This is so so much fun. Nothing is more dangerous than a man who healed his wounds on his own. That man has more conversations with his mind than he's ever had with any human. Best of luck As always ❤
I have a reasonably priced bottle of whiskey from Jura. Seriously good quality at a mid range price just under $200 Australian. If I found myself cycling there that distillery would be my goal.
I’ve been planning a similar route over the last 2 weeks with a view to doing it in the spring 2024, this video is so timely and super helpful. Thanks so much Simon for this and all your other inspirational content.
Beautiful and interesting route as always. I’ve had a couple of holidays mixing up ferries and islands and always enjoyed them. My cycling has taken a back seat recently due to rescuing a feisty black Labrador but we had an introductory ride/run on the 78 from Benderloch to Connel Bridge two weeks ago and it went well. I am currently building a trailer for the pooch which will get me back on the road. The Green Shack is an amazing place. The dog and I shared a whole lobster the other day; amazing. Thank you.
Great channel! I’m up in Northern Norway and the landscape is very similar. Great biking, kayaking and skiing, here. At 58, I don’t plan on giving up any of those activities any time soon!
@@alwaysanotheradventure You know, I became aware of them a few years ago and then forgot about them! I went back to their website to take a look at them again after seeing your review. Very nice. I have a cycle repair shop as a hobby job on the side of my university teaching duties and I haven’t had one pass through, yet. But I think their largest customer base is probably down south in the Oslo region.
Did quite a similar route a few years ago, though we stuck to the roads mostly. Ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, tour around, ferry to Jura, another boat to the mainland, rode up to Oban, ferry to Mull, rode to Iona and then to Tobermory, ferry back to Ardnamurchan peninsula, then rode to Fort William to finish. We stayed in a B&B next to the Bruichladich Distillery.
Glad you made it home in one piece Simon and it was a real pleasure to meet you in the cafe by the garage in Lochgilphead. I've been following your videos and podcasts since lockdown so it was fantastic to meet you in person.
Really fantastic video. Fond memories of a trip to Islay and Jura a while back. The B&B owner welcomed us after the ride with a wee dram. Porridge in the morning had a bit of the quare stuff and some cream! Just heaven. 18 bikes on a rib back to Ballycastle after the weekend in very windy conditions . The editing in your videos is second to none. Just brilliant. Thank you.
super film .... having just arrived back from cycling around Canada i need something else to do. One suggestion - ditch the saddle pack & get a tailfin. Not sponsored by them but they really are so much better than any saddle pack.
Thanks Christopher - that sounds like a heck of a big trip! I looked at Tailfin - rather expensive I thought - and wasn’t sure how well it would work on some real off-road. Until I saw one being used to great effect while riding the Torino Nice Rally.
it was - bl00dy awesome (sorry for the bad language). Tailfin, sadly are not cheap - i opted for the alloy version. I cant tell you how pleased i am with it regardless of the tarain.
Been looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint - excellent adventure and video. The west coast project sounds great so I look forward to seeing how it develops👍
Just found your channel. Great video, and wonderful views. You have a lovely patter and you sound the spitting image of John Craven! Great channel name as well.
Stunning. Inspiring. I’m watching your video in an airplane over Canada but eager to put my feet back on the pedals. 4:52 Can you post a link to this song?
Sorry for the delay - it took a while to get on the right computer and dig out the archive copy. Hopefully, you've landed safely by now 😁. Delighted to hear you're enjoying the videos - so, to the track. It's a piece of production music registered with the service to which I subscribe - called Motin Array. The track is Wait Forever by Lyoelin and you might find it in other places, but this was my source: motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/wait-forever-1165311/ Glad you like it. I cut together the instrumental and vocal versions so I could add voice over without my words crashing the lyric.
Great film and adventure! Seems like Spring is the only time to escape the midges? Look forward to the complete route. Hoping to ride the Pictish Way next Spring - at odds with your west coast preference 😁.
