Bikepacking the Way of the Roses

Me and 4 mates set off from Bridlington on a bikepacking tour of the Way of the Roses, hoping to get to Morecambe 3 days later. What could possibly go wrong?

[@svengalil]

Some good banter, can't beat a bike trip with mates.

[@davidbenson735]

Yeah, they're a great bunch to go bikepacking with, never a dull moment. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy cycling 🚲

[@GOBBYBOY333]

What a Grand trip I say, both enjoyable for you lads and for me watching. Some of those climbs were brutal, but ya didnee give up. Thanks for going to the trouble of sharing ATB Big Dave Scotland

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks a lot Big Dave in Scotland. The ride was tough but super enjoyable. Knowing that people like you enjoy the videos spurs me on to make more. Thanks again...👍🏻

[@stevekas3469]

Thanks Dave, great video footage. Very inspirational what a good group of Guys. Keep them coming.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching and commenting Steve. Yeah, it was a great adventure and made special by the group I was cycling with. Happy cycling...🚴🏼

[@daviddowey8790]

Really lovely coverage of your trip. Looked fantastic. Roll on May

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting. I hope you have as much fun as we did when you do the trip next May. Happy cycling...🚴🏼

[@jasonglenn4965]

Really enjoyed watching your video, spot on. 👍

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. All the best...🚴🏼

[@CaptBongo]

Morning and greetings from South Texas. Thank you very much for your posting. What a fantastic journey. I do envy y'all.

[@davidbenson735]

Hi there Capt. Bongo. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. We had a blast doing this ride, it was great fun...👍🏻

[@CrosbyCyclist]

Inspirational video you made it look so easy done some rides around that area staying at camp sites but never linked them all together to do C2C…. maybe after watching you trip. Well done all 👏👏

[@davidbenson735]

Thank you very much. I've just found your channel and I'm enjoying watching your videos, they are very well put together. I love all the different camera angles, transitions, split screens etc. Thanks again...👍🏻

[@marknolan5438]

As a Chester exile, thirty years in Chicago, I love your videos, whilst they do make me homesick at times, they are so inspirational, thanks so much for all you share!

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much Mark. It's great to hear that you're enjoying "The Old Bloke on a Bike" videos. It started out as a way of simply recording my rides, and it now gives me a lot pleasure knowing that people, like yourself, are getting enjoyment from them as well. Hopefully more videos to come.

[@ronpowell6372]

Cracking post. Loving your vids on routes and accessible camp sites…nice and relaxed and a good camaraderie reminds me of my old CTC days. Heading off from Doncaster to Hornsea on Wednesday myself this week. Overnight camp. Using Atwick as a base and cycling to Whitby on day 2 and back home on day 3. None of your modern gravel bikes tho I’m doing it on a 30 year old Dawes Galaxy tourer. Keep posting though mucka. Ron

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks a lot Ron. That sounds like an interesting few days cycling. I once had a Dawes Galaxy steel framed bike with shifters on the downtube that you you moved back and forwards to find the gear you wanted. It was a cracking bike and I loved it. Have a great trip...🚴🏻‍♂️

[@ronpowell6372]

Mine originally had the down tube shifters but they were indexed over the years I've moved to flat handlebars due to hip n back problems but still love riding that bike

[@davidbenson735]

I've just remembered something else about my Dawes Galaxy. It had those weird additional brake levers that came across the front of the handlebars. That way you could apply the brakes without taking your hands off the tops of the bars. I wonder why we don't see them anymore? 🤔

[@allisonjslehtinen9517]

Loved watching this, you have inspired me to do this!

[@davidbenson735]

I'm so pleased I have inspired you to do this route. Good luck when you do it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Thanks for watching the video and commenting.

[@paulaball1098]

I really enjoyed watching your video. We plan on doing this route but from Morecombe to Briddlington and look forward seeing it from the bikers views.

[@davidbenson735]

Thank you for watching my video and commenting. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun doing the ride and making the video. All the best for when you do it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. Cheers...🚲

[@waynehiggs6529]

Excellent video and beautiful scenery along the way. I watched the Wiltshire man and his mate Dave do the same trip but in opposite direction the other day but they did it on brompton bikes,I think it would have been easier on your set up. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Australia

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much Wayne. Yeah I watched his video too, very interesting seeing my journey in the opposite direction. You're right, easier on our gravel bikes with low gearing. I was impressed that they did it on Bromptons...👏🏻 Glad you enjoyed my video. Cheers...👍🏻

[@Eric-rt6tg]

What a great trip, beautiful scenery and excellent company having a fantastic couple of days cycling. Looking forward to your next one. Thanks.👌👍💪🏻

[@davidbenson735]

Cheers Eric. Thanks for your lovely comments. Hopefully more videos to come...🤞🏻

[@marksadventures3889]

