Matt, Many thanks for taking the time and effort to record and post your amazing achievements it's given me inspiration and a goal for years to come in my cycling adventures. Thank you and I will continue to follow your latest quests.
Thank you three for making the past several weeks so thoroughly fulfilling, stimulating and fun. You have stirred imagination and opened eyes to possibilities. Thank you for your regular Vlog updates and beautiful videos, showing the good, the bad, and the ugly, the beauty spots and the warts. That’s a beautiful gift. I understand your loss of words, Matt, at the end of a biking adventure-journey, especially when done solo over weeks to months. My brain becomes a jumble of memory-emotions. I found my normal loquaciousness stunted and strained, as I tried to convey in words ineffable, my experiences, feelings, joys, trials, self-questioning, triumphs and failures. It’s really weird. One find himself a little lost and purposeless for a few days or weeks following one of these reality breaks away from daily mundanities. Even close family and friends’ eyes glaze over after a few moments or a few pictures of the trip, and you realize words can’t describe a transcendental experience of this sort. Often only another risk-taking adventurer who is comfortable being uncomfortable and unscripted will understand. Anyway, thanks. Even as a passive viewer I feel sad, joyous, enthused, and motivated as this story ends. What more can you ask of an author?
Thanks. I really appreciate all the support I've received and I enjoy reading all of these comments. I'll slowly get used to normal life but am already planning the next trip which helps. I can also watch my own videos and re-live the experience which is nice. Thanks for following along 👍
I remember graduating from basic training in the Army. I and a bunch of other young recently-become-men had spent 8 weeks sweating in the Alabama summer, enduring the heat and humidity, the exercises and training, the constant stress and verbal abuse of drill sergeants. Each day was hell, and each night was tossing and turning because another day of hell started at 5 am. We took each day as it came, sweating until our clothes and boots were white with dried salt, always starving, always short of sleep, and always wishing that we hadn't done something as dumb as enlisting in the Army. Then, one day, it was over. I had been counting down the days until graduation, but when the day finally came, instead of feeling elation, I felt a huge sense of emptiness. The worst moment was in the bus as it pulled out of the gate, and leaving behind the place where I had spilled blood, sweat, and tears, and which would leave an influence on me that I would remember for the rest of my life. The only real solution was to move on to another challenge, and, for better or worse, that is what the Army did; basic training was only a small appetizer of what the Army eventually dished out to me. But since those days, adventures have been few and far between, and I think it's time to put on my boots (or grab my bike), and go out and find another.
Although I haven't come close to the levels of hardship you describe, I think it's completing these challenges is always bittersweet. I hope you manage to get back out for some new adventures. Maybe not quite so challenging as the army. Cheers 👍
Same. Marine corps boot camp 1999. It was pure hell and torture going thru it but now I look back at it as if it were the best days of my life. Being pushed to your limits is the only way to live. I now enjoy life when I am tested more than when I am sedentary and content. Go get it!
what a great bunch of guys and interesting to watch. im 50 and just getting back into riding, ive shed 2 stone in weight and building up my stamina, first 10 mile i done, i ached for days, but im still using an old Reynolds 501 Raleigh Mirage from 1989 :) lol
That was most epic. I binge watched the series over the weekend, and was a little sad when it was all over (why do good things have to end!). This debrief was absolutely awesome. You are a good bunch of guys. 👍
Thanks. It's nice to hear that you enjoyed the series. I'm already planning the next trip. I'm itching to get back on the bike. Thanks for the support 👍
I've watched a lot of content creators film the GDMBR, and yours was the best. I loved your honesty and humor. Definitely will be watching more of your content.
Thanks. If you decide to do the sustrans LEJOG I highly recommend extending it from John O'Groats to island hopping in the Orkneys to cycling the length and breadth of Shetland until the very north of Shetland. I myself added about 1000 miles at the end of the 1000 mile LEJOG. Basically LEJOG got better and better the further north and the islands are very beautiful and were my favourite section. I loved the magnificent desolation. I also was a quick convert, having been a hiker and done all but one of the Wainwrights I switched to cycling and really enjoy the Goldilocks speed of bike-packing.
