Hello All. This is the full film of my ride along the GDMBR that I completed in 2023. I followed the Adventure Cycling Association route, beginning in Banff, Canada, riding down through America to finish at the Mexican border in a place called Antelope Wells. The route totals a little over 2700 miles.
This trip was incredible, I had never attempted a bikepacking trip even remotely like this before, although having hiked the Appalachian Trail a few years previous I knew I enjoyed the simplicity of waking up each day with nothing to focus on but ticking off miles and progressing along the trail. As I got into this adventure I found this to be perhaps even more rewarding on a bike, and spending time in the amazing places I rode through along the way was certainly the highlight of the trip for me.
Anyone who has subscribed to my channel for a while will know that I uploaded videos from this trip in multiple parts as I was riding it, so if you have just found my channel and enjoyed this video, you may enjoy watching the full series which is linked below.
This video took a long time to put together, Ross (my friend who edits my videos and occasionally joins me on some of my adventures) decided to go through all of the original footage again to put this together, so it is a completely new edit of my adventure, not just a re-edit of the original series. I therefore hope that even those of you who watched the original videos as they were coming out last summer will still find you enjoy this new way of experiencing it.
If you enjoyed this video then please consider subscribing, I have some exciting plans coming up through 2024, including the TransAmerica Cycle Route, which I am planning to start in July.
Thank you for watching.
Links
Full GDMBR playlist with all the videos I uploaded along the way:
Discussing what I learned completing the GDMBR, including what it cost and what I would do differently in the future:
I also have a review channel where I do very short reviews of backpacking and bikepacking gear:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCb8PKatxuCgwpxXbJBm_qLA
My Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/matryder1?igsh=MThkeWlkdG9yaGs1cQ==
John and Mira:
https://www.instagram.com/mira_la_perra?igsh=cHc5aXNzbTloYnow
Joe Nation (who raced the tour divide in 2023 and I mentioned in the video):
https://youtube.com/@joe.nation?si=4hJwSQlfFUDa210u
00:00. The journey to the start
02:04. What is the GDMBR?
13:14. Crossing into Montana
17:03. Whitefish and dehydration induced delirium
28:40. Ovando, MT
34:06. Llama Ranch, MT
38:20. Lava mountain, brutal!
46:16. Fleecer ridge
58:12. Idaho
1:04:06. Meeting John and Mira
1:13:50. Pinedale, WY
1:22:15. Going into the basin
1:35:54. Brush Mountain Lodge, CO
1:47:41. Riding into Silverthorne, CO
2:01:51. Del Norte, CO
2:03:03. Indiana Pass, highest point on the GDMBR
2:07:42. New Mexico, the final state
2:18:28. Forest fire diversion
2:25:52. Grants, NM
2:30:14. Pie Town and toaster house
2:42:21. Silver City, NM
2:49:15. The final day
June 30th half 7 in the morning I’m in gatri airport I just checked the bike in and the nerves are kicking in I’ll be honest I’m sure many of you have experienced this you plan for so long you think about it so much and then when it happens it doesn’t feel
Real got it all good so now I’ve got about 20 minutes before I get my transfer to Canmore so I’ve just noticed an Outfitter over the road I’m going to see if I can get my be spray and my gas it’s just breathtaking all of the scenery I mean wherever you look I’ve
Got my bear spray and I had a a lesson on how to use it why do they make it look so violent friendly Bears so I’m just coming out on to this Trail make sure everything feels all right and it does so far takes a while to get the belt
Tension right when you take the wheel off this is going to be epic this whole trip is going to be epic I had a comment from one of my subscribers saying enjoy it take your time everything I need to do or everything I have to do I tend to
Do it too quickly I’m really determined not to do that tragedy struck my chain came off no not my chain a wheel or something right outside this uh Brewery so I had to stop I was dehydrated so I had to get a nice IPA so I’m all packed up ready to go the
Bike’s done I am so nervous it’s ridiculous but I’ll be fine in a bit I thought I’d tell you a little bit about The Great Divide it’s 2700 miles 61,000 M of elevation ascent and descent I start in Alberta go through British Columbia Montana Idaho Wyoming Colorado
And I finish on the border with Mexico in New Mexico at a place called um Antelope Wells I’ve got it all written here You’ think I’d know I kind of do but I can never remember the order of the states this is just amazing yet again this water looks so enticing
So I’ve made it to Buller hike hiker bike campsite awesome little spot Catman boo style Curry I am hungry I haven’t eaten enough enough today I’m not holding that much hope for this it’s very watery me it’ll do all set up my be bag there’s lockers here which
I’m going to use I put everything in here including my toothpaste which people forget so I’m doing all I can so there we go end of day one what an epic ride and it’s amazing cuz every day should be like that morning it’s about half 6 just made a
Coffee I’m surprised I slept on my first night in the middle of nowhere threat of bears I know I’ll get over that but I’m quite pleased sun is nice I’m going to get packed up and get going time for a break of a bar or something
Anyway this is a great spot and I think I’m off that horrible grally Dusty stuff which is nice cuz I was getting fed up at that I’m sure I can feel it on my throat 20 M hour fastest I’ve been on trail so far huge I was just talking to a couple and
They said they’ve seen a Grizzly every day since they’ been here 4 days ago and I said I want to see one and I said you will see one I want to see one but I also don’t I’m at the campsite I’m on my own again which I’d rather not be but I
Don’t know I’d rather be in a spot like this this is all part of it you can find nice places to camp along the way it’s not just about the ride I just realized this is only day three so I’ve had two nights out and this is the
Longest bike packing trip I’ve ever done already how insane is that I am in the middle of nowhere seriously it’s an old loging Road or something I don’t know there’s just nobody nobody’s here it’s wild love it though first one look like a bear with its curb definitely a brown
Bear oh well I wanted to see one oh my God 22 mil in for the day 11:00 and my legs are very tired every sort of ascent now I’m doing it in the lowest gear and the the last one I pushed it [Applause] up so I’ve decided to stay here tonight
It’s just perfect I can’t not there’s a campsite over there I’m in the library now stealing a bit of electricity for my power Banks and then right over there is a perfect resupply I’m out it’s a nice campsite Al was a great place a big climb coming out
My legs are hurting already I don’t know why I’m surprised that somebody you’s never really done much bike packing is finding the longest mountain bike route in the world hard I knew it would be we got a place called Sparwood in about 25 miles for lunch and then stop at
Fernie you’re supposed to shout when you’re on the trail when you go in fast anyway to let the Bears know you’re coming 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 I sing that I don’t feel so stupid when I’m singing let’s see if you can uh remember
What that was from so this is another amazing Road and uh it’s very undulating like uh like yesterday really but still extremely spectacular this is the worst surface on the trail so far it’s been going on for quite a while coming out of Sparwood and I think this path takes us
All the way more or less for a long way towards Fernie so I hope it gets better what great little town Maple and walnut ice cream I deserve this I just called the hostel to see if they had T spots but they don’t they do have pods I don’t really know where a
Pod is but I’m going to find out okay one and a half so I’ve had my one and a half beers and it’s not because I’m half cut but I love Canada I absolutely love it I’ve never seen anywhere nicer cleaner more friendly and I was just thinking
Tomorrow I’ve got 35 m to go before I can get some a resupply and if you’re worried on this Trail about things like resupplies just don’t because you don’t even need to think about it there’s so many places you get to I think I had it in my head
It’d be like the Appalachian Trail where you have to really plan everything through here you just just do it you don’t have to worry just wherever you go there’s something the cycling I’m finding harder than hiking though my legs are well there’s just not much left
In them I’m pushing through like 58 Mi today is big for me but I’m pushing up some of these Hills I’m not afraid to admit it I’m a hiker not a biker really by the time this is done I’ll be a biker Starbucks for breakfast so this is day five I’m
Trying not to rush I got plenty of time today I got plenty of time every day with every downhill there’s got to be a climb this one was nice and gradual ice cream be a slushy I’ve got a chicken burger from here which I’m going to pack
Out cuz I was full after my ice cream such a child and now this I met up with a couple of guys Ian and Trevor that started pretty much the same time as me they work as bike tour guides and one was working in Scotland last year so
Interesting I’ll ride with them for a bit been a lot of Road riding today so half considering going all the way to reville today it’s just been so easy and that’s uh right on the border be ashamed to see Canada go though cuz it has been epic but then Montana
Will be too no doubt so day five is done this is the lake where we’re camped absolutely beautiful I’m right on the border with the USA reville so that’ll be the first job in the morning and then I’ll be in Montana all packed up ready to go this was a really nice
Sight really really nice I slept well now to get over the Border Montana here I am and the landscape has changed immediately it’s incredible really it’s all like open Prairie is it I don’t know just Open Fields grazing land very beautiful though looks like these tiny little horses are selling
Eggs whenever I can I sit like this sort of off the saddle on Des sense anyway just to save the ass you know which I haven’t had a problem with remarkably I’m surprised everyone that comes past waves every single person without fail very friendly Place Montana like my setup ingenius
That’s what I think anyway it’s a pretty big storm sort of all around me skirting me and I’m uh going up over a pass of some sort made it to the summit that was no joke I think I’m at 1,620 M I know there’s a long descent before another big climb but I’m
Not doing that today why did I ride so far just tired and stupid it’s half six I don’t know where my Camp spot is check that out What A View to wake up to just drying all my stuff out we’re next to a river so everything gets wet that’s where I’m heading
Today and I know there’s a big climb first thing but I’m good with that I think my legs are getting used to it nearly at the top of this climb and then it’s downhill all the way into white fish and there’s a lake down the bottom which I am definitely going
To jump in quick drink quick rest down to the lake jump in White Fish Library upload ice cream root beer I want a root beer God ice cold root beer can’t think beyond that now root beer I’m in white fish that’s a burger place and I’m
99% done found a nice little hotel I’m just so hot and I’ve struggled to rehydrate all day I can reset I can do my laundry recharge all my equipment what a day though and white fish is really nice I like it so I can leave here tomorrow go and explore the lake
Get some breakfast here and um get some food resupply I think I’m semi- Delirious if I’m honest so I really need this and know I can have a cold shower anyway I shall see you in the morning Chalet Motel I loved it here really nice the woman here ever really helpful
I definitely made a big mistake yesterday I didn’t drink enough and I thought I had yeah lesson learned I’m going to make sure I drink plenty when I watched some of the footage I filmed yesterday you can tell I was yeah it wasn’t good anyway I’m good now there’s something that America Canada
And the UK all have in common and that is the desolate trampoline you see so many yeah I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody on one who knows it could be that immediately after delivery somebody got their arm trapped in the springs and broke it and then it
