The Road To Hell | Conor's First Bikepack Trip

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
  • Bikepacking is synonymous with epic roads, long days cycling, and stunning scenery, but it's something our very own Conor Dunne has not tried. That is all about to change, as he takes on a three day bikepacking trip from Bath to Swansea over some of the most brutal roads Wales has to offer - will he make it?
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 539

  • @Sam-iu8nb
    @Sam-iu8nb 3 роки тому +299

    That edit of the sheep shaking it's head was a very nice touch, lol.

    • @davehollingworth5537
      @davehollingworth5537 3 роки тому +11

      Shaking its head as if to say you ‘ewe must be joking’…. 😉

    • @danlightowler4259
      @danlightowler4259 3 роки тому +2

      @@davehollingworth5537 Proper dad joke there hahaha

    • @AirSpace
      @AirSpace 3 роки тому +1

      @@davehollingworth5537 Baaah, ha, ha, ha!

  • @Noakesunderscorey
    @Noakesunderscorey 3 роки тому +511

    GCN has done such a good job finding genuinely likeable hosts

    • @solsouth
      @solsouth 3 роки тому +10

      The best trio were Matt, Dan and Si, Connor and co have no sense of humour or do not crack jokes.

    • @brokestuff5132
      @brokestuff5132 3 роки тому +5

      @@solsouth matt Dan and si are like old top gear level so you can't beat them enjoy the time

    • @buzzman4860
      @buzzman4860 3 роки тому +1

      Yes, if only they find the right gear. Larger tires would have been more riding and less hiking

    • @dormantat
      @dormantat 3 роки тому +10

      What happened to Emma Pooley. She was a great presenter.

    • @chinmaybhat3646
      @chinmaybhat3646 3 роки тому +10

      @@dormantat Jeremy Powers too? He was one of my favourite presenters. Not sure if he quit but he hasn't been in a video for over 8 months

  • @playandteach
    @playandteach 3 роки тому +133

    Conor's best video to date. Honest and humble. I did this ride 40 years ago, with a plastic bivvie bag - often woke up with slugs and snails inside. Would just spend the evening in a pub and get back on my bike in the dark and wild camp anywhere (it was a longer route covering England and Wales). A couple in Chepstow put me up for the night, which I've never forgotten as it was a real act of trust. Went to a concert in Cardiff, and ditched my bike over a hedge out of town afterwards for the night's wild camp. Found out the next morning that it was someone's front garden. They weren't impressed. Fell in instant love with a waitress in Merthyr. At the start of my ride out of London, I hooked up with a rider from Idaho who was super excited to join me to ride to Welwyn Garden City, which I said was just full of roundabouts. He thought that roundabouts were women of easy repute apparently. I thought those days were ancient history, but 40 years later, I'm back into cycling and adventure.

    • @conan_der_barbar
      @conan_der_barbar 3 роки тому +3

      great story! I'm planning to go for my first "overnighter" soon, but now I'm scared of snails in my bivy bag 😰 didn't think about that

    • @devononair
      @devononair 3 роки тому +1

      @@conan_der_barbar That's me out. I don't think I could recover from such a fright.

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +7

      Love it!!! Sounds like some adventure!!! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the vid. Even better tho that you are back into the cycling.. enjoy, that is awesome. all the best, Conor

    • @leeshepherd3899
      @leeshepherd3899 3 роки тому +2

      I live in Welwyn, he was right about the women

  • @OnzeManInKazakhstan
    @OnzeManInKazakhstan 3 роки тому +39

    1st hour of bikepacking: why am I doing this? I could just stay home
    3rd hour of bikepacking: this is bloody amazing, just being one with nature, look at those views
    6th hour of bikepacking, after 1hr of bikepushing: why am i doing this, this is pure misery
    8th hour of bikepacking, at the camp site: ah the tranquility, this is where nature and man coexist.
    14th hour of bikepacking: it’s the middle of the night, I need to pee, but it’s so cold outside
    18th hour of bikepacking: nothing beats a morning coffee with this view
    24th hour of bikepacking: a road! An actual asphalt road! I survived!
    30th hour of bikepacking: Shower! Beer! Food! Not necessarily in that order, not necessarily consecutively!

    • @gingleb3792
      @gingleb3792 3 роки тому

      Ahahahaha I can relate to this so much!

  • @jamesbull9879
    @jamesbull9879 3 роки тому +48

    I really hope Connors online personality is his real one. He might be one of the most positive and nicest guys ever! Great video

  • @jamesbland8919
    @jamesbland8919 3 роки тому +40

    I love that Conner is such a big history fan. It's always a joy to see how excited he gets pointing out all of the historical points on bike rides.

  • @whatIdontSEE
    @whatIdontSEE 3 роки тому +32

    Conor’s ability to entertain himself, keeps us all laughing. Good stuff GCN.

  • @tussk.
    @tussk. 3 роки тому +11

    In my experience, its best to wear skate or MTB shoes and use flat pedals. You lose a little on the roads, but when you have to start pushing the bike up muddy and rocky hills they make a lot more sense.

  • @raorn77
    @raorn77 3 роки тому +19

    Great trip Conor! "I'm not sure if it is supposed to be this easy" just because you didn't spill your ramen all over your gear and was able to set up in the day light. - You're the best

  • @pritchoutdoors
    @pritchoutdoors 3 роки тому +35

    My son was listening in the background while I was watching and said he's either rediculous or slowly going insane! 😂 Another great video from GCN. Now you've all done bikepacking, I feel a presenter bikepacking challenge coming 👍

  • @nevillellewellyn8101
    @nevillellewellyn8101 3 роки тому +9

    Without doubt one of the best GCN videos ever because I can relate to Conor's experience - he's such humility. Also Beacons is my backyard.

  • @ivarbrouwer197
    @ivarbrouwer197 3 роки тому +200

    Like Bilbo Baggins, conner shouted out: ‘I’m going on an adventure!’ - Connor is kinda tall for a hobbit..

    • @888johnmac
      @888johnmac 3 роки тому +5

      lol , i knew the pots & pans tied to the outside reminded me of something .. have a like

    • @bengarside79
      @bengarside79 3 роки тому +4

      Lol, Connor’s first night seemed a mash up of GCN meets Blair Witch Project! Hats off to him though, great to tick off something like this! 👍🏻

    • @filipkonopacki1547
      @filipkonopacki1547 3 роки тому +2

      Conor the hobbit… I absolutely love the idea! After all, he’s the same diminutive size as Eitri the Dwarf King (the MCU version). No wonder the sleeping bag is too small when you’re the size of a post-Panamax container ship! It’s a really cool video and a great adventure, even if the Fan y Big jokes were a little stale.

    • @ivarbrouwer197
      @ivarbrouwer197 3 роки тому +4

      @@filipkonopacki1547 Connor has indeed got some Hobbit character features: looking into the world positively, wisely naïeve and respecting the beauty of things as they come.

    • @jeffwilliams5355
      @jeffwilliams5355 3 роки тому +2

      That happens when you drink Ent-drafts.

  • @roebbiej
    @roebbiej 3 роки тому +13

    Amazing video! Maybe do one again and go in more detail, teach us the ins and outs of bike packing, setting up your tent, making your own food et cetera. Would definitely watch that.

    • @theadventurebiker
      @theadventurebiker 3 роки тому

      Check this out: ua-cam.com/video/h0SsG2cijFo/v-deo.html
      👍

  • @CiptoCuy
    @CiptoCuy 3 роки тому +27

    This is the coolest content, from GCN. i love gravel adventure, bikepacking trip.

  • @hayabusa27
    @hayabusa27 3 роки тому +44

    GCN has been pumping out some epic episodes daily now 😍😍😍😍

  • @MrLuigi-oi7gm
    @MrLuigi-oi7gm 3 роки тому +6

    Brilliant video and kudos to Connor for tackling those long off-road sections that required pushing his bike!! I've been backpacking for over 50 years. And I've done my share of bike packing. I also run wilderness challenge experiences for teens. So here's a bit a caution for those thinking of doing their first trip. Connor is NOT HUMAN. His alien origins were clearly revealed in the high altitude video a couple weeks ago. He can do things that would kill mere mortals. I would suggest that those folks contemplating their first bike packing trip consider a route with better gravel terrain that does not require pushing your bike and riding over roads with rocks the size of dinosaur testicles. You want to enjoy your first trip so it's not your last. But again, GREAT JOB CONNOR!, aka THE MARTIAN.

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому

      haha that is good advice... keep the route enjoyable. I loved this one, but it was definitely testing at times on the terrain!! Luckily I've managed to do a fair bit of riding recently, so had ok fitness. But I wouldn't have wanted to take it on when just getting back into things thats for sure. Thanks for watching and super happy you liked the video. All the best with the wilderness challenges, sounds like a brilliant project. Conor

    • @MrLuigi-oi7gm
      @MrLuigi-oi7gm 3 роки тому +1

      @@conordunne219 Hi Conor! You seem like a really good guy for an alien with superalien physical abilities. 🤣 🤣🤣. (All jesting aside, I am constantly amazed at the stamina and strength of you and many of your GCN colleagues! Incredible.) I have very much enjoyed your addition to GCN and hope your job brings you as much joy as it brings to us viewers. I'm off to the mountains in North Carolina, USA in two weeks with 90 high school seniors. We'll be backpacking, camping, rock climbing over 6 days and about 75 kilometers. No bike packing although I think that would be great fun and something to think about for the future. Warm regards, Luigi.

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +1

      @@MrLuigi-oi7gm That's awesome, enjoy! Sounds like so much fun would love to join. Although I'm not that great at climbing, I'd give it a go. All the best, Conor

  • @gweilo965
    @gweilo965 3 роки тому +82

    I did a couple of one night trips close to home, as dry runs. Then set off to Scotland for a 5 day trip... best thing I ever did, so liberating. I do couple trips a year now. I've been all four corners of our beautiful isles now. Love it
    Edit: little tip. Your gas bottle for the stove fits in to those types of cooking pots. So they take up the same space in your bag.

  • @zacharymorritt3228
    @zacharymorritt3228 3 роки тому +18

    Fantastic video, guys, and props to Conor for the constant stop/start of filming passes on a tripod. Had a giggle at setting up camp in the dark, not knowing how to do it properly, on the first night - I did the exact same thing on my first trip!
    I'm heading off to the Brecons again at the end of this month, fantastic area if the weather holds.

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Zachary, it was an awesome adventure... absolutely love it. Enjoy the Brecons, special place.

  • @ghosthogday
    @ghosthogday 3 роки тому +12

    I love bikepacking. Even when things go wrong, it's always an adventure.

  • @zwifting
    @zwifting Рік тому +1

    Absolutely fantastic Conor. Exactly what I needed to see. I took up cycling just a little over a year ago. Did 3 Sportives around Ireland last year & loved them. Few more planned this year & I have a Grail on the way, hopefully beginning of May 🤞. The plan is to do a solo ride, from Waterford (home) to Derry (my second home) - 350km. 3 days, 2 nights - wild camping. I’ve no camping history either 😂 I’ll do a test run on the Copper Coast overnight to make sure I’ve thought of everything. Then as soon as it looks like a 3 day dry spell (I’m not as brave as you 😂) I’m off.
    You have defo inspired me to see it through 👍

  • @better.better
    @better.better 3 роки тому +1

    sometimes, if you don't just DO something, you tend to find reasons not to do it, BUT if you're going to do something like THIS,
    1) Have a back up plan!! Make sure when you need to pull the plug, you can. Make sure enough people know what you're doing and where to look so that a rescue can be initiated in case you don't check in.
    2) Prepare & practice as much as you can AT HOME. Set up and use all of your gear, be confident in how to unpack, use, and re-pack it. Spend the night in the back (garden/yard), make sure your sleeping kit is warm enough for you.
    3) Do a one-night test trip close to home. There will be issues that crop up when you go away from the safety of the back garden that you don't expect because at home you had everything there. Especially when it comes to packing the bike, or working on a mechanical.
    4) first time adventuring should be done in SUMMER. That way, there's room for error. If something happens at least the worst that can happen is you'll be uncomfortable.

  • @nerdexproject
    @nerdexproject 3 роки тому +20

    I NEED him to do such a trip again! Super inspiring! Let's go mate!😃

  • @kathyerickson9402
    @kathyerickson9402 3 роки тому +4

    Well done, sir! I love the fact that you just took the plunge...very inspiring!

