2024-1 Winter Cycling | Scottish Gravel | Surly Ice Cream Truck

Join me and my Fat Bike for a grand tour of some fine Scottish gravel routes, ridden in winter conditions. I explore mountain passes, cross high cols, ford freezing rivers and undertake portages through wild and unforgiving trackless terrain.

[@graham_ozzy]

Hi Dave great video again well done, thanks for all your hard work and effort put in to the videos Hope you and Mo are both well All the best graham

[@user-uf2ke1lg4b]

Hi Dave see you haven’t posted for a while hope all is well, we enjoy your videos we’re keen fat bikers ourselves we have done a few bike packing trips in Scotland we both like your new fat bike ours are surly to great bikes for loading up. Brian & Sarah

[@Bordercollie520]

Hope you and mo are well, we miss your videos they were always very inspirational, hopefully you will return soon, the smith team Cumbria

[@RHJ-29-6]

Thinking of you both. Hope all is well.

[@karenmacleod6816]

Hope all is well with you and Mo.

[@lilywhalen1140]

I’m so grateful to have come across your channel Dave. I’ve been working my way back through all of your videos. You are a true inspiration. I hope all is well with you and Mo. looking forward to many more adventures with you in 2024.

[@richardwright386]

As amazing as always Dave. Truly inspiring stuff. Thank you! ATB. Richard

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Thank you, Richard. Glad you enjoyed it. Your support and kind comments are very much appreciated. ATB, Dave

[@richardwright386]

Hi Dave. Hope you and Mo are keeping well. Congratulations on getting to 2000 subscribers! Looking forward to the next adventure. ATB

[@graemestrachan7580]

Superb adventure Dave, I’m knackered just watching that.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Good morning, Graeme, glad you enjoyed the adventure; it was a challenging one. ATB, Dave

[@davidginn8448]

Wow, that was a big effort, what an adventure, that would be a challenge for a man half your age. Bloody well done Dave to film it in those conditions as well, you deserve a medal. The new Ice Cream Van worked well and looks really good in that colour (not that you get much choice). Before seeing your old one ,I had not really taken fat tyre bikes seriously, so well done, I now have one on my wish list. Thanks as always for taking us along . Regards Big Dave

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Big Dave, good to hear from you and glad you enjoyed the video. I’d like to have filmed a bit more track-side footage, but with such big distances to cover in the short days of winter, I really had to keep rolling. The new bike served me well and has become my firm favourite machine, certainly for this time of year. Likewise, the new panniers did a sterling job in keeping my winter gear together and safe from the elements. The worst spell of weather was the icy rain in Glen Spean, which I chose not to film. It was thoroughly miserable for a while and I was so glad to climb out of it and back into snow, which eventually gave way to a blink of sunshine. All good fun though and one to look back on when we eventually get to the warm days of summer. I hiked along my local coastline yesterday and it felt springlike at sea-level. ATB, Dave

[@peterharris3096]

Great video, my fatbike has only seen an inch of snow! truly inspiring 😀

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Peter, thanks for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated. Great that you have a fat bike and I hope it brings you lots of fun. Hopefully you get a bit more snow before the winter's over. Keep those chunky tyres rollin'. ATB, Dave

[@vr_gamers8116]

