Crossing the Great Divide Basin - The Great Divide (GDMBR) 2023 - Part 8 (Day 29-32)

[@lahsm5050]

I really enjoy your videos! Thanks for noting your locations. I follow along with my road atlas and circle the towns because I'm a nerd. I'm excited to bike the route! I also enjoy your humor: The death of the tripod "And pop tarts, because I love pop tarts...raw." Funny.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 I think it's fashionable to be a nerd at the moment. You can't beat raw pop tarts. I miss the tripod. He served me well. Cheers 👍

[@ianmatlock1]

Loving your videos

[@matryderadventures]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching 👍

[@AdamWilkoszarski]

Thank you for all the videos. Flying to Calgary tomorrow for my GDMBR adventure and your videos were very helpful. Gold mine of information.

[@matryderadventures]

That's great to hear. I'm excited for you. It's an epic trail. Good luck out there. Cheers.

[@sagehiker]

Great stories. And you ride my pace. I especially enjoy your take on the Great Basin. I live and ride in NE Wyoming. I have both hiked and worked in oil & gas across the Basin. Now support groups to protect some of it best places. Riders of the GDMR and the CDT hikers have put Atlantic City back on the maps and awakened Wyoming to the non-motorized recreation community.

[@matryderadventures]

I honestly loved the basin. It was without doubt the most dramatic section of the route. It's nice to hear that it's being protected. That restaurant in Atlantic City was a highlight of the route for me. The food was great and the people kind. Thanks for following the journey 👍

[@oregoniangal]

I love your hilarity! Your dry sense of humor, the tripod hotel room scene. Good to see that others do what I do when no one is around, and then publishing it for all the world to see on KZbin. Yes. So much yes to this. Your "There's an order to things" Comment about you and John making plans, and then ultimately doing your own thing. I chuckled by your witty humor and was awed by the beautiful scenes in this video. THANK YOU!

[@matryderadventures]

That poor tripod. I almost feel guilty. I'm glad you enjoy these videos. Thanks also for all the comments. You're very loyal! Cheers 👍

[@billbike9573]

Again beautiful images, Mat. I enjoy it immensely! And the drone shots are great! That viewpoint along Lander Cutoff Rd and later above Riverview Cutoff, the drone gives a beautiful extra dimension to your images. I look forward to your next video.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks 👍 the drone definitely does a good job of capturing the scenery. Thanks for commenting!

[@louspeed1]

As an American, I enjoy watching your reaction to places you visit. Who knew a Brit would like Wyoming so much?!

[@matryderadventures]

I loved Wyoming. It has such a wide variety of landscapes and the basin was mesmerising. Thanks for following along 👍

[@julianhawker7672]

Hey Bert, had visions of you becoming a " high plains drifter" on a TI horse! 😉 Well done on getting through the basin. Rodeo looked good, what amazing experiences. Best. E 👍

[@matryderadventures]

All amazing Ernie. I felt a bit like Clint!! The rodeo was great too. This whole trail is awesome!!!

[@shanekaplicz]

Great to see your take of the Basin. I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of people speak negatively about it but I could be wrong. Appreciation of beauty everywhere and excellent to see such a positive view of it! Keep going, still loving these updates!

[@matryderadventures]

Thank you. Yes I have watched a lot of videos myself and a lot of people do have negative experiences of the basin. I honestly think it must just depend on the weather, we had some rain but not enough to make the going too difficult, and most of the time it was sunny and not as windy as I know it can get. The vast emptiness of it was incredible though, I would hope I could have appreciated that whatever the weather.

[@shanekaplicz]

@@matryderadventures yeah I think such an open expanse could be brutal and hard going but even without the “peanut butter” mud I had the feeling that people just didn’t like the area of what was seen as “nothing”. Good to hear you got the better end of the weather and maybe as we simply don’t have such huge areas like that here it’s seen differently.

[@timparsons2741]

The rain on your tent sounded so relaxing , I started to doze off while watching .

[@matryderadventures]

I don't mind it raining over night as long as it stops in the morning. Make sure to hit the like button before you fall asleep 😳. Cheers 👍

[@robertlewis3712]

Mat thanks for taking us along. I can’t imagine trying to put in the miles, holding a camera stick, setting up shots, riding by and backtracking for the camera. You make one feel like they are riding along sans the sore legs and posterior.