  • @DominicBurford
    @DominicBurford 3 роки тому +5

    Really loved this video, Conor's enthusiasm is contagious.

  • @lucymein573
    @lucymein573 3 роки тому +55

    Conor has an unfair advantage when bike packing in that he can fit a frame back plus two water bottles inside the triangle of the frame... I can barely get two water bottles in my XXS frame!

    • @Darth_Firebolt
      @Darth_Firebolt 3 роки тому +9

      i bet your sleeping bag fits, though. : p

    • @frankmoran167
      @frankmoran167 3 роки тому +1

      Apidura race do a full length top tube bag for us shorties. Narrow bars a another problem...

    • @topi3146
      @topi3146 3 роки тому

      @@frankmoran167 I know many people do not like a backbag while cycling. However, in a good 15 - 20 l bag you can store a lot of stuff compared to your narrow frame bag. In addition, they are a bit cheaper compared to most frame bags.

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +15

      I did hit my head on every low hanging branch though!

    • @jimhansen5395
      @jimhansen5395 3 роки тому +2

      @@conordunne219 And you dont' fit the largest size sleeping bag!

  • @depfeffel6455
    @depfeffel6455 3 роки тому +1

    This is a lovely video. Conor is such a hero and an excellent presenter. I'm having some real stress with work, running a business which is basically 2 businesses, one of which needs staffing solidly... With a 15 month old at home and various staff I feel like this is exactly what I need to do. Thanks Conor and GCN, top, top content as always

  • @darkjewel79
    @darkjewel79 3 роки тому +4

    Love this content! I've been trying to get up the courage to try bike packing and Connor did a great job of making it look like something I could try.

  • @aaroncrowley
    @aaroncrowley 3 роки тому +4

    Low production cost, awesome video. Hope we see more of these ones!

  • @CycleHereMedia
    @CycleHereMedia 3 роки тому +2

    Since it was Connor’s first bike-packing trip, it would be great if he/you guys would please share a list of the gear he took. Or, there’s your next follow-up
    video. What he used, what he maybe didn’t end up needing.
    It would be a great reference for those who are looking forward to their first trip but wanting to know what gear to buy/take. Thanks so much!

  • @shawngifford
    @shawngifford 3 роки тому +1

    I appreciate the genuine enthusiasm Conor had for his trip. It was a struggle for him but also a lot of fun (much less struggle for the viewer, but still quite fun!).

  • @davidstihler9689
    @davidstihler9689 3 роки тому +1

    Conor is so positive and likeable it added to the adventure and made it fun. I wanted to reach out and help him somehow through the screen but cringed when he got lost and set up the tent in the dark. My hat's off to you Conor. Thanks

  • @TenSapphires
    @TenSapphires 3 роки тому +4

    Love this! Connor is one of my favorite presenters and this trip was too hard for him, unnecessarily. I champion for callaboration GCN&Cycling About. Dunn and Dun going on an adventure, two seriously fit riders, but tall and skinny going through wilderness, giving advice to viewer and having fun. That would be EPIC!

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +1

      That would be fantastic.. thanks for watching. So glad you liked this one!

    • @TenSapphires
      @TenSapphires 3 роки тому +1

      @@conordunne219 No worries mate, I love to see more backpacking content on GCN. As the years go by I feel that competitive cycling is more and more detached from mere mortals (money, technology and mindset). I would like to see more alternatives :gravel races, bike packing, transcontinental self-sufficient racing etc

  • @BrentSnider
    @BrentSnider 3 роки тому +1

    So awesome! I love Conor's amazing optimism and pure joy through the whole video.

  • @theegg-viator4707
    @theegg-viator4707 3 роки тому +5

    Brings back memories of my 1600 km bike packing trip that I did in 6 days. Brutal but worth every once of suffering. 🤙🏻

  • @SQUALOio
    @SQUALOio 3 роки тому +8

    For Conor to be on a magazine's cover, he would need to find a magazine printed in A3 :D

  • @6872elpado
    @6872elpado 3 роки тому +13

    These videos are always absolutely beautiful and an inspiration to watch!
    PS: aren't those shoes not really the best if you have to dismount your bike and push it on rough terrain?