There are 2 midge-free seasons each year, of varying length. Late March to early May, then again mid-September to early November. I suppose November to March is also midge free but that's because it's always p++sing down! Have a great ride Adrian
Simon, that was a superb video. You are a very strong rider, albeit a bit younger than me. I have just returned from a Shropshire tourlet on my repurposed fixed wheel Raleigh Magnum. I'll bet you don't remember them. I wouldn't have wanted to ride your adventure on it, that's for sure. Henry.
Great video Simon. It brought back some lovely memories for me. I went to Jura (via Islay) in 1999, to climb the paps and my ferry got diverted, so I ended up at Port Ellen instead of Port Askaig. I remember cycling across Islay into a headwind! But on completion of these trips, we look back on them with fond memories, wanting to go again. Thanks for sharing.
Another cracking adventure, Simon! Your ride along Loch Awe side & around Crinan brought back memories of a holiday from 2 years ago - a gorgeous part of the world. Not been to Islay & Jura yet but they are high up the list. Thanks to your slight misadventures I can see how to improve my planned schedule if I do this route or similar. Many thanks!
Fantastic Simon! Will be interesting to see where this project goes… Will you be able to incorporate more off road gravel to keep motor caravans and motorbikes at bay? 🤞We shall see! 😁
I think I'll be returning to that area in the coming spring, your vids never fail to give that spark of inspiration. I struggle badly with midges so spring is pretty much the best time to visit. I rode the Outer Hebs with friends a number of years ago in May, returning to Oban across Skye, Ardnamurchan and Mull. It was magical, great memories!
Love the vid. The inner Hebrides is some of my favourite cycling. Honestly though, the one thing we definitely don't need is a formalised route that encourages loads of people to take all the accommodation and ferry space :-( To say the nc500 is a mixed blessing is something of an understatement. Let's keep some of Scotland for those who know, or those who are at least prepared to put in a little effort to find out.
@@alwaysanotheradventure There's never a good answer to this sort of thing. I cycled a big chunk of nc500, and islay/arran/Bute this spring/early summer on a couple of trips. Both were fabulous, but there's something particularly great about the lesser known and travelled areas. I suspect the camper vans etc will probably be less interested in Argyle whatever attempts are made to popularize it, so it's probably less of an issue than I'm (slightly tongue in cheek) suggesting. Those of us travelling up from the boiling frog pot of southeast England quite like to find that Ardnamurchan is still at least a little bit off the radar! I realise of course that my own prejudices and selfish requirements are not in any way representative ;-)
@@pendodave4661 You raise a really good point though - that there are always unintended consequences. And since the draft route goes right past my house, I have a vested interest in getting this right! Crucial is to make it only do-able by cycles, so there'll be some long, easy gravel sections and at least one ferry that doesn't take vehicles.
Love the wander explore adapt and carry on approach. Will be interesting to see how the ultimate route evolves. Bit surprised you were not on the trusty Camino but I suppose reviewing newer bikes is part and parcel of your world. Well done on the long day out that’s a pretty big day shift you put in. Finally what’s the tent looks interesting and what’s that dangly thing on the back of the bike that also is a little intriguing
At any other time I’d be on the Camino but it was nice to have a new bike for a couple of weeks and this route suited it well. The dangly thing is a reflective thingie I made for the TNR and I hope the flapping draws drivers’ attention. Oh and the tent is a Tarptent Rainbow. I’ve known the guy who started the company since we hiked the Pacific Crest Trail 20 years ago and he (Henry Shires) gave us a prototype of a different shelter to use. There’s a podcast series about the hike and an update with Henry.
I travel all over Argyll and I think I saw you a few days ago, but I can't think where. BTW that hill up from Crinan is a bit of a push up and well worth the effort. Plus, it's a sweet bit of downhill on an MTB :D
Another great Vid. Simon and well done on the ride as well. I did spend a few minutes trying to work out if you'd left the shop price tag on your saddepack but I'm guessing it's for another reason! What a shame your fame (or is it infamy) hasn't stretched far enough to let you muscle onto a distillery tour. Maybe you need to incorporate more whisky sampling in your vids?
😂 I probably should explain that. I made that flappy thing from reflective tape when I did the TNR. I hope the flapping attracts the attention of drivers but have no evidence that it works!!
