Badger Divide : Day 6 - Loch Drunkie to Glasgow

[@Charlie-sr6dv]

What a tour that was! Thanks for taking us on the ride. Thoroughly enjoyed each and every days video. 👍👍👍

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you :)
It was indeed a truly cracking ride, one of my favourites. I recommend it if you ever get the chance.
If I can fit it in this summer then I'd like to do the Second City Divide which continues on to Manchester from where the Badger ends.
We shall see. Maybe another series coming soon :)

[@rolandhallgren1263]

It´s a great joy to be a follower of biking.

[@JethroJessop]

And it's great to have you as a follower of the channel 😀

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks for bringing this route to my attention, Jethro. I'll be putting it on my 2023 to-do list. A stunning ride. I've done a few bits that it follows around the Trossachs but didn't know it was a route all the way from Inverness.
Love your cycling philosophy and your video editing is great.
Great music as well.
Have a coffee on me, mate.
Jason

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you, that is much appreciated!
I definitely recommend the route, it is an absolute cracker all the way.
From Glasgow you can link it up with the Second City Divide all the way to Manchester.
I've not done that stretch but it is on my list - along with many, many others 😉

[@EpicUpCycling]

@@JethroJessop Another route I've not heard of. I'll look into that one as well, cheers 👍

[@JethroJessop]

@@EpicUpCycling there's so many of them out there now it's crazy. You could be riding them for years without repeating yourseld

[@EpicUpCycling]

@@JethroJessop I Agree. So much choice. I've got a list as long as your arm to do. Looking forward to you making a video of the Second City Divide :)

[@JethroJessop]

@@EpicUpCycling that is fairly high on my list so it could actually happen next year.
I promise nothing but keep your eyes peeled!

[@dctbass]

Loved this whole series of the Badger Divide. Chapeau Sir. Excellent riding and an excellent videos.

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a fantastic ride, one of the best!

[@Steven-gf1ns]

Well done Jeffro, great serious. I agree it's a fantastic route.

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you. I'm really pleased you liked the vids.
One of my favourites still and a route I would happily re-visit if the chance arose.

[@patdunne3277]

Just watched your journey back to back EPIC!! Stunning scenery and incredibly tough looking terrain. Wow well done!!
Thanks for sharing 👍

[@JethroJessop]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I loved every mile, such a fantastic route - tough but doable. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it!

[@M19ster]

No way - just watching this now having completed the route a couple of weeks back and it looks like I camped at exactly the same spot on Drunkie! Love the vids, and love that your pace is closer to mine than most of bikepacking UA-cam.

[@JethroJessop]

That was a great spot!
I remember that night very well and only wish it had been a little bit warmer so I could have taken a dip 😃
My pace seems to be pretty set now I think. After years of riding I'm confident I can do 60km a day on pretty much any route and am happy to do less if a nice camp spot presents itself.
It's all about the journey right? Why rush to the finish line?
How did you find the route? It was pretty wet up there until recently wasn't it?

[@oot-n-aboot]

Fantastic! And thanks for the tip about the Turnip the Beet Deli. Serendipitously, I discovered that my planned route in August will take me right past it. 👏

[@JethroJessop]

Definitely stop under any circumstances. There is no meal as good as an unexpected trail meal and this one was of exceptional quality!

[@ianclements4268]

Thank you for sharing this film with us really enjoyed it and your summary of the route at the end was a beautiful and heartfelt description definitely one to do 🙏👏👏 chapeaux

[@JethroJessop]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching along.
It really is an amazing route and if you get the chance I wholeheartedly recommend it!

[@Brackers64]

What a great series Jethro, thank you.

[@JethroJessop]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching!

[@stillshunter]

Thanks for bringing us along…your virtual Redman are we!
So key lesson here is:
a) Badger Divide is a must
b) Turnip the Beet is a must
c) noting the headwind, Glasgow to Inverness should be the way of things? 😅
(Loved the comic segue, I was in stitches)

[@JethroJessop]

Yep, that sounds about right.
Maybe not the headwind, that could have just been fluke. Probably best to just ride in the opposite direction to wherever I'm riding. You'll have the wind on your back for certain then 😉

[@stillshunter]

@@JethroJessop 🤣

[@beardsonbikes]

Really liked your badger divide video series. Makes me want to ride it myself one day. Well done!

