John Fernandes of Freeride Madeira

In 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 history, insight, and plenty to get you stoked on booking a holiday!


Watch on YouTube

Listen to The Ride Companion on Spotify

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

- 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


- 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


- 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.


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 
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