Synopsis
Mountain bike & action sports podcast brought to you by HKT Products Ltd. We chat to the worlds biggest athletes, brand owners and personalities. In short, we chat to rad people and have fun whilst doing it! Enjoy.Share.Ride#listentothehktpodcast
Episodes
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Tom Fuller on Painting Helmets for Red Bull, Monster & Why He’ll Never Stop
18/06/2025 Duration: 01h37minTom Fuller is the co-founder of Image Design Custom and, the man behind the paint on some of the most iconic helmets in two-wheel sports. From Red Bull Rampage and the UCI World Cup, to motocross legends and movie stars like Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill, his work has quietly shaped the visual identity of action sports for decades. In this episode, Tom joins us to share his journey from painting helmets in his dad’s garage as a teenager to running Image Design Custom, the UK’s leading custom paint house. We cover how a single airbrush sparked a lifelong obsession, getting his big break with Red Bull, painting 21,000 phone cases a day for Nokia, and why helmet design is still all about the details. This is Kaos Seagrave like you’ve never heard him before. If you’ve ever admired a custom lid or wondered what really goes into them, this one’s for you... Learn more about Image Design Custom https://imagedesigncustom.co.uk BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - HipLok: Get 20% off the entire store with code RI
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Kaos Seagrave: Quitting World Cup Downhill, Going Full Freeride, Growing Up in FMD Racing & More
04/06/2025 Duration: 01h48minKaos Seagrave joins Olly and Davi for one of the rawest and most inspiring episodes of The Ride Companion yet. From racing World Cups as a junior to flipping 90-foot jumps at Darkfest, Kaos opens up about the exact moment he walked away from downhill racing, the mental battles behind the scenes, and what it really takes to go full freeride. He shares what it was like growing up alongside his sister Tahnee, how their family built FMD Racing from the ground up, and what it meant to be hand-picked for Deathgrip 2. We also dive into his dream of riding Red Bull Rampage, the challenges Europeans face getting invited, and why freeride gives him more purpose than racing ever did. This is Kaos Seagrave like you’ve never heard him before. BIG thanks to this episode's 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 - Laka Bike Insurance → 30 days FREE with cod
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Why Rob Warner Opened Up on The Ride Companion (Olly Wilkins x Just Ride Teaser)
01/06/2025 Duration: 04minIn this honest and emotional clip from the Red Bull Just Ride podcast, Rob Warner shares why The Ride Companion was the place he chose to open up about his autism diagnosis for the first time. He reflects on the powerful moment he called Olly and said, “I need to do it, mate — I’m going to lay it all out there.” That episode became a major turning point, not just for Rob, but for listeners who resonated with his story. What started as a casual lockdown podcast became a safe space for real talk, deep connection, and conversations that genuinely matter. Watch Olly Wilkins on Just Ride here: https://youtu.be/58WH7VjSU0c?si=ak5czCsvLtmuX9VF Listen to Just Ride here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5U4Ke8BkUH9zEg95RVH4EX?si=a4bebba4c6a244e3 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 - Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - Pl
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DJ Zesty: Young, Wild & Freeride
28/05/2025 Duration: 01h34minDJ Zesty (Andy Lehmann) is in studio! Olly and Davi sit down with DJ Zesty to hear how a jump bike and a patch of woods in Swinley led him to building world class freeride courses in Queenstown. Andy shares his journey through the UK trails scene, competing in Dirt Wars, digging for Natural Selection, living out of a van, surviving medical trials to fund trips and now, signing to the DMR Pro Team with support from YT Industries. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Do you get hangry? 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. - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses. Use code THERIDECOMPANION at melonoptics.com to get a FREE lens cleaning kit + a low light lens with your order! (trail enhancing tints) -
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Ben Smith: From Troy Lee Intern to HipLok Founder, Building a Global Brand from Scratch
21/05/2025 Duration: 01h46minBen Smith is the co-founder of HipLok. Ben joins Olly & Davi in studio for a deep-dive into his journey from working at Troy Lee Designs in California to launching one of the most innovative bike security brands in the world. During the episode Ben opens up about how the idea for HipLok was born, the early struggles of building a brand from scratch, the reality of product development and manufacturing, and how global trade issues like tariffs and certification standards are affecting the industry. Ben also shares what it was like designing gear during the golden era of MTB at TLD, why bike theft is on the rise, and how HipLok’s anti-angle grinder tech is pushing the boundaries of what's possible and much more... Use code THERIDECOMPANION20 at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion for 20% off! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at https://my.laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply. - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and All
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We're Increasing Downhill World Cup Prize Money by 30%
14/05/2025 Duration: 01h23minThis episode has serious old school TRC vibes! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Olly and Davi discuss everything you need to know heading into the 2025 downhill World Cup season. Including team moves, breakout picks, fantasy tips, and some insights from the inside. We also announce ourselves as the unofficial World Cup podium sponsor... we're Increasing World Cup Prize Money by 30% by giving an extra £1,000 to any rider who shouts out The Ride Companion on the podium... will anybody do it? During the episode we also discuss Bernard Kerr’s pre-season crash and what it means for his year, why have Gates offered up the $100,000 prize?, Our top fantasy MTB picks for round one, Rachel Atherton rumours, finding passions, Olly's Slovenia trip, is MTB too expensive and loads more! Don't forget https://www.theracecompanion.com is now live! You can sign up and play for FREE to win epic prizes, create leagues with your mates and take your downhill fandom to the next level! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors
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Roger Vieira: A true privateer World Cup downhill story, NEVER giving up.
