The Ride Companion

TRC Media House

The mountain bike podcast that sometimes forgets to talk about mountain bikes...

Hosted by Olly Wilkins and Davi Birks

#theridecompanion

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20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 9 min
TOP MOMENT: Mathew Pritchard LIVED With Chickens For A Failed TV Show?!
Listen or watch the full episode with Mathew Pritchard below. Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Ad Free on Patreon Episode Sponsors:- - Looking to book an RV or a camp site for an EPIC adventure? Check out our new friends at outdoorsy.com and enter code RIDE at checkout to remove all service fees! You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
Wednesday · 1 hr 12 min
Sam 'Dave' Hockenhull From Manchester City Academy to Professional Mountain Biker
Sam 'Dave' Hockenhull joins Olly and Davi for his first appearance on The Ride Companion. Sam explains how he went from Manchester City football academy to becoming one of mountain biking's most naturally gifted and unique riders. He shares why he walked away from football, how Josh Bryceland took him under his wing, the beginnings of 50to01 and how he's turned a hobby into a career. Sam also talks about Hardline, signing for Mondraker, selling Monster at school, up-coming video projects and much more... Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - Looking to book an RV or a camp site for an EPIC adventure? Check out our new friends at https://www.outdoorsy.com and enter code RIDE at checkout to remove all service fees! - Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at https://www.themudhugger.co.uk You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
July 26 · 17 min
TOP MOMENT: adidas tech lands in downhill
Listen or watch the full episode with Alan Milway below. Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube Ad Free on Patreon Episode Sponsors:- - Looking to book an RV or a camp site for an EPIC adventure? Check out our new friends at outdoorsy.com and enter code RIDE at checkout to remove all service fees! You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
July 22 · 1 hr 39 min
Mathew Pritchard Talks Sobriety, Fame, The Road Of Excess & Life After Dirty Sanchez
Mathew Pritchard is best known as one of the stars of MTV's Dirty Sanchez but, this chat goes far beyond the stories everyone has already heard... In this episode, Mathew joins Davi and Olly to talk about who he was before the fame, how skateboarding shaped his life, how Pritchard vs Dainton became Dirty Sanchez, what MTV saw in the group and what life was really like when the show exploded around the world. Mathew opens up about the difference between 'Mathew' and 'Pritchard', the pressure to perform in public, the money, the partying, the loss of routine and what happened when the fame slowly dwindled away. He also speaks honestly about addiction, anxiety, going cold turkey on 6 October 2022, the support system that helped him through and why routine, training, food and purpose are now central to his life. The conversation also covers The Road of Excess, Mathew's new documentary about rowing across the Atlantic, fame, excess, addiction, mental health and life after Dirty Sanchez. Plus veganism, Dirty Vegan, Dirty Health, Ironman Wales, Everest plans, why mountain bikers are 'nuts' and whether a Dirty Sanchez reunion could ever happen. Go see The Road Of Excess: https://mbentertainment.co.uk/the-road-of-excess/ Don't forget to book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://rxsport.avln.me/c/kdvMdXvBBUjH for a deal on Pit Viper products! - invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at https://www.invisiframe.co.uk You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
July 20 · 1 min
A Note From Olly
YOU'RE INVITED! Book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh See you there?
July 15 · 1 hr 57 min
Alan Milway on adidas Tech, World Cup Politics & the Secret to Going Faster
Alan Milway joins Davi and Olly for an inside look at the Norco x adidas Race Division and the realities of coaching riders at the sharp end of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Alan explains why what feels fast on a downhill bike isn't always fast, how he uses split-screen analysis and trackside timing to improve line choice, and why some elite riders need to slow down to actually go faster. There's also discussion around the tiny margins deciding World Cup qualification, the psychology of missing finals and why more practice could potentially make downhill racing more dangerous. This episode also covers athlete and product development with adidas, F1 inspired technology, changing race lines, mental fatigue, caffeine, junior women being prevented from hitting features, protected riders, privateers and whether World Cup downhill is doing enough to create genuine sporting heroes. Alan also shares the full story of suffering a perforated bowel, undergoing emergency surgery and experiencing some terrifying hallucinations during his recovery. We hope you enjoy this episode! - Don't forget to book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh - Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - LAKA Insurance: Don't risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us! - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ - Feedback Sports: https://feedbacksports.com You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
July 7 · 3 hr 32 min
Warner's Race Companion: La Thuile World Cup
Join us live for Rob Warner's Race Companion, a downhill watch-along party for the La Thuile World Cup. Rob Warner joins The Ride Companion for a live watch-along party, expect reactions, stories, predictions, chat interaction, giveaways and probably a fair bit of chaos while the racing unfolds. To watch the actual race footage: open the official UCI Mountain Bike World Series broadcast on TNT Sports / HBO Max in the UK & Ireland, or your local official broadcaster wherever you are. Find where to watch in your territory here: https://www.ucimtbworldseries.com/where-to-watch This is a watch-along/commentary show. We won't be showing official race footage. Outdoorsy: Looking to book an RV or a camp site for an EPIC adventure? Check out our new friends at https://www.outdoorsy.com and enter code RIDE at checkout to remove all service fees! Listen to Rob Warner's Just Ride podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/03zN67ToY8kd5Rq1zGsQln?si=715bd93e0dcc4f54 Watch the full stream here https://youtube.com/live/6eAYF3mf3Qs Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
July 1 · 1 hr 18 min
Stag Do Refunds, Ghost Stories & Strava Crimes - Listener Questions Special
This week on The Ride Companion, Davi and Olly dive into a listener questions special… which very quickly turns into rants about stag do refunds, billionaires, ghosts, Morzine, beer vs lager, belt drive bikes, Strava shortcuts, trail etiquette, Angel Delight and whether Race Companion live commentary will return. The lads also talk about the response to the first Race Companion watch-along with Rob Warner, future Patreon rides, the greatest ice cream flavour of all time, Davi's paranormal family stories, and why racing a rectangle in your pocket might be ruining your local trails. - Don't forget to book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh - Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://www.rxsport.co.uk for FREE next day shipping! - invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at https://www.invisiframe.co.uk You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
June 24 · 1 hr 58 min
Andrew Neethling Brings Mass-Start Banter, World Cup Bench Racing & DH's Biggest Debates
Andrew 'Needles' Neethling joins The Ride Companion for a full race-chat episode covering the current state of World Cup downhill, the brutal new qualifying format, Luca Shaw missing finals after winning a World Cup, Finn Iles' incredible back to back wins, Anna Newkirk's breakout victory, team pressure, privateers, broadcast storylines and what downhill needs to do to grow. We also get into Andrew's wild Mountain of Hell experience, his unofficial top-10 before a controversial DQ, arm pump, bike setup for mass-start racing, World Cup salaries, team dynamics, Warner's Race Companion and why downhill racers are basically modern-day gladiators. - Don't forget to book your ticket to TRC Live on 31st of July, details here: https://www.haslemerehall.co.uk/sales/genres/events/the-ride-companion---bike-nigh - Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion Episode Sponsors:- - Looking to book an RV or a camp site for an EPIC adventure? Check out our new friends at https://www.outdoorsy.com and enter code RIDE at checkout to remove all service fees! - Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at https://www.themudhugger.co.uk - invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at https://www.invisiframe.co.uk You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
June 22 · 25 min
Loam & Away Teaser: Things We Can't Make Make Sense!
This is a free teaser from Loam & Away, our Patreon exclusive show for The Ride Companion supporters. In this one, Davi, Olly and producer Doug spiral into the tiny everyday things that make them feel like complete aliens. People standing up on planes, champagne, Guinness, expensive watches, sleep trackers and social media turning real places into photo queues. Watch/listen to the full episode and support TRC on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion The main show stays free. Patreon helps us keep building more TRC.