Anyone who hasn’t cycled in the lower Hebrides and Kintyre just don’t know what they are missing. Even the roads aren’t too busy. Biggest challenge can be a cancelled ferry . 30 mikes and two/three ferries and I’m there but if a ferried cancelled it can make for a very long detour🤣
Great video Simon! What tyres do you use? I'm looking for a true that covers the terrain you've been on this trip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Hi David - I'm a fan of Panracer Gravel Kings. The set which came on this bike were the Slicks (claimed 35mm actual 38mm), and they were excellent considering 95% was either on tarmac or very firm tracks. I had previously tried them locally on wet grass and they were all over the place, but it's a small price to pay when you know most of the route will be road. I might get a pair of these for myself but... ...if you think there's a chance for more off-road then the SK TLC versions are my go-to tyre. I used them in this very rough video (ua-cam.com/video/DvRWDZUFdHY/v-deo.html) and I used them for the Torino Nice on very rough ground mixed with tarmac. I talk about them in this video ua-cam.com/video/THkEHtTTpHA/v-deo.html Those tyres pretty much live permanently on my gravel tourer.
Working my way through several of your great videos. I have a Mull questions about one of those dashed line routes which may or may not exist. Is there a viable route from Loch Buie to Carsaig on the south coast of Mull as looking at the OS map there is a route shown. Asking because I have read that the A849 road to Iona is unpleasant for cycling due to the large number of vehicles heading for Iona on a single track road with passing places and drivers not caring about people on cycles who dare to get in the way. Loch Buie to Carsaig would mean you could miss the Glen More section of the A849.
We’ve ridden to Loch Buie but it’s a dead end for bike. We want to do that walk to Carsaig but a friend, who used to live on Mull, says it’s one of the hardest walks on the island. I haven’t but wouldn’t try it on a bike.
Hi. Have just discovered your channel and am randomly clicking/watching. And really enjoying it. A random, non cycling question: do you list the accompanying music played as enjoyed that, too. Thanks.
I don’t Andrew because it would be a heck of an admin exercise! If there’s a track you like just ask and I’ll get the details. It all comes from Motion Array - a service I subscribe to for graphics and music.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Simon, that is v kind (it is the track playing over min 13 - 14 that caught my attention) but there is no need to go to so much trouble. - I had assumed you selected the music yourself but can understand that this would be so time consuming. Thanks for the reply, and I’m looking forward to watching more of your existing (and new) videos.
It's an idea Mark, and a few years ago there was a massive bear-bones Audax that started there and covered all of Scotland. The reason not to begin there is mainly transport links - it would take almost a day of travelling to get to the start. (Edit - sorry clicked too early). I wanted to start somewhere with a good rail service, and both the overnight sleeper and several trains a day head to Fort William. They also have the new bike transport carriages which can carry sixteen bikes! The service also goes to Oban, so that makes a bail-out point roughly half-way around.
I'm planning a trip.to Arran & Mull in June,don't want to camp because of the midges problem is accommodation Arran is ok,Its mull & skye that are a problem you have to book a year ahead.
13th May 2019 is when I uploaded the first video made specifically as a UA-cam film. I wasn't getting much TV work and wanted to keep in touch with camera / editing / production skills. I've been making short videos for TV since I became a BBC TV reporter in July 1983. Yep - I'm that old 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks for that, found you channel today, great job. How many people stand behind your channel? You travelling by yourself, or with cameraman?
@@smoketoomuch81 Just me, no cameraman. How I shoot videos here: tinyurl.com/HowIShoot My channel members contribute ideas, see videos early, and I bounce ideas off them to get a wider perspective.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
You're a fine film maker. The travel is one thing, but telling the story is another... You do it really well.
Kind of you to say so
Both please, that way satisfy both camps! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Simon, this idea of a West is Best bikepacking route is very appealing. Certainly mix of Islands & Main Land adds to that.
Good to know - thanks
Your content is so inspiring. It truly makes one want to grab the bike and go on an adventure. Great editing btw.
Excellent - the desired effect!
This is so so much fun.
Nothing is more dangerous than a man who healed his wounds on his own. That man has more conversations with his mind than he's ever had with any human.
Best of luck
As always ❤
I tend to give up touring - not cycling - in the autumn/winter. You just reminded me why I shouldn't.