07/05/2025 Duration: 01h45minRoger Vieira is in studio to share his incredible story! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Roger joins us in the studio to talk about his journey from growing up in Brazil to chasing the World Cup Downhill dream as a full on privateer. He opens up about the financial realities of racing, why his first ever World Cup at Fort William lead him to take a year off, and whether it's even possible to compete as a privateer after the recent changes. We also dive into Roger's new found success on the Red Bull Cerro Abajo circuit, what it takes to go fast on an urban race course, his bike setup secrets, what the future looks like for the wildest series in MTB, Red Bull Hardline and much more... If you weren't a Roger Vieira fan before watching this podcast then we're sure you will be by the end! Don't forget https://www.theracecompanion.com is now live! You can sign up and play for FREE to win epic prizes, create leagues with your mates and take your downhill fandom to the next level! BIG thanks to this episo
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Sam Reynolds: DarkFest 2025 Debrief & Building MTB’s Ultimate Safe Space
30/04/2025 Duration: 01h04minSam Reynolds is back in studio for a full DarkFest 2025 debrief! Sam shares behind the scenes stories about building the biggest freeride course on the planet, like the massive new Quarterpipe and the mind blowing progression of riders from this years event. We also talk about why DarkFest is the ultimate mountain bike safe space, how it stays true to the roots of freeride, what it’s like coming home after a week of madness, the future of the event, the Nutty P tradition, unique bike set-ups and Sam also teases out the giant lake jump planned for 2026. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply. - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/ - Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses, featuring mirrored coatings and trail optimised tints. They automatically adjust to changing light, look insane
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Davi cycled across the UK, Red Bull Featured insanity, space travel & more...
23/04/2025 Duration: 01h36minOn this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi talks about his recent Trans Pennine Trail adventure. He shares what it’s really like riding across the UK, the accidental insane setup, the kit he took, and advice for anyone wanting to attempt the ride. The lads also chat about Katy Perry going to space, being featured by Red Bull, Olly riding the new BikePark Wales trail with Rob Warner, Tai Woffinden’s crash, WrestleMania, 50 Shades of Clay, and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/ - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally comple
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The Melon Mukbang with Jono Jones & Ben Deakin
16/04/2025 Duration: 01h28minIt's a full house in the new studio! Jono Jones and Ben Deakin join Olly and Davi after a long day of filming the new Melon Optics photochromic lens launch video. During the episode the lads talk about the hilarious days filming at Rogate Bike Park, Jono talks about racing the Red Bull Cero Abajo in Mexico, his boxing career, quitting banking to help build the Mavrix video game with brother Matt Jones and Deaks shares his number one piece of advice after 460 races. There's also talk about Rob Warner’s secret hair transplant, Domini's pizza, sea level and loads more... It's low energy episode due to the long day but we hope you enjoy the hang! BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Hiplok Exclusive TRC Offer! Get a FREE Jaw+ compact bike rack & Z Lok security tie with any 1000 Series HipLok purchase (excl. BR1000 bracket). Simply use code THERIDECOMPANION at checkout at hiplok.com/the-ride-companion - LIMITED COMPEX OFFER! Get 20% off the Compex Ayre Boots and Fixx Mini with code TRC20 at compex.co
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Our new studio, Olly's wild Mexico street race build and a £XXXX water bill
09/04/2025 Duration: 01h40minWe’re back...and in a brand new studio! (building site) Olly and Davi sit down for a long overdue catch up. Olly shares stories from his Red Bull Cerro Abajo Guanajuato street race build trip, trail adventures in Madeira, and the shock of receiving a ridiculous water bill while he was away. The lads also chat about the new studio space, ancient pyramids, the Telepathy Tapes, Davi’s holiday, saving old people – and loads more... BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Want to take your productivity up a couple of notches!? Magic Mind have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code RIDE20 at checkout. You can claim it at magicmind.com/ride20 - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes, so you can focus on what really matters...biki
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MTB World News LIVE: Darkfest, Downhill Broadcast Discssion, Ai and More...
