BIKEPACKING A BRUTAL WELSH EPIC

In todays bikepacking video i take on an incredibly brutal welsh adventure, i tried to make an epic hard rugged but beautiful welsh bikepacking route around 500 miles lets see how it went shall we.
The ride - / strava
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If you enjoy the content on this channel and would like to help the adventures continue then head over to my buymeacoffee page where you can buy me a ginsters if you like :D www.buymeacoff...
The gear i am currently using
The tent - • ALPKIT SOLOIST FINAL T...
Framebag - • BIKEPACKING FRAME BAG ...
Seatpost bag - • TOPEAK BACKLOADER 10L ...
Jones Handlebars - • THE JONES H-BAR - BIKE...
Gravel bike - • SONDER CAMINO UPDATE B...
plus bike mtb - • BOMBTRACK BEYOND PLUS ...
gps device - • GARMN EDGE 830 - LIKES...
mtb shoes - • SHIMANO ME7 FIRST LOOK...
All the gear from GNT - • ALL THE GEAR FROM THE ...
Vest bag - • DECATHLON EVIDICT 10l ...
Ortleib bar roll • ORTLEIB HANDLEBAR ROLL...
Dynamo setup - • BIKEPACKING WITH A DYN...
Questions answered - • KEEP SMILING ADVENTURE...
Gb divide bike/gear- • THE GB DIVIDE - BIKE/G...

[@pedallinraw]

That’s soggy…🤗nice work Josh 🙂🤘🏻👊🏻

[@thehairybikepackers8131]

When you ride in wales you understand why it was conquered a thousand years later than the rest of Britain

[@TubeAddict999]

Good darts throwing 👏🏼

[@Grumpycyclist1983]

Fairplay to. These hills are brutal

[@Gee-Man-Adventures]

I rode from Machynlleth to Hereford years ago. The weather was just like in your video. I remember hugging a hand dryer in a public toilet for an hour trying to fend off hypothermia 😅. In Wales, when the weather is bad, it's terrible. Well done for getting as far as you did.

[@simonwiltshire]

Great video as always josh, thanks, loved it.

[@timsmart5887]

Wicked video Josh. Inspiring stuff. Goodness that looked brutal, you did well to get that far but treat yourself to a little camp mat, that would surely ease the suffering a tad.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Great adventure. The Welsh mountain never fail to please and hit you hard at the same time.

[@jonnytrueblue8407]

As my mam-gu used to say, ‘never goes 2 days without rain in Wales’ !

[@TubeAddict999]

35:03 "Nature always wins in the end, it's just a question of how long you can hold out" Andy Parsons

[@chrissywissythewishwishfairy]

You are as hard as nails mate!

[@samcaws7920]

One day I’ll see one of these videos and there won’t be a reference to the ‘Welsh weather’. Like it’s raining in Powys but Shropshire is a sweltering 30C. If it’s not raining it’s ‘can’t believe it, it’s the one day in Wales when it’s sunny LOL’.

[@Jonathan_Williams]

Welsh weather is so unpredictable. That decent into Elan with the rainbow would have been a happy time for me though and I'll bet that half an hour after your bearings gave up the sun came out!

[@Jonathan_Williams]

Oh, and the place that is not named. Just call it Mach.

[@greghart6310]

"It is actually summer " - rain intensifies. Bloomin UK! Can't believe I've chosen to move there next year from South Africa (360 days sun a year) - go figure!!???

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

😂😂 make sure you get a good waterproof jacket

[@dalj4362]

Lmao, your encounters with cows always crack me up. Seems to be the all black cows that are more unpredictable. It must be that breed of cow. Makes good viewing though. Loved it as always 😅👍

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Another word for wet? Wales! Although to be fare its everywhere. Just about to watch this Josh. Thanks man.

[@danfresca8033]

Tip for cows - make yourself big, grab a branch if there is one, roar.

[@cyclops60]

Fantastic effort to keep going as long as you did in those conditions, well done!

[@richtourist]

Thanks for another great video. Even when you have to give in to the forces of Nature it's still very inspiring for us mere mortals. Encouraged me out on my bike today.

[@Mel1175]

I have followed you for some time now I don’t comment but oh I think I have done but anyway lol I take my hat off to you Josh respect! 🤘🏻

[@addict2athlete]

You kept your cool with those cows haha! I would've panicked!

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

Aha scary cows

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice one Josh. Wales is a beautiful place but hard going as you found out. As for the weather I have it on good authority that the Sun will shine again One day:)

[@philc1234567]

That’s a tough trip! Great video as always. We’re on a bikepacking trip sat in a pub on Dartmoor discussing your channel. We’re wondering, when you’re not bikepacking, what do you do for a living or is KZbin a job?

[@sketchy1792]

24:21 *cough* Elan valley - Err, Sunken Road...... you can more wet!