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you.
If you get the chance I really can't recommend it enough.
I don't usually like riding the same route twice but I'd do that one again in a shot!

[@Curlew-Corner]

I just found you this morning so thought I’d have a look and tell you how much I enjoyed the journey. Look forward to watching more of your journeys. Thanks for sharing.

[@JethroJessop]

Than you. It was a fantastic trip and I'm glad you enjoyed the videos.
I've been a bit slack recently - busy life and short winter days don't make for regular filming - but there are a couple of new ones in the works and 2023 will see some new adventures which hopefully will be just as enjoyable. Thanks for watching

[@RuggedJohnWoodland]

Awesome series, really enjoyed. Keep up the good work.🤘🚴‍♂️🤘

[@JethroJessop]

Nice one. I will try my best 😀

[@BikesRGuid]

Just finished the Badger yesterday from south to north (to avoid 50mph forecast on Corrieyairack) - played in our favour with winds at our backs mostly when we got them. Like you we did it over 6 days to savour the journey, views and cake stops, though it still felt like plenty effort being exterted with fully loaded bikes! Great to watch back all the twists n turns of the route with you. Now trying to transition back into the comforts of being under a roof. Ride on!

[@JethroJessop]

The wind up on the pass was nuts! I don't blame you wanting that on your backs!
I'm in Wales at the moment battling similar winds. I'm holding my own, just 😬
Glad you enjoyed the Badger though. It's a fantastic route!

[@BikesRGuid]

@@JethroJessop Look forward to the future videos, loving your bike philosophy and outlook!

[@gregs7562]

Fabulous 👌

[@JethroJessop]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching :)

[@christopherflint2074]

Very good, looking forward to your next adventure…

[@JethroJessop]

Always looking forward to the next one 😉
Thanks for watching!

[@ryanjohnson4193]

Looks like you had an amazing time. Be safe, looking forward to your next video .😁

[@JethroJessop]

I did.It was a fantastic trip and I hope I can get back up to Scotland again soon.
Got a few videos in the works but am just taking a short break to have covid for a while :(

[@lindleyca69]

I've loved every episode of this and its been so inspiring. I also really love your honesty, it's nice to see seasoned bike packers admitting to pushing their bikes! Can't wait for whatever adventures you invite us on next.

[@JethroJessop]

This seasoned bikepacker does even more pushing than you see in the videos, I promise 😉
I'm really pleased you like the videos. There are a few more in the works and a few more ideas bubbling away in my head as well. I hope you continue to watch and enjoy 😀

[@garryshirreffs9645]

Great trip on my list

[@JethroJessop]

Definitely deserves a place on everyone's lists. It's a really good route!

[@Cobwobbler]

Lovely trip. Very nice countryside in Scotland.

[@JethroJessop]

It is indeed. Some of the nicest around.

[@adriansmith38]

yes. I did it about a week after you and loved it..the only trouble is, I think I'm still recovering from it! 😀

[@JethroJessop]

I took it very easy really. Possible that I got a Slowest Known Time in fact 😉
So i didn't suffer too much.
Hope your recovery is a speedy one 😀

[@purelyacademic]

Your best edit yet...your work is inspirational...I feel Hollywood is calling you!
When can we have a book to read...
Would you ever consider 'directing' on other people's rides...I think you'd be great...
Thank you, again!

[@JethroJessop]

I sort of have an idea in my head to try and write a book. A kind of compendium of the stuff that I have waffled in my videos. No idea if it will ever come to anything but the seed is definitely planted.
As to directing other peoples rides. I dunno, I'm hesitant to do anything that might risk turning my hobby into a job. At the moment I enjoy the rides and I enjoy cobbling together videos of the rides. Any more expectation than that might start to suck a bit the fun out of it and that would be awful.

[@robinmacandrew103]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@JethroJessop]

👋

[@wilfwilliams]

Really enjoyed this series, thanks so much for taking the time to film and edit all this, it’s a lot of effort and we appreciate it.

[@JethroJessop]

My pleasure. If you enjoyed it even a fraction as much as I did then I'm pleased.
Bring on the next one!