26/03/2025 Duration: 01h15minHang out with Davi live on YouTube to discuss downhill broadcast changes, AI, DarkFest and much more... - Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at https://www.oneskin.co/ - Do you get hangry? Want an easy way to tick your daily nutritional needs? Support the show and get 15% OFF HUEL products with code 'RIDE' at 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. 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 - Nissan Vans: nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - 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 - Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs a
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John Fernandes of Freeride Madeira on the highs and lows of building a mountain biking paradise
19/03/2025 Duration: 01h17minIn this episode Olly sits down with John Fernandes, co-founder of Freeride Madeira. John takes us through the wild journey of turning a passion for trail building into a global MTB hotspot, hosting the Enduro World Series, Trans Madeira, and welcoming some of the biggest names in the sport. The lads discuss how Jacob Gibbins’ iconic photos and Brendan Fairclough's first visit helped put Madeira on the map, the behind-the-scenes madness of shooting DEATHGRIP, and what it really takes to maintain over 200km of hand-built trails across the island. John also shares what it was like hosting the EWS, the brutal reality of trail building, why other companies aren’t pulling their weight when it comes to maintaining the trail network, how Brandon Semenuk managed to end John’s relationship! Finally John talks about what’s next for Freeride Madeira, including new eMTB trails, jump lines, and the epic expansion of Trans Madeira to a whole new island. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding in Madeira, this one’s packed with h
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Tahnée Seagrave on Rediscovering Her Love for Riding, Speedsuit Controversy & FMD’s Factory Future
05/03/2025 Duration: 02h05minTahnée Seagrave is on the podcast! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Tahnée Seagrave reflects on the highs and lows of her career, from five years of injuries and nearly stepping away from racing to rediscovering her love for the sport. She opens up about the mental challenges of recovery, the impact of concussions and burnout, and how self-talk and mindset shifts helped her return to the top. We also discuss some of the big talking points in downhill racing, including the Speedsuit that debuted in Fort William, the fairness of protected rider status, and whether the new UCI points system is helping women’s MTB. Tahnée also talks about FMD becoming a factory team, the state of women’s downhill, whether junior riders are getting enough time to develop and much more... Follow Tahnée Seagrave on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tahneeseagrave/ BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Invisiframe are offering TRC listeners an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF their wide range of PPF kits, decals, bike wash and their
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Scott Beaumont: What REALLY happened to 4X, 30 years of pro racing lessons and more...