Congratulations to all of you! It is a long, hard ride. In some ways as or more psychological than physical. I rode a middle half of it in 2019 (Kalispell, MT to Kremmling, CO) and all of it in 2022. Thought I was done with it, but it gets in your blood. Watching your videos makes me think about riding at least sections of it again. I don't know that there is really anything else like it. Happy trails and adventures!
I agree completely. It definitely gets in your blood. I miss the trail already. If I lived in the US I imagine I'd be planning to ride a few sections again too. Cheers 👍
Amazing achievement. Just proves you can do whatever you set your mind to. I can see you obviously have more excitement and adventures ahead. Brilliant to watch and gave me lots of smiles. You should be very proud of yourself 😊 Great to see you boys had each other to share the highs and lows.
Matt i have enjoyed every episode so much you have taken us all on an truly memorable adventure!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Can't wait to tune in to the nxt one 👍
There's no way that will work I'm afraid. I don't know how you'd manage. 12km is no where near enough range. Do you definitely mean 12km or was that a typo?
Well Done to ALL OF YOU!. It was a pleasure to watch your progress, the way you backed one another up, and shared the experience. Genuinely great, positive, fascinating to watch, Good luck to you all, thanks for sharing!!!!!
Hearing this conversation is priceless. Enjoyed the full length trip and all the follow up videos. Thank you for sharing and it’s now something I may consider because of your experience.
Congratulations on a job well done! I"ve been thinking about doing the GDMBR for some time. I would love to do it next summer I'm 66 and have sleep apnea, so I've got to get clever. Nice to see older folks still going at it. Mat...you're not an older guy yet. I look forward to watching your next adventure. Question...what was the date that you started and would you start on a different date should you do it again? Thanks.
I hope you manage to get out here next summer. It's an amazing trail and I know you'll enjoy it. I can imagine the sleep apnea will be a challenge. Good luck and if you have any questions mail me at matryder2@gmail.com. cheers 👍
Hi Mat! I came across your 2+ hour adventure film on your ride. Loved it! ❤ Now watching your 21 full segments now. I appreciate your opinions and observations on your trip. I love your sarcastic type of humor, I would be the same way! Your guy Ross did a great job with the editing. I'm glad I could do the ride through your lens. I look forward to more biking adventures with you. Thank you! Cheers! 🍻
I just loved this follow up with the guys. Thank you all for sharing and encouraging each other, and the world. I summited Quandary Peak this summer. 14,271. I'm 61 and the weather looked good and I said...I'm going to do it. And I did. So who knows what the next adventure might be. Thank you again!
Bravo!! Firstly, congratulations and major kudos on your outstanding achievement, Mat! Superb video - and the pithy Welsh commentary was just priceless! My advice re Tour Aotearoa echoes your own re GDMBR...'if you're thinking about it, just do it'! (Mind you, I might recommend the Sounds2Sounds even more strongly...!) As I'm (an ex-pat Scot) in NZ, I would be honoured to bike alongside you for some of the TA, should that eventuate. Hoping to do GDMBR myself mid-2025...my resolve has hardened since following your epic journey (& had already invested in Pinion/Gates by way of Priority 600X!)
Not “rambling nonsense” at all Matt…the GDMBR is the 4th long distance ride I’ve done and like you, I’m always at a loss for words when asked”how was the trip”… just long pauses to try ad define it in a few words. I like the discussion with your fellow riders post-finish. Well done!
Thanks. In case I haven't already said it, congratulations to you too. It's good to hear from somebody who knows how difficult it is to describe the GDMBR. Thanks again for the support 👍
Mat : you crafted one of the most sober, grounded and informative TourDivide videos I've seen. The cycling community should be most grateful for your efforts.
I was thinking while watching the movie that you really could have used a tarp. Something that most people wouldn't think of is that a tarp can catch a lot of rainwater, which isn't 100% dependable, but it can give you an advantage when ground water is scarce. Some people think it's dangerous to drink rainwater, but they also think that snakes are everywhere as soon as you leave civilization. Snakes are definitely out there, but they aren't everywhere. I drink rainwater all the time and have never had a problem.
