#42 David Wiens - Mountain Biking Then and Now, Aging With Purpose, Overcoming Setbacks, and Strengthening Communities With Trails

Ageless Athlete - Longevity Insights From Adventure Sports Icons

"It wasn’t about what I couldn’t do; it was about what I could do. After my injury, I was focused on recovery and doing whatever was possible—like swimming every day. It’s all about the attitude you bring to the situation." 🚵🏽​
Mountain biking legend **David Wiens**, is not only celebrated for his six consecutive wins at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB but also for his integrity and resilience. As David approaches his 60th birthday, he reflects on his remarkable career, staying consistent, overcoming critical injuries, and building trails not just for mountain bikers, but for all users.
Throughout this conversation, we explore his mindset on training, how he stays motivated, the magic of the outdoors, and how he overcame injuries to come back even stronger.
### **Key Takeaways:**
1. **Mindset Fuels Success**: David emphasizes that mental toughness, focus, and resilience are as critical as physical preparation when it comes to competing at the highest level.
2. **Strengthening Communities" In his leadership role with the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Assoc), David has helped build outdoor trails all over the country, for all recreational users.
3. **Injury Recovery is a Learning Process**: After facing injuries, David highlights the importance of listening to your body and using setbacks as an opportunity to come back stronger.
4. **The Outdoors as a Source of Renewal**: For David, mountain biking is more than just a sport—being outside, connected to nature, brings him joy, peace, and the motivation to keep pushing his boundaries.
### **References:**
- Learn more about David Wiens' role as Executive Director at the [International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)](https://www.imba.com).
- Check out David Wiens' **Mountain Bike Hall of Fame** profile [here](https://mmbhof.org/david-wiens).
- Explore the history of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race [here](https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/mtb/leadvilletrail100mtb/).
- Read more about the impact of doping in cycling during the Lance Armstrong era [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doping_in_sport).
### **Sponsors:**
A special thanks to David's sponsors, whose gear and support have been crucial to his success:
- [Canyon Bicycles](https://www.canyon.com)
- [Ergon Bicycle Ergonomics](https://www.ergonbike.com)
- [Topeak](https://www.topeak.com)
- [Shimano](https://www.shimano.com)
- [Fox Suspension](https://www.ridefox.com)
- [DT Swiss Wheels](https://www.dtswiss.com)
- [Maxxis Tires](https://www.maxxis.com)
- [Sportful Apparel](https://www.sportful.com)
- [Limar Helmets](https://www.limar.com)
- [GU Energy](https://www.guenergy.com)
This episode is packed with wisdom, insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to thrive in their sport—or life—at any age!

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