<figure class="hide-on-mobile wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="1000" loading="lazy" src="https://www.downtimepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ben-PullQuote.png" alt="Ben Hildred Quote" class="wp-image-6598" style="width:298px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.downtimepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ben-PullQuote.png?w=800&#38;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/www.downtimepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ben-PullQuote.png?resize=240%2C300&#38;ssl=1 240w, https://i0.wp.com/www.downtimepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ben-PullQuote.png?resize=768%2C960&#38;ssl=1 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This week we’re catching up with Ben Hildred.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You probably know Ben from what, on the surface, look like climbing challenges. Like his recent mission to climb 1 million feet in 100 days. But Ben’s story isn’t really about climbing.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">For one thing, he’s doing these challenges on flat pedals, aboard a bike built for enjoying the descents. The joy doesn’t come from the climb itself, it comes from the ride, the experience, and the places it takes him, physically and mentally.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Every time I chat with Ben, I come away wanting to ride bikes more, and this conversation was no different.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">So if you’re looking for a bit of motivation to get out and ride, hopefully this episode delivers. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Ben Hildred.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can also watch this episode on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@downtimepodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can follow Ben on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benhildred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@benhildred</a>.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Sponsoring Partners</h4> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Fox Racing</h5> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Fox have just launched a fully updated Flexair range of jerseys, pants, shorts and gloves. Their lightest and most breathable gear ever. You can check out the complete range over at <a href="https://www.foxracing.com/">foxracing.com</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Industry Nine</h5> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Industry Nine are well known for their system spoke, but did you know that using it increases impact resistance by 12-15%? What&#8217;s more, you can now get them paired up with We Are One&#8217;s tried and tested carbon rims. Check out what they have to offer over at <a href="https://industrynine.com/">industrynine.com</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Patreon</h5> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">I would love it if you were able to support the podcast via a regular&#160;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/downtimepodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patreon</a>&#160;donation. Donations start from as little as £3 per month. That’s less than £1 per episode and less than the price of a take away coffee. Every little counts and these donations will really help me keep the podcast going and hopefully take it to the next level. To help out, head&#160;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/downtimepodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-5ae144c7-14b5-4e04-b58f-3a001a2d5569">Merch</h5> <p id="block-929c7cb8-a9b9-41a3-b887-07fc1e214914" class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want to support the podcast and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. We now also have local manufacture for most products in the US as well as the UK. So check it out now over at&#160;<a href="https://www.downtimepodcast.com/shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">downtimepodcast.com/shop</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-5ae144c7-14b5-4e04-b58f-3a001a2d5569">Newsletter</h5> <p id="block-929c7cb8-a9b9-41a3-b887-07fc1e214914" class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want a bit more Downtime in your life, then you can join my newsletter where I’ll provide you with a bit of behind the scenes info on the podcast, interesting bits and pieces from around the mountain bike world, some mini-reviews of products that I’ve been using and like, partner offers and more. You can do that over at&#160;<a href="https://www.downtimepodcast.com/newsletter/">downtimepodcast.com/newsletter</a>.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-9cf194fb-0d65-4c18-b4d1-810b3588eb81">Follow Us</h5> <p id="block-75941b02-1535-4d75-a3c4-de5805163dae" class="wp-block-paragraph">Give us a follow on Instagram&#160;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/downtimepodcast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@downtimepodcast</a>&#160;or Facebook&#160;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/downtimepodcast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@downtimepodcast</a>&#160;to keep up to date and chat in the comments.</p> <p id="block-1ca2c366-5555-4870-8f84-8206ce834827" class="wp-block-paragraph">For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at&#160;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank">youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast</a>.</p> <p id="block-fa6264b1-1e8a-4e76-95b5-010100e3d354" class="wp-block-paragraph">Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to follow it. Episodes will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at&#160;<a href="https://www.downtimepodcast.com/follow/">downtimepodcast.com/follow</a>. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there.</p> <p id="block-7c4d5400-53d4-4af1-a751-0f0534cb3cf2" class="wp-block-paragraph">Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at&#160;<a href="https://www.downtimepodcast.com/episodes">downtimepodcast.com/episodes</a></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Photo &#8211; Callum Wood</p>