Bikepacking Through The Incredible Welsh Elan Valleys!

Join Blake Samson for a welsh adventure as he travels through the untamed, wet & wild Elan Valleys in this self-shot episode of GMBN epic rides!
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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Wasteland Rock - OTE
Dark Alliance (Instrumental Version) - Daniel Gunnarsson
Just Like a Gold Rush (Instrumental Version) - Kadant
Root Strut - Ajwaa
Universal Solution - Robert Ruth
Hidden From the Light - Sum It
Common Ground - Sum It
Gravity Launch - Sum It
Dark Flow - William Benckert
Dark Dealings - Phoenix Tail
The Dark Part of the Alley - Brightarm Orchestra
Funky Rock Dawg - Def Lev
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[@gmbn]

Have you been Bikepacking before? Where would you like to go!? Let us know down below! 👇

[@bassjunkie278]

You gotta do the three peaks (Nevis,Snowdon and Scafell), on a bike. We are planning Scafell in Spring when the weather turns a bit nicer and are debating if we should ride it or walk it !!

[@cgriggsiv]

@@bassjunkie278 Riding may be much faster but walking it you can explore more

[@jonm7272]

@@bassjunkie278 sounds like a good idea, but in reality you just be stuck in a massive queue of walkers, no fun for anyone. Hellvelyn is far better for bikes (up Dolly Wagon end and down Stick's), if you want a big mountain feel in the Lakes. Snowden is pretty good (you have to go up super early, have to be off the mountain by 10 am) but you either come down the Llanberis path (bit boring tbh) or Ranger, which is great fun but you'd need to be very skilled to ride it all the way down, big rock garden steps, and the last run back down the telegraph road to Llanberis has been ruined tho (ironical to make it more cyclist friendly, I. e. smoothed out all the fun). Scotland has a huge list of epic big mountain rides that would all be way way better than Ben Nevis. Nightmare just walking up there with all the crowds, never mind mtb. Anyway, just my 2p worth 😁

[@jonm7272]

How about you get viewers to send in suggestions (actual Komoot route maps, not just vague ideas) and you go check them out. I could start you off with a belter in the Brecon Beacons, guaranteed a route you won't have done. Maybe even meet up with the viewer and get them to guide you on their route. Would make a great regular video series I reckon.

[@cyclingslowlytoseethings]

Would love to see some of these in the Peak District, it's a great place to cycle and has a bit of everything

[@Nick-pq6ij]

I would happily watch hour long episodes of your bike packing journeys, if only to see more scenery and you finally making it back to the van for a hard earned beer! (Cold or otherwise!)

[@Zimblake]

Deal. I'll make another one then

[@prof.sterma]

@@Zimblake +1, these videos are the best MTB videos, could watch them all day!

[@wayne_Hard]

Please MORE of this ❤

[@rogerdodger1790]

​@@Zimblake do it Blake!!!!

[@lanapearce9968]

Bikepacking and adventures are my favourite videos here, always looks so much fun. Blake just seems to love it so much, it makes me want to get out and try it.

[@BreakawayB]

💦🧦As a fellow KZbinr: I love the opening scene because I KNOW you had to set up that camera and walk through that creek, only to have to walk right back through it again “for the shot.”😂

[@Zimblake]

got to get the footy hahaha thanks dude.

[@BreakawayB]

Totally worth it. The video is amazing and you bring great energy.

[@Zimblake]

@@BreakawayB Thanks dude. much appreciated

[@falmouthphotos]

Awesome video, well shot, punchy, good commentary, proper adventure and self supported. Top job Blake. 👌

[@CaptnSpaulding]

Loved this Blake - definitely more please as it's one of my favourite GMBN videos to date! Maybe a tour of the UK of cycle routes (interesting areas obvs, not just main roads) like this. Plenty in Wales and I'm sure there's loads in North England, Scotland, etc

[@Zimblake]

Stoked you loved it. I'll plan in a few more then for you guys.

