The podcast where the trail never ends! Whether you’re chasing that perfect downhill, mastering the art of cornering, or just love the thrill of two wheels on dirt, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we talk gear, trails, and tips to elevate your ride—let’s dive into the world of mountain biking!
…
continue reading
MTB Connection Podcasts
The Why We Ride Podcast is designed to drive stoke and exposure to the action sports industry. Each week, we engage in snowmobile related topics with a focus on bringing our personal experiences into snowmobile discussions. The podcast will include interviews into the minds of industry leaders, enthusiasts, action sports companies and action sports athletes so they can share "why they ride". So grab your headphones, connect your Bluetooth, or crank up your computer speakers and tune into eac ...
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, we take you behind the scenes of our content creation process. From strapping GoPros on sleds to editing vlogs late at night. We break down the gear we use, how we plan our shoots, and what it’s like trying to balance racing with creating content. Whether you're looking to start your own snowmobile channel or just curious …
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode is all about your personal brand. We dive into what a personal brand really is and how you can use it to your advantage through social media. We share some of the challenges we’ve faced along the way, as well as the positives we’ve experienced while building our own presence online.…
…
continue reading
Send us a text We explore the origins of snowmobiles, how they’ve evolved over the years, and how the big three brands (Polaris, Arctic Cat, and Ski-Doo) came to be. Plus, we throw in some fun and surprising facts from the early days of the sport.By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the best add-ons we put on our sleds this season. From simple tweaks to game-changing upgrades, we break down what made a real difference on the snow. We also talk about what we're hoping to add for next season, always looking for that competitive advantage.…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode dives into our offseason training. We break down what worked, what didn’t, and how we’re planning for next season. From nutrition to recovery to pushing our bodies to stay at the top year after year. It’s all about building the foundation now to perform when it counts.…
…
continue reading
Send us a text We recap the final race of the season at Saddleback Mountain in Maine, where one rider earned the ultimate title of King of the Mountain. The cross-country crew dominated the weekend, taking home the majority of podiums across nearly every class. We reflect on the highs, the challenges, and the grit it took to close out the 2025 seas…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode we recap the lessons we learned from the 2025 racing season. We reflect on the progress we made and the challenges we faced along the way. With one final race left, we’re excited to see who will be crowned King of the Mountain this weekend at Saddleback, Maine.By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode dives into the many different directions the snowmobile industry could go. From teams and record books to fresh formats and new perspectives, we explore what it might take to grow the sport to the next level. Our hope is that this episode sparks some thought about where we’re heading and how we can keep pushing fo…
…
continue reading

1
Episode #30 - We don't want winter to end.
57:56
57:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:56Send us a text Mike Young jumps on with TJ Leach for this weeks episode as Lucas Vaadi has been sick all week. We talk about the last race coming up at the end of April in Saddleback Maine, some favorite race memories from the 2025, and then go over some funny social media posts and comments. Thanks for listening!…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, we dive into the highs and lows of the season. We reflect on the lessons learned, the challenges we faced, and our goals for the future. It was a long but rewarding season, and we’re excited to see how we can grow from here."By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading

1
Buddy Collins 121: Building the Future
1:58:04
1:58:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:58:04Send us a text We had Buddy Collins on this week. He has only recently come into the world of snowmobile racing, but the impact he has had on New England cross country and the snowmobiling world is immense. His influence extends beyond Maine and reaches across the entire industry. He created North Star Motorsports to promote these races. Not only d…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode, we dive into the final COR race in Ironwood, Michigan, and the last NEXC race in Sinclair, Maine. Both events brought unseasonably warm weather, creating some wild conditions. The COR race was held on terrain and turned into a mudfest, while the Maine race took place on a lake, where standing water made for its o…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week's episode recaps TJ's race weekend in Portage Lake as the season comes down to the final weekend. TJ is currently sitting second in Pro Stock points, while Lucas is gearing up for the Triple Crown Championship. We’re ready to leave it all on the track!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week’s episode dives into the final ice Le Mans of the Cor Powersports series, with the last Triple Crown event just two weeks away. TJ took on the nostalgic West Glover, VT race. Tune in for more adventures!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, Lucas raced in Walker, MN, while TJ took on Lincoln, ME. Both events were on frozen lakes but featured very different conditions. Walker had a plowed Le Mans-style course, while Lincoln brought the bumps on an icy track. We're both focused on maximizing points.By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text Thanks for tuning in this week as TJ Leach chats with his racing team mate Mike Young, a Vermont native who caught the XC racing bug back in 2017/2018. Mike has been around racing most of his life, most recently in stock car racing. Now he finds that his addictive personality has latched onto snowmobile racing and we are all for it! …
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week's episode, we break down the Greg Nichols Memorial 150 in Oquossoc, ME. This is one of the biggest cross-country racing events in the East. For the second year in a row, a Pro racer from Minnesota made the trip. This episode is packed with coverage from two full days of racing!…
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week's episode, we get an update on TJ's injury and hear about his experience in his first-ever MIRA race. We also break down the SOO, recap Lucas’s race with ADXC, and look ahead to the upcoming NEXC 150-mile race. Tune in for all the latest!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, we break down all the action from Park Rapids, including the challenges of racing on a tight and technical course. Plus, we look ahead to the next rounds and share key takeaways from the weekend. Tune in for all the latest in cross country racing!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, we dive into the Star City 100 and the official kickoff to cross-country racing in the East! We’re breaking down the course, the incredible turnout, and all the excitement from the start of the season. We’re hyped to be racing again!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text We dive into the cross-country race at Ottertail, where the race faced some challenges with snow dust, high winds, and fresh snow that almost put the event in jeopardy. Despite the uncertainty, the race went ahead in a time trial format. Next week, Lucas and TJ head to the first NEXC race of the series, and the excitement is just get…
…
continue reading

1
Start Your Engine: 2025 Season Kickoff
1:06:45
1:06:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:45Send us a text On this week's episode, we kick off the 2025 season and reflect on how the holidays went while diving into the latest snowmobile activities we've been up to. We gear up for an action-packed weekend with races happening across the board East and West Cross Country, Snocross, and even Supercross are all making their return. The season …
…
continue reading

1
Pine Lake 2024: The Race Season Begins
1:01:15
1:01:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:15Send us a text This week, we dive into Lucas’ adventure at the first cross-country race of the year, Pine Lake 2024. The excitement builds as we gear up for the first Eastern race at ADXC Saranac Lake on January 11th. Plus, Snocross is in full swing, and TJ shares his anticipation for his debut at the legendary SOO I-500.…
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, we dive into last year’s semi-pro races and reflect on the action-packed season. With Pine Lake just around the corner, the Vaadis are in full race mode, ironing out every last detail to secure a spot on the podium this year. Meanwhile, Snocross is back, and everyone’s getting the itch to race!…
…
continue reading

1
The World of DS Racing: Ernie Bouthiette III & Kyle Such
1:24:01
1:24:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:01Send us a text In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ernie Bouthiette III and Kyle Such from DS Racing! We dive into their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their unique approach to snowmobile racing. From the track to the shop, Ernie and Kyle share their insights on what it takes to make it in the sport and what’s on the horizon for DS …
…
continue reading

1
Fueling the Ride: Health, Fitness, and Supplements
1:17:50
1:17:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:50Send us a text In this week’s episode, we dive into the importance of health and fitness in snowmobile racing. Some of the top athletes in the world compete in this sport, and they understand that reaching the peak of their performance means focusing on every aspect of their training and lifestyle. We discuss how supplements can play a crucial role…
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we chat about the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. We dive into some of last year’s cross-country racing results to get everyone hyped for the return of some big names to the cross-country scene.By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text This week, Chip Vaadi joins Lucas to discuss the upcoming season and the Polaris sleds we'll be riding. We take a deep dive into the Polaris 600R we’re converting into a cross-country ice LeMans mod sled. From initial setup to the custom modifications, we share our plans for getting ready to race.…
…
continue reading