Good job man. You really did the whole dam thing!!!!! So far I've done a few overnighters but I wasn't keen to go more than 2 hops away from home yet. I'm planning to do a few wintery over nights this winter but you've inspired me to really do it next time around. Thank you so much for sharing.
Great watching your videos of the ride. I had the opportunity to finish the GDMBR in the year I turned 60. Did it over 3 Septembers in a row because of work commitments I had at the time. Loved watchhing you rollinto and through that I recognised. Brings back so many memories, most of them good. Yes there were some days from Hell but that is how adventure goes. Congratulations to the three of you for sharing.
Thanks. The rough days disappear from memory but the good ones stay with you. I might have ridden the route in sections if I lived in the US. One month at a time sounds good to me. Thanks for following along 👍
You look the same after the ride as before. You're actually very human, very real. This is good. Thanks for not being all decked out in lycrai need to go back and watch the whole trip, those 2 guys you were with were very informative. Great video.
Congratulations on completing the route. I glad that I found this channel for a couple of reasons. One, I like the bike you rode on the GDMBR, and I want get one myself. My only other option was a priority 600adx. Two, I'm 47 next month, I want to ride the GDMBR too before I get too old or health issues come up. I'm definitely planning on riding this within the next three years.
Thanks so much for making the effort to film this series. I’ve watched every minute. I’m planning to do the trail in 5years when I’m 40 and the kids are a bit older. Legend
🤣🤣🤣 I nearly replied with some obscenities but thought it may have been a mistake. Definitely. I can't think of any sections where you couldn't recharge within 120km.
Just subscribed as been watching your Canada to Mexico. I’m 51 and been riding mountain bikes for the past 3 years and wanting to bike pack but just didn’t have the nerve. You have given me the confidence to do a shorter version of this. Try the Outer Hebrides. Has beaches like the Maldives. 👍👍
That's great to hear. I'm sure it will all go well. I'd love to hear how you get on. My email is matryder2@gmail.com I'll look up trails in the Outer Hebrides. Cheers
Thank you very much for taking us along on the ride! Your talk here at the finish was very inspirational, good job. I'm heading out on my first bikepacking trip next spring, in no small part due to this series.
Loved the chat. Its great how good people find each other. Hope we get to hear from Bill and John in the future.Thanks Mat for all the videos. Very inspiring. Just got back from a relatively tame 1800kms on the Ronde van Nederland and now looking for more adventures. Turning 70 next month so better get to it. Best wishes from Australia.
Hi. I just took a look at the Ronde van Nederland. Looks good. I'm putting a list of rides together for the future. Interestingly, I'm going to be on that route for a small section as part of an extended loop I'll be riding in December. I hope I'm still out riding at 70. Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures The RvN was amazing. From the long coastal rides, forests, farmlands and beautiful little towns-it was all great. Everywhere the people were so friendly and helpful. I camped every night and made many friends. Highly recommend it.
Mat we absolutely loved watching your adventure. Thank you for all the great video and making it look enjoyable. I am retiring in December and I am excited to try some bikepacking. I’ve got some small trips planned in Texas.
I imagine there are some great trails in Texas. I'm sure you'll really enjoy bikepacking. In my experience it's the best way to explore. I'll be interested to hear how you get on. Congratulations on retiring!!!
Hey Matt, thanks for the entertaining videos! Husband and I are looking at riding this in a year or two. I'm wondering if you listen to music on your rides? I think I may need such a boost on some of those big flats and climbs, but I've never got into it. Thanks! (from NZ).
Hi. I hope you make it out there. I didn't listen to any music on the trail. I occasionally listened to audio books but only around 2 hours in total. I think music on big ascents and road sections is a good idea. I'm sure it would have given me a boost too. Cheers 👍
I just finished watching your aventure through the GDMBR and wanted to thank you for your human, no-BS approach. I am planning on riding in 2026 so I will definately re-watch later on and take your lesson learned into consideration. Looking forward to follow you on your next adventures. Would love if you did a video on how you plan your filming/drone shots as I try to get better at documenting. Thank you!