Was just left to rot rust away return to the Earth where they belong 10 road miles later I’m in Columbia Falls so just going to go in here for a coffee and a quick game of poker wish me luck didn’t go well well Trip’s over thanks for watching it’s been a blast
Where this comes in handy my uh insulated bottle that stay cool for a while Le I can drink now that’s [Applause] good cyclists welcome to Camp it’s a good job really cuz yeah about done for the day I think I think I got it right
Just a short day I don’t need days off if I’m going to do that I’m just going to get bored and it’s just the way I am this is the coolest thing ever it’s just someone’s Garden I don’t think anyone’s here unreal what fantastic place the lady that owns it
Just came out gave me a nice cold Coke this is Rosy and um she put beers in a cooler for me I can pitch my tent anywhere here and uh she won’t take any money so oh I got power over there toilet does uh reinforce your views of
Humanity when you meet people like this yeah I’m very grateful I made it out with difficulty it’s such a nice place to stay nice rolling paved roads can’t complain but it’s a beautiful day good start I’m at this gas station in Ferndale just struggling to stay
Hydrated still nice big climb 6 and 1/2 miles 525 M about halfway up I was looking and um when this when the ascents get really steep I can actually push the same speed that I can ride um so I am pushing on those bits because it gives me time out of the
Saddle so yeah on this is i’ got green yellow and red grades I can cycle the green yellows and the Reds I just push but when I started I was pushing on the yellows so I think the strength is coming anyway must press on this bike
Isn’t going to push it s up climb done now for The Descent although I’ve just had a warning from Trevor saying there’s lots of trees down and potholes and uh yeah I think he’s got a flat so I’ll be careful on the way down so I made it to Camp I didn’t film
Much because I bummed into um Trevor and Ian and a couple of other guys who were down there that’s the campsite I’m sure they wouldn’t mind but I don’t like filming people before I did YouTube I would have hated people filming me but what spot perfect it’s threatened rain all day but
I haven’t felt any Montana is empty like seriously empty I’ve been riding I know 2 and 1 half hours I haven’t seen a soul not one single person lots of rabbits yep it’s looking [Applause] good I just filled up with water at the bottom of this clim and that might be all I’ve
Got uh to last me through tonight if you stop for a microc second you have 20 mosquitoes wondering what that would be a footprint of something toothy awesome I was starting to worry I’m going to fill up yeah everything that’s an awesome looking mountain range I haven’t found any Camp
Spots and I’m like 200 M from the top so I reckon I’m going to go to the top and um I don’t know if there’s a space up there I’ll Camp cuz that’ be quite cool but I think there’s only a 10 mile descent to a campsite and I’m kind of of
Thinking getting that done I’m pushing it over this instant death this is about the most stunning view I have ever seen it’s absolutely beyond belief it’s quarter 7 and I’m just Doling I just I don’t want to rush that’s right I think I have no idea where I’m staying tonight but I just
Can’t rush through this it’s just incredible so I just got a message from Trevor to say that there’s free camping behind the ice cream place in ceiling Lake and they’ve got burgers and ice cream I’d be surprised if they’re still open but I hope they are after a day like today a
Burger oh my God the second half of today that descent and all everything from that on has been the best trail I have ever ridden it’s just been obscenely good ice cream Palace free camping and they were open burger onion rings Huckleberry Shake awesome 712 miles
2,380 M of elevation that’s huge for me so I’m going to eat this and crash tomorrow oando I think it’s only 30 miles all packed up excellent place to stay very grateful to these people for letting us stay here feeding me burgers I’m so glad I did that climb yesterday
Evening when it was nice and cool because if I’d have been doing it now I’d have been dying cuz it’s boiling I’ve been using these um electrolyte tablets I’ve learned that you have to have them that’s just it so I’m going to pick up a load of
Them just put the Drone up and as soon as I did two guys from Canada came up behind me and rode through the shot with me so yeah it’s nice I try not to get the Drone up when anyone’s around because I don’t know I think drones can
Be a little bit obnoxious when you’re trying to enjoy nature and then you got that buzzing but I make sure no one’s about and I send it high so you can’t really tell it’s there but um I didn’t expect to see anyone you hopefully it was a good shot
Said population about 50 dogs over 100 this is a small town I love this town already this is the one it’s quite famous it’s got like a jail house you can stay in or a TP or a cabin this is the jail that Ian and Trevor are staying in I would have had
It beat me to it damn them but yeah Hotel better I’m living it up all I need perfect now for a shower apparently this is a 15minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride fancy walk wow that place was busy if we had bars like that in Britain I’d go out
Drinking this whole trip so far has exceeded every expectation it’s just magic honestly if you if you’re thinking of doing it just do it it’s just incredible I know I’m only 500 miles in but it’s just incredible so there we have it oando a Tiny Town in the middle of
Nowhere put on the map by the tour divide there’s no way between them so that’ll be my uh first climb but it’s been super easy so far which is nice 20 P 9 15 miles probably the easiest 15 mil on the whole Trail so far my strategy today for
Hydration I’ve got electrolytes in this water bottle electrolytes in this one just water in the other one see if I can get today done without arriving with a massive headache I’m feeling like my head is full of cotton [Applause] wool active loggin operation going on I love these trucks man
Always love big American trucks prob because my dad drove trucks I’m nearly at the top of the first climb a guy just passed me in his pickup going up and told me he’s got some snacks and water for me for when I get to the top extra
Motivation to keep going yeah yeah so that guy was with the adventure Cycling Association whose Maps I use incidentally and uh he’s leading a party of 40 people doing this but uh lightweight they sort of all their stuff is carried for him and uh yeah he was up
There with snacks and drinks for him so he let me have some so he’s a king a prince and man [Applause] we’re in Lincoln just need a store get some drinks quick snack and keep moving I reckon well that was an interesting little town that’s
Just the kind of place I want to stay but I can’t stop at 30 Mi I just saw the the um Canadian guys Joe and John at the grocery store had a chat with them they’re staying there and now 22 miles with a big pass to llama Ranch that was
Brutal definitely the hardest climb yet lot of pushing towards the end but the positives my legs are definitely stronger and on top of that I don’t feel bad I don’t feel I haven’t got a headache um I mean I’m tired I haven’t got the mushy head I think I’m on top of my
Rehydration game that I’ll do I’ve got a downhill now to llama Ranch which I’m really looking forward to getting to I have no idea what to expect when I get there I just know it’s supposed to be a cool place I think this is it Yep this guy is definitely flagging
Me down thank you thank you kind sir I’m here quite a few people here and there’s a party later we’re going to have a fire something to eat i’ had a few beers this is the coolest place I knew it would be party time it’s 20 to8 my bedtime is
Usually at 8:00 it’s going to be a late night for me great place to sleep last night all free they don’t charge they ask you to pay it forward which I’m definitely going to do I’ll do something nice for somebody today or tomorrow going to get
Packed up and then head to Helena which is 40 Mi I believe so not a bad day which I need cuz yesterday today was was tough my legs are feeling it I think I’m going to have to take a a short day or a day off at some point to recover I woke
Up this morning I was thinking I don’t want to ride my bike which is is definitely a sign of a day off I’m struggling to get out of this place is too nice but there’s a couple here I’ve been speaking to and they’re doing the whole tour on a
Tandem with a dog I mean have you ever seen anything like that it was custom made and they’re averaging 30 some miles a day on this and here they are I’m Tim Tim I’m P this is Brooklyn Brooklyn she’s a teacup Yorkie isn’t teup York [Applause] yeah more pushing today not only are
These uh paths steep there’re extremely Rocky so I find it really difficult to ride them I’m sure competent mountain bikers can do it I can’t made it to the top of that first climb of the day I’m not eating properly I know that I need to eat more it’s strange I’m just not
Hungry I think I was the same on the Appalachian Trail and that wore off another reason for pushing the bike these Hills I have got Saddles SS they’ve started they’re not terrible at the moment but I’ve got to be careful so there there’s an update the red ones are
The best orange ones are the worst and I’m right I don’t care what anyone says I think that’s implying that the red one has just eaten the green one’s arm it’s just pure cannibalism last climb done that’s just a long descent into Helena which should be fun it looks like a decent
Road this Campground is supposed to be just down here it’s called mountain bike bike City that’s my pad just booked it’s $15 which isn’t bad there’s showers laundry place to hang out here they have to remind you I have to make myself eat breakfast I’m really not
Hungry but yeah I need the energy climb one done that really wasn’t that bad I think I’m feeling uh pretty good today got big climb to come anyway so I’m going to have some cashews and then do this nice long downhill and then start the big climb back up halfast
12 so far 1,000 M of ascent I’m actually feeling pretty strong I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve got on top of this um hydration thing but uh yeah I’m feeling good I’m going to eat this crispy thing that’s four servings I mean give me a break
That’s 640 calories which is great and then I’m going to have some of these um Sour Patch cannibals and then keep going I got 100 meters of climbing to get to this little brow and then I go down again and then I’ve got God knows what but looks hideous it looks [Applause] hideous
Things I do for the shot made it to the top of lva mountain that was no joke that was the most difficult climb yet it was uh ridiculous I don’t even know why it’s on the route you couldn’t ride most of it I don’t think anybody could not just
Me and now I’ve got a bit of a descent and I think this descent takes me all the way to Basin so yeah I’m hoping it’s just a nice easy descent but I think it’s going to be a difficult one cuz it’s going to be lumpy and bumpy but
We’ll see we’ll see and there’s a cafe down there I’m hoping that’s open cuz if it is I’m going to eat lots of stuff yep it’s bumpy it’s still down though so bumpy and down is better than bumpy [Applause] enough made it to Basin I’m in the Community Hall I’ve just ordered some
Food from the cafe and there’s a bar next door couldn’t ask for more really morning had a good night this place has everything you could need and now I’m going to head to but I’ve got a warm showers Place lined up which I’ve never
Done so I’m going to get in see if that works out so I’m going to head off now I’ve had breakfast in the cafe just lovely think it’s seen better days about 3 weeks this one lasted which to be fair in tripod years about 87 something like that did well
But it’s time to be put out to pasture I think hopefully I can get a new one in but they’re called dust devils hi there how you doing good good good you too cheers I know I’m getting stronger my legs I’ve been waiting for this climb to start all day all morning
I’ve been going up sort of uphill but waiting for it to come and I just checked and I’m nearly at the top I didn’t even realize I was climbing so uh that’s good all made out of horseshoes it’s pretty cool so I called the warm showers guy and he’s just
Amazing he’s not even going to be there he’s giving me access to his house shower kitchen laundry a bedroom and uh even leftovers in the fridge all for nothing it’s just wild I’m going to have to get into the hosting thing when I uh get back say you got to pay this stuff