Five days in the saddle in winter and the distance you covered was an awesome effort on your part, Well Done Dave. I watched in two sittings, the logistics and planning of such a trip is in itself quite an undertaking, so again, well done and Thank you for bringing us all along on the journey. Tip of the day, as an endurance adventure cyclist myself, I always take molasses sugar on the longer tougher treks, try it, it's awesome stuff, tastes great in coffee too. ATB Dave.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi, good to hear from you and thank you so much for the lovely comments. You are absolutely right about the planning and logistics for these trips, especially those undertaken in winter. Attempting to keep the weight down yet being prepared and kitted out for all eventualities is a real challenge. Deciding the route (with variations built in) can also take up a huge amount of planning time. I was trying to balance two conflicting (natural) elements; snow and water. As long as the temperatures remained low and the precipitation over the high ground fell as snow, I knew I'd be able to cross the rivers. But, I ran the risk of getting trapped in snow drifts on the high passes. Conversely, mild conditions with associate snowmelt and rain would make the rivers impassable, but, of course, the high passes relatively easy. The long-range forecast predicted modest precipitation (and just one night of gale force winds), so I was fairly confident of my ability to keep going. There was one stage of the route where the potential to get trapped between two rivers existed. I made a conscious decision to cross both rivers on the same afternoon, pedalling hard between them to make sure I didn't get trapped. As it turned out, the water levels were pretty low and my passage relatively easy. Thanks for the tip with molasses sugar. Mo adds some to her porridge in the morning! I will certainly take some on my next trip and try it in my morning coffee for a boost to get me rolling. ATB, Dave

[@bennyraskin]

Dynamite video. I own a Surly too, Disc Trucker, and I love seeing what you can do on them. Great job on the self-supported trip. It's very cool how you documented your adventure. Keep pedaling, Brother!

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Benny, glad you enjoyed the vid. Thanks for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated. The Disc Trucker is an awesome bike. Surly's are just built for adventure. Keep them wheels rollin'. ATB, Dave

[@hikebikescotland9121]

A fantastic adventure Dave - I'm impressed you managed so long out in the winter temps - its hard on you and even the best gear in the world doesn't protect you from the extra calories you need just to fend off the cold, I wasn't surprised you were feeling it at the end - quite the achievement. Great to follow the adventure mentally along paths and tracks I know and some I don't - great choice of route to be sure. Thanks for the shout out its much appreciated and I can see a youtuber meetup (I think thats what the young yins call it) in the future! - Our video from some of the same days is in its final editing stages and will be out soon but I think we started and drove up through that sleet and rain you got caught in.. not ideal but you coped admirably with it. I like the new steed and all the associated bags and panniers - a formidable setup make no mistake!! - I'm thinking of new panniers but my good conscience can't let me buy new ones until the current ones break - unfortunately they are also Ortlieb and currently some 20 years old.. plainly I'll need to be more patient!! Anyway thanks again for sharing and arguably one of your best videos to date and one you'll enjoy watching in future years I don't doubt! - ATB Tom

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Good morning, Tom. Thanks for the lovely comments. A KZbinr meetup sounds like a fun plan. You are totally right about the calories and staying warm. It is interesting when you set out on these multi-day trips, knowing that the only heat and shelter available is that which you generate or provide for yourself. I do find that I warm up as the days progress though, where the memory of a centrally heated house and warm fireside gradually fade, and wrapping up in layer upon layer becomes the norm. The new bike performed admirably and I was pleased with the overall setup. I doubt I'll need to do much tweaking. I opted for super-sized Ortlieb panniers on the rear, just to accommodate the bulkiness of a winter sleep system (and my arctic jacket). I'm reasonably impressed with them, but they are BIG. I currently own three sets of Ortlieb panniers. None of these 'modern' bags, in my estimation, compare with my original set, which I owned and used hard for 20 years or more. The material used in the construction of the new ones seem quite inflexible, especially at low temperatures. I replaced my old rear-roller type bags about 5 years or so ago and managed to put a hole in the new ones on the very first outing. Having said that, I do think they are the 'industry standard' and about the best the market has to offer. I wonder if the cordura versions are worthy of consideration? The bike is running on 4.8's and although this provides a lot of fun and stability, it is perhaps a bit more than required for Scottish trail riding. A Surly Wednesday on 4's would possibly make more sense for Scotland, but I do love the Ice Cream Truck; it has become my all time favourite bike. Interestingly, I felt justified in going full 'fat' because I already own a 29 plus, which I'm running on 2.8's. There were times when I wished I was riding studs, but at around £400 for a pair of studded 4.8's, I'm just not sure they are a worthwhile investment for the odd days we encounter such icy tracks. I did drop the pressure in the front by a fair bit, but eventually added some air again, simply because the trails were rock solid with the cold conditions and the squishy front-end felt very slack on the cornering. I'm looking forward to the release of your next video, to see where your wheels took you and how kind (or otherwise) the weather was during the adventure. ATB, Dave

