The Ride Companion

TRC Media House
  • 4.7 (95)
  • Wilderness
  • Weekly

The mountain bike podcast that sometimes forgets to talk about mountain bikes... Hosted by Olly Wilkins and Davi Birks #theridecompanion

  1. 1d ago

    Is Olly Banned From Whistler?! Rampage, Hardline and Cologne

    Davi and Olly are back for a long overdue catch up! On this episode the lads chat about their Whistler trip, Red Bull Rampage and Red Bull Hardline. Plus, we're getting closer to our new studio, TRC has won BikeBiz Cycling Media of the Year, and Olly has some strong opinions about perfume adverts. A massive thank you to everyone who watches, listens and supports the show. This award belongs to the companionship too! Join us for the TRC Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales on 12 December! See Davi at Kendal Mountain Festival Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ - CarGurus → Don't get ripped off while searching for a new car or van. Check out https://www.cargurus.co.uk and take advantage of all their amazing features to make car buying simple. - 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 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

  2. Oct 21

    Rémy Métailler Talks Risk, Viral MTB Clips & The Reality of Being a Pro Rider

    Rémy Métailler joins Davi and Olly in Whistler to tell the story of how an unknown bike fan from France built one of the most successful careers in mountain biking. Rémy explains how a one year working holiday in Canada turned into a completely new life, how riding Whistler's secret gaps first got him noticed and why he never originally believed he was good enough to become a professional rider. Rémy shares his remarkably calculated approach to risk, the reality behind his most dangerous viral clips, why he walked away from racing and how he balances progression against the consequences of getting injured. Rémy also opens up about the business behind being a professional mountain biker, his fear that the career could disappear, working with sponsors, creating content and the surprising amount of time he spends away from the bike. Plus, Rémy shares his best GoPro and POV filming advice, reveals why he considers himself terrible with technology and explains why beating Jackson Goldstone on a dirt bike feels so satisfying. Enjoy folks! Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ - Housecall Pro → Save time and win more jobs! For a limited time only, our listeners get 50% OFF base plans for their first 3 months when you head to https://www.housecallpro.com/RIDE  - Exposure Lights → 10% off all 'off road' lights with code EEXP@THERIDECOMPANION! at https://exposurelights.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 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

  3. Oct 14

    Luke Hontz Shares What's Really Happening With adidas Bike and Five Ten

    What's really happening with adidas Bike and Five Ten? Senior Global Product Manager Luke Hontz joins Davi and Olly to explain the new adidas mountain bike shoe range, the arrival of the three stripes and the thinking behind Five Ten's next chapter. Luke shares how Greg Minnaar spotted a 1mm difference in an earlier Hellcat shoe that the factory initially disputed, why Dakotah Norton breaks supposedly unbreakable shoes and how feedback from riders including Danny MacAskill and Brendan Fairclough helps shape the finished product. We also explore flat pedal versus clipless shoe design, Stealth rubber, BOA protection, toe impact protection and why muddy shoes changed the way Luke approached development. Along the way, Luke tells the story of his journey from BMX racing and working in bike shops to landing a dream job at Five Ten and adidas. The new adidas bike range includes the Freerider, Freerider Pro, Freerider Pro BOA and the first-ever Freerider Pro BOA Clipless, with consumer availability scheduled for March 2027. You can keep up to date here https://www.adidas.co.uk/cycling Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ 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

  4. Oct 7

    Wade Simmons on Rampage History, Judging and the Future of Freeride

    The first ever Red Bull Rampage winner, Wade Simmons, joins Davi and Olly to talk Rampage history, judging and the future of freeride mountain biking. As Red Bull Rampage returns to its original venue for its 25-year anniversary, Wade takes us back to 2001 when nobody knew what the event would become, preparation meant pulling weeds, and he even crashed in his winning run!? The Godfather of Freeride shares his perspective on Rampage judging, why originality matters, and how to weigh huge tricks against steep, technical lines. We discuss Brendan Fairclough and Gee Atherton's riding, the risks of pushing progression, and what the next generation brings to the mountain. Plus, the story behind Wade's iconic Marzocchi truck gap, his decades with Rocky Mountain Bikes, the challenges facing the bike industry, starting Godfather's Garage, and whether professional mountain bikers now have to be content creators. We hope you enjoy this episode with one of the true legends of the sport. All the info and how to watch Red Bull Rampage 2026 here: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/red-bull-rampage Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - Exposure Lights → 10% off all 'off road' lights with code EXP@THERIDECOMPANION! https://exposurelights.com - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - 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 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