Forward so uh it’s an inspiration he’s coming up to the end of my day off I didn’t really spend any time outside I just ended up crashing I think I must have needed it but check this out what an awesome place a workshop I mean I’ve never met the guy
That’s let me stay here but he’s in my top 50 40 it’s probably in the top 40 greatest people in the world good good morning just had a little road ride out of but and I think I’m starting to climb now we got something called flea Ridge
Today uh which I think is a notorious descent which is very steep which I will be pushing it down but I think everybody does I think it has been written down but by professionals and I am not a professional I don’t know if you know I’m going to try today I’ve realized
That I am rushing strangely by watching my own video it’s odd I’m like a viewer so I was watching myself in the last video thinking you know I I looked exhausted and hot and tired and a little bit um stressed and I think it’s because I’ve got this compulsion to get
Everywhere as soon as possible and I can’t think why but uh yeah I’m going to take my time it’s about 50 mil for the day and I figured this out by watching my own videos how amazing an old railroad line so this is nice it’s not going to
Last but whilst it does I’m enjoying [Applause] it all these Boulders I was just reading were created or knocked loose because of hydraulic mining which they used to do in the 1850s or started in 1850s to get gold it is an amazing landscape but not natural this is a cool Trail single
Track very up and down very bumpy but uh different to anything so far which is nice I didn’t get a new one tried to jump to its own death not today I met a couple out riding earlier and uh they doing a bit of Trail magic so I
Went back to their van and had a Snickers and an orange which was lovely and a can of cold drink ice cold which was ideal it’s hot again right made it to the top I’ve just started The Descent it’s not too steep at the moment but I
Know it’s going to be nice views I mean everywhere you go is nice views so spoiled by it it won’t look like anything but I can’t tell you how steep this is it’s insane it’s hard enough pushing it whatever I thought this would be like I was wrong it is much
Harder now that was an experience I can’t imagine pushing my bike up which of course northbounders have to do I don’t know if I could do it I can’t tell you how much I love these little tiny towns it’s just awesome the bars the people everything is so
American this is the way to see America doing this trip so the Community Hall is back down that way but I thought it was rude not to have a beer a Montana something IPA it was really good please be open fantastic I mean how cool is this got
Bathrooms I’ve got power I’ve got Wi-Fi and they want $5 it’s Insane So I’m ready to go 57 miles to banck State Park 3,600 and something feet of ascent most ly gradual and it’s just one climb for the whole day so yeah it’ll be interesting to see how I get on with this actually just a a consistent long climb miraculously I
Found a nut and a bolt which will keep this thing alive for a little bit longer you know when you have something for so long and it’s so broken that you want to keep it going feel some sort of responsibility towards it well that’s there
No doubt when I find a new one I’ll discard it like an old sock but until then it’s my responsibility just one big long road ride this morning it’s a very quiet Road the scenery is spectacular yeah I can do this now and
Then so I made it to the top now I got a huge downhill well that was like a 20 M descent it was incredible now I’ve got bit of a flat ride to banck today has been a challenge for the saddle do because I’ve been climbing so much
And I can’t get out the saddle they’re manage I I managing them I’m hoping they’ll settle down they’re not getting worse there you have it a deserted gold mining Village fascinating well worth a visit especially cuz it’s free you know with camping $8 very good ramen for dinner noodles
I’m going to chop in some of this sausage and of course garnish have you ever seen anything more delicious it’s really not that bad I have no idea what I’m doing tomorrow yet but I got plenty of food food bars I think I’m just going to ride
Until I don’t want to ride anymore it’s been a good day I really enjoyed it it was a nice change and there was some spectacular scenery all in all I’m happy but tired it’s so dry arid out here it’s just me nobody [Applause] else I think I’ll wait for this one to
Blow over definitely not going to ride towards it I think it’s blowing off over that way the wind is strong found a camp spot it’s actually a nice place so now I’m going to have my dinner instant Mash with pepperoni but it’s going to be cold cuz I’ve run out of gas
But I’m tired tomorrow Lemma for a resupply and I don’t know what else if it’s got a cafe or something I’ll eat there epic day though I mean some amazing views and this is a cool place [Applause] this is an epic part of the trail and I
Have a Tailwind as well which is amazing I don’t I hardly have to Pedal even on the uh the minor uphills it’s just a joy so I just passed a northbounder who stayed in Lima last night and he said there’s a hotel there for $68 and there’s a really good steak
House you can buy gas there resupply I think if if there’s rooms I’m going to stay there sounds awesome I know it’s a short day but who cares you know I’m really getting into this just going with the flow if I push in any way further than I want to I
Just stop enjoying it and when I get home I would regret not enjoying every single mile of this Trail it’s just such a privilege I mean honestly anyway I’m going on as I do probably because I’m excited it’s strange 7 mornings I wake up and I just feel so good
Coincidentally that’s also when I wake up without a massive headache which pretty clear because I’ve got my hydration sorted they have no rooms but he said they’ve got cabins over the road here so I might as well go and find out so I got a cabin wow I got a double and two
Singles shame I have no friends so the food there was really really good yeah I keep making the right choices everywhere I’ve been has been perfect either that or everywhere in Montana is perfect it’s been a very friendly state every single person who comes by in a car or ATV
Anything waves everyone and if I’m off my bike pushing it just to get a bit of a break everyone will stop and ask if I’m okay so much so when I hear a car coming I have to jump back on the bike to save them the bother of slowing down and
Stopping I finally made it out again it was a struggle it’s always hard when you leave in town and drinking coffee and having breakfast and just chilling around chatting got out of the crack of halfast 9 so it doesn’t matter it’s going to be a hot day but I’m going to
Take it slow there’s a nice breeze actually so that’s good [Applause] made it there’s the campsite I have an infestation of Canadians cuz anyone know how to get rid of them I didn’t have a good night’s sleep my sleeping pad is getting worse it’s going to die at any point and then I’m going to be sleeping on the ground I need to
Find an Outfitter so I can get a new one wow the utmost source of the Missouri River which is the fourth longest river in the world hell Roaring Creek not a great name well if there was a sign I missed it but I’m in Idaho which is
Nice looks the same as Montana you see where the road changes there it’s like nice and now gral I wonder if that’s the actual border Montana just said yeah we’re doing up to there we’re not going to do Idaho Idaho you need to improve your roads look at Montana should be ashamed of
Yourself I apologize profusely to Idaho cuz now this is the nicest bit of road I admit when I’m wrong that is spectacular isn’t it that was we made it to the campground this one’s called warm River Campground I’ve been in the river most definitely isn’t warm
But it was nice good morning I had a reasonable night thought I’d show you what I’m dealing with definitely not right just had a decentish sort of climb on the way out of that campsite it wasn’t long but my legs feel so strong it’s uh it’s a nice
Feeling I just feel like I could pedal all day and I’m not going quick and I put it in a nice low gear for that climb but definitely I can feel it my legs have come my legs have come good just got my first proper view of the
Tetons and they are really epic I mean utterly amazing really really excited to see more of [Applause] them well that was cool in this lay by a family just pulled me over made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich gave me some water fantastic good timing as well
Because I was going to get some water from this Reservoir which is quite a hike down and the mosquitoes here are terrible I would have been eaten alive so more good people so I just crossed over into Wyoming so Idaho is a ber you just clipped the corner of Idaho so now Wyoming
There’s a Stormer coming they blow in so fast hopefully it’s just an isolated one I’ve been lucky so far I’ve had very little rain and to be fair when I’ve had it I’ve enjoyed it it’s called me [Applause] off so made it here flag Ranch you can’t
Tell from the ACA sort of maps what you’re going to get I thought this would just be a small campsite it’s a holiday Resort and there’s no 10 spots but seems though there’s three of us it makes sense to get a LOD I can do all my
Uploading and have a shower I don’t have to sleep on that stupid sleeping pad there is an advantage to traveling in groups so we’ve left flag Ranch there’s a place called CA Bay which it’s not far down the road 15 mi from there where breakfast that’s the plan anyway but this is just
Amazing go look at the camera I didn’t make it very far CA Bay decided to stay here for the night I said I was to slow down it’s such a beautiful spot I’m right in the Tetons and I want to do a bit of exploring
There’s a beach here I can go and swim and laundry and an added bonus uh John and merera who were trying to set a record I believe for dog packing on the uh gdmbr they’re coming past today so I’m going to go up and cheer them on the
Pads are really low on the front so I’m going to get them changed out today as well may as well once I’m here once I got time bit of a maintenance day really just about all my jobs done today is a good test my instinct was to keep going
But I’m glad I didn’t this is what slowing Down’s all about John Amir [Laughter] awesome wow I was going to film you going past I didn’t expect you to stop hello how you I’ve watched so many of videos with you in them hey what’s your
Name Matt I’m Matt John nice to meet you yeah you too awesome how’s it all going H good yeah yeah I mean sometimes they’re hard like you know the low angle stuff that’s uh soft gravel you’re doing it in 21 days you on schedule no we’re
Not no no no we’re doing yeah we’re going to average about 100 a day or something that yeah still amazing we I think I was at llama ranch when you set off so that’s how shows how fast you’re going well well thanks for stopping really appreciate
Being a 7 and 1/2 Mile Road ride this morning which is a bit sketchy cuz uh obviously it’s more dangerous on a bike but the scenery has been spectacular nonetheless time for a quick snack mosquitoes again I think you might have seen the other day bit stressed out about
Mosquitoes I’m getting used to it I’m just ignoring them I noticed that I only itch for about 20 minutes after they bite so I’m lucky I don’t have a bad reaction and I think the best way of not getting stress is just to ignore them I just leave them there’s probably five of
Them feasting on me now or feed away my little vampiric friends I’m about a third of the way up and the car just stopped and they gave me a sandwich looks like turkey and I’m going to eat it now because I need the energy nice people uh the guy raced it in 2014
And uh he’s out having a look around the route to bring back memories I think that’s what he said so lucky me 2/3 of the way up and I just popped out onto a road with a little convenience store I bought one of these some nuts and a coffee for $4.89 nuts
Nuts black flies biting me in the ankle you see it nice in case you are wondering I killed it and I don’t feel bad not yet anyway not today maybe tomorrow I think about that fly’s Wife and Kids screw them I just saw two more Grizzlies right
On the side of the road I didn’t stop obviously they were just eating berries and things off a bush paid me no attention which is how I like it still got another 300 M of climbing if those Grizzlies had looked at me I’d have be at the top by now I
