Great video- bikes are freeing, in so many ways. You're right about the rise of popular authoritarianism... very scary. You've captured a reminder for us all on the value of freedom and collaboration. Well done! Julia
Thanks so much, this means a lot. I'd been scratching my head, thinking how to make a video about a bloke riding a bike about a bit more than just a bloke riding a bike.
Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment, Chris. I don't know about you but I always feel places I've been to on the bike leave their mark on me a bit more and this is one of them.
Well done. My Grandfather landed D-Day plus two and fought all the way to Germany … he still remembered the names of the French towns as his buddies were killed along the way. Thanks for remembering these men.
Yes I agree about bikes and freedom, having full responsibility for your own forward motion is a beautiful thing. Thanks very much for your comment. Happy riding.
Amazing video, thank you. I can’t believe you cycled all that way, you must be super-human. I cycled the d-day beaches last year and it took me three days!! Full respect,,, I need to get out on my bike more… FREEDOM.. 🤠
Great video and such an important message - and yet it seems to go unheard. As if the disasters in Ukraine, Syria etc. weren't bad enough now we have the war in Israel/Palestine. Let's hope that one day they will find a solution so that the people in that corner of the world can also enjoy the freedom to go and travel wherever they want to. And kudos to those distances, unbelievable.
Thanks for the comment - yes, exactly. There's more to peace than the absence of conflict but freedom like this is so precious and I wish it were more widespread.
Thanks a lot for taking us on your tour and sharing your thoughts. We are absolutely with you regarding our freedom to ride our bikes anywhere. It’s our duty to maintain it. If you have not been there, you may think about visiting Verdun. This is also a very impressive location.
I've just discovered your channel and binge watched the lot. Great rides, content, video images and commentary. Thanks and keep going! The Robert Sargent image is indeed very chilling and poignant. You seem to like to pop over the water. I run audax rides from Tervuren, East Brussels. There's a cycle path most of the way from Calais to Brussels and my tracks involve plenty of RAVeL (converted train track to cycle routes). A wonderful place to experience (car free) cycling.
Hi John and thanks for both watching and commenting, too. Cycle path from Calais to Brussels, eh? Interesting! Funny you should mention because various seasonal ailments (flu, and DIY, to name but two) have kept me off the bike for a little while and I'm beginning to look around for new routes now. Thanks for the idea and Bonne route to you!
Yes, it was good around there and FWW areas likely good too as you say but I haven't checked them out yet. Something else for the list of places to go. Thanks for watching.
What a great idea for a vlog. Really enjoyed. Distance not to be sniffed at and yes I did look up that photo. It’s a great photo as you said. Horrifying and yet at the same time offering hope
Thanks for watching again Phil. I like documentary film and photography and to take pictures in those conditions is so important and just blows me away. Happy riding!
Its always important to look back. If you want to understand the present you have to know the past. Thanks for that video. My Grandfather was one of the soldies that had to go to war when it has already been lost. He was a prisoner of war despite of beeing wounded and had been brought to Russia at the end of the war. After he got back on track of health he had to do forced labor for Russia and rebuilt Sevastopol for 2 years on the Krim for that what they call Ukraine these days. I will never forget his horrifying storys about war and bloodbath on both sides, about the machinery that they used and the sounds he reproduced when he told us something about his trauma, physically and psycologicaly.... and I am sad that we see nationalism on the rise in so many regions again. These once blood soaked beaches look so inviting these days. Thanks for taking us alongs on your small history excourse. Liebe Grüße🙋♀
Thank you so much for writing your comment. Yes, it's people like your grandfather (without knowing anything about any individuals) I was thinking of on that journey. That cemetery at La Cambe stayed with me, I don't know how many of those guys were conscripts but I know some of them were. And like that inscription says, not all of them chose the cause. But they're lying there too, aren't they? I'm scared of the rising nationalism you mention, both in democracies and also in countries where the population are not able to protest. I'm glad he was able to tell his story to you and I hope he found safety and peace.
Hey thanks so much, Paul. Yes, I DO plan to be back!! Never planned to take a break, actually, so not quite sure how it turned out to be so long. Thanks for watching!
Another extremely interesting adventure. Freedom is something many of us in the west take totally for granted. Looking at the situation in Gaza and the West Bank right now it is utterly unimaginable to visualise such total lack of freedom and constant threat to life.