[@niranlh]

Deepest respect riding solo and with no sleeping mat in those conditions. Did the Trans Cambrian way in similar conditions last weekend. Wales is brutal with it’s relentless up downs then if the weather is bad😢. Look forward to you finishing the trip in perfect conditions 😂

[@AB-qp6yj]

Great video. Those cows were young male called heifers. Commonly referred to,in the valleys,as little effers. They are very playful and as you experienced will run along with you. Best approach is to walk slow and they will come up close and have a sniff and as you see one sudden movement from you'll they will scater. But will regroup and come back. But be very wary if their mothers are there and avoid getting in between them.

[@homestead.smallholding]

Heifer is a young female that hasn't yet had a calf, bullock is a young castrated male

[@stephenking2218]

Now that was an Adventure, watch out for the ORKS, when you return, brill.

[@cooperswayadventures]

Great route glad your back on it, can't find route on Strava?

[@emerald-islander]

StopSmilingAdventure😂 total wash out Josh

[@Jason-rk4xc]

Mate, you need to stop coming to Wales. The weather’s great until you turn up.

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

Sorry 😂

[@davidharris4062]

Reason why U.K. special forces use the Beacons and the Green Desert for training, mountain not high, but conditions change in an instant.Llust Wen Res is one of my regular walks, the area locally is known as Little Moscow, it is always an overcoat colder and when the pits were open the Union lodges were full of communists 😂go in the autumn, mid September, weather usually better

[@whichypoohs]

You are amazing. Thanks for the great content 😊

[@daibolical8532]

Epic adventure that, was great seeing my local area around Mountain Ash and Llanwonno too.

[@garthrallysport]

You rode past my house 😀

[@francisday3187]

That certainly did look brutal! Well done on getting as far as you did. Can't help gear failure. Looking forward to seeing you complete in the sequel. 🇦🇺

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Great trip and love seeing more Cambrian Mountain visits. Such a great part of Wales. Do you have a video detailing the kit you use?

[@1ytt742]

Did you just go over the toll bridge to Barmouth to get a train home? Then you missed the Mawddach Estuary. Very flat and easy riding with a very good view all the way to Dolgellau where the cycleway takes you very near to a bike shop where you might have been able to get sorted. I hope you do go back for another go in better weather.

[@petebaumbach7944]

as someone who does a little bike-packing and few miles ........... respect to you , don't know how you manage it , rgds Pete

[@markjthomson]

lol... the cattle... they are incredibly curious but way more stupid than most 4 legged animals!

[@Paul-go8nw]

Hats of to you for completing that Welsh epic ride in such bad weather conditions. You are well disciplined and determined to complete course, despite feeling unwell Athough, thoroughly enjoyed watching the adventure.

[@TubeAddict999]

Can you do a video on the clothing that you use. Brand that you like and why. What materials do you buy and don't? Merino, bamboo? Have you found anywhere to get good deals please as lots of gear is so so expensive. Thanks 😊

[@johnbruce949]

Epic video again. Josh I noticed you’re wearing a knee support. Having had surgery and rehab on mine, can I suggest you buy one with a hole in the front where your patella is? On the advice of my senior physiotherapist, wearing one that compresses the patella can cause long term issues and further pain. Cheers, J

[@gerrywarren2625]

I get the challenge, but surely not one ounce of pleasure can be extracted from that ride? Every mile looked brutal. But 70 miles in one day in those conditions is epic, Josh

[@alexwall6962]

I really enjoy watching your videos. You’re an absolute stud for dealing with all the rain, which seems to happen more often than not!

[@wendyweeks9080]

Josh your attitude always wins in these challenges against nature. You test yourself, and nature wins sometimes.

[@Grandadgreyhair]

I was looking at a map of our national parks and mentally thinking where I have ridden in each, then I thought who would be mad enough to do all of them in one go? Unfortunately you sprang to mind with your amazing rides. Not sure which would be the best order but I’m sure you would be the first

[@gravelbikemark]

I reckon them cows wanted your Ginsters lol Great ride you are resilient Josh

[@TubeAddict999]

How do you deal with wet feet after you've waded through a stream and your feet and shoes are soaked! Do you wait until you set up camp to sort them? How do you dry your shoes, socks etc. Do you use talc etc etc 😊

[@pauledgerton1759]

Good philosophy Josh. Nature is always the winner. Is Nant Rhys bothy easy enough to find?

[@richardwebb5317]

Cattle eh... terrified of a single soggy bikepacker.

[@scottjones9362]

In Wales, we know its summer when the rain is a little warmer. Whatever you earned from this video, it wasn't enough!

[@kevindean9613]

On your bombtrack do you have your saddle level with the Jones bar ?

[@garphykeks]

#stoic💪👊 Well played dude! Not a failure, but a challenge to completed later👌😎👏

[@damedavidfrith55]

Wow you is a true legend,you will be back doing the things us mere mortals dream of doing 🎉

[@LancashireLarks]

Haha how did ya scare the cows off !