    • @FlatSpinMan
      @FlatSpinMan 3 роки тому +1

      Definitely better in flat shoes, or at least something with a recessed cleat.

    • @TenSapphires
      @TenSapphires 3 роки тому +5

      He was badly equipped for this trip. Bad gearing, bad shoes/cleats and bag situation could be much better. I hope he learns lot on this trip and do follow up.

  • @ltrtg13
    @ltrtg13 3 роки тому +89

    When Conor said he was lucky with the weather. I knew he just meteorically shot himself in the foot. I've learnt, you never say you been lucky with the weather in the UK as you WILL get half drowned by the rain.

    • @devononair
      @devononair 3 роки тому

      ...especially in Wales!

    • @conordunne219
      @conordunne219 3 роки тому +1

      Set myself up for that one ha.... Thanks for watching!!!!

  • @donschloth5785
    @donschloth5785 3 роки тому +1

    I thoroughly enjoy watching the GCN crew revel in their epic rides! Thanks for keeping me motivated!

  • @Seppster58
    @Seppster58 3 роки тому +2

    Beautifully done Conor. Thanks to GCN for another quality video to enjoy.

  • @qingyuhu
    @qingyuhu 3 роки тому +1

    Best bike related videos anywhere with awesome hosts! Thank you GCN!

  • @lougubrious9624
    @lougubrious9624 3 роки тому

    I love these videos that teach you how to go bike camping by showing what not to do and how not to prepare! Nearly all of us end up making the same mistakes but still have a great time and keep coming back for more.

  • @alexboyce27
    @alexboyce27 3 роки тому +1

    I bumped into Conor in Brecon when he stopped for a coffee. Really nice guy more than happy to have a quick chat. Didn’t look too shattered either, in between the massive downpours which I can confirm!

  • @geoffreyhoney122
    @geoffreyhoney122 Рік тому

    Late tto the party, I'm finally getting to this video. Loved it! Love Connor's spirit, humour and tenacity! Love the bikepacking content gcn! Love the views and history too! Glad the "Road to Hell" did not defeat Connor's good intentions!

  • @TurneyUK
    @TurneyUK 3 роки тому +1

    In at the deep end, that looks like a hard route. The thing that impressed me is your upbeat and happy attitude. Even though things go wrong, like a sleeping bag that smells of pot noodle, you keep smiling throughout. Well done 👍

  • @RevOwOlutionary
    @RevOwOlutionary 3 роки тому

    I'm preparing for a bikepacking tour through the Northeast of Denmark (Zealand) and Southern Sweden (Scania), and this is getting me so hyped up!

  • @artred69
    @artred69 3 роки тому

    Need more bike packing vids like this taking on UK routes. Really inspiring. Even watched it twice.

  • @eLBehmo
    @eLBehmo 3 роки тому

    Thank you for only trying out cycling completely unprepared.
    A week ago, I had to guide 2 greenhorns down from 5000 through a snowstorm. It was "their first time in the mountains", not to mention on a glacier!

  • @marlonm396
    @marlonm396 3 роки тому

    GCN, your videos are entertaining and always provide a learning opportunity. For someone like me who has never been to the UK, these videos also showcase the beauty of your county. Thank you for sharing mates..

  • @TheBengaz
    @TheBengaz 3 роки тому +1

    More of this please GCN. Cracking content.
    Well done Conor 👏🏿

  • @BrunoSpellanzon
    @BrunoSpellanzon 3 роки тому +11

    this bike trips are incredibly fun! just one thing, could you guys put the list of equipments used?

    • @johnthrasher5613
      @johnthrasher5613 3 роки тому

      They probably used 🔝 of the line equipment, far outside most people's income. A road-🚲 w/wider tyres and bags from Topeak.com &. Ortlieb.com has taken care of me, along road & gravel trails. And bivy bags or ⛺, depend on your local(or not) weather.

