The Power of the Mind: Lessons from the Trail
By Paul Howard, GSMBC Education Director
In mountain biking—where grit meets gradient—I’ve learned again and again that the mind can be just as important as the body. That truth hit home recently during a ride that started with nothing more than a bit of background inspiration.
A Local Test of Will
While working from home, I had a YouTube video playing in the background: Braden Binghurst riding the Whole Enchilada Trail in Moab. If you’ve ever ridden that trail—or even watched someone else attempt it—you know it’s an absolute beast. Long, technical, steep, and unforgiving. In my 30 years in the industry, I can honestly say Braden’s ride is one of the top three most impressive things I’ve ever seen on a mountain bike.
Motivated by that, I decided to challenge myself on a local trail I’ve never managed to clean. It’s not particularly long, but it’s steep, technical, and mentally tough. I’ve always ended up walking some portion of it.
This time, I set a simple rule: no walking. I gave myself permission to stop, to rest, and to redo sections—but not to walk.
And it worked.
The most difficult part of the trail? I cleaned it on my first attempt. Another tricky section took four tries, and a third one took two. But in the end, I rode the entire climb without stepping off the bike—for the first time ever.
Visualization as a Performance Tool
The biggest difference-maker? Visualization.
Each time I hit a tough section, I replayed scenes from Braden’s ride in my mind. I visualized his body positioning, the bursts of power, the cadence, the commitment. That image helped guide my approach and calm my mind.
It’s a technique we often talk about in coaching, and this was one of those moments where it truly clicked. Visualization is more than motivation—it’s a real, practical tool for performance.
Separating Technical and Physical Barriers
That ride helped me realize something important: my technical skills were never the issue.
For years, I assumed I just wasn’t good enough to clean that trail. But now I know I am. I’ve proven to myself that I have the technical ability—it’s the physical capacity that needs more work. That shift in perspective is powerful.
When we can clearly separate what’s actually holding us back—whether it’s strength, technique, confidence, or mindset—we can make faster, more focused progress.
Coaching from the Inside Out
As a coach, I’ve always believed in the value of coaching yourself. Testing ideas. Pushing limits. Learning from failure. That process not only makes me a better rider, it makes me a better educator.
When I’ve been through the same mental hurdles and physical challenges that my students face, I can connect with them in a much more authentic way. I know what it’s like to doubt, to fail, and to try again—and to break through.
Takeaway: Train the Mind as Much as the Body
This wasn’t just a personal achievement. It was a reminder of how important the mental side of performance really is. Whether you’re on a trail, in a race, or facing an everyday challenge, your mindset can change everything.
So ask yourself: are you being held back by your fitness—or by your belief?
Because once you unlock the power of the mind, you might just find that your next breakthrough is already within reach.
If you haven’t already, check out Braden Binghurst’s Whole Enchilada ride on YouTube. I’ll drop a link in the comments—it’s truly inspiring.
And if you're a coach looking to better support your riders not just physically, but mentally as well, check out our upcoming Coaching The Mind courses. You’ll learn practical tools to help manage and improve the mental skills of your students—tools that can transform how they perform and how you coach.
👉 Learn more and register here
Until next time, get out and ride.
— Paul Howard, GSMBC Education Director
