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Ron Suchanek
Приєднався 13 гру 2011
2024 GDMBR Episode 1: Whitefish to Seely Lake
Last year, in 2023, I pedaled 600 stunning and grueling miles along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), from Banff to Helena. Apparently, I didn't learn my lesson, because I went back again in 2024, and this time I was joined by my good friend Pat, co-owner of the famous Spoken Hostel in Mitchell, Oregon.
Spoken is a donation-based hostel situated along the ACA TransAmerica Bike Route-where Pat and his wife Jalet have hosted thousands of bike travelers, handing out advice, ibuprofen and coffee, and rescuing the occasional bikepacker. So it was about time Pat got a taste of the luxury and pampering that bikepackers experience along the GDMBR. And I when I say "luxury and pampering", I mean "sleeping on rocks and being devoured by mosquitos the size of ravens".
Pat’s optimism was a real asset-especially during the times when I cursed the series of questionable decisions that led me to head back out there. Through what was probably a disciplined approach of diet, exercise and clean living, or steroids, he began the ride in exceptional condition, and often rode past me like I was towing a locomotive.
Ok, I'm being a little dramatic for humor's sake. (I hope it's working). All hilariousness aside, the experience was one of the most rewarding, and in some ways, painful, of my life. We had a lot of ridiculous fun and met a lot of great people. Something about this route draws riders back again and again, and it's not pampering and luxury. The GDMBR has a way of getting into your blood and stripping you down to the essentials-both physically and mentally-and making you appreciate the little things, like the occasional stretch of flat road, a rare tailwind or the moment when you realize your bike doesn't feel like it weighs as much as the Space Shuttle anymore. I can't wait to go back in 2025.
I hope you enjoy this series.
Links:
Spoke'n Hostel
www.spokenhostel.org/
PNW Bikepacking (for context on Parker references)
@pnwbikepacking
My Instagram
@ronsuchanek
My good friend (shameless name drop) Mat Ryder
@matryderadventures
Spoken is a donation-based hostel situated along the ACA TransAmerica Bike Route-where Pat and his wife Jalet have hosted thousands of bike travelers, handing out advice, ibuprofen and coffee, and rescuing the occasional bikepacker. So it was about time Pat got a taste of the luxury and pampering that bikepackers experience along the GDMBR. And I when I say "luxury and pampering", I mean "sleeping on rocks and being devoured by mosquitos the size of ravens".
Pat’s optimism was a real asset-especially during the times when I cursed the series of questionable decisions that led me to head back out there. Through what was probably a disciplined approach of diet, exercise and clean living, or steroids, he began the ride in exceptional condition, and often rode past me like I was towing a locomotive.
Ok, I'm being a little dramatic for humor's sake. (I hope it's working). All hilariousness aside, the experience was one of the most rewarding, and in some ways, painful, of my life. We had a lot of ridiculous fun and met a lot of great people. Something about this route draws riders back again and again, and it's not pampering and luxury. The GDMBR has a way of getting into your blood and stripping you down to the essentials-both physically and mentally-and making you appreciate the little things, like the occasional stretch of flat road, a rare tailwind or the moment when you realize your bike doesn't feel like it weighs as much as the Space Shuttle anymore. I can't wait to go back in 2025.
I hope you enjoy this series.
Links:
Spoke'n Hostel
www.spokenhostel.org/
PNW Bikepacking (for context on Parker references)
@pnwbikepacking
My Instagram
@ronsuchanek
My good friend (shameless name drop) Mat Ryder
@matryderadventures
Переглядів: 4 852
Відео
2024 Great Divide - Trailer
Переглядів 767Місяць тому
Hello everyone! I am starting to go through the footage from my 2024 GDMBR trip and hope to post something in the next few weeks. After 3 weeks on the route in 2023, I spent another 4 weeks in 2024. It was a fantastic journey. It has turned into a section ride, and I will continue in 2025. I had fun putting this trailer together, and look forward to working on the complete videos. Thanks for wa...
Packing for the GDMBR 2024- Final setup
Переглядів 3,3 тис.5 місяців тому
This is the setup I will use for the 2024 GDMBR. Last year I rode to Helena, and this year I am picking the route back up in Whitefish. I waited until the last minute, so it's a bit rushed.
GDMBR Part 5: The Last Days on the Route (for now!)
