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

Ben Plenge is in studio for a hard hitting banger of a podcast! 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... EXCLUSIVE 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. 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. thestrengthfactory.uk/complete-mtb-programme/ All programmes covered by a 100% money back guarantee, so you sign up completely risk free. Follow Ben on Instagram instagram.com/strengthfactory_coach/ BIG thanks to this episode's sponsors: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RIDECOMPANION at 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 long term partners: - Marin Bikes: marinbikes.com/gb - Focus Bikes: focus-bikes.com - HUEL: Get 15% OFF with code 'RIDE' at huel.com/ - 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