The ride a return trip across Wales from Kington to Aberaeron on the Welsh coast, for an ice cream on the beach. Include the very remote and hilly roads from Abergwesyn to Tregaron via the very steep devil's staircase. 105 kms each way.
Conor's almost relentless positivity and ability to enjoy the beauty in the middle of an incredibly challenging ride are just ... life goals. He may not have hit the goal he was aiming for this time, but he always sets a great example of remembering to enjoy whatever aspects of a ride you can, and I appreciate that reminder.
5:44 Don't be so hard on yourself, Conor. You wouldn't let somebody talk to you like that, so there's no reason you should do it either. You are an accomplished athlete that now brings the joy of cycling to millions of people. I got back on the saddle after decades without a bike because of a video in which you showed us how you ride with your kid. Keep your chin up!
@@gcn Connor you did a great job most people won’t attempt such a Ride. Connor you are Living Legend of GCN. You’re new Nickname after this will be The Living Legend.😁
I saw Connor on this ride when I was cycling the chalk way - camera crew had no idea where he was and he was near the end - yet still a massive smile and was friendly to me - what a bloke. PS. That is me bout 17 mins in cycling in the blue deliveroo jacket.
ah nice one mate, thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!! Was great to see a friendly face at that point - hope you enjoyed golden hour.. it was a good un! Cheers, Conor
Connor, I love that you do these epic challenges. We all know that breaking the record is not the real point. You show us that it’s hard and it’s supposed to be. That’s the point. Putting everything you have into it is the goal and you succeeded. Well done and you produced a really cool video too!
The reason ancient routes go over the top is also because the valleys were full of forests, and not very passable. Even today you'll find pathways that aren't mown or with actual trees across (I'm talking to you sections of the GR13...) Ha, you can see this when he gets to the forest....not wheel friendly. Also, take into account what the road is for. The Ridgeway is probably to link the North to the richer South, for commerce etc, therefore will be easier that way. Few people will have gone up (Connor's direction), but many will have gone down and then the trail is easier when you're heading home. If you do the Burgundy canal, it's SIGNIFICANTLY easier South to North because it was built to take the wine from the South to Paris. There are companies who will take your gear and you down south so you can bike back, it's well worth it. (Though I personally preferred the NS route, it's prettier that way) As a rule of thumb, biking goes well with Roman roads (built for animal/human pulled wheels), as long as they aren't used for the modern main road; and with train tracks. Train track grading is very doable on bikes. They're often longer though, mine does a huge detour because it had to go fetch the grain out in the sticks. The worst are modern roads, they're just not graded the same. Cars and bikes do not go together. Hiking trails are fun, but get frustrating, because you can't get any speed up on a touring bike. They are often medieval and built for walking or pack mules. (Great fun on a mountain bike). All of this speaking about Europe and not the US, obviously. As you can see I'm an anorak on this, so if you want more info feel free to ask :) (or not lol).
Just home and showered from giving the Dirty Reiver 200 km gravel route a go as a two day bikepacking trip. I took a couple of shortcuts to get it down to 149 km but 77 kms yesterday and 72 today, with plenty of climbing was hard enough - so well done Connor - your effort was epic! Beyond the standard saddle soreness I've managed to epically sun burn myself - I forgot about that as a possibility and didn't bring sun cream - DOH!
What a great video! Even if you didn't break the record, Conor, you were an inspiration,. Seeing you and Manon recently set such high challenges for yourselves has gotten me ought there a lot recently, back on the bike and putting in as many kilometers as my old body can handle.
I recently completed a 66-mile Etape (my first, a solo female rider at 50). I did it with a coccyx injury a B-12 deficiency and, unbeknownst to me, anaemia. It was extremely hard and it took me over 7 hours to complete when I’d originally hoped for just over 4 but, at the time of entering, I was just hoping to take part and had no expectation of even doing 30 miles. After doing that I am amazed at anyone attempting 200 miles. I’m still suffering from the event depleting my iron, chronic fatigue being the worst, so I would advise anyone to really listen to their body. Conor being an ex-pro knew exactly when to call it a day. Well done for trying Conor. It takes a lot to know when to quit.
I live about 200 metres from the Ridgeway near Goring, such a great place to ride! I'm a party pace, gravel biker, who likes to stop for a pint or 2 along the way. Can't beat the sunsets, with a pint, on the Ridgeway!
Massive salute..... 1. Putting it out there and attempting hard. 2. Doing it on video for the world to see. 3. Letting us mere mortals experience a great ride we'll never make 4. Superb video editing!!!! So many different angles. You guys should show us a video how you make all the edits, cuts, and shots.