Переглядів 3,2 тис.10 місяців тому
After a rest day in Lincoln, the Kiwis and I headed south to the Llama Ranch, where enjoyed the incredible hospitality of Barbara and John, met a famous Tour Divide champion and met some other riders. Ellie, August and Bill continued on their journey, and mine was ending. They made it all the way to Antelope Wells a few weeks later, encountering rugged terrain, weather and illness along the way...
GDMBR Part 4: Ferndale to Lincoln
Переглядів 5 тис.10 місяців тому
Thanks for watching. This episode begins leaving Ferndale and making my way to Lincoln, Montana. We encountered a large huckleberry patch, a mother bear protecting her cub from smelly bikepackers, scenic vistas, bratwursts and more grueling climbs. Zack makes a return appearance, and I got to meet Kathy Schoendoerfer in Ovando. The episode is capped off by a visit in Lincoln from my wife and ou...
GDMBR Part 3: Montana, Days 9-12
Переглядів 5 тис.11 місяців тому
I encountered brutal climbs, headwinds and heat. But some trail magic more than made up for it. And best of all, I reconnected with Bill, Ellie and August. Portland Bike Bus: www.tiktok.com/@coachbalto/video/7276123939686878506
GDMBR 2023 Trailer
Переглядів 7611 місяців тому
Follow my 2023 adventures from Banff to Helena, Montana on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on my channel @RonSuchanek
Back in the US - The GDMBR Part 2, days 5-8
Переглядів 7 тис.11 місяців тому
Continuing along the GDMBR through more rugged, spectacular Canadian wilderness, crossing the US border and into Eureka, Montana for a rest day. My companions continued on from Eureka, with the hopes that we would reconnect in a few days.
Arriving in Banff and starting the Great Divide- Part 1- Days 1 to 4
Переглядів 20 тис.11 місяців тому
On June 21, 2023, I started the GDMBR. The trail was immediately stunning and brutal, and I worked through some second-guessing early on about my decision to do this. A Kiwi couple who were riding the GDMBR with their 15 month old son rode into the campground on he first night, and we hit it off immediately. The 4 of us rode together for most of the 3 weeks I was on the route and became great f...
Mr. Grumby's Eastern Oregon Hoedown
Переглядів 275Рік тому
A shakedown ride near Mitchell, Oregon in prep for the GDMBR (Great Divide Mountain Bike Route) starting in June.
Rafters on the Salmon River, Riggins, Idaho
Переглядів 616 років тому
Rafters on the Salmon River, Riggins, Idaho
Sugar the cat in Dickinson, North Dakota
Переглядів 546 років тому
Sugar the cat in Dickinson, North Dakota
Birds from our tent - Pickstown, South Dakota
Переглядів 1296 років тому
Birds from our tent - Pickstown, South Dakota
Really enjoyed this, Ron -- and a drone now too -- yay! What beautiful scenery, a fun biking companion, and a helluva good workout. Keep 'em coming!
Good work Ron. It's fun to revisit the Whitefish south from my trip two years ago. I guess we missed the mosquitos!
Thanks Larry. They really were only bad at Holland. Black flies were brutal south of Bannack.
We went from Eureka to Butte in late August-September 2023, so missed the bugs. That section from Ferndale to Seeley was my favorite part!
Bulletproof Surly ogre .Great video Ron I am going next year end of July or first week in August
Yeah I love the Ogre. You'll have a great time! I'm probably going back out next year to do another section.
Just came across your channel today in November. I live in Veneta just outside Eugene so seeing you cruising through the country makes me want to endure the rain and wind today and go for a ride. Nice documentation of your trip 🚴♂️😎
Thanks for watching! It's hard for me to get motivated to ride this time of year. I get out occasionally but usually default to the bike trainer.
That is some really spectacular video footage Ron. And it looks like you guys are having a blast.
Thanks Bob, it was a lot of fun.
Ron this is great! Love seeing the olderish guys back at it, and I do appreciate the grace and humor.
Thanks for the nice words. I feel lucky to be able to do this kind of stuff, and want to continue as long as I can.
Watching from asian ❤
Thanks for watching!
I got back home from a visit to Iowa at 11:15 p.m. and was ready for bed. I don't know why I had to turn on my computer first, but I did, and the first thing I saw was the notification of this video. "Okay, I'll check out a minute or two," I thought, "and finish tomorrow." HAH! I watched the whole thing. Among the many fine things I wanted to comment on was the perfection of the Soup Creek campsite, your good judgement in giving the skunk its space, and the beauty I saw between the 23:45 to about the 25:00 minute mark. And did I see some pork grilling @ 17:19? If so, I hope it was Iowa Pork.
