The Ride Companion

Latest Episodes:

Roger Vieira Breakthrough Season Review, Street Race Wins & Factory Future Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

Roger Vieira is back on The Ride Companion and this time it's a completely different chapter! Roger Vieira & Pivot Factory Racing was one of the best stories to come out of the 2025 season. Last time Roger sat in the studio he was questioning whether a factory ride would ever happen, then just weeks later he found himself in Poland racing a brand new bike with barely any testing and suddenly living the dream he'd chased for over a decade. In this episode we unpack that entire whirlwind year, the real difference between "puzzling" as a privateer and "dialling" as a factory rider, battling imposter syndrome, learning to trust the data and the team, and how mindset plays as big a role as fitness. We also dive into Roger's massive Genova street race win on the Pivot Firebird, why that result meant so much to him and the team and how it helped prove he truly belonged at factory level. To top it all off, Roger reveals he's now secured a two year Pivot Factory Racing deal, quit the day job, and is heading into his first ever proper off-season with Queenstown, California and Supercross trips on the horizon. This is one of those full circle Ride Companion stories that we couldn't be more proud to be a part of it. BORA BORA!! The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Hiplok → Head on over to http://hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS. - Looking for a new car or van and don't want to deal with dodgy dealers? Check out https://www.cargurus.co.uk - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: 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 - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

- Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs at athleticgreens.com/RIDECOMPANION - Compex: Get 20% off with code 'THERIDECOMPANION' at compex.com/uk/ - Worx: Get 15% off with code 'THERIDECOMPANION' at worx.com - LAKA: Get 30 days of FREE insurance with code 'RIDECOMPANION30' at laka.co - HKT Products: Use code 'PODCAST' for 10% off the entire site.

Follow Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion 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 #TheRideCompanion #mountainbiking #mtbpodcast

The Speed Episode Gets Weird (Again) Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

This week's episode is a quick-fire catch up with Davi and Olly as they race the clock, talking winter riding, long johns, sauna chats, Facebook Marketplace rabbit holes and getting properly hyped for The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales.

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - For a limited time, our listeners get 60% off FOR LIFE AND 2 Free Gifts at Mars Men when you use code RIDE at https://mengotomars.com/ - Looking for a new car or van and don't want to deal with dodgy dealers? Check out https://www.cargurus.co.uk - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

Lando Steezy: The Real Story of How Cycling Saved His Life Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Lando Steezy (Leo Smith) has one of the rawest and most inspiring stories we've ever had on The Ride Companion. From growing up homeless, losing family members, watching friends fall into crime and addiction and nearly going down the same path himself, to discovering BMX and eventually becoming one of the most recognisable and influential riders in UK mountain biking, his journey is unreal. In this episode, Lando opens up about his turbulent childhood in Macclesfield, the moment that changed his life at 14, the friends he lost along the way, and how riding became his escape and ultimately his purpose. He talks about the first viral TikTok that blew up overnight, nearly turning down an Anthill Films shoot because he didn't know who they were, and how his partner pushed him back onto social media when he'd lost the love. We dig into representation in MTB, the crossover between wheelie culture and mountain biking, his creative work outside of riding, the grief and anxiety he's learned to manage, and why gravel bikes have become such a big part of his life. This is one of the most honest and powerful conversations we've recorded and we're massively grateful to Lando for being so open. We hope you enjoy the episode.

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - For a limited time, our listeners get 60% off FOR LIFE AND 2 Free Gifts at Mars Men when you use code RIDE at https://mengotomars.com/ - Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

Olly's Brutal Injury & Davi's INSANE Amazon Purchases Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

We're back for a long overdue catch up episode folks!

We're back with a long overdue catch-up episode! Olly and Davi dive into the current state of the podcast, what the future might look like, and the chaos that's been happening behind the scenes. Olly breaks down his recent injury and how his foot photos somehow blew up on Instagram, while Davi reveals the wild rabbit hole of TikTok led Amazon purchases he's fallen into. The lads also get into Meta glasses, night riding, finding community, motivation, AI music, and loads more. The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - For a limited time, our listeners get 60% off FOR LIFE AND 2 Free Gifts at Mars Men when you use code RIDE at https://mengotomars.com/ - Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at https://huel.com/. Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel — nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters… biking. Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

Tom Isted: Inside Red Bull Rampage 2025 (Judging, Building, Injuries & More) Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Tom Isted is back on The Ride Companion! Fresh from Red Bull Rampage 2025, Tom stops by the studio to break down every detail of his time in the Utah desert — from building his line and flipping flat drops, to navigating event politics and dealing with the fallout from Adolf Silva's crash. Tom shares how he manages risk, his honest take on judging, and what it really takes to earn respect at freeride's biggest event. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories about his dig crew, surviving the chaos, and balancing family life while being one of the world's most versatile mountain bike riders. We hope you enjoy the episode.

Adolf Silva's Road2Recovery page: https://www.road2recovery.com/athlete-causes/adolf-silva/

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Hiplok → Head on over to http://hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS. - Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at https://huel.com/. Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel — nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters… biking. Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

Rob Warner talks Red Bull Rampage, ADHD, new music career and more... Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Rob Warner is back on The Ride Companion!

