The Badger Divide : Day 1 - Inverness to the Blackburn Bothy
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Day 1 of the Badger Divide. This is what all bikepacking should be like. End to end amazing, hopefully the video shows it as it was.
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Your monologues are what make your bike channel better than the others.
Then I will keep on monologuing 😉
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you are enjoying them.
Jethro people can learn a lot from the way you do life. “A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out.”
-George Bernard Shaw
I've not heard that one before. I like it.
I think it's a matter of opinion how much I really contribute to the world but I appreciate the sentiment 😉
You had me then, I were thinking who wants to go to Blackburn? And I didn't know they had a bothy either. Then I saw Scotland and relaxed. Oh dear, a problem- but as you it's his decision- make sure he doesn't lay down on your trail and stop day. Last one tried who did that to me and many other people trying to get to work, got thrown in a river.
Haha, yeah a bothy in Blackburn would be a very different trip indeed!
Think I'd choose this ride if possible. One of the best weeks on a bike I've ever spent I think!
Thanks!
I only just saw that you used the Super Thanks feature! You are the first person to do that which is very exciting and I'm incredibly grateful!
I'm really pleased that you rate the channel and that you enjoyed this video, your support is massively appreciated :)
Gtreat video - I love Scotland and I've pushed my bike up a fgew of those hills!
Me too, its an amazing place to explore. I'm keen to get back up there and I really hope that my first proper ride of 2024 will be the Pictish Trail. That will be an epic trip!
Perfect association of landscapes, images, colours, music. Scotland is definitely a place I must visit and cycle in.
I highly recommend it if you get the chance.
I'd forgotten how beautiful it is and how great it is for cycling.
I'll definitely be back!
Nice one lad.
Thank you. It was a cracking ride, I had a great time
Hi Jethro, I'm in the beloved Highlands with you in spirit. Got a bit confused. Thought you were on the route on the southerly side of Ness (I'd gone north on the road along the northerly side) and you mentioned Drumnadrochit which in on the northerly side. Left me scratching my head. Is there a trail above the road on the northerly side?
Like you, I found my stops for a drink, a 'go-faster' bar and a roll-up absolutely diamond.
I found the Highlands to hold an ecstatic 'cruelty'. At times they are challenging but they almost (actually) bring tears to the eyes when one leaves them behind. (One never completely leaves them behind). They excite passion.
Mr Redman Mk 2 has got to be one of Lou's.
A great first day
All the best Paul
There are a few trails up on the hills, mostly forestry access and hiking trails so much more pleasant to ride than the roads IMO.
You are right about the landscapes though. Truly amazing to pass through!
I can't wait to get back up there!
😊A great vid. Thank you Jethro.
Thanks you. Glad you enjoyed it :)
Loch Ness is glorious. There used to be a Mountain bike / Windsurfing competition down the Caledonian Canal in the 80’s. Your method of travelling gently and admiring the glorious countryside makes you the real winner.
It's an amazing route. I did it the other way on my first ever tour but it is more fun starting in Inverness. Some of the descents are fantastic!
What a stunning route. I lived in central Scotland for 6 years before emigrating to Canada. Only managed Loch Ness twice (by car), this route shows some true Scottish beauty, feeling homesick watching this.
It is indeed a fantastic ride in a fantastic part of the world. I loved every mile of it!
You must have some equally stunning landscapes in Canada though.
So great to see the regenerated Mr Redman and in a radical form.
I was very pleased to find him regenerated. He's definitely more edgy this time but I think the world needs a darker, edgier, more environmentally minded Mr. Redman.
I think we'll get on well 😉
this made me want to live in nature full time...
Me too! Best place to be!
Watching this again...to stay sane mostly but also to let you know you got a name-check in the comments on Tim Fitzwater's channel yesterday.
Time to crack America?!