Beautiful ride. Quite fancy trying that myself. From Plymouth. Your right, dont need to spend much to appreciate the freedom of movement, and seeing new places. I'll also like to know how ou fuelled up in the dead of night over in France
Glad you liked it and thanks for watching. Eating in the dead of night in France: not easy!! It was a Friday evening when I visited Mont St Michel and there are lots of bistros along the road along there, so dinner no problem. And a late night kebab shop somewhere (Avranches, possibly, I can't remember). Other than that, nothing at all until the cafes opened the next morning around the beaches. I'd taken a couple of hard boiled eggs, they seem to get me quite a long way but I was very hungry.
Thanks for watching, Paul. A winter layoff (that was never planned as such) turned out to be much too long. More videos soon! In the meantime, happy riding to you.
Yes, it was quite something to stand on those cliffs and imagine the guys wading through the swell with full packs on and guns up on the cliffs. Thanks for watching!
Great video, yet again. And you’re spot on, without labouring the point, that the rise of populist authoritarianism is a frightening concept, and dangerously real in Europe, UK and the States. A video of its time, little did you know what was going to happen in the Middle East.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave the comment again, appreciated. Yes, it's very concerning, the sheer number of threats these days seems to be creating pressure for simple and quick 'answers' (that are anything but).
Excellent video. It’s got me into thinking that I’d like to do a similar tour of that area on my bike. It’s definitely now on my list of rides to go and complete. Thanks for sharing.👍
Hi Jez! Thanks for watching and yes, it's a good area for exploring by bike. Obviously it was dark as I was crossing the peninsula but there were plenty of good small country roads. Not unlike rural parts of southern England but emptier and not as hilly for the most part.
As a double hip replacement guy, I picked up a late 80's Raleigh U.S. Kodiak touring bike. Since Im all titanium and plastic down there, I doubt I could do what you do. But I've been riding some, and am loving it. Enjoy the channel. Inspiring.
Absolutely great to hear you're enjoying yourself William, and as a no-hip-replacements-yet guy (but who worries that one need I'll need them!) I find inspiration that you haven't let it stop you. Happy riding!
Terrific! Enjoyed the history angle, so important to value the freedoms we are blessed with, great ride! Ever thought of doing the Mont St Michel St Michael's Mount double? It does mean venturing into the bowels of Cornwall, well only as far as Menzpance!
Yes I have! :) In fact, that one nearly made it this year but got scratched because not enough time. Now that the weather's so dismal I'm looking at the map and wondering what to do next year, thinking London-Plymouth-Roscoff-Nice looks pretty tasty. Frankly Dartmoor beats Brittany, based on what I've seen so far, but it's only fair to give it another try!
My uncle is buried in a small village outside Caen as he was in the operation to take Pegasus Bridge. He was only 19 at the time. In 2019, I cycled from London to Paris via Newhaven/Dieppe then out on the Avenue Verde to Mont St Michel and around Normandy, finishing at his cemetery before heading home via Le Havre. Was nice to see some of the area I cycled and to be reminded of that odyssey!
We all owe so much to those guys. Sorry to hear about your uncle, and all the others whose lives were cut so short. Your trip sounds amazing and very poignant too. Thank you for watching!
Don't keep quiet. That's how they win. They spoil the whole pot so much they make us want to not mention it. Well done and keep it up. Also tell us about your food strategy when France is asleep. Anti-Fascism and rural cycling nutrition is a niche now.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Mark! Yep, we're on the same page regarding not keeping quiet. 100%. But ploughing the anti-fascist rural cycling nutrition furrow a little more deeply, getting fed and watered at midnight in Normandy is an altogether trickier subject. I'd stuffed myself at lunch time, and there were plenty of cheap bistro type places along the coast near Mont St Michel for supper. And I got lucky with a kebab shop somewhere staying open late (it was a Friday night) but after that - nada, nothing, all the way to dawn. I had a couple of hard boiled eggs as I remember and maybe something else that could fit in my pocket but I was very hungry by the time I got to the beachfront cafes in Normandy. More AFRCN research needed, I'd say.
