WARNING There are some scammers commenting replies to UA-cam comments all over UA-cam asking people to telegram/WhatsApp the creator, these are not real. The only account I have is this verified one with a tick next to it. Thanks and be careful! Francis
I’m a 68 yr old American man that’s been following your channel for several years now. Life long biker. Bought a new road bike 2 years back. I had an accident last year that fractured my hip. After surgery I was back on bike in 7 weeks. Your videos are inspirational and have helped me continue riding even when I wasn’t feeling up to it. This trip is a perfect example of that. Good job by both you guys. There are parts of this trip that will try you. I have no doubt you guys will succeed. I have used my phone and a simple bike computer up until now. I want to get one of those Garmin radar sensors after my last crash. I need a Garmin computer. Please add my name to drawing. I’ll be following you guys across America. Bless you for helping kids with your charity!
I did the same Jack, broke my left hip last 6th June, fixed with some metalwork (Interstitial Nail) and back on my bike-72 when I crashed, 74 now. I had an episode of syncope whilst riding a chain gang (syncope was described to me by the consultant as like having the plug pulled out) I have no recollection of the crash, just woke up lying in the road surrounded by medical professionals. Keep turning the pedals, it’s what keeps us sane (ish).🤣
Jack, I would really appreciate to see you winning the Garmin! I may not have the money for a Garmin, but I‘m young & healthy. So hopefully we‘ll meet each other on the road so I can treat my company for navigation support. Good luck! :)
My brother and I picked up cycling middle of this year. I decided to go with a gravel bike and he a road bike. We cycle everyday now. Around the area and around our city. Subbing to your channel a few months ago and seeing your trip has given us motivation to go for longer rides. Currently we just use our phones and smart watches to track our whereabouts. A Garmin comp would be invaluable to the longer trips we plan on taking. Hope you and Justin have a good trip across America!
The last year I've lost 30 kilos and just recently bought a Scott Speedster to start cycling. It can be a struggle as a type 1 diabetic for obvious reasons but with an Edge 1040 I would be able to see my blood sugar level at all time whilst riding. Of course I'd have to get the Varia Radar too!
Ok ! THAT'S perhaps the best and biggest Reason to win this Thing ! ;) I've lost 25kg 2 years ago with Cycling. And thanks to BikeFit Tuesdays I learned A LOT for my personal joy on the Bike. Since I started I covered over 20.000 km and still LOVE it ! BUT .. I don't have any major health problems. And I can manage a lot of pain in case I have to .. + I have a gorgeous Girlfriend to help me out with fueling and fixing me 😅 YOU deserve that piece of Tech WAY more then me !! Hope Francis reads this and choose you 🤙👌 Keep up riding, stay motivated and Safe 💪
I was about to write a comment saying why I'd like the Edge. But I would like it for my first big ride doing the NC500 next Spring. Which seems like a naff reason compared to yours
@@FixedundFertig Amazing! Well done 👏🏻 I still want to lose around 15kg and hopefully cycling can help me out with that. Thank you for the nice words 😇
I had a cardiac arrest a year ago, nearly 50! I died for 16 minutes & was given CPR. I watch your videos which give me the power to keep cycling & be fearless. Winning the Garmin will help me discover places I was afraid to seek out!
Hubby introduced me to your videos when we first started dating back in 2017. Love watching your trips, getting insights into cycling, & seeing you successfully navigate in your interests. For this trip I've been sharing your videos w/cycling peeps south of us hoping they may see you two & continue to share great roads & hospitality. Safe travels & keep the videos coming. Thank you!
Justin comes across as the nicest guy in the world man, such an infectious laugh and happy spirit. Really enjoying the daily vlogs with you both, and it's something I genuinely look forward to watching everyday, good luck with the rest of your journey guys 🙌🏻
I have been watching your videos for about 3 years, but these have been especially inspiring. I am 65 years old and started riding about three years ago. Your videos helped me get out of newby status as well as helped with equipment purchases. My case for the Garmin 1040 is simply I can't see the data screens I need to see on my Garmin 530 as easily as I used to. But the guy who needs it to monitor his blood sugar is someone I would vote for to get the 1040. Thank you for the help you have given me.
I am thrilled with the video you are posting. What I have been seeing gives me great pleasure,and a deep respect for both of you! I am a 75 year old cyclist who sometimes can’t remember how I got where I am, or how to get back where I was.😂 I think that the Garmin 1040 might be of great assistance. Thanks to you both, RDT
Honestly just found your videos today, at 46 yrs old and about 270lbs. I purchased a Trek FX3 to take control of my life and I find your videos inspiring and motivating, thank you. I’m currently saving up for a garmin computer ;)
Loved the channel before, but this series is making me want to get out and ride every day. Binge-watched from day 1-6 last night and was grinning seeing you experience some "southern hospitality". I'm out in Hawaii (some of the worst roads in America), so some direction through the backroads would be pretty nice. Hoping to be able to make the around the island trip at some point and a Garmin is going to be a necessity! Keep at it gents.
I've been biking for about 7 years in my adult life and while I liked the idea of a bike computer, I never thought it was that necessary since I have a smartphone. Then I went on my first bikepacking trip a couple months ago and quickly learned how short a smartphone lasts tracking a ride. Within about 2 hours I had to charge it, and probably charged it 2-3 times in the little over 7 hours of riding on the first day. I loved bikepacking and have no plans of stopping, the battery life on that Garmin would be amazing to have! I'm really enjoying watching these videos of your trip across America. It's good to see the kind and generous people you're meeting along the way, something we need to see more of in the US. I know it's not why your doing this, but you're helping offset some of the negative news here so thank you. I hope you keep having to raise your target!
Loving this series so far, basically waiting for the upload every day. I’m from Europe and planning a bike trip across the US next year myself, which is why the 1040 would be a huge improvement to our riding experience. Good luck for the rest of your ride!
Really enjoying watching you both on this amazing adventure and raising lots of lovely cash too! Would be brilliant to win the Garmin head unit for my hubby. Keep going guys xxx
Yes lads. It’s not about the winning it about the taking part and the journey. I’m am so proud of you both, have donated to to the cause. If I even have a small chance of winning then that’s amazing but I’d rather you guys keep offering and uploading these inspirational videos to keep us all motivated. Well done you
I’ve been thinking about a new head-unit for a while now. Was looking at used ones (because financially it’s not the best time for me). But every time I change my mind right before I contact the seller. I went on my first bikepacking trip last summer and really got the hang of it. A solar device would come in really handy during future trips ofcourse!
I hadn’t even planned on watching this series, but you’re too good at making it engaging and entertaining to miss it. Godspeed, gentlemen! What a herculean effort. Garmin edit: A bunch of my friends and me are planning our longest trip yet at ~550 km from Austria to Germany for the summer of 2023. Aiming at riding for 3-4 days, but we are ambitious amateurs at best and haven't ever done something like this before. So a Garmin would help us tons of course! :-)
Not only are you two producing some of the most entertaining and enjoyable content on the site but are also raising some MAD cash for get kids going (can't forget the !). I started road cycling this year as a way to get fit but got well and truly hooked, I've started doing longer rides and planning routes but I must say strapping my phone to the top tube isn't the sleekest solution. That fancy Garmin would massively improve navigation and make riding much more fun, not to mention make it easier to track things like speed. Thanks for the videos guys and keep doing what your doing!
It’s humbling to see you both doing this for such a fantastic cause. Please stay safe, both of you. What an amazing set up you have there too. Forza, gentlemen!! 😊. And it’d be lovely to receive the Garmin too. Thank you for the opportunity!
I gotta say, I love tuning in checking out your daily adventure. I find it funny all the comments about American food and the Floridaman and women. As for the Garmin I just moved from Florida to Vermont for epic rides and a new adventure. I wish to the best out there. Thanks for inspiring us all. Cheers
I suffer from chronic fatigue as a complication from getting glandular l fever as a teenager. I was originally a swimmer but that was all thrown away with the fatigue. I find sport really hard now even tho I love it and I’m studying it at uni. Cycling kind of saved me as I can go when I want, at my own pace and the community has been amazing. This trip you guys are doing for charity is amazing. Makes me want to ride my bike more. Your channel as always inspired me to get out more and more. Being a student means affording kit is difficult. Having a head unit like that would be awesome and a real treat to add to my cycles ❤️
This has been an amazing series thus far. Thanks for sharing and making the time to film and edit these videos every day! And yes I’d love that Garmin 1040 solar… because as you say: it’s the future.
