Macky, I've been watching this race for years and I think it's the hardest one out there. You finished eighth against the best riders in the world! Beyond impressive.
I have to say, the 1st time I seen this race was your video. Being your 1st time even after the rough start you have definitely proved your one hell of an endurance rider/racer.
Right, at first, I was like, Macky, you so completely did this backward. But seeing the back story of missing the bike and his clothes just puts into more perspective how much of a professional he is.
The "backstory episode" releasing after the full race run was an awesome choice. Seeing all the issues that you had to overcome to even get to that start line made it intense, even though we knew the end result. THAT is the power of good storytelling!
I have never had a more physical reaction to a video... I was jumping in my seat, my gut churned like a roller coaster, I almost fell out of my seat laughing at your otb. And then that guy and his double in front of you during quali was fun to watch. I honestly couldn't imagine being there. What a trip.
Mackey I have watched you two for nearly 5 years. I have known you two are super fit and have skills, but doing this race has shown how much of each you have for us that live on the other side of the world. You desreve a shit hot well done on that from nobody import, but you did yourself proud.
Extremely impressive how you rode and covered this race from the full POV to this breakdown. To think this is your first Megavalanche makes it more impressive. The content you made for this race is by far the best ever.
As a road cyclist by nature, a lover of the Tour De France (today being stage 20 of 21), as well as followed the TDF back in 2000, I made a special detour just to climb Alpe D'Huez and see what the pros do. I can say for certain it put me into Red more than any other mountain I had ever ridden before that. However, now, seeing you guys on mountain bikes, ride down such a massive and well-known ski resort is such a different view than the one going up by road! Congratulations once again on an amazing trip and success on your first Megavalanche! It is my opinion if you didn't get bottled up on the first turn from start you had a real good chance of winning!
Thank you for taking me along Macky. This is absolutely something I would have taken on in my thirties, maybe even in my forties, but at 65 YO I am content to have you take me along for the ride. It was awesome! And thank you both for the excellent content you crank out week after week. I just used Sid's rebuild video to service my lowers last week. Cheers!
I've always regarded thew Megaavalanche as the most insane MTB race... So scary and so many variables...8th place is AMAZING!!!!!! You are THE REAL DEAL!! CONGRATS!!!
I've watched a good number of your videos. As 67 year old MTBer (and road rider for training), you have both inspired myself and my wife to do better as we continue down the path on two wheels. Thank you for sharing your hard work, knowledge and your adventures.
Congratulations! After watching you full-run video I was waiting for this vid and I love it. I always wanted to see what's it like "behind the race". All the tension with your gear arriving late and the training on changing conditions. You really impressed me. I really hope you come back next year. With a little more offensive riding you can take podium And you still have unfinished business with that glacier.
So I watched the perspectives of the guys who finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th and let me tell you man, you hustled hard! those guys were so far out, it was insane. In none of their views did I see the number 1 guy beyond about half way. Insane speeds! Well done man. Also, feel bad for the previous wave guys getting lapped. Makes for a long day on a bike!
Music always on point😊 congratulazioni on your amazing ride here. I really loved your adventure in Tanzania. But also thank you for all the amazing videos that you two produce, it's a privilege to be able to see your point of view..and I mean not only through your webcams but also through your thoughts
Macky, you have the perfect combination of training for this kind off race. You have the legs to crush the climbs and the mindset to let off the brakes on the way down. Since last year I have started to include more XC style training into my enduro prep and it has done wonders for me. Thanks for the inspiration to keep pushing.
For some reason the grandkids and I were jumping around the room when we saw your second bag arrived from the airport. Great run my friend! So happy for you. Heartfelt congratulations from Salt Lake City.
At least you had a chance to ride the glacier even if it wasn’t for the race. That looked insane even on video, can’t even imagine what that looked like in real life. You all have really been putting the Ari bikes thru the paces! Sharp looking bikes, and the name change was a definite win.
Very happy for you, Macky, We're old MTBers and this time you get to really show what you are capable of, Clearly you can win this and more. Great episode.
10th...amazing, KUDOS man. I saw this video before, not the qualifying just the race itself. I remember listening to you talk to yourself...not knowing it was YOU. I follow you guys on your UA-cam channel. Nice shreddin' man...
Amazing job Macky!! Especially for a first megavalanche with this stress to get your material on time and muddy conditions! 😳 Definitely a top 3 with a good start 😎
This has been among my favorite videos from you guys. I love watching Megavalanche full runs, for some reason, and it was especially fun watching yours. And these prep videos were awesome, too. Up until now, I've only seen POV videos, so it was cool seeing the 3rd person views. They gave an entirely new perspective on the racecourse. Also, I had no idea it was so steep. I would love to do a Megavalanche race, just to say I've done it. But maybe it's outside of my skillset right now?
Awesome Performance/Result, Awesome Coverage, and really really awesome explanation of Mega. Sure, I’ve seen highlights, but didn’t realize the duration and substance overall. 😮
Second thing is, avoid Heathrow. Fly from the USA with your first stop in Zurich, or Geneva. Fly Swiss Air/American/Delta/United directly to Switzerland. Or, fly Lufthansa, connecting through Munich or Frankfurt. Flights are on time. The Swiss and Germans are reliable. The higher prices are worth not having any issues, especially when bringing your bike bag.
Jono Jones did the race. He got a great start and I was watching it to catch you passing him. He took a really bad line where he was off the trail, I guess that's where you passed .
I did a race in Korea years ago. I was a really short trip. Get in late 2 nights before, then leave the day after the race. My bike didn't make it from Colorado until the morning of the race... Super stressful, but there isn't much you can do but just wait and hope. The other athlete I was rooming with in the hotel was strangely way more stressed out about it than I was. That didn't really help and I had to finally sit him down and say "this isn't your bike and you're stressing me out!"
Macky, bikes getting on to transfers is often tricky. If connections are short. Same thing happened to us on transfer to Geneva. Air Tags in bike bags are a must.
Macky, throw an Apple Airtag into your bike bag/suitcase next time (and anything else that you don't want to lose). Then you can see real-time where the bike is, regardless of what the airline tells you. If you don't use an iPhone, thats fine as I don't either. I bought a cheap old iPhone 6s in order to track the Airtags. Just need wifi. My EVOC Pro bag got stolen in Denver (my Expedition got stolen and the bike bag was inside), and I was able to recover the bike bag because of the Airtag.
Great Video and very impressive results especially for your 1st time in this race. By chance do they provide the times for the top 10 racers. I was curious how far back you were from a time perspective. I know if you get out in front your times will be much better as you dont have to contend as much with other riders especially slower riders holding you back.
Wow Macky this was impressive. Also are you going to go back to Megavalanche next year? I also forgot I might consider going to Megavalanche in a couple years
18:00 - APS! (Automated Pants Slowing) And Bruh...saw your passed 100 to get Top 10 before I came across this video. Had no idea it was your first Mega! Yeah, next year Top 5 and future Mega Winner, for sure. Heard it here first! : >
I know you missed out on the glacier, but I'd guess that also helped. That's taking out a big part of the "luck" section. Starting in the rocks with just a bit of snow seems more 'skill' based.
Love this back story to go along with the full run. On the start, it looks like you were a little caught off guard at the tape raise. Were you expecting a count down? I thought they normally did do a countdown but didn't this time (or I didn't hear it). Seems like that was the big difference. Great job regardless!
Having to the glacier closed looks like it might have been to your advantage. Riding on Snow looks to be all it's own skill set. Amazing ride Macky, especially given the competition.
Macky, I've been watching this race for years and I think it's the hardest one out there. You finished eighth against the best riders in the world! Beyond impressive.
i'd say psychosis is way harder
I have to say, the 1st time I seen this race was your video. Being your 1st time even after the rough start you have definitely proved your one hell of an endurance rider/racer.
You nearly caught up with Killian Bron. Fantastic effort Macky. TOP RIDER 💪
To get 8th with that start and difficult prep, who knows what you'll get next year! 😜 (you know you want to - we do!) 💪🚴💯
Stoked to get to take it on with you! What an experience
Hell yes Macky, 8th place at your first Mega, that is nuts!! Congratulations!!!