Can promise you that they are huge massive so since I last spoke to you but I saw those grizzly bears about 5 minutes later there was a three car pile up right in front of me everyone’s okay but it was a big accident and then for no reason the belt has just popped
Off so three things hopefully that’s it as beautiful a spot as this is I think I’ll give it a Miss grizzly bear displaying bold behavior is not for me Pinnacles campground on Brook Lake very beautiful spot just speaking to a couple up there that have been here a
Few days and there’s a couple of black bears that wander through the campsite which I’m not worried about and a a Grizzly which walks around the the lake but it doesn’t bother anyone known as brownie can’t imagine why dinner tonight will be rice spicy rice with cashews and a chopped up slim
Gym it’s not that bad I could do better but I probably won’t packed everything away apart from the tent I think I’m just going to stay in here I’m not purposefully going to ride in the rain and a storm that’s like everywhere you can hear thunder from every direction wild
So let’s stopped for a bit might be the wrong choice but I think I’m going to pack up there’s a place called lava Mountain Lodge it’s got a grocery store it’s only 7 and 1 half miles away I need to resupply I’m thinking if I get there at
Least there’s a chance of getting Wi-Fi I can do some job just not sit around in a tent bored so will I outrun it or will it catch me up at least I’m going downhill calzone very good best way to see out the rain sit in a restaurant dragged myself out of
There now to keep moving Hopefully the rain stopped I just went through peanut butter mud for the first time I’ve been warned about it and uh when people say you can’t ride through it it’s impossible they’re right you just can’t I think that’s what it’s going to be
Like in um New Mexico if it’s wet I’ll be prepared very fresh must have been since it rained this morning I’ll be glad to be at of grizzly country I’ll be Honest nearly made it to the top of this climb and the weather’s not looking good so I don’t know I’m knackers amazingly I just bumped into that guy that I saw yesterday they gave me the turkey sandwich he uh he raced this in 2014 he told me there’s a shelter about
13 miles from here uh which I think I’m going to shoot for I think it’s the right thing to do so I’m going to put my head down and get there as soon as I can amazing perfect place good morning I had a good night shared the lodge with a few Little
Critters but they didn’t bother me so I’ll finish packing up p I think is about 60 M away I don’t know if I’ll do the 60 today if I don’t then I’ll just uh Camp up somewhere close and then head in tomorrow morning I might prefer to do
That anyway see how I feel when I get there I’m getting good at this not making decisions that sounds terrible it’s early what I mean is I’m going with the flow I’m definitely getting more into that because it always works out I mean last night I don’t know I could have
Ended up camping anywhere but yeah somebody came along and told me about this and this is an experience isn’t it very Rocky Trail I just realized I’m going to have to go all the way to pineale cuz I’ve run out of food looks like about 15 mil all Road
Into pineale so should go fairly quick I hope so I’m starving I need food so the bike’s in having its Tire done I’ve just been and had uh Mexican food and it’s just started to storm so going to go and take shelter over here whilst I decide what I’m going to do
Next it’s a coffee shop there it’s pretty much a guarantee I’m going to go in there I’m such a dense I came over here to stand under a shelter and then wasn’t fine coffee Supply genuinely the nicest coffee I’ve ever had absolutely incredible I am seriously seriously
Lucky so it was sunny I go in to get something to eat and a coffee and it tips it Chucks it down the rain and then when I come out and need to go and get the bike the Sun comes out again I seem to dodge the rain I know yesterday was a
Bit of a thought I dodged the rain yesterday didn’t I yeah I’m lucky but I appreciate it more awesomeness like I’m in a b tent got a proper bed with bedding I got power I got Wi-Fi yeah this is awesome this warm showers thing my clothes are
In the washing machine now I’ve just had a shower so yeah I’m going to kill a bit of time until my washing is done then I’m going to go for a walk into town I think and find something to eat cuz I’m just starving all the time now the hike
The the hunger has really come on so dinner was good I had two beers and as I sit here outside Pine coffee which is closed I’m stealing their Wi-Fi to upload this footage there was a comment earlier where someone made a point where I wasn’t announcing the important mile markers
You know the quarter way third of the way halfway not quite a halfway and I realized I’m not keeping track I’m not focusing on how far far I’ve come and how far I have to go when I did the Appalachian Trail I knew exactly where I was how far there was to
Go and that was largely because I guess I wanted to get it finished this time I’m not paying attention to those Milestones so that’s a good thing I’m definitely enjoying this more than I did the Appalachian Trail I had a great time on the Appalachian
Trail but I did wish an awful lot of it away I don’t know maybe cuz this is shorter but I think I’m a convert to bike packing as opposed to hiking I have moments today was one I had 20 mi of riding into a headwind on Highway nobody
Wants that but none of these outweigh the pleasure I’m getting from particularly coming into towns like this smaller towns I could sit here all night just watching people go by The Cars the trucks and based on the speed of their Broadband I may well be here all
Night wonder what that’s all about look at this little girl little timid a you a there you go it’s the first time she’s let me stroke though morning good night really good night I slept until about half s which is a laying comparative comparative it’s a word it’s a laying compared to every
Other day on the trail I haven’t had coffee I don’t even know why I’m bothering trying to film this looks good got my new tire that’s all done and I’m staying here again at this warm showers Place guys is so nice now I got
To go and do a resupply I think I need four days worth of food um but that’ll get us through the Basin needed shaver failure the comb didn’t work so I’ve gone clean shaven I haven’t been clean shaven since I was 20 I feel so weird I feel like I look
Old there you go it’ll last longer won’t it this my big pile of food for my resupply got to somehow get all of that on the bike so I didn’t film a lot today it was just so busy just one thing to the next uh my bike’s done I met up with
John we had some lunch planned out what we were going to do with the Basin now so this Basin section coming up is like a desert section very low on water no resupplies hence the 4 days so I’m out bit of Road riding straight off the
Bat I don’t mind it’s a nice wide shoulder here on this highway anyway it was a nice day off it’s always hard getting back into it but I think today should be okay still on the road this is different to anything else on trail so far just
Long endless roads in the middle of nowhere it feels hello you need help I don’t think it’s uh I don’t think it’s going to pull through what was it do you think deer Pronghorn judging from the condition yeah I would say this is dead I have never seen a landscape like this
Ever you can see all the storms pretty much where we were but I don’t think it’s going to come and get us that it’s just such a landscape we found a campsite a good campsite we thought we were in trouble the two that were recommended were completely awful but this one’s perfect
Right dinner tonight rehydrated chicken flavored rice and tuna which is actually not that bad it’s 10 6 and it’s absolutely boiling so I can’t get in my tent not till it cools off what are you having I’m having uh star kissed wild caught light tuna in water oh along
With Spanish style rice for dessert yeah I may have to U forage for a granola bar forage for a granola bar out there in the inter they’ll be one out there good luck Good Luck Good morning what a night so quiet just packing a pad breakfast oatmeal and poptarts now we’ve got can’t
Remember how far to Atlantic City and on into the Basin hopefully the weather stays like this it’s perfect PR seems there’s storms every day I have definitely never seen anything like this it’s just so bar yeah and it goes down like that so it is in the Basin but the Basin is
Huge but it’s ominous it’s yeah ominous is the best word what a place well we’re crossing it over in that direction I think there’s a 50/50 chance of survival and I’m going to survive just saying windy open it’s open what a place it’s fantastic you got power Wi-Fi it’s
Really nice I’ll show you inside and I’ve ordered fish and chips and onion rings I know that doesn’t go but it’s what I want so it’s what I have 20 M to dangas well which is Flowing I guess I’m sure we would have heard if it wasn’t wash
For and there’s been quite a lot of it today I’ve never felt more exposed it’s such an unusual feeling but it’s uh thrilling ominous but thrilling and it’s raining ahead made it just in time really don’t know whether this is going to blow over but I’m going to start dinner anyway
That Well’s running the deal with the Basin I think it’s about 120 Mi very little water um you’ve got this which is 20 mi in a reservoir at 70 m and that’s it I think the rain could slow you down cuz it can make the ground very muddy
And you get horrific winds here so that’s the deal is kind of you just have to get to these water sources regardless of the conditions now hopefully this is just just a shower I don’t know but could be difficult riding tomorrow but I’ve got 6 L capacity which should be enough
Regardless of what happens to get me to to that Reservoir I think I forgot to resolve the sleeping pad issue this is my new one given to me by Joe a Canadian guy I was riding with who was always going to be getting off of Jackson and uh yeah he
Gave me his Pad so what a legend I owe you big Joe and it’s supremely comfortable much more comfortable than the last one I look forward to getting into to bed at night now so I will look forward to getting into bed tonight made it out for about
8:00 actually got somewhat of a Tailwind not quite a Tailwind but not a headwind so it’s really really smooth going at the moment I love the Basin this has been such an awesome morning it’s only about 20 past 10 20 miles done it doesn’t get any better than
This it always amazes me the work that went into doing this I wonder how long it’s been here a long time I’m going to have couple of bars here yeah this is my lunch spot I’ve got shade from the cables I think we’re close to the well but the storms
Again so I don’t know maybe we’ll stay at the well get up early and get into Rollings I’ll see what John thinks and then do what I want and so will he because that’s the way of things there’s an order a hierarchy if you will seems to happen at this time every
Day going to do some dinner the plan is get up and get out of here for 5 get into rallins early afternoon make the most of it morning it’s raining it’s early just going to give it another half hour see if it stops I got waterproof so should be okay today and
It’s a town day so I know I’m going to be warm and a comfortable bed tonight it’s always incentive all packed up seems to was stopped raining this was a great spot you probably can’t see it but there I think there’s loads of trout in here you can see them all jumping
Up anyway we’re going to get moving qu to see not bad hopefully get a straightforward run into Rollings get some food I don’t mind the rain when it’s like this it’s just epic I love the Basin definitely my favorite section one thing I I forget to mention this whole
Basin is approximately 2,400 m above sea level which is over 1,000 M higher than the highest point in Britain the peak of Ben NIS it’s just I it doesn’t compute second wash in cenia we’re on our way to Walmart see if I can find a tripod uh checked into the
Hotel it’s got laundry and within walking distance there’s a rodeo on tonight and uh I’m gonna go because I’ve never been to a rodeo I got a flexible tripod and another mini one as a backup you served me well thank you for all you’ve done no I don’t feel bad he died long