I'm 66 years old and riding from Sacramento to San Diego next summer in 8 days... I recently crashed but I'm back riding and the Garmin would be a major asset for me on this particular ride. Love what you're both doing on this ride! Safe travels!
I have to say, seeing your editing quality improve over the years has been so great to watch. Your videos are very engaging, audio is spot on (I'm an audio engineer, so it's great to hear the quality you put into these). I'm also blown away that you're riding and able to get these videos edited and uploaded so quickly. An amazing thing to behold. Bravo.
Only started watching your videos in the last couple of months and have already watched most of your back catalogue to get all your useful tips and insights. I'm still really new cycling but have been inspired all your bike packing trips and now planning my first trip (Manchester to Paris) for my 30th birthday. The Garmin 1040 solar would be a brilliant piece of kit for this trip (and future trips) which is frankly just way out my price range. Good luck on your ride across USA, you're both amazing! x
My partner and I are packing up our lives and heading off on our bicycles next year from Aus and starting in Europe. Would never have thought I’d have the courage to do this, especially as a female, but your channel and others like it have given us the courage. This Garmin would be an insane addition to support our adventure and help us navigate the world and the next chapter of our loves.
I´m a student from Germany and inspired by your Bikepacking Adventures me and a couple of friends did our first trip from Dresden to the Baltic Sea, lasting about 600km, navigating only with the Komoot App on my phone. The plan for next yearr is to ride to Bordeaux, France over a distance of about 1100km, for that a garmin head unit would be a huge help. Thank you for making videos, you´re literally the reason i got into riding. Keep at it and enjoy the ride across the US.
I've been using my Garmin watch to record and get breadcrumb directions for the whole past season, I did like it for the most part, especially that it doesn't grab too much attention and makes it easier to focus on the road. The major con for me is its battery life on gps, since it can only do about 6-7 hours on a full charge, so on my 100mile plus trips I had to recharge mid way, and it is slightly inconvenient. Therefore the biggest battery head unit would most certainly be an amazing thing to have : )) Also, love the vlogs, I hope to watch them throughout the off-season here where I live, and at least have fun with watching you ride out there!
Francis. What you're doing for the cycling community really goes beyond and strikes a chors with all of humanity. My wife and I use the same model Varia as you have on your bike. She connects it to her phone and I can hook up to it too via my Forerunner 735 XT. I recently got T boned by a pick up truck, very scary event, but came away with no physical injury. My bike was damaged beyond repair but the truck owner paid for a replacement. All to say that this event has gotten me to realize all of the awesome things that I can be grateful for in my life. I have resumed cycling and a Garmin unit would greatly enhance my outings on my bike. Good luck with your epic quest.
Stellar set up. The last two summers I have done similar projects, last summer from Denver to Buffalo NY, this summer from Denver to Eugene OR. Next summer I will be taking on the Empire State Trail in NY with a friend (first time with company). At 67 years of age, I plan to do these sorts of projects each year that my aging body will allow. Having one piece of kit that charges itself would be extremely helpful. Best of luck on your project...as my cousin would say, "luck IS a factor". Safe voyages.
Found your channel about 6 months ago. High quality content and I'm loving the charity rides. I'm taking some inspiration and going on a 3 week bike trip through Thailand this winter. The solar Garmin would be perfect for that trip. Stay safe out there!
Hey Francis! I mean you know I’m an old time viewer of yours back when you had single figure thousands and have watched from that day forward. It’s so inspiring seeing what you do and I am planning a couple of my own long distance trips next year to go and explore like I never have before. Keep up the amazing work man!
I’m glad the UA-cam algorithm linked to you guys. I’ve enjoyed watching the series this far. Your camaraderie is infectious and entertaining, but more importantly, your cause is just and good. I recently had the chance to support my brother as he undertook a massive endurance ride of 430 miles in 24 hours. I was so proud of him and I was able to ride with him for about 130 of those miles. After watching him and being inspired by his fear, I want to try to do the same thing. He actually had that same model of garmin and it worked incredibly well for the entire ride. The watt information it gave him was crucial to ensuring he stayed within his limits. I think he still had over 25% battery life left at the end of the ride. I was way impressed. So yeah, but me down for the drawing of that garmin. It’s safety features are incredible too.
Much respect on what you boys are doing. I love the closing out of this video with Justin in the background clowning it up lol. Much respect and Garmin is the only way to go.
It’s has been an absolute privilege to follow you guys journey so far and really wonderful to see all the love you’ve been getting through Florida. ❤️ As a full time med-student I use a lot of time sitting down inside and I really cherish my time on the bike and use it as the main way to look after my physical and mental health. I’m currently using an old 510 and a 1040 would be a massive upgrade and make my cycling even more enjoyable! Best wishes and stay safe guys! ❤
I would love a head unit! Recently got into cycling by the persuasion of a friend. It’s been an awesome activity not only physically, but relationally as well. Having the opportunity to ride together and talk and push each other has been such a positive change in my life. Keep up the good work!
It’s has been an absolute privilege to follow you guys journey so far and really wonderful to see all the love you’ve been getting through Florida! As a full time med-student I use a lot of time sitting down inside and I really cherish my time on the bike and use it as the main way to look after my physical and mental health. I’m currently using an old 510 and a 1040 would be a massive upgrade and make my cycling even more enjoyable! Best wishes and stay safe guys!
Started following your channel about 6 months ago and love following you and your mates on your cycling adventures. So much so I just ordered my first bike so I can get on the road and do some bike packing of my own. This Garmen would be amazing for all my future adventuring
I have been working to plan a trip very much like the one you are on now. So I have been watching your videos with utter attention! 😂 My father cycled heavily when he was younger but now do to life needs to ride a recumbent bike and we live 6,000 miles apart. So separately we have both been training up to get together and do some large cross country treks like you! Thank you for each and every one of your videos, from this trip, to your silly bike builds, to all things you posted years ago! Its been great to learn from! 🎉
Hi, we biked this summer from our home country Slovakia to Inorthern taly and south to Croatia. Minimal setup, no tent, no panniers, just saddlebags, some food in framebag, sleepingback in the front, and what clothes we had on. For over a week we paddled through mostly gravel roads on our road bikes. I must say that the Garmin gadget you showed would be a great help, because we still use phones and most of the time lost on navigating was due to very bad app by for eurovelo routes. Anyway we reached Trieste, had the first aperol and continued relaxed path to Istria. Just two of us, just like You. Shout out to my friend David. We love long journeys and stealth camping and loads of burnt small Italian esspressos. . Love, Tom
Just love watching hing you and Justin,(with his infectious laugh).Both doing a great job and making money for a good charity .The chemistry between the pair of you is fantastic, keep riding and produc8ng brilliant videos daily
Another amazing journey you are completing Francis, this time with Justine and for such a great charity. After watching your videos from your adventure across Australia with Chris 3 years ago I am planning on doing a similar bicycle ride in 2023 from Perth to Mount Buller in Victoria, Australia approximately 3,540 kms. I am using your routes from Kamoot and have booked most the accommodation locations that you stayed along your journey in WA & SA. My reason for doing this trip is too raise money for Alzheimer's disease which both my Mum & Dad died from. I intend to start from Perth on 27th Sept the day my dad passed away and arrive at a family members residence near Mount Buller on 18th Oct the day my Mum passed away. Just would like to thankyou for your videos that I am sure like me and your many viewers have provided much needed motivation to get back on the bike and do the impossible. Cheers
Really enjoying this series guys! Been gripped ever since you started your journey. I moved to Colorado this summer and got married to my American wife after long-distancing through COVID from the UK. My father in law gave me a decent 12 year old road bike which has reignited my passion for cycling since I got here. Been building up some kit gradually and increasing my fitness again. A computer would be a lovely addition to helping me progress. Enjoy your trip through the US, it’s a beautiful place! I’ll be tuned in for the ride 😉
I just want to say congratulations in advance to the person who will receive the bike computer. I ve been following this series and will keep doing until it finishes. Those kidz are so lucky they have you. More power to both you. Ride safe and have fun.
First of all love your channel. I am thoroughly enjoying the the USA trip videos. I’m am a 17 year old and have completely fallen in love with cycling and bike packing to be exact. I have done a couple if trips with some mates which were awesome but navigating was very hard as I have an old phone and the battery doesn’t last long at all. This Garmin head unit would make such a difference and would allow me to complete my dream ride, the HUNT 1000. Good luck and have fun on the road
Me and my girlfriend are planning an offroad tour of Europe in the coming summer and a Garmin would help a ton of course. I've watched your videos for a long time and I've always loved following your bikepacking trips and they are the one's that has inspired me to go on a few trips myself!