[@hammockdweller]

Yes, same here. Thanks Jethro.

[@RaasayRaider]

Thanks

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you 😉

[@frogslips]

That space story really made me laugh. 🌬 😩 This is great Jethro

[@JethroJessop]

Wouldn't feel like a complete series without at least one barely relevant, rambling story telling session 😉
Glad you enjoyed it.

[@davinacaine3615]

Thank you for taking us along with you

[@JethroJessop]

My pleasure. Bring on the next one!

[@timhobin8490]

nice one JJ

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you kindly 🙂

[@larrygray8754]

The end of one of your rides is always bittersweet on this side of the camera, too. There’s a certain satisfaction in seeing the journey conclude, but it’s commingled with impatient anticipation for the next one to begin. As usual this one was superb and I thank you for letting me ride along. Congrats on reaching 5000 subscribers, the forthcoming merch sounds very cool, and we’ll see you on the next one.

[@JethroJessop]

That's pretty much how I feel at the end of a ride too 😉
This last one was particularly good but there is always another one in the future. Nothing of this scale coming up sadly but there will be rides. There will ALWAYS be rides!

[@AndrewBrown-em3ti]

It looked absolutely beautiful and good to hear you reflect on it being the best route you’d ridden. Great production as always, I always feel that I’m a calmer and slightly better person after watching any of your work. Have a great summer wherever it takes you.

[@JethroJessop]

That is some jolly fine feedback there. Can't ask for better than that, thank you.
I don't have any more long trips planned sadly but there are definitely some weekenders and day rides on the cards so I hope they have the same effect.
Have a great summer yourself :)

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

What a place!!

[@JethroJessop]

Yeah it is bloody fantastic. I loved this trail. Was very sad to see the end of it.

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

@@JethroJessop It'll still be there whenever you want to return :-)

[@JethroJessop]

@@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures true. I just need to get rid of this pesky job thing that seems to take up so much of my time 😉

[@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures]

@@JethroJessop I hear you dude! Early retirement plan needed :-)

[@JethroJessop]

@@RoadyPacking-CyclingAdventures the earlier the better!

[@FlowJunkie65]

What a great adventure! Thank you for sharing it with us! I somehow missed Days 1 and 2, so I'm circling back to enjoy those. Glad you got away to take in a week's worth of your passion and to feed your soul -- time very well spent. Cheers, Jethro!

[@JethroJessop]

It was a good one for sure, one of my favourites so far I think.
I wish I could have taken longer and ridden further but that is always the way.
Glad you enjoyed watching along 😀

[@no1brightonian425]

Just started following you on Instagram. You got some very nice photos and you make me want to get out even more on my bike!

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you. Always happy to hear about other folk getting out for adventures. I hope you are already planning the next trip? Where are you daydreaming about for this one? 😉

[@no1brightonian425]

@@JethroJessop Will probably only be days out on my bike with the very occasional weekend but in my head I am traveling around the world and back 😁👍

[@JethroJessop]

@@no1brightonian425 AH yeah, I know that feeling and am exactly the same.
In my head I'm riding east along the Danube, South to Portugal and North to Sweden - all at the same time :)
It's good to dream.

[@jimmccorison]

Thank you for allowing us to be your guest on your journey. It was a wonderful trip.

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you for watching along. It was a real cracker and I hope there are some more like it in the near future!

[@thedukesadventures4323]

Excellent ... always a pleasure . Thanks for the hard work recording & editing for us to experience it 👍🏻

[@JethroJessop]

Really pleased you enjoyed it. I enjoy the filming/editing side so your positive feedback ticks the final box. A successful trip all round :)

[@johntolson6941]

Thanks!

[@JethroJessop]

Thanks you! That is super generous. I am incredibly pleased that you find so much value in my content. I hope that future vids continue to entertain to the same degree :)

[@Alan_s_Channel]

The whole route looked epic. Would love to cycle it one day. Love how retro looking the sleeper carriage is too. A fine adventure indeed.

[@JethroJessop]

The sleeper was great. I'd definitely think twice about going up with only a seat though. The little bunk rooms are definitely worth paying a bit extra for.