June 17 · 1 hr 38 min
Sam Reynolds & Euan Bowen On Concussions, Crashes & Brain Health In MTB
Crashing is part of mountain biking but, how much do we really understand about what happens to the brain when we hit our head? On this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi and Olly are joined by HIT Recognition founder Euan Bowen and Sam Reynolds for an eye opening conversation about concussions, head impacts, brain health and the future of safety in MTB. Euan explains how HIT Recognition started as a university project inspired by concussion in rugby, before developing into a head impact monitoring platform now being used across mountain biking, rugby, motocross, ice hockey and more. Sam Reynolds also shares his personal experience with serious concussion, including the crash that left him unable to finish sentences, struggling with noise, forgetting words and wondering whether he would fully recover. He explains why having real data could have helped him make better decisions around competing and recovery. This conversation covers everything from MTB crash culture, to World Cup downhill practice loads, kids in bike parks, helmets, rotational forces, CTE, concussion symptoms, recovery, and why brain health might become as important as training load in action sports. HIT Recognition has offered the TRC family a discount should you wish to get yourself a HIT device. Simply use THERIDECOMPANION discount code online at https://hitrecognition.com Episode Sponsors:- - RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://rxsport.avln.me/c/kdvMdXvBBUjH for a deal on Evil Eye products! - LAKA Insurance: Don't risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us! Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
June 15 · 21 min
Loam & Away Teaser: Are We Aliens?
This is a preview of Loam & Away, our Patreon exclusive show for The Ride Companion supporters. In this clip, Davi and Olly discuss weird personal habits, social awkwardness, panic buying expensive wine and why normal life sometimes makes you feel like a complete alien. Watch/listen to the full episode, get early access and exclusive offers at: https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion The main show will always stay free. Patreon just helps us keep building TRC and to keep the lights on in the studio.
June 13 · 3 hr 1 min
Warner's Race Companion: Leogang Downhill World Cup
Join us live for Rob Warner's Race Companion, a downhill watch-along party for the Leogang World Cup. Rob Warner joins The Ride Companion for a live watch-along party, expect reactions, stories, predictions, chat interaction, giveaways and probably a fair bit of chaos while the racing unfolds. To watch the actual race footage: open the official UCI Mountain Bike World Series broadcast on TNT Sports / HBO Max in the UK & Ireland, or your local official broadcaster wherever you are. Find where to watch in your territory here: https://www.ucimtbworldseries.com/where-to-watch This is a watch-along/commentary show. We won't be showing official race footage. Listen to Rob Warner's Just Ride podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/03zN67ToY8kd5Rq1zGsQln?si=715bd93e0dcc4f54 Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
June 10 · 1 hr 47 min
Olly's Dream MTB Trip, Vanta Jam Chaos & World Cup Dramas
Davi and Olly are back in studio for a proper catch-up episode covering everything from Vanta Jam to Olly's dream trip to Japan, Luca Shaw's first Downhill World Cup win, the Enhanced Games controversy, Japanese snacks, sumo wrestling, live commentary nerves and the future of MTB. Davi breaks down what really happened at Vanta Jam at BikePark Wales, including Rob Warner's last-minute car trouble, Dan Paley's commentary, Sam Pilgrim blowing minds, Harry Gascoigne's style, brutal weather, hailstorms and why live event commentary is WAY harder than it looks. Olly then shares more from his bucket list trip to Japan, riding e-bikes in search of perfect loam, travelling through Tokyo with bike bags, experiencing Japanese culture, discovering sumo wrestling, eating convenience store food and preparing for the premiere of the Japan MTB film. The boys also dive into the latest UCI Downhill World Cup action, including Luca Shaw finally taking his first World Cup win and discuss whether downhill racing is better when the riders are separated by huge margins or tiny fractions of a second. Plus, the lads discuss the controversial Enhanced Games, whether performance-enhancing drugs really unlock superhuman performances, Japanese Kit Kats, mochi balls, listener questions and whether mountain biking could one day become augmented reality. Episode Sponsors:- - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com - Feedback Sports: https://feedbacksports.com Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
