Wade Simmons on Rampage History, Judging and the Future of Freeride

The first ever Red Bull Rampage winner, Wade Simmons, joins Davi and Olly to talk Rampage history, judging and the future of freeride mountain biking. As Red Bull Rampage returns to its original venue for its 25-year anniversary, Wade takes us back to 2001 when nobody knew what the event would become, preparation meant pulling weeds, and he even crashed in his winning run!? The Godfather of Freeride shares his perspective on Rampage judging, why originality matters, and how to weigh huge tricks against steep, technical lines. We discuss Brendan Fairclough and Gee Atherton's riding, the risks of pushing progression, and what the next generation brings to the mountain. Plus, the story behind Wade's iconic Marzocchi truck gap, his decades with Rocky Mountain Bikes, the challenges facing the bike industry, starting Godfather's Garage, and whether professional mountain bikers now have to be content creators. We hope you enjoy this episode with one of the true legends of the sport. All the info and how to watch Red Bull Rampage 2026 here: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/events/red-bull-rampage Get early access & ad-free episodes → https://www.patreon.com/theridecompanion This episodes sponsors:- Exposure Lights → 10% off all 'off road' lights with code EXP@THERIDECOMPANION! https://exposurelights.com - GoPro → Save 10% on all GoPro cameras with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://prf.hn/l/EJdbMxV/ - Get 15% off Invisiframe kits, decals & more with code REFRESHANDRIDE: https://www.invisiframe.co.uk - Feedback Sports: https://feedbacksports.com You can also 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 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/ Kecks → https://kecks.co.uk use code THERIDECOMPANION for 10% off Feedback Sports: feedbacksports.com WORX → 15% off with code THERIDECOMPANION at https://uk.worx.com/aff/theridecompanion/ HKT Products → 10% off with code PODCAST at hktproducts.co.uk Follow The Ride Companion Instagram @theridecompanion YouTube @TheRideCompanion Olly Wilkins Instagram @odub_23 YouTube @owilkins23 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