Ago have a look new tripod see what happens if you don’t perform yes you may well tremble you’ve been warned so that was a nice meal I had more than that little tiny bowl of soup I forgot to film it now to the rodeo hopefully it’s still on oh
No that could take some time see as how these things are about 4 miles long the lightning as well what a weird day this is 63 6 what happens so the Roo was fun really enjoyed that only stayed for a couple of hours just cuz I’m so tired the last few days have been really really good probably my favorite on the trail so far and now got Colorado coming up I can’t believe I’m there already and I’m over
Halfway only just but it’s going quickly it is going quickly good morning made it out Rollings but yeah I don’t know what we got coming up today I’ve got a feeling it’s climbs but on on the road we’re looking to get to brush Mountain Lodge tomorrow it’s one of those places
Where everyone say says you have to go so we’re going to go I’m going to do as they tell me there’s no hiding from the wind not today yeah it’s hard going only done about 20 miles I think it’s probably going to be a 40 m day because this is
Almost unridable for me and today I’ve decided to try not using my bib shorts I thought the up and down would be good I can get out the saddle a lot but I can’t even on the downhills I’m got to take the rough with the smooth but this is hard going I’m
Exhausted but I’m at the top of this climb and I’m hoping we get some Shelter From the wind on the way down so we made it into Camp called call it camp but just on the side of the road today’s been pretty tough with that headwind this tripod
Which I bought yesterday is already broken on o n from Walmart never buy one so I think today is very similar to yesterday just Road riding up and down saying that I’m just about to go on to some gravel yeah gravel well I never I didn’t see that
Coming so it should be a good day it’s nice and cool at the moment it’s another advantage to getting out [Applause] early well that was strange he had something in his mouth he wasn’t worried about me was he what happened there like a fight to the death I mean it is a big
Moth it’s a northbounder I’m going to go and speak to her cuz she’s the first one that we’ve come across where we’ve done more than her so I’m going to go and gloat and make her aware of all the hardships to come try and put her off get her to
Turn around and go home yeah rattlesnake he didn’t look in good shape still I’m not going to get much Co than that so far Colorado is very green and my legs are very tired I keep stopping it’s 5 2 I think I’ve Got 5 miles to go which
Means at least I get time to rest my legs tonight it’s funny it comes in waves you have few days are feeling great and then a couple of not oh well keep going I’m a brush Mountain Lodge and it’s all good so far I’ve had a drink Kirsten she’s making me
A pizza showers laundry to do it’s just got everything I need and I am exhausted atly exhausted so uh couldn’t be happier I can see why people say you have to come here it’s pretty you just have to got a room love this place just had a
Beer had a pizza can have a shower now yeah everyone said to come here and I can see why so today 44 miles 1,175 M of elevation so not too big a day which was good so I didn’t have any more left in me this place is really really nice see
All these hummingbirds there’s hundreds of them and they fly close close to you I’m going to be going to bed in a bit proper early night actually I’m going to watch um if you haven’t watched it watch Joe Nation he raced the tour divide this year and it’s incredible it’s well worth
A watch so have a look at his videos I’m going to watch the second part of it tonight but on that note I’ll see you in the morning good morning and it is a good morning weatherwise anyway I woke up this morning just with a banging headache
Couldn’t wake up properly I think I probably should have taken a day off today I’m really not feeling it for the first time I would say since I started just really not feeling it so I think my aim is to take my time into Steamboat
Springs stop as much as I want but it’s going to be a rough day I know it is hopefully I turn it around but yeah every now and then not just on this Trail but just in life you have days where you just can’t be bothered and I am definitely having one of
Them which feels kind of childish when you can see what I’m doing today I’m not in work I’m just riding through beautiful landscapes yeah I don’t know see how the day goes [Applause] halfway up this big climb I think it goes to about 3,040 M which might be the
First time we’ve broken 3,000 M I’m pretty sure it is it does look like a decent uh downhill on the other side this climb which is nice after 3,000 m above that I can feel the effects of being at altitude you know the lack of oxygen and definitely whilst
I’m um hiking I’ve felt it I’ve never cycled above 3,000 M so it’s going to be an interesting interesting day see what it’s like okay made it to the top yeah it’s just shy like 3 m of 3,000 M but now it’s a long down downhill
To Steamboat Lake and Clark I think so I might as well get cracking he’s just going to stand there come on [Applause] buddy yeah yeah when in Rome don’t come back on the road I’m not going to pass them because they’ll run straight in front of
Me just ordered a pepperoni pizza have a look in this Store buy a few bits I don’t really know what I need for resupply but I’m going to buy whatever just fill up that’s what I ended up with quick resupply they gave me these and they gave two to John as
Well fatty Fates how good is that so I’m waiting for my pizza and then we’re going to have to get move into Steamboat got a heavy muffin and a mocker and we’re here in Steamboat made it safe and sound morning back at the same coffee shop more muffins more coffee we did go
Somewhere I promise warm showers wonderful I was in a hot tub this morning on a deck looking at a marvelous view was amazing so lucky so it was great today bike shop I need new shorts new breake pads and just hang around in town till about probably 3:00 and ride
Out to a campsite so a half day which is nice [Applause] there he goes one of God’s crazy little creatures too weird to live too strange to die so this is the lake where we’re staying tonight in stage coach National Park I don’t care about people seeing me do this
Anymore I’m that close to just walking around crowds of people doing it but not quite there yet think I might wait for this to blow over before I put the tent up so here’s our spot for tonight next to the river the lake come in we just got here we were
Hiding in a sheltered sort of area and there was a massive family from Chihuahua in Mexico wasn’t there and uh they invited us for tacos and pork and beer it was so nice it was really nice yeah yeah so we just today has been a day of just we haven’t had to do
Anything we’ve been spoiled haven’t we the whole time the whole day it was perfect very good very nice people so yeah that’s a great way to end the day [Applause] oh is there a fail deep oh no so now the sun’s come out the weather changes so quickly but uh I’m glad it
Did cuz this view is amazing so we’ve decided to stop early at a place called ROM I think there’s a a campground here it’s got every facility you need it’s only $6 a night for a pitch qu 7 I’m in bed I’ve been eating more today be making a point of
Eating something every hour and uh definitely makes a huge difference gives me so much more energy so that’s my Revelation for the day my obvious Revelation good morning I slept like a log all night no rush today go to kremling which is 20 or 25 miles away I
Can’t remember and then figure out where we’re going to camp tonight probably another 20 mil 25 from there depends really on the climbs that are lined up today I think they’re elk they’re huge yeah keep going I’m not going to mess with them biscuits and gravy sausages Ash
Brown eggs I told you I was going to eat see if I get through it now to get Subway pack it out even though I never want to eat again so resupplied in the Family Dollar so for the first time it didn’t cost £6 million for two days
Worth of food John has managed to shave his own head yes after three attempts one in the library I don’t know what mess you left at the merile one at the mertile finished it off at the Family Dollar John has made fire now I can dry off by the
Fire now we need uh fish go get fish Go fish this is probably one of the best campsites we’ve been on is completely free all good all good very happy first climb of the day done a lot of ominous looking mountains up there so I just put the Drone up and I was
Aware wasn’t particularly a a beautiful shot I don’t tend to do it just for that what I’m trying to do is show what it what it is actually like and I mean it is spectacular but not always can’t be but much in the same way I don’t try to
Hide what mood I’m in on whether stuff’s hard or all that sort of stuff trying to tell the story of what it really is like right another 100 m of a scent to go and then I think a long downhill with some bumps ups and downs and then a gradual
Uphill into silver th and food I’m now obsessed with food we’re in Silverthorn found this place eclectic Bar and Grill and then there’s an REI just down the road so we’re going to go and look in there and then on to Crisco to camp so this is Frisco we’re going to
Probably come back out later get something to eat found a campsite in Frisco uh went to went into town got a pizza and a couple of beers which was nice good day today 51 miles 1000 70 M of a scent could have done a lot more felt really strong eating more is
Definitely helping with a shadow of a doubt so this was the campsite we were at last night so uh yeah now we’re going to go to braen Ridge about 10 mil away probably get some breakfast there and then I think we’re looking to try and do
About 60 today to get to a place called harell where there’s a cafe that lets you camp out in the back let’s do Clint good muffin was $5.50 so we should be I’m spending so much money on food I could do it cheaper I know but
It’s worth it though it’s not worth it is it but I’m just saying it is that was Breen Ridge nice little town would have been nice to spent a little bit longer here but got to push on 3,200 so feeling pretty good it’s a very gradual climb and it’s nice and cool up
Here which really does help 3 ,500 ft made it to the summit no ill effects there’s some beautiful views up here people always have a lot of questions about the gdmbr and my bike with the belt drive and the gear box which I like I like talking to
People about these things but uh yeah it delays I reckon I was there for probably half an hour talked about four different sets of people it’s almost like I should just tell them all to gather around so I could tell them all at the same time anyway we got good descent
Now and uh place called Como apparently there’s restaurants there maybe I can get coffee or something but uh yeah we’re it’s quarter one already and we got a long way to get to hardel I think this is Como spent way too long in Como but loved it everyone’s super friendly
Spoke to one guy who’s been to Wales which is miraculous he said it rained obviously it’s Wales Now’s the Time for an update I haven’t been wearing my bib shorts the padded shorts and this is day five so I’m not going to bother going back to
Him I don’t think they make make much difference I’ve had some excellent comments and advice that basically say they work for shorter rides but day in day out they just become like horrible nasty breeding ground for bacteria and they’re impossible really to keep clean so I think I’m going to
Abandon them but this washboard doesn’t help this landscape reminds me of the basin and uh flat planes of the Basin where you get the wind very very very beautiful [Applause] though there’s no way I can eat all of this it’s massive I seem to have pitched my tent
In some sort of scrape yard that’s um ungrateful this is the cafe the saloon we’ve just had some lovely food in here and yeah they let us camp in in the back I am grateful really and I think this is fantastic this is such a unique [Applause] place High past
11 30 m in for the day just got like a 300 M climb now and then I think it’s downhill more or less into a Salida we’re heading into trees I think which makes a nice change maybe get a bit of shade I’m going to have this
Maple syrup coffee I got this from brush Mountain Kirsten gave it to me oh my god wow yes it’s just coffee and maple syrup it’s so [Applause] sweet the bike’s in and they recommend changing the front tire so they’re doing it I’m going buy some pads whilst I’m