Amazing :)
Its so weird (and so cool) when I see people liking my stuff away from the channel. I've actually not seen his channel before but he seems like my kind of chap - subbed. Thanks for the tip off ;)
I am so envious of that beautiful scenery and bike trails! Dates and figs are my go-to snack on the trails too. A great first day to ride!...be safe and have fun for us!
Thanks. This route is something special I have to say. I just finished it today and it is just amazing. One of the best I've ridden for sure
The views took my breath away! Thank You
I spent a lot of time marvelling at the view on this one. Every mile was a postcard
Thank goodness for a sensible paced ride. Well done Sir. Also good to see Mr Redman back, he is a clever little chap if he can do regeneration! 👍
I know! I was as surprised as anyone when he reappeared!
Makes you wonder what other tricks he has up his sleeve (not that he has any sleeves)
I’ve found so much inspiration from watching your videos, from building an Ogre to daring to go back to solo touring and wild camping. This has to be one of the very best. It’s so beautiful.
Thank you, I'm very pleased that you have found something valuable in them.
The Ogre is a beast and I hope you live it as much as I love mine.
It was a good fit for this route I think, there wasn't a section that I couldn't have peddled. If my legs had been as good as my bike that is 😉
Good on you buddy for getting that hill out of the way ready for the bothy of happiness 🤘
Yeah it was a good move in the grand scheme of things but a hard finish to a long day (by my standards)
Looks like a stunning location. Truly spectacular scenery.
It really was.
This whole root is amazing from start to end. Just one amazing view after another!
Great video! Stunning scenery and love the music.
Thank you. I glad you enjoyed it
its about the stopping and looking around , well put Man. It's about experiencing stillness. Another great Saga , Hello to Mr Redman
Exactly, I'm glad you agree. There is too much out there to go rushing past it all
Beautiful video and a woderful landscape by your bikeride in Scotland.
Scotland is awesome and this route is a real cracker. I just finished it today and it was truly amazing from start to finish.
I'm sad to be finished really, I just felt like I was finding my groove.
Stunning ride so far. I just finished the coast to coast (on foot) last week and there’s nothing quite like travelling through a landscape slowly to appreciate the beauty and subtle changes. I might have to put this one on my bucket list.
Wow, congrats on the C2C, that must have been amazing!
I can definitely recommend this one (just finished it today) as one of the best routes I've ridden. Truly stunning from start to finish.
Awesome countryside, hey what are those handle bars do you have a description in another video. Thank you. Ray
They are Surly Moloko. I haven't done a full video on them but they are super comfy and fit my riding stance really nicely. I bought them for the multiple hand positions as I used to get really sore wrists on my old flat bars but actually I rarely use the horns because the sweep and geometry are so good.
And a new Mr Redman?
You lucky bugger... excellent!
Missed the introduction to the new Redman, bet he's got a Waitrose card!
Yeah, who knew Mr Redman was an immortal being capable of regeneration?
You now need to be careful, as Mr Redman Limited is fast becoming the star and you the supporting role, quite literally supportive on your bars... you're the Roady!
Looking forward to day 2
@@purelyacademic If my destiny is to play side kick to a silent, woollen, climate activist then so be it. We all have our paths to tread 😉
Excellent first day Jethro. looks a great route. Good to see Mr Redman back with a new look and the Bothy stopover. Looking forward to the next day!
It's a fantastic route, really one of the best I've done I think. And the bothy was great, such a fantastic resource to be able to just rock up and use.
I wish I was still out there!
Day 2 should be coming pretty soon and then the rest over the coming weeks.
Gettin' it done. With the suave elegance that eludes most. Enjoy.
That is exactly what I was going for!
I nailed it didn't I! 😉
@@JethroJessop You know you did...
@@panchoxbrr301 I know. It would be impolite not to at least feign some humility though. 😉
Looks glorious. Loving the reincarnation of Mr XR-edman. I guees he/they'll have plenty of access to material for a potential lock-on should the opportunity present.