[@andreyvlasenko3368]

Blake, you should try to participate in a multiday bikepacking offroad race. You will definitely like it!

[@HR-ve7mc]

Really Nice Video. Love those Bikepacking Videos. Would it be possible to share a gpx file or a map, so we could maybe do something similar?

[@kjracz15]

For a moment, I thought it was Blake singing "Amazing Grace". The ride wasn't graceful but it was amazing nonetheless. 😁

[@Zimblake]

😂😂😂😂😂 not me singing

[@wojciechgregorkiewicz2415]

That was fun to watch. But bikepacking in the title is just clickbait right? Surely it's just a couple of dayrides with a night in a van?

[@DZig]

You've got grit , man! True grit...and a fair singing voice as well! Perfect choice of song, as you marveled at God's creation

[@andrasthehun5339]

Blake...its me-your wheel bearing.why do you hate me?😂

[@toxicmale1744]

More solo missions, Blake. Silently cheering you on from the comfort of our sofas is one thing, being inspired to follow suit is another.

[@Zimblake]

thanks for the cheering dude. I'll plan in more for sure

[@132Marty]

The shots are incredible given you were out on your own. Always a pleasure to watch Blake out in the wild.

[@23mattFrost]

Love this! Definitely need more Blake

[@gmbn]

On it! More to come! We're stoked you enjoyed the vid!

[@forbsio]

Blake is everything I love about KZbin. Quality dude. More of this man on epics plz.

[@kaltonian]

good on you Blake, yeah people forget that no matter how good you feel that the weather when bad can zap it all away from you, yeah I don't like that either when the trail is not rideable & you have to push it's difficult to get & keep warm. yep love to see some more out there adventures

[@Zimblake]

THANKS DUDE. Mother nature loves to throw it all at us outdoor folk eh

[@diegobarreca9970]

First

[@gmbn]

🎬🎉🙌

[@2nd3rd1st]

But last in our minds.

[@sim-r4242]

Best yet, Blake. Loved this. Thanks for sharing all of it. Cheers.

[@TheRickysee]

Blake! Congrats. You went big and you went epic. And you did it solo. Incredible camera work and as always your lovably personality shines through the fog and ice water. Well done. Well done

[@2nd3rd1st]

10:06 What in all heck was that bird effect wizardry, Blake, talk about Fakey Blakey! You've missed your calling working on the Avatar movies! 😂

[@Zimblake]

😂😂😂 Louis the editing with his humour

[@2nd3rd1st]

@@Zimblake I assumed Blake did both the shooting and the editing himself :P

[@Zimblake]

@@2nd3rd1st I do sometimes but I'm no way as fast as the dudes that edit all the time

[@2nd3rd1st]

@@Zimblake Mate, didn't even clock it's you! Yeah editing is a hell of a job, but your footage was super, must have been easy for Louis to make you look good on your rides. Thanks for taking us with you to breathtaking places!

[@Zimblake]

@@2nd3rd1st all good dude. He is a great edited for sure. Stoked you liked the video

[@SavageMTB]

I wanna try this, I hope I can do it. but the set up of the camera is really an effort.

[@Yozzer72]

I do enjoy your Bike packing vlogs. Well jell of your van though😢 would like to do the coast of Wales. North to south. In’t summer though. 🥶

[@hampadyakertikyoski]

Another epic and entertaining adventure Blake!!! Cheers to more MTB adventures ahead!!! 🙂I haven't tried bikepacking before, but that's one item on my bucket list! 🙂

[@Zimblake]

Thanks, stoked you liked it. You got to try Bike packing, bloody good fun

[@hampadyakertikyoski]

@@Zimblake oh I definitely will! Thanks for the inspiration! I learn a lot from your videos being a newbie mountain biker at 42. 🙂 Thanks for all you do! Cheers from the Philippines! 🤘🤘🤘

[@Zimblake]

@@hampadyakertikyoski You're welcome and I'm glad myself and GMBN can help you out

[@PedroFTeixeira]

Blake... You are the man!! All those camera angles, so much effort. Thank you, mate. You deserve a raise!!