There’s a slim no-midge window about now! Getting cold though and that means long dark nights ahead and more camping kit.
i love mixin ferries , bikes , tents on the west coast - my best times
Brilliant as always, more please. Love your channel, nice to see someone in our age bracket setting an example of how active one can be.
Thanks Paul.
Yes inspired..I am curious what age he is
I have a reasonably priced bottle of whiskey from Jura. Seriously good quality at a mid range price just under $200 Australian. If I found myself cycling there that distillery would be my goal.
Simon...you are a machine !! and an inspiration to us all. Keep motivated and keep the vids coming mate -:)
I’ve been planning a similar route over the last 2 weeks with a view to doing it in the spring 2024, this video is so timely and super helpful. Thanks so much Simon for this and all your other inspirational content.
Thanks Gordon - lucky to have such great places to ride!
Looks good the west coat islands are also on my list. Preferably out of midge season!
Beautiful and interesting route as always. I’ve had a couple of holidays mixing up ferries and islands and always enjoyed them.
My cycling has taken a back seat recently due to rescuing a feisty black Labrador but we had an introductory ride/run on the 78 from Benderloch to Connel Bridge two weeks ago and it went well. I am currently building a trailer for the pooch which will get me back on the road.
The Green Shack is an amazing place. The dog and I shared a whole lobster the other day; amazing. Thank you.
Sounds great Paul - I hope he likes the trailer. We keep talking about getting one for our dog but never get around to it.
And glad to see I'm not the only one that pops on a "string vest" - on occassion - for cycling. Go lad!
Oh I always like a technical base layer 😆
Sir: I appreciate the tour to Jura! My GFather left there in 1738. Would love to visit!
Now that’s a great use of a bike - just gerting out there ro ‘investigate and discover’ Many thanks Simon - very entertaining
Thanks.
Brilliant again Simon, thanks. I also really like the sound of a "West is best" route.
Many thanks!
Missed the last ferry back off Jura one year ax we stayed at the distillery too long. Went back and stayed the night, was great.
I missed a trick there!
Great channel! I’m up in Northern Norway and the landscape is very similar. Great biking, kayaking and skiing, here. At 58, I don’t plan on giving up any of those activities any time soon!
Very cool - probably extremely so right now. How are those FARA bikes thought of in Norway?
@@alwaysanotheradventure You know, I became aware of them a few years ago and then forgot about them! I went back to their website to take a look at them again after seeing your review. Very nice. I have a cycle repair shop as a hobby job on the side of my university teaching duties and I haven’t had one pass through, yet. But I think their largest customer base is probably down south in the Oslo region.
@@garyhoffman1 Thanks for that - I did wonder.
Did quite a similar route a few years ago, though we stuck to the roads mostly. Ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, tour around, ferry to Jura, another boat to the mainland, rode up to Oban, ferry to Mull, rode to Iona and then to Tobermory, ferry back to Ardnamurchan peninsula, then rode to Fort William to finish.
We stayed in a B&B next to the Bruichladich Distillery.
Glad you made it home in one piece Simon and it was a real pleasure to meet you in the cafe by the garage in Lochgilphead. I've been following your videos and podcasts since lockdown so it was fantastic to meet you in person.
Hey it was great to meet you. Thanks for saying hello and the kind words about the podcasts too.
Love the idea of a bike-only long-distance Western route. Sign me up!
Thanks David - working on it!
Really fantastic video. Fond memories of a trip to Islay and Jura a while back. The B&B owner welcomed us after the ride with a wee dram. Porridge in the morning had a bit of the quare stuff and some cream! Just heaven. 18 bikes on a rib back to Ballycastle after the weekend in very windy conditions . The editing in your videos is second to none. Just brilliant. Thank you.
I heard about that RIB while in a pub on Islay. I quite fancy coming over your way on it for a ride.
super film .... having just arrived back from cycling around Canada i need something else to do.
One suggestion - ditch the saddle pack & get a tailfin. Not sponsored by them but they really are so much better than any saddle pack.