Justin you're absolute legend! Francis , kudos on the support you provide for him! I do bit of Ultra cycling myself and 530 can be bit frustrating sometimes with navigation so I could definitely put that big screen to use, and of course the benefit of extra power. Would happily accept that piece of equipment. Good luck with rest of the journey , will be watching every pedal stroke on your way ! 🤞
Loving this series especially the daily updates :) Will be jealous once you hit the western states as there are several spots that I would love to cycle someday. As far as the Garmin, I would have to pass it on to my brother who cycles quite a bit but has only ever used his phone. He and his wife have moved back to rural Texas and it would be a welcome upgrade for him. I will agree with you on the varia radar being an amazing piece of kit. I picked one up in the spring to give me that extra bit of warning on the road. Love it.
I am loving these videos! We have just been catapulted into winter here in Canada so cycling season has ended. I'm living vicariously seeing you two having such a great time cycling and for such a great cause! For the Garmin: I have absolutely NO sense of direction and can't navigate my way out of a paper bag. I get lost on the regular, even inside buildings! A head unit that can tell me where to go and that I don't need to remember to charge (go solar!) would be amazing so I can go on longer solo rides!
This is has allowed me to be more motivated to start biking across my community again. I think its an amazing thing to cycle everywhere even if you're just going to the store or across America.But being able to say I would rather bike there rather than to just go makes me feel like I would feel better about my choice in life stay safe on the road!
I started cycling because of a burnout due to overworking myself throughout the pandemic. The rush and excitement I felt when I was a young lad suddenly came back and I just found myself through different roads and went as far as I can until my legs almost gave up. Cycling changed my life for the better and with the help of this advance technological breakthrough from Garmin it will help me navigate to the places I've yet to reach and can even make cycling much easier. If I win the Garmin head unit I'll bring it with me to every places I will go and just thinking about that makes me really excited! Ride safe and goodluck with the tour, please know that you're literally an inspiration to every cyclist out there!
Watching this video made me realize that I've been riding my bike for too long without a cyclocomputer and only relying on Relive/Strava for navigation. lol Thank you for giving us a chance to own one. Stay safe out there guys!
Just discovered the series and look forward to your updates. This morning I was commuting to work in the on my fixed gear when I experienced a flat. A smarter man would have packed a spare tube. which I did. An even smarter man would have packed a tube repair kit, which I did. An absolutely galaxy brained genius would have packed a pump, which I had left on my workbench at home. While the Garmin 1040 Solar might not have been able to prevent me from being the architect of my own demise, it certainly would have made me feel a lot cooler as I walked the rest of the way to work lookin' like a fool.
Loving this series so far, anticipating for a banger vid every morning to start my day. I’m from Australia and I'm planning a bike trip across Australia next year myself, which is why the 1040 would be a huge improvement to our riding experience. Good luck for the rest of your ride and stay safe!
Really engaging set of videos and in aid of such a great cause. Impressed by the positive support you're getting form everyone you meet. My last Garmin headset severed me faithfully but being on a budget I haven't managed to replace it after it eventually ran out of power on me. Good luck with the rest of your trip.
Congrats on having to up your goal! Glad to see the outpouring of support (I donated around day 3 so you guys have been killing it). And kudos to your editing, it takes a lot of patience to ride 80+ miles a day and then sit down and edit for a good few hours each night to come up with a solid 10 minutes or so of quality content. As far as a reason for wanting the Garmin, I got into cycling 4 months ago and have gone from 1X 2012 mountain bike to 5 total bikes for the wife and I to get fit. I ride a ton on and off road but I had to stop spending and upgrading bikes lol. So a solid upgraded Garmin would be killer!
Great effort and videos, I would totally use a Garmin for bike packing trips, road rides and family adventures. I've never used or had a head unit so it would be a great addition to my set up. 🙌 Keep pushing on guys
Inspiring. I love the way your bike is outfitted. GIve me ideas for my own bike treks. I'm 69 and have been biking more seriously since Covid hit. Prior to that I was a lifelong runner. Covid put a pause on all running races, plus my knees are shot. So now it's road biking. 5500+ miles in 2020, 5700+ miles in 2021 and 5400+ so far this year. I live in MN, so winter weather can cut short my final possible rides for the year. I would enjoy a Garmin unit (I have no navigation system on my bike as of now). Keep pedaling!
Loving these videos. Justin is an inspiration, making me want to get my lazy butt in gear. Thanks for the happy videos and daily smiles. Converted my MTB over to electric to learn distance riding and the Garmin unit would help without risking my phone.
Im 18 years old and have just finished school, and am right now planning a big bikepacking trip throug europe starting in the beginning of 2023. Im starting in western Germany, and plan to ride to the the Netherlands, and than all the way down along the Atlantic Ocean through Belgium, France, Spain Portugal and Spain to Tarifa/Gibraltar. And than back along the Mediterranean Sea, and over the alps. Im super excited to finally start. And I believe that as you said, the Garmin Edge 1040 would make planning all of this a hell lot easier. That's why I'd be super happy if i'd win :)
Im cycling since i was 12, starting with bmx and mtb, switched to long and ultralong distance at age 21. Now Im 23 an completed my to date biggest solo trip: Berlin-Copenhagen, 750km. On this trip I had my phone on my handlebars for navigation and because of bad weather it broke. I luckly finished the ride without phone and navigation. Im currently studying and had to replace my phone, so im low on money and I will definitly will not put my phone on my bars again. So I had definitly a great usecase for that headunit! Have a good time on your trip, Im really enjoying this videos!
I bought a corona gravel bike in summer 2021 and fell in love with cycling. I started building up my endurance, doing longer and longer rides and finished this summer with a five-day adventure riding from Basel through France and then home to Cologne. I also loved that. In the Spring, I'm planning to do a longer tour down the west coast of France, maybe even the whole thing, from the North Coast to Spain. Having a bigger head unit (my eyes aren't getting any younger) and one that doesn't need charging every evening would help me feel even more secure on my trips. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of your trip goes. My favourite thing so far is all the interesting people that you're meeting 🤣 All the best for there rest of the trip!
Hey Francis, long time follower from Melbourne Australia. Your videos are really inspiring and have helped me heaps to keep on riding especially after I was involved in an accident with my road bike (carbon frame which broke) because of a careless driver. I landed up fracturing my spinal cord (T3) with permanent damage to my right shoulder. Fast forward and after ongoing Physio (2 years and counting) I’m back in action and could really benefit from this device. Regardless, I hope the most deserverving rider revives this and may you have a successful trip across the states. Cheers!
I gave to GetKids Going at your 1st post of this trip. Awesome cause. I'm new to cycling and it became an obsession, into which I'm also encouraging my daughter. I mostly plan our rides on Komoot, and we can definitely now cover some significant distances! I'm actually just using a cheap phone holder, but a Garmin unit would definitely be an upgrade, and eventually add the back radar like you're using to keep us safer on Canadian roads. Keep riding!
Look forward to your videos everyday. Haven't had my hands on the garmin, but it has intrigued me. Keep up the great work! You both rock and am honored to do whatever I can to help you finish your mission.
Great video, it's great to see the two of you crossing the states. Having a 1040 would be amazing for the nav capabilities and being able to on-the-fly plan routes while bike packing. Solar to extend the battery life would be an awesome addition - no more range anxiety after a few days in the bush. Byron
Hey, whatsup! I'm a 25 year old belgian living near Antwerp. Everyday I ride to my work(gardener) at 6 in the morning for 10 km through rain, wind, cold, heat. and ride back home at around 17 'o clock. I really love my job and cycling as well but I could really use a new head unit for my bike because only started working about 1 month ago after I graduated this september. Right now I am saving money to upgrade my bike slowly because I studied bike mechanic in the evening when I was in school. It's really useful, I do everything with my bike since I don't have a driver's license. I don't see myself getting one soon either :D lol. I enjoy riding bikes too much. Good luck on your trip I recently discovered bikepacking myself and went to Köln, Nijmegen and Rotterdam this september, it was beautiful!!
Had to stop running and cycling over a year ago because of nerve damage in both feet. I’m also an aircraft mechanic but have been placed on modified duties because of it. I’m two weeks post nerve decompression surgery which is essentially the last resort other than removing the nerves. Been a tough year. My wife and I are avid cyclists and she also does Ironman. It’s been hard for me not being able to help her train and help more at home. Love to get the new Garmin to help with my return to cycling provided the surgery works. Keep up the great work and say hi to Justin, Dasia, jimmy and the gang. Be safe and good luck. Look fwd to a Canadian adventure someday
Brilliant ride series, long time fan. My wife and I are avid bikepackers (our honeymoon was bikepacking the length of Patagonia) and thought this would be put on hold with the birth of our son. Unfortunately he was quite premature and passed away a week after. We're currently planning a ride across Australia, to start on the one year anniversary of his passing. Would love to be in the running for a Garmin 1030 Solar, would be put to good use across a particularly solar-laden part of the world on a solar-laden long distance trip.