[@matryderadventures]

Great comment 👍. The backtracking shots became less frequent towards the end. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍

[@edzeppelin933]

You think that looks barren? Oh man, you should come to Australia. That looked green and lush to me! Haha

[@matryderadventures]

Green and lush 🤣. Maybe I'll get to Australia at some point. I'd like to.

[@PThree-ru7gl]

Medic !!! For that animal, I think the diagnosis of death was very accurate 😂 a bit of gallows humour, always appreciated 👍 great bit of TV that

[@matryderadventures]

Glad you liked it...John's pronunciation of death made me laugh too..thanks for following along 👍

[@ianmatlock1]

I think you look younger not older clean shaven. great series of videos

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I couldn't get used to being clean shaven. I didn't recognise myself.

[@WhatisHealth-q7l]

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Ride like the Wind!

[@matryderadventures]

Beautiful....thanks! I really appreciate this 👍

[@quigleyoutside]

My goodness Mat...you're looking very styling with the new face 😂! Your attitude regarding The Basin is wonderful! I compliment your planning. Doesn't get much better. Congrats on the new sleep pad and brake pads and tripod. Thanks and best...pops

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Pops. You're quickly getting through these videos.

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

Mat, your sense of humor and dry wit kept me in the game. Really good content, binge watched your trio as I couldn't stop watching. You really appreciate the goodness in people and that is appealing in our world today. I found the same experience in Europe with my days in the USAF. Glad you had a wonderful trip. We have some great rides in Arizona if you ever come this way! Keep on Keepin on brother

[@matryderadventures]

Good to hear that you enjoyed the videos (and my nonsensical ramblings). I met so many amazing people out there and can honestly say that I didn't have one single negative experience. I'll let you know if I'm ever over your way. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

@@matryderadventures please do. Always an open door and good roads to ride!

[@leejmatthews]

Hey Mat, great videos. Pretty new to the channel so exploring your content. The relaxed/dry presentation makes it an easy watch. The drone shots are great and not overused, and I appreciate the way you acknowledge the work going into the shots, often running back for your camera etc. Was just wondering what bike you were riding in the GDMBR series (which is great btw). Anyway, well done to you and your team and keep the videos coming.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks for the great feedback. It's always good to hear. My bike for the GDMBR was a Sonder Broken Road Pinion. Great bike and reasonably priced for a Pinion based bike. It's the titanium version. Thanks for the support. Cheers 👍

[@jacqueline7118]

Pop tarts, an adventure staple! Yummy! I don't eat them often but have taken them on many a backpacking trip. :). Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next episode! :) :)

[@matryderadventures]

It's odd how I crave them only when I'm bikepacking/hiking. I would never eat them in real life. Thanks 👍👍

[@Un-ez-rider]

The area around Pinedale is a large wintering grounds for Mule deer, and home range for Pronghorn. I think some of the Mule deer that winter there travel some of the longest migration routes in the US. That Mule deer carcass you found may have traveled a long way to try and survive the winter, alas it did not work out 😢 Hope showing that tripod it's predecessors fate brings the desired results 🤣

[@matryderadventures]

So it was a mile deer. We saw quite a few Pronghorn. I've heard that it was a tough winter for most migrating animals. Would you believe that one of the tripods lasted only ONE day!!!!!

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Mat, you wouldn't believe how much we look forward to your videos. America is crazy big, the basin looked amazing and vast. Love the drone shots. can't wait to the next edition. Take care. G

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Graham. It's nice to hear people like the videos. Makes it all worthwhile. This trail is amazing. Every day has something new to enjoy. Apart from headwinds 😡.

[@joellevg3698]

Thanks for sharing these amazing views. You look tired. Such à trip must be exhausting. Great you found an excellent compagnon

[@matryderadventures]

I am pretty tired. Probably because I'm not eating enough but It's hard work for a novice like me. John is a good travelling companion. It definitely helps!! Thanks for following 👍

[@lukejoy-smith8383]

You’re inspiring me more and more to ride it next year. Great videos

[@matryderadventures]

If you can do it, do it. You definitely won't regret it. It's an awesome trip.