    • @BrunoSpellanzon
      @BrunoSpellanzon 3 роки тому

      @@johnthrasher5613 thanks John! I was thinking the same thing, but information is almost never enough hehe. I will check the ortlieb site, thanks! Btw, do you have recommendations for bivys/tents here in the uk? (I just moved in from Portugal)

    • @conan_der_barbar
      @conan_der_barbar 3 роки тому

      @@johnthrasher5613 actually, Conor uses the cheaper topeak bags. they had an advertising video showing the whole range some time ago

    • @conan_der_barbar
      @conan_der_barbar 3 роки тому +1

      @@BrunoSpellanzon ortlieb is definitely top of the line, completely waterproof and good customer service. comes with a price tag though. Apidura is similar, topeak is way cheaper

    • @BrunoSpellanzon
      @BrunoSpellanzon 3 роки тому

      @@conan_der_barbar thanks man! I will take a look at them!

  • @ucanskixc568
    @ucanskixc568 3 роки тому

    Awesome effort. and entertaining. Jumping into bikepacking with both feet and surviving was great. Your comments were matter of fact and not whining and complaining, was refreshing. Get out there for a week or more of bikepacking and not on pavement and have some real adventure the next time. Good on ya!!

  • @everactivedad
    @everactivedad 3 роки тому +2

    This might be my new favorite video. GCN vs the angliru is now number 2

  • @richycoles
    @richycoles 3 роки тому +1

    Saw Connor doing this ride the other week. Just outside Abergavenny. He looked knackered. Well done buddy.

  • @JeffRevell
    @JeffRevell 3 роки тому

    So basically three takeaways; Don't underbike yourself (gravel bikes are meant for gravel roads, not MTB trails. Don't plan such big days that you don't have plenty of time to set up camp in the daylight and relax at the end of the day. And be sure to thoroughly test gear before you leave to ensure you know how to set everything up and you have the right gear for your trip. For the record, XL bags aren't necessarily meant for tall people as much as stout people. Look for bags that are designated at TALL. As someone who is 6'5" tall, I can definitely tell you it makes a difference. Having jammed feet in a foot box really sucks. Glad you made it through your adventure.

  • @nazmicancalk2415
    @nazmicancalk2415 3 роки тому

    Absolutely loved it! You have published the video in the exact week when I was having doubts about my first bikepacking experience but now, Conor and GCN you guys inspired me to take the journey! Thank you for the awesome video! :) Looking forward to see more bikepacking videos on GCN!

  • @outerspacekaloy
    @outerspacekaloy 3 роки тому

    I have a new favorite GCN presenter after Manon, it's Conor. Awesome ride!

  • @greigs9384
    @greigs9384 3 роки тому +1

    My touring / summer bike has F&R racks with 4x Carradice bags. Can’t say I’d be a fan of this new approach, with bags seemingly strapped precariously to every part of the frame and forks. When did this start?

  • @alexohye3904
    @alexohye3904 3 роки тому +1

    That “Road to Hell” editing was amazing! But if I ever saw that in real life… I wouldn’t hesitate to pop a quick u-turn.

  • @yannd4692
    @yannd4692 3 роки тому +19

    Thank you for the journey Conor ! Full of laugh, positivity and History, as always :) !

  • @matthewchubb1
    @matthewchubb1 3 роки тому +1

    Conor's videos are just the best, genuinely funny guy!

  • @davidtaylor5467
    @davidtaylor5467 3 роки тому +6

    Great video Conner but do you think you would have been better on a mountain bike? The Gravel bike looked a bit out of its comfort zone especially on the road to hell.

  • @davidmelbourne4808
    @davidmelbourne4808 3 роки тому

    Nice one Connor. Yep you have certainly more than peaked my interest in bike packing! Living in Melbourne (originally from Scotland) I am now thinking on a wee Tasmania adventure. Great work!!

  • @drvoxmentat
    @drvoxmentat 3 роки тому

    This Friday I’m starting 400 miles of bikepacking on the Colorado Trail. Bikepacking is the ultimate type 2 fun!

  • @mac23806
    @mac23806 3 роки тому

    Bike packing is like the next level adventure for any cyclists I would love to travel and do this one day but not sure how to go about it but love it how GCN favorite Guinea pig took on this daring quest for any cyclist and took on the task for all us curious bike lovers who are willing to get their feet wet in this epic setting.

  • @benjammind
    @benjammind 3 роки тому

    Absolutely loved this video, well done GCN, so refreshing to see him pushing his bike! Makes me feel a lot better!