Thanks Christopher - that sounds like a heck of a big trip! I looked at Tailfin - rather expensive I thought - and wasn’t sure how well it would work on some real off-road. Until I saw one being used to great effect while riding the Torino Nice Rally.
it was - bl00dy awesome (sorry for the bad language).
Tailfin, sadly are not cheap - i opted for the alloy version. I cant tell you how pleased i am with it regardless of the tarain.
Been looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint - excellent adventure and video. The west coast project sounds great so I look forward to seeing how it develops👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely route hopefully get some nice weather in spring
Just found your channel. Great video, and wonderful views. You have a lovely patter and you sound the spitting image of John Craven! Great channel name as well.
Welcome aboard Tim - and yes, I've been hearing the John Craven comparison since I used to work at the BBC. I even got some reports on Newsround!
Stunning. Inspiring. I’m watching your video in an airplane over Canada but eager to put my feet back on the pedals.
4:52 Can you post a link to this song?
Sorry for the delay - it took a while to get on the right computer and dig out the archive copy. Hopefully, you've landed safely by now 😁. Delighted to hear you're enjoying the videos - so, to the track.
It's a piece of production music registered with the service to which I subscribe - called Motin Array. The track is Wait Forever by Lyoelin and you might find it in other places, but this was my source: motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/wait-forever-1165311/
Glad you like it. I cut together the instrumental and vocal versions so I could add voice over without my words crashing the lyric.
visited Oban from Australia last year- wonderful single malt and the best seafood - great place
I agree!
Looks a good trip goin to plan something similar for may next year
My whole 450ml route and trail-notes booklet will be out on 1st Jan at westcoastcycletrail.co.uk if you want some ideas 😁
Wonderful video! Great adventure. Some beautiful vistas and well done for making it work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great film and adventure! Seems like Spring is the only time to escape the midges? Look forward to the complete route. Hoping to ride the Pictish Way next Spring - at odds with your west coast preference 😁.
There are 2 midge-free seasons each year, of varying length. Late March to early May, then again mid-September to early November. I suppose November to March is also midge free but that's because it's always p++sing down! Have a great ride Adrian
Simon, that was a superb video. You are a very strong rider, albeit a bit younger than me. I have just returned from a Shropshire tourlet on my repurposed fixed wheel Raleigh Magnum. I'll bet you don't remember them. I wouldn't have wanted to ride your adventure on it, that's for sure. Henry.
I don’t - but then I only bought my first road bike in 2008.
I loved this film!
Thanks Wayne
Great video Simon. It brought back some lovely memories for me. I went to Jura (via Islay) in 1999, to climb the paps and my ferry got diverted, so I ended up at Port Ellen instead of Port Askaig. I remember cycling across Islay into a headwind! But on completion of these trips, we look back on them with fond memories, wanting to go again. Thanks for sharing.
When things go wrong the adventure starts! Thanks Graham.
These are your best videos, thanks so much. 👍🏻
These are the ones I enjoy making most. They take a lot of time though, and sky wide occasionally likes to see me at home 😁.
Another cracking adventure, Simon! Your ride along Loch Awe side & around Crinan brought back memories of a holiday from 2 years ago - a gorgeous part of the world. Not been to Islay & Jura yet but they are high up the list. Thanks to your slight misadventures I can see how to improve my planned schedule if I do this route or similar. Many thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it Hugh
Gosh there was some beautiful scenery there, I hope you got enough info to progress your route plan 😍
It’s an amazing art of Scotland, so that bit’s decided. Two more ‘sections’ to explore. Glad you enjoyed it.
Fantastic Simon! Will be interesting to see where this project goes… Will you be able to incorporate more off road gravel to keep motor caravans and motorbikes at bay? 🤞We shall see! 😁
Oh absolutely Peter - that's pretty much the whole idea. As it'll go past my house I have a vested interest in that!
Amazing video, sir. Very happy I discovered and subbed to your channel earlier this year.
Welcome aboard!
I think I'll be returning to that area in the coming spring, your vids never fail to give that spark of inspiration. I struggle badly with midges so spring is pretty much the best time to visit. I rode the Outer Hebs with friends a number of years ago in May, returning to Oban across Skye, Ardnamurchan and Mull. It was magical, great memories!
