Yay, been so excited for this to drop. That was a great watch, awesome work Neil and crew. There was so much trash on that road! I thought of doing an entire trash bit too Bahah. Always excited for new videos from you Neil! Cheers!
Thanks Chris, it seems like you are getting the short end of the stick as far as cold temperatures are concerned recently, lol. I think we may have hit 32f one night we were out there. I actually just finished your video of the route, great stuff. You covered it all, and gave fair warning that its not the easiest route out there. That's a solid solo tour if you ask me. If you get the chance, do the 300 mile stretch of the AZT from Parker Canyon Lake to the Picket Post Trail head. You need to time it right, with Mt. Lemmon, but its hands down some of the best 300 mile bikepacking stretch out there. Not easy by any stretch, but so rewarding.
It’s a great route! John did an amazing job creating it. Every year typically around beginning of March, John will host a group ride. Usually around 20 riders from around the country and overseas. He has been doing it for 10 years now.
I did (Neil), I should have review the Viral Derive soon. It worked great, but I do have some important thoughts. Wish I could get it out sooner. stay tuned.
Awesome! and to get back on the ATB definition horse ;-), this really illustrates why if you have a flat bar boost ATB that a suspension fork is the logical choice. With flatbars you are going to want to ride this stuff. That would not have been fun on drops. Mind you it would not have been fun with a rigid fork either ;-).
As someone from Phoenix who rides most of the areas you guys passed through, this looks like an absolute epic trip. I've been staring at this route for quite some time now and I think it may finally be time to tackle it. Thanks for sharing, and glad you guys got to enjoy some of the most epic trails the Valley of the Sun has to offer 🤙🏼
Typically the winter isn’t an issue. Frame bag or the harness bag will protect food. Has it gets warmer, you have to be careful with your tubing for a camelback. The mice and ETC, will chew thru it to get water.
I keep all food in my frame bag. I live in the desert. I haven’t had any issues yet with critters trying to get at my good. I’ve had burritos, peanut butter and banana sandwiches. No issues.
Great video! Really enjoy watching your videos for their camerawork, story, and insight. Not a big fan of the desert, but this video has me jonesin for a road trip. Had white rim on my bucket list, but have been replaced with this one. Sorry if I missed it, but how many miles. Awesome work
Yeah Rob, thanks for doing that. Some videos are better viewed on the big screen for sure! The drone is a really nice addition and made for some sweet shots.
Andrew was on this bike: bikepacking.com/bikes/2023-esker-hayduke-review/ and I was on the Viral Derive, I should have a a review out on this bike this month. viral.bike/shop/p/viralderive
As usual, I look forward to your review, but this is a bike I’m particularly keen to hear about. I got to meet the founder of Viral at NAHBS in Sacramento back in 2019, Steve Domahidy. To me, he’s one of the unsung heroes of the bike industry. He helped popularize the 29” wheel format as a cofounder of Niner bikes, he helped make the Faraday e-bike concept a real bike (which was a feat I personally admire most) and I trust he has novel thoughts on how to make a great adventure bike. We geeked out about pinion drives, and I hope they become more of a norm.