In this episode, Rob joins Olly and Davi to talk about his first ever trip to Red Bull Rampage, what it was like to finally see the venue in person, the true scale you can't capture on TV and what it feels like watching riders hit massive freeride lines for the very first time. The lads also dig into the harsh realities of athletes pushing big-mountain freeride and action sports to the absolute limit.

Rob opens up about living with ADHD and autism, how it feels being so publicly outspoken about it, and how commentary helps him find flow state. He also reflects on his recent ADHD diagnosis film series, shares details about his new projects, a Viking death-road film in the Scottish Highlands, a rap collab in New York, and the long-awaited return of the Egg Cult with The Whole Egg-chilada.

This is classic Warner, we hope you enjoy the episode! Adolf Silva's Road2Recovery page: https://www.road2recovery.com/athlete-causes/adolf-silva/

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com - Looking for a new car or van and don't want to deal with dodgy dealers? Check out cargurus.co.uk Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

Gee Atherton: Bottling Fear, Mindset, Hardline Future & The Crash That Changed Everything Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

The legend, Gee Atherton is on the podcast! In this episode Gee opens up like never before. From bottling fear and the brutal lessons of the Knife Edge crash, to the mindset shift that's carried him from World Cup Downhill racing into big mountain freeride projects. We get into the story of Atherton Bikes and why the family had to start their own brand, why having a World Cup race team was non-negotiable, and what it really takes to build a bike/brand with his family. Gee talks about the future of Red Bull Hardline, why the course has to keep getting bigger, faster and gnarlier, how fear bonds the riders together, and whether it's spawning a brand new discipline: Super Downhill. He also reflects on Rampage (two 2nd places), why walking away from a feature hurts more than crashing, and shares the training hacks that keep him riding at the top level after decades of injuries. Gee teases a brand new edit that almost required him to ride in a stab proof vest and his next big-mountain project in Nepal. This is a rare look inside the mindset of one of the sport's most iconic characters, this episode is unmissable and we hope you enjoy it. If you do, share the episode with your friends! Gee's latest project drops here @AthertonRacing The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - Troy Lee Designs brand new stage pro knee guards are now live. Learn more at https://troyleedesigns.com/products/sp24-stage-pro-knee-guards-solid-black - Looking for a new car or van and don't want to deal with dodgy dealers? Check out cargurus.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 - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

Duncan Ferris on The Psychology of Trail Building, 4X Racing and More Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Trail boss Duncan Ferris is on the podcast! Duncan Ferris has lived two MTB lives: from 4X racer and World Cup track builder to shaping the UK's most ridden bike park trails at BikePark Wales. In this episode, Duncan takes us from the Bristol BSX scene, to building World Cup 4X tracks like Schladming, Vigo and Villingen and finally chasing down the National Champs jersey after 20 years. We dive deep into trail building psychology, why braking bumps form where they shouldn't, why variety in a crew is essential and how riders unlock creativity on a trail. Plus Duncan shares the BikePark Wales origin story, the dream project that became Vanta with Red Bull and Laurie Greenland, wild tales of dynamite on trail builds and digging up grenades. We hope you enjoy this episode with one of the true legends of UK mountain biking. The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Hiplok → Head on over to hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS. - Ride more for less with BPWs weekday uplift bundles. You can treat yourself to a bundle of 2,4,6 or 10 uplifts. Valid for use 12 months from the date of purchase so you can rest assured you can rip the UK's biggest bike park as much as you want! bikeparkwales.com/uplift-bundles Please note: Bundles cannot be used to make multiple bookings on the same date. - WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: uk.worx.com - Looking for a new car or van and don't want to deal with dodgy dealers? Check out cargurus.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 - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

Phil Atwill Talks Style, Mental Health, Team Management, Downhill and More Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Phil Atwill is on The Ride Companion Podcast! In this episode, Phil joins Olly and Davi to talk about his incredible career (so far), from making riding fun at Aston Hill and earning his first pay cheque as a pro, to dealing with injuries, pressure, and the infamous 2017 hardtail World Cup protest run. He talks about his long-standing relationship with Propain Bikes and how it inspired the creation of the Propain Positive Team, his move to Greece, and why he's so dedicated to growing the local MTB scene. Phil also opens up about the state of downhill racing, mental health, and balancing competition with creative projects like Flow State 2. Along the way we dive into urban downhill madness, his honest thoughts on Rampage, the "prison bus" team van, product development with sponsors, and even some strong words for British Cycling plus much more... The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:- - Pedros Tools → These are the best tools folks, no question. You can check out their range of bike specific torque tools, multitools and more at https://apex-dst.uk and use code theridecompanion for 15% off everything on site! - Troy Lee Designs brand new stage pro knee guards are now live. Learn more at https://troyleedesigns.com/products/sp24-stage-pro-knee-guards-solid-black - Hiplok → Head on over to http://hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS. 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 - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

Red Bull Rampage 2025 Preview (with Brendog) Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

Join Brendan Fairclough, Olly Wilkins and Davi Birks as they preview the Red Bull Rampage 2025 mens rider list.

You're not going crazy either, this is an excerpt from our recent episode with Brendan Fairclough. WIN a Troy Lee Designs D4 by playing fantasy Red Bull Rampage at theracecompanion.com for free! 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 - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - Hiplok: https://hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Play Fantasy Downhill at The Race Companion: theracecompanion.com instagram.com/theracecompanion - Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

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