Here the guys recommended a place called The mikas for a beer and some food so far this place is pleasing me we’ve had coffee here we had lunch in am mikas now to go and get the bike oh actually looks nice to fall in as well I could uh quite happily fall in
That right now so Dinner’s Done Great Divide Brewing Company best food on the trail so far highly recommended but now we’ve got we got to get back to our warm showers place somewhere walking so I’m going to say good [Applause] night so I’m getting to the top of uh
Marshall pass which is uh the big climb for the day and then it’s just a downhill [Applause] [Applause] I’m at the top it’s done and that was some climb it went on for quite a while but it was all very easy gradient and I felt pretty good for the
Whole thing now we got a massive downhill all the way to Sergeant which should be pretty cool that’s our place so the sun’s come out and this is where we’re camped right on this River yeah this is uh highly recommended this place I really like it so if you’re
Coming through can’t remember what it’s called but you saw it when I came in honestly I got to go a bed I can have a shower in the morning even though I’m filthy I’ve just I’ve eaten so much food I just need to lie down and go
Sleep morning just been over there for breakfast which was really nice and uh yeah now we’ll pack up 48 miles today to a place called Ludas Creek a forest service campsite so yeah better get moving a quick break before I start this climb I don’t fear the climbs anymore I
Remember being in Canada or maybe Montana and I remember thinking just that thought crossed my mind for a second that I wouldn’t be able to do it have I bitten off more than I can chew and I think I rationalized it cuz I just made the decision I would do it
Anyway but I was resigned to the fact that I was going to be pushing the bike a lot more which I could have done I would have done it anyway I couldn’t have gone home with my tail between my legs but as it turns out my legs got
Stronger and now I can just power up these climbs no problem which is a good thing cuz there’s a lot of them and it might be tomorrow that’s that might be Indie Indiana pass which is the highest one it’s always a surprise to me I almost don’t need to know because
It’s not as if I’m going to change my mind I’m not going to turn back now am I time for the daily headwind every single day it is a bit Soul destroying made it to Camp 25 5 it feels like a harder day than it was really or
Set up in the corner John’s there guy Bill is in his hammock over there I’m envious morning good night rained again overnight sunny again this morning every day seems the same time to get packed up and get moving it’s had a nice Road ride 15 miles and now we’re into a completely different
Landscape been very dry deserty now it’s starting to get greener just put the Drone up this is really quite a spectacular little area I think we got climb now Caro pass 10166 ft bit of a downhill now and then another climb to Del nte let stop and have pumpkin
Seeds that’s got to be good calories right this looks like I’m on a film set like if I went up and tapped them they’d be Hollow made of fiberglass oh yeah that’s that’s what you get when you’re not looking around I haven’t crashed Once on This Trail not once and that was
Close so we’re in the city park this is our campsite for the night just trying to work out where the sprinklers are so they don’t wet us in the morning I’m so tired today was a good day tomorrow is the biggest um highest climb Indiana pass
And It’s tricky because we need to take probably 4 days worth of food and the water at the top of the pass is dodgy so have to carry a lot of water as well anyhow that’s tomorrow’s problem morning all packed up it’s cold again now we’re going to go and get some
Food and coffee breakfast and I’ve got a resupply my bike’s going to be as heavy as it’s ever been today and I’ve got the highest climb on the whole tour so that’ll be a challenge but I’m ready for it okay we started the climb up Indiana pass only at the very beginning we’re
Getting up to 3,650 Ft so we’ve climbed 727 M we’re at 3,111 we got to get to 3560 I’ve already gone through 2 and 1/2 lers of water it is so hot this is telling me it’s 33° I’ve never sweated like this it’s crazy about 100 m to go thank God amazing
Views I can really feel it today I’m gasping for [Applause] breath morning Glorious Day Sun’s just come up slept reasonably well I’ve had a small breakfast but we’re going to find this restaurant which is about 7 or 8 Miles Away hopefully it’s open do you think they want to know I don’t
Know I film everything except get get a look inside that uh cobet oh yeah yeah apple cobbler cherry cobbler Cherry it’s like a child you couldn’t wait crazy looking Sky Colorado is beautiful I mean it’s just beautiful stumbled across this little store got an ice cream and a root beer
And I’ve restocked on worms nice nice surprise stop we’ve been temporarily joined by another guy an Italian so now we have American Italian Welsh and Canadian truly a multicultural group so we just came past this place red bear and one of the guys who we’ve been or we know from the trail
Came running out to tell us it’s been raining up this pass and it’s impossible when it’s been raining on top of that between abbyq and Cuba which would be our next section there’s fires forest fires and it’s closed so we’ve stopped here to do a bit of research see what we’re going to
Do so this this place definitely stop here red bear absolutely awesome place it’s not in any other guides so you have to me and Bill are going to go up and try the mud and chance it and uh could be the wrong decision we’re going to find out
Soon here we go we got [Laughter] [Applause] running rope him rope him [Applause] oh my God look at that view good work there you are lamanga pass Summit 10230 ft so we’re at the border we decided to take the non-advised route route and it looks good The Adventurous route The
Adventurous route and the actual route should always take the dirt path yeah yeah always in life and on the trail and there we are New Mexico so witness witness the Traverse into New Mexico oh yeah yeah the actual you coming ceremonial cier breaking anle we in New Mexico wow don’t like it good
Back Camp all set up absolutely amazing spot one of the best so far on the trail need to eat quickly and go to bed I feel quite laded only enough but I guess we’re at elevation it’s just been a big day but a good day really enjoyed it I’m
Glad we took this the official route so I’ll see you in the morning okay so it’s 20 1 this brick I packed out yesterday and Bill’s got one too this is the weightiest cake I reckon this weighs a good kilo don’t you think yeah and that’s lunch
And I’m going to have some sort of meat stick from that nice place probably cost £4 I am feeling today I really am yeah he’s poised ready isn’t he yeah like the thing is you probably wouldn’t have seen him if he hadn’t been rattling I heard the rattle right yeah so he’s
Drawing attention to himself I was like that wasn’t Le we made it we’re at the campsite we made it 48 and 1 half miles the storm clouds came in and we didn’t get you half till about halfast 6 and the next campsite was going to be a
Couple of hours way so it’s just been a slow day the train has been difficult been amazing Day scenery wise so there’s my tent Bill’s got his hammock over there he’s got his bear spray there’s a black bear apparently that causes problems around here I’m going to
Basically eat whatever I can quickly and go to bed because I seriously need sleep I’m sleep deprived the last two or three nights I haven’t slept properly I think it might be the altitude we’re still at altitude tonight but yeah I’m I seriously need sleep I’m so
Like I don’t know I can’t think properly good morning I slept well thankfully today I think we got 57 miles to Hue there’s no hotel but apparently there’s cyclist only camping on the river and then a day off tomorrow thankfully but we’re getting down off this altit you today and I don’t think
We come back up this High which is nice no problems with a bear last night didn’t hear him it’s wise just to keep your food out the way they don’t bother you if there’s no food they’re not interested and he’s not getting my slim gyms this is where we get water
Apparently I can’t see from where wow valos not high on my holiday destination list nearly at the top of this climb it’s hot here but because we’re at lower elevations at least I can breathe propably now so we just stopped in here the national forest office yeah
And they’ve given us some up up to-date information about the fire closure still don’t really know exactly what’s happening but the good news is I got some free M&M’s there’s a famous restaurant and there’s a famous restaurant just up the road so we’re going to go and eat there
Guess this is it yeah wow food in there was exceptional incredible and the guy in there the guy serving such a nice guy I think he owns it as well we’re a couple of miles out of albue and this sign here demanding that we come in and have a cold beer I
Mean suppose we’re going to have to I’m at The Retreat on the river in abue I’m going to be staying in here tonight which is fine it’s only $20 and tomorrow as well cuz I’m having a day off but now we’re going to go back
Out on the bikes to the abue in and get some food I don’t have to get up in the morning what a nice feeling just been up for dinner it was really good at the Hue in couple of beers now I’m tired actually not a bad day at all I’m quite
Chilled out we came up with a started started anyway our plan for finishing so there’s me John and Bill and we’re all planning on finishing together anyway I’ll see you in the morning funny little place good morning glorious morning had a good night slept in just washed all my
Clothes and put them straight on cuz it’s New Mexico and they’ll be dry within 15 milliseconds I think uh Bill and John have already set off for breakfast so I’m going to ride up there and meet them get a burrito or something probably do a resupply that was pretty funny I was
Just coming out and this really nice woman started talking to me about the The Divide and the next section is coming up and then she said be careful cuz it’s as hot as a mother and then walked off you got to laugh so time for an update the fire
Restrictions are still in place so we can’t do the route from here to Cuba bill has worked out a route on Forest Road so similar sort of terrain similar climbing which diverts around it which is really good I’m glad he did it because I wouldn’t know where to start
We’re still going to need to carry a lot of water tomorrow so we still need to work that out so that’s that really now just going to chill out for a bit the rest has been nice it’s only halfast 2 in the afternoon back at the abue in for dinner just being resupplied
I’m going to be carrying 10 lers of water tomorrow that’s a horrific amount 10 kilos of water but it’s necessary anyway time for dinner morning all packed up ready to go I’ve managed to fit all the water on I just need to fill up a bladder and I can
Go in the back somewhere any it’s a nice morning it’s going to be hot it’s going to be a tough day but I’m looking forward to it it’s a challenge and I mean that when I say I’m looking forward to it it’s a big climb big water
Carry yeah this is why we do it isn’t it only 150 m in and it’s starting to get hot it’s a long old climb 1500 M bit of a breeze though which is nice they all speeding the ants crackers they love people bit of crackers so do I I mean I’m tempted to
Grab some of that myself oh was a good piece that is a good piece yeah oh I can see the road yeah yeah let’s tell John we’re going up that I’m not good enough to ride this made it to the top that was a big climb
I don’t know whether it was the hardest I think it was but I forgotten how hard the others were so we found our spot for tonight I’m so glad I brought this little fold away backpack because uh my tent’s in there so it’s not heavy and I’ve been wearing
That all day it’s just giving me extra room for water yeah what a great spot and there’s a tiny thin crescent moon tonight and it looks like a clear night and we’re high up this is going to be a good night for a nightlapse the skies here are
Incredible so the route goes this way but where divert in that way which is still on Forest roads cuz of this black feather fire it’s a huge forest fire that’s mostly contained but the the trail is shut so we’re on to our alternate it’s a bit
Rocky for the first time we can smell the fire and see the smoke coming our way don’t say that I think it is for your life that’s a big orange thing in the woods well at least we got a nice smooth Trail so we can get away quick a it’s all down
