Ben Plenge Opens Up About War, MTB Training, and Mental Resilience

Ben Plenge is in studio for a hard hitting banger episode!

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...

Watch on YouTube

EXCLUSIVE STRENGTH FACTORY 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. https://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. https://thestrengthfactory.uk/complete-mtb-programme/  

*All programmes covered by a 100% money back guarantee, so you sign up completely risk free

Listen to The Ride Companion on Apple Podcasts

 

Listen to The Ride Companion on Spotify

BIG LOVE to this episode's sponsors, please support them if you can!

 - OneSkin discount code: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at https://www.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 partners

- Nissan Vans nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html
- Troy Lee Designs Get 10% off Troy Lee Designs with code 'theridecompanion' at https://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
Caldera Lab: Get 20% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at calderalab.com
Worx: Get 15% off with code ‘THERIDECOMPANION’ at worx.com 
DU/ER: Visit https://shopduer.com/ to learn more
LAKA: Get 30 days of free insurance with code ‘RIDECOMPANION30’ at laka.co
HKT Products: Use code ‘PODCAST’ for 10% off the entire site.

 
Other ways to support The Ride Companion

Grab merch from here on this website!
Subscribe to the clips channel
Subscribe to Olly's channel

Most importantly don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE wherever you choose to listen and SHARE with your mates! 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published