  5. Oct 4

    Thomas Genon Reveals What It REALLY Takes to Ride Red Bull Rampage

    Thomas Genon joins Olly and Davi in a Whistler hotel ahead of Red Bull Rampage 2026 for a deep dive into what it really takes to ride the biggest freeride mountain bike event in the world. Tommy G has spent more than a decade at the highest level of mountain biking, from winning Red Bull Joyride and becoming FMB World Champion to establishing himself as one of the most experienced riders in Red Bull Rampage history. In this episode, Tommy takes us inside his preparation for Rampage 2026, including training for enormous spin drops, choosing and building a line in Utah, dealing with fear and risk, the difficulty of judging Rampage and why the event looks completely different when you're standing on the mountain. Thomas also reveals how two time Rampage winner Brett Rheeder unexpectedly became part of his 2026 dig crew, reflects on finally reaching the Rampage podium in 2025 and explains what it was really like entering the event without a bike sponsor. The conversation also dives into Tommy's slopestyle career, winning Red Bull Joyride, the evolution of freeride, social media, sponsorship, his favourite Rampage runs and why he believes the perfect Rampage run needs to combine technical riding, creativity, tricks and big mountain freeride. We hope you enjoy this episode and sorry for the bad quality. Blame Davi. All the info and how to watch Red Bull Rampage 2026 here: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/red-bull-rampage Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - Exposure Lights → 10% off all 'off road' lights with code EXP@THERIDECOMPANION! https://exposurelights.com - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/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 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

  6. Sep 25

    The Whistler Companion!

    We're in Whistler courtesy of adidas bike. We sat down in a terrible podcast set-up to talk about our experience so far, riding the iconic trails, our track walk with Brendan Fairclough and Josh Hill and loads more! Get a deal on a GoPro Mission HERE and get 10% off with code THERIDECOMPANION Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - SKS Germany → Learn more about SKS products and the new shock pump at https://www.sks-germany.com/en/  - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/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 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

  7. Sep 16

    Riders Are Destroying Their Own Bike Parks?

    Davi and Olly are back together to discuss the serious issues at S4P Bike Park, whether Red Bull Cerro Abajo could take mountain biking mega mainstream and their upcoming trip to Whistler for the UCI Downhill World Cup. In this episode Olly explains what has been happening at S4P Bike Park, and why after years of personally investing time and money into the trails the is under serious threat of closure due to anti social behaviour. The lads also talk Red Bull Stuttgart Cerro Abajo. Olly shares what it took to build the urban downhill course, what it felt like to see the streets packed with spectators and why urban downhill could become mountain biking's answer to Supercross. There's also a full preview of the upcoming Whistler trip, including Davi taking the cheapest Marin Alpine Trail to the world's most famous bike park, Olly travelling with an e-bike, the return of World Cup downhill to Whistler and the content they hope to create while they're there. Let us know what you want to see from Whistler and nominate someone from your local riding community who deserves to be recognised as a TRC Igloo Trail Boss below! Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - SKS Germany → Learn more about SKS products and the new shock pump at https://www.sks-germany.com/en/  - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/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 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

  8. Sep 9

    Roger Vieira on Factory Racing, Winning Cerro Abajo & Chasing a World Cup Podium

    Roger Vieira is back on The Ride Companion during the best season of his life... In this episode, Roger explains how Bernard Kerr's injury ultimately opened the door for him at Pivot, what life inside a factory downhill team is really like and whether factory support has actually made him faster or, simply given him the opportunity to show the speed he already had. Roger breaks down his first proper factory supported off-season, testing with FOX in California, riding in Queenstown, changing his approach to training and working with Bernard Kerr to improve some surprisingly specific weaknesses in his riding. We also get deep into the mental side of World Cup downhill racing. Roger explains the 'red zone vs blue zone' approach he's using with his mental coach, why World Cup qualifying creates so much pressure and what goes through his head in the seconds before leaving the start gate. Roger also explains why urban downhill brings out a completely different mentality in him, why he loves the Red Bull Cero Abajo series so much and the intricasies of downhill street racing. Once again, Roger delivers with great insights. We hope you enjoy the episode. Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors: - SKS Germany → Learn more about SKS products and the new shock pump at https://www.sks-germany.com/en/  - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/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 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

See All (477)

4.7
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

The mountain bike podcast that sometimes forgets to talk about mountain bikes... Hosted by Olly Wilkins and Davi Birks #theridecompanion

Information

  • Creator
    TRC Media House
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    477
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved, TRC Media House 2023
  • Show Website
    The Ride Companion

You Might Also Like