Yeah, he is much more politically minded than the old Mr Redman. He is very passionate about all things environmental so he approved of the train/bicycle nature of this trip.
@@JethroJessop if he's got a sister.....
@@shinywarm6906 I'll put in a good word for you
You're my best pal, you are. *hic*
Ooow!!! Looks fantastic up there buddy 👍
It really is. If you get the chance then have a go at this route, it is bloody amazing!
Beautiful day one! Can’t wait for the rest of the trip.
It was incredible!
Spoiler alert, the weather doesn't stay that good for the whole trip 😉
I just finished the route today and the other vids will be appearing over the coming weeks
Amazing video! I'm riding the Badger Divide in September and cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to it!
Awesome, you will love it, it is a fantastic trail from end to end.
Hope the prep goes well and the weather is kind to you
Well done looks amazing 👍🏻
Thanks. I just finished the route today. It really is amazing, I can't recommend it highly enough!
Wow, looks like a fantastic route. Let the ultra-runners do their thing. Your pace is much more enjoyable to watch. You've definitely pushed Scotland to the top of our "must ride" list. Thanks for the great video.
If you get the chance then I really can't recommend this one enough. Probably the best route I've ridden in the UK.
Many do it in 2 or 3 days. I could have done it in 5 but I'm glad I stretched it out to 6.
We absolutely love cycling in Scotland, the scenery is utterly brilliant, and encourages many ‘snack and view stops’, also now we have our Saltire NEC cards we can hop on a train for a whole poond (£1) anywhere in Fife, which means we can explore further, plus, our local Kinross and Fife CTC group are a great bunch too👍🏴👍.
It is a great country to explore by bike. I will definitely be back.
I can't get there for a pound but the sleeper train is very doable if booked a bit in advance.
There could be some weekenders up that way coming soon if the calendar allows.
@@JethroJessop it’s because I’m an oldie I get concessions on PT in Scotland 🏴 anywhere in Fife on a bus for nowt , train £1 as long as you travel within the Kingdom of Fife. Looking forward to watching the next instalment of your badger divide journey
@@christopherflint2074 that's a bargain. Make the most of that I say!
Day 2 coming fairly soon then a few more after that as well 😉
Great video mate, really enjoyed it, cant wait for the follow up
Plenty more to come. I just finished the route today so there are 5 more vids to come 😉
Have a great ride💪
I just rolled into Glasgow an hour or so ago.
It was a fantastic ride. One of the best I've done possibly.
LoL Mr Redman ROFL.
Having had an awful experience with the midge on Skye in 2014 I vowed never would I cycle or camp in Scotland ever again. But it is pretty, if you can see it through the clouds of midges.
Have you spotted any badgers yet?
I didn't see any badgers unfortunately.
Also no midges though, still too early for them (and too windy). As far as I know I managed to escape without getting any ticks either so all in all, a very pleasant outcome on the parasite front 😉
If Nessie turns up, that's the thumbnail sorted
That's what I thought. I was hoping for some sensational monster footage that would go viral but sadly it's all just me, riding around looking at trees 😉
Mr Redman looks a bit like the Wicker Man.
His new incarnation is definitely a little more sinister than the last one.
We're getting on well though and he's enjoyed his first adventure with me I think
Thanks for sharing the ride, something I would like to do next year. Some great comments from your followers, cheers
I just finished it today and I highly recommend it. It's hard but doable and it is amazing from end to end. Great route, stunning scenery, just spectacular.
If you get the chance then definitely do it!
Looks blooming marvellous mate! Look forward to catching up tomorrow... snack stop!
It really was. Amazing ride.
The train is just rolling out of Glasgow now, see you tomorrow
@@JethroJessopbeer and beach await... and getting bundled by snotty hobbits.
@@RuggedJohnWoodland bring it on!
That looks incredible JJ. I’ve been looking forward to seeing how you got on. Thanks for sharing mate 👍🏻
Now stop being a UA-cam sensation and get back home to post my quad lock please! 🤣
As soon as the case arrives it will be on its way.