It been impressive to see your ride across the USA. I’ve come across your channel as I’m planning my first multi-day bikepacking trip- in another country (New Zeland). I was planning on a combo of cue sheets and gps on my watch but a garmin computer would make navigation and safety so much easier! Wishing you luck with the weather and speed as you make your journey across the states.
Found this channel a couple of months ago while doing "research" on Scott Addict Gravel bike. After 10 years of cycling on a cheap trekking bike I finally decided to splash some money and get a proper bike. Two years down the road I'm still in a process of finding the right bike. The prices seem to go up every month, bikes aren't avaliable and so on... So I really hope I'll be able to buy one if not this, then next year. Garmin Edge is on my to-buy-list, as well as Varia because I've had a couple of close calls in all those years of cycling. So if I happen to win Garmin Edge it would be absolutely fantastic. Love the channel, the series and your noble cause. It's absolute joy to watch you two, the banter and interactions with people. Feel bad for Jason and his views on bridges though. Safe travels. Oh yeah, I mustn't forget BikeFitTuesdays. Great stuff.
I am loving your new USA adventure videos! A Garmin would be an awesome upgrade to what I have now. What I have works, but the extra features the Garmin has would add to the data! Safe travels!
Love the challenge you guys are doing it has inspired me to take up something similar myself I'll be it much shorter from where I live on the west coast of Ireland to Poole in aid of the RNLI. Keep up the good work guys !!
I discovered your channel about 18 months ago and binge-watched your trip across Australia in one hit. I have recently got into my ultra and multiday rides and the Garmin head unit would be oh so so so so so so so so handy for all of that! Thanks for considering me!
Getting more into different types of biking because the Scouts are gaining interest and I try to stay one step ahead of them, which can be tough. A head unit like that would be awesome for sharing data and stats out to the group after our adventures.
The Garmin would help me find safe paths to navigate Houston and surrounding areas. As you've noticed America is very car centric and tricky to navigate safely on bike. You are very inspiring thanks for coming to the USA!
Loving the videos and looking forward to each! It’s a nice break from exam writing! I’m new to gravel riding and next summer I’d love to do some week trips in Norway, and the 1040 Solo would make it a lot smoother to stay safe and on the right path! Keep up the great riding and stay safe!
I love cycling! I'm going to ride an alpencross next year and I'm really looking forward to that very trip! The Garmin 1040 Solar would be the perfect head unit for that trip and also for training!
Just got caught up watching the last couple videos you posted. Its been a wild week. But when you were talking about Justin having to veer off the shoulder to avoid road kill, the first thing that came to mind was "I really hope they're using the radars to help with that task". And now you've answered that question! I'm just super thankful that the both of you have managed to be safe so far. The Americas isn't known to be the safest place to cycle in, and more often than not you hear more about how bad or unsafe it is. So I'm glad that you've been able to shine a (albeit narrow) spotlight on the many nice people you've encountered so far. Keep being safe! Looking forward to the rest of this series. All these adventure rides by you content creators for cycling is always great stuff. And doing it for kids? Even better! Oh and about the 1040 - I've had a garmin edge 1000 for quite a long time now. Nine years now I think. The rubber power button went from soft rubber to hard rubber, before eventually crumbling into dust one day, a few years ago. Garmin support wasn't too helpful with a solution, so I've taped over the hole with some electrical tape and decided to keep using it until it dies on me. Or until I can decide what to replace it with. Obviously I haven't been very successful at deciding, as I'm still using it. But this 1040 could solve two problems at once. A problem with a power button that Garmin support was less than helpful with, AND what to replace it with! Cheers!
I have just started cycling and your channel has been invaluable to me. A new head unit would be amazing to guide me on my routes. Good luck in the US lads!
Two weeks ago I torn my MCL playing judo and Cycling is one of the few sports that I can continue doing for the next month. Just starting this incredible sport while watching Cycling Animes and your videos is amazing, thanks for all the contents!
I've never been able to afford a good head unit. Reconnecting with cycling after decades has been great for me, and I find myself wondering about all this data you talk about and what I might be able to do to improve my efficiency, and would love to stop mounting my cell phone to my handlebars trying to have a map. Would love having my name pulled out of the hat for that 1040 solar you've got there. Great content as always. I always have a lot of fun watching you on these expeditions, and this one being for such a good cause is great to see.
Look forward to the daily dose of both your progress. Keep it up! Please look at moving the cable from the hand peddle before that wound becomes infected! I would love a chance at the sat nav as I have no sense of direction and would use it on the South Downs Way :) Good luck!
This series has given me more encouragement to travel further. I use Komoot but my present bike computer is the easiest to use and doesn't have the battery power to last long enough. If I win the 1040 I can go further. I've ridden some longish for charity, but range anxiety is ever present.
Long time subscriber from America (North Carolina) and have loved watching all of your adventures, useful tips, and love for cycling over the years- super inspiring. I'd love to be able to do a big gravel or off-road cycling adventure on the East coast through the Appalachians next year with family and friends and a Garmin would certainly help! Amazing work you boys are doing for the charity and so glad to see yall in the US!
I’m an amateur/adventure cyclist in my twenties living in Austin, TX. While I spend most of my time cycling for exercise and to just enjoy being outside, my true passion in cycling (and how I got my start as a teenager) is making cycling more accessible to more people. This has included supporting and volunteering at community run nonprofits that provide mechanical support and training to folks from all income backgrounds. In particular, I’m especially passionate about building community with my neighbors who are unhoused. In the next year, I’ll be working to secure a grant that would allow me to use cycling to build community with my unhoused neighbors in Austin with the goal of providing humanizing interactions, mechanical support, and visibility for these valuable members of our community. Ive never been able to afford a quality head unit, so having access to this garmin unit would be a game changer as I work to build this next (hopefully socially impactful) phase of my cycling journey. Thanks for all you do to make cycling more accessible to others and for this journey to support children with disabilities!
just getting into cycling and have been looking at units and was already considering the 1040, also this series is amazing. Wish you guys were coming to Atlanta so I could say hello and buy you both lunch. Keep up the great work guys.
One of those times that I am thanking the algorithm. I enjoyed hearing about the gear setup as my current setup in not fancy and I am looking for new ideas.
I would love to give it to the guy who got me riding. 2.5 years and 22k miles later, I'm still riding with him. He has an old cateye computer and would never treat himself to something like this. Thanks for the great content and good luck with the ride. We're all pulling for you guys.
Hey Francis, thank you so much for the great videos. The work you and Justin are doing for charity is just amazing! Justin is brilliant, a gentleman and sounds like a top man! It goes to show no matter what disability one has, you can take up any sport you chose to do. Like Justin, I too have a disability, blind in one eye and after retina operation in my good eye, left me with peripheral disadvantage. However, I took up cycling and have loved it ever since. Having added tech is always beneficial as I have purchased a Garmin radar which I use with my phone. Keep up the good work and all the best to you and Justin.
Because I need one. Kidding dude been watching you for a while now, I think I started watching you since 2019 and 'till now. Even if I didn't win, keep doing great stuff dude!
Amazing adventure, way to go! That Garmin Edge 1040 is the sweetest device you are carrying, from an enviable list, for such long rides is perfect which is why I want one myself.
Loving your journey so far. Wish you guys all the best.. Planning a cycling trip next summer with some buddies and would love a 1040 for keeping us on track. Thanks Francis
WARNING
There are some scammers commenting replies to UA-cam comments all over UA-cam asking people to telegram/WhatsApp the creator, these are not real.
The only account I have is this verified one with a tick next to it.
Thanks and be careful!
Francis
My initial excitement was unreal, people like this make me doubt the human race.
Good thing I saw this as I was about to text that scammer 😑
Yep. Spotted it.
How do I see where they will be going next want to see if they are coming to my city
I got so exited when I saw the message! Thank you for posting the ⛔️ warning!