It's fun watching the full run and then coming back and watching your "normal" video essay of the event. We'll done!
Right, at first, I was like, Macky, you so completely did this backward. But seeing the back story of missing the bike and his clothes just puts into more perspective how much of a professional he is.
Wow that jump-to-pass of the rider in pink just after 26:39 was incredible
Thanks!
Thank you!
The "backstory episode" releasing after the full race run was an awesome choice. Seeing all the issues that you had to overcome to even get to that start line made it intense, even though we knew the end result. THAT is the power of good storytelling!
Loving the coverage of this big race! Congrats on the Top 10 -- 8th Place! Way to represent USA ARI, New Mexico and Syd & Macky 😁😁😁.
I have never had a more physical reaction to a video... I was jumping in my seat, my gut churned like a roller coaster, I almost fell out of my seat laughing at your otb. And then that guy and his double in front of you during quali was fun to watch. I honestly couldn't imagine being there. What a trip.
Mackey I have watched you two for nearly 5 years.
I have known you two are super fit and have skills, but doing this race has shown how much of each you have for us that live on the other side of the world.
You desreve a shit hot well done on that from nobody import, but you did yourself proud.
Extremely impressive how you rode and covered this race from the full POV to this breakdown. To think this is your first Megavalanche makes it more impressive. The content you made for this race is by far the best ever.
As a road cyclist by nature, a lover of the Tour De France (today being stage 20 of 21), as well as followed the TDF back in 2000, I made a special detour just to climb Alpe D'Huez and see what the pros do. I can say for certain it put me into Red more than any other mountain I had ever ridden before that. However, now, seeing you guys on mountain bikes, ride down such a massive and well-known ski resort is such a different view than the one going up by road!
Congratulations once again on an amazing trip and success on your first Megavalanche! It is my opinion if you didn't get bottled up on the first turn from start you had a real good chance of winning!
Thank you for taking me along Macky. This is absolutely something I would have taken on in my thirties, maybe even in my forties, but at 65 YO I am content to have you take me along for the ride. It was awesome! And thank you both for the excellent content you crank out week after week. I just used Sid's rebuild video to service my lowers last week. Cheers!
Now that was a proper MTB race! Love mass starts and having to pass is how its supposed to be for a race!❤it
Wow. To go from 100 or so to top ten finish...that is incredible.
I've always regarded thew Megaavalanche as the most insane MTB race... So scary and so many variables...8th place is AMAZING!!!!!! You are THE REAL DEAL!! CONGRATS!!!
I've watched a good number of your videos. As 67 year old MTBer (and road rider for training), you have both inspired myself and my wife to do better as we continue down the path on two wheels. Thank you for sharing your hard work, knowledge and your adventures.
Loved this prep video and the race video. Macky rocks...literally!
Absolutely amazing!! Loved seeing you absolutely smoke everyone when it came to having to pedal. Those XC legs paid off huge!!
'I care about the race' the moment you said that I had goosbumbs. You're a great sportsman Macky!!!
You're a beast Macky! That 24th -> 20th pass was epic, as was making up > 100 places on the way down. Great content!
you killed it on that course. the enduro and xc skills all came together
Congrats Mackay. That was impressive. Seems like there’s unfinished business at Megavalanche. Looking forward to seeing your result from next year!
Congrats! What a massive comeback!!!! You were probably #1 in passes 👏🏼 that was my favorite mega avalanche to watch yet. Great job!
It was so fun to watch New Mex represent with a top 10 finish. Congrats dude!
Ruidoso Strong
Congratulations! After watching you full-run video I was waiting for this vid and I love it. I always wanted to see what's it like "behind the race". All the tension with your gear arriving late and the training on changing conditions. You really impressed me.
I really hope you come back next year. With a little more offensive riding you can take podium And you still have unfinished business with that glacier.
So I watched the perspectives of the guys who finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th and let me tell you man, you hustled hard! those guys were so far out, it was insane. In none of their views did I see the number 1 guy beyond about half way. Insane speeds! Well done man. Also, feel bad for the previous wave guys getting lapped. Makes for a long day on a bike!