[@tonypaddler]

Just back from another Scotland mini tour and find not one, but two new episodes from my favourite intrepid GDMBR explorer named Mat. Woohoo! Well you certainly seem to be getting mainly great weather and luckily/craftily dodging the bad. I must say that that poor, arthritic old tripod deserved a better funeral than just languishing in a waste bin. I got quite emotional. Looking forward to part 9 after dinner. Cheers, and atb Mat 🚴‍♂️👍

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Tony. Hope Scotland was kind to you. I have been very lucky with the weather but it's raining right now. I won't complain. I feel like a burial would have been too much and cremation would have set off the smoke alarms...

[@tonypaddler]

@@matryderadventures thanks Mat. Yes, Scotland was kind to me once again, no rain and all sunshine. Yes, you're probably right about old poddy, maybe the cleaner can fix or recycle it 🤔 The sunrise behind you leaving the Basin was stunning, then you turned around to see that rainbow! Cheers, and atb Mat 🚴‍♂️ 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Tony. Old Poddy may still be alive. You never know. Glad to hear you had good weather in Scotland!!

[@derekbarlas8092]

I've been really enjoying your GDMBR videos. Those Wyoming drone shots are incredible - just absolutely nothing for miles in every direction. Looks like you have everything under control though 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Wyoming was incredible. I loved those sweeping wide open spaces. It's so unlike anything we experience in the UK.

[@keepingtherubberdown5715]

I have never seen oatmeal made in the pouch before.. Interesting.. Nice recap..

[@matryderadventures]

It works well. Saves washing the pot. Thanks for following along 👍🙂

[@mickilkr]

Crazy scenery in this video. Another good one!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It's all been amazing, right from the start. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@juliethrower1185]

It's good to see you made it out, unlike that poor corpse . At least you had back up and weren't alone in case resus was required 😊 Amazing sights..... you really were in the middle of nowhere. Superb views, I loved those storms in the distance. Enjoy your adventures. You could have shared your raw pop tarts with the gentlemen!

[@matryderadventures]

Nobody. I repeat NOBODY gets to eat my Poptarts. It's weird. I'd never touch them on real life!!

[@thomash7573]

These are awesome videos. Thanks Mat!

[@matryderadventures]

Glad you're enjoying them, thank you for watching 👍

[@christineryder92]

Loved this one Math. Now I understand what I could see on tracker. Take care. X

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks Mum. It was amazing in the basin but bleak!!! I loved it...x

[@Bikepacker]

Pop tarts are an essential staple on the Great Divide. They've never tasted so good as they did out there!

[@matryderadventures]

True! They actually taste pretty bad at home.

[@henryguthery5311]

beautiful scenery ❤

[@matryderadventures]

I loved that whole section of the trail. The basin was incredible. Cheers 👍

[@henryguthery5311]

yes

[@ScottJaime]

appreciate all these videos. Being from Colorado, this one was interesting to me because I dislike the basin. Not from a biking riding perspective but because we travel from Colorado to Utah frequently, even gone through Pinedale a few times. I can't wait to get through the basin so I can see the mountains and pine trees again. I do not like the nothingness. Your perspective was refreshing and maybe I should look at the nothingness as a different beauty, amidst all the busyness of the world. I think I'll do the tour divide next year based on your videos and because I'm always looking for that next adventure. thanks

[@matryderadventures]

It's interesting to hear your take on the basin. I think it appealed to me because it's so utterly different from the UK. I loved the feeling of being so isolated. I still think it was my favourite part of the entire route, possibly it was New Mexico. I definitely liked the remote sections the most. Cheers 👍

[@chromebook2724]

Nice, a special guest appearance by foresty forest too. the basin spanked me, any hill you pedalled up, i pedalled down. the wind was mental.

[@matryderadventures]

You noticed. I think he's my favourite KZbinr! I was lucky with the wind in the basin. Very lucky. I had the headwinds out of Rawlins for two days. Nearly killed me!

[@patdunne3277]

Mat your making this look very easy (which im sure its not😀) the Basin looks unreal!! Top video 👍

[@matryderadventures]

The basin was incredible. I promise it's not easy but it's not too difficult, particularly if you have the right pace. Cheers 👍

[@yougotmossed3592]

Awesome experience you had.