Did you get the Pad Thai? You certainly earned it! That is a tough route. I should know, I tried it twice. First time was a bit like yours - went off course, ran out of food, missed a couple of water stops, then I bonked and barely made it round. But that prepared me for the second time, which was a fair bit quicker, at 13h 06m 28s. If I can do it, so can you, if you fancy it. I’ll be rooting for you if you try, as I really don’t mind losing my FKT to a star GCN presenter and ex-pro with stripes sleeves on his jersey. Crispin Doyle
oh Conor, that was tough to watch. Your disappointment was palpable. Don't let that internal dialogue convince you are anything but top bloke giving his all to push himself. I love how much you value the respect of Si and the others but only you truly knows how much you buried yourself on this ride. I'm sure the GCN team respects you for that. I used ride lots and compete in local races but then had some major health issues and now 8 years later I'm back riding. I feel the expectation of others to perform like I used to but I'm nowhere near that level. Each day I gotta put the negative speak aside and focus on the fact that i know I'm doing the best I can. There's just no gain in being harsh on yourself - there's plenty of people out there ready to do that. Remember to be your best ally. Thanks for this and all the content you do.
@@gcn Thanks :) Indeed, I did 80km a week before and doing 20km more for RideLondon 60-miles ride was much more challenging, though I am quite glad I made it :) I am considering pushing 100 miles now, probably for London to Brighton ride this September :)
Averaging 25KPH on single track, even on the flat, over that distance is a tough ask. You have to stop to feed regularly. And your arms, shoulders and neck will fatigue in a way that just doesn't happen on the road. I am attempting a 320KMS gravel ride along canals next month. Having done a recce a couple of weeks back, it's the first 70KMS which is single track and grass that scares me. Well done Conor. Rest up, come back in July and smash it.
the way Connor is at the end, that's how I felt one time on a 3 hours cycling commute. I was pushing against the wind but I felt good and made good time at the start, however somewhere along the way my rear tire acquired a slow leak, and I didn't realize it. I have no idea how many miles I rode on it before I realized that the handling wasn't right. it must have been flat a while because after I patched the hole I was completely fried. I stopped for breakfast and fell asleep at a nearby park/boat launch looking at the sun rise, coffee and sandwich half finished. the kicker was that I was only about half an hour away from my destination by that point, I had to call off when I woke up a few hours later. sleeping like that is definitely not a "recovery sleep" after that I learned my lesson and if I had a long commute like that, left the evening before and find a place to camp along the way, so that I would wake up with only half an hour to go.
oh, I can relate to all the pain - i watched this just after cycling a hilly 210 km segment in a prevalent headwind out of planned 310 km.. i just couldn't keep going... Great effort, Connor, great journey!
Head held high all the way Conor! We've all been there: for want of clothes, food, mech equipment, luck etc. Good call keeping yourself safe and knowing when to bail!! I went up the Hastings Heritage Rail Trail from Trenton to Bancroft (Ontario) and hit sand just south of Bancroft. Had to bail on the goal. Even more so the next day when tornadoes and an extreme weather alert meant that I had to seek shelter in Apsley. All along the route there were unexpected 'water features' courtesy of multiple industrious beavers! Love this content!! And I will gladly watch any challenge you set yourself, whatever the outcome may be! I invite you to change your self talk as you encounter difficulties (No picking on our friend Conor, Conor! ) The challenge is epic and you will have at it again in different circumstances. Well done! And thank you for content that I can really relate to!! ❤
This is just awesome. Well done. I recently did Sevens in Western Australia, I only did the 5’s course, I struggles and walk a few hills. Only new to gravel for 3 months and a beginner in cycling for about 14 months. Great work and I understand the emotional side or things. Love the show. Maybe you could come next year to Sevens Gravel at Nannup Western Australia.
I've been saving for a while and recently purchased a Canyon Grizl. This video has given me so much inspiration to get out there and push myself on it. Awesome ride Conor.
Connor, my takeaway is that ride sometimes do not go as planned, so it is important to carry your credit card with you. And your medical insurance card if you are an American. Despite the few grams of extra weight, I carry mine in case I need to pull off the trail in search of a Pad Thai. But in more exciting news, I was just out riding my local loop and when I passed a unicyclist riding the same giant green wheel as your El Alto! Wow! That was even bigger than I thought watching your El Alto video! You are living large!
Inspiring and real. I have a 500+mi 6 day epic gravel run through Scotland planned in two weeks - and the doubts are creeping in. Keep going until you cannot. The journey is always worth more than the destination. Keep the head high, Connor!!!
You guys and gals are the bomb! Let's attempt something epic and see what happens... Awesome and inspirational content is what happens. Completed or not, chapeau Connor! Chapeau. My partner and I are attempting our first century in three weeks time. On gravel... Having had two bouts of flu in the past month... In the Queensland winter (~0-28c). Thanks for giving me the inspiration to give it a go, and to see what happens. Cheers to you Connor and the GCN team.
Conor that was an amazing ride full of the highs and lows of such an epic challenge, full of honesty and genuine feelings. I reckon you can hold your head up high at GCN HQ you might not have beat the time but you gave it your all, Chapeau Sir. Howzabout doing the Coast to Coast in a day challenge, Seascale to Whitby going across the lakes (including Hatdknott Pass and Wrynose), Peak District and Yorkshire Moors. It's an epic ride, I did it in just under 13 hours, loved it, and you'll certainly beat that time, for sure, but I don't know what the record is. Go on Conor get that one cracked.
Absolutely love these Conor videos. I wish I could reach through the screen and give Conor a big hug for his efforts. Well done Conor. You truly are a great sport and a true inspiration!!
Hi, I have given you a thought up, I have enjoyed the video, but dear Connor, I have prepare a route of 985 ( more or less " depend always from what or who I'll meet on the road"), to do through Croatia, Slovenia, nord Italy, and see people like you (ex-pro) and cycling presenter fail, make me think if someone like me can make it on my quest. I have successfully completed 400km in one day through Croatia, but these is something else. Anyway I'll do my best I'll keep riding and I'll think about all of you, for get inspired ant not loosing the point of enjoy riding bike! Take care Connor juuuuup!
You’re a champion Connor, whether you finished or not. Such a beautiful route, and always a smile on your face despite the pain. And thank you for letting us enjoy the sunset with you!
Great work Connor, you should be proud. It takes guts to dig that deep. (I rode rough roads yesterday and can't believe how sort and tired my arms and shoulders are). Well done.
First Manon, now Conor. You all are truly the most amazing people. "I'll get off the floor in a second..." Thank you for feeling humbled, rather than feeling a failure.
From one 6ft 8" guy to another, you'd be very welcome to come to Sweden and ride the 315km of Vätternrundan with me next year. It'd be a strange experience to have someone of equal size to slipstream! Good effort on the gravel ride. 1km on gravel is harder than 1km on road, for sure.
The goal is what gets us out the door; those little rewarding moments that the bike provides are the memories that make it all worth while. Well done Conor! I appreciate you stopping to take in the Sunset, rather than pushing just to try to beat a record.
BIG thumbs up!!!I loved almost everything about this vid. And GOOD LUCK at Unbound!!!This was a worthy trial run to be sure. Remeber to treat yourself to the commercial Diner;s Biscuits and Gravy for a recovery meal!!!Lots of history in that area too so enjoy!!!Hey, just a thought, you might want to talk to Manon about her suspension systems on the saddle and stem. ThANKS again Conor!
It is Better to try and fail , than to have never have tried at all. But Conor, you did set a PR for yourself, for how far you got. I don't see it as a failure. Well done Conor. Respect.
Epic ride Connor. What does not kill us - make us stronger... physically and mentally. Great video!!! Great journey!!! Great personality! You are awesome!
Valiant effort, well done Conor! Sorry to see you fell foul of the flint along the route...quite a few people attempting the route had the same issue. I got luvky on mine! hope you get a chance to attempt the route again. Cheers. Mark.
Aww Conor, you gave it a good crack. 🤗 Si should be kind, he ended up in the hurt box too... singing his lungs out to Bohemian Rhapsody and listening to James Blunt with tears streaming down his face. 🤭
After completing a road 200K last summer, I can't imagine riding 280K on gravel. Massive effort, Conor. This will make for a good story to share with your family and mates over the years. Cheers.
I've been watching others riding gravel and off-road for a number of years now and until I hit the gravel myself I was always puzzled by the lower daily mileage. 😅 It's just so much tougher off-road! My biggest enjoyment though compared to road riding is the closeness to nature. Being away from tarmac, shops and cars is so very liberating - as is finding a spot in the woods or somewhere out of the wind and just rolling out a bivvy bag and soaking up the sunset.
Fantastic Effort Conor--Way to Suffer Through It! I really liked this video because you don't usually see this side of an effort to explore. It's something I'll keep in mind as inspiration when I'm out on the bike.
For anyone that thinks this is just about getting to ride the latest and best of bikes and equipment. . This is the price that the whole GCN team is ready to pay. . Great effort and great challenge. . Hats off to all GCN team for their determination and drive
Connor your a winner in my eyes.. I failed a ride this weekend for the first time forcing myself to go and knowing I didn’t feel right ended having to picked up by paramedics and on a drip dude to exhaustion and a sickness bug I caught. I leant valuable lessons from this and praise the paramedics who looked after me 😢👍🚴🏻 ride on bro
Damn fine effort Conor, gravel is such and energy sapping surface to ride long distance on. My goal the year is the Devon Coast to Coast route, Ilfracombe to Plymouth, 100 miles over Dartmoor in a single day. I will be happy with that
Saluting this big effort, and the attention to details, distances in Km is all the more entertaining, this is not easy to everybody living in imperial so many thanks Connor
Well done Connor! You can hold you head high, no shame in admitting when you can and when you can’t. I would argue it takes more to admit I can’t. Very well done, I was so involved in the video I was saying come on Connor you can do it to my monitor. So good! Congratulations anyway!
Are there any other great routes you’d love to see Conor ride? 🗺 Let us know in the comments below! 👇
The ride a return trip across Wales from Kington to Aberaeron on the Welsh coast, for an ice cream on the beach. Include the very remote and hilly roads from Abergwesyn to Tregaron via the very steep devil's staircase. 105 kms each way.
Do the wild Atlantic way with some of the other guys. Show them the beauty of Ireland.
South downs way, Winchester to Eastbourne on a gravel bike
The Atlantic Way in Ireland
The Great Glen Way, Fort William to Inverness!
Experience tells me when the sun goes down it gets colder 😂 classic fatigue talk
But it doesn't tell you to bring more clothes😂
“Walking goblin” 😂
Nah it's not the fatigue talk but more like a pep talk😂
Conor's almost relentless positivity and ability to enjoy the beauty in the middle of an incredibly challenging ride are just ... life goals. He may not have hit the goal he was aiming for this time, but he always sets a great example of remembering to enjoy whatever aspects of a ride you can, and I appreciate that reminder.
This is an epic ride, Well done Connor, and thank you for being real.
Thanks very much! Have you seen Connor's Mongolia film on GCN+? 👉 gcn.eu/Mongolia
5:44 Don't be so hard on yourself, Conor. You wouldn't let somebody talk to you like that, so there's no reason you should do it either. You are an accomplished athlete that now brings the joy of cycling to millions of people. I got back on the saddle after decades without a bike because of a video in which you showed us how you ride with your kid. Keep your chin up!
We'll pass these kind words onto Conor! He smashed this effort 🙌
I love and appreciate that Conor felt it important to watch the sunset. Excellent priorities!
“My biceps are like floppy chickens”
“I’m like a walking goblin”
“I’m hobbling like a hobnob”
😂😂😂😂😂
The "my biceps are like floppy chickens" bit had me rollin'. Conor's videos are always so full of hilarious takes.
He has a unique way with similes for sure. The “walking goblin” one really got me.
It would be good to see the takes that didn't get in 😂
@@gcn I would love to!
If you never fail then maybe you’re not challenging yourself enough? Bloody good effort and a great video.
Thanks a lot!
Good
@@gcn Connor you did a great job most people won’t attempt such a Ride. Connor you are Living Legend of GCN. You’re new Nickname after this will be The Living Legend.😁
I saw Connor on this ride when I was cycling the chalk way - camera crew had no idea where he was and he was near the end - yet still a massive smile and was friendly to me - what a bloke. PS. That is me bout 17 mins in cycling in the blue deliveroo jacket.
ah nice one mate, thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!! Was great to see a friendly face at that point - hope you enjoyed golden hour.. it was a good un! Cheers, Conor
176 miles on dirt is gnarly as hell, props to you Connor
gnarly... did GMBN send you? 👀
Connor, I love that you do these epic challenges. We all know that breaking the record is not the real point. You show us that it’s hard and it’s supposed to be. That’s the point. Putting everything you have into it is the goal and you succeeded. Well done and you produced a really cool video too!
Thanks! Have you seen Connor's Mongolia film? Might be worth a watch on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/Mongolia
It REALLY isn't about the race for most of us. Epic 'fails' make epic tales Connor! It's the spirit of gravel and why we love the journey eh?😃
Sometime it's the fails that create the legendary stories, which get more epic each time they are told
Well this should be one heck of a story then on many levels. 🤦🏼♂️😂
The reason ancient routes go over the top is also because the valleys were full of forests, and not very passable. Even today you'll find pathways that aren't mown or with actual trees across (I'm talking to you sections of the GR13...)
Ha, you can see this when he gets to the forest....not wheel friendly.
Also, take into account what the road is for. The Ridgeway is probably to link the North to the richer South, for commerce etc, therefore will be easier that way. Few people will have gone up (Connor's direction), but many will have gone down and then the trail is easier when you're heading home.
If you do the Burgundy canal, it's SIGNIFICANTLY easier South to North because it was built to take the wine from the South to Paris. There are companies who will take your gear and you down south so you can bike back, it's well worth it. (Though I personally preferred the NS route, it's prettier that way)
As a rule of thumb, biking goes well with Roman roads (built for animal/human pulled wheels), as long as they aren't used for the modern main road; and with train tracks. Train track grading is very doable on bikes. They're often longer though, mine does a huge detour because it had to go fetch the grain out in the sticks. The worst are modern roads, they're just not graded the same. Cars and bikes do not go together.
Hiking trails are fun, but get frustrating, because you can't get any speed up on a touring bike. They are often medieval and built for walking or pack mules. (Great fun on a mountain bike).
All of this speaking about Europe and not the US, obviously.
As you can see I'm an anorak on this, so if you want more info feel free to ask :) (or not lol).
That's super interesting, thanks for sharing! Love hearing how history has shaped and provided reason for the roads and tracks we use today
We love you Connor, you've achieved a massive thing attempting this ride x
It was a tough route that Conor put everything into 🙌
@@gcn we love seeing these videos, trying is as important as achieving your goals :)
Just home and showered from giving the Dirty Reiver 200 km gravel route a go as a two day bikepacking trip. I took a couple of shortcuts to get it down to 149 km but 77 kms yesterday and 72 today, with plenty of climbing was hard enough - so well done Connor - your effort was epic! Beyond the standard saddle soreness I've managed to epically sun burn myself - I forgot about that as a possibility and didn't bring sun cream - DOH!
I'm in Florida and use arm sleeves (stockings for the arms), even healthier than all those chemicals in sunscreen.
What a great video! Even if you didn't break the record, Conor, you were an inspiration,. Seeing you and Manon recently set such high challenges for yourselves has gotten me ought there a lot recently, back on the bike and putting in as many kilometers as my old body can handle.
I recently completed a 66-mile Etape (my first, a solo female rider at 50). I did it with a coccyx injury a B-12 deficiency and, unbeknownst to me, anaemia. It was extremely hard and it took me over 7 hours to complete when I’d originally hoped for just over 4 but, at the time of entering, I was just hoping to take part and had no expectation of even doing 30 miles. After doing that I am amazed at anyone attempting 200 miles. I’m still suffering from the event depleting my iron, chronic fatigue being the worst, so I would advise anyone to really listen to their body. Conor being an ex-pro knew exactly when to call it a day. Well done for trying Conor. It takes a lot to know when to quit.
I live about 200 metres from the Ridgeway near Goring, such a great place to ride! I'm a party pace, gravel biker, who likes to stop for a pint or 2 along the way. Can't beat the sunsets, with a pint, on the Ridgeway!
It's such a beautiful ride!
Massive salute.....
1. Putting it out there and attempting hard.
2. Doing it on video for the world to see.
3. Letting us mere mortals experience a great ride we'll never make
4. Superb video editing!!!! So many different angles.
You guys should show us a video how you make all the edits, cuts, and shots.
Did you get the Pad Thai? You certainly earned it!
That is a tough route. I should know, I tried it twice. First time was a bit like yours - went off course, ran out of food, missed a couple of water stops, then I bonked and barely made it round. But that prepared me for the second time, which was a fair bit quicker, at 13h 06m 28s. If I can do it, so can you, if you fancy it. I’ll be rooting for you if you try, as I really don’t mind losing my FKT to a star GCN presenter and ex-pro with stripes sleeves on his jersey.
Crispin Doyle
oh Conor, that was tough to watch. Your disappointment was palpable. Don't let that internal dialogue convince you are anything but top bloke giving his all to push himself. I love how much you value the respect of Si and the others but only you truly knows how much you buried yourself on this ride. I'm sure the GCN team respects you for that.
I used ride lots and compete in local races but then had some major health issues and now 8 years later I'm back riding. I feel the expectation of others to perform like I used to but I'm nowhere near that level. Each day I gotta put the negative speak aside and focus on the fact that i know I'm doing the best I can. There's just no gain in being harsh on yourself - there's plenty of people out there ready to do that. Remember to be your best ally.
Thanks for this and all the content you do.
I did my first 100 km today, and absolutely cannot imagine doing such a distance, especially on gravel. Great effort, great video, enjoyed it a lot!
Great work Stas! That first 100km is always tough 🥵 What's the next challenge going to be?