Thanks for sticking with it at such a late hour, Mr. G. I appreciate it. The grilling was beefsteak, courtesy of camp host Art Crane. Thanks for watching. More to come.
@ 13:22, i've always heard this circus move called the "cowboy mount" (or dismount :-) (a.k.a. "cyclocross dis/mount" in some muddy circles) Best to practice _without_ a huge sausage bag hanging from the back of the seat. (and on a soft surface. ;-)
I like the sound of cowboy mount. It seems like something I ought to try, but I agree, not with a lump of gear on the back.
Although I worked on a ranch for a while I would in no way consider myself a "cowboy". But you're right, even with my limited time on horseback, it does feel a bit like swinging up into a saddle (sans the unpredictability of a thousand pounds of raw muscle and free will under the saddle).
Wow, it reminds me when I was hiking in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 my friends and I went deep in the streams. Oh, it feels so good ...
Brilliant! Thanks Ron. What fun 😁
Thanks Nicola! It was so fun, as you know, and terrible sometimes. But mostly fun. We're visiting the South Island in Feb/March. If you live there, and are around, we'd love to stop by and say hello. We're renting a campervan.
Definitely. We will be here. Settling back in after a rewarding time away. Stay in touch will be great to see you 😊
@NicolaHoodless excellent!
Hey Ron, that was really fun to watch! Such a great ride and scenery! Well done capturing it! I’m not so sure about your choice of riding partners though. 😁❤️🍻
Thanks for watching, Rob! I love watching the trips you and Chris do. And we spent a not-insignificant amount of time talking about Parker wisdom, tips and tricks. And, yeah, I felt sorry for Pat and brought him along. He's so uptight and hard to get along with, which really comes through on the video 😆
To be considered questionable is a high compliment coming from you, Rob! 😁
❤
When did you do this, I can't believe how clear the air is in the video. We did the same section in 2021, and it was so smokey. I was jealous.
We left June 23. Pat was with me through Helena, about 8 or 8 days, and we were incredibly lucky with air and weather. Thanks for watching!!
Same here. So much wildfire smoke we couldn't see the Wind River mountains in Wyoming while going over Union Pass.
Welp. There's no place as beautiful as Montana in June. I'm so glad you got mostly sunny skies and green grass and clear streams. Now I'm homesick. That drone shot! It stopped my heart.
It's so beautiful there. I keep going back!
Thx Ron!!!
Thanks Matt!
The word “swum” is the past participle of the verb “swim”. It is used in perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect) or in passive voice constructions, always with a helping verb like “have,” “has,” “had,” or “be.” Examples: 1. Present Perfect: • She has swum across the lake many times. 2. Past Perfect: • By the time we arrived, they had already swum to the shore. 3. Future Perfect: • By tomorrow, I will have swum five miles. 4. Passive Voice: • The pool has been swum in by generations of champions. For simple past tense without helping verbs, use “swam” instead: • Yesterday, I swam in the ocean.
Brilliant! If only we'd have known that back in June. Thanks for watching, and for straightening me out.
Excellent video Ron. I've been waiting for these. I think the word is Swimded.
Thanks Mat! We could have used you along to straighten us out on a few things out there.
Good call, Mat. Though, being Irish I prefer Swumded which is, of course, a close relative to the Welsh Swimded. Thanks for setting the record straight. Also, thanks for being such an inspiration to stay on two wheels. I hope we see you at Spoke'n again someday.
Richmond pass was a sod to climb ,we did it July 24
It's a beast!
what bike are you riding? Are those custom handlebars
The bike is a Long Haul Trucker with Jones bars. I used a Surly Ogre on my 2024 ride.
@@RonSuchanek nice setup
@henryguthery5311 thanks. The LHT is great, and I found the Ogre to be better suited to the terrain.
@@RonSuchanek Thank you
Ron - Nice job on the trailer! I look forward to seeing the final cut.
Thanks Larry! I look forward to going through the footage.
1:41 For the record... This was advice I received from a former Montana farmer and rancher on repelling a bear if he's eating you... *Notes and addendums: try at your own risk, not available in all areas, mileage may vary, see store for details.
