May 27, 2026

32” Wheel Debate, Sea Otter, Japan Loam Hunting & Mexico Street Race Builds

This week on The Ride Companion, Davi and Olly are finally back in the studio for a proper catch-up after a wild few weeks of travel and big life moments.

Davi breaks down the full California trip, from cruising the Pacific Coast Highway and visiting Sea Otter, to heading to Marin Bikes HQ and reflecting on a full-circle moment that started with a teenage dream of living in America. Olly shares the plans behind his upcoming Japan trip, why he’s obsessed with hunting perfect loam and why Japan might be one of the dream mountain bike destinations he’s been thinking about for years. There’s also a deep dive into the madness of building and testing an urban downhill/freeride course in Mexico, including extreme heat, huge crowds, cartel helicopters, Slavic’s wild crash, judging freeride runs, Sam Pilgrim, Bienve Aguado, Nikolai Rogatkin, Wes Sends and the future of young MTB talent. Plus, the lads discuss Sea Otter, Marin Bikes, the birthplace of mountain biking, baseball caps, riding shorts, job satisfaction, street racing and loads more...

Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion

This episode sponsors

- RX Sport: RX Sport are your one stop eyewear shop. From prescription sunglasses, to riding glasses and everything in-between. Use code TRC at https://www.rxsport.co.uk for a deal on Pit Viper products!

- LAKA Insurance: Don’t risk it, head to https://laka.co/trc to learn more and get 30 days FREE cover on us!

- Kecks → Get 10% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://kecks.co.uk/

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

Troy Lee Designs → 10% off with code theridecompanion at saddleback.avln.me/c/OzduCWvjtcOr

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/