Hi. I'm glad you liked that series. You're going to love it out there. Roll on 2026. I hadn't considered a video about the filming aspect. I'll think about that. If I'm honest, I'm still learning and I tend to film way too much stuff, throw it all at my friend/editor Ross and he does all the work. I am working on refining things and will make a video about it in the future. Cheers 👍
Hi Matt My wife and I have decided to do GDMBR in 2024 and came upon your videos on RU-vid doing some research. Very interesting . Have walked the Te Araroa trail in NZ and also bike packed the Tour Aotearoa route last year as well. We just spent 2 months biking from Amsterdam to Bratislava along Rhine and the Donau and totaly enjoyed all of it. I myself am a convert from multi day hiking to bike packing . Good luck with your next adventures will look out for them. Cheers😅
You'll love it out there. Good luck for 2024. I'm planning on getting out to New Zealand in 2025, either for a long hike or to do the Tour Aotearoa. Either looks amazing. I would also like to explore Europe more. Your recent ride sounds interesting. Cheers 👍
Sir, Your experience is not limited, you finished the the GDMBR. I have pedaled a total of 50 miles this past weekend on my first adventure, my butt feels like it is going to fall off. I enjoy your input and will consider your thoughts/input greatly.
50 miles for a first adventure is good going. I hope it all went well. I know that 'butt falling off' feeling. It gets better... Cheers and thanks for watching 👍
I am planning on doing the tour divide in 2024. Had planned on trying to complete it in 30days. After watching your ride 30days is just way too rushed and just not enough time to take it all in. I’m not interesting in racing. 50 or 60 days way more realistic to take in the sights. Glad I stumbled on you videos. Great effort Mat.
I'm glad I didn't rush. I spoke to lots of people who were rushing through it and most of them were a bit jealous that I could take so much time. You'll.love it. Good luck for 2024. Cheers 👍 .
Mat, I really enjoyed this series. I stumbled across your channel when I was searching for DIY bikepacking bags and found your video showing off your sewing handiwork. As I fell deeper into the rabbit hole of bikepacking research, I learned about Pinion/Gates drives and that Gates has an app to help in proper tensioning of the belt. From the Gates carbon drive app description: "Just pluck your belt like a guitar string and use the microphone on your phone to read the vibration frequency." I hope that might help you with your setup and prevent your belt coming off so frequently. -Craig
Cheers Craig. I've had a go with the Gates app and it definitely helps. My issue was more to do with alignment. I think I have it set up correctly now. I'm glad you enjoyed the series. Cheers 👍
My wife and I binge-watched your videos over the weekend. We really enjoyed them and found them informative. We are planning on doing this ride in the next couple of years. May I suggest a ride in British Columbia called the BC Epic 1000. It goes from Merritt to Fernie (1000 km). Most of it is on old railroad bed that has been converted to trail. Thanks again for the great content
I'll definitely look into the BC Epic 1000. I'd love to get back to BC. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm glad you enjoyed the videos and I hope you make it out onto the GDMBR. I loved the whole experience. Cheers 👍👍
Hi Mat ,did I see in one of your videos that you slept at El Paso Airport because of an early morning flight? I have a 7am flight out of ElPaso and looking into going to the airport latish and staying over etc…
They kicked us out at around midnight. They blamed COVID restrictions but I find that suspect. Luckily you can sleep outside, which I did with no problems.
Hi Mat. I learned about the GDMBR about a month ago. Now I've binge-watched your video series on the GDMBR. Awesome adventure. I love how open you are about how you feel during the trip. That's both educational and inspiring. I dream of riding the GDMBR in two years. Next year I'll have to try out some shorter bikepacking trips to experiment with equipment and experience how it is to ride with the extra weight. Thanks for this great video series, it's a true inspiration!