[@tonypaddler]

I’m glad Alan wasn’t with you in that headwind, losing him to an insane act of murder would not be good!
Thanks for another great video 👍

[@JethroJessop]

I'm no fighter, even when possessed by murderous insanity. Alan would probably have disarmed me and sent me packing if I tried ;)

[@Nobby_Steelez]

Awesome trip, loved every minute. Keeping me inspired to beat my injury. Thanks for the motivation Jethro

[@JethroJessop]

Glad if I can be even a small source of inspiration.
Hope you are mending all the time and back to fitness soon!
Thanks for watching

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching your tour. 👍

[@JethroJessop]

I'm pleased to her that. I thoroughly enjoyed riding and documenting it so thanks for coming along for the ride :)

[@graham-kirby]

Well done Jethro. I enjoyed every minute especially your caffe review, your food alliterations resulted in a new future ‘Badger Divide’ planning notes being immediately opened and the caffe being added straight to the top.

[@JethroJessop]

Planning a ride around quality food stops is always a good place to start :)
You never appreciate a good meal as much as when you are hungry and tired and you stumble across it unexpectedly.
Make sure you add the Corrour Station House and Laggan Wolftrax cafe to the list as well. Both well worth a stop.
Thanks for watching and good luck with the trip planning!

[@graham-kirby]

@@JethroJessop Thanks Jethro, I’ve added them. During last years trip along the Hadrians Cycle Way we stopped at a campsite in Newton Arlosh, I must have looked a right pitiful site, the campsite owner immediately produced a huge pile of chips and cake to follow for free, chips have never tasted so good.

[@JethroJessop]

@@graham-kirby the only thing that can make food taste better than mentioned is when it also provided for free by a kind stranger.
That is something I only ever experience when out biking with bags and the frequency with which I experience it always boosts my faith in humankind

[@graham-kirby]

@@JethroJessop True so true

[@ukpaul9221]

'3-4 days to get the fitness up.' Again know what you mean. When I set out on the long one, May had been wet and miserable and I'd done no training whatsoever. Lands End to Ludlow was was 'training period'. Despite pain and rain, it got increasingly better thereafter. I was literally flying after Helmsdale.
More empathy - from Helmsdale to John o Groats the strong wind mercifully turned WSW. Great - except that my night stop was Thurso in readiness for the Orkneys and so IT WAS HEADWIND AGAIN. I was not best pleased. Especially as I had foolishly imbibed a few celebratory whiskies at JoG and dehydration threatened on a hot day.
Peanut butter - massively 'symbolic' of NUTS!
Isn't it (in my case, wasn't it) great to be 'nuts' about embracing the outdoors under one's own steam and doing stuff better than what dreams are made of? Creative and purposeful insanity is worth every mile.
Cake etc - glorious and well-earned decadence after such a trip. Ooowaah!
Glasgow - I found the cycleways N out of Glasgow terrific and the city centre clean and vibrant - nothing like Rab Nesbit etc.I was well-impressed but saddened that the upper Clyde would no more see the shipping it once knew and thrived on.
Thanks for sharing your epic ride. It was a great adventure. Y' did well, bro'.
Catch you again, soon
Best wishes from Paul

[@JethroJessop]

It was an amazing trip. I loved every mile even into the wind and the rain.
I felt like I held my own on the climbs and even made peace with the headwind to a certain extent.
I credit this to the amazing landscapes and really well constructed trail.
I just wish it had gone on for longer!

[@RoubenFreeman]

Thanks for the trip! I loved that you have used those same tunes as in other videos, makes me nostalgic for you past adventures too. Looks like it had some chunky moments, dare I on a gravel bike?

[@JethroJessop]

I do seem to have assembled a few tunes that are becoming regulars. I quite like the fact as well 😀
I did see several other riders on gravel bikes so I assume it would be fine. Personally I've only ever ridden mountain bikes so the idea of doing some of the gnarlier bits on slim tyres and drop bars is truly terrifying!

[@RoubenFreeman]

@@JethroJessop if I prepare for a walking holiday every time I get on the bike will be a delightful treat

[@JethroJessop]

@@RoubenFreeman i usually do a fair bit of walking on my bike holidays too 😉

[@stevenleak6400]

Such a fantastic journey!