[@smoggiewalks578]

Welcoming in 2024 with a tough one Dave. Hope Mo was sympathetic when you told her about the slip off the bike at the start. Looking forward to yours and my 2024 adventures. ATB Martin

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Good morning, Martin. Mo and I have some plans for adventuring in 2024 and we hope to take the cameras along. I don’t think I’ll film much of my day trips or easier outings this year but do hope to keep the channel supplied with some decent adventure content. Mo has been away, visiting family for Spring Festival and doesn’t know of my tumble yet. The bruising on my shoulder has more or less gone, so I might avoid a proper telling off :) . Looking forward to glimpses of your own adventures. The days are getting longer and it is still a good while until bug season, so Mo and I might try to cram in a wild country trip. I’m guessing you will venturing north two or three times again this year? Whatever your plans, stay safe and take some photos; I love following your exploits. ATB, Dave

[@smoggiewalks578]

@@daveoutdoorsscotland2854 plans in progress

[@richardwright386]

Really hoping all is well with you Dave ATB Richard

[@stantonimaging]

Dave thoroughly enjoyed this latest trip of yours it's the first time I've seen you look tired and no wonder epic few days. Kinda good to know your human haha 😄 anyway keep up the inspiring videos. Kind Regards David.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Good morning, David. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, this was a quite a tough one at times, especially lugging so much winter gear up the big climbs. All good though and much fun was had exploring the tracks at a quiet time of the year. The new bike also helped to keep a smile on my face. Thanks as ever for viewing and commenting, much appreciated. ATB, Dave

[@hazetheherd2214]

That was some adventure !

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

It was a load of fun, and fair amount of hard work too. Just great to get out at this time of year for an extended trip. Won't be long until the lambing. Trust all is well with you. ATB, Dave

[@joangeddes380]

Awesome adventure 👋🤗🥰👍

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Thanks, Joan. Glad you enjoyed it. ATB, Dave

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

What a great effort Dave in such wild terrain. I feel inspired perhaps for the pro electric bike and wilderness camp in the future. Harry

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Harry, glad you were inspired. I think you'd love some bike adventures. Lots of choice for pro electric bikes these days. I suggest you give Dave from Bothy Bikes a call. He hires out Scott E-Bikes at competitive rates and will point you in the right direction for some good trails in the Cairngorms or Speyside. Trust all is well with you and Helen. ATB, Dave

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

@@daveoutdoorsscotland2854 Thanks Dave, nice to know of the guys at Avimore hire. Was actually more in fantasy mode of the distant future, if only I had time to take regular weekly adventures into the wilderness, alas thtee days a week work, poor health and domestic life with family and dogs that I can't leave with Helen has trapped my ambitions to the ocassional half day but this year I hope it will be different mow that grandson is out of hospital. Kind Regards to you both. Harry 👍

[@BoredManOutdoors]

Goodness me that looked like a challenge, even more so in the freezing weather... I do like the Welly idea, so unconventional but so practical... Tell me, can you share an idea of the route / area please? Thank you very much for sharing your adventure.. 🚴🚴🚴👍

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi, I've done a few 'welly-boot bike trips'. The wellies work well for the bog and river crossings, and for setting up and retrieving the camera when positioning it beyond the track. However, the boots used in this vid are pretty much done (leaking badly through the neoprene uppers), so I'm thinking of a suitable replacement. I have some 'out-of-the-box' thoughts on 'suitable' footwear for similar trips in the future. Regarding the route, I might produce a wee vid detailing the route, gear load-out and review of the bike. Quick summary of the route is: Loch Rannoch to Drumochter via Loch Garry: South to Dalnacardoch then north through Gaik Pass to Tromie Bridge: Tromie to Dalwhinnie on Sustains cycle route: Dalwhinnie to Ericht to Pattack to Earba, to Glen Spean to Ossian and back to Rannoch. ATB, Dave

[@BoredManOutdoors]

@@daveoutdoorsscotland2854 brilliant stuff. Thank you Dave.

