Podcast

Mental Health Benefits to Mountain Biking [Podcast #214]

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A close-up of a worn black kettlebell resting on a textured gym floor, with a blurred background of exercise equipment. A circular graphic with radiating lines overlays the kettlebell, suggesting movement or sound.

Mountain Bike Strength and Mobility Training with Bike James [Podcast #212]

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Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky, dirt trail surrounded by green foliage. The biker in the foreground, wearing an orange shirt and helmet, leans into the turn, kicking up dust behind him. A second biker can be seen in the background, following closely. The scene captures the excitement of outdoor mountain biking in a natural landscape under a clear blue sky.

Mark Weir Talks Will vs. Skill, Climbing 1M Feet in a Year, and His Almost Heart Attack [Podcast #211]

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A mountain biker falls onto the rocky trail while attempting a downhill ride, with spectators in the background cheering and observing. The ocean can be seen in the distance under a clear sky. Nearby, a person reaches out to assist the fallen rider. Blue safety tape marks the course path.

World's Largest Medical Study of Mountain Biker Health and Injury Commissioned by The Enduro World Series

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A female mountain biker stands in a forest, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, with a focused expression. She grips the handlebars of her bike, surrounded by tall trees and soft sunlight filtering through the foliage. Her outfit features a black and white design, and her hair is styled in a braid.

Three Deep Breaths: The Psychological Side of Returning from Injury, With Professional Sports Psychologist Annie S

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A close-up of a stinging nettle plant with green leaves, growing near a calm, reflective body of water surrounded by lush greenery. The plant has small clusters of flowers and a few visible pests on its stem.

Mountain Bike Trails

Stop and Smell the Stinging Nettle: Silicate Needles Can Pump Chemicals into Bikers' Skin, but the Plant is Also Super Useful

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A shadow of a person holding a bicycle is cast on a grassy path. The sunlight creates a clear silhouette, highlighting the figure and the outlined shape of the bike against the vibrant green grass.

Three Deep Breaths: How to Connect With the Forest That Surrounds Our Beloved Trails

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A smiling man wearing a helmet and a cycling jacket stands in a forest setting, surrounded by tall trees. He has a beard and appears to be enjoying his time outdoors.

Mountain Biking as Therapy: Scottish Researchers Integrate Trails into Mental Health Treatment Plans

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CBD and Mountain Biking: Will It Help My Training?

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A smiling person wearing a helmet and sunglasses is sitting on a mountain bike, holding the handlebars. The focus is on the bike's front tire and the person's hands, with a clear blue sky in the background. The scene conveys a sense of outdoor adventure and biking enthusiasm.

Mountain Biking as Therapy at The Sacred Cycle Nonprofit in Carbondale, Colorado

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A shadow of a person on grassy ground scattered with white and pink flower petals.

Three Deep Breaths: Dear Ego, Please Be Quiet So I Can Enjoy This Ride // How to Achieve Flow

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A pile of yellow powder on a paved surface, surrounded by several round, multicolored tablets. The background features a brick wall and some scattered leaves and grass.

How to Use Energy and Recovery Products Before, During, and After a Mountain Bike Ride

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A shadow of a person making a heart shape with their hands, standing next to a bicycle on a snowy ground. The scene is bright and captures the texture of the snow.

Three Deep Breaths: Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Mountain Biking

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A flat lay image of various ingredients arranged on a wooden surface. The ingredients include a measuring cup of peanut butter, a small glass container of chia seeds, and bowls of shredded coconut, rolled oats, and chopped nuts. A jar of oil is also visible, alongside measuring spoons. The setup is well-lit, highlighting the textures and colors of the ingredients.

Inexpensive Mountain Bike Trail Snacks You Can Make In Minutes

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