It may even be waiting for me when I get back.
I just finished the Badger today and will be back home Monday. I'll let you know as soon as it goes in the post!
Welcome, Sir Redman II. :)
He's back. And twice as mean as ever 😉
Beautiful ride dude!!!
It really was. I just finished it today - I'm writing this while drinking a beer and waiting for my train home
The weather didn't stay this glorious but it was a stunning trail from end to end.
Looks and sounds a special ride bud, hope it stays memorable for all the right reasons
I just finished it today after 6 days. It has been amazing! Probably the best route I've ridden, despite the weather deviating pretty heavily from what you see on day 1 😉
Great video Jet. Planning to do the Badger Divide later in the year so keen to see how you got on.
It's a fantastic route, I highly recommend it. Watch out for midges though if you do it later in the summer 😉
I thought all cycling was just an easy means of getting between snack stops 😂
That is definitely a big part of it - along with pubs, cafes and waterfalls
Hi Jethro, when you mentioned there were hikers already in the bothy it made me wonder how folks deal with the capacities? Fun vids and I hope the weather held out for you-I'll be watching❗️🍀👋
I believe the rule is that you always make space for whoever turns up.
If there was literally not enough space for all those bodies then I dunno what would happen.
If it had felt crowded then I could have just pitched the tent outside instead.
You will see in subsequent vids that the weather did not hold 😉
But it was all good and I had an amazing ride
I can confirm that I am indeed jealous! :D What amazing scenery! Definitely up for a trip there if/when you go back
It would have been right up your street. Loads of long relentless hills to grind up 😉
Very nice and thanks for the ad-less viewing !
I think the ad-less-ness is down to the algorithm more than me.
I let it put them where it sees fit because I'm a filthy little sell out 😉
Does the new mascot have a name? Mr Redman perhaps would wish him/her well! Commented too soon! It’s Mr Redman regenerated but with a fantastic tan. Best wishes Jethro on your latest tour.
Haha, yeah, he is always Mr Redman from here on in.
It means if he gets lost again I don't have to go through another mourning period, he can just regenerate and we're set for the next ride 😀
Hi Jethro! Just found your video and love it. Question about your front setup with the bar bag; it's beautifully fixed in place but I can't work out where you've routed your brake and gear lines around it from the handlebars (Surly Karate Monkeys?). Thanks for the vids and stay safe.
Also - I love the music! It makes your video much more watchable than some others who use dance tracks. I feel like i'm watching Red Dead Redemption on a bike.
Glad you are enjoying the vids :)
The bars are Surly Molokos which are great. I set all the cable up pretty long. The brake cables route behind the bar roll so are pressed up against the frame but maintain a smooth line. The shifter cables come out of the Rohlof shifter at 90 degrees to the bars so they route around the outside of the bar roll.
This all means that I have quite a lot of cable up front when not using the roll but its fine and has never caused me any problems.
I always shocked by the awful music that a lot of people choose. I get all mine from the UA-cam library and most of it is pretty terrible electronic stuff but there are some gems in there if you don't mind digging.
How could anyone hurry a ride there? I’d be constantly distracted by the vistas, to the point I’d probably crash 🥴 Great to see the new Mr Redman too 🙂
I did spend a lot of time looking at waterfalls and distant snow patches on the hills. Partly because it is all very beautiful but also because I was pooped most of the time and constantly in need of a breather 😉
Great video! It is nice to see you having fun out in the wilderness while I lay on my sofa after breakfast and a very short bike ride before going to work. I am curious as to the meaning of the word kinemaster which appears in the upper right corner of your video. Looking forward to the next one.
Kinemaster is the app I use to edit these videos. It's pretty good but seems to always forget that I have paid for the premium version. When there is no signal to log back in and check it reverts to the free version and watermarks the video.