The disclaimer is a great idea. We don't need anyone assuming that we're advocating this approach. 😂
It was such a joy to ride with you on the Whitefish to Helena section, Ron. Thanks for having me along. I look forward to reliving the absurdity and merriment that marked nearly every pedalstroke of our time together.
We had a wonderful, grueling, fun and absurd time out there!
My brother saw your trailer yesterday and sent me a link to it. How the heck did he see it before I did? I mean, he doesn't even know you. The only possible explanation is that you've become a major UA-cam sensation. I shouldn't be surprised. As writer, director, producer, and cinematographer, you are the Orson Welles of GDMBR videos. Anyway, I'll try to find ways to keep myself busy until the feature film comes out in December.
Hi Mr G! Ahh, your brother is enrolled in my UA-cam Sensation Super Secret Supporter program. For $3,000 a month, you get prior notifications of not only my videos, but everything I do. It's a win-win. I'm thinking about expanding my offerings to include pork chops, but the microwave keeps undercooking them, so that's on hold. (Disclaimer for anyone who might believe this: it's not true, but you can certainly send me $3000 if you want). Thanks for the nice words and for comparing me to Orson Wells. Others say that I'm the Orson Bean of GDMBR videos. Or was it Mr. Bean...?
Hi Ron, what section for 2025? I've ridden about 2/3 of the Divide in sections. I need to finish Banff to Roosville (closed border 2021); and Breckinridge to Antelope Wells section.
Ideally I'll ride from Island Park, ID to Antelope Wells, but I haven't figured out plans yet. That section from Banff is spectacular. I'd like to do it again. Thanks for watching.
So ready for round 2
Thanks!
Can’t wait! 😃
Thanks for watching!
Been waiting for this; tired of watching that guy from England :)
Thanks! But nobody gets tired of Mat!!
Looks great!
Thanks!
A Lonesome Dove reference?!?! I’m in!!
Sweet! Finally someone got it! Thanks for watching!!
Stumbled across your Divide videos. I watched all 5 and hope you do another biking adventure. Your very talented and kept my attention by your personality, content and editing. So sorry for the lose of your mother in law. Mike in Alabama Proverb 3:5-6
Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Mike! I enjoyed the ride and putting the videos together. I did another section of the route this year and will be going over the footage in the next few weeks. Ron
Looking forward to it.
Looking forward to seeing you 2024 ride!
Thanks!
You've totally sold another Kiwi on doing this. I won't be bringing my three teenage children with me though, my tent isn't big enough. Looks absolutely beautiful and us Kiwis know beauty when we see it. We know nothing about Beers, Mountain Lions, and Moose though, the scariest thing we have are blood thirsty mosquitoes, ...oh and cows too. That part makes me nervous. One day I'll get there, if I don't get lost on the way that is. 😂. BTW we train our young to call others "numbnuts", it's a term of endearment.
It's amazing, and you'll love it. The critters, bears in particular, are to be respected, but honestly, the risks are over blown. Just use common sense and enjoy the ride! The more Kiwis, the better!! We're probably heading to Enn Zed next March for a few weeks. Can't wait to hear the youths call me numbnuts. Thanks for watching. One of these days I'll get my 2024 videos edited and posted.
@@RonSuchanek take it you are coming to do some cycling. March is the best time of year weather wise, usually most settled. Being an Island in the Pacific it is often changeable and unpredictable. Im from the North Island, I did a three week trip in the South Island on bike trails in March of this year. It's a beautiful place, highly recommend the Alps to Ocean and also the lake Dunstan Trails, and the Otago Rail Trail. You may already know, but there are longer trips you can do like the Te Araroa Trail (length of NZ, mix of roads and trails) and the Sounds to Sounds (length of the South Island) which takes you over a few mountain passes. Both on my to do list. Enjoy your trip! Look forward to seeing more videos.
"Blood thirsty yahoos in monster trucks..." Sad but true.
Hi Ron Is that you on Mat Ryders’ TransAm part two video?
Yep! That's me. It was nice to meet up with him. My friend picked him up from the airport in Portland and drove him to the start of the TransAm in Astoria, while I was riding the GDMBR.
That’s just great. I wrote detailed notes of your great divide ride and Mat’s. I rode from Banff and stopped in Butte for a break, I got eaten alive by black flys while attending to a fellow rider who I needed to get carted out after he crashed. I’m heading back this Thursday with a magic potion that is supposed to repel those little buggers !