I’m a 68 yr old American man that’s been following your channel for several years now. Life long biker. Bought a new road bike 2 years back. I had an accident last year that fractured my hip. After surgery I was back on bike in 7 weeks. Your videos are inspirational and have helped me continue riding even when I wasn’t feeling up to it. This trip is a perfect example of that. Good job by both you guys. There are parts of this trip that will try you. I have no doubt you guys will succeed. I have used my phone and a simple bike computer up until now. I want to get one of those Garmin radar sensors after my last crash. I need a Garmin computer. Please add my name to drawing. I’ll be following you guys across America. Bless you for helping kids with your charity!
I did the same Jack, broke my left hip last 6th June, fixed with some metalwork (Interstitial Nail) and back on my bike-72 when I crashed, 74 now. I had an episode of syncope whilst riding a chain gang (syncope was described to me by the consultant as like having the plug pulled out) I have no recollection of the crash, just woke up lying in the road surrounded by medical professionals. Keep turning the pedals, it’s what keeps us sane (ish).🤣
YEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHH ! That is awesome !
I was going to enter myself, but then I read Jack's post and now all I can think to say is: please give it to Jack!
Jack, I would really appreciate to see you winning the Garmin!
I may not have the money for a Garmin, but I‘m young & healthy.
So hopefully we‘ll meet each other on the road so I can treat my company for navigation support.
Good luck! :)
My brother and I picked up cycling middle of this year. I decided to go with a gravel bike and he a road bike. We cycle everyday now. Around the area and around our city. Subbing to your channel a few months ago and seeing your trip has given us motivation to go for longer rides. Currently we just use our phones and smart watches to track our whereabouts. A Garmin comp would be invaluable to the longer trips we plan on taking.
Hope you and Justin have a good trip across America!
The last year I've lost 30 kilos and just recently bought a Scott Speedster to start cycling. It can be a struggle as a type 1 diabetic for obvious reasons but with an Edge 1040 I would be able to see my blood sugar level at all time whilst riding. Of course I'd have to get the Varia Radar too!
Wishing you the best!
Proud of you for losing 30kg, that’s not a small task!
Ok ! THAT'S perhaps the best and biggest Reason to win this Thing ! ;)
I've lost 25kg 2 years ago with Cycling.
And thanks to BikeFit Tuesdays I learned A LOT for my personal joy on the Bike.
Since I started I covered over 20.000 km and still LOVE it !
BUT .. I don't have any major health problems. And I can manage a lot of pain in case I have to .. + I have a gorgeous Girlfriend to help me out with fueling and fixing me 😅
YOU deserve that piece of Tech WAY more then me !!
Hope Francis reads this and choose you 🤙👌
Keep up riding, stay motivated and Safe 💪
I was about to write a comment saying why I'd like the Edge. But I would like it for my first big ride doing the NC500 next Spring.
Which seems like a naff reason compared to yours
@@FixedundFertig Amazing! Well done 👏🏻 I still want to lose around 15kg and hopefully cycling can help me out with that. Thank you for the nice words 😇
I had a cardiac arrest a year ago, nearly 50! I died for 16 minutes & was given CPR.
I watch your videos which give me the power to keep cycling & be fearless. Winning the Garmin will help me discover places I was afraid to seek out!
Hubby introduced me to your videos when we first started dating back in 2017. Love watching your trips, getting insights into cycling, & seeing you successfully navigate in your interests. For this trip I've been sharing your videos w/cycling
peeps south of us hoping they may see you two & continue to share great roads & hospitality.
Safe travels & keep the videos coming. Thank you!
Justin comes across as the nicest guy in the world man, such an infectious laugh and happy spirit. Really enjoying the daily vlogs with you both, and it's something I genuinely look forward to watching everyday, good luck with the rest of your journey guys 🙌🏻
I have been watching your videos for about 3 years, but these have been especially inspiring. I am 65 years old and started riding about three years ago. Your videos helped me get out of newby status as well as helped with equipment purchases. My case for the Garmin 1040 is simply I can't see the data screens I need to see on my Garmin 530 as easily as I used to. But the guy who needs it to monitor his blood sugar is someone I would vote for to get the 1040. Thank you for the help you have given me.
I am thrilled with the video you are posting. What I have been seeing gives me great pleasure,and a deep respect for both of you! I am a 75 year old cyclist who sometimes can’t remember how I got where I am, or how to get back where I was.😂 I think that the Garmin 1040 might be of great assistance. Thanks to you both, RDT
Honestly just found your videos today, at 46 yrs old and about 270lbs. I purchased a Trek FX3 to take control of my life and I find your videos inspiring and motivating, thank you. I’m currently saving up for a garmin computer ;)
Loved the channel before, but this series is making me want to get out and ride every day. Binge-watched from day 1-6 last night and was grinning seeing you experience some "southern hospitality". I'm out in Hawaii (some of the worst roads in America), so some direction through the backroads would be pretty nice. Hoping to be able to make the around the island trip at some point and a Garmin is going to be a necessity! Keep at it gents.
I've been biking for about 7 years in my adult life and while I liked the idea of a bike computer, I never thought it was that necessary since I have a smartphone. Then I went on my first bikepacking trip a couple months ago and quickly learned how short a smartphone lasts tracking a ride. Within about 2 hours I had to charge it, and probably charged it 2-3 times in the little over 7 hours of riding on the first day. I loved bikepacking and have no plans of stopping, the battery life on that Garmin would be amazing to have!
I'm really enjoying watching these videos of your trip across America. It's good to see the kind and generous people you're meeting along the way, something we need to see more of in the US. I know it's not why your doing this, but you're helping offset some of the negative news here so thank you. I hope you keep having to raise your target!
Loving this series so far, basically waiting for the upload every day. I’m from Europe and planning a bike trip across the US next year myself, which is why the 1040 would be a huge improvement to our riding experience. Good luck for the rest of your ride!
Really enjoying watching you both on this amazing adventure and raising lots of lovely cash too! Would be brilliant to win the Garmin head unit for my hubby. Keep going guys xxx
Just bloody good human beings you guys. Faith in humanity a little bit restored watching you both churn through the mikes for the cause. Keep at it!
Yes lads. It’s not about the winning it about the taking part and the journey. I’m am so proud of you both, have donated to to the cause. If I even have a small chance of winning then that’s amazing but I’d rather you guys keep offering and uploading these inspirational videos to keep us all motivated. Well done you
I’ve been thinking about a new head-unit for a while now. Was looking at used ones (because financially it’s not the best time for me). But every time I change my mind right before I contact the seller. I went on my first bikepacking trip last summer and really got the hang of it. A solar device would come in really handy during future trips ofcourse!
I hadn’t even planned on watching this series, but you’re too good at making it engaging and entertaining to miss it. Godspeed, gentlemen! What a herculean effort.
Garmin edit: A bunch of my friends and me are planning our longest trip yet at ~550 km from Austria to Germany for the summer of 2023. Aiming at riding for 3-4 days, but we are ambitious amateurs at best and haven't ever done something like this before. So a Garmin would help us tons of course! :-)
Not only are you two producing some of the most entertaining and enjoyable content on the site but are also raising some MAD cash for get kids going (can't forget the !). I started road cycling this year as a way to get fit but got well and truly hooked, I've started doing longer rides and planning routes but I must say strapping my phone to the top tube isn't the sleekest solution. That fancy Garmin would massively improve navigation and make riding much more fun, not to mention make it easier to track things like speed. Thanks for the videos guys and keep doing what your doing!
It’s humbling to see you both doing this for such a fantastic cause. Please stay safe, both of you. What an amazing set up you have there too. Forza, gentlemen!! 😊. And it’d be lovely to receive the Garmin too. Thank you for the opportunity!
I gotta say, I love tuning in checking out your daily adventure. I find it funny all the comments about American food and the Floridaman and women. As for the Garmin I just moved from Florida to Vermont for epic rides and a new adventure. I wish to the best out there. Thanks for inspiring us all. Cheers
I am a firmly heterosexual male, and even I can't get enough of Justin's deep bass voice. That guy should do a podcast for sure!
I suffer from chronic fatigue as a complication from getting glandular l fever as a teenager. I was originally a swimmer but that was all thrown away with the fatigue. I find sport really hard now even tho I love it and I’m studying it at uni. Cycling kind of saved me as I can go when I want, at my own pace and the community has been amazing. This trip you guys are doing for charity is amazing. Makes me want to ride my bike more. Your channel as always inspired me to get out more and more. Being a student means affording kit is difficult. Having a head unit like that would be awesome and a real treat to add to my cycles ❤️
This has been an amazing series thus far. Thanks for sharing and making the time to film and edit these videos every day! And yes I’d love that Garmin 1040 solar… because as you say: it’s the future.