[@JethroJessop]

It was a good one indeed. It's up there in my list of favourite rides for certain

[@krisgriffiths7939]

Great series - thanks for taking us for the ride! Living on the east coast in Edinburgh, I've wanted to do the Badger for a while now. It looks great.

[@JethroJessop]

I absolutely recommend it. Such a great trail in so many ways. You could probably ride all the way home from Glasgow as well I imagine?

[@krisgriffiths7939]

@@JethroJessop there's 60miles of canal toe paths via the Falkirk Wheel all the way to central Edinburgh, which is great.

[@JethroJessop]

@@krisgriffiths7939 nice! I love a good canal ride and any bonus engineering feats are always welcome.
Sounds like a good ride in itself.

[@adamjhayes59]

Nice one, bet you glad you stuck with it.

[@JethroJessop]

Definitely. It is such a great trail!
There was only that one blip in the middle where I really thought about packing it in. All turned out great in the end though!

[@Jon-cw7gk]

Great video series, thanks!!

[@JethroJessop]

Glad you enjoyed it. I loved the journey. Bring on the next one!

[@1-less-car]

Biketastic! Good job!

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickc6726]

Hi JJ, the trip looks stunning! How did you get on with midges? ...early season? Thanks for posting, I really enjoyed it! 🙂👍

[@JethroJessop]

No midges at all!
Think it was still a bit early in the season but also it was just too windy. No way they would have been out in that weather.
Thanks for watching 😀

[@ascot1049]

Same route as great north trail in places, well done ,very enjoyable.

[@JethroJessop]

That's one that's on my list as well!
As soon as I work out how to stop working become a wandering cycle poet 😉

[@ascot1049]

@@JethroJessop you would love it .

[@JethroJessop]

@@ascot1049 I've followed the route on maps many times and it is saved in my wish-list. Its a long list though ;)
So many rides and so little time!

[@adiemather]

Brilliant 👍

[@JethroJessop]

Thank you 😀

[@aheath73]

Greetings from Whistler, BC in Canada! What a fantastic series to watch and introduction to your channel…. Amazing looking route! What I’m most curious about is what kind of maps and navigation aids you use on a route like this? Such an intricate network of singletrack, rights-of-way, hiking/biking trails… there’s nothing like that here in the Coast Mountains of BC. Would love some tips on finding resources if you’re keen to share…
Can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next!

[@JethroJessop]

Greeting back at you :)
Glad you enjoyed the series, thanks for watching.
This one was actually pretty easy to navigate. It isn't signposted of itself but it does follow some long distance trails that are signed and it is constructed in such a way that for long stretches there are not many opportunities to stray from the trail.
That said I did take a route map along with me.
I simply use my phone for mapping. My current process is to plan routes on RideWithGPS then import the GPX files to my phone using Gaia Maps.
Gaia isn't perfect but it does allow me to cache to the phone for use in airplane mode and to use the tiles from OpenCycleMap which are my preferred map tiles.
I don't know how this approach would hold up in your neck of the woods - especially OpenCycleMap which is a crowdsourced system and might be less reliable in more remote areas?
Dunno how helpful that all is. Let me know if you need anything else

[@Dug_Out]

Brilliant stuff my good man👍 Really enjoyed tagging along & aharing the awesome landscape & views. These vids give me the kick up the backside required to lose some weight & get a bit fitter so that I can explore better & further. Thx

[@JethroJessop]

Glad you are enjoying the vids.
Life is only as good as the adventures you have I say. And you don't need to go far or fast to have a good adventure.
Start small, start slow, just get out and enjoy the world while the sun is shining (it is here anyway)

[@Dug_Out]

@@JethroJessop Wish you'd told me that before I biked 51 miles from Swaffham to the bottom of Cambridge today😂 All good. Only 44.7 tomorrow!!! You're an inspiration fella👍

[@JethroJessop]

@@Dug_Out that's a big old day in the saddle! Hope it was a good ride and the legs are still enjoying themselves 😉

[@Dug_Out]

@@JethroJessop Holding up surprisingly well. We'll see how I feel once I hit the Chilterns tomorrow. Probably be completely done by the time I reach my cousin in Dunstable😱😂

[@JethroJessop]

@@Dug_Out Nah, that's when you'll be starting to wonder how you can stretch it to a few more days. It's addictive 😉

[@phill2383]

Excellent Jethro, This one looks to have giving you the most joy and the scenery was great. Did you use the sleeper train up to Scotland from London? I've thought about using this to bike the West Highland Way. Well done on another one completed and thanks for taking us along.

[@JethroJessop]

It was one of my favourites for sure, a fantastic route.
I did use the sleeper and enjoyed the experience very much. On the way up I only had a seat which was not ideal but the little cabin on the way back was very cosy.
Worth mentioning that when you book a bike it tells you there is a maximum tyre width that is allowed, around 2.5inches, but I have 3s and it worked fine.

[@phill2383]

@@JethroJessop Thanks Jethro and look forward to the next adventure

[@JethroJessop]

@@phill2383 Always do ;)

[@BluesBroken]

Just watched this series in one hit. Brilliant. Really inspired to do a multi day trip. I've been a cyclist for years but only came across gravel/Bikepacking last year.
Sections of this route looked pretty rough. Would it be suited to a gravel bike or more hardtail mtb? ✌😎

[@JethroJessop]

I've only ever ridden mountain bikes so I'm not really qualified to advise when it comes to other types.
Most of the other riders I met along the way were on fairly chunky bikes but there were a couple on gravel bikes who said it was fine except for a couple of short sections.
The north side of the corrieyairack pass was the bit that got mentioned most often as that was very steep, technical and rocky.
Personally I would always choose to ride a MTB but I think you'd be fine on either for this one as it's actually a pretty friendly trail for the majority of its length.
If you get the chance to do it then definitely take it. You will have a great time!

[@BluesBroken]

@@JethroJessop Thanks for your reply again.
That's great information.
Keep up the good work.
✌🏻😎

[@JethroJessop]

@@BluesBroken no problem, thanks for watching.
I'm always happy to answer questions if I can so if you have others just shout them out 😃

[@tony-kiernan]

Headwinds: This is another one you've done the opposite direction fron the 'official' Cycling UK way. I dunno how much that has to do with them designing stuff, you got to assume there's a reason for the direction. No? (This is a genuine question. I dunno what the answer is, or if there is one. I fully understand Inverness to Glasgow makes much more sense to anyone.)
That said Cycling Uk also have this down as an overnighter. They can shove that

[@JethroJessop]

Maybe, it probably depends on time of year as well but equally just on who creates the actual GPX file.
I'm not sure it was Cycling UK who originally put the route together and the version I found was from bikepacking.com and has the start point in Inverness.
To my eye the elevation profile looks much more appealing going north to South as it gets the big climb out of the way early and then trends downward for the rest.
There was also a group depart that started from Inverness the same day I did (I overslept and missed it) so it's not an uncommon choice.

[@belindamcguire1293]

It would be nice if you could put a map of the area up so people who don't live near there - such as my husband and I who live in Australia - could see the general location.

[@JethroJessop]

That would be a nice addition I'm just not sure how I'd achieve it, especially when editing on my phone.
I'll do some research.
In the meantime, I track all my rides on Strava so you see routes and locations there if that is any good?

[@belindamcguire1293]

It would be if I followed you on Strava and knew that ride was the one I was watching on the video.

[@JethroJessop]

@@belindamcguire1293 that is very true. I could definitely start posting the Strava links in the description. I do sometimes but I am nothing if not inconsistent.
Maps would be nicer. I love maps.
If I can find a simple way to do it then I'll start including them.

[@belindamcguire1293]

Thanks ever so much.

[@gardupgti4609]

top banana

[@JethroJessop]

Glad you enjoyed. A top ride, one of my favourites!

[@user-mm8id1xb4p]

Just watched your 6 day journey of the badger divide, are the off road section decents suitable for cantilever brakes with a loaded bike. Looking at a window this October thanks joe

[@JethroJessop]

I have no experience of riding with anything other than discs I'm afraid so I wouldn't want to advise one way or the other.
I would say that on the whole it is a fairly friendly route and there are few sections that are both steep AND rough. I saw folk riding it on all kinds of bikes so maybe you'd have to be vigilant on a few stretches but I'm sure you'd survive.
Sorry I can't be more helpful, it just isn't something I'm equipped to give detailed advice on sadly.
I can reiterate what an amazing route it is and how much I enjoyed the ride.
If you do get up there please report back and let me know how you get on!
And thanks for watching as well 😀

[@MrBertra]

Glad you did not feel the need to kill anyone.

[@JethroJessop]

Haha no, not really my style. I actually had an ok time even with the headwinds. It didn't seem to bother me as much as in the past, perhaps because the trail was so nice!

[@outbackwack368]

Excellent! I do a 60k loop ride here all the time and the last 30k are always into a 10mph wind. I would MUCH rather have the headwind going out and a tailwind coming home. BTW, do you think you'll stick with those Moloko bars? I'll be getting a new bike later this year and am highly considering them. Thanks!

[@globalbiketravel]

FYI I I've got the Moloko Bars and they are fantastic, don't hesitate, so flexible, wish I bought them years ago!!

[@JethroJessop]

Yeah finishing into a headwind is brutal.
I'm really happy with the Moloko. Really comfy, good hand positions, nice sweep. I can ride all day with no wrist pain that used to be a real problem for me when I was on flat bars.
I'm thinking of adding some bar ends so that I can have a really upright position for cruising and looking around but that's just my preference. All in all they are great bars!

[@JethroJessop]

I'd second this. I love 'em

[@redpepper38]

Hey Jethro.... Really enjoyed yer vids on the BD... I've down uploaded the route and gonna do it some point in August... I've taken a few notes during the videos which i think will help.. you got any other tips that may help??? I saw you fill up yer bottle from river... did you use a filter or water tabs? cheers man i just subscribed...

[@JethroJessop]

Do it, it is a cracking trail!
I use a Sawyer mini filter for my water. I've been using one for a few years now and really rate them.
The bag they come with is crap though and split really quickly. I use one by Platypus now which is much stronger.
No specific tips really. Be aware of midges if you go in August, i think they will be around at that time of year.
Make sure you build in time to stop when you want to. There are a few good spots where you could stop for a swim if the weather is hot and loads of nice places to just sit and enjoy the landscapes.
You'll have a great time. Let me know how it went once you are back!
And thanks for the sub, I appreciate it

[@JethroJessop]

Also feel free to shoot over any questions as you plan. I'll answer as best I can

[@Al16640]

Can I ask what you used for navigation aid? Thanks Al.

[@JethroJessop]

Just my phone. I use Gaia maps with the route cached and then put my phone on airplane mode to save battery. I've tried a dedicated GPS unit once but I didn't get on with it.
If I was riding a route where there was any real risk of getting lost then I might rethink this approach but in the UK and the bits of Europe where I ride navigation is not a life or death tool and as I'd be bringing my phone anyway I don't see the point of an additional gadget.

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

Shame it wasn't twice as long!

[@JethroJessop]

My sentiments exactly!
It really did feel like I had just found the groove and I would happily have cycled all the way home and beyond if I had the opportunity.
Maybe next summer I'll make the time for a proper ride!

[@solsouth]

Jethro you know I like you and your videos but I think you lost some street credit by dragging out the release of your videos if one event over such a long period of time. It lost some of the buzz I will not lie it was actually an anti climax for me to watch these last two installments.

[@RoubenFreeman]

I don't know about that, I enjoyed the the little pocks of chilled cycling adventure when they came up. It's probably good for me to have these little sanctuaries rather then binge watch the lot in one. Also I suspect the UA-cam overlord algorithm rewards those that post regularly but I'm no expert.

[@JethroJessop]

I can only apologise if the excitement didn't hold till the end.
The reasoning is just that a regular upload schedule generally seems to result in better figures than the occasional dump of a whole series.
Much as I want everyone to enjoy the videos as much as possible the wider goal is to grow the channel which means getting more views and more subscribers.
If (when 😉) the channel generates enough income for me to do some longer rides then I'd upload more often but until then the aim is one video every 7-10 days though to be honest, I dunno if I can even keep up with that in the long term.
Stretching out the releases of these multi day rides means I don't have to dedicate every weekend to making videos which leaves me time for friends, family, other hobbies and other boring stuff like that 😉
I hope that is a decent explanation and that it doesn't Rob all the joy form from future videos.

[@seant666]

Thanks

[@JethroJessop]

My absolute pleasure 😀