A bit of both: there are some videos up on the channel of some big audaxes (eg London-Edinburgh-London and Paris-Brest-Paris) but it's hard to film when you're riding (and talking!) with others so there's not much 'group' footage. No bikepack races YET but who knows....! :) Thanks for watching and glad you like the channel! Happy riding
@@londoncenturies interested to hear as I am torn between doing something along similar lines to yourself.. I enjoy the camaraderie of audax/bikepacking events but the appeal of going wherever I would like to.. like the idea of exploring over the water. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming 👌🔥
Thanks @@gc_s_adventures, yes both are good, I hope you can get to do both too. Re: exploring over the water - yes, there's a particular feeling to rolling off the ferry at the other end and knowing you've got an entire continent to explore. It's BIG. :) Happy riding
:) I've had a VERY good year! Not sure I'll be able to match it next year but I'll have a go. I've just gone over 15,000km this year, so not massive by any stretch but my best for a few years. It's time and money, isn't it!
@@londoncenturies look forward to the next year of your trips and videos to follow! If you ever pass through Northamptonshire would love to join for a part of one 🚴🏻 night riding is one thing I need to try and experience it would make my trips so much more exciting!
Really stunning views all throught the video, cheers. As you were riding in the sunrise i was thinking of the Marcus Aurelius quote: " when you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to think, enjoy, and love.
Love your videos but especially this one. Respect to you and the fallen. Lest we forget.
Thanks, yes, I worry sometimes that we'll forget. Thanks for watching, safe riding.
Great video- bikes are freeing, in so many ways. You're right about the rise of popular authoritarianism... very scary. You've captured a reminder for us all on the value of freedom and collaboration. Well done! Julia
Thanks for watching, and leaving the comment. Happy riding!
I always love your work, but this was especially special, thank you for all you do. Don't let the bastards grind you down, much love.
Thanks so much, this means a lot. I'd been scratching my head, thinking how to make a video about a bloke riding a bike about a bit more than just a bloke riding a bike.
Brilliant ! A thoughtful take on a bike tour, an inspirational viewpoint especially relevant at the moment
Thanks for watching and for leaving the comment, Chris. I don't know about you but I always feel places I've been to on the bike leave their mark on me a bit more and this is one of them.
Well done. My Grandfather landed D-Day plus two and fought all the way to Germany … he still remembered the names of the French towns as his buddies were killed along the way. Thanks for remembering these men.
Thank you for watching, and thank you to your grandfather and his buddies, Greg.
A bike gives us so much freedom, i Googled the photo. Your videos are an inspiration of what can be done. More power to you ✊
Yes I agree about bikes and freedom, having full responsibility for your own forward motion is a beautiful thing. Thanks very much for your comment. Happy riding.
Amazing video, thank you. I can’t believe you cycled all that way, you must be super-human. I cycled the d-day beaches last year and it took me three days!! Full respect,,, I need to get out on my bike more… FREEDOM.. 🤠
You said it! Cheers for watching and happy riding!
Humbling. Thank you
Thanks for the leaving the comment (I only just saw it and caught up). Happy riding!
Great video and such an important message - and yet it seems to go unheard. As if the disasters in Ukraine, Syria etc. weren't bad enough now we have the war in Israel/Palestine. Let's hope that one day they will find a solution so that the people in that corner of the world can also enjoy the freedom to go and travel wherever they want to. And kudos to those distances, unbelievable.
Thanks for the comment - yes, exactly. There's more to peace than the absence of conflict but freedom like this is so precious and I wish it were more widespread.
Thanks a lot for taking us on your tour and sharing your thoughts. We are absolutely with you regarding our freedom to ride our bikes anywhere. It’s our duty to
maintain it. If you have not been there, you may think about visiting Verdun. This is also a very impressive location.
Thanks for the tip, Verdun is another one for the list of places to visit. One day! Thank you for watching.
I've just discovered your channel and binge watched the lot. Great rides, content, video images and commentary. Thanks and keep going!
The Robert Sargent image is indeed very chilling and poignant.
You seem to like to pop over the water. I run audax rides from Tervuren, East Brussels. There's a cycle path most of the way from Calais to Brussels and my tracks involve plenty of RAVeL (converted train track to cycle routes). A wonderful place to experience (car free) cycling.
Hi John and thanks for both watching and commenting, too. Cycle path from Calais to Brussels, eh? Interesting! Funny you should mention because various seasonal ailments (flu, and DIY, to name but two) have kept me off the bike for a little while and I'm beginning to look around for new routes now. Thanks for the idea and Bonne route to you!
Ace vlog. Always fancied Normandy, and also the Somme area for the first world war. 👏🏽
Yes, it was good around there and FWW areas likely good too as you say but I haven't checked them out yet. Something else for the list of places to go. Thanks for watching.
Another great video ... thank you
Thank you for watching again!! Bonne route to you!