I'm 66 years old and riding from Sacramento to San Diego next summer in 8 days... I recently crashed but I'm back riding and the Garmin would be a major asset for me on this particular ride. Love what you're both doing on this ride! Safe travels!
I have to say, seeing your editing quality improve over the years has been so great to watch. Your videos are very engaging, audio is spot on (I'm an audio engineer, so it's great to hear the quality you put into these). I'm also blown away that you're riding and able to get these videos edited and uploaded so quickly. An amazing thing to behold. Bravo.
Thanks for the vid! Super helpful. Planning a cross country bike trip. Trying to gather all the great tech i need!
Only started watching your videos in the last couple of months and have already watched most of your back catalogue to get all your useful tips and insights. I'm still really new cycling but have been inspired all your bike packing trips and now planning my first trip (Manchester to Paris) for my 30th birthday. The Garmin 1040 solar would be a brilliant piece of kit for this trip (and future trips) which is frankly just way out my price range. Good luck on your ride across USA, you're both amazing! x
My partner and I are packing up our lives and heading off on our bicycles next year from Aus and starting in Europe. Would never have thought I’d have the courage to do this, especially as a female, but your channel and others like it have given us the courage.
This Garmin would be an insane addition to support our adventure and help us navigate the world and the next chapter of our loves.
I´m a student from Germany and inspired by your Bikepacking Adventures me and a couple of friends did our first trip from Dresden to the Baltic Sea, lasting about 600km, navigating only with the Komoot App on my phone. The plan for next yearr is to ride to Bordeaux, France over a distance of about 1100km, for that a garmin head unit would be a huge help.
Thank you for making videos, you´re literally the reason i got into riding. Keep at it and enjoy the ride across the US.
I've been using my Garmin watch to record and get breadcrumb directions for the whole past season, I did like it for the most part, especially that it doesn't grab too much attention and makes it easier to focus on the road. The major con for me is its battery life on gps, since it can only do about 6-7 hours on a full charge, so on my 100mile plus trips I had to recharge mid way, and it is slightly inconvenient. Therefore the biggest battery head unit would most certainly be an amazing thing to have : )) Also, love the vlogs, I hope to watch them throughout the off-season here where I live, and at least have fun with watching you ride out there!
Francis. What you're doing for the cycling community really goes beyond and strikes a chors with all of humanity. My wife and I use the same model Varia as you have on your bike. She connects it to her phone and I can hook up to it too via my Forerunner 735 XT. I recently got T boned by a pick up truck, very scary event, but came away with no physical injury. My bike was damaged beyond repair but the truck owner paid for a replacement. All to say that this event has gotten me to realize all of the awesome things that I can be grateful for in my life. I have resumed cycling and a Garmin unit would greatly enhance my outings on my bike. Good luck with your epic quest.
Stellar set up. The last two summers I have done similar projects, last summer from Denver to Buffalo NY, this summer from Denver to Eugene OR. Next summer I will be taking on the Empire State Trail in NY with a friend (first time with company). At 67 years of age, I plan to do these sorts of projects each year that my aging body will allow. Having one piece of kit that charges itself would be extremely helpful. Best of luck on your project...as my cousin would say, "luck IS a factor". Safe voyages.
Found your channel about 6 months ago. High quality content and I'm loving the charity rides. I'm taking some inspiration and going on a 3 week bike trip through Thailand this winter. The solar Garmin would be perfect for that trip. Stay safe out there!
Hey Francis! I mean you know I’m an old time viewer of yours back when you had single figure thousands and have watched from that day forward. It’s so inspiring seeing what you do and I am planning a couple of my own long distance trips next year to go and explore like I never have before. Keep up the amazing work man!
I’m glad the UA-cam algorithm linked to you guys. I’ve enjoyed watching the series this far. Your camaraderie is infectious and entertaining, but more importantly, your cause is just and good.
I recently had the chance to support my brother as he undertook a massive endurance ride of 430 miles in 24 hours. I was so proud of him and I was able to ride with him for about 130 of those miles. After watching him and being inspired by his fear, I want to try to do the same thing. He actually had that same model of garmin and it worked incredibly well for the entire ride. The watt information it gave him was crucial to ensuring he stayed within his limits. I think he still had over 25% battery life left at the end of the ride. I was way impressed. So yeah, but me down for the drawing of that garmin. It’s safety features are incredible too.
Much respect on what you boys are doing. I love the closing out of this video with Justin in the background clowning it up lol. Much respect and Garmin is the only way to go.
It’s has been an absolute privilege to follow you guys journey so far and really wonderful to see all the love you’ve been getting through Florida. ❤️
As a full time med-student I use a lot of time sitting down inside and I really cherish my time on the bike and use it as the main way to look after my physical and mental health.
I’m currently using an old 510 and a 1040 would be a massive upgrade and make my cycling even more enjoyable!
Best wishes and stay safe guys! ❤
I would love a head unit! Recently got into cycling by the persuasion of a friend. It’s been an awesome activity not only physically, but relationally as well. Having the opportunity to ride together and talk and push each other has been such a positive change in my life. Keep up the good work!
People, trip, experiences, vlog, Garminy goodness,..
All the awesomeness one could ever want!
Keep them cranks spinnin'!
You guys are awesome! This is one of the only things I look forward to while it's cold and wet but the ski season hasn't started yet.
Keep it up guys!
It’s has been an absolute privilege to follow you guys journey so far and really wonderful to see all the love you’ve been getting through Florida!
As a full time med-student I use a lot of time sitting down inside and I really cherish my time on the bike and use it as the main way to look after my physical and mental health.
I’m currently using an old 510 and a 1040 would be a massive upgrade and make my cycling even more enjoyable!
Best wishes and stay safe guys!
Started following your channel about 6 months ago and love following you and your mates on your cycling adventures. So much so I just ordered my first bike so I can get on the road and do some bike packing of my own. This Garmen would be amazing for all my future adventuring
I have been working to plan a trip very much like the one you are on now. So I have been watching your videos with utter attention! 😂 My father cycled heavily when he was younger but now do to life needs to ride a recumbent bike and we live 6,000 miles apart. So separately we have both been training up to get together and do some large cross country treks like you! Thank you for each and every one of your videos, from this trip, to your silly bike builds, to all things you posted years ago! Its been great to learn from! 🎉
Hi, we biked this summer from our home country Slovakia to Inorthern taly and south to Croatia. Minimal setup, no tent, no panniers, just saddlebags, some food in framebag, sleepingback in the front, and what clothes we had on. For over a week we paddled through mostly gravel roads on our road bikes. I must say that the Garmin gadget you showed would be a great help, because we still use phones and most of the time lost on navigating was due to very bad app by for eurovelo routes. Anyway we reached Trieste, had the first aperol and continued relaxed path to Istria. Just two of us, just like You. Shout out to my friend David. We love long journeys and stealth camping and loads of burnt small Italian esspressos. . Love, Tom
Just love watching hing you and Justin,(with his infectious laugh).Both doing a great job and making money for a good charity .The chemistry between the pair of you is fantastic, keep riding and produc8ng brilliant videos daily
Another amazing journey you are completing Francis, this time with Justine and for such a great charity. After watching your videos from your adventure across Australia with Chris 3 years ago I am planning on doing a similar bicycle ride in 2023 from Perth to Mount Buller in Victoria, Australia approximately 3,540 kms. I am using your routes from Kamoot and have booked most the accommodation locations that you stayed along your journey in WA & SA. My reason for doing this trip is too raise money for Alzheimer's disease which both my Mum & Dad died from. I intend to start from Perth on 27th Sept the day my dad passed away and arrive at a family members residence near Mount Buller on 18th Oct the day my Mum passed away. Just would like to thankyou for your videos that I am sure like me and your many viewers have provided much needed motivation to get back on the bike and do the impossible. Cheers
Really enjoying this series guys! Been gripped ever since you started your journey. I moved to Colorado this summer and got married to my American wife after long-distancing through COVID from the UK. My father in law gave me a decent 12 year old road bike which has reignited my passion for cycling since I got here. Been building up some kit gradually and increasing my fitness again. A computer would be a lovely addition to helping me progress. Enjoy your trip through the US, it’s a beautiful place! I’ll be tuned in for the ride 😉
I just want to say congratulations in advance to the person who will receive the bike computer. I ve been following this series and will keep doing until it finishes. Those kidz are so lucky they have you. More power to both you. Ride safe and have fun.
First of all love your channel. I am thoroughly enjoying the the USA trip videos. I’m am a 17 year old and have completely fallen in love with cycling and bike packing to be exact. I have done a couple if trips with some mates which were awesome but navigating was very hard as I have an old phone and the battery doesn’t last long at all. This Garmin head unit would make such a difference and would allow me to complete my dream ride, the HUNT 1000.