[@karenmacleod6816]

Dave, we think you qualify as an "iron man". But we did cheer when we saw John coming around the corner. And nice to meet him again. And knowing how tired you were at that point, I thought you probably cheered too.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Karen and Kit, as always, great to hear from you. Thanks for the lovely compliment; I’m certainly not as tough as I once was, but still possess my Scots tenacity. Yes, indeed, John was a welcome sight coming over the ridge. My first thought was ‘well, the track is not blocked with snow’, quickly followed by gratitude that he had made such an effort to pedal the high pass in such treacherous conditions; the mark of a good man and trusted friend. Hope the Canadian winter is being kind to you. Best wishes, always, Dave

[@robertchappellsnr.5872]

Great trip once again Dave..! Luvin the new steed.!! Wish you would strap a hiking pole to her tho.. Means u kin lean her on it instead of putting her on the ground every time u stop.!!!! 🙏❤️🙏

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Robert, glad you enjoyed the vid. Top tip with the hiking pole, I’ll certainly give it a try. I have one that has a camera Mount on the top of the handle and will try that; a multi-purpose tool. ATB, Dave

[@mo9981]

Your face looked frozen for most of this trip!🤣🤣🤣

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

My face WAS frozen for most of the trip :) Speaking to the camera was surprisingly difficult at times :)

[@richardwright386]

HI Mo. Hope you and Dave are ok. ATB Richard

[@michaelherron4306]

Looks cold, but at least there’s no midges.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Michael, yes, no ticks or midges to worry about on this one :). Thanks for viewing and commenting, very much appreciated. ATB, Dave

[@voicezful]

That looked an arduous journey Dave. I hope you still enjoyed it. Apart from John in the final hours of the trip, did you go the five days without meeting a soul? Often used to meet estate workers, Hydro Board folk, shepherds, gamies, etc - anyone for a five minute blether, but I suppose the isolation sometimes is the journey. Great video, will watch this one again. Cheers!

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Andrew, good to hear from you. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I tried to restrict my trackside filming to a few scenes each day, allowing more time for the cycling and navigating etc. So, not too much stress involved in this journey. I hardly saw a single soul the entire trip. Certainly the remote glens were empty and even on the cycleway, I did not encounter anyone. I saw some estate workers (in a truck) on the track near Tromie Bridge and again close the Alder lodge. Oh, and also a couple in a car in Glen Spean, who seemed confused when I told them were driving on a private road!. I didn't chat with anyone in the hills at all, until I met with John. The solitude was bliss. ATB, Dave

[@alanhanley9515]

Hi Dave, marvellous vid as ever. Could you recommend a long weekend winter route for a Fatbike say 3 days or so, avoiding too much technical if possible. Hope not a liberty but your local knowledge beats my online research hands down. Thanks

[@KevinFindlater]

Cracking video and a real tough adventure Dave. Did you record the route on Komoot or similar? Thanks again for sharing.

[@daveoutdoorsscotland2854]

Hi Kevin, I didn't record the route. If you are interested in following it, please check out the reply I gave to @boredmanoutdoors and you should be able to plot it quite easily on the OS map. If you have any follow up questions, please don't hesitate to get back to me. You will note on the OS map that the route is discontinuous, requiring some navigational skills and an ability to portage the bike across sections of rough terrain.ATB, Dave

[@KevinFindlater]

Thanks Dave👍

[@naldovaz9157]

l have the same lcecream Truck and that is the pace l know, bike is not so fast but rolls along and climbs pretty good

[@gb-jk7sx]

Dave hope your well was looking for new videos have you packed it in or what ?