Sounds great Iain. Yeah, midges are a pain. Glad you're enjoying the videos
Love the vid. The inner Hebrides is some of my favourite cycling.
Honestly though, the one thing we definitely don't need is a formalised route that encourages loads of people to take all the accommodation and ferry space :-(
To say the nc500 is a mixed blessing is something of an understatement. Let's keep some of Scotland for those who know, or those who are at least prepared to put in a little effort to find out.
You’ve given me something to think about Dave - thank you.
@@alwaysanotheradventure
There's never a good answer to this sort of thing. I cycled a big chunk of nc500, and islay/arran/Bute this spring/early summer on a couple of trips. Both were fabulous, but there's something particularly great about the lesser known and travelled areas.
I suspect the camper vans etc will probably be less interested in Argyle whatever attempts are made to popularize it, so it's probably less of an issue than I'm (slightly tongue in cheek) suggesting.
Those of us travelling up from the boiling frog pot of southeast England quite like to find that Ardnamurchan is still at least a little bit off the radar!
I realise of course that my own prejudices and selfish requirements are not in any way representative ;-)
@@pendodave4661 You raise a really good point though - that there are always unintended consequences. And since the draft route goes right past my house, I have a vested interest in getting this right! Crucial is to make it only do-able by cycles, so there'll be some long, easy gravel sections and at least one ferry that doesn't take vehicles.
wow very interesting content friend
Thank you so much 🙂
you're welcome@@alwaysanotheradventure
Love the wander explore adapt and carry on approach. Will be interesting to see how the ultimate route evolves. Bit surprised you were not on the trusty Camino but I suppose reviewing newer bikes is part and parcel of your world. Well done on the long day out that’s a pretty big day shift you put in. Finally what’s the tent looks interesting and what’s that dangly thing on the back of the bike that also is a little intriguing
At any other time I’d be on the Camino but it was nice to have a new bike for a couple of weeks and this route suited it well. The dangly thing is a reflective thingie I made for the TNR and I hope the flapping draws drivers’ attention.
Oh and the tent is a Tarptent Rainbow. I’ve known the guy who started the company since we hiked the Pacific Crest Trail 20 years ago and he (Henry Shires) gave us a prototype of a different shelter to use. There’s a podcast series about the hike and an update with Henry.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks I think I might make my own dangly thing I think it does catch the eye you might have started a trend
@@Grandadgreyhair 😁. I’ve seen people with reflective Pizza slices (they’re not real ones - just triangles) and couldn’t find where to buy them.
I travel all over Argyll and I think I saw you a few days ago, but I can't think where. BTW that hill up from Crinan is a bit of a push up and well worth the effort. Plus, it's a sweet bit of downhill on an MTB :D
I did this 7-10 September, so perhaps you did. Thanks for the info on that climb about Crinan - sounds like I made the right call for this bike.
Well that was entertaining.
Another great Vid. Simon and well done on the ride as well. I did spend a few minutes trying to work out if you'd left the shop price tag on your saddepack but I'm guessing it's for another reason! What a shame your fame (or is it infamy) hasn't stretched far enough to let you muscle onto a distillery tour. Maybe you need to incorporate more whisky sampling in your vids?
😂 I probably should explain that. I made that flappy thing from reflective tape when I did the TNR. I hope the flapping attracts the attention of drivers but have no evidence that it works!!
great content! thanks
Thanks Mark
Thanks for the video ,when do you think you'll publish a complete route ?
No idea Kevin, sorry. It’s just a hobby. I have a rough idea but need to check the whole thing. I’m aiming for the spring.
Thanks
Great video Simon, Islay is a fabulous place.
Thanks very much 😁!
Funny us Americans use the term The weather broke when it clears up .. opposite of your term.. pretty cool eh 😄
Yes the west coast is Great.
Nice video. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Anyone who hasn’t cycled in the lower Hebrides and Kintyre just don’t know what they are missing. Even the roads aren’t too busy. Biggest challenge can be a cancelled ferry . 30 mikes and two/three ferries and I’m there but if a ferried cancelled it can make for a very long detour🤣
As I discovered in that video. 92ml extra.