Here we just ran into a forest service guy and he told us that fire that we saw earlier and the one I caught with the Drone was a different fire it wasn’t the black feather fire uh it’s one that broke out yesterday a lot smaller and
They had it under control went on this road for a little bit and then we hit the highway then we got a big climb up and then along downhill in to town where I’m am going to immediately eat eat I am so hungry again we’re going out for Mexican food me John and
Bill got to get there quick cuz it closes soon and it’s the only food option in town apart from McDonald’s look at this car I’m guessing it was pushed down that bank in 1962 February 11th if you push that car down that bank let me know exactly what date you did
It closed I bet you we end up at McDonald’s I don’t think there’s anywhere else we found somewhere that isn’t McDonald’s chos what’s that P granate pomegranate is the uh food of champion oh thanks we’re so lucky it’s dry it’s taking a quick break poptarts this thing behind me there’s
Quite a few of them dotted around the landscape here and this is the biggest one Cabazon Peak I think it’s called and from what I’ve read or what bill has read and told me they’re called tubules and they’re basically what’s left of a volcano the volcano is there the lava inside
Solidifies then because the volcano itself is a much softer rock it erods over millions of years and what’s left is like a an imprint of the interior of a volcano it’s amazing amazing thing water oh yeah I bet it’s cold too oh feels good yeah I’m going to be doing
That I’m going to filter water and do it before I go amazing all set up I’ve had to use rocks cuz there’s no purchase for the pegs but that’s fine what a spot I don’t think I’ve ever camped in a place like this before I got I got spiked by the cactus have
You ever been caught by them they’re Barbed so you can’t get them out yeah horrible anyway that’s not going to bother me it’s not going to ruin my evening nothing can bring you down now no no this is incredible dinner dinner’s cooking yeah I’m going to get mine
On there’s our water do you think we should filter us chocolate milk chocolate milk yeah John would be happy there’s always one Brave One [Laughter] NOP good work that’s why I keep him around as well another old derck building they home I think they’re out an extraction work pretty good needs a
Couple of filling so we just started the big climb for the day 650 M already done 600 just with up and downs it’s 1:00 it’s nice and cool should be okay we’re heading that way and it’s raining that way it might blow over we knew it was going to
Happen it’s pretty bad and we’re so close to the top so close but yes can you imagine it was like this the whole way so lucky made it to the campsite yeah that was definitely a wakeup call with that mud when they say you can’t ride through
It they mean it you can’t push through it crazy stuff I’m in the tent it’s raining it’s going to rain all night and probably into the morning we got 20 miles down into town we’re just as I’ve said 50 times hoping that that road is
Not uh muddy so we’re not going to know until tomorrow if it is I guess we just sit here and wait for it to dry out be a shame though because I’m looking forward to breakfast obviously food so it’s been a good day 49 miles just over, 1400 MERS of ascent so
Another big climb day I was expecting them to calm down but I’m going to stop expecting it because we’re too close to the end now it’s only 7:00 I’m going to bed I’m shattered as per usual so uh yeah get a good night’s sleep Hopefully the rain usually helps actually I like this
Sound good night it’s raining I’m going to have another coffee I’ve already had one just trying to wait it out I’m hoping this cuts to me sitting in front of a big plate of pancakes Pancakes yes lava Land RV park seems good enough it’s got laundry showers
Um there’s a bar now we got to work out what we’re doing over the next couple of days kind of Bill is in charge of that now I don’t think he wants to be had some beer had some pizza good day I can’t stress how much I’m enjoying this
Trip there’s hard parts and it wears me out but trust me this is an exceptional Trail it’s just fantastic and it’s not just me waxing lyrical about it after the event I’m right in the middle of it and I’m in a hard section of it and I
Still love it so you know that says it all really morning last night I slept like a log on this noisy Bright RV park I don’t know why I slept so well and I think we’re heading into what they call the bad lands of New Mexico which seems a little harsh I’m
Sure sure those lands have done nothing worse than any other lands I could actually spend hours in there genuinely could so we made it out Denny’s about 10:00 no rush today 50 odd miles mainly on pavement it’s nice sometimes just to take your time especially when you’re in town pretty spectacular natural
Arch I think we’re going to get caught in this storm right we’re done we can’t ride any further the rain has at least stopped beautiful double rainbow a double rainbow yeah there’s a pot of gold somewhere around here I don’t think John’s found it I
Don’t think he has I wonder where he is he’s probably walking I think half a mile in an hour and a half would you say pushing bikes but we’ve managed to get it to the brow of this hill and it may be Dyer I don’t know you can’t see anything I’m we made
It to Camp it took us so long it’s half past 8 and it’s dark but this looks like a cool place we’ve got water I’ll show it to you in the morning a cool place this is where we stayed last night TLC Ranch next to this old truck which I
Love old Chevy very cool I’ll have the wash and wax yeah and uh check the oil hey Paul bad huh roads have dried up thankfully if it rains and you’re on this kind of Road you just got to stop dead there’s no trying set Camp I’m waiting for it to
Stop so we got to make sure we got plenty of water every time we come out I want pie I can almost smell the pie from here although it’s 4 miles away a guy called Z L just gave us beer cheers good old zapd yeah he kept one for himself though
Oh didn’t it got one too Cheers Cheers there was a one place in this town where they sold p and everyone called it Pi town and then they uh gave it the official designation which I like yeah I didn’t expect this did you good happy happy if we’d have been on the
Trail we’d have been sinking so we made the right call plus I’m full of pie and I’m in a rocking chair I’m not sure but this might be the toaster house my uh points of interest is showing that we passed it yeah I think this might be it the penth
House wow how cool is this so how amazing is this whole house just empty for us to use or CDT hikers we’re obviously going to stay here tonight cuz we’d be mad not to uh we got to get back down for dinner at 4:00 cuz they close at
5: I’m glad that this uh rain has coming and it means we got to stay here because this is a proper experience mat can you uh open the box please this box we’re back dinner was good and now I’m going to go and crash out on the bed and
Nothing more will happen today that you need concern yourself with what cool place another cool place on a very cool Trail even got swings I’m going to try and go all the way around around if I do that I will film it good morning it’s a fine morning for
Now I think we’re going to try and get a big day or at least get as far as we can I don’t know which way we’re going actually I do you look for the nearest mountains and that’s where they send you they’re craw like that 9:00 making good progress miles
Already this is the road and it’s like this most of the way to sell the city if it’s wet it’s impossible but the the cruel thing is when it’s dry it’s the best surface so got to make hay whilst The Sun Shines get as many miles in whil
As dry as we can once we get to Silver City I think we’re pretty good but this stretch now 180 miles or so is the danger zone I had to sorry [Applause] amazing we’re in a bit of a bigger group at the moment we stopped here to get
Some water and it’s a church horse Springs bible church and they invited us in and uh we’ve just had loads of food lemonade really really nice people Paul broke a Spoke wear fixing for him now good things always seem to pop up on this Trail fiber fix
Spoke amazing I’ve got one now I know man steel right behind it now it’s SC in it no one wants to see that that might be the best part of the video so John is now the junior deputy sheriff of katron County get line Boys Paul’s bike is
Fixed where he’s going to take the road just in case and then I’m going to message him when we get to Silver City because uh everything’s better with Paul he’s the one that came here to ask for water and then got us all Fed so he’s a legend a living
Legend and see the rain sort of running parallel to us at the moment which is fine made it just in time we’ve done 59 Mi about 900 M of a cent so good chunk knocked out more than we thought we were going to get it’s quart to six we thought this was coming
In at 4 so sharing it with the cows had like a box of free food at that toaster house so I got beef stew I’m glad I picked it up Mountain House sir they’ been okay the Beggars can’t be choosers I can’t be bothered doing much more tonight let’s try
It it’s actually good it’s nice good morning and it’s a nice morning rained overnight as long as it doesn’t rain today I’ll be happy beautiful place to Camp there was like a yak or something I think it was a yak hanging around the tent in the night chasing two little cows around as
Far as I can tell unless I dreamt that and I need to check whether it was a yak okay this is obviously uh excellent content we need to do about 50 Mi if we can do 50 Mi today we’re good another different landscape in New
Mexico this is a burn area there was a big fire here last year which is why all the grass comes through and trees are charred amazing I can’t believe the difference in Landscapes that New Mexico has this is about the most amazing thing ever it’s good
Yeah oh he he does this like a champ like next level champ wow no thank you buddy really appreciate it than now this is fresh from the garden that was out of store this is not very happy we run into these [Applause] guys I’ll be honest I’m shattered I’m just digging deep every
Climb I do today I don’t have to do tomorrow I know that’s motivating cuz tomorrow is going to be a big date regardless but tomorrow should be the last big big day had the whole tour filling up with water at this Ranch very good of them he told us
There’s no water for ages so we filled everything up yeah how cool without people like this we’d be screwed 40° no wonder dra flagging at Camp just got here got my tent up and then it just tipped down with rain where it’s stopped again now for now morning halfast 7 we’ve had breakfast
Just packing up it’s a nice sunny day it’s already been narrow and rough so does that mean it’s narrower and rougher probably [Applause] try to bother wearing rain gear I was completely drenched the sun’s come out if it doesn’t start raining again I’ll be dry in 5 minutes and then sweating again
No more bed no more mud that’s it we’re done we’re done woo cuts to us stuck in mud right we’re at the campsite I shouldn’t feel like this but I feel like the job is done it was always going to be the case we’ve got a road ride to
Sver City and I think it’s plane sailing from there we haven’t got much to do so of course anything can happen but yeah it feels like it feels like it’s done beer from these people how nice so cool people are so nice they give me shade and somewhere to sit and a
Beer what more could you want am melon what was it they’re making us nachos yeah nachos yeah we’re having n nachos for dinner tequila based cocktails do you think Paul’s getting this treatment nah Paul’s missing out yeah he’s probably getting some he’s getting some of me that was awesome how
Nice were they they were so nice yeah but like they’ve kept us awake past our bedtime I know we’d have two hours of sleep by I know we’re never going to get up in the morning absolutely fantastic just another reason why New Mexico is the the best state best people state I’m
Going to State it I’m going to State it it is sorry everyone else you’re all close so it’s not like there’s a yawning Chasm of niceness between States but yeah awesome here so anyway we’re going to go to bed and I shall see you in the morning good night good