Good luck and have fun on the road
Me and my girlfriend are planning an offroad tour of Europe in the coming summer and a Garmin would help a ton of course. I've watched your videos for a long time and I've always loved following your bikepacking trips and they are the one's that has inspired me to go on a few trips myself!
Justin you're absolute legend! Francis , kudos on the support you provide for him! I do bit of Ultra cycling myself and 530 can be bit frustrating sometimes with navigation so I could definitely put that big screen to use, and of course the benefit of extra power. Would happily accept that piece of equipment. Good luck with rest of the journey , will be watching every pedal stroke on your way ! 🤞
Loving this series especially the daily updates :) Will be jealous once you hit the western states as there are several spots that I would love to cycle someday. As far as the Garmin, I would have to pass it on to my brother who cycles quite a bit but has only ever used his phone. He and his wife have moved back to rural Texas and it would be a welcome upgrade for him. I will agree with you on the varia radar being an amazing piece of kit. I picked one up in the spring to give me that extra bit of warning on the road. Love it.
I am loving these videos! We have just been catapulted into winter here in Canada so cycling season has ended. I'm living vicariously seeing you two having such a great time cycling and for such a great cause!
For the Garmin: I have absolutely NO sense of direction and can't navigate my way out of a paper bag. I get lost on the regular, even inside buildings! A head unit that can tell me where to go and that I don't need to remember to charge (go solar!) would be amazing so I can go on longer solo rides!
This is has allowed me to be more motivated to start biking across my community again. I think its an amazing thing to cycle everywhere even if you're just going to the store or across America.But being able to say I would rather bike there rather than to just go makes me feel like I would feel better about my choice in life stay safe on the road!
I started cycling because of a burnout due to overworking myself throughout the pandemic. The rush and excitement I felt when I was a young lad suddenly came back and I just found myself through different roads and went as far as I can until my legs almost gave up. Cycling changed my life for the better and with the help of this advance technological breakthrough from Garmin it will help me navigate to the places I've yet to reach and can even make cycling much easier. If I win the Garmin head unit I'll bring it with me to every places I will go and just thinking about that makes me really excited! Ride safe and goodluck with the tour, please know that you're literally an inspiration to every cyclist out there!
Watching this video made me realize that I've been riding my bike for too long without a cyclocomputer and only relying on Relive/Strava for navigation. lol
Thank you for giving us a chance to own one. Stay safe out there guys!
Just discovered the series and look forward to your updates.
This morning I was commuting to work in the on my fixed gear when I experienced a flat. A smarter man would have packed a spare tube. which I did. An even smarter man would have packed a tube repair kit, which I did. An absolutely galaxy brained genius would have packed a pump, which I had left on my workbench at home.
While the Garmin 1040 Solar might not have been able to prevent me from being the architect of my own demise, it certainly would have made me feel a lot cooler as I walked the rest of the way to work lookin' like a fool.
Loving this series so far, anticipating for a banger vid every morning to start my day. I’m from
Australia and I'm planning a bike trip across Australia next year myself, which is why the 1040 would be a huge improvement to our riding experience. Good luck for the rest of your ride and stay safe!
Really engaging set of videos and in aid of such a great cause. Impressed by the positive support you're getting form everyone you meet. My last Garmin headset severed me faithfully but being on a budget I haven't managed to replace it after it eventually ran out of power on me. Good luck with the rest of your trip.
Congrats on having to up your goal! Glad to see the outpouring of support (I donated around day 3 so you guys have been killing it). And kudos to your editing, it takes a lot of patience to ride 80+ miles a day and then sit down and edit for a good few hours each night to come up with a solid 10 minutes or so of quality content.
As far as a reason for wanting the Garmin, I got into cycling 4 months ago and have gone from 1X 2012 mountain bike to 5 total bikes for the wife and I to get fit. I ride a ton on and off road but I had to stop spending and upgrading bikes lol. So a solid upgraded Garmin would be killer!
Great effort and videos, I would totally use a Garmin for bike packing trips, road rides and family adventures. I've never used or had a head unit so it would be a great addition to my set up.
🙌 Keep pushing on guys
Inspiring. I love the way your bike is outfitted. GIve me ideas for my own bike treks. I'm 69 and have been biking more seriously since Covid hit. Prior to that I was a lifelong runner. Covid put a pause on all running races, plus my knees are shot. So now it's road biking. 5500+ miles in 2020, 5700+ miles in 2021 and 5400+ so far this year. I live in MN, so winter weather can cut short my final possible rides for the year. I would enjoy a Garmin unit (I have no navigation system on my bike as of now). Keep pedaling!
Getting into cycling and just discovered your channel! Really helpful to see and learn about cycling life! More power!
Loving these videos. Justin is an inspiration, making me want to get my lazy butt in gear. Thanks for the happy videos and daily smiles. Converted my MTB over to electric to learn distance riding and the Garmin unit would help without risking my phone.
Im 18 years old and have just finished school, and am right now planning a big bikepacking trip throug europe starting in the beginning of 2023. Im starting in western Germany, and plan to ride to the the Netherlands, and than all the way down along the Atlantic Ocean through Belgium, France, Spain Portugal and Spain to Tarifa/Gibraltar. And than back along the Mediterranean Sea, and over the alps. Im super excited to finally start. And I believe that as you said, the Garmin Edge 1040 would make planning all of this a hell lot easier. That's why I'd be super happy if i'd win :)
Im cycling since i was 12, starting with bmx and mtb, switched to long and ultralong distance at age 21. Now Im 23 an completed my to date biggest solo trip: Berlin-Copenhagen, 750km. On this trip I had my phone on my handlebars for navigation and because of bad weather it broke. I luckly finished the ride without phone and navigation. Im currently studying and had to replace my phone, so im low on money and I will definitly will not put my phone on my bars again.
So I had definitly a great usecase for that headunit!
Have a good time on your trip, Im really enjoying this videos!
I bought a corona gravel bike in summer 2021 and fell in love with cycling. I started building up my endurance, doing longer and longer rides and finished this summer with a five-day adventure riding from Basel through France and then home to Cologne. I also loved that. In the Spring, I'm planning to do a longer tour down the west coast of France, maybe even the whole thing, from the North Coast to Spain. Having a bigger head unit (my eyes aren't getting any younger) and one that doesn't need charging every evening would help me feel even more secure on my trips. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of your trip goes. My favourite thing so far is all the interesting people that you're meeting 🤣 All the best for there rest of the trip!
Hey Francis, long time follower from Melbourne Australia. Your videos are really inspiring and have helped me heaps to keep on riding especially after I was involved in an accident with my road bike (carbon frame which broke) because of a careless driver. I landed up fracturing my spinal cord (T3) with permanent damage to my right shoulder. Fast forward and after ongoing Physio (2 years and counting) I’m back in action and could really benefit from this device. Regardless, I hope the most deserverving rider revives this and may you have a successful trip across the states. Cheers!
I gave to GetKids Going at your 1st post of this trip. Awesome cause. I'm new to cycling and it became an obsession, into which I'm also encouraging my daughter. I mostly plan our rides on Komoot, and we can definitely now cover some significant distances! I'm actually just using a cheap phone holder, but a Garmin unit would definitely be an upgrade, and eventually add the back radar like you're using to keep us safer on Canadian roads. Keep riding!
Look forward to your videos everyday. Haven't had my hands on the garmin, but it has intrigued me. Keep up the great work! You both rock and am honored to do whatever I can to help you finish your mission.
Great video, it's great to see the two of you crossing the states.
Having a 1040 would be amazing for the nav capabilities and being able to on-the-fly plan routes while bike packing. Solar to extend the battery life would be an awesome addition - no more range anxiety after a few days in the bush.
Byron
Hey, whatsup!
I'm a 25 year old belgian living near Antwerp. Everyday I ride to my work(gardener) at 6 in the morning for 10 km through rain, wind, cold, heat. and ride back home at around 17 'o clock. I really love my job and cycling as well but I could really use a new head unit for my bike because only started working about 1 month ago after I graduated this september. Right now I am saving money to upgrade my bike slowly because I studied bike mechanic in the evening when I was in school. It's really useful, I do everything with my bike since I don't have a driver's license. I don't see myself getting one soon either :D lol.
I enjoy riding bikes too much. Good luck on your trip I recently discovered bikepacking myself and went to Köln, Nijmegen and Rotterdam this september, it was beautiful!!