26/02/2025 Duration: 01h58minScott "Boom Boom" Beaumont is on the podcast! In this episode of The Ride Companion Olly and Davi sit down with the BMX, downhill, and 4X legend to take a deep dive into his wild 30 year career. From growing up in a motorsport racing family to pioneering 4X and fighting to keep it alive, Scott’s got some unbelievable stories. We chat about why 4X got mysteriously dropped from the World Cup calendar, how close it was to becoming an Olympic sport, and the behind-the-scenes drama that nearly killed it. Plus, Scott breaks down the art of getting (and keeping) sponsors, what it takes to stay at the top for decades, racing Shaun Palmer, Brain Lopes and many more in the early days and what’s next for the sport. Follow Scott Beaumont on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beaumontracing/ BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: 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 drinkag1.com/
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Reece Wilson: From Factory Rider to AON Racing Team Owner, The State of Downhill & More
19/02/2025 Duration: 02h13minReece Wilson is in studio for a well overdue podcast! Former Downhill World Champion Reece Wilson joins the podcast for a deep dive into his career so far, from his switch from motocross to downhill to the highs and lows of racing at the elite level. We discuss his decision to leave a secure factory contract to build his own team, Aon Racing. Reece opens up becoming a part owner of GAMUX, the challenges of building a race program from scratch, insights in to the evolution of training for downhill, dealing with major injuries, and his thoughts on the future of the sport under Warner Bros. Discovery. Plus, much more... Follow Reece Wilson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reecowilson/ Follow AON Racing on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aonracing_/ BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: - Everybody needs a WORX Hydroshot and some power tools, right? Get 15% off all WORX tools at https://uk.worx.com when you use code THERIDECOMPANION - Invisiframe are offering TRC listeners an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF
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Ben Plenge Opens Up About War, MTB Training and Mental Resilience
12/02/2025 Duration: 02h15minBen Plenge is in studio for a hard hitting banger of a podcast! On this episode of The Ride Companion Ben Plenge opens up about his past in the British Army, sharing intense war stories from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Battle of Danny Boy, one of the most brutal British military engagements in recent history and the war crimes inquiry that followed years later. Beyond his military past, Ben breaks down the biggest myths in MTB training, explaining why most riders are training wrong and how certain high-intensity workouts could be doing more harm than good. He shares practical advice on recovery, cold plunges, and why focusing on the “other 23 hours” of your day matters more than you think. If you’re preparing for a multi-day MTB event, Ben reveals the most common mistake that wrecks riders before they even start, outlines the three essential pieces of equipment for building the perfect MTB gym and much more... EXCLUSIVE OFFER Take your riding to the next level in 2025 with one of Ben's
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Sam Reynolds Joins AON Racing! DarkFest 10th Anniversary Plans & Belt Drive Freeride?!
09/02/2025 Duration: 01h10minEXCLUSIVE: Sam Reynolds drops into the studio to announce he’s signed for Reece Wilson’s AON Racing team! In this episode of The Ride Companion, we dive into why he made the move, his custom GAMUX bike with a Gates belt drive, Pinion gearbox, and Manitou Dorado forks, and whether it’s ready to tackle DarkFest’s massive jumps. Sam also talks about the state of freeride, industry struggles, and whether young riders are missing out on opportunities. Plus, fatherhood, risk vs. reward, and his biggest-ever flip at Matt Macduff’s compound. And with DarkFest’s 10th anniversary on the horizon, we talk new quarter pipes, pushing limits, and how freeride has evolved over the past decade BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Invisiframe are offering TRC listeners an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF their wide range of PPF kits, decals, bike wash and their new protective coating with code 'theridecompanion' over at invisiframe.co.uk Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride bet
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The power of values, connection, and discomfort: Tom Pinchard’s advice for life
29/01/2025 Duration: 01h54minTom Pinchard is a coach who helps people and businesses figure out what really matters, get clear on their goals, and create a solid plan to build the future they want. On this episode of The Ride Companion, Olly and Davi sit down with Tom to tackle some of life’s biggest questions: Do we get more uncertain as we age? How can we figure out what we really want in life? Why are men struggling with isolation, and could community and connection be the answer? Tom also shares practical strategies for identifying belief systems, stepping out of your comfort zone, and setting boundaries that align with your core values. This one’s a bit different for TRC, but we reckon there’s loads of value in it. Let us know what you think! You can learn more about Tom's work at https://www.tompinchard.com BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Want to turn your mental performance and clarity up to 11? Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with our link: https://www.magicmind.com/companionjan HUEL: Get 15% OFF all HUEL prod
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Losing, gaining, and swapping!?
22/01/2025 Duration: 01h32minOlly and Davi are back in the studio for their first podcast of 2025! In this episode of The Ride Companion, Davi chats about his new bike sponsor, talks about losing his best mate, Jay the dog, and comes up with a new term: "Christmas guilt." Olly gives an update on his Sicilian flat project, talks about checking out UK Arenacross, and the lads introduce a fun new game called TRC Swap Shop. BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Want to turn your mental performance and clarity up to 11? Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with our link: https://www.magicmind.com/companionjan With all these pro rider insights you're going to want to recover like a pro too! Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at https://www.compex.com/uk/ Invisiframe are offering TRC listeners an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF their wide range of PPF kits, decals, bike wash and their new protective coating with code 'theridecompanion' over at https://www.invisiframe.co.uk Support our long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb -