I was going to guess John simply because it must be the most common middle name. Can't believe someone guessed right so quickly. I'm loving these videos. Such great scenery Affordable and fun.
What a beautiful place to be. Super views. Crazy maybe ! , adventurous, yes. Lovely to see someone happy in their work, and everyone deserves that😊. That cave was an amazing little find to kip out.Keep up the great videos.
@@matryderadventures It isn't 😷☹️ It's impacted on my get fitter by cycling around Scotland schedule but I'll use the convalescing period to do much needed maintenance on some of my bikes. Every cloud ...
I hope all of your trips are safe and enjoyable, I really especially hope that the TransAm goes super well for you. May you have a tailwind, feel strong on the climbs, discover cold beer ice cream and American hospitality at it's best.
Great video, and my wife said John as your middle name . We love watching you videos,very inspiring. We want to do this one day too. Keep up the great videos Mat.
Hi. Thanks. I'm glad you liked these videos. John was my Dad's middle name, so you were sort of close. Not right though. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Great video again Mat, Spain really is full of amazing places. The mountain villages are spectacular and Valencia has been somewhere I want to visit for a long time, evenings on the beach. I’m looking forward to seeing northern Spain as Galicia is also a place I’d love to see. Thanks Mat John Ryder.
Hello - possibly Dylan referencing your Welsh heritage. You need to get boots with stiff soles suitable for crampons, at least graded B1 suitable for strap on C1 crampons. If you want more technical crampons you will need to get B2 or B3 boots. The ice axe is a must but also knowing how to use it in the event of a fall…Great trip thoroughly enjoy all that you do via UA-cam. All the best
Not Dylan, Sorry. Good guess though. Thanks for the information. It seems I have a fair bit of research to do. That's no bad thing. I quite enjoy it. Cheers 👍
I really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing this for us! And I hope you are doing well! Working hard makes you stronger! That's what you are! And Never give up! Keep going because you are great! And you got my full support!
We stayed in Trevélez on a bike trip around the Sierra Nevada over Easter, lovely area. We got a bit unlucky with some wet and snowy weather though. As far snow/ice traction is concerned, I've always used the Kahtoola MICROspikes. They work nicely on both boots and trail running shoes. Not appropriate for ice climbing/mountaineering of course, but have used mine a lot for mixed terrain hiking in Norway and Antarctica over the years, still going strong.
Hi. I wish I'd spent a bit longer in that area. It sounds like I got the best of the weather. I seem to be lucky like that. I'll look up those micro spikes now. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers 👍
Crazy for sleeping in a cave when you have a comfy van? NEVER! lol I love wild camping first and foremost but I also have enjoyed camping in a trailer or motorhome over the years. I agree with the simplicity of backpacking or bikepacking, it is just the best. I have never done more than one night with a bike because I just can't find a comfy seat but that discomfort was well worth the adventure. :) Thanks for sharing. :) :) P. S. Loved the good son chat, it made me chuckle. lol
Hi Jacqueline. You're right. You can't beat the simplicity of bikepacking/backpacking. I loved the van tour but am ready for the simplicity of the TransAm now. I'm away on holiday with my Mum right now. I don't think she's watched that video yet. I may get told off!!! Cheers 👍
Guess: “Harold” enjoyed your whole GDMBR series! Never been to Europe- loving this tour also. I was 1 day ahead of you on my 6 day ride in MT last summer on GDMBR. I recommend the Klymit Luxe pillow and I have tried a lot of pillows!
No. But I am seriously considering changing it to that. 140. I think I may have made an error with that saint. I'll look back at the video. It was a hot day and I'd had a beer 😁.
In that sort of terrain I’d be using micro spikes over either trail runners or approach shoes. The aluminum ski touring ice axes (petzl ride and similar) are great if you need a lightweight tool for occasional self arrest use. If you’re using it as a cane (ie, walking with it) you’ll want something longer.
I've been looking at micro spikes and have found some which looks pretty good. They're from a company called Kahtoola. I'll look at your ice axe suggestions. I hadn't considered one that doubles up as a cane. I don't use trekking poles so that may be the right option. Thanks for the information.
On that hardpack, old snow, you can get away with “Mircospikes” which fit with a rubber strap (they are easy to fit and less risk of stabbing your own foot!). I’ve used them on lightweight boots, but trail runners would be too flexible. As other people have mentioned, some training with an ice axe is pretty essential, if you do fall (prob unlikely, but …..) on that hard pack, you pick up speed amazingly quickly and its like sliding down 60 grit sandpaper at 20 mph 😫
like you i love to pack up the van drive off out into the wilds park up unload the bike then ride out into the proper wilderness n camp up for a night or 2....I knows its a very simple way to live but it works well for me . Mate the people who call the likes of us crazy are the sort of people who work 50+ hours a week just to pay a morgage for 30+ years and call a 2 week summer holiday to the costa brava adventurous traveling. I have tried both lifestyles and honestly imo the " work till death paying a morgage route" sucked and left me feeling like a very hollow unfulfilled....I guess what I'm saying is if some folk are calling you crazy, after finding a hobby/lifestyle that makes you happy then run with the KRA KRA my friend ....excuse the ramble .
If you're parents had a sense of humour I am hoping your middle name is one of the following: Easy, Low, or Rough. Also that cockerel in Trevelez didn't sound too healthy!
Sadly they missed an opportunity. I'll listen back to the cockerel. Now I'm wondering what an unhealthy cockerel sounds like. People are getting closer to guessing my middle name. I find it funny that it's become an actual challenge! Cheers 👍
The mystery has been solved. My middle name is Lucas. It made me laugh how this became an actual little competition. Cheers all 👍
Summiting is optional. Getting back down is mandatory. Another lovely video 🍻
I like it. Well put. Cheers 👍
I was going to guess John simply because it must be the most common middle name. Can't believe someone guessed right so quickly.
I'm loving these videos. Such great scenery Affordable and fun.
Very logical. I'm also surprised somebody guessed it. I'm glad you're liking these ones. Cheers 👍
What a beautiful place to be. Super views.
Crazy maybe ! , adventurous, yes. Lovely to see someone happy in their work, and everyone deserves that😊.
That cave was an amazing little find to kip out.Keep up the great videos.
Hi Mat (playing a bit of catch up here) another fantastic episode loved it 👍
Hi Pat. Glad you liked this one. Cheers 👍👍
Ooh, after taking a break from both internet and social life I return to a trilogy of MRA videos. Great 😁
Hi Mat, I hope all is well 👍
All good here Tony. Hope things are good with you.
@@matryderadventures
Hi Mat, that's good to hear.
I've got covid 🤬
😕😕 not good.
@@matryderadventures
It isn't 😷☹️
It's impacted on my get fitter by cycling around Scotland schedule but I'll use the convalescing period to do much needed maintenance on some of my bikes.
Every cloud ...
I hope all of your trips are safe and enjoyable, I really especially hope that the TransAm goes super well for you. May you have a tailwind, feel strong on the climbs, discover cold beer ice cream and American hospitality at it's best.
Thanks Frank. A tailwind would be nice, at least some of the way. Fantastic comment. Cheers 👍
Great video, and my wife said John as your middle name .
We love watching you videos,very inspiring. We want to do this one day too. Keep up the great videos Mat.
Hi. Thanks. I'm glad you liked these videos. John was my Dad's middle name, so you were sort of close. Not right though. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Another great episode, very much enjoyed being along for the trip 👏🏻🚴🏻♀️🌟 Thanks 😊
Hi. Good to hear. I'm glad you liked it. Cheers 👍
Great video again Mat, Spain really is full of amazing places. The mountain villages are spectacular and Valencia has been somewhere I want to visit for a long time, evenings on the beach. I’m looking forward to seeing northern Spain as Galicia is also a place I’d love to see. Thanks Mat John Ryder.
Northern Spain was incredible. I also wish I'd spent longer in the south. I could easily go back for another few months. Cheers 👍
Another superb video! Nice to see such great cycleways in Valencia. Amazing scenery at Mulhacen, and an amazing campsite. Take care
Thanks. I really enjoyed that ride. It was extremely cycle friendly. Glad you liked this video. Cheers 👍
Hello - possibly Dylan referencing your Welsh heritage. You need to get boots with stiff soles suitable for crampons, at least graded B1 suitable for strap on C1 crampons. If you want more technical crampons you will need to get B2 or B3 boots. The ice axe is a must but also knowing how to use it in the event of a fall…Great trip thoroughly enjoy all that you do via UA-cam. All the best
Not Dylan, Sorry. Good guess though. Thanks for the information. It seems I have a fair bit of research to do. That's no bad thing. I quite enjoy it. Cheers 👍
I really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing this for us! And I hope you are doing well! Working hard makes you stronger! That's what you are! And Never give up! Keep going because you are great! And you got my full support!
Excellent. Great comment thanks. This is why I love UA-cam. I'm doing really well thanks. Hope you are too!!! Cheers 👍
nice video my friend . just right for sitting here with a bottle of beer and thinking about future trips .🍺🍺
Cheers. I hope you have many planned. Thanks for the coffee/beer (not sure which yet)
James? Thanks for the adventure!
Close. That's my brother's middle name.
We stayed in Trevélez on a bike trip around the Sierra Nevada over Easter, lovely area. We got a bit unlucky with some wet and snowy weather though. As far snow/ice traction is concerned, I've always used the Kahtoola MICROspikes. They work nicely on both boots and trail running shoes. Not appropriate for ice climbing/mountaineering of course, but have used mine a lot for mixed terrain hiking in Norway and Antarctica over the years, still going strong.
Hi. I wish I'd spent a bit longer in that area. It sounds like I got the best of the weather. I seem to be lucky like that. I'll look up those micro spikes now. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers 👍
great vids mate, keep it up. also love the drone shots.
Thanks. Glad you liked it. That little drone is pretty amazing. Cheers 👍
Crazy for sleeping in a cave when you have a comfy van? NEVER! lol I love wild camping first and foremost but I also have enjoyed camping in a trailer or motorhome over the years. I agree with the simplicity of backpacking or bikepacking, it is just the best. I have never done more than one night with a bike because I just can't find a comfy seat but that discomfort was well worth the adventure. :) Thanks for sharing. :) :) P. S. Loved the good son chat, it made me chuckle. lol
Hi Jacqueline. You're right. You can't beat the simplicity of bikepacking/backpacking. I loved the van tour but am ready for the simplicity of the TransAm now. I'm away on holiday with my Mum right now. I don't think she's watched that video yet. I may get told off!!! Cheers 👍
@@matryderadventures Haha! You may just get told off! Hope you got your sense of humour from her! :)
@jacqueline7118 She took it well..She definitely has the same sense of humour as me, luckily.
Mat, another wonderful post! Looking forward to meeting you again on the Trans am thru colorado.
Cheers Steve. I'll see you later in the year 👍
Daffyd, surely? Loving the series Mat.
It really should be that, but it isn't. Sorry. Good guess. Cheers 👍
Guess: “Harold” enjoyed your whole GDMBR series! Never been to Europe- loving
this tour also. I was 1 day ahead of you on my 6 day ride in MT last summer on GDMBR. I recommend the Klymit Luxe pillow and I have tried a lot of pillows!
Not Harold. Sorry. Good guess though. One day ahead. Shame we didn't meet up. I'll look into that pillow. Cheers 👍
Middle name guess: Methodius
Did that saint really live to 140 years of age?
Another great video!
No. But I am seriously considering changing it to that.
140. I think I may have made an error with that saint. I'll look back at the video. It was a hot day and I'd had a beer 😁.
For added traction for use with trail runners…you could try Kahtoola Microspikes
I think those are what lots of hikers on the PCT and CDT trails use in the USA
Excellent. I've just looked them up and I'm going to get some. Thanks for the recommendation 👍
You are great 😅
I can't hear that enough 🤣. Cheers 👍
Minimum would be a B1 boot/C1 crampon and an ice axe. Some good winter hiking training courses in north wales. Would make a good future YT :)
Great idea. I'll look into it. Cheers
In that sort of terrain I’d be using micro spikes over either trail runners or approach shoes.
The aluminum ski touring ice axes (petzl ride and similar) are great if you need a lightweight tool for occasional self arrest use. If you’re using it as a cane (ie, walking with it) you’ll want something longer.
I've been looking at micro spikes and have found some which looks pretty good. They're from a company called Kahtoola.
I'll look at your ice axe suggestions. I hadn't considered one that doubles up as a cane. I don't use trekking poles so that may be the right option. Thanks for the information.
On that hardpack, old snow, you can get away with “Mircospikes” which fit with a rubber strap (they are easy to fit and less risk of stabbing your own foot!). I’ve used them on lightweight boots, but trail runners would be too flexible. As other people have mentioned, some training with an ice axe is pretty essential, if you do fall (prob unlikely, but …..) on that hard pack, you pick up speed amazingly quickly and its like sliding down 60 grit sandpaper at 20 mph 😫
I think I'll look into micro spikes. I think you're right about the ice axe training. I'll look into that too. Cheers 👍
Must be Larry then. Great video 😊
The first letter is right. It's funny, I didn't actually expect people to guess and now I am deciding on the prize.
Of course! How many guesses do we get? I can think of a couple more!
No limit.....
Was going to say 'Wodger' but I'll try Luke. Brilliant document of your super trip.
🤣Remarkably close. To Luke that is.
Lucca?
So close.
Lucas
Mat Lucas Ryder. Then you must be the only van tourer/bike adventurer in the village!😊
Peter 😊
Nope. Sorry. 5 letter. Begins with L.
@@matryderadventures Lloyd?
Perhaps your middle name might be…Barnaby, Cosmo, Digby, Edmund, Fergus, Leopold, Maximilian, Otis, Percival, Roland, Ruper or Wilfred?😊
Not even close. I do like Cosmo though. Maybe I'll change mine to that 🤣. Cheers 👍
like you i love to pack up the van drive off out into the wilds park up unload the bike then ride out into the proper wilderness n camp up for a night or 2....I knows its a very simple way to live but it works well for me . Mate the people who call the likes of us crazy are the sort of people who work 50+ hours a week just to pay a morgage for 30+ years and call a 2 week summer holiday to the costa brava adventurous traveling. I have tried both lifestyles and honestly imo the " work till death paying a morgage route" sucked and left me feeling like a very hollow unfulfilled....I guess what I'm saying is if some folk are calling you crazy, after finding a hobby/lifestyle that makes you happy then run with the KRA KRA my friend ....excuse the ramble .
I agree 100%. I'll keep going while I can. Cheers👍
Eugene ... middle name guess.
No. Sorry. Good guess. 🤣
Your middle name should be: Bike. Mat Bike Ryder
It really should be! It's funny how I've only recently discovered cycling with a surname like mine.
If you're parents had a sense of humour I am hoping your middle name is one of the following: Easy, Low, or Rough. Also that cockerel in Trevelez didn't sound too healthy!
Sadly they missed an opportunity. I'll listen back to the cockerel. Now I'm wondering what an unhealthy cockerel sounds like. People are getting closer to guessing my middle name. I find it funny that it's become an actual challenge! Cheers 👍
David?
Nope. Sorry..
@@matryderadventures Drat! I was going with a Welsh/Biblical theme.
Luken?
Or perhaps Lucas, loving this series btw!
You got it!!! It's Lucas. Now I have to think of a prize 🤣🤣.
@@matryderadventures Result! I'll be waiting for my prize! 😂
I've always fancied a Sonder with a pinion gear box...... 😂
🤣🤣 not a chance!!!!. I'll think of something good. . Give me a couple of weeks to get back in the uk and I'll be in touch. Cheers.
Derek middle name guess
Very interesting. That was my Dad's name. Not my middle name. Sorry.
@@matryderadventures oh wow! Strange that came to mind.