This one was edited in a bothy so i had no choice but to go with the watermark
Congrats on finishing and really looking forward to the next videos! Out of interest how did you find the riding compared with the Pennine Bridleway route ... fewer gates probably goes without saying ;)
It was loads easier than the PBW. There were some big climbs and some long climbs but they all felt manageable even if you just had to grind them at walking speed. There were also lots more sections of cruising to break up the hills
This felt like a route put together for cycling where the PBW feels like a hiking trail that you just happen to be able to ride a bike on.
And yeah, far fewer gates 😉
Who's playing the background music? Lovely slide guitar playing - I'm a cyclist and slide guitarist!
I found it in the UA-cam royalty free library. and it gets a lot of use on this channel, its lovely. Its is called Campfire Song by Chris Haugen - chrishaugen.net/
Great video and such stunning scenery!
Could this route be walked on foot? Or is it too difficult to resupply food etc along the way do you think. I'm trying to find another long distance walk and this just looks beautiful.
This first section to Fort Augustus is part of the Great Glens Way I think which people definitely do on foot and I passed hikers all the way.
I guess it depends how far you do each day and how much you are willing to carry on your back.
It's definitely a fantastic trail and well worth looking into. I used the route on RideWithGPS as my basis so I'd say to fire that up, do some virtual exploring and see if it fits with the kind of trail you are after
@@JethroJessop thank you, very helpful!
@@ruthpine-apple9860 I met a lady who was walking the Great Glens Way and she was using a company who shipped her luggage between each night's accommodation and provided all her lunches and maps etc so there are option for every level of luxury I guess.
This is the RWGPS route for the Badger ridewithgps.com/routes/23232135
@@ruthpine-apple9860 Also worth noting that if you are looking for more distance you can pick up the Second City Divide that carries on down to Manchester. You could then pick up the Pennine Bridleway and stretch it even more!
Looks like another great route, I’m thinking of heading that way later this year on my Brompton what are the roads like obviously couldn’t do your route on the Brompton
I barely touched tarmac on this one so I couldn't really say. From what I saw you could find some nice quiet lanes with decent surface but you'd have to do some route scouring ahead of time
Hello Jethro Hope you are well ? I have a question I am thinking of doing the Badger divide in January (weather permitting) I know the south half well as i used to live and do loads of walking climbing around there. I am wondering how many water crossings did you have to go through that in your opinion may be uncrossable if there was heavy rain fall ?
The only ones that caused me any thought were on that stretch to the south of Loch Ossian but none were really anything to worry about.
I couldn't really advise though as I've never been up that way in the winter so I have no idea how the roads are managed or how the rivers swell.
If I was pressed, I'd say that none of them were going to become dangerous but some could become big enough to require wet feet, which in the winter could be enough to turn you round?
Are you on Reddit? You could try asking on there to see if anyone has done it in the winter and can advise
Oh nooo! What happened to Mr Redman?!
He fell from his perch on a bumpy section somewhere up near watership down.
It was a sad moment but he's back now in his new form so all is well 😉
@@JethroJessop Sounds like an upgraded incarnation of himself, environmentally aware and all :D
@@viktorvolaric-horvat5190 I like to think so. He the same but different, more mature and passionate in his views 😉
Nice video! I want to give bikepacking a go. Do you lock your bike up at camp or do you just take a chance and hope know one nicks it? On all the bikepacking videos I've watched on UA-cam don't think I have ever seen anyone lock their bike when camping.
That’s cos they ain’t bike packing in Brighton ( yes , I can say that) … I was born at the RSCH
It depends where I camp. If I'm out in the wilderness I usually don't bother but if I'm closer to civilization or in a campsite I use a lightweight cable lock. Just enough to discourage casual scumbags.
I worry more about leaving the bike outside shops while resupplying but even then I pick my locations and have never had any trouble fortunately.
It's also worth remembering that what you see on UA-cam is always a filtered version of reality (my videos included). Locking bikes doesn't perhaps fit with the whole carefree-adventure vibe so some folk might even use a lock once the camera stops rolling.