Night morning all packed up ready to go Silver City 35 miles I think all on road should be an easy day we have a warm showers host which will be nice so we can get cleaned up tonight I don’t know the last time I had a shower it’s a good while ago though
[Applause] I can’t do it again that would be three times know oh look just like back home really that’s back on your it looks good though it does look nice I’m not going to complain ice cream is that way oh my God look at this you want a
Piggy back ride it’s been for 5 minutes are you could do you give me a piggy pack what about John well uh John’s on his own I guess bad luck John ice cream for me and Bill now after our warm showers so as per usual I probably won’t film a lot
When we’re there I like Silver City it’s got a good uh Vibe going on seems like a nice place so this is where we’re set up today an RV park in Silver City I’m so glad I got a day off today I think sometimes when you know you’ve got a day
Off your body does relax and that’s what’s happened but I’m super relaxed and chilled out Paul has wine ah he bigger small no now he bigger small drop stop that that’s it thank you Paul Here’s To You Paul salute Cheers Cheers Bo wine right day off done just very very
Relaxed I don’t know whether I’m tired or whether I’m I don’t know shutting down cuz it’s getting close to the end if I am it’s a little early because still got 116 miles to go I feel like this is as far as I could go without having a proper break you
Know 3 or 4 days think about nutrition more in in the future this is all nonsense I am sorry I apologize but I’m going to go to bed tomorrow big day back to normal toilets had toaster house this is the toilet house it’s hot it’s especially hot when you’re on the road
17 Mi of Road riding we’ve just got off onto the gravel again or sand or m whatever you want to call it it’s nice to be off the highway we’re in the desert this is more deserty than any other part of the trail and extremely quiet 35° and according to this there’s one
More climb for the whole trip which is just almost impossible to imagine quick break oatmeal cookie Tam Marley in a bag I weighed myself two days ago I’m 11 stone 5 and I was 13 stone 7 when I left so two Stone and2 I’ve [Applause] lost 39° according to My Wo the desert’s hot there’s a convenience door I hope it’s open in about 9 miles it’s just a nice cold drink yeah I hope it’s open ice cream life is good is it hot bill or what very hot very hot the happy couple second one more [Applause]
Drinks 65 miles and I think we are on the road the whole way as well so this is the 32nd and last time that we crossed the Continental Divide oh last Cel divide good job yeah yeah yeah yeah celebration we’re in haita we’re at the food mart how is it John
Burritos chocolate milk he’s got his chocolate milk man is Happy homemade burritos so we’re staying in the community center which is just just down the road is £10 $10 sorry per person right so that’s it 8:00 today was 77 miles 850 M of a scent so a big day
Really and I felt it I’ll be honest but tomorrow should be easy I think it’s 45 miles and it’s the last day which is always a weird feeling Bitter Sweet you’re pleased to get it done but sad also morning it’s pretty early I woke up earlier than usual can’t believe it’s the last
Day I’ll be in El Paso tonight and it’ll all be over I trying to think back to when I started how confident I was I was going to get to the end and I don’t really know there’s so many things that can happen to put a stop to these things
Things but I’m glad to have made it CU a lot of people you know don’t I’ve been very lucky even though you’ll say I’m tempt in fate I don’t believe in all that so I tempt fate all the time doesn’t seem to do me any harm I think New Mexico is the perfect
Way to end I think it’s been the most picturesque and the friendliest place no doubt the hardest but it does pay you back it’s been incredible I love this landscape I think because it’s so different to anything you can get in Britain this trip has been incredible if I were to do it
Again I would take longer because I definitely have enjoyed the slower days I would much rather take my time stop more Explore More but I am completely sold on the bike I’ve come to the conclusion that hiking is a bit too slow for me and being able to carry so much stuff more
Food more water is uh a real bonus over hiking but this trip has been epic absolutely Epic if you’re thinking of doing it make it happen honestly just phenomenal oh get me a home with the Buffalo Rome and SK are cloudy all day 2 miles I can see
It and here we are there’s the famous sign where’s the band I know done we made it we made it now we got to do the pictures right we’re loaded on we’re done but thank you for watching it’s been incredible the amount of support I’ve had the comments I’ve Loved I’ve
Never felt alone it’s been a pleasure uh filming this stuff and I’ve seen so much more and experience so much more just by looking around thinking of what I’m going to film and yeah it’s been awesome really has I’m so glad I did it and of course I’ve
Got a permanent record I can watch whenever I want of the whole trip and I can’t wait anyhow thanks for watching and I’ll see you in the next video thank you
43 Comments
Hey mat, i appreciate your view on this ride.
I got to watch it in parts but curious about what you brought on your bike ?
Mat just to let you know I have just following your journey and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Being a Brit like you dogs can worry me over here so I would hate to be near bears. As for making a noise when you think they could be near I would end up with no voice. I am at the point where you meet royalty Mira & John how lucky were you. Follow them both and Ryan. I am going to watch it in easy bites because it'll save me watching rubbish on the telly.
Very nice documentary. I wish you had more time talking about the bike and the equipment.
Loved watching this, it felt like I was there with you! You’re humble attitude towards your previous experience, overcoming your initial fears as a 1st time bike packer and really showing that this was an epic adventure that you managed well and had no real drams only positives in the adventure and with the people you met along the way. Really inspired me to do this one day. Thank you!
Brilliant! We have a similar bear-singing playlist.
"12" was sung by the Pointer Sisters for a Sesame Street video.
Absolutely fantastic video Mat, just nice footage and some talking about where you are, perfect ratio and no pointless fancy editing, keep up the excellent videos and enjoy the rides
It took me a couple days to watch this whole trip. Pretty awesome. Who would of thought you start alone and end up riding most of trip with new friends. Maybe one day when I get all the kids out of the house I'll take a go at it.
Touring is an eating event with a cycling problem.
Mat (and Ross), another incredible video!!! I’ve watched a lot of GDMBR videos on YouTube and yours are top rate! I really enjoyed watching all the series you did while you were riding GDMBR last summer. The movie has a good pace, and was awesome to watch the whole thing all at once (I didn't think it was to long). I love your humor and honesty, and the commentary while you’re videoing with no loud music in the background during the video. I did the ride back in 2022, but only made it to Breckenridge Colorado (my daughter has a place there). Unfortunately, I had to go back to work and ran out of time. I enjoy watching your videos and seeing the same trails that I rode. It brings back a lot of good memories. I wish I would’ve videoed more of my ride. I plan on doing the rest of the route someday.
The logistics of planning your TransAmerica Trail from your homeland must be overwhelming. I’m planning on riding the TAT this summer as well. I live in Northern California and my wife will be driving me to the start. I’m not sure where you’re flying in but if the timing is right and you need a ride to the starting line, let me know. Maybe we could even ride together for part of the trip if you don’t mind the company. After watching so many of your videos, my riding pace is very similar to yours. It would be great to have someone to ride with. I’m now retired and have all the time in the world. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks again for all your great videos, Pat.
Hi Matt, my attention span is short but watched 1/2 your great video so far, will watch the rest. Awesome job!
Nice you had bottle water my place, school bus on your ride. I've met so many great folks here living on the GDMBR. Y'all great!
I remember buying bear spray in Canmore, and a lady in line said, “I didn’t know they sold cans that small.” Ahem.
Thank you for not adding any obnoxious music.
Not sure of ever watching a 3hr video end-to-end. What with all the plot twists and turns. Every second interesting. What an adventure. Production-values, great narration. Well done, sir.
Enjoyed it very much.
Great to see this again! Divided my viewing into 2 evenings. Almost better than the first time watching! Looking forward to hopefully cheering you on on the Transamerica, around Rawlins, perhaps. If you should change your route, I live in SE Wyoming. Would be glad to provide a meal, or arrange accommodation. Hope Europe is proving fun. Take care.
Mat, is there any particular reason you have gone from the Carbon belt contraption back to the roller chain gang?
Amazing documentary. Really makes me want to finish building my bike and training so i can go for a great ride. What song were you playing on the piano?
Really enjoyed watching all the original posts of this ride and now the compilation! It’s fantastic. Great job and thank you for sharing it with us.
I really enjoyed hearing how often you commented on how lucky you were to be having this experience.
Great attitude! Inspiring video!
A very solid adventure. The early mornings, exhausted evenings, great food and company. Well Done.
Still watching great video. Kremmling to silverthorne we met bottle water. Had i known your videos great, take footage. Next time friend out here Ute Pass
Met mat over bottle of water my place on GDMBR, i meet many on the ride living. I dont know much, just give water road, meet some. Truly mat did the ride right, chill just enjoying.
Cheers mat, great to know you!
Any riders between kremmling and silverthorne ute pass my property open for camping or inside. Mile 14.5, green gate, water cooler at road.
great video so watchable really enjoyed it
You seemed to enjoy the barren landscape of the Great Basin. If so you may like western Kansas on the Transamerica route. It's flat, barren and windy like the Basin but with tornadoes.
Let me know if your in north Michigan, well go biking, i know amazing spots. Listening while i sand nasty stuff at work 🙁
I think most trampolines get blown away in the storms!! Loving your video!
Great tip! I personally like some moss. But it seems to run roofs and siding. I considered trying some commercial products then got worried about the run off. I’ve had really good luck with just baking soda and water!!
Top tip!!
What a treat. You have made the best video on the divide. Great job and congratulations 👍😎🇫🇷
Life changing adventure, great video!
5 minutes in & I’m subscribed lol. Canadas a great place to live, best move I made leaving SE26 London! Really took to the outdoors lifestyle over here, anyway better get back to the video lol
Wonderful film, thank you so much.
What song were you playing on the piano at 48:40? Sounded really nice!
Do you know where to get a hold of the guy who was running the "light weight" trip? nice video. sounds super fun!
I am also a bikepacker and I normally feel inspired. After watching this I feel even more inspired. What do you use on your Gopro to get good sound? Also have you heard of the Welsh Ride Thing and if so are you doing it this year?
Bro! Congrats on 4K!
HI thanks for posting it was great to watch thanks ..
Watched your individual videos of your GD ride, which were amazing. You did an amazing editing job to generate this video, keeping in all those moments you experienced on trail. Loved your sense of humor and upbeat attitude in the face of challenges. Can’t wait to see your next adventure.
My wheel came off so I'll probably get pissed.
The bike is the perfect way to travel. I'm glad you realised that. Thank you for a wonderful video of a fantastic route. Thanks for taking us along with you.
That is the bike that you should be taking on your trans America trip.
what a wonderful video (and trip) Well done & Thank you!
This is award winning content. I enjoyed every minute of the adventure you took us on. Thank you for the inspiration and work you put into this.