[@matryderadventures]

It's been incredible. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@edwinhuizinga3042]

After binge watching I finally caught up to you on part 8. And don't change anything about your videos (except grow that gruffy beard back asap please). Your dry humor, the tidbits that make the final cut (great editor), the landscapes, are all uniquely fantastic as is. Curious to hear if you tracked your weight (some of these hotels must have scales) and what it's doing. Keep enjoying your ride - I sure will.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. Glad you liked the videos. The beard is growing back. I'll never use a cheap trimmer again. I weighed myself three days ago and have lost 7kg (15lb I think). I'm trying to eat more!!!! Cheers 👍

[@lukejoy-smith8383]

FWIW, I lost nearly 3 stone over 7weeks riding across the US, and ate endlessly everyday, I think it’s nearly impossible to replenish what you’re burning.

[@matryderadventures]

I think you're right. I've been eating a lot more over the last week or so and I still haven't put on any weight. At least I'm enjoying eating now though.

[@davehoover8853]

Fresh Pop Tarts and no grizzly bears! No wonder you liked the Basin.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣. That'll be it!!

[@mphillips24]

Loved the tripod death scene

[@matryderadventures]

I go through so many of those things!!! That one held on for dear life.....respect.

[@solway17carlisle]

Great stuff - Thanks for sharing. That basin looks quite scary, particularly from your drone shots. i’d dread to have a mechanical issue out there- you did well.

[@matryderadventures]

It was scary...thankfully everything worked out but mechanical issues could cause big problems. The storms were worrying. There's absolutely nowhere to hide. I still enjoyed the whole experience.

[@jsa6261]

I watched the full movie of the GDMBR (it was the first video of yours that I watched), and now I am watching the series (on Part 8 now) and equally enjoying this (I am glad you mentioned that if you watched the full movie of the GD, to also watch the series as it would be different. This is brilliant. Question - you reference hiking the Appalachian Trail a couple of times. Was this also recorded??

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. Glad you liked this series. Sadly I didn't film the AT.. It's a shame as it was an incredible experience. Cheers and thanks for watching 👍

[@jsa6261]

@@matryderadventures Would have loved to watch you on that trail. Please keep filming your adventures; I will watch anything you upload. Just brilliant content.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'll keep uploading. There are lots of pictures from my AT they hike on Instagram.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Heads up note below...great video, love your sense of humor. We camped on the same beach at A&M Reservoir. Nice spot. Colorado has some of the prettiest sections. Aspen Alley (great camp spot at Little Sandstone Creek) and Brush Mtn Lodge is a good stop. When you get over Watershed Divide down to Clark, there is pavement on Hwy 129 south into Steamboat Springs. Hwy 129 is dangerous, busy, narrow, no shoulder, blind curves with trucks. I walked sections of it in the grass at 4pm. I recommend riding 129 from Clark into Steamboat very early morning with rear lights if you can.

[@billbike9573]

Is it an option to turn right after Clark after 4 miles and go via CO RD 56, 52E, 44A and 44? That's a detour of 16.1 miles +767 ft / -1,065 ft. This way you avoid the cluttered section of Hwy 129

[@matryderadventures]

It's such a shame but I didn't have signal and couldn't read this before I'd already ridden this section. I'm in Kremling right now but would really appreciate this kind of heads up on future sections, it's really appreciated 👍

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@billbike9573 I just followed the ACA route which took me down 129 into Steamboat. I guess if there are other dirt roads heading south someone could piece together an alternate. Probably easier to camp in the woods before Clark, and ride it super early in the am before traffic.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@matryderadventures bummer on receiving the info, seems YT posts run behind you by several days. I'm the rider that said the Great Basin was good, and Diagnus Well, A&M Reservoir were excellent camping. I'm glad you loved the Basin! I stopped in Steamboat, no excuse other than at 68 years, I was worn out. Going to start again in Steamboat next week and head south now at 70, Bday treat! 🙂

[@matryderadventures]

Ah yes. I remember. All good information which I used . Thanks and good luck on the second part of your trip 👍.