[@rcriderjennix1507]

I realy emjoy watching your video mam it make me laugjh hahaha watching here in philippines. Ride safe.

[@AlastairReidBigredal]

Isn't bike packing camping, taking your tent with you etc? This just looks like a cross-country ride going back to a warm van?

[@supakidgalaxy]

GMBN please do a bikepacking video of The capital trail in Edinburgh

[@snat6299]

Awesome Blake! More!❤it

[@GingerPhotographer]

Great video - Technically not "Bikepacking" since this would mean a Multi-Day adventure with a little wild camping, maybe you should try multiple days with an overnight stay under the stars? Which shoes / overshoes are you using?

[@robertwood4665]

More like this please. That machine is a horse rake originally would have been pulled by a horse later converted to be used with a tractor

[@bittiapina]

Loved this! I knew once you got your van all done, we'd get some fun adventure videos. Was not disappointed.

[@Zimblake]

stoked! glad you liked it

[@JohnClimber]

That' my friend is van camping with a day ride carrying you coffee and sandwiches on each day when you are away from the van, That is not "bike packing" Why didn't you use the bothies in the are if you didn't fancy carrying your bivi or tent kit?

[@paul34cool]

Absolutely Epic SuperCool 😎 Blake💨🚴‍♂️💨. Since seeing you in person I bought myself a vauxhall vivaro with a roof tent box too. My twin brother Adrian has a Mercedes sprinter van he converting too. There is nothing like have a van with all you need and all your bikes to just get out there have a Awesome most excellent blissful day. I want to see more GMBN with Blake enjoying van life truly blessed to see spectacular gorgeous wonderful view 🤩. And no other person around so more fun wiled life to enjoy to. Big Respect Blake mountain biking Hero 💨🚴‍♂️💨 Keep Shredding 💨🚴‍♂️💨 fun😀 cool😎 class style epic 🎖️🏅🥇🥈🥉 👍😀👌 Blake's the 🦅 Eagle Samson

[@MrStevegregory]

I live in Stamford Lincolnshire where the Blackstone factory was. Their social club is still down the road although the factory is long gone.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

You should do a hillskills course in Scotland. Even the basic one will teach you how to navigate properly with a map and compass in poor conditions. Really if you can't do that, imo, you should not be going remote places by yourself. Your garmin was great, but what if it weren't? Satellite systems go down (sometimes on purpose, starlink anyone? Also Glonass in the past). You gotta know how to be safe.

[@Muddyfox47]

pls do a vid of how you planned the route , using garmin and the app - some of the garmin app doesnt have mountain bike trails on it :(

[@billderas3420]

Hello you beautiful person...Excellent photography and videos. Did you edit it too?

[@dinahplacido5786]

I've been riding this bike for 7 years now! kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L It was a great bike the day I got it, put it together, and went on my first ride; more importantly it's an even better bike today. I've ridden trails, street, and skatepark all on this bike. I have replaced almost every part on the bike. Some stuff has broken: derailleurs, wheels, shifter. Everything else were upgrades. The only ramaing original parts are the frame, bottom bracket, and crank set. BB and cranks will be upgraded soon. The geometry isn't great but that is really the only draw back to how good a value this bike is. Even after all the money I've spent upgrading it's still a more affordable bike than I'd have bought from a proper bike shop, especially with full suspension. I've also learned a lot about bikes working on it over the years. It really is one of the best perchases I've ever made and hopefully it'll still be around for another 7 years.

[@alinapopescu872]

You call this "bikepacking," but I suspect Les Stroud would call it a proper "survival situation". 😉

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Great adventure - but where’s the bikepacking? Camping with a tent or a bivi whilst cycling = bikepacking Camping when you get back to your car or van is a day ride 😏😏🙂

[@333wheeler]

Old school CTC . Rough stuff fellowship guys were all in on this sort of stuff in the 60s 70s ! Great area all round for any kind of biking ..

