Bikepacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains | Day 1 of 3 | The Monster

[@tysonm2525]

Great story telling cohesion!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Glad you enjoyed it! - Jay

[@jimbojet8728]

Well done fellas, that was a trial and you succeeded ! Good vid too. Thank you.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@Jimbojet - Thank you! - Jay

[@TheTrakker]

Awesome video! I'm waiting for a little warmer weather to try it out myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

I don't blame you! Let us know if you get out there and what your experience is! - Jay

[@gravelcompromise7935]

Well done guys - epic adventure! We completed our first trip in 2020 as well and we're definitely hooked.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Awesome to hear! Glad you gave it a go and decided to do more! - Jay

[@KentuckyCycling]

Super awesome production quality of what looked like a grueling first day of your adventure.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a tough but rewarding day 1. - Jay

[@odd_job_007]

Fantastic! Love that lady's accent on the horse 🤣

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Us too! + If you look closely, I think she was riding a mule! She was quite unique and a fun encounter. - Eddie

[@hikingff77]

Good video. I'm ready to pack my crap and go right now. I am longing for Spring watching this. Warm days in the mountains with blue skies, it's currently dumping snow out right now so it's hard to envision the weather in this video.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Us too! Another mountain adventure trip coming up! - Eddie

[@alexmorgan3435]

This reminds me of City Slickers. Very well shot and edited.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@Alex - Thank you for the feedback! - Jay

[@matthiaskenton7862]

wow your editing is incredible and I will certainly keep watching.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome to the channel! - Jay

[@mcvisser1]

great footage, great journey!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@Michiel - Glad you enjoyed the trip. - Jay

[@iamjessieray]

Nice, I live in the area and plan to do some biking on the AT, though it will be just however far I think I can get in 1 day and then turn around and go back. My bike also doesn't have those huge tires on it and I won't be packing stuff in a backpack other than maybe a camel back so probably easier for me.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Have fun! -Eddie

[@bikedad7432]

I really enjoyed this video. Well done you two! Keep On Riding! 🚲

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thank you Bike Dad. We're glad that you enjoyed the video! We will :) - Jay

[@clayguinard3651]

Great video

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thanks!

[@TaivalOutdoors]

Got some bear protection or what in that Hill People Gear Kit Bag? Great ride!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

:) - Thanks for the comment! - Jay

[@kninetranr1]

Hello Guys thank you for sharing your journey with us . It takes a lot of time to do what you do editing film etc. Thank you . How did you map out your route ?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thank you, Kenneth! For track editing, I used Garmin BaseCamp. For points of interest (rest stops, re-supply) - you just can beat the current information in Google Maps. I also used Google Earth Pro for elevation profiling and virtual fly-overs to get the "feel" of the ride before doing it. Finally - I exported the route to Natural Atlas to have the track on my phone for use on the trail. I also exported the track to my Wahoo Elemnt for backup track navigation. -Eddie

[@czechnolike]

That's some great video editing

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thanks! Jay's really good. Much better than I am! - Eddie

[@drhisenberg6297]

Its awesome video guys wish i could join ya sending regards to u from the Philippines ❤️

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@Dr Hisenberg - Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the note. - Jay

[@robertbotta6536]

Great video gentlemen. Thank you. Hey I dig that hydration pack with the zippered pouch in front. Do you mind telling me the brand?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Hi! The front chest bag is made by Hill People Gear. Thanks! - Jay

[@Outsideville]

I was looking for folks that have done trips around the Carolinas for me to take on my gravel bike. This ain't it. I'd just be hiking the whole time. But fun watching you guys.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

We did hike quite a bit - but I'd guess only about 10% of the 83 miles. We mostly hiked when the grade was 12% or greater. Sure, we could have sat in our seats and pedaled away in granny gear - but it was faster to walk actually! -Eddie

[@KB-ce7gf]

Great video guys. This is exactly why I've got a fat bike. I love Va. for the outdoors. Is there any chance of getting GPS tracks for this? I would love to do this ride for my first RETIREMENT ride this year. You guys did a fantastic job with the whole prep, riding, filming, editing and narration. I will definitely watch more and sub. Thanks for your time and efforts to make and post.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thanks for the comment - shoot us direct message on InstaGram and we should be able to get you the GPS tracks. - Jay

[@Rfighter7]

This was dope!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Glad you enjoyed it. Day 2 upcoming! - Jay

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

" I would be dead on my bicycle in 30 minutes" Love that comment from the horse back rider. At least she knows ;)

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

We loved that too! - Jay

[@myfrequencies1912]

Good lord give me ANY type of bicycle over a horse, any day. For comfort, safety, sanity....