That were reet lads. I live 35 miles from Morcambe and it's favourite place to go for a Sunday jaunt - chippie tea and a cheeky one, then back home to the Forest of Bowland - it's proper bonny here, there's some good rides about - very popular with cycle clubs. Great video. Oh aye I've subbed thee as well.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it. You are very lucky living in such a beautiful area. As for Morecambe, if you want a good cheap breakfast then try Rita's Cafe on the front. All the best and happy bikepacking...👍🏻

[@Tomanart]

Great video and an excellent cycling effort too. It’s got me thinking about cycling this same journey in 2024 although I’m not sure which direction, I live in Manchester. Well done to you all😊

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting. We decided to do E to W due to past problems getting back home on the trains. It seemed easier getting to the start at Bridlington by train and then finishing in Morecambe, where we camped overnight and cycled home from the next day (we live in Warrington & Manchester). It meant that we didn't have to make it for a specific train at the end of the journey, and that took a lot of pressure off, knowing that sometimes things can happen that delay your progress along the route. Going E to W is very well signposted (we didn't have any problems with that) but it should be noted that the hillier part of the route comes in the second half when you might be tiring. Anyway, whichever direction you choose, have a good trip when you do it. All the best...🚴🏼

[@Tomanart]

@@davidbenson735 Thanks for your great advice, it’s much appreciated 😊

[@Tom_Emody]

Thanks y’all. I felt like part of the gang! Good times….I’m grateful that you shared this.

[@davidbenson735]

Thank a lot Tom. I'm looking forward to another trip with this gang, it was great fun. Cheers...👍🏻

[@Tom_Emody]

@@davidbenson735 many thanks, and likewise! I’m looking forward to the next one whenever it comes along…video that is….

[@davidbenson735]

Cheers Tom...👍🏻

[@stevenorris575]

Looks like a great few days ride Dave, thanks for the inspiration!

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks Steve. It's been on my list of routes for a while now and I'm really glad I've had the opportunity to do it. Hope you get the chance to do it too. Happy cycling, Dave.

[@colinwellman9480]

Cracking trip, such beautiful countryside. I was born in London and never realised how lovely it was 'up north' until my firm sent me to Gargrave for a month. I had plenty of evenings to explore, sadly not on my bike. It felt like paradise. Thanks for taking us along.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks Colin, glad you enjoyed "coming along" on our ride. You are right, it's definitely not grim "up north". Cheers...😀

[@TheGggnome]

I've just finished watching your entire catalogue. Brother you are a Legend and an Inspiration!

[@davidbenson735]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for watching all the videos. I only started videoing my adventures as a record for myself, and it makes me especially happy when I hear that people like yourself get pleasure from watching them too. Thanks again 😀

[@GP-wi8jo]

Excellent video Dave, I felt as though I was riding along with you. Beautiful scenery, parts of England I would otherwise never see. It looked like a lot of fun.

[@davidbenson735]

Thank you. The biggest part of filming the journey is being able to share the adventure with others. I'm so pleased when people like yourself enjoy watching the video. Thanks again...👍🏻

[@TheGggnome]

After four videos reckon I've found my new favourite youtube channel. We left Penistone in 66 when I was 8 years old to come to Australia. I have never been back...but with a vague fading recollection your videos make me feel like I never left. Respect brother.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks so much for watching my videos and your lovely comment. Hopefully I'll have more video postings going forward, I've got a few ideas brewing. Thanks again to a fellow "Northerner"...😀

[@kathrynhall4775]

Loved this 😊 thank you

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks a lot Kathryn for watching the video and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it...😀

[@paulfairclough9350]

Rode this in August 2015. Absolutely loved it. Another great video. Keep em coming 😊🚴

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks a lot Paul. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting too...👍🏻

[@PuddledPete]

Nice one. Enjoyed watching the video. My wife and I cycled this about 5 years ago from West to East, thoroughly enjoyed it. We were on lightweight road bikes and stayed in digs. We've got a lot more into bikepacking since then and your video has made me think of riding it again but fully self supported like you guys.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching the video and commenting. I'm glad the video has inspired you to try the route self supported, there are plenty of good campsites along the way. Thanks again and happy bike packing...🚴🏻‍♂️

[@Charlie-sr6dv]

Most enjoyable. 45 minutes that flew by. Itching to get out on my bicycle now. 😊

[@davidbenson735]

That's brilliant...! Thank you and happy cycling 😀

[@TheYohtube]

Great video guys! Ive ridden up Greenhow, its like a wall at the bottom but once crested you're down hill for miles!

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much. Yeah, Greenhow is tough, especially with the bags. Well done for doing it yourself.

[@rowancrafts]

Thanks for the memories of travelling those lanes back in the 70's. After the yoga exercises when does he practice bandages and splints?