Music always on point😊 congratulazioni on your amazing ride here.
I really loved your adventure in Tanzania. But also thank you for all the amazing videos that you two produce, it's a privilege to be able to see your point of view..and I mean not only through your webcams but also through your thoughts
Macky, you have the perfect combination of training for this kind off race. You have the legs to crush the climbs and the mindset to let off the brakes on the way down. Since last year I have started to include more XC style training into my enduro prep and it has done wonders for me. Thanks for the inspiration to keep pushing.
Yup, talking to Kirlian Bron before doing it perhaps and I watched helicopter view of the race to get the true perspective. ❤ Inspirational S & M
For some reason the grandkids and I were jumping around the room when we saw your second bag arrived from the airport. Great run my friend! So happy for you. Heartfelt congratulations from Salt Lake City.
You really shine as an all-around versatile rider. Congratulations on an amazing race.
Sick comeback after that rough start and all the other drama leading up to the finals. Great Job!
I think you made your own luck in that race! Awesome! 🎉
At least you had a chance to ride the glacier even if it wasn’t for the race. That looked insane even on video, can’t even imagine what that looked like in real life.
You all have really been putting the Ari bikes thru the paces! Sharp looking bikes, and the name change was a definite win.
Very happy for you, Macky, We're old MTBers and this time you get to really show what you are capable of, Clearly you can win this and more. Great episode.
10th...amazing, KUDOS man. I saw this video before, not the qualifying just the race itself. I remember listening to you talk to yourself...not knowing it was YOU. I follow you guys on your UA-cam channel. Nice shreddin' man...
Amazing report, thank you. You are so strong in the pedaly sections, it's awesome to watch.
That was so amazing and so technical . Thanks for the video and take care, Al
Always wondered how it would be like to actually race the thing... you did an amazing job documenting everything.. Thank you !
This was your best ride and video yet! Amazing!
A tiny, and I mean tiny bit better start, you're on the podium with your terrific fitness. Great job and fun break down of your lead up to the race!
Great Video on the details building up to the race.
Awesome job Mackie!!
What a great experience. Thanks for sharing. Nice work!
That coarse was sick. Well done Macky. We’ll done
Great job Macky, that looked hard🎉
Amazing job Macky!! Especially for a first megavalanche with this stress to get your material on time and muddy conditions! 😳
Definitely a top 3 with a good start 😎
Espetacular!!! Macky é um cara versátil. Saudações do Brasil.
Hands down one of the best videos (other than Trans Madeira). Congratulations on the result...absolutely glued to the channel.
That bike too 🔥🔥
Crazy proud of you, wow
Great positive self talk and calm response when things didn't go perfectly (your riding skills and fitness require no comment :))
Lost your kit, no pouting, no problem. You worked your butt off and took us along for the ride. 143 BPM on the start line!
You're a legend, Macky!
Solid.... been waiting for you too race the Avalanche... and dam top 10🎉🎉🎊🙏🏻
AMAZING result! Great episode. 🇦🇺
great job Mackey awesome video
Congratulations on your finish macky
This has been among my favorite videos from you guys. I love watching Megavalanche full runs, for some reason, and it was especially fun watching yours. And these prep videos were awesome, too. Up until now, I've only seen POV videos, so it was cool seeing the 3rd person views. They gave an entirely new perspective on the racecourse. Also, I had no idea it was so steep. I would love to do a Megavalanche race, just to say I've done it. But maybe it's outside of my skillset right now?
Macky you are an absolute beast!!!
Congrats man! Incredible first effort!
Incredible run Mackie!
Awesome Performance/Result, Awesome Coverage, and really really awesome explanation of Mega. Sure, I’ve seen highlights, but didn’t realize the duration and substance overall. 😮
Second thing is, avoid Heathrow. Fly from the USA with your first stop in Zurich, or Geneva. Fly Swiss Air/American/Delta/United directly to Switzerland. Or, fly Lufthansa, connecting through Munich or Frankfurt. Flights are on time. The Swiss and Germans are reliable. The higher prices are worth not having any issues, especially when bringing your bike bag.
