Sam Reynolds is back in studio for a full DarkFest 2025 debrief! Sam shares behind the scenes stories about building the biggest freeride course on the planet, like the massive new Quarterpipe and the mind blowing progression of riders from this years event. We also talk about why DarkFest is the ultimate mountain bike safe space, how it stays true to the roots of freeride, what it’s like coming home after a week of madness, the future of the event, the Nutty P tradition, unique bike set-ups and Sam also teases out the giant lake jump planned for 2026.

BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors:

- Get 30 days of free cover on us when you sign-up to Laka with code RIDECOMPANION30 at laka.co/the-ride-companion. T&Cs Apply.

- Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at www.oneskin.co/

- Melon’s Kingpin, Alleycat and Alleycat S riding glasses are now available with Vantage photochromic lenses, featuring mirrored coatings and trail optimised tints. They automatically adjust to changing light, look insane, and mean you’ll never need to swap lenses again. Use code THERIDECOMPANION at melonoptics.com to get a FREE lens cleaning kit + a low light lens with your pre-order before May 1st 2025!

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

- 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