Had to stop running and cycling over a year ago because of nerve damage in both feet. I’m also an aircraft mechanic but have been placed on modified duties because of it. I’m two weeks post nerve decompression surgery which is essentially the last resort other than removing the nerves. Been a tough year. My wife and I are avid cyclists and she also does Ironman. It’s been hard for me not being able to help her train and help more at home. Love to get the new Garmin to help with my return to cycling provided the surgery works. Keep up the great work and say hi to Justin, Dasia, jimmy and the gang. Be safe and good luck. Look fwd to a Canadian adventure someday
Brilliant ride series, long time fan. My wife and I are avid bikepackers (our honeymoon was bikepacking the length of Patagonia) and thought this would be put on hold with the birth of our son. Unfortunately he was quite premature and passed away a week after. We're currently planning a ride across Australia, to start on the one year anniversary of his passing. Would love to be in the running for a Garmin 1030 Solar, would be put to good use across a particularly solar-laden part of the world on a solar-laden long distance trip.
It been impressive to see your ride across the USA. I’ve come across your channel as I’m planning my first multi-day bikepacking trip- in another country (New Zeland). I was planning on a combo of cue sheets and gps on my watch but a garmin computer would make navigation and safety so much easier! Wishing you luck with the weather and speed as you make your journey across the states.
Found this channel a couple of months ago while doing "research" on Scott Addict Gravel bike. After 10 years of cycling on a cheap trekking bike I finally decided to splash some money and get a proper bike. Two years down the road I'm still in a process of finding the right bike. The prices seem to go up every month, bikes aren't avaliable and so on... So I really hope I'll be able to buy one if not this, then next year. Garmin Edge is on my to-buy-list, as well as Varia because I've had a couple of close calls in all those years of cycling. So if I happen to win Garmin Edge it would be absolutely fantastic.
Love the channel, the series and your noble cause. It's absolute joy to watch you two, the banter and interactions with people. Feel bad for Jason and his views on bridges though. Safe travels.
Oh yeah, I mustn't forget BikeFitTuesdays. Great stuff.
Love this series and the work you do! Wish I lived a little closer to the route to see you ride by! Good
Luck!
I am loving your new USA adventure videos!
A Garmin would be an awesome upgrade to what I have now. What I have works, but the extra features the Garmin has would add to the data! Safe travels!
Love the challenge you guys are doing it has inspired me to take up something similar myself I'll be it much shorter from where I live on the west coast of Ireland to Poole in aid of the RNLI. Keep up the good work guys !!
I discovered your channel about 18 months ago and binge-watched your trip across Australia in one hit. I have recently got into my ultra and multiday rides and the Garmin head unit would be oh so so so so so so so so handy for all of that! Thanks for considering me!
Getting more into different types of biking because the Scouts are gaining interest and I try to stay one step ahead of them, which can be tough. A head unit like that would be awesome for sharing data and stats out to the group after our adventures.
The Garmin would help me find safe paths to navigate Houston and surrounding areas. As you've noticed America is very car centric and tricky to navigate safely on bike. You are very inspiring thanks for coming to the USA!
Loving the videos and looking forward to each! It’s a nice break from exam writing! I’m new to gravel riding and next summer I’d love to do some week trips in Norway, and the 1040 Solo would make it a lot smoother to stay safe and on the right path! Keep up the great riding and stay safe!
I love cycling! I'm going to ride an alpencross next year and I'm really looking forward to that very trip! The Garmin 1040 Solar would be the perfect head unit for that trip and also for training!
Just got caught up watching the last couple videos you posted. Its been a wild week. But when you were talking about Justin having to veer off the shoulder to avoid road kill, the first thing that came to mind was "I really hope they're using the radars to help with that task". And now you've answered that question! I'm just super thankful that the both of you have managed to be safe so far. The Americas isn't known to be the safest place to cycle in, and more often than not you hear more about how bad or unsafe it is. So I'm glad that you've been able to shine a (albeit narrow) spotlight on the many nice people you've encountered so far. Keep being safe! Looking forward to the rest of this series. All these adventure rides by you content creators for cycling is always great stuff. And doing it for kids? Even better!
Oh and about the 1040 - I've had a garmin edge 1000 for quite a long time now. Nine years now I think. The rubber power button went from soft rubber to hard rubber, before eventually crumbling into dust one day, a few years ago. Garmin support wasn't too helpful with a solution, so I've taped over the hole with some electrical tape and decided to keep using it until it dies on me. Or until I can decide what to replace it with. Obviously I haven't been very successful at deciding, as I'm still using it. But this 1040 could solve two problems at once. A problem with a power button that Garmin support was less than helpful with, AND what to replace it with! Cheers!
I have just started cycling and your channel has been invaluable to me. A new head unit would be amazing to guide me on my routes. Good luck in the US lads!
Two weeks ago I torn my MCL playing judo and Cycling is one of the few sports that I can continue doing for the next month. Just starting this incredible sport while watching Cycling Animes and your videos is amazing, thanks for all the contents!
I've never been able to afford a good head unit. Reconnecting with cycling after decades has been great for me, and I find myself wondering about all this data you talk about and what I might be able to do to improve my efficiency, and would love to stop mounting my cell phone to my handlebars trying to have a map. Would love having my name pulled out of the hat for that 1040 solar you've got there.
Great content as always. I always have a lot of fun watching you on these expeditions, and this one being for such a good cause is great to see.
I just started cycling about 6 months ago and it would be one of that last few bits of kit I need! Thanks for the inspiration!
Look forward to the daily dose of both your progress. Keep it up!
Please look at moving the cable from the hand peddle before that wound becomes infected!
I would love a chance at the sat nav as I have no sense of direction and would use it on the South Downs Way :)
Good luck!
This series has given me more encouragement to travel further. I use Komoot but my present bike computer is the easiest to use and doesn't have the battery power to last long enough. If I win the 1040 I can go further. I've ridden some longish for charity, but range anxiety is ever present.
Long time subscriber from America (North Carolina) and have loved watching all of your adventures, useful tips, and love for cycling over the years- super inspiring. I'd love to be able to do a big gravel or off-road cycling adventure on the East coast through the Appalachians next year with family and friends and a Garmin would certainly help! Amazing work you boys are doing for the charity and so glad to see yall in the US!
I’m an amateur/adventure cyclist in my twenties living in Austin, TX. While I spend most of my time cycling for exercise and to just enjoy being outside, my true passion in cycling (and how I got my start as a teenager) is making cycling more accessible to more people. This has included supporting and volunteering at community run nonprofits that provide mechanical support and training to folks from all income backgrounds. In particular, I’m especially passionate about building community with my neighbors who are unhoused. In the next year, I’ll be working to secure a grant that would allow me to use cycling to build community with my unhoused neighbors in Austin with the goal of providing humanizing interactions, mechanical support, and visibility for these valuable members of our community. Ive never been able to afford a quality head unit, so having access to this garmin unit would be a game changer as I work to build this next (hopefully socially impactful) phase of my cycling journey. Thanks for all you do to make cycling more accessible to others and for this journey to support children with disabilities!
just getting into cycling and have been looking at units and was already considering the 1040, also this series is amazing. Wish you guys were coming to Atlanta so I could say hello and buy you both lunch. Keep up the great work guys.
One of those times that I am thanking the algorithm. I enjoyed hearing about the gear setup as my current setup in not fancy and I am looking for new ideas.
I would love to give it to the guy who got me riding. 2.5 years and 22k miles later, I'm still riding with him. He has an old cateye computer and would never treat himself to something like this.
Thanks for the great content and good luck with the ride. We're all pulling for you guys.
Hey Francis, thank you so much for the great videos. The work you and Justin are doing for charity is just amazing! Justin is brilliant, a gentleman and sounds like a top man! It goes to show no matter what disability one has, you can take up any sport you chose to do. Like Justin, I too have a disability, blind in one eye and after retina operation in my good eye, left me with peripheral disadvantage. However, I took up cycling and have loved it ever since. Having added tech is always beneficial as I have purchased a Garmin radar which I use with my phone. Keep up the good work and all the best to you and Justin.
Because I need one. Kidding dude been watching you for a while now, I think I started watching you since 2019 and 'till now. Even if I didn't win, keep doing great stuff dude!
Amazing adventure, way to go! That Garmin Edge 1040 is the sweetest device you are carrying, from an enviable list, for such long rides is perfect which is why I want one myself.
Loving your journey so far. Wish you guys all the best.. Planning a cycling trip next summer with some buddies and would love a 1040 for keeping us on track. Thanks Francis