The Ride Companion TRC Media House

Rowan Sorrell is the founder, director, and head of trails at Bike Park Wales.
In this episode, we sit down with UK mountain biking legend Rowan Sorrell to discuss everything from the evolution of mountain bike trail centres to becoming a World Champion downhill racer. Rowan shares stories from his early years, racing downhill in the sport's early days, and how modern bikes have dramatically improved the riding experience. We explore the founding and development of Bike Park Wales, drawing inspiration from the iconic Whistler Bike Park. Rowan provides insights into the intricate process of building and planning trails, addressing the early challenges of creating flow in trail design, and emphasising the importance of sustainable trail building. We also delve into the "no dig, no ride" ethos, the future of trail design, accommodating e-bikes at trail centres, trail advocacy, and more. Rowan shares his experience of becoming a Masters Downhill World Champion and unveils some exciting secret plans for Bike Park Wales.

Follow Rowan Sorrell 
 
This episode's sponsors & News
NEW MERCH! Get a limited edition TRC x TLD Long Sleeve here https://theridecompanion.co.uk/collections/frontpage


Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE travel packs at https://drinkag1.com/RIDECOMPANION


Pre Ride Roast is BACK + You could WIN a Rocket Appartamento coffee machine, Rocket Gianinno grinder and 12 months coffee supply plus more worth of £2500! Simply head to https://dreamcoffeecompetition.avln.me/c/flbBeFQIhUtG to grab a bag of Pre Ride Roast and enter the competition!  
Support our long term partners

- Nissan Vans: https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html

- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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

Olly and Davi sit down for a well overdue catchup. During the episode the lads discuss having loser vibes, all things Red Bull Hardline including the gap jump conspiracy, Ronan Dunne and Bernard Kerr's runs and more.

The lads also talk about Poland and Leogang world cup races, Backyard Battle and lots more...
 
This episode's sponsors & News
NEW MERCH! Get a limited edition TRC x TLD Long Sleeve here https://theridecompanion.co.uk/collections/frontpage  
With all these pro rider insights you're going to want to recover like a pro too! Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/


Every mountain biker needs a WORX Hydroshot, especially this time of year. Get 15% off all WORX tools at https://uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION  
Support our long term partners


- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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

Joe Barnes is finally on The Ride Companion podcast!
On this episode Joe sits down with Olly and Davi to discuss his new film, The Rare Folk. Joe also talks about growing up in Fort William, The Dudes Of Hazard, racing downhill, signing for Canyon, the spirit of enduro, Christmas number one attempts, what it's like to have a photographic memory, building rut tracks, fatherhood and much more...
 
This episode's sponsors & News
NEW MERCH! Get a limited edition TRC x TLD Long Sleeve here https://theridecompanion.co.uk/collections/frontpage  
Crankworx Innsbruck is back for its 8th edition and heats up the Austrian Bike summer once again in Mutters at Bikepark Innsbruck. Play Fantasy slopestyle at theracecompanion.com/ get tickets at crankworx.com/innsbruck/ and catch all the action LIVE on Red Bull TV.


Every mountain biker needs a WORX Hydroshot, especially this time of year. Get 15% off all WORX tools at https://uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION  
Support our long term partners


- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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

Luke Wallace is a former professional rugby player for the Harlequins.

Olly and Davi sit down with Luke to accidentally announce his retirement from professional rugby. During the episode Luke delves into his journey turning professional, public school scholarships, winning the premiere league and playing in front of 80,000 fans, the unwritten rules of rugby, and overcoming injuries with rigorous recovery and concussion protocols. Luke also talks about his new favourite hobbies which include Jiu-Jitsu and track cycling (Luke's watt bike numbers are UNREAL) along with opening up about what the Harlequins club means to him and offers valuable advice for young athletes and much more...
Follow Luke Wallce https://www.instagram.com/lukey_wallace/
 
This episode's sponsors & News
Crankworx Innsbruck is back for its 8th edition and heats up the Austrian Bike summer once again in Mutters at Bikepark Innsbruck. Play Fantasy slopestyle at theracecompanion.com/ get tickets at crankworx.com/innsbruck/ and catch all the action LIVE on Red Bull TV.

Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE travel packs at https://drinkag1.com/RIDECOMPANION 


Peak Supps: We want to make supplementing for riding as easy as possible with The Ride Companion bundle. It contains everything you need for pre/post ride, recovery and hydration and, you can get new sticker sheet for free too! Head to peaksupps.co.uk and use code ‘theridecompanion’ for 10% off. (*Discount code not available on other bundles, discounts and weights)  
Support our long term partners


- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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

What does it take to become a 4 time SuperEnduro world champion?

Billy Bolt makes his first ever appearance on The Ride Companion to chat with Olly Wilkins about his journey to becoming a 4 time SuperEnduro world champion. During the episode Billy opens up about his upbringing in Newcastle, injuries, Red Bull Tyne Ride, signing for Factory Husqvarna, races he wants to win, 2 stroke vs 4 stroke, vlogging, electric dirt bikes, training and much more!

Follow Billy Bolt on Instagram
Subscribe to Billy Bolt on YouTube
 
This episode's sponsors & News
The world’s toughest and most progressive downhill mountain bike race, Red Bull Hardline returns to Wales on 1st – 2nd June 2024, marking its 10th anniversary in the iconic Dyfi Valley. Play fantasy Hardline & watch LIVE here https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/events/red-bull-hardline-uk 

Every mountain biker (and enduro rider) needs a WORX Hydroshot, especially this time of year. Get 15% off all WORX tools at https://uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION

Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE travel packs at https://drinkag1.com/RIDECOMPANION 


FOCUS Spring Deals are NOW LIVE! What would you do with up to 400€? Pasta? New kit? New helmet? Tyre supply for 2024? The focus spring deals are on and you can grab up to 400€ when buying a new bike! Check out the terms, conditions and all the details in the link below https://ride.focus.bike/springdealstrc (Only available in Germany, Austria, France and Spain)  
Support our long term partners


- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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

Rob Weaver has been a mountain bike journalist for over 18 years and has a deep expertise of bike testing and all things mountain bike tech. On this episode Rob talks about his path to working in the bike industry, what it takes to be an un-biased and thorough bike tester, milestones in bike design, the history of Mountain Biking UK and so much more....
 
This episode's sponsors & News
We're about to drop new merch but you HAVE to be on the mailing list for first dibs! Head to theridecompanion.co.uk to sign up! 

Crankworx returns to Cairns on May 22nd - 26th and of course you can be play fantasy Crankworx at theracecompanion.com/ and watch all the action live on Red Bull TV! Tickets are still available and more info can be found at https://www.crankworx.com/

With all these pro rider insights you're going to want to recover like a pro too! Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at compex.com/uk/


Take your MTB fandom to the next level and have some horses in the events, You can also head over to theracecompanion.com and play our fantasy downhill and slopestyle games where you could be in with the chance of winning EPIC prizes!

FOCUS Spring Deals are NOW LIVE! What would you do with up to 400€? Pasta? New kit? New helmet? Tyre supply for 2024? The focus spring deals are on and you can grab up to 400€ when buying a new bike! Check out the terms, conditions and all the details in the link below https://ride.focus.bike/springdealstrc (Only available in Germany, Austria, France and Spain)  
Support our long term partners


- Sign up to and follow The Race Companion:
https://www.theracecompanion.com
https://www.instagram.com/theracecompanion


- 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/


- Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code ‘theridecompanion’ at  peaksupps.co.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 & Engage

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