June 3 · 46 min
Nathan Bennett Explains Why Japan Might Be Mountain Biking's Best Kept Secret
Olly Wilkins is in Minakami, Japan for a special bonus episode of The Ride Companion with MTBJapan founder Nathan Bennett. Nathan moved from New Zealand to Japan 30 years ago and has spent decades building, clearing and guiding mountain bike trails in one of the most unique riding destinations in the world. In this episode, Olly and Nathan talk about the hidden MTB scene in Japan, why the dirt and terrain are so good, the famous "halfpipe"/bobsleigh-style trails, Japanese trail culture, secret riding spots, trail access, language barriers, moving to Japan, and why Minakami might be one of mountain biking's best kept secrets. Find out more about Nathan and MTBJapan: mtbjapan.com Episode Sponsors:- - Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
May 27 · 2 hr 20 min
32" Wheel Debate, Sea Otter, Japan Loam Hunting & Mexico Street Race Builds
This week on The Ride Companion, Davi and Olly are finally back in the studio for a proper catch-up after a wild few weeks of travel and big life moments. Davi breaks down the full California trip, from cruising the Pacific Coast Highway and visiting Sea Otter, to heading to Marin Bikes HQ and reflecting on a full-circle moment that started with a teenage dream of living in America. Olly shares the plans behind his upcoming Japan trip, why he's obsessed with hunting perfect loam and why Japan might be one of the dream mountain bike destinations he's been thinking about for years. There's also a deep dive into the madness of building and testing an urban downhill/freeride course in Mexico, including extreme heat, huge crowds, cartel helicopters, Slavic's wild crash, judging freeride runs, Sam Pilgrim, Bienve Aguado, Nikolai Rogatkin, Wes Sends and the future of young MTB talent. Plus, the lads discuss Sea Otter, Marin Bikes, the birthplace of mountain biking, baseball caps, riding shorts, job satisfaction, street racing and loads more... Episode Sponsors:- - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com - RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://www.rxsport.co.uk for a deal on Pit Viper products! - Feedback Sports: https://feedbacksports.com Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
May 20 · 53 min
Matt Cipes: Marin Bikes Product Boss On The Future Of MTB & E-Bike Development
On this episode of The Ride Companion, we're joined by Matt "Cippy" Cipes from Marin Bikes. Cippy is Marin's Category Manager for performance mountain bikes, which means he plays a huge role in shaping the brand's full suspension bikes, e-bikes, spec choices, geometry, suspension feel, pricing, development timelines and overall ride quality. Recorded at Marin Bikes HQ in California, this episode dives into the history of Marin County as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, the origins of Marin's 'Made For Fun' ethos, how a mountain bike goes from idea to production and why developing an e-bike is far more complicated than simply adding a motor and battery. Cippy also gives an honest take on the current e-bike power arms race, why Marin isn't rushing to chase huge motor numbers, what brands should really be focusing on and how ride quality still matters more than spec-sheet bragging rights. We also get into 32" wheels, XC's comeback, the future of analogue mountain bikes, the new Marin TAM, the development of the Alpine Trail E, why Marin looks to moto for certain design ideas, and what kind of rider feedback is actually useful when creating a new bike. Enjoy this deep dive into Marin Bikes, product development, mountain bike history and the future of MTB! Episode Sponsors:- - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com - Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at https://www.themudhugger.co.uk Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
May 13 · 1 hr 31 min
Wyn Masters Shares What Really Happened In South Korea