[@lesteph101]

Merci mat…je devore tes video …je sent que je vais les regarder encore avant mon gdmbr a moi ds 4 ans…amuse toi✌️

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Merci. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your GDMBR when it comes!!

[@arcoulant87]

Stopped in the same motel on the Trans-Am 2018 happy days .How do you edited these videos on your phone ? Chapeau and rubber side down.

[@matryderadventures]

The Econolodge is well placed for both trails then. I don't edit. I send all the footage to my friend Ross and he does all the real work. I don't know how people edit and post in real time but it must be a lot of work..

[@oregoniangal]

who is this Ross, and how much does he charge? lol. Asking for a friend. @@matryderadventures

[@TapioBlue]

What a contrast to the racers earlier in the season. They seem to hit all the snow, mud, rain and winds. Where did you hide your horseshoe?

[@matryderadventures]

I think by just leaving a little later you avoid all the bad weather. I tend to be lucky with the weather in general though so who knows! It's rained a lot in Colorado since I've been here!!! Thanks for commenting 👍🙂

[@parduez]

There’s a hierarchy!. 😂 You made it to Colora-do then. Seen any prairie dogs?

[@matryderadventures]

😂 I saw the first prairie dog but I did not see the se-cond one.

[@ZDD760]

Wyoming rodeos are the best

[@matryderadventures]

It was a good night..I wish I'd stayed longer but the rain!!! Also, I was knackered.

[@JRd941]

Probably a stupid question but anything specific you do with your bike. When you expect it’s going to be out in the rain all night?

[@matryderadventures]

Not a stupid question at all. All of my bags were more or less waterproof except for the handlebar bag which was water resistant. All I did was cover that with my raincoat. The bike itself was fine left out in the rain. Cheers 👍

[@lookinin123]

Are you watching Foresty Forest @ 13:32? If so, then there's some motivation for you!

[@matryderadventures]

I am!!! He's definitely my favourite KZbinr.

[@andrewj4752]

How do you keep your food safe from bears in bear country, and other animals when camping?

[@matryderadventures]

I usually find somewhere to either hang or store the food. Most official campsites have bear boxes (metal enclosures). If at an unofficial site I hung my food from a branch of a tree or sometimes from a bridge.

[@SuzieCurtlin]

RIP tripod

[@matryderadventures]

I miss it!

[@raymarks7430]

Great another update ! I’m planning for next year. Quick questions, are you glad you went with a pinion set up which has its many pluses but weighs a bit more and has less efficiency? Second, I have a Dan Durston X Mid (original ). I am concerned about it not being free standing in case I need to pitch in a parking lot etc. Would you in hindsight prefer a free standing tent? Or .. any things you’d change if you could have ? I was planning to get Priority 600x and use my XMID 2P

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@raymarks7430 I used a single wall Tarptent Contrail on the Divide (now called Protrail). The benefits of fast set-up, quick dry, high wind and rain resistance, and durable construction, outweighed my Big Agnes Copper Spur which is flimsy, and fussy to set up. Bikes, most of the riders we saw were on Hardtails with 1X12 SRAM or Shimano. Have a good trip!

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Pinion set up. It's proven to be completely maintenance free and has caused me no problems. The belt popped off once but I think that was a bit of a freak stone jam thing. The guy I've been riding with has the Durston and he loves it. I haven't had a problem with pitching my Duplex which is also free standing. I would definitely stick with the Durston. You won't have a problem. Other than that I wouldn't change anything. Fire away with any more questions and thanks for following along 👍

[@raymarks7430]

@@Mike-vd2qt thanks Mike !

[@raymarks7430]

@@matryderadventures good info thanks Mat. That’s what I’ll do then. I thought your travel partners’ tent was also an XMID but I think he got the newer Dyneema one. Lighter. Really enjoying your videos and it’s helping a great deal. I’m keeping a little set of notes on where you’re staying in case I can track your route when I ride next year. I’ll circle back with other questions , thanks again

[@olafjensen4508]

Yipee, no Bears

[@matryderadventures]

It was nice to get out of Grizzly country.

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Hello Mat, good to see you mate, we missed you.

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Graham. I struggled to upload and was only two days ahead of the videos!! Hope you