1
Milestone Episode #10: Chip Vaadi Joins the Show
1:16:20
1:16:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:20Send us a text On this week’s milestone 10th episode, we’re joined by the man, the myth, the legend: Chip Vaadi. Starting his racing career in the early nineties but riding sleds since he was a kid, Chip has done it all—from snocross to the 500, and even owning his own racing circuit, the Big East Snocross Tour (B.E.S.T.). We dive into his diverse …
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the upcoming season with a strong focus on ice racing. We discuss the versatility of cross-country snowmobiles and the different types of racing we’ll be tackling this year, including cross-country, pure ice, and even some hillcross action. Tune in for all the details as we gear up for a diverse a…
…
continue reading

1
The Queen of the Hill: Molly Nichols from Jackwagon Racing #442
1:09:55
1:09:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:55Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into TJ and Molly's experience at the Epping/Fremont NH snowmobile event. TJ had the honor of representing cross-country racing at the factory Arctic Cat booth! We also catch up with Molly Nichols, discussing her past seasons and what’s coming next for her and Jackwagon Racing.…
…
continue reading

1
East vs West: Exploring Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing
1:07:27
1:07:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:27Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the upcoming winter season and break down the differences between East and West cross-country snowmobile racing. While there are many similarities, it’s great to see the unique variations between the circuits, all while keeping the focus on the riders. 4o…
…
continue reading

1
From Cross-Fit to Cross Country: Eric Gleich Racing #306
1:12:35
1:12:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:35Send us a text On this week’s episode, we welcome New England professional racer Eric Gleich. Eric has been a well-known face on the racing scene for as long as we can remember. He shares his unique approach to cross-fit training and his extensive knowledge of snowmobiles. Eric’s excitement for the upcoming season is electric, especially with all t…
…
continue reading
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the incredible support we’ve received from our sponsors and talk about some of the awesome products they offer. We share fun stories and experiences that come to mind when we think about each of them!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
This episode we are joined by two of MTB's most prominent personalities, Yoann Barelli and Nate Spitz. We sit down at "Into Din-gnar" for a wee brewski and a good old chinwag with Nate, Yoann, and Cheney. Tandem antics, coaching, general stoke for the sport, and a pinch speculation on the future of Crabbe Mountain trails.Thanks to Jordan Cheney and…
…
continue reading

1
From the Trails to the Podium: 872 Dylan Thompson’s Racing
1:35:23
1:35:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:35:23Send us a text This week, we’re excited to have pro racer Dylan Thompson on the podcast! It’s always inspiring to hear from a fellow passionate East Coast pro cross-country rider. Dylan shares his journey from growing up around snowmobiles to rising through the ranks in cross-country racing. Not only is he a skilled rider, but he’s also a great guy…
…
continue reading

1
New England Takes on Hay Days / Facebook Questions
1:16:00
1:16:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:00Send us a text In this week’s episode, TJ shares his experience traveling from Maine to Minnesota for Hay Days. He met with key players in the snowmobile industry, including fellow podcasters Spencer from The Carbide Podcast and the boys from The Shop Talk Podcast. TJ also got to witness the exciting snowmobile grass drags, pit bike, and ATV racing…
…
continue reading
Send us a text Welcome to the Why We Ride Podcast! I (Lucas Vaadi) start out by interviewing TJ Leach so that both you, the audience, and I can get to know him a bit more and learn about his history in the snowmobile industry. Thanks for listening!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
Send us a text Welcome to the first episode of the Why We Ride Podcast! I (TJ Leach) start out by interviewing Lucas so that both you, the audience, and I can get to know Lucas more and learn about his history in the snowmobile industry. Thanks for listening!By Lucas Vaadi and TJ Leach
…
continue reading
We are back in the saddle, baby!!! It's been a hot minute, but not too much has changed around here. Another round of the giggles, Wes making music & special guest Randy Moosetoe!!!We catch up on a few things that are happening around the province in terms of trail development and events, and share our love of MTB; Consider this a cold open for Sea…
…
continue reading