Thanks. I'm glad you.enjoyed them. I hope you make it out there. It's incredible. It's a good idea to get used to the extra weight. I should have tried out more shorter trails. Thanks for following along 👍
Massive well done guys ..hope you can do something together again ..looking fwd to seeing your trip home Mat and some adventures in the UK Atb Coops 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🚴🚴🚴
How long did you ride before meeting up with Bill and John? I think your situation was ideal; begin alone and meet up with like minded individuals along the way. I don't think I'd like being alone for that long, and would be afraid to take someone for fear of them not being "into it" (they just come because I asked them).
I agree completely. If you start with somebody you feel duty bound to stay with them. When you meet people along the way you stay with them for the right reasons. I started riding with John just before we got to Wyoming. I met Bill in Salida. Riding with the right people definitely adds to the experience. Cheers 👍
Well done for completing and for filming and sharing your journey. Take my hat off to you for mental toughness and ability to learn about diet and fluid needs as you went along. Just watching your old videos before we watch this GDMBR again...waiting impatiently for your next big adventure...nag..nag...nag like an old woman
🤣🤣 I've experienced way worse nagging than that!! I'm planning my next trip already. It won't be as big as this one but should still be interesting. At least this time I'll have learned that I need to eat and drink more from the beginning. Thanks for watching...twice 👍👍
Great stuff. Loved the chats and well done for completing the ride! Really interested on how you feel about having done the GDMBR and how few about getting back into “normal” or “real” life. Although that life should be the “real” one. Looking forward to the next video and how you are feeling. How do you manage to get the time away?
I'll be filming some follow up videos so will address the 'getting back to real life' issue. I feel pretty good. I'm lucky in so much as I have a nice Normal life so, provided I have another trip planned I'm feeling good. Also, this whole RU-vid thing is really helping. It's an exciting challenge. I luckily have a very flexible job so I can work as and when I want which helps. Thanks for commenting .
Matt thanks for making me laugh so hard, following your ride this past week, you are so very entertaining. Thanks for sharing with us all. Also thanks for the saddle recommendation, have a Ergon SMC Sport Gel ordered and on the way!
Hi. It's nice to hear you enjoyed this series. It was a truly amazing ride. I love the Ergon saddle. I think the gel version will be ultra luxurious. Cheers 👍
What a great series thank you for taking me on the adventure with you. I’m actually disappointed that its over because I really enjoyed it. congratulations on completing this epic journey. This is my bucket list ride that I’m hoping to complete in the next 2-3 years what would be a realistic budget to set for riding it over a 40 day period if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks again what a treat this series has been. Your series and Van Duzer are my top 2 currently. Looking forward to more of your adventures.
Thanks. I hope you make it out there..I'm.certain you'll love it. Funnily enough, I've just filmed a video where I talk about budgets etc. It should be out on Monday 18th. It's difficult to be precise but I think that video will help. Thanks for following along 👍
I had the app which guides you on the tension by listening to the frequency of the noise when you twang it! Unfortunately I was getting inconsistent readings from it, and only realised when I got home that it was because my alignment was out, meaning the tension varied as the wheel turned. I have had no issues since I fixed this 👍
I want you to do it again. Heck I want to do it. Loved the series, commentary and humor. How old are the 3 of you.. if that's ok to ask. Im 56 and never bike packed, but really want to. Cant decide what bike. So many choices.
I want to do it again too! I'm 50, Bill is 53 and John is 67. You're about in the middle so you should go for it. There are a lot of choices but you don't need to spend a fortune. If I can do it anybody can...Cheers 👍
Amazing trip and so fun to watch. You constantly amazed me, the miles you did on the absolute shit food you filled your body with! Made me alternately laugh and cringe. But hats off to you for all the extra effort needed to film like you did. I absolutely loved it all
Cheers. I definitely didn't eat well....I've learned my lesson, I think. We'll see if I revert once I'm back out on a longer trail. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 👍👍
Super enjoyed watching your trip you had with Bill and John . Already started watching it again . May I suggest for your next trip the Tahoe Twirl trail for next year .