[@simonk337]

Gotta be the worst July ever. Kudos to you tho. I'd have turned around on day 1…

[@TheCoopsvids]

Well done Josh not a failure at all mate 👍🏻🚴

[@greghart6310]

Great effort! What a fantastic outing!

[@CMZPICTURES]

Awesome video. Really inspiring! We had great weather (high pressure) for about a month in late may/june, but its been wet since then. The good thing about the high pressures is they tend to stick around when they do show up.

[@sasakontour]

I loved the Sheep Scene and the fantastic view afterwards and the sun came out, for a few seconds. :D Such a nice video, thanks a lot for taking us with you. It seemed really hard, but you did it!!

[@Brackers64]

Great summary Josh, as an ex pat living in Canada I was so excited to see my home town and valley at the start of the ride. Wales can be a tough one, looking forward to a re-match when you get to it. Cheers Bob...

[@CirrusRC]

Do you not even use an ultralight mat? Your back must be made out of rubber. 😂

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

Nope

[@fishmaster1960]

I don't think there's many who would of used the word kerfuffle in that situation 😂 your the perfect example of mind over matter, an example to us all of what is possible if we step out of our comfort zone.

[@stjohncycling5879]

Shame you had to cut short Josh , great video and content. Really enjoy following you , Chapeau! For getting that far and good luck on your return

[@davidedwards4676]

Incrediable miles Josh, ultra distance you make it look easy but we all know its far from that well done again.

[@TheDaveswift]

Sat in my conservatory with the rain hammering down watching this video, so glad i'm not our there wet and cold, great respect for what you achieve. 🙏

[@jahloza]

Good effort mate, good work keeping your spirits up in the face of that weather and luck, and thanks for the film

[@damianmazek9311]

Hi dude, this is brutal what you did ! Do you can make an video about your recording and bike gear please?

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

All gear is in video description

[@damianmazek9311]

Do you record your videos using dji osmo action 1 x2 ?

[@giuliabalbinot4930]

HI! I started watching your videos a few months ago and you've been so inspiring. In fact I decided to come in August to take a long trip alone around England with my tent and my bike. It will be my first experience so I would like to ask you for some suggestions: how do you secure the bike during the night? how do you plan the places to sleep? I know there are areas where wild camping is tolerated.. do you have any tips on how to find them?

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

I don't really do anything special just attach the bike to the tent with one of the guy lines, as long as you set up late and leave early. you are very unlikely to be stumbled upon as long as you are not camping on the actual trail. Its a bit easier to find places to camp off road so if you are looking for somewhere hear off down a bridal way

[@giuliabalbinot4930]

@@KeepSmilingAdventures Oh, I was hoping that, great news! Can I also ask how you get water during the trip? are there maps or app where the fountains are marked? thank you! your answer just change my day 🥰

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

@@giuliabalbinot4930 we don't really have to many fountains unfortunately, I use a filter (beefree filter) to collect water as much as a can. You can always pop into village pubs though.

[@giuliabalbinot4930]

@@KeepSmilingAdventures thank you very much. I’ll buy it!

[@nickholmes2464]

Ma hunt lith

[@leestephenson4083]

Great video as always mate and it just means you will have to return again

[@arlenegariepy8957]

Nothing like a good hard shlogg to clear the brain!! :) :)

[@igoretxeberriazuazo7727]

Here Igor from The Basque Country. Thank you for these inspirational videos. Music is relaxing and your coutryside beautiful. We dream about those journeys 😊😊😊

[@igoretxeberriazuazo7727]

And the English classes are very valuable too 😊😊😊

[@whichypoohs]

I’d love to read a book by you. What bike? What waterproofs do you wear, and how do you build up reserves to face these challenges?

[@richtourist]

A book would be great... "Keep Smilling with 52 Teeth - A Bikepacker's tale"

[@tonyfrewin4822]

I think Josh wears a Patagonia Torrent jacket. Hope that helps. Looking for one for myself at a reasonable price for LEJOG.

[@whichypoohs]

@@tonyfrewin4822 thank you, it wouldn’t a book be awesome?

[@tonyfrewin4822]

@@whichypoohs yes, Josh is a brilliant cyclist and he does some amazing adventures 👍

[@ianphillips765]

Great video , and what lovely weather 😂😂.

[@whichypoohs]

Gwynfe my ancestral home ❤

[@mparf4426]

You did well to get that far in those conditions!!! The route looks amazing, any chance we can see it on your Komoot profile?

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

When I've ridden the rest and made changes as needed it will be available

[@mparf4426]

@@KeepSmilingAdventures looking forward to it, you could be the founder of the Wales equivalent of the HT550??

[@nobbystyles4807]

ive gotta ask about them handle bars man.... whats the deal? ive been looking a gravel bike but the traditional drop bars work for me as a roadie. any benefit?

[@paulannable3734]

Great! You really do suffer for your cycling - one look at the weather forecast and I’d have bailed. I look forward to your return to this trail.