“Just ride more.”
It is probably the most common advice in mountain biking — and for most people, the least useful.
In this conversation between Ollie from Bike and Beyond and performance coach Ben from The Strength Factory, one thing becomes clear: the real limiter is not motivation. It is time.
Watch the full video on YouTube
Work, family and everything else means most riders are already squeezing in as much trail time as they can. So the smarter approach is not simply to ride more. It is to build fitness around your riding.
No Time to Ride More? Do This Instead
For many riders, especially those balancing riding with work, family and everyday commitments, more trail time is not always realistic.
That does not mean fitness has to stand still. It means the work needs to be more focused.
Short, consistent sessions away from the trail can help fill the gaps between rides, supporting strength, mobility, endurance and general fitness without needing full days on the bike.
You Cannot Rely on Riding Alone
Riding is obviously the best way to improve your bike skills, confidence and trail feel.
But if your schedule already limits how often you can get out, relying on riding alone can leave gaps in your fitness. When life gets busy, those gaps can appear quickly.
The takeaway is simple: build a fitness base that supports your riding, rather than expecting riding to do everything by itself.
Use It or Lose It
Strength and fitness can decline quickly when riding takes a back seat.
A busy few weeks, bad weather or a run of missed rides can be enough to make the next outing feel harder than expected. That is where regular off-bike work can help.
Even short sessions can keep your body used to effort, movement and load, making it easier to return to the trails feeling capable rather than starting from scratch.
Off-Bike Training Fills the Gap
Off-bike training does not need to be complicated.
Gym work, turbo trainer sessions, bodyweight exercises, mobility work or short conditioning sessions can all support better riding when used consistently.
The goal is not to train like a pro. It is to become stronger, more resilient and more prepared for the riding you actually do.
Short, Consistent Sessions Add Up
The most useful training is often the training you can repeat.
A short session you can fit into a normal week is usually more valuable than an ambitious plan that falls apart after a few days.
Small amounts of consistent work can add up fast, especially when they are focused on the things that matter for mountain biking: legs, core, mobility, stability and endurance.
Better Fitness Means Better Rides
Better general fitness does not just change how far you can ride. It changes how much you enjoy the ride.
More strength and endurance can mean less fatigue, more freedom on the bike, better control late in the ride and more confidence when the trail gets rough.
For over-40 riders, that can make a huge difference. Not because the goal is to chase numbers, but because feeling better on the bike makes every ride more rewarding.
What They’re Riding In
Spotted in this ride with Ollie and Ben: lightweight, breathable jerseys for all-day comfort, durable Shield Trousers made for movement on the bike, and the technical Shield Jacket designed to handle changing trail conditions.
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Our gear is made for exactly this kind of riding: long days, changing conditions and real-world use.