What a great idea for a vlog. Really enjoyed. Distance not to be sniffed at and yes I did look up that photo. It’s a great photo as you said. Horrifying and yet at the same time offering hope
Thanks for watching again Phil. I like documentary film and photography and to take pictures in those conditions is so important and just blows me away. Happy riding!
Its always important to look back. If you want to understand the present you have to know the past. Thanks for that video. My Grandfather was one of the soldies that had to go to war when it has already been lost. He was a prisoner of war despite of beeing wounded and had been brought to Russia at the end of the war. After he got back on track of health he had to do forced labor for Russia and rebuilt Sevastopol for 2 years on the Krim for that what they call Ukraine these days. I will never forget his horrifying storys about war and bloodbath on both sides, about the machinery that they used and the sounds he reproduced when he told us something about his trauma, physically and psycologicaly.... and I am sad that we see nationalism on the rise in so many regions again. These once blood soaked beaches look so inviting these days. Thanks for taking us alongs on your small history excourse. Liebe Grüße🙋♀
Thank you so much for writing your comment. Yes, it's people like your grandfather (without knowing anything about any individuals) I was thinking of on that journey. That cemetery at La Cambe stayed with me, I don't know how many of those guys were conscripts but I know some of them were. And like that inscription says, not all of them chose the cause. But they're lying there too, aren't they? I'm scared of the rising nationalism you mention, both in democracies and also in countries where the population are not able to protest. I'm glad he was able to tell his story to you and I hope he found safety and peace.
Hi, looking forward to more of your adventures, been awhile hope all is well and that you share your 2024 season with your followers
Hey thanks so much, Paul. Yes, I DO plan to be back!! Never planned to take a break, actually, so not quite sure how it turned out to be so long. Thanks for watching!
Another extremely interesting adventure. Freedom is something many of us in the west take totally for granted. Looking at the situation in Gaza and the West Bank right now it is utterly unimaginable to visualise such total lack of freedom and constant threat to life.
Yes, it’s true. Hard won things, worth defending, I’d say. Happy riding.
Yes I enjoyed this episode very much! Thank you for the stunning views and profound words
Thank you for watching again! :) That sunrise was amazing, it seemed very lucky but also very fitting.
Beautiful ride. Quite fancy trying that myself. From Plymouth. Your right, dont need to spend much to appreciate the freedom of movement, and seeing new places. I'll also like to know how ou fuelled up in the dead of night over in France
Glad you liked it and thanks for watching. Eating in the dead of night in France: not easy!! It was a Friday evening when I visited Mont St Michel and there are lots of bistros along the road along there, so dinner no problem. And a late night kebab shop somewhere (Avranches, possibly, I can't remember). Other than that, nothing at all until the cafes opened the next morning around the beaches. I'd taken a couple of hard boiled eggs, they seem to get me quite a long way but I was very hungry.
Brilliant videos, will you be posting more soon?
Thanks for watching, Paul. A winter layoff (that was never planned as such) turned out to be much too long. More videos soon! In the meantime, happy riding to you.
What a great video and did look at the photo and totally agree with what you said. You fair get about 👌
Yes, it was quite something to stand on those cliffs and imagine the guys wading through the swell with full packs on and guns up on the cliffs. Thanks for watching!
well..... an excellent video. very nicely, informatively, and sensitively done thank you!!! remarkable ride, remarkable man!
Thanks for watching and glad you liked it. Happy riding to you!
@@londoncenturies by the way.... was the photo you mentioned the one taken from a landing craft?
@@jiji1946 Yes that sounds right. Black clouds above and infantrymen wading through deep water towards the beach.
@@londoncenturies that's the one.... I missed the title of it while listening to your description.... 'into the jaws of death'....
Awesome ride. 👍
Thanks! Yep, that was a special one. Cheers for watching and happy riding to you
Great video, yet again. And you’re spot on, without labouring the point, that the rise of populist authoritarianism is a frightening concept, and dangerously real in Europe, UK and the States. A video of its time, little did you know what was going to happen in the Middle East.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave the comment again, appreciated. Yes, it's very concerning, the sheer number of threats these days seems to be creating pressure for simple and quick 'answers' (that are anything but).
Excellent video. It’s got me into thinking that I’d like to do a similar tour of that area on my bike. It’s definitely now on my list of rides to go and complete. Thanks for sharing.👍
Hi Jez! Thanks for watching and yes, it's a good area for exploring by bike. Obviously it was dark as I was crossing the peninsula but there were plenty of good small country roads. Not unlike rural parts of southern England but emptier and not as hilly for the most part.