Wyn Masters is back on The Ride Companion after a brutal crash at the opening round of the 2026 UCI Downhill World Cup in South Korea. Fresh from the Mona YongPyong World Cup, Wyn joins Davi and Olly to explain exactly what happened in the crash that left him with a fractured wrist and a serious AC joint injury. Wyn breaks down the controversial B-line, the lack of visibility, rider traffic, marshal positioning, shortened practice, and why he believes the crash was completely avoidable. This episode goes way beyond the injury. Wyn shares his thoughts on whether the South Korea World Cup was ready to host a race, the cost of sending teams across the world, the 'hardtail guy' controversy, whether World Cup downhill is becoming too expensive and what makes a great World Cup venue. The guys also get into Asa Vermette's unbelievable elite World Cup debut win, Loïc Bruni and Amaury Pierron's performances, Jackson Goldstone's pressure as defending champion, the rise of young riders, women's downhill, Valentina Höll's new vlog series, the Gates Gearbox $100k challenge, pro rider salaries, Wyn's viral video about mountain bike earnings, and what it really takes to race 100 World Cups. This is a huge episode with one of the most important and respected voices in mountain biking. Episode Sponsors:- - RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://www.rxsport.co.uk for a deal on Pit Viper products! - LAKA Insurance: Don't risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us! Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
May 6 · 1 hr 4 min
Martha Gill & Janelle Soukup On Pioneering Women's MTB While Keeping It Fun
Martha Gill and Janelle Soukup join The Ride Companion for a powerful conversation about the progression of women's mountain biking, freeride, racing, mentorship and what it takes to build a career in the sport. During this episode Martha Gill, the 2024 Queen of Crankworx and long time Marin Bikes athlete, shares her journey from cross-country racing and Olympic hopeful to enduro, Crankworx, Lucid and helping support the next generation of riders. Janelle Soukup talks through her rapid rise into freeride mountain biking, from selling her ATV to buy her first mountain bike, discovering events like Hannah Bergemann's Hangtime, earning a place at Natural Selection, becoming Whip-Off World Champion and receiving the invite to Red Bull Rampage. Together, Martha and Janelle discuss the pressure of Rampage, fear, progression, sponsorship, the state of women's mountain biking, the importance of opportunity and why the next generation of female riders is pushing the sport further than ever before. This is a proper insight into two women helping shape the future of mountain biking... Of course, BIG thanks to the Marin Bikes team for helping make this episode happen! Episode Sponsors:- - Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at https://www.themudhugger.co.uk - LAKA Insurance: Don't risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us! Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House
April 29 · 1 hr 8 min
Matt VanEnkevort, The CEO Who Revived Marin Bikes
Davi visited Marin Bikes HQ in California to sit down with CEO Matt VanEnkevort to learn the real story behind how one of mountain biking's most iconic brands rebuilt itself around one simple idea, MADE FOR FUN. On this episode of The Ride Companion Matt shares the story of joining Marin in 2012, when the brand was in serious trouble and how the team rebuilt the company, the product range and the culture. This conversation covers Marin's early history, the brand's near-bankruptcy, the reality of being a bike company CEO, the chaos of the Covid bike boom, why Marin avoids chasing hype, how they choose athletes and Matt's honest thoughts on the current state of the bike industry, ebikes and where the cycling could be heading. Episode Sponsors:- - Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code trc at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/trc to learn more - NordVPN has you covered for all your VPN needs so you can take your favorite shows everywhere + remain safe online! https://nordvpn.com/trc for more - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion You can also support our long term partners: Marin Bikes → marinbikes.com/gb Focus Bikes → focus-bikes.com SRAM: sram.com/en/sram adidas FiveTen: adidas.co.uk/five_ten invisiFrame: 15% off with code REFRESHANDRIDE at invisiframe.co.uk Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr Manta Sleep → 10% off with code theridecompanion tinyurl.com/theridecompanion HUEL → 15% off with code RIDE: huel.com/ Mudhugger → Get 10% off with code ridecompanion10 at themudhugger.co.uk Compex → 20% off with code THERIDECOMPANION: compex.com/uk/ Igloo → igloocoolers.com/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at uk.worx.com HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 YouTube clips and BTS channel @moreridecompanion Get official Ride Companion merch, find old episodes and more theridecompanion.co.uk 📝 Contact Us & Business: https://theridecompanion.co.uk/pages/contact Edited By: Doug Tucker, onlyflightdispatch.com & TRC Media House