Rowan Sorrell is the founder, director, and head of trails at Bike Park Wales. In this episode, we sit down with UK mountain biking legend Rowan Sorrell to discuss everything from the evolution of mountain bike trail centres to becoming a World Champion downhill racer. Rowan shares stories from his early years, racing downhill in the sport's early days, and how modern bikes have dramatically improved the riding experience. We explore the founding and development of Bike Park Wales, drawing inspiration from the iconic Whistler Bike Park. Rowan provides insights into the intricate process of building and planning trails, addressing the early challenges of creating flow in trail design, and emphasising the importance of sustainable trail building. We also delve into the "no dig, no ride" ethos, the future of trail design, accommodating e-bikes at trail centres, trail advocacy, and more. Rowan shares his experience of becoming a Masters Downhill World Champion and unveils some exciting secret plans for Bike Park Wales. Follow Rowan Sorrell This episode's sponsors & News NEW MERCH! Get a limited edition TRC x TLD Long Sleeve here https://theridecompanion.co.uk/collections/frontpage Health is wealth folks so why not get optimised, cover your nutritional bases and probably ride better with AG1. Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D + 5 FREE travel packs at https://drinkag1.com/RIDECOMPANION Pre Ride Roast is BACK + You could WIN a Rocket Appartamento coffee machine, Rocket Gianinno grinder and 12 months coffee supply plus more worth of £2500! Simply head to https://dreamcoffeecompetition.avln.me/c/flbBeFQIhUtG to grab a bag of Pre Ride Roast and enter the competition! Support our long term partners - Nissan Vans: https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/primastar.html - Sign up to and follow The Race Companion: https://www.theracecompanion.com https://www.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/ - Peak Supps: Get 10% off the TRC bundle and everything on site with code 'theridecompanion' at peaksupps.co.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 & Engage 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