Mountain Biking Feeds Your Triumph Circuit

On 06/05/2021

Did you know that you are wired to challenge yourself? Not only that, but the bigger the challenge the bigger the reward!

You are wired to seek out greater and greater challenges.

That’s one reason you are addicted to mountain biking enough to read my articles – mountain biking feeds your Triumph Circuit.

Your Triumph Circuit correlates the amount of challenge you face with the amount of triumph you feel. Too easy, not fun, too hard you fail. The right amount of challenge, the right amount of reward.

I spent 12 years focused on snowboarding then quit. I’ve spent over $25,000 on motorcycles then quit.

It’s not that snowboarding and/or riding motorcycles aren’t challenging, they are. I just stopped challenging myself. Alpine snowboard racing was dying (no more races equal no challenge) and I wasn’t in the same league as professional freestyle snowboarders (too big a challenge to compete with them).

With motorcycles, the risk/reward ratio wasn’t there. Greater speeds and a much heavier bike make motorcycle riding much more dangerous. Yet I felt greater satisfaction riding my pedal bikes. Riding motorcycles was too big a risk for too little reward for me.

I’ve spent most of my life riding bikes and will never quit. Why is that? The Triumph Circuit! For me, mountain biking has the perfect ratio of challenge to reward.

I will never master mountain biking and that is why it is so rewarding. No matter how good I get there will always be steeper, looser, more technical trails to challenge me. Despite my downhill racing background, I find nothing more rewarding than cleaning a technical climb.

My MTB Addiction

This is very similar to what Csikszentmihaly says about the flow state – there must be the right amount of challenge to reach flow. Not enough challenge makes us bored while too much of a challenge is overwhelming. Right at the highest level of our ability is where it is easiest to reach the flow state.

The Triumph Circuit evolved to reward us for improving ourselves, seeking greener pastures, defeating an enemy, exploring outside of our safe zone.

We respect people who do hard things, doctors, surgeons, pro athletes, who all overcame a tough process to get where they are. You can create a similar process by doing your drills and watching your MTB skills soar.

Mountain biking does that when we ride further, faster, or ride a more technical trail on which we have improved (through physical practice, skills practice, and mental practice). We are rewarded through the triumph circuit and by possibly reaching the flow state.

This benefits us and those around us as we tend to be happier and friendly when we have worked hard and achieved something. Sport is a great metaphor for life and it teaches us that we feel a bigger reward when we tackle a bigger challenge.

This is why the wealthiest pro golfers still play golf. It isn’t the money, they have hundreds of millions! They play because they build internal challenges: “I have birdied every hole on this course but only five in a single round. Can I birdie six holes next time? Seven?”

Have you had a friend stop mountain biking? I have, and when I ask them why they quit they say things like, “I just wasn’t enjoying it as much as I used to”, or, “I felt like I wasn’t getting any better”. They stagnated because they either got as good as they hoped or they stopped challenging themselves.

This is why I stopped snowboarding. I was no longer improving! After years of coaching myself, then being coached I was about as good as I was going to get. I no longer got the triumph reward, I felt like I was just playing.

Playing is fine if you have bigger goals/challenges in your life but, playing as a lifestyle isn’t fun. Well, it can be fun but it sure as heck isn’t rewarding.

I think that’s why mountain biking is so rewarding, it combines playing with work! I’m addicted to it. I will never master mountain biking. I can always do it cleaner, faster, with more grace and that keeps me coming back for more.

Challenge is everything in life. Challenge makes us feel alive, challenge rewards us for our hard work, challenge is the key to happiness.

Feed your triumph circuit, it gives you that sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Don’t take the easy way, challenge yourself, in everything you do! Challenge yourself to be a better mountain biker, a better spouse, the best in your profession.

May your life be filled with challenges! If I ever “retire” you can bet that I will be volunteering and helping others. That will keep me young and feeling alive – as mountain biking does.

Please share this article with anyone you think may benefit and feel free to call or e-mail with any questions.

Cheers
Gene

Comments

8 Comments

Ray on 06/05/2021 at 6:58 am

Hi Gene,

And this is why the Bicycle is the vehicle to World peace.