Hi. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully you will second time around too...I just googled the Tahoe Twirl trail. It's on my list. Thanks for the recommendation 👍
Hi Matt, I've just finished watching all your videos of the trip and must say a very well done. 👌 I found it very inspirational and have definitely got this ride on my to do list. Once again a very well done👏
Great Q/A about that awesome trip. I hope you guys would stay together for more good trips. Adventure's are always the greatest when shared with friends. Many thanks for video
Very nice ending to a great adventure. I did Banff to Missoula and only 10 days riding, at the end I was filled with emotions and had a hard time going back to civilization 😅. Again, I enjoyed the videos and the stories, thank you again and a big cheers from Southern California!
You rode an amazing section..I loved it up there. I'm starting to get used to civilization again but am already planning the next trip..thanks for following along 👍
If you were a few days slower you could have finished with Laughlin Morton who just broke the record (unofficially due to film crew etc ) He did it in 12 days. Once again well done and looking forward to your future adventures
Thanks Matt, a totally amazing trip to follow along too. Its not often you find a jem of channel like this. I watched the whole trip in the last two weeks. I hope your next adventures fill your memory box a little further and you continue to take us along with you. Atb jay.
Thanks Jay. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip. I'm planning some more smaller trips and will definitely be getting them out on RU-vid. I really enjoy the whole filming process. Cheers 👍
Such inspiration. Envy you with the patience you had riding your bike. Two months riding is just overwhelming. Great adventure and thanks for bringing is along!
Up the trail, water and food, sounds just like the cave man, no other worries, well maybe a woman but ya, no other worries, must be hard to go back to reality.
Top effort Mat, what an unbelievable experience it must have been. Amazing scenery and footage. Thanks for sharing. Thoroughly enjoyed every episode, relaxed genuine presenting style, dead pan humour, No fake drama or click bait. Looking forward to watching your future adventures. Cheers
Hi. Thanks for that. I appreciate the support. It was an incredible trip and I really enjoyed the whole filming process so will definitely be filming the next adventure. Cheers 👍
The hardest part is coming home with all the superpowers that you have developed within yourself while traveling but no one else did while they stayed home…it’s not their fault but it’s hard to adjust to…it’s difficult to hang onto the superpowers but that’s what memories are for…I was always sad a few days after each ride ended. Love those monster rides and you do rush the first ride but none after that. Looking forward to watching your trip in USA…
I know exactly what you mean. I came back feeling superhuman but it soo. Goes once you're back in normal life. I'm looking forward to the TransAm and getting back into that life. Cheers 👍
Just finished the whole series - What an adventure that was!! It was great to share it with you. Hope you’re about to set out on another soon, and that Ipswich doesn’t feel too hum drum in comparison. I guess there is adventure to be had wherever you seek it.
It was an amazing trip. Thanks for watching it. I have a few smaller trips planned and am in the planning stages for some bigger ones too. I'll definitely be putting them all on RU-vid. I really enjoy the whole filming process. Cheers 👍
It's a Columbia Silver Ridge Lite long sleeve shirt. I really liked it. Lots of ventilation and it survived the whole trip. Still has plenty of life in it.
i watch all the GDMBR videos anyone posts. your mix of in town, store, hotel and the nature was the best i have seen. do wish there was less face time and more scenery time even if you are talking. very well done sir.
That is good to hear, I hope it comes across that if I can do it then anyone can! My next video will be aimed towards anyone thinking of giving the GDMBR (or a similar ride) a go, so hopefully that will be of interest to you and a few other commenters. Thank you for watching 👍
Seriously this whole trip was the best thing ive seen on RU-vid. Loved it. What a really nice genuine bunch. Hope you all get 2 ride again sonetime in the future
Thanks. It's genuinely amazing to hear that you liked this series so much. I hope we all manage to meet up for another trip too. There's no reason why not. Cheers 👍
Excellent series. I just finished it up and found every episode entertaining and compelling. I rode the GCDR (what I call it) south to north in 2022 on a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle, and followed roughly the same route. Technically I started in El Paso, to Columbus, and got on the proper route in Silver City. I called it complete enough when I got to West Glacier and went through GNP to Billings where I flew back home from. I was amazed on our trip how many cyclists I saw. Easily outnumbered the number of motorcyclists 20 to 1. I found it fascinating and it honestly was one thing that got me interested in riding bikes which I started doing about a year ago with an entry level gravel bike. Anyway, I really enjoyed following your trip because aside from what a great job you (and Ross) did with creating this series, and the fun watching your experiences, I got to see a lot of the areas I didn't get to - or a slightly alternate route, and also to recognize so many of the same spots and roads. And oh yes, we hit the nasty, slick mud in NM near Pie Town... I loved every episode and subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more. Appreciate it.