[@TapioBlue]

Can't wait for further episodes. When did you do the trip?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Glad you enjoyed it! Day 2 is coming by this weekend. We went on this adventure in the Spring. - Jay

[@allenjanes5976]

Hmm. Ya got a new sub'r. Nice job

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Welcome aboard! - Eddie

[@mswarrior932]

Hey guys great video!! Just love the scenery and them fat tires!! 🤣😂 and them birds!!🦜🐦 Sounded a lot like here, I subscribed. will you?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

We love some fat tire riding! - Jay

[@mswarrior932]

@@SimplyMountainBiking it looks like so much fun I'm going to have to get myself a fat bike!!!

[@kencrossman3634]

Really enjoyed your video I also ride in that area a lot but have never done that route to New River Is your route posted anywhere Thank

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Ken - glad to hear you enjoyed the video. More to come! If you want to direct message us your email address on instagram or reddit, we can send over the .gpx files. - Jay

[@SethGrant35]

Amazing

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Thanks!

[@jacoblovell3966]

Im going to school and hunting in Damascus, where the Jefferson crosses into Tennessee and becomes the "Cherokee" national forest. looking at starting to use bikes to access public hunting land and get an edge over my fellow hunters. how difficult would you say the trails are in SW va are to traverse with a bike vs. on foot

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

The southern half of the IMT is quite rugged and a bike didn't make much difference for us - we walked a lot of it! -Eddie

[@michaelrabago5539]

Looks like a lot of fun,how hard is it to climb uphill on a fat bike and what type of bikes are you riding.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

It was a lot of fun! Climbing on a fat bike is 5-10% harder - using my unqualified human perception. I don't mind it because it pays off in so many other ways. Besides - one of the reasons I love MTB is the fitness aspect - so making it a bit harder just means I'm getting a better workout! Jay's on a Rubber Side Down (RSD) Mayor and I am on a Trek Farley. -Eddie

[@lindatisue733]

Can't imagine driving my bike in a 4X4 to go biking....

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Haha. I've had my Tundra in some rough spots - but at 6,000lbs, I wouldn't use it as my 4X4 of choice! - Eddie

[@KGB1965722]

That was so cool!!! I've been debating between a MTB or fat tire bike to compliment my gravel bike. This video has tipped the scale towards fat tire bike in a big way. This is exactly the type of trip I want to do. Just sent a link to this video to my buddy/partner in crime. What was the pack with what looked like a map pocket attachment in the front?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

I think you'll love a fat bike! The chest pack I was using is made by Hill People Gear "Runner's Kit Bag". - Jay

[@dragonphotostudio]

This looks like a great trip. Do you have a sharable route?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@Dragon Studio - Sure - shoot us a direct message on Instagram or Reddit with your email address and we'll send over the gpx files. - Jay

[@thezonemtb]

I"m interested in bike packing and the shelter intriged me. Was it not good enough to stay in? I'm asking because you set up a tent outside.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

This shelter smelled pretty strong of urine. I usually don't sleep in shelters when back/bike packing because this is often the case. Some people must think it funny to pee where others are likely to sleep. -Eddie

[@thezonemtb]

@@SimplyMountainBiking That figures. I was asking because there are some new 1/2 shelters that are pretty open at Hobbs State Park in NW Arkansas that look decent when I mountainbike past them. But a full shelter caught my eye. It's a shame people do things like that.

[@HD46409]

Chestpack carry? Don't know if I'd do that on a bike because of the hunched over position. How did it work?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Chestpack worked fine, though I usually wear it for quick access to my phone and spare batteries :) - Jay

[@baddnoise]

This is practically in my back yard! this is awesome! also what if you don’t mind me asking what camera/lens do you use to get that cinematic view?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Brady - glad you enjoyed the edit! 90% of the footage was shot on GoPro 8s - the cinematic crop was done in post production. Thanks! - Jay

[@samdill4396]

Could you have done this trail with a dirt or mini bike

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Yep! You'd have to do a little research to see if there are sections off limits for motorized vehicles, but we saw some dirt bikes on the Iron Mountain Trail out of Damascus- I think they are allowed for the first ~20miles or so. - Jay