Reping the 505..love it
Well done! I have raced in these wet and slushy conditions and it is far harder than it looks. ☮
Insane fitness and race craft, way to go Macky!
Jono Jones did the race. He got a great start and I was watching it to catch you passing him. He took a really bad line where he was off the trail, I guess that's where you passed .
If you check the comments in jono's video, someone time-stamped Macky's pass - he's quick but you can see him go by! 💪🚴
@darrenbutterworth807 I found the time stamp, he did go by quick as hell.
Yeh, I did. :)
That was awesome! Way to adapt and overcome!
Really cool to see your output and heart rate on hud
Absolutely awesome ride !!😎
Wow, on my bucketlist aswell.
Hell yea! Was the first time for me too
You definitely need to do it again - that was realy amazing
Macky that was truly impressive, I hope you race it again next year.
wow , top ten , well done fella.
Excelente carrera después de haber tenido esa salida "p 8 " espectacular !
I did a race in Korea years ago. I was a really short trip. Get in late 2 nights before, then leave the day after the race. My bike didn't make it from Colorado until the morning of the race... Super stressful, but there isn't much you can do but just wait and hope. The other athlete I was rooming with in the hotel was strangely way more stressed out about it than I was. That didn't really help and I had to finally sit him down and say "this isn't your bike and you're stressing me out!"
While at it. You should definitely try Mountain of Hell too, Macky.
The bike 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Well done Macky, mammoth effort to recover from the poor start. Would have been cool to see a start from the top, but it’s still an epic race.
Macky, bikes getting on to transfers is often tricky. If connections are short. Same thing happened to us on transfer to Geneva. Air Tags in bike bags are a must.
Except it was a 12 hour layover, so can't blame it on a short connection 😜
Macky, throw an Apple Airtag into your bike bag/suitcase next time (and anything else that you don't want to lose). Then you can see real-time where the bike is, regardless of what the airline tells you. If you don't use an iPhone, thats fine as I don't either. I bought a cheap old iPhone 6s in order to track the Airtags. Just need wifi. My EVOC Pro bag got stolen in Denver (my Expedition got stolen and the bike bag was inside), and I was able to recover the bike bag because of the Airtag.
Amazing work!! Top next year!
Great Video and very impressive results especially for your 1st time in this race. By chance do they provide the times for the top 10 racers. I was curious how far back you were from a time perspective. I know if you get out in front your times will be much better as you dont have to contend as much with other riders especially slower riders holding you back.
Wish I'd thought to add that. You can check results here: timingzone.com/megavalanche-alpe-dhuez-2024/#1_7A2204
Wow Macky this was impressive. Also are you going to go back to Megavalanche next year?
I also forgot I might consider going to Megavalanche in a couple years
Man, you're a beast
Even from here it looks terrifying… Awesome job
18:00 - APS! (Automated Pants Slowing)
And Bruh...saw your passed 100 to get Top 10 before I came across this video. Had no idea it was your first Mega! Yeah, next year Top 5 and future Mega Winner, for sure. Heard it here first! : >
Put AirTags in your bags! Always helps when you can tell them where they’re at.
Superb Pro Vlogger
I know you missed out on the glacier, but I'd guess that also helped. That's taking out a big part of the "luck" section. Starting in the rocks with just a bit of snow seems more 'skill' based.
Incredible job Macky!! Where you just counting positions or is there a better way to know your position when editing your videos?
Syd started at the end and watched the video backwards because she's amazing
I need to know what pedals those are. They look sick
They're the Xpedo GFX. Love them
Love this back story to go along with the full run. On the start, it looks like you were a little caught off guard at the tape raise. Were you expecting a count down? I thought they normally did do a countdown but didn't this time (or I didn't hear it). Seems like that was the big difference. Great job regardless!
I was expecting a "10 seconds to go sign" like they did for the qualifiers. Now I know for next time 😁
ride safe sid @macky🚴🙏,,from the phi."mabuhay"
Having to the glacier closed looks like it might have been to your advantage. Riding on Snow looks to be all it's own skill set. Amazing ride Macky, especially given the competition.
The speeds they hit down that thing are mind blowing.