1
Poley. Border hopping. BICP. Grade A Prison Toilets. Strava.
1:07:24
1:07:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:24A quick catch up on our recent travels; Wez and Lori hit up the Railyard, Darren checks out Brookvale, and we all take a trip down to the 207 to sample some US trails. On Strava? Join us in the group! Look for The MTB Connection Podcast - Darren still hasn't figured out how to make a group challenge :rolleyes: anyone would think he works in IT....L…
…
continue reading

1
The. Wettest. Summer. Ever. And some trail maintenance stuff.
1:02:55
1:02:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:55Here we are, just jibber-jabbering and putting the world to rights. Like we do 😀😀Joined this episode by Andre Ouellette of Colebrooke trails, Grand Falls. We shoot the 💩 about Adrenaline, Sugarloaf, Poley, life in general, and the growth of the sport in Atlantic Canada. Like, follow, subscribe 👉 @themountainbikeconnectionpodcast @dazlad_mtb @oilsli…
…
continue reading

1
Enduro racing, breaking bikes, and puppers layin’ eggs
59:10
59:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:10We're back! Hectic start to the season cooking up a feast at the store (and building a bike shop) and bear season meant a short hiatus. We got down to the Super Rad Enduro in Rockwood park, thanks to Be Rad Adventures and Tommy's Superette for putting this event together! NB needs more Enduro!!! We discuss trail systems, washed out camping trips an…
…
continue reading
This episode we are joined by Ernie Campbell of @Digin_trailbuidling 🎉🎉We all like to think of ourselves as trail builders, #nodignoride remember! But one man from SJ had a dream and made it happen. Now he's turning out some truly awesome trails around the province. Ernie gives us the low down on his progression from volunteer to professional trail…
…
continue reading

1
Becci’s box, Lori’s hat, and the cat’s ass. Welcome to 2023!
1:21:15
1:21:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:15We're back! After a short, unplanned hiatus, we've got our poop together and the studio is finally upgraded! Snoring doggo included. We're catching up in this episode, squatch on the horn and the crew in the studio. Organized like squirrels with hand grenades we pick our way through. Lori in her rasta hat, Becci showing off her box (vital MTB) and …
…
continue reading
Send us a text "I started spending more time in the mountains where all I did was ride". We all want to spend more time riding. To go out to the park, track, lake, or mountains and spend most of our time doing what we love. As often as we can, we make it happen, that is just what we do! Brandon spends his hard earned time in the mountains when the …
…
continue reading

1
Cody McNolty Backcountry Sledder (Refresh from 2021)
58:08
58:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:08Send us a text Really excited for today's episode. This is a refresher episode from 2021 with Skidoo Ambassador Pro Backcountry Sledder Cody McNolty. The conversation with Cody was so good, I spent around 3 hours with the guy and learned a ton. It was tough to break down which bits and pieces I felt were needed to share for 2023, but this episode i…
…
continue reading

1
Wild in the woods with Wildwoods cycles
1:13:18
1:13:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:18Welcome back! We're on the horn with Jesse Hildebrandt of Wildwood Cycles, Nanaimo BC. Infrequent traveller, and exquisite frame builder, Jesse gives us a brief glimpse into the world of bike design and fabrication. Bougie enough for Jeff, but clean enough for dangerholme..... 😍😍 We love that Sealtooth! Like, follow, subscribe 👉 @themountainbikecon…
…
continue reading
Send us a text "I truly believe I can do it. Which other people may not think that... but I have faith in myself. I know if I work hard enough, I can!" I am truly convinced that once you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Whatever goal it may be, whatever dream you desire, whatever outcome you crave, you are capable of making it a real…
…
continue reading
Send us a text I believe one of the most overlooked opportunities in an Action Sports career is relationship building. I have fallen short so many times in my career with relationships. From missed opportunities because I didn't believe (at the time) there was value in spending my time with individuals to completely leaving a door wide open and not…
…
continue reading