As a double hip replacement guy, I picked up a late 80's Raleigh U.S. Kodiak touring bike. Since Im all titanium and plastic down there, I doubt I could do what you do. But I've been riding some, and am loving it. Enjoy the channel. Inspiring.
Absolutely great to hear you're enjoying yourself William, and as a no-hip-replacements-yet guy (but who worries that one need I'll need them!) I find inspiration that you haven't let it stop you. Happy riding!
Terrific! Enjoyed the history angle, so important to value the freedoms we are blessed with, great ride!
Ever thought of doing the Mont St Michel St Michael's Mount double? It does mean venturing into the bowels of Cornwall, well only as far as Menzpance!
Yes I have! :) In fact, that one nearly made it this year but got scratched because not enough time. Now that the weather's so dismal I'm looking at the map and wondering what to do next year, thinking London-Plymouth-Roscoff-Nice looks pretty tasty. Frankly Dartmoor beats Brittany, based on what I've seen so far, but it's only fair to give it another try!
My uncle is buried in a small village outside Caen as he was in the operation to take Pegasus Bridge. He was only 19 at the time.
In 2019, I cycled from London to Paris via Newhaven/Dieppe then out on the Avenue Verde to Mont St Michel and around Normandy, finishing at his cemetery before heading home via Le Havre. Was nice to see some of the area I cycled and to be reminded of that odyssey!
We all owe so much to those guys. Sorry to hear about your uncle, and all the others whose lives were cut so short. Your trip sounds amazing and very poignant too. Thank you for watching!
Hope all is well, will you be making more videos, been really enjoying them?
Paul, thanks for the comment and yes, back with gusto! Hope you're having some good riding yourself.
Don't keep quiet. That's how they win. They spoil the whole pot so much they make us want to not mention it. Well done and keep it up. Also tell us about your food strategy when France is asleep. Anti-Fascism and rural cycling nutrition is a niche now.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Mark! Yep, we're on the same page regarding not keeping quiet. 100%. But ploughing the anti-fascist rural cycling nutrition furrow a little more deeply, getting fed and watered at midnight in Normandy is an altogether trickier subject. I'd stuffed myself at lunch time, and there were plenty of cheap bistro type places along the coast near Mont St Michel for supper. And I got lucky with a kebab shop somewhere staying open late (it was a Friday night) but after that - nada, nothing, all the way to dawn. I had a couple of hard boiled eggs as I remember and maybe something else that could fit in my pocket but I was very hungry by the time I got to the beachfront cafes in Normandy. More AFRCN research needed, I'd say.
Love your vlogs. My question is do you just do solo rides or do you do any audax or bikepack races?
A bit of both: there are some videos up on the channel of some big audaxes (eg London-Edinburgh-London and Paris-Brest-Paris) but it's hard to film when you're riding (and talking!) with others so there's not much 'group' footage. No bikepack races YET but who knows....! :) Thanks for watching and glad you like the channel! Happy riding
@@londoncenturies interested to hear as I am torn between doing something along similar lines to yourself.. I enjoy the camaraderie of audax/bikepacking events but the appeal of going wherever I would like to.. like the idea of exploring over the water. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming 👌🔥
Thanks @@gc_s_adventures, yes both are good, I hope you can get to do both too. Re: exploring over the water - yes, there's a particular feeling to rolling off the ferry at the other end and knowing you've got an entire continent to explore. It's BIG. :) Happy riding
Another amazing video!! Would love to know how many miles you clock up in a year!! Especially last year with your Venice trips etc
:) I've had a VERY good year! Not sure I'll be able to match it next year but I'll have a go. I've just gone over 15,000km this year, so not massive by any stretch but my best for a few years. It's time and money, isn't it!
@@londoncenturies look forward to the next year of your trips and videos to follow! If you ever pass through Northamptonshire would love to join for a part of one 🚴🏻 night riding is one thing I need to try and experience it would make my trips so much more exciting!
Really stunning views all throught the video, cheers. As you were riding in the sunrise i was thinking of the Marcus Aurelius quote: " when you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to think, enjoy, and love.
Hey, that's a great quote, thanks for that, I didn't know it. Yes, spot on. Cheers!
Great video, but I think these days our freedom is slowly getting chipped away at and to be honest I don’t like the way the world is going
I see threats to our freedoms coming from lots of different angles and don't like the way things are going, either.