@@raymarks7430 @matryder is just as he appears in his videos- surly, ill tempered...just kidding. He's a great guy, funny and generous. But those black flies are miserable! I hope your potion works, and have fun as you continue.
@@RonSuchanekif the magic potion works I’ll def let people know. I contracted a university that did research and they put me in contact with a small co that is getting ready to market it… all natural ( something to do with coconut). Thanks again !
Thank you for the setup explanation. I will go on the GDMBR next year and “struggling” with this a bit to decide where to put what. I will follow you! Have a great time!
Thanks! Packing is a constant process for me, always changing. Another good resource is @matryderadventures
Thank you for the reply! I was and again am following Matt. Because I do the GDMBR next year. I also did the TransAm in 2008 and Prudhoe bay to Panama City in 2014. Both on a recumbent. This time I bought a Sonder broken road, just as the one Matt has at home. I did change the bike with the suspension in front. Also “bikepacking” is totally new for me. When are you starting and posting? I am looking forward to your posts. Have fun!
@@mennosolarquestthose two long rides you did are impressive! I started this year June 23 and finished about a week ago in Colorado, due to food poisoning. I'll be looking through the video clips from this year and starting to edit in a few weeks. I have 5 vids from last year posted. Thanks for watching!
I knew you'd have to be starting Phase II of your GDMBR soon, so I've been keeping an eye out for a journal on Cycleblaze. When I didn't see anything there, I remembered you seemed to be transitioning from bike literature to movie stardom. (You know you're a big star when advertisers have signed on to your videos.) Luckily, I decided to look for you again on UA-cam. Nice breakdown on your gear, but you didn't mention where you were going to store your big brick of Velveeta. I look forward to your first video from the road.
Thanks Greg. I haven't figured out the Velveeta thing yet. It's a puzzler. I started June 23 and am having a great time despite the preposterous Montana forest road hills. I am probably going to start the Cycleblaze journal after I get back, as I'm finding myself exhausted every day. Thanks for checking in! I'm updating every week or so on Instagram.
I was going to say a comprehensive tour kit, but you appear to have forgotten the kitchen sink. Only kidding. Wishing you all the very best for this 2024 return to the open trails. Thanks for inviting us along.
This was a great watch. I am sorry for your loss. When the time is right for you I hope you will return and give us more of your fine, fun and very different videos. They are heart-warming and uplifting. All the best to you and your fellow tourers.
Thanks for watching. I'm currently back on the trail, just rolled into Boulder. The hills haven't gotten any smaller.
Great effort and video - hoping for more. Greetings from Scotland.
Interesting to see you changed use to an Ogre from the LHT. I have been riding a Disc trucker on gravel. But am working on changing it up to a Ghost Grappler. Good luck on you adventure this year looking forward to following you adventures
Yeah, I was pretty adamant year that I would do it on the Trucker. It's my favorite bike and dis a great job. I've ridden hundreds of gravel miles on it. But the Ogre is just better suited for the terrain. I w heard people like their Ghost Grapplers. Good choice! Thanks for watching.
G’day Ron, I’m starting from Whitefish on the 28th June. I’ll keep an eye out for your orange frame pack. You and anyone else will spot me on my dual suspension Trek with blue pedals. Good luck on your journey. Btw, the pump is a Bontrager (I have the same one)😊
Excellent! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you. Thanks for watching.
How is the jones bar? Im looking to pick one up.
I love it. It's the 2.5 inch riser bar and works great for me.
I watched all your videos last year - I’m from the UK…flying out early July to start in Banff. Mixture of awe and anxiety at present - the scale of the journey and the bears! Thanks for the gear video it all helps with preparation 👍Good luck with your trip this year…
You're going to love it! The scale and terrain is intimidating, but the days are long. Bears aren't likely to bother you, just keep a clean camp and store or hang your food and smelly stuff. Have a great trip and thanks for watching!
All looks great Ron. I have those same Arkel panniers for a few years now, and they work really well. I've used them for lots of different things, and they've really held up. Have a fantastic trip!
Thanks Bob!
you're an amazing person man, i wish you happy adventures ❤
Thanks!
Nice set up Ron. I love those 'REI somethingother's' too. Good luck out there.
Thanks Mat!
I to am taking a chair its a knock off weights .9 kg and was only 24 euros so if it gets a problem will just dich it. Going through Whitefish 8/9 July see you out there maybe.
Have a great trip.