@@gcn Thanks :) Indeed, I did 80km a week before and doing 20km more for RideLondon 60-miles ride was much more challenging, though I am quite glad I made it :) I am considering pushing 100 miles now, probably for London to Brighton ride this September :)
Averaging 25KPH on single track, even on the flat, over that distance is a tough ask. You have to stop to feed regularly. And your arms, shoulders and neck will fatigue in a way that just doesn't happen on the road. I am attempting a 320KMS gravel ride along canals next month. Having done a recce a couple of weeks back, it's the first 70KMS which is single track and grass that scares me. Well done Conor. Rest up, come back in July and smash it.
Thanks!
Respect mate. That was brilliant. Admire you even more.
Thanks!
the way Connor is at the end, that's how I felt one time on a 3 hours cycling commute. I was pushing against the wind but I felt good and made good time at the start, however somewhere along the way my rear tire acquired a slow leak, and I didn't realize it. I have no idea how many miles I rode on it before I realized that the handling wasn't right. it must have been flat a while because after I patched the hole I was completely fried. I stopped for breakfast and fell asleep at a nearby park/boat launch looking at the sun rise, coffee and sandwich half finished. the kicker was that I was only about half an hour away from my destination by that point, I had to call off when I woke up a few hours later. sleeping like that is definitely not a "recovery sleep" after that I learned my lesson and if I had a long commute like that, left the evening before and find a place to camp along the way, so that I would wake up with only half an hour to go.
I love when Connor was saying goodbye, the sunset went just great in timing!
oh, I can relate to all the pain - i watched this just after cycling a hilly 210 km segment in a prevalent headwind out of planned 310 km.. i just couldn't keep going... Great effort, Connor, great journey!
Head held high all the way Conor! We've all been there: for want of clothes, food, mech equipment, luck etc. Good call keeping yourself safe and knowing when to bail!! I went up the Hastings Heritage Rail Trail from Trenton to Bancroft (Ontario) and hit sand just south of Bancroft. Had to bail on the goal. Even more so the next day when tornadoes and an extreme weather alert meant that I had to seek shelter in Apsley. All along the route there were unexpected 'water features' courtesy of multiple industrious beavers! Love this content!! And I will gladly watch any challenge you set yourself, whatever the outcome may be! I invite you to change your self talk as you encounter difficulties (No picking on our friend Conor, Conor! ) The challenge is epic and you will have at it again in different circumstances. Well done! And thank you for content that I can really relate to!!
❤
This is just awesome.
Well done.
I recently did Sevens in Western Australia, I only did the 5’s course, I struggles and walk a few hills. Only new to gravel for 3 months and a beginner in cycling for about 14 months.
Great work and I understand the emotional side or things.
Love the show.
Maybe you could come next year to Sevens Gravel at Nannup Western Australia.
Conor amazing presenter 👍 tells it how it is. Savage effort 😀
I've been saving for a while and recently purchased a Canyon Grizl. This video has given me so much inspiration to get out there and push myself on it. Awesome ride Conor.
Go get it Tobias! Now you've got the perfect tool for the job 👀 What challenge will you be taking on next?
Connor, you haven’t failed in my eyes! I love videos that should how humble you all are! This is an amazing video! You enjoy that Pad Thai
Legend Conor! I love to see that you, guys are actually human. I'm sure you will look back on this adventure fondly, but well done Conor, well done!
Connor, my takeaway is that ride sometimes do not go as planned, so it is important to carry your credit card with you. And your medical insurance card if you are an American. Despite the few grams of extra weight, I carry mine in case I need to pull off the trail in search of a Pad Thai. But in more exciting news, I was just out riding my local loop and when I passed a unicyclist riding the same giant green wheel as your El Alto! Wow! That was even bigger than I thought watching your El Alto video! You are living large!
Inspiring and real. I have a 500+mi 6 day epic gravel run through Scotland planned in two weeks - and the doubts are creeping in. Keep going until you cannot. The journey is always worth more than the destination. Keep the head high, Connor!!!
Well that looks like a bucket list ride to me- over 2 days though. Really inspiring
Definitely one to do!
Thank you for your honesty Connor , your effort has truly helped me out mentally, not only in riding
Honesty is the best policy! Keep your eyes peeled for more epic challenges from Conor very soon!! 👀
20:20 Bollocks Connor, you achieved lots! massive effort and if nothing else will spur you on to try again and smash it. Well done man
You guys and gals are the bomb! Let's attempt something epic and see what happens... Awesome and inspirational content is what happens. Completed or not, chapeau Connor! Chapeau.
My partner and I are attempting our first century in three weeks time. On gravel... Having had two bouts of flu in the past month... In the Queensland winter (~0-28c). Thanks for giving me the inspiration to give it a go, and to see what happens. Cheers to you Connor and the GCN team.
Conor that was an amazing ride full of the highs and lows of such an epic challenge, full of honesty and genuine feelings. I reckon you can hold your head up high at GCN HQ you might not have beat the time but you gave it your all, Chapeau Sir. Howzabout doing the Coast to Coast in a day challenge, Seascale to Whitby going across the lakes (including Hatdknott Pass and Wrynose), Peak District and Yorkshire Moors. It's an epic ride, I did it in just under 13 hours, loved it, and you'll certainly beat that time, for sure, but I don't know what the record is. Go on Conor get that one cracked.
Absolutely love these Conor videos. I wish I could reach through the screen and give Conor a big hug for his efforts. Well done Conor. You truly are a great sport and a true inspiration!!
What I love about so many GCN videos is that they show us even pros return to mortal status if they don’t stick with the insane training. Well done!
Hi, I have given you a thought up, I have enjoyed the video, but dear Connor, I have prepare a route of 985 ( more or less " depend always from what or who I'll meet on the road"), to do through Croatia, Slovenia, nord Italy, and see people like you (ex-pro) and cycling presenter fail, make me think if someone like me can make it on my quest. I have successfully completed 400km in one day through Croatia, but these is something else. Anyway I'll do my best I'll keep riding and I'll think about all of you, for get inspired ant not loosing the point of enjoy riding bike! Take care Connor juuuuup!
You’re a champion Connor, whether you finished or not. Such a beautiful route, and always a smile on your face despite the pain. And thank you for letting us enjoy the sunset with you!
Great effort, Conner. I know all too well how it feels to be humbled. And just pushes us harder (for better or worse).
So both Connor and Mannon got lost using the Wahoo Roam. That says a lot.
Brave effort Conor! You did well mate, that’s a tough route.
I’ve not ridden it, but I have walked it in four days (one way) and that was hard work!
Another inspirational video Conner. Well done. I love that you took time to enjoy the ride!
Great work Connor, you should be proud. It takes guts to dig that deep. (I rode rough roads yesterday and can't believe how sort and tired my arms and shoulders are).
Well done.
Great effort Connor
It was always going to be a struggle being so tall. Loved the honesty and could see you gave it your best.
Would love to see a productions behind-the-scenes of one of these videos
First Manon, now Conor. You all are truly the most amazing people. "I'll get off the floor in a second..." Thank you for feeling humbled, rather than feeling a failure.
Great effort Big Fella. I would have taken 3 or 4 days!!😅😅 Still the GCN hero in my book. #gcngoat
From one 6ft 8" guy to another, you'd be very welcome to come to Sweden and ride the 315km of Vätternrundan with me next year. It'd be a strange experience to have someone of equal size to slipstream!
Good effort on the gravel ride. 1km on gravel is harder than 1km on road, for sure.
The goal is what gets us out the door; those little rewarding moments that the bike provides are the memories that make it all worth while. Well done Conor! I appreciate you stopping to take in the Sunset, rather than pushing just to try to beat a record.
It's all about the journey 🙌 Do you remember a ride that didn't go to plan yet you really enjoyed?
In Spring 2004 rode ~80 miles solo. Rode through hail, thunderstorms, and headwind. But felt so rewarded for having finished what I started.
Mate, I am stoked about how you kept it together and stayed soo positive on such a challenging ride. I take my hat of dear sir!
BIG thumbs up!!!I loved almost everything about this vid. And GOOD LUCK at Unbound!!!This was a worthy trial run to be sure. Remeber to treat yourself to the commercial Diner;s Biscuits and Gravy for a recovery meal!!!Lots of history in that area too so enjoy!!!Hey, just a thought, you might want to talk to Manon about her suspension systems on the saddle and stem. ThANKS again Conor!
Thanks so much!
I loved the balance between pain and pleasure on your adventure .... well done and thanks for sharing.
The realness is appreciated Conor!!
Legend!, Thank you for sharing Connor
Amazing effort, Connor. Thanks for doing this, what a great video!
Superb effort Connor. Way better than I could ever hope to do, but inspiring, non the less
It is Better to try and fail , than to have never have tried at all. But Conor, you did set a PR for yourself, for how far you got. I don't see it as a failure. Well done Conor. Respect.
Loved that and love the honesty. Huge ride!
Conor is just such a likeable guy. Next level pleasantness.
Epic ride Connor. What does not kill us - make us stronger... physically and mentally. Great video!!! Great journey!!! Great personality! You are awesome!
Very true... we think we might of almost killed him on this one! 😂
Fantastic job on this one. Really enjoyed it. Beauty, challenge, emotion, comedy all present 🙏
Impressive !!! Shows that you are human. Love your honesty. Thank you for taking me along on your ride. Good Job
Valiant effort, well done Conor! Sorry to see you fell foul of the flint along the route...quite a few people attempting the route had the same issue. I got luvky on mine! hope you get a chance to attempt the route again. Cheers. Mark.
If you can appreciate the shear beauty of it all, your doing something right, love your message Conor
Cycling is about blissful moments : )
Well done Conner. Amazing work.
What a legend, you gave it a go, would be a shame to miss the sunset, and all the glorious views just racing the clock.
No failure with an epic ride like that! Great effort and video!!
Fantastic ride Conor. Hope the Phad Thai was a good one.
Aww Conor, you gave it a good crack. 🤗 Si should be kind, he ended up in the hurt box too... singing his lungs out to Bohemian Rhapsody and listening to James Blunt with tears streaming down his face. 🤭
Glad you stopped for the sundown, that's the good stuff and always worth it! Big, awesome ride. Well done, as tough as it was.
After completing a road 200K last summer, I can't imagine riding 280K on gravel. Massive effort, Conor. This will make for a good story to share with your family and mates over the years. Cheers.
this is exactly what makes cycling so beautiful
I've been watching others riding gravel and off-road for a number of years now and until I hit the gravel myself I was always puzzled by the lower daily mileage. 😅 It's just so much tougher off-road! My biggest enjoyment though compared to road riding is the closeness to nature. Being away from tarmac, shops and cars is so very liberating - as is finding a spot in the woods or somewhere out of the wind and just rolling out a bivvy bag and soaking up the sunset.
Fantastic Effort Conor--Way to Suffer Through It! I really liked this video because you don't usually see this side of an effort to explore. It's something I'll keep in mind as inspiration when I'm out on the bike.
Watching the sunset?! Slacker! Get on the bike & go. (Sent from my sofa 'cause I'm too tired from yesterday's 50k ride.) Kudos, Connor.
Hats off to Conor. A great Sportsman and a wonderful achievement!
Great effort and looks like you've set up the challenge for Simon!
Great effort Connor & as always, done (pun intended) with your usual humour & humility. Top man!
I mean this in the best way possible but Conor is absolutely awesome at videos where he DNFs
Great job Connor! YOU ARE AN ANIMAL! Tough ask by any stretch of the imagination! You did AWESOME! Great video! Thank you for sharing!
I am getting back into cycling after a 30-year hiatus, your videos are an inspiration.
Coner you have achieved something , anyone at GCN who criticizes you needs to put themselves out there like you have!!!
Love the video Conor. MASSIVE effort! Wow!! I’m lovin’ the honesty and superhuman effort. Awesome 👏
For anyone that thinks this is just about getting to ride the latest and best of bikes and equipment. . This is the price that the whole GCN team is ready to pay. . Great effort and great challenge. . Hats off to all GCN team for their determination and drive
Enjoyed this- I have shared to our big "Ridgeway and Ancient Tracks of the British Isles" group as I think people will like it!
Conor! You are a pure-breed, certifiable nut. Crazy cool video. Great effort. Loved the video.
Connor your a winner in my eyes.. I failed a ride this weekend for the first time forcing myself to go and knowing I didn’t feel right ended having to picked up by paramedics and on a drip dude to exhaustion and a sickness bug I caught. I leant valuable lessons from this and praise the paramedics who looked after me 😢👍🚴🏻 ride on bro
Great video. Stopping for the sunset was the right choice. It's all about the experience no matter what happens!
Damn fine effort Conor, gravel is such and energy sapping surface to ride long distance on. My goal the year is the Devon Coast to Coast route, Ilfracombe to Plymouth, 100 miles over Dartmoor in a single day. I will be happy with that
Saluting this big effort, and the attention to details, distances in Km is all the more entertaining, this is not easy to everybody living in imperial so many thanks Connor
That's really inspiring, good job
Great to see you are willing to show how hard these rides can be. Or I just enjoy watching you suffer. Great video.
Well done Connor!
You can hold you head high, no shame in admitting when you can and when you can’t. I would argue it takes more to admit I can’t. Very well done, I was so involved in the video I was saying come on Connor you can do it to my monitor. So good! Congratulations anyway!
Great film Connor and GCn crew!!!! An arera Id forgotten about looks great riding!!!!
Thanks Davy! For something similar, why not check out our 'Fastest known time' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/kaw