The Ride Companion

Latest Episodes:

Sam Reynolds & Euan Bowen On Concussions, Crashes & Brain Health In MTB Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

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

Loam & Away Teaser: Are We Aliens? Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

Warner's Race Companion: Leogang Downhill World Cup Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

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

Olly's Dream MTB Trip, Vanta Jam Chaos & World Cup Dramas Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

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

Nathan Bennett Explains Why Japan Might Be Mountain Biking's Best Kept Secret Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

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

32" Wheel Debate, Sea Otter, Japan Loam Hunting & Mexico Street Race Builds May 27, 2026

Show notes

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

Matt Cipes: Marin Bikes Product Boss On The Future Of MTB & E-Bike Development May 20, 2026

Show notes

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

Wyn Masters Shares What Really Happened In South Korea May 13, 2026

Show notes

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

Martha Gill & Janelle Soukup On Pioneering Women's MTB While Keeping It Fun May 06, 2026

Show notes

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

Matt VanEnkevort, The CEO Who Revived Marin Bikes Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected