Riding Together There comes a point in the journey where progress stops being private. You feel momentum building. Stronger legs. Clearer mind. Better habits. The early mornings are locked in. Strength training is consistent. Nutrition is tightening up. And then a new question shows up: Why keep this to yourself? By the end of the 2024 fall riding season, my frequency had skyrocketed. What started as two or three mornings a week became five, sometimes six or even seven days.

An early morning mountain bike fitness routine changed everything. Consistency, not intensity, rebuilt my strength, discipline, and identity — one protected hour at a time.

A personal reflection on loss, burnout, and rebuilding trust with myself during a season that quietly changed everything.

Jamie Gruttadauria on a wooded trail, representing his personal wellness journey and long-term approach to health and movement.