Reece Wilson: From Factory Rider to AON Racing Team Owner, The State of Downhill & More
Reece 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 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 - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - 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 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
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2:13:34
Ben Plenge Opens Up About War, MTB Training and Mental Resilience
Ben 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 online training programmes. Code TRC will save you:- 30% OFF The Over 40s MTB Programme. This is for busy mid life riders who are getting back into fitness or training. Gym or home training options. One time purchase. thestrengthfactory.uk/over-40s-programme/ 50% OFF the first month of The Complete MTB Programme. This is a more performance focused programme for trail riders and enduro racers. 1 Week free trial then monthly subscription. Gym needed. thestrengthfactory.uk/complete-mtb-programme/ All programmes covered by a 100% money back guarantee, so you sign up completely risk free. Follow Ben on Instagram instagram.com/strengthfactory_coach/ BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at oneskin.co/ 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/ 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/ - 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 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
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2:15:09
Sam Reynolds Joins AON Racing! DarkFest 10th Anniversary Plans & Belt Drive Freeride?!
EXCLUSIVE: 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 better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE travel packs at drinkag1.com/RIDECOMPANION 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/ - 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 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
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1:10:42
The power of values, connection, and discomfort: Tom Pinchard’s advice for life
Tom 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 products with code 'RIDE' at https://huel.com/ 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/ - 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 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
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1:54:05
Losing, gaining, and swapping!?
Olly 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 - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - 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 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
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