[@irishman3375]

Nicely done, I'm preparing to do the CT in August, building out my gear at this point. Will do a few 2-3 day trips before the CT, watch'n and learn'n from these videos. What time of year did you do this ? Thanks for the effort and video.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Hello, Irishman! We did this trip in the spring. - Eddie

[@blain5827]

Looking at your route online, leaving Damascus was bikes permitted on that route? It doesn’t seem to register as a bike trail?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Yes! In fact, riding North is open to horse, dirt bike, mountain bike, hike, etc. That end of the IMT is one of the most 'open' trails I've ever researched and ridden. Riding South, however, is a different story. Hike only. -Eddie

[@mswarrior932]

☠️skulls gap☠️. 🚴🚴🚴

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

:) - Jay

[@experiFilm]

Omg that lady had Sandy's voice from Spongebob

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

😃 - thanks for watching! - Jay

[@sawyercampbell5333]

Sweet trip! What chest pack are you using? Thanks!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Hey Sawyer, the chest pack is made by Hill People Gear. - Jay

[@bencritchlow5421]

Do you have the route you took saved to trailforks or any kind of gps mapping app? I would love to get it it from you. My brother in law lives in abingdon and we are going to run this!! Thanks

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Sorry for the delay. Yes - shoot us a message on Instagram. - Jay

[@TheAyotteMan]

Watching you video now. Great perspective!! Do you think the fat tires bike was a good choice? I am considering a used fat tire in my area for the same bike packing purpose so your opinion is gold right now!!

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Yes! When you have a loaded-down (70lb in my case) bike, it's good to have the extra rubber to help float over mud, loose rocks, and leaves/twigs on some of the lesser ridden routes. - Eddie

[@TheAyotteMan]

@@SimplyMountainBiking Thanks for the response. Salsa Mukluk is on my menu!

[@paulnam4488]

An original Salsa Mukluk from 2012 is my go to camping bike. 👍 Built to last.

[@iynvfy1536]

Are they on e bikes and didn’t mention it?

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Haha - at times, I wished! -Eddie

[@iynvfy1536]

@@SimplyMountainBiking Haha yeah you guys were gettin it!!!!

[@flexmtb]

Those poor horses. On a serious note.... What amazing editing/cinematography. What cameras did you use? Cellphone/gopro? Really really well done. #impressed

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@AH Imaging - Thank you for your comment. For cameras on our bikepacking adventures we're primarily using GoPros, iPhones and a DJI Mavic Air 2. In this series there are a couple DSLR shots, but I do not plan to bring a DSLR on future trips. - Jay

[@flexmtb]

@@SimplyMountainBiking awesome. Really well executed gentlemen. Probably the best bike packing footage out there.

[@bradfordwetmore]

@@SimplyMountainBiking How much time did you spend shooting vs riding? I'd be more worried about riding in darkness because I was so busy setting up shots throughout the day.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@@bradfordwetmore We tried our best to organically build it in from each other's perspectives. There weren't too many static shots - those take time to set up. Thanks for watching! -Eddie

[@bradfordwetmore]

@@SimplyMountainBiking But they were definitely noticed and appreciated, e.g. hike-a-biking the hills or crossing the creeks. Well done.

[@stackingdimes6939]

Why didn’t you use mountain e bikes those are pavement bikes. Good video thanks.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

Pavement bikes?! Haha - my Farley is certainly not. Anyway, eBikes aren't allowed on most national forest trails on the east coast. -Eddie

[@dba4a6d76]

This seems atypical...60 pounds of gear for an 80 mile trip. 3 days seems usually long for such a short trip even with the 10k of climbing. Fat Bike not the best choice.

[@SimplyMountainBiking]

@DBA4A6 - Thank you for your comment. I carried about 35 pounds of gear - the same items I would take if backpacking for 3-4 days (of which I have 30+ years of experience and hundreds of miles on foot). Have you watched my bikepacking setup video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnJYoxropdsfZY I would love it if you would and comment what you would have left behind. I'd be grateful for your perspective on what items were superfluous. Thanks for the input! - Eddie

[@keithkreatives]

Pretty sure the 60lbs was including the bike. Perhaps the OP could clarify. In that case, 60lbs for a fat bike and gear is not out of the norm.