Adventure photographer Dan Milner has spent three decades turning a bike into a passport. From North Korea to Afghanistan, from camping among polar bears in Svalbard to being buried by a 10-day Alaskan blizzard, his career has been about chasing risk, chasing stories, and suffering for the photo. During this episode we get into the infamous 1994 MBUK self-timer 'selfie' that started it all, smuggling bikes onto gondolas in flip-flops, why real risk changes as you age, the strange normality of Pyongyang, bivvying through a typhoon with minders in polythene raincoats, and the wild beauty of Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.

Dan also opens up about leaving Chamonix after 24 years for a biodiversity project on the Isle of Skye, the demise of magazines versus short form content, mentoring the next generation, and where AI does (and doesn’t) fit into adventure storytelling.

We hope you enjoy the fascinating look into one of the world's most respected adventure photographers.

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:-

- WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com

- Talk it out with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/ridecompanion

- 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.

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

- 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

Swedish mountain bike royalty Anton Thelander is on the podcast! On this episode of The Ride Companion Anton talks about going from local skateparks and Sweden’s MTB school to Red Bull Phenom, a 4th place at Joyride and a Rampage debut before suffering the effects of burnout.

In this brutally honest conversation Anton opens up about Martin Söderström’s mentorship, Canyon signing, that first Red Bull helmet reveal and the tough years. Anton opens up about depression, losing contracts, moving back home, and how he started rebuilding with therapy, movement, a new toolbox for his mind, and finally rediscovering riding during covid.

Anton also talks about being back involved in slopestyle with a healthier relationship to the bike and a new purpose as a judge. He shares what judging actually looks like (the silhouette rule), why the trick economy is like learning Excel plus much more...

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Episode Sponsors:-

- WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com

- Hiplok → Head on over to http://hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS.

- 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!

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

- 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

Brendan Fairclough is back in the studio to reveal his gnarliest build ever and give us an exclusive first look at his wildest project yet, a 9m treehouse to under ground tunnel build we’ve (temporarily) named MTB OBLIVION.

We cover why Bren’s sitting out Rampage this year, the mental game of competing in Utah, who he’s tipping for the win (Godziek, TVS, Emil, Zink?), and the chaos of creating a viral freeride line on a shoestring budget in the Surrey Hills.


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

- It's winter/night riding time! Check out the brand new Six Pack 15 handlebar light & Zenith 4 helmet light at https://www.exposurelights.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

- 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

Loam hunting, superbikes, and downhill! This week Olly and Davi discuss why riders are obsessed with loam, World Superbike vs MTB, BMC’s possibly secret XC dropper tech, Olly talks about his trip to Les Gets to discover a new hobby, Ronan Dunne’s insane run and Theo Erlangsen winning the internet. We also talk Cerro Abajo in Italy, Billy Bolt’s Red Bull Tyne Ride, the future of urban racing, answer your listener questions and much more.

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Olly & Jono's Slovenia Holiday!

Episode Sponsors:-

- Hiplok → Head on over to http://hiplok.com/trc to claim your exclusive offer and keep YOUR bikes YOURS.

- Troy Lee Designs brand new stage pro knee guards are now live. Learn more at https://troyleedesigns.com

- 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.

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

- 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

Blake Samson (aka Zimblake) is on the podcast!! After nine years at GMBN, Blake opens up for the first time about what it was really like to be part of one of the world’s biggest MTB YouTube channels.

He takes us inside the “gold rush” early days, the reality of filming 365 videos a year, the sunshine shoots, idea sessions, thumbnail battles, and the relentless pace that nearly broke him. Blake also shares how Martin Ashton brought him into the fold, the story behind the legendary Bucket Bike, his approach to reaching audiences outside of MTB, and his surprising pick for the one bike he’d ride for life.

And as one chapter ends, Blake teases the next: going all-in on his own channel with a mix of MTB, outdoor builds, Jeeps, 4x4 adventures, camping, motorbikes, fishing, and big adventures still to come.

The Ride Companion Christmas Ride at BikePark Wales!

Olly & Jono's Slovenia Holiday!

Subscribe to Blake's YouTube!

Episode Sponsors:-

- Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk

- It's winter/night riding time! Check out the brand new Six Pack 15 handlebar light & Zenith 4 helmet light at https://www.exposurelights.com

- Inside this episode you'll find a paid advertisement from our new friends at BetterHelp. Talk it out with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/ridecompanion


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

- 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

Flying solo this week companionship! During this episode I decided to talk about anxiety (amongst other things). I wanted to share how my anxiety presents it's self, where I think it comes from, why so many of us feel it and what’s actually helped me manage it.

I also take some time to answer some listener questions around MTB origins, riding with pros, running in a new bike, ebikes, Billy Bolt’s Tyne Ride, fitness/bodybuilding, music, books, podcasts and more.

I don't find doing this easy AT ALL so, I hope you find some enjoyment from me putting myself through it!

Resources mentioned:-
The Anxiety Prescription (Russell Kennedy)
The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt)

Episode Sponsors:-

- WORX Tools → 15% off the full range with code THERIDECOMPANION: https://uk.worx.com

- Inside this episode you'll find a paid advertisement from our new friends at BetterHelp. Talk it out with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/ridecompanion


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

- 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

You're listener questions NEVER disappoint!
A proper mixed bag this week folks. No guest, just your amazing questions. We go deep on memories, first crashes, shrinking nuts, inspirations, dodgy tricks, bike tech, injuries, the price of bikes and even how many times we all poo in a day. Safe to say our listeners (YOU) are the best!

Episode Sponsors:-

- Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk

- Inside this episode you'll find a paid advertisement from our new friends at BetterHelp. Talk it out with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/ridecompanion


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

- 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

A classic TRC catch-up episode! ketchup theft confessions, weird words we can’t stand, gym guy etiquette, and chicken chaos… plus proper Red Bull Hardline debrief, from track walk insights to standout riders. Oh, and we somehow ended up talking about yoghurt, cleaning TikTok, and spa days for bikes. We LOVE doing these types of episodes!

Episode Sponsors:-

- Invisiframe → 15% off kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk

- 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.


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

- 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