🤣🤣🤣
Great video Simon! What tyres do you use? I'm looking for a true that covers the terrain you've been on this trip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Hi David - I'm a fan of Panracer Gravel Kings.
The set which came on this bike were the Slicks (claimed 35mm actual 38mm), and they were excellent considering 95% was either on tarmac or very firm tracks. I had previously tried them locally on wet grass and they were all over the place, but it's a small price to pay when you know most of the route will be road. I might get a pair of these for myself but...
...if you think there's a chance for more off-road then the SK TLC versions are my go-to tyre. I used them in this very rough video (ua-cam.com/video/DvRWDZUFdHY/v-deo.html) and I used them for the Torino Nice on very rough ground mixed with tarmac. I talk about them in this video ua-cam.com/video/THkEHtTTpHA/v-deo.html Those tyres pretty much live permanently on my gravel tourer.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thank you so much!
Working my way through several of your great videos. I have a Mull questions about one of those dashed line routes which may or may not exist. Is there a viable route from Loch Buie to Carsaig on the south coast of Mull as looking at the OS map there is a route shown. Asking because I have read that the A849 road to Iona is unpleasant for cycling due to the large number of vehicles heading for Iona on a single track road with passing places and drivers not caring about people on cycles who dare to get in the way. Loch Buie to Carsaig would mean you could miss the Glen More section of the A849.
We’ve ridden to Loch Buie but it’s a dead end for bike. We want to do that walk to Carsaig but a friend, who used to live on Mull, says it’s one of the hardest walks on the island. I haven’t but wouldn’t try it on a bike.
Cheers Simon. You seemed rushed to get to the various destination. Hope you get do it slower next time and get on your fav whisky distillery tour.
You're right Eddie. I realised on Jura I really needed another day - or two!
Hi. Have just discovered your channel and am randomly clicking/watching. And really enjoying it. A random, non cycling question: do you list the accompanying music played as enjoyed that, too. Thanks.
I don’t Andrew because it would be a heck of an admin exercise! If there’s a track you like just ask and I’ll get the details. It all comes from Motion Array - a service I subscribe to for graphics and music.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Simon, that is v kind (it is the track playing over min 13 - 14 that caught my attention) but there is no need to go to so much trouble. - I had assumed you selected the music yourself but can understand that this would be so time consuming. Thanks for the reply, and I’m looking forward to watching more of your existing (and new) videos.
Fantastic video Simon. Your videos are so inspiring. I love the music track at 4.13 when you set off from your first night of camping.
Why not start in Arran,then Islay,Jura,Mull,& syke. I've ridden around,Arran,Mull,& Syke would be epic.
It's an idea Mark, and a few years ago there was a massive bear-bones Audax that started there and covered all of Scotland. The reason not to begin there is mainly transport links - it would take almost a day of travelling to get to the start. (Edit - sorry clicked too early).
I wanted to start somewhere with a good rail service, and both the overnight sleeper and several trains a day head to Fort William. They also have the new bike transport carriages which can carry sixteen bikes!
The service also goes to Oban, so that makes a bail-out point roughly half-way around.
I'm planning a trip.to Arran & Mull in June,don't want to camp because of the midges problem is accommodation Arran is ok,Its mull & skye that are a problem you have to book a year ahead.
If you do go to Arran the Lochranza centre is good.
Simon, are there mountain bike trails?
I'm sure there are some on the islands if that's what you're asking, but I'm not sure where.
What age group are you in ...so inspiring 😊
I'm 65
how long you have been doing it? How long did it take you to develop this channel? inspiring👍👍👍
13th May 2019 is when I uploaded the first video made specifically as a UA-cam film. I wasn't getting much TV work and wanted to keep in touch with camera / editing / production skills. I've been making short videos for TV since I became a BBC TV reporter in July 1983. Yep - I'm that old 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks for that, found you channel today, great job. How many people stand behind your channel? You travelling by yourself, or with cameraman?
@@smoketoomuch81 Just me, no cameraman. How I shoot videos here: tinyurl.com/HowIShoot My channel members contribute ideas, see videos early, and I bounce ideas off them to get a wider perspective.