When a human flows in nature there is a ying/yang , mirco/macro process of tires touching tiny pieces of earth while our heads touch the great expanse of the universe. An old Moody Blues lyric says, “thinking is the best way to travel.” Ride Better, Enjoy More.

Just make sure to wear your helmet!

Cheers
Ray
Reply
- Gene on 06/05/2021 at 2:19 pm
  
  Agreed!
  Reply
Lee Ernst on 06/05/2021 at 9:51 am

Thanks for putting a name on it! The Triumph Circuit it is! Some of us in this world are Wired different (pun intended) finding mountain bikes as our platform.
This got me thinking about how life can take over the mountain bike challenges as a 55 yr old I can look back and see a new career and raising kids took me away from mountain biking. I eventually stopped being challenged by my career and raising kids and now thanks to a move to AZ I found my way back to mountain biking and it’s never ending challenges. Cheers to staying challenged and the fitness benefits mountain biking brings us
Reply
- Gene on 06/05/2021 at 2:21 pm
  
  Funny, I just turned 55 and I am taking on the challenge of raising two kids! Between getting married, raising two kids and mountain biking I expect my Triumph circuit to be firing! Thanks for sharing that.
  Reply
Marshall on 06/05/2021 at 11:21 am

Blessings flow like a river not only do I have a Cannabinoid system I also have a Triumph Circuit!

Give thanks for life
Reply
- Gene on 06/05/2021 at 2:22 pm
  
  Life is pretty amazing!
  Reply
Jeff Bowers on 06/07/2021 at 1:57 pm

So true Gene, it seems the secret to a long, healthy life is constantly engaging and pushing for new challenges. Thanks for pushing this guy, lol. Remember; you better love your wife, your job and your mattress because you will be spending at least 8 hours a day with each one.
Reply
- Gene on 06/07/2021 at 5:46 pm
  
  Thanks Jeff! Looks like I’ve got my bases covered!
  Reply

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Rider Reviews

Thanks again, you were a great part of my succees for 2005. I had the best year of my life. Part of which at the age of 52, I entered numerous mtn bike races, podiumed 5 times and won the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association series for my division.

Your instruction, professsionalism and emails went above and beyond all expectations.

Kent Wells
2016

Thanks Coach Gene for your time the last 2 days! Your coaching is spot on! I’m so lucky to have had the chance to spend this time learning from the most passionate mountain biker out there – one who cares about the sport and all the techniques that go into it! Total respect! That’s all I have to say! If anyone is questioning or “thinking” about signing up for his camp- DON’T , just do! Thank you Gene!!!!

Gretchen Wavro

This was by far the best use of both money and time in regards to my mountain bike training.
Its 3 days of my life I will never forget.

Jim, BetterRide Camper

The results are starting to trickle in as I have the time to ride some of my local rides that I track my times on. I’m astonished!

My descending time from the summit of Chimney Gulch to the Beaver Brook cross over dropped from a personal best of 6:51.0 to 5:46.0, for the bottom section it went from a personal best of 13:42.0 to 10:12.2. Considering that I really haven’t had enough time to practice a lot yet, I’m stunned at the improvement. I can also say that I felt more in control than I used to and I cleaned a section I’ve never had the balls to even try before.

Again Gene, I can’t thank you enough. The camp was great. Your ability to break skills down into digestible parts, watch riders and help them refine techniques, your humility and sense of humor make you a world class coach. I’ll be taking your next level two clinic this year and probably a refresher next year.”

Mark Forgy
Expert XC racer, Mountain Bike Fanatic

Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I am starting to experience the delayed effects of your camp. I knew when the camp ended that I was leaving with some new skills that were helpful immediately. But I also knew there were other skills that were going to take more practice, patience and time. Well, I’m starting to see them.

I’ve been practicing descending the way you instructed us but until the last couple of weeks, I knew I was still faster descending the way I always had – I was just more comfortable that way. But in the last couple of weeks, it all kind of clicked.

I’m not winning any downhill races – yet – but all of a sudden (and it really did seem to happen pretty suddenly) your techniques took over and instead of just using them at low speeds only when I thought about it, I was using them all over the trails and feeling pretty comfortable. Now I find myself only reverting to my old techniques when I come into a corner already off balance. Anyway, thanks, it’s a great feeling – can’t wait to use them on race courses this year!

Sarah Kaufman
Top Pro Endurance Racer

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had big improvements in my racing this year after taking the betteride course (about 10 minutes improvement from last year). I got 2nd place in the beginner category at Eldora, then placed 15th out of 35 in the Sport category at Winterpark in my first ‘sport race’. I passed people on the downhill for the first time in these two races, and am feeling much more confident on the downhills (I hit 31.5 mph max on a tight singletrack in the Eldora race).

Jonathan Jones

Tonight was the first night of practice cyclocross races. The cornering techniques I learned in you camp last weekend rock on the cross bike. I was able to carry speed through the corners and off cambers that I could only dream of last year!

I actually found myself cranking up the speed before the corners instead of braking. Nobody else is using this technique. I found my self keeping pace with stronger riders just on cornering skill alone. Imagine after I’ve a had a few weeks to practice.

I had best time of my life on a mountain bike at your camp, and look forward to doing another one next spring.

Chris Cornelison
September 24, 2010

I took your Neshaminy clinic in June. I wanted to fill you in on my race results. I raced all season in the Midatlantic Super Series in Women’s Sport. I won the overall championship! I am so happy that I won! I will be moving up to Elite next year.

I’ve been doing the drills you taught for 20 minutes, twice a week. I almost always preride my race courses. I work on hard sections to figure out the best lines. Since the clinic, I have noticed that my balance has improved tremendously.

So, Gene… thank you for the clinic. I still tell all my riding buddies about it. Especially how you break down the mechanics of everything that you teach. I let them know how you explain the physics behind the techniques. I tell them that the learning environment you provide is the perfect way to learn something, practice it, and really get it. I’d love to do a refresher course.

Angie Wallace
September 15, 2009

Attending Gene’s camp in Sedona was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. You can read skills articles and watch the youtube videos all day, but these will never engrain the skills needed to become a good mountain biker.

Gene’s course teaches you all of the primary skills, and then he drills them into you. You repeat these drills under his watchful eye until the become engrained. It’s been about 9 months since I attended the course and I still hear Gene correcting me if I’m going about an obstacle or turn in the wrong position.

I still make every ride a learning experience because of what he taught, and my riding has improved immensely as a result. Thanks Gene!

Steven Peyton
August, 2018

Just wanted to show you what your lessons made me do this past weekend! If you click on the photo or link to the photo album look through the album and on the 2nd page, bottom row, there’s a great shot of me doing what you taught me to do with my elbows-totally Brian Lopes style.

I was impressed to see myself doing that-a big change in my riding style and I know it’ll make me faster in the long run.

So thanks and I may have some time coming up where I can make it to one of your camps-I’ll let you know.

Amanda Riley, Kenda, Titus, Hayes Team
Winners of 2008, 24 hours of Old Pubelo

Thanks again for holding the camp last weekend. I was finally able to get out and ride yesterday on the falcon trail (loop that goes around the Air Force Academy). There are two sections that I have had problems with in the past. One is a tight turn with two drop offs that are oddly spaced and the landing slopes off into some bushes. I’ve ridden the trail a dozen times and walked that section most times. Once I tried it and endo‘ed into the bushes. When I rode it yesterday, I cleared it with confidence.

I kept repeating to myself “Do or Do Not – There Is No Try” I relaxed, saw the line I wanted to take, found my balance and went through the section very controlled – it was great!

The next section is a steep switchback climb with a ton of sand. I have never made that turn, although I have tried to every time I’ve ridden the trail. This time I approached the switchback using the techniques and strategy you taught us. The result – made it! No problem!

The last thing I noticed is that the whole ride was smoother. I focused primarily on the vision techniques – and body position skills. The ride felt slower than what I normally ride, but it was actually six minutes faster! Absolutely amazing!
Brad
Oct. 8, 2008 (5 days after his 3-day coaching session)

My son took your camp in winter park at age 14. He is 16 and just completed the Laramie Epic (30 miles) last weekend. He placed 2 in the age bracket 0-29. He continues to use your techniques and tips. Smooth is fast! Your worksheets are worn out and weathered from continued use! Worth it….you bet!!!

Sheila Palmer
July 2019

Your camp gave me the confidence to go out and try a few races this summer. My first race was in the beginner 40 to 45 age class in the “Point to Point” cross country race in Winter Park. While I certainly did not break any records – I at least had a respectable finish and more importantly had a total blast.

My second race was a Super D (much more my style in that there is MUCH less uphill cranking) at Winter Park where I got a second place finish in my age group. 3rd race was a Mountain States Cup Super D race in Copper where I came in tenth. Again no records but still having a total blast.

My friends the same age as me think I am crazy doing this stuff but I think they are crazy to be sitting on their arses. Again, thank you for giving me the confidence to go out there and try some racing and hopefully in the near future I will be in another one of your camps!

Will Edgington
September, 2009

Thanks for the e-mail. By the way, after completing your camp in Arizona, I dropped 5 minutes off my previous best lap time at the 12 hours of Temecula mountain bike race (59 to 54 minutes). Obviously, this was a significant breakthrough.

I’ve also noticed that by being a smoother and more efficient rider and by decoupling my body from the bike, I exert less energy and travel faster. “Looking to victory” works like a charm. Most importantly, the basic skills I was exposed to in your camp (and continue to develop) have made mountain biking more enjoyable.

Keith
January 2008

I’ve been wanting to pass on a personal success story. I participated in my first mountain bike race in Copper Harbor, MI. I placed 6th in my age group (over 6 min. behind 3rd place) on a very technical course. Considering the field, I was happy with the results.

My goal after the BetterRide camp was to be in the top 3 in the same race with a similar field. With my new found skills I placed 1st this time with 2nd place over 7 min. behind. I tore it up! Thanks, I’m always telling people that no matter how much they think they know how to ride a mountain bike, they owe it to themselves to attend one of your camps. A year later I still practice my skills every time I’m out.

BTW, a while back you suggested some reading material. I chose Body, Mind Mastery by Dan Millman. (in audio book form). Not only do I feel it helped my mountain bike skills with things like, how tension is counter productive and how the “opponent is not the enemy, but instead the teacher” it also helped me in my own personal life. Good recommendation!
Keep up the good job.

Rich Schmit
April 2011

Gene and fellow BetterRiders!
I have been smiling all day long today, thinking about our rad weekend together! I taught 4 of my kids how to do wheelies today and they thought I was super cool for a solid 5 minutes until they had it completely mastered and were smoking past my on their rear wheels.

Thank you forever, Gene, for sharing your passion and deciding to teach. An empowering, motivating, completely exhilarating weekend. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning with my new toy. It was a total honor to cross paths with you all!

Currently standing on one leg while I brush my teeth and dictate this email…
Jen

Friends took the 3 day a while ago and really enjoyed it.

I didn’t think I was ready for that but I hired him privately for most of a day. Best experience going. It helped my skiing also. Eyes, eyes and balance via movement on the bike.

Steamboat in the rain…..

John Rostenbur

MTB Skills Camp in Fraser, CO. It was amazing. Phenomenal skills coach, Coach Gene Hamilton, literally broke down the fundamentals of mountain biking in 3 days. Super fun fellow campers. Enjoyed every bit.

Now I need to practice and strengthen some new neural circuits. If you want to improve your MTB skills, no matter your level, take a course from Better Ride.
Patricia George

Thank you, Gene! I thoroughly enjoyed your skills camp. One of the most effective learning environments I have experienced to date. Now it is all about due diligence!

I am interested in a “day with Gene in Moab” and future course offerings.

Ryan Bertram

Gene, The first thing I did was buy some cones. My drive way is pretty steep so can do switch backs there. My pedal wheelies are coming along. Yesterday I had a bit of a breakthrough ride with my vision. On a ride with some small drop offs I realized by using the vision technique I was more balanced, more comfortable and jumped further without trying.

That was the best clinic I have ever done. Thanks for the reading list. I’ve read a number of those books but I now have more to read.

Don Leet