[@timporter8886]

Great video, but could hardly be referred to as "bikepacking" it was two good bike rides and a night in a van!?!?🤔

[@samfletcher93]

Glad you made it clear how dangerous being out in the wilderness alone is. I always tell my girlfriend where I'm going and roughly how long I'll be. I give her a home time, a worry time and a call for help time. Remember to factor in 45 minutes for a coffee or a pint though! 😬

[@keepontreking3661]

Yet another excellent vlog and even though your mates are all built differently I think everyone gave 100%,chapeau

[@anbudrew]

You need to do this again with GCN. MTB vs Gravel bike. Bring some instant cup noodles next time!

[@stantollerton3551]

Well done Blake, an impressive ride but even your boundless enthusiasm doesn't sell it to me....I'll come back in June!

[@chuckflangemaster1325]

Great vid, great attitude to off season riding. Safety first, kids but if you prepared you can still eek out some fun in the drizzle and cold. Let's be honest too, a cup of tea solves everything.

[@robbiedevine8518]

A pair of waterproof socks would be an asset on that ride (they exist, see Showers Pass). I've done water crossings that deep and my feet stayed dry. Makes a big diff in warmth all day

[@Paranormal-Researcher]

I can’t believe your not carrying your bike through those streams obviously not your bike.

[@corneliusbadenhorst5612]

Awesome stuff man, you look like a super fun guy to go biking with lol safe travels

[@corneliusbadenhorst5612]

@TG_Global_MountainBike_Network Don’t think I trust this msg hahaha

[@mariopejovic]

I always thought someone at GMBN is trying to kill Rich, with all those challenges. but now I'm starting to suspect that Blake is on the black list as well :D

[@declansims5791]

I grew up in these mountains 🤣 running around the cambiran. You should do a bothie stay some time Blake and venture more towards Aberystwyth, there's a trail centre and much more to see ❤

[@krisztian3909]

Good video and audio, nice editing. Thumbs up for you!👍🏼

[@pauljnicholls3929]

I would definitely like to see more of this... Or maybe c2c off road.. Nice one.

[@alexhartman285]

That’s got to be scary being up on that mountain alone with all that fog and when all directions look the same. I’m just curious of how you carried your bike on your back without holding on to it?

[@steveflint5009]

fab to see you out and about, could you let us know what the gear you took with you was, I'm relatively new to the whole scene, and would appreciate the guidance

[@jokermtb]

great adventure with a bit of risk. Do you think you could have done that with just a compass and a map if your Garmin had an accident?

[@darreldudley8432]

I've done the first day with my daughter on her tagalong, also the dead sheep river crossing has a bridge 🤣🤣🤣

[@satchmotionrc8202]

Ask gmbn Blake! Hey Blake! Loved the video! Do you think it would have been better on a fat bike?

[@gazzas28]

Watched and liked because it's Bingers 🤣🤣

[@johnbevan7622]

This looks like a great ride. Have you got the koomot route. I'm trying to do something similar in the summer and this looks a nice route.

[@dcl505]

What's the punishment for cooking a stolen sheep in UK or you can just get away saying you needed it for surviving?

[@nickporter3531]

OS Map and a compass, as well as a proper GPS unit in addition to the cycle computer is needed in these conditions.

[@nickporter3531]

OS Map and a compass, as well as a proper GPS unit in addition to the cycle computer is needed in these conditions.

[@dazmtb]

Awesome and loving your van 🤩. I’ll be doing my van build this year 😜

[@ruralpestcontrol]

It's the kind of rides I'll hopefully be doing this year with my doggo 🐶

[@VegardMinde]

-More documentaries like this should be made(!)

[@Bikeaddict4235]

Blake is always entertaining, wales always looks grim 😂

[@Zimblake]

hahaha one good of weather in Wales to keep you on your toes

[@seattlegrrlie]

This is how I mtn bike. Not into jumps, just want enough skills to get out into nowhere with my camera

[@jonwargent2513]

Love the video mate. Elan valley is my local play ground and it never gets boring 👍👍

[@momohwak8686]

Why GMBN makes Blake to do such Brutal and Harsh Things?