Your version of this trip sounds amazing. I saw a few motorbikes out these but no Royal Enfield's. I'd love to go motorbike touring over there. I haven't owned a motorcycle for over ten years but I'm getting the itch!! Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures if you are curious here's my video series of that trip. Cheers! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1wnbJfQncV4.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
Awesome series. It was great to hear John and Bill's thoughts. One thing I would say is.... I wish you had done more recordings of the interactions you had with people. I know you said you didn't want to put the camera in people's faces, but that's a big part of the trip. I feel Americans get a bad rap in the world of the internet, and as you've shown, they are great people and very kind. An idea for you. Maybe do a short 15 min cinematic movie of the whole trip taking the best parts and drone footage with no talking and just some ambient music. That would be great 👍
I will aim to capture more of the interactions. Like you say, Americans are amazing, friendly, helpful people and it would have been nice to show. I'll get braver! I love your idea for the cinematic drone movie. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers 👍
@matryderadventures I've never been to America and would love to do this ride. It's definitely a trip of a lifetime for most people. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see the route in case I never get to do it myself. 👍
So, it really is finally over 😢 You have an ideal and excellent quality bikepacking bike so no need for further expense there, just fine tune the kit for next time (although some of the failed items had been through the mill so maybe don't be TOO harsh in the kit review video 🙂). On your next long trip you will appreciate realising that taking longer to have time to sit about is a game changer regarding enjoying the trip, soaking up the surroundings. It's also a de-stresser as then you also spend less time worrying about if you can make it to your next port of call 'on time'. Thanks to Ross for his time and effort spent in his editing suite and thanks for the post ride chat, I really enjoyed it 🚴♂️👍
Thanks Tony. You're right, the bike definitely did well. I just have a few changes to make. I've already ordered a front rack. You're also right about the failed gear. Most of it has seen more than a lifetime of use already. I'll bear that in mind. Time to plan the next trip. I'm looking forward to trying a slower approach....... Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures looking forward to seeing your next trip. If you want any ideas about routes in the north of England or anywhere in Scotland then I'll be glad to assist. Thanks again for a great series 🚲👍
I'm really not sure.New Mexico is a hard place to start. I think I would still go Southbound but would definitely give myself more time. Thanks for commenting 👍
My wife and I really enjoyed this series. She never watches my biking stuff so that says a lot! I had my hip replaced almost 3 weeks ago so this was great entertainment and motivation. Already been biking just a bit. I started wondering which direction might be favorable on the GDMBR for prevailing winds to reduce headwinds? I've been working on my set-up for a bit as well, always a work in progress. Almost there. +1 for Shaka packs, just got a frame bag for my Rocky ebike and it's fantastic. My dream ride is to bikepack from Huntsville, Ontario way up into Temagami canoe country with my packraft. Like yourself, it hit me at one point to strive for quality over miles, realizing how much I enjoy the camping and other aspects of the adventure. Your series had a great story and charm to it which always kept me waiting for the next upload. I tend to skip through vids with way too much music and all handlebar scenery shots.
I feel honoured if you're non biking wife is watching too 🤣. You're already biking after three weeks. It amazes me how quickly you can heal after a hip replacement. It bores well for me. I know I'll need it doing at some point. Not yet though! I wondered the same about headwinds but I don't think there's a particular direction which reduces them. It's just the luck of the draw. Funnily enough, I've been looking at pack rafts. Your dream ride sounds amazing. Thanks for the support 👍
