Best Audiobooks to Stay Motivated on Long Mountain Bike Rides

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

For powering through tough trails, nothing keeps your energy and focus sharper than the right audiobook. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best audiobooks to stay motivated on long mountain bike rides. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs, technical descents, or those never-ending singletrack sessions, having a carefully chosen audiobook can turn fatigue into fuel.

After testing and reviewing countless titles, we’ve finally ranked the top 10 audiobooks for long mountain bike rides—each one designed to keep your mind engaged and your legs moving. Our expert team has spent hours on the trails, headphones in, analyzing every narrative style, pacing, and motivational factor. From high-energy biographies of elite athletes to mind-bending thrillers that make each pedal stroke exciting, these audiobooks are more than just entertainment—they’re your secret fuel tank for endurance, focus, and sheer enjoyment on every ride.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior logging 20-mile rides or a serious mountain biker grinding out epic 50-mile sessions, our curated list covers all genres and styles to match your energy and riding pace. This guide is perfect for anyone looking to combine adventure with personal growth, staying mentally strong while tackling the trails.

🚴‍♂️ Top 10 Motivational Audiobooks for Long Mountain Bike Rides

Get ready to elevate your riding experience with the best audiobooks for long mountain bike rides, carefully tested, rated, and ranked by experts who live and breathe the trails. Here’s a curated comparison table of 10 top-rated audiobooks that will keep you motivated during long mountain bike rides.

📘 Title	Image	Narrator(s)	Genre	Price
Can’t Hurt Me		David Goggins, Adam Skolnick	Memoir / Self-Help	Check on Amazon
How Bad Do You Want It?		Matt Fitzgerald	Sports Psychology	Check on Amazon
The Rider		Tim Krabbé	Fiction / Cycling	Check on Amazon
Around the World on a Bicycle		L. J. Ganser	Adventure Memoir	Check on Amazon
Revolutions		Russell Brand	History / Feminism	Check on Amazon
Nala’s World		Dean Nicholson & Garry Jenkins	Adventure / Memoir	Check on Amazon
The United States of Adventure		Anna McNuff	Travel Memoir	Check on Amazon
Finding Ultra		Rich Roll	Memoir / Health	Check on Amazon
One More Horizon		Scott Zamek	Adventure Memoir	Check on Amazon
Draft Animals		Phil Gaimon	Memoir / Cycling	Check on Amazon

1. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Can’t Hurt Me is a raw and unfiltered memoir by David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete. The audiobook chronicles Goggins’ transformation from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the world’s toughest men. His story is a testament to the power of the mind over the body, emphasizing the 40% rule—the idea that when you think you’re done, you’re only at 40% of your potential.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook serves as a powerful motivator. Goggins delves into the mental challenges faced during extreme physical exertion, making it relatable for cyclists pushing through long, grueling rides. His narrative is interspersed with “challenges” that encourage listeners to apply the lessons learned to their own lives, fostering resilience and mental toughness.

2. How Bad Do You Want It? Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Muscle by Matt Fitzgerald

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Matt Fitzgerald’s How Bad Do You Want It? digs into the psychological aspects of endurance sports. Through various case studies and scientific research, Fitzgerald explores how mental fortitude often determines athletic success more than physical prowess. The audiobook provides insights into the mental barriers athletes face and offers strategies to overcome them.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook is invaluable. It addresses the mental fatigue encountered during long rides and provides techniques to maintain focus and motivation. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of mental training, making it a perfect companion for cyclists aiming to enhance their psychological resilience.

3. The Rider by Tim Krabbé: Ultimate Fiction Audiobooks for Cyclists

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

The Rider is a fictional account of a single-day road race, capturing the psychological and physical challenges faced by cyclists. Tim Krabbé masterfully portrays the inner thoughts of a racer, inquiring into the nuances of competition, pain, and strategy. The audiobook’s pacing mirrors the intensity of a race to keep listeners engaged throughout.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook offers a unique perspective on the mental aspects of racing. While not specifically focused on mountain biking, the insights into competitive cycling can be applied to various disciplines. The short length makes it an excellent choice for a single ride or training session.

4. Around the World on a Bicycle by Fred A. Birchmore

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Fred A. Birchmore’s Around the World on a Bicycle recounts his journey cycling across five continents in the 1930s. The audiobook offers a firsthand account of the challenges and triumphs encountered during his travels. Birchmore’s narrative is rich with historical context, which provides listeners with a glimpse into a bygone era of exploration.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of adventure. Although he was not focused on modern cycling techniques, Birchmore’s experiences highlight the importance of perseverance and adaptability—qualities essential for long mountain bike rides.

5. Revolution by Russell Brand: Philosophical Engagement

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

In Revolution, Russell Brand presents a critique of modern society, exploring themes of consumerism, inequality, and the need for systemic change. The audiobook is a blend of humor, philosophy, and political analysis, delivered in Brand’s distinctive style. His narration adds a personal touch, making the content more engaging.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook offers a thought-provoking break from the physical demands of cycling. Although this book isn’t related to biking, Brand’s insights can inspire listeners to reflect on broader societal issues, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation during rides.

6. Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride Around the Globe by Dean Nicholson

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Nala’s World tells the heartwarming story of Dean Nicholson’s journey cycling around the globe with his rescue cat, Nala. The audiobook captures their adventures, challenges, and the bond they share. Nicholson’s narrative is filled with humor, compassion, and insights into the kindness of strangers.

For mountain bikers, this audiobook offers a delightful and uplifting companion. Although not focused on cycling techniques, the story emphasizes the joys of exploration and the unexpected connections made along the way. It’s a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

7. The United States of Adventure: A Life-Changing Journey by Bike Through Every State of America by Anna McNuff

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Anna McNuff’s The United States of Adventure chronicles her ambitious journey of cycling through all 50 U.S. states. What makes it ideal for mountain bikers is her practical approach to endurance, mental resilience, and handling unexpected obstacles. Her narration combines humor and grit, which creates a relatable companion for long rides.

Mountain bikers can pick up mindset strategies for maintaining motivation, pacing, and staying focused during challenging terrain. McNuff’s reflections on fatigue management, solo riding challenges, and celebrating small victories resonate with riders tackling long rides or multi-day adventures. This audiobook is engaging and immersive, which helps listeners feel like they’re riding alongside her while learning lessons applicable to their own cycling goals.

8. Finding Ultra: Rejecting Average and Reaching My Potential by Rich Roll

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Rich Roll’s Finding Ultra tells his remarkable journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete. The audiobook is excellent for mountain bikers searching for both motivation and practical endurance insights. Roll discusses the mental toughness required to push past limits and maintain consistency over long periods.

Listeners will benefit from his lessons on nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation, all of which are crucial for mountain bike riders tackling long rides. Roll’s storytelling is highly relatable, making it easy to draw parallels between his extreme endurance challenges and the struggles faced on tough mountain bike trails. His approach to breaking challenges into manageable steps is directly applicable to long ride planning and maintaining motivation throughout the journey.

9. One More Horizon: Cycling Across the Globe by Scott Zamek

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

One More Horizon follows Scott Zamek’s solo global cycling expedition. This audiobook is perfect for long mountain bike rides because it combines extreme adventure with lessons in endurance and mental fortitude. Zamek shares challenges such as rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and long days on the bike, making it relatable to any mountain biker pushing limits.

The audiobook emphasizes perseverance, self-reliance, and adaptability. Listeners will gain insight into planning, resilience, and maintaining motivation through long rides. Zamek’s immersive narration allows listeners to mentally experience his journey, which can inspire mountain bikers to embrace adventure and persist through fatigue or challenging trails.

10. Draft Animals: Living the Pro Cycling Dream (and Ditching My Soul) by Phil Gaimon

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

Phil Gaimon’s Draft Animals provides an insider look at professional cycling, blending humor and candid reflections. Mountain bikers can draw parallels between pro cycling’s discipline, endurance, and strategy and their own long rides. Gaimon’s stories of competition, training, and dealing with setbacks provide practical motivation and entertainment.

The audiobook balances humor and hard truths about the cycling world. It’s exceptionally valuable for riders interested in the mindset of competitive athletes and applying that dedication to personal rides. Gaimon’s candid style ensures that the lessons about perseverance, strategy, and mental toughness feel approachable and inspiring for mountain bikers seeking motivation.

🚴 Tips for Listening on Long MTB Rides

Listening to audiobooks while tackling long mountain bike rides can boost motivation, make long trails more enjoyable, and help you maintain focus. Here are some practical tips to maximize your listening experience:

Use Bluetooth Earbuds or Helmet-Compatible Audio

Invest in high-quality Bluetooth earbuds or audio systems integrated into your helmet. This ensures a safe, wire-free experience while keeping your ears free enough to stay aware of trail sounds and surroundings. Look for sweat-resistant models designed for outdoor activity.

Download Audiobooks Offline

When riding in remote areas with poor cellular coverage, download your audiobooks offline. Platforms like Audible and Amazon allow offline access, so you won’t be interrupted mid-ride. This is especially helpful on long multi-hour trails where network connectivity is limited.

Combine Listening with Trail Goals

Make your audiobook experience more productive by linking specific chapters or motivational segments to trail goals. For example, use a challenging section of your ride to tackle an intense chapter or a peak moment in the audiobook. This keeps both your mind and body engaged, reinforcing endurance and motivation.

Control Volume and Awareness

Although immersive audio is motivating, keep the volume moderate. You need to hear trail hazards, other riders, and environmental cues. Some riders opt for bone-conduction headphones, which allow them to hear ambient sounds while listening.

Schedule Listening Breaks Strategically

Long rides often include technical or steep sections. Consider pausing or lowering the audio during complex trails to focus on safety, then resume during flatter or less technical stretches. This way, you enjoy motivation without compromising trail awareness.

Just $0.99/month for the first 3 months – Limited time offer

🚴 Conclusion: Stay Motivated and Elevate Your Mountain Bike Rides

Long mountain bike rides can be physically and mentally demanding, but the right audiobooks for long mountain bike rides can turn every trail into an opportunity for growth, motivation, and entertainment. From David Goggins’ relentless mindset in Can’t Hurt Me to Rich Roll’s transformative journey in Finding Ultra, these top 10 audiobooks provide unique insights, practical strategies, and immersive stories to keep you pushing forward, mile after mile.

Use our expert tips for listening, equip yourself with quality Bluetooth earbuds or helmet audio, and download offline to ensure uninterrupted motivation, even on remote trails. Now it’s time to take action: pick one audiobook that aligns with your cycling goals, load it up, and let it drive your next ride.