[@davidbenson735]

Ha ha, yeah there's no end to this young man's talents 😂 Glad the video brought back some memories. Thank you for watching...👍🏻

[@paulahavens2764]

fantastic video, loved the trip. I replayed your trip on my tv and while on my trike trainer followed you guys while riding my trike.. It was fun. Could you tell me what camera you are using because the video was perfect. thanks for sharing with us.Paula from Ontario Canada.

[@davidbenson735]

Hi Paula, thanks very much for watching the video (twice 👍🏻) and your kind comments. I used 2 action cameras on this trip. The one fixed on the handlebars pointing forwards is a TCL SVC200 and the one that I use handheld for videoing freestyle in all other directions, plus around the campsite, is a Sony HDR - AS200V. Both shoot in 1080p at 30fps. The Sony seems to have the better image stabilisation of the two. Unfortunately, neither are available new nowadays, but I recently bought the Sony as a used item from a local camera shop. I think there is a latest version of the Sony available to purchase new if you were thinking of getting one. What I like about these 2 action cameras is their small size and ease of operation. Plus, the batteries last quite a while. Thanks again, David

[@AliWade1971]

Fantastic video. A great route. Hubby suggested we drive it one day, so I can cycle short sections (cannot cycle far now). We loved Martin’s bag unpacking - and his tiny tent 😀 Did you see the cafe in Settle - Ye Old Naked Man?! 😂

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much Ali. Glad you both enjoyed the video, especially the comedy moments. We did see "Ye Old Naked Man" cafe in Settle but it was very busy with motorcyclists so we decided to go to "The Singing Kettle" which was less busy, and it turned out to be excellent. Happy cycling, David 😀

[@castleblayney6156]

Only got half way through so far so good 😁

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching so far, hope you enjoy the second half...😀

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Great video guys

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers...👍🏻

[@hikerwoody182]

I've walked Wainwrights C2C, would love to have a crack at this, looks really nice

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching the video. Yeah, it's a very scenic route and you are never too far away from amenities should you need them. I hope you get chance to do it, I'm sure you'll love it. Happy cycling...🚴🏼

[@TheCoopsvids]

Brilliant well done boys have subbed ya too 👍🏻🚴

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting. Also, thanks for subscribing, cheers.

[@andrewbell1105]

Great video. I have never seen anyone do it East to West, having done it myself twice it was intresting to see how you did with the climbs. Patley Bridge and Settle are both brutal climbs.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I think the climb out of Settle going W to E is probably worse than the Pateley Bridge climb going E to W. We chose to do it E to W because it was possible for us to ride home from Morecambe the day after, therefore not having to rely on getting a train home. Thanks again...👍🏻

[@alexmorgan3435]

A+++. A very enjoyable watch. Are you and Martin brothers? Did you follow the whole route of the Way of the Roses closely except for the unplanned detour due to road works? Asking as I wouldn't mind doing it myself. Many thanks for making and publishing your video.

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks Alex. No, me and Martin aren't brothers, although I'd be happy to have him as my brother as he's a sound chap! Yes, apart from the bridge closure and subsequent detour we followed the route. It's well signposted along the way (little blue signs with the roses showing), although I did download the route from the Cicerone guide book onto my Garmin for backup. Glad you enjoyed the video. I can thoroughly recommend the route, it's a cracker!

[@olafjensen4508]

Last of The Summer Wine, hahaha

[@davidbenson735]

Ha, ha. I think I know who is Compo...😂 Thanks for watching and commenting...👍🏻

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

Got this planned to do 😊

[@davidbenson735]

Excellent. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, it's a cracking route 🚴🏻‍♂️

[@johnisonhisbike]

Nicely done

[@davidbenson735]

Cheers John...👍🏻

[@mattlast4093]

he's just puttin his drugs in.,!!..........HA LMFAO !!!.......brilliant !!!

[@davidbenson735]

Thanks a lot, I'm glad you liked the little humorous content thrown in. Thanks for watching and commenting...👍🏻

[@kenprice1047]

Nice! ☕️☕️🚵🏼

[@davidbenson735]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video...👍🏻

[@Pwecko]

I would love to do that ride, as long as I could miss out the uphill bits.

[@davidbenson735]

Yeah the uphills were tough on this route, but if you could do it without the bags it wouldn't be too bad. Thanks for watching the video and commenting.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Those dehydrated meal do taste rank. I do take a frozen home made curry for the first night

[@davidbenson735]

Some are better than others though. I enjoy the Firepot and Expedition Foods brands. I use them mainly for the convenience and being lightweight. Thanks for watching and commenting...👍🏻

[@frankducett9]

I wonder what would be the best time of year for me to come on over from the US and do this route.

[@davidbenson735]

I would say anytime between April and September would be the best months to ride the Way of the Roses, firstly because of a better chance of good weather and secondly more daylight hours. Hope you get chance to do it.

[@frankducett9]

Horrible disrorted music