[@lukesolomon3010]

you should do a navigation course you would get alot out of it a map is a amazing tool easier to use than a computer. im old school. also you need to ride the peaks and north dales

[@WELSHMIKEY]

More solo missions please =), or atleast bike packing. Some of us are too old to shred 😂

[@tomozanne]

Enjoyable video, but this was not bikepacking.

[@Fitnessdrama]

How’s your back on the hard tail😂

[@darrenwall5439]

Yo Blake was expecting to see your brother with you on this one! Great to meet you and your bro in Dyfi bike park! My first time at a bike park ha ha what a buzz💚 Another video to follow I guess, hope ye had a good time at bike park Wales! All the best dude💚

[@Zimblake]

Hahaha next time when he's free. Rad to meet you to, Bike `Park Wales as amazing cheers. Glad you enjoyed Dyfi, hell of a spot

[@MAXIMOUTDOORS]

Been to strata Florida in all weather, I know the mountains, I know how scary it can be and how insignificant it can make you feel. Brilliant video blake, great photos to. Really enjoyed it

[@joostdeen9614]

More please 😄

[@VictorElGreco]

Perhaps a *kayak* bib would have been the more appropriate attire. 😉😅

[@callumharding8029]

Blake! Are you after the camera man's pay cheque as well? You do have a whole production team you could use you know 🤣

[@Zimblake]

hahaha maybe. I love being behind the lens as well as in front. Love it all dude

[@nottakumi1226]

5:39 isn’t that the damn Top Gear sent Hammond to drive up in a Defender?

[@j3f423]

Did your bum not hurt from that hard tail lol great video best wishes

[@johndarch5439]

Great Video. Keep them coming. Good to see you using the van.

[@CM-fi6tu]

There are only two types of people: those who love Blake and those who lie.

[@Nathan-nl3re]

Great video, but how is this bikepacking?

[@qwertycycles1173]

#GMBN Are the GPX files available for Blake's ride?

[@terryfinch9319]

Best mountain bike video I have ever watched 👊👍

[@DieterVanHolder]

I really appreciate this type of content. Using the bike for adventure and a little journey.

[@Xplorer.Adventures]

NO TO DRUGS! 😆 I don't know where You took this presenter from but I want the same merch 😍 Bloody awesome mate! 🥰

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Cranking work. Enjoyed that. Thanks

[@davidpeyton5816]

hours on the bike, as much as id love it how do u not get a sore arse ha ha

[@johngreen787]

A nother flippin great video dude 👏 🤘 👌

[@andymtb3212]

He packed a sandwich and hot drink 😂 🤷‍♂️

[@deepdiver49]

Should have borrowed Steve Jones Wellies.

[@petervonl]

Can I have a map, next time? 'Cause I like maps...

[@kathysarmcandy1992]

Need the follow up video of how-to overhaul a submerged bike.

[@Zimblake]

hahaha true. I'll see what I can do

[@pedallinraw]

10:07….bring on the stunt bird ☺️….great trip and nice editing 🙂👍🏻

[@andreyvlasenko3368]

More bikepacking videos, please! Also it would be cool if you add a playlist named “Bikepacking” or “Epic adventures” or something like that. It would be easier for us - subscribers to find such content on your channel.

[@timgray3638]

Absolutely brilliant, loved this video Blake, well done. Not so keen on those river crossings lol.... MORE PLEASE.

[@lenseofclarity9997]

Blake. Your vids have helped our family (mum, step dad, 15 year old twin girls) explore mountain biking together over the last few years. Trail/cc and downhill stuff mostly. The girls even have GMBN riding tops. Bike packing is next on our fun list. This video is the best we've seen. Great tips and very grounded and realistic. Trip planned for April. Many thanks for your help!