  • @boomchakalaka3715
    @boomchakalaka3715 3 роки тому +9

    Only in England can a 30+ year old man be experiencing his first ever camping experience 😂😂 great video well done

    • @carwyn73
      @carwyn73 3 роки тому +1

      He wasn't in England, he was in Wales. Totally different country. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Not🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. I've got to say that Connor (as a fellow Celt) should of practice how to pronounce the Welsh names👍

  • @andrifsig
    @andrifsig 3 роки тому

    its a liberating experience travelling self supported by bike. Have been doing tours in Iceland for the last 4 summers and it is an experience and a half. Recommend that everyone who loves biking and the outdoors try it at least once.
    Just accept the fact that you are not in control of the weather, and you are exposed to it as you will be outside for the vast majority of your trip, so be prepared!

  • @alexgraves6842
    @alexgraves6842 3 роки тому +1

    Very inspiring as usual. Thumbs up for Conor. 👍👍👍👍

  • @sudeep64ify
    @sudeep64ify 3 роки тому

    Really enjoyed this video. Conor has a fan from India! Love your YT channel!

  • @tobyarcher7623
    @tobyarcher7623 3 роки тому +2

    Well done Connor! Have you really never camped before? Going with a tarp for your first ever time is ambitious! 👍 Hope the midges didn't get you! 🤣 After not bikepacking in ages I've done two trips in the last two weeks! An overnight trip round the Peak on similar terrain to what you were on and a 3 day/2 night 350 km trip on slightly easier terrain out into Lincolnshire and then also over a great bridge - over the Humber - into Yorkshire before swinging back homewards. It's a great experience.

  • @dionspot
    @dionspot 3 роки тому +2

    Awe Great stuff well done Connor 👍 and yes you have inspired me look more into bike-packing, Amazing video.

  • @scottlawson9899
    @scottlawson9899 3 роки тому

    Not sure if I should blame GCN, or Bike Touring Mike. An 11 day trip last year. Two 6 day, and one 4 day so far this year. A three week trip coming up in a few weeks. A lot of fun. Komoot tip #1: Never say Mt bike unless you have a Mt bike, #2: Enter gravel ride will get you Mt bike paths at times.

  • @terry_hutt
    @terry_hutt 3 роки тому +4

    Judging from the angle of Conor's tail light at the end, he was worried about low-flying aircraft

  • @rossdavies2343
    @rossdavies2343 3 роки тому

    FairPlay! some real tough trails and climbs for a gravel bike 👍👍

  • @davehollingworth5537
    @davehollingworth5537 3 роки тому +1

    Conor is a rock star! Excellent vlog, many thanks!

  • @notmyrealname6272
    @notmyrealname6272 3 роки тому

    My favourite GCN video so far. Nice going!! Now I’m imagining legions of Romans marching that road in cleats haha the noise!!

  • @philipaddyman7402
    @philipaddyman7402 3 роки тому

    1) Take lightweight overtrousers as well as rain jacket. 2) Roll your mat or squeeze your bag or dry clothes kit bag into the the end of your pot, then keep the whole lot inside one of your bikepacking bag - banging around external pot just drives you mad. 3) any foods that can burst: Mug Shots, noodles, soup packets, oats etc. keep inside a plastic bag.
    Good effort for two consecutive proper bivvies.
    Check Decathlon's sleeping bags they do them in more sizes than many other other manufacturers. Either that or get rich and go to PHD to make you a custom one!

  • @kingaroykid
    @kingaroykid 3 роки тому

    Brilliant video GCN. Love these inspirational, aspirational videos.

  • @sreekanthr
    @sreekanthr 3 роки тому

    Really inspiring Conor and really loved the way you documented your plunge.
    I wished I could double-like this video 😍👌🏾

  • @jeffreylee5770
    @jeffreylee5770 3 роки тому

    Wales is very impressive with its natural beauty. Thanks for showing that off.

  • @rogercmerriman
    @rogercmerriman 3 роки тому

    Always fun seeing where I grew up, the Gap has sadly being torn up by the 4x4 last few years used to be Rocky but flowing.