Basically, assume that most people are good and kind, be sensible about where you camp and take the precautions you need to put your own mind at ease
hello mate, what handlebars do you have please? they seem to tick all boxes.
They are Surly Molokos and they are great. Really comfy for long rides and completely cured the wrist pain I used to get with my old flat bars
Hi Jethro, i hope all is well and if you are out riding, then i am sure it is. Could i ask how you find the Surly. I am looking for a new bike and i started with the Surly and moved to more expensive bikes due to weight and ability on the road, but something is pulling me back to the Ogre. Price has to be part of that, as the bikes i am considering, the Mason ISO at £3400 is a big difference. So my question (eventually) is, are you still enjoying the bike, is there anything you don't like and do you think i would see any benefits from something like the ISO over the. Ogre. Many thanks, Simon. If you are ever out in the Devon area, would love to join you for a ride.
I am not an expert on bikes first off. I've only owned two as an adult and I've never been one to get bogged down in the details.
That said, I love the Ogre and am very happy with it. I find it very comfy to ride for long periods of time and it deals with the terrain and the routs that I like to ride.
It probably isn't the lightest bike in the world but I'm ok with that. I don't need to ride super fast of cover massive distances so I appreciate the comfort and the many ways to attach a load.
I run 3.0 tyres (Maxxis Chronicles) and find that they roll well on tarmac with the pressure up.
I'm hesitant to make a recommendation because it is very personal and many folk are more discerning than me but IMO it is a fantastic bike and the right bike for me.
Dunno if that helps?
@@JethroJessop exactly as i would have expected and i'm slightly embarrassed by the question. We all get bogged down by the specs and the kit and it seems to consume us, when everything that is both real and important, is put on hold to research the minutiae (looked that up by the way) Enjoying the videos and looking forward to getting out there. The badger divide looks incredible, just need to man up a bit with the solo camping (still afraid of the boogy man i think) thanks for taking the time to reply.
@@gibb013 don't get me wrong, when I was in researching mode i was the same and I kind of hoped that I'd retain all the knowledge as it was useful stuff. Sadly it just fares for me. One I have the bike i just can't make myself remember how many teeth my chainring has or what pressure I like my tyres.
It's worth needing out over a new bike as long as it all ends up covered in mud up a mountain 😉
The Badger is fantastic, can't recommend it enough. I didn't see and evil spirits or trolls out there so I think it's ok.
The fear fares after a few nights anyway. Get some overnighters in and it will be fine 😉
What happened to the original Mr Redman?
He rattled free of his tether and fell from the bars somewhere up on watership down.
I didn't notice he'd gone till I got home.
@@JethroJessop Sounds like he developed a wanderlust of his own. He's probably living the good life on the Hampshire Downs.
@@Bobario1 I think you are right. He was the real talent in the group so it was only a matter of time before he struck out alone.
Its like the final scenes of Good Will Hunting ;)
This time next week, I'll riding the same route! Any midges yet? And what are those natty small rear panniers?
No midges yet. Just did it the same weekend 🤩 you’ll love it
No midges yet and the route is amazing. Start to finish, it's a stunner. One of the best routes I've followed I think.
The panniers are Vaude. Nothing special really. They used to be my front set when I was running all panniers.
They are good though and they don't even rattle too much.
This may be one of their last trips though. They both have holes in the bottom now and are starting to let the wet in
@@JethroJessop enjoyed part 1 when’s part 2 ? Liked your more relaxed ride👍
@@francoporco9780 glad you liked it. I'll probably stagger the other days, maybe one a week or so.
Some of them still haven't been edited but the algorithm prefers a regular upload schedule so I do as it desires 😉
Loosen ya crash hat !
It's fine. If I can ride 12 hours and not notice it feeling too tight then it's fine 😉
Anyway, I'm constantly adjusting it so it's never going to be a consistent tightness.