  • @DBxCooper
    @DBxCooper 3 роки тому +3

    Poor Conor. Got Manon yelling at him all the time. Simon has a whole production crew and mark guiding him on the nc500. They give Conor a go pro and say walk up mountains big guy

  • @rodp2310
    @rodp2310 3 роки тому +1

    Well done Conor. Great effort. Some of those tracks, bathed in Pot Noodle 😨 - you are the man. 💪

  • @bobqzzi
    @bobqzzi 3 роки тому

    Great video. Love the sense of adventure. Two suggestions: 1. get some properly low gears 2. Get some Shimano touring pedals which are SPD one side, flats on the other (and better shoes for hike a biking).

  • @benospalak6179
    @benospalak6179 3 роки тому

    Amazing video, such a buzz seeing someone enjoy bike packing especially for their first time. You should try it as a gcn group bike pack trip as to share the experience creates amazing memories.

  • @Giannis_Sarafis
    @Giannis_Sarafis 3 роки тому +1

    Were you counting sheep to get to sleep? Nice adventure, Conor. In a few days, my new Rose gravel bike will arrive, so I'll go for my first bikepacking overnight ride.

  • @williamtipton366
    @williamtipton366 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! Conor may not have the guns, but his legs are impressive. Next video with cousin Nevil please…bike packing with Nevil?

  • @jimcahill8143
    @jimcahill8143 3 роки тому

    Hike biking in cletes did not look fun at all. But, still, great adventure. Thanks for taking us along.

  • @SKMzona
    @SKMzona 3 роки тому +1

    Brilliant, he's self supported and carries twice as much kit as the other guys when they're followed by a van :))
    (btw thanks for definitely putting me off ever doing this) (tenting AND Wales)

    • @AKG77
      @AKG77 3 роки тому

      Then you should go and try mainland europe. a week on some place with nice weather. you will enjoy it.

  • @Gailani01
    @Gailani01 3 роки тому +1

    Your the best Conor! 🤘🏻
    I wish I had half of your courage to go to an adventure like that..

  • @perrystalsisworldofbiology767
    @perrystalsisworldofbiology767 3 роки тому

    You know when are growing up you have all these firsts? For example, first kiss, first drink, first time you ride a two-wheel bike etc. Well now that I’m in my 50s I am accumulating a list of “lasts”. On top of that list is camping. After a hard day’s riding, the last thing I want to do is squeeze my 6f 1 inch frame into a tiny tent. I think clamping is better for me (once the latest lockdown in Australia is over). Entertaining video though.

  • @regretsnothing1163
    @regretsnothing1163 3 роки тому

    Dude! You're my hero!
    That's exactly why I bought my Surly.. then took me ages to build up the nerve to go do some bikepacking.

  • @darrylhuculak4996
    @darrylhuculak4996 3 роки тому

    I half expected Conor to be woken up on Day 2 by one of those sheep poking at him. Great videography by Conor and camerman Nick.

  • @marcalvarez4890
    @marcalvarez4890 3 роки тому +1

    Please, for gods sake, son, do your next trip on a mountain bike.
    I could feel your pain through my screen.
    They invented wide tires and suspension for a reason!

  • @Wolfman1250s
    @Wolfman1250s 3 роки тому

    Great vid 👍 Well done Connor, some brutal climbs there!
    Getting me all excited, I’ve got a little overnighter bike packing trip coming up in a couple of weeks, can’t wait 😁

  • @tonymc90
    @tonymc90 3 роки тому +1

    Great effort Connor. Jumping into bike packing with both of those big feet. Awesome

  • @FlatSpinMan
    @FlatSpinMan 3 роки тому +1

    Great. I’m an absolute arse at anything practical, like camping or using a gas stove, so it was good to see someone relatable. Bike packing is definitely on my list of things I want to do.

  • @knudsenstephen
    @knudsenstephen 3 роки тому +12

    At least he had the sheep to count if he couldn’t sleep.

  • @richardedward123
    @richardedward123 3 роки тому +1

    Totally cool video. Way to go, Conor. 👍👍👍👍

  • @Hermod_Hermit
    @Hermod_Hermit 3 роки тому +1

    Really fun and inspiring video! If you can, there is nothing like putting a pannier rack on your bike. It does not add much weight considering all the other equipment, and it really makes it way easier packing. Been doing everything from touring to bike packing, and have found that the middle ground is actually my sweet spot when it comes to loading my bike. Lightweight rack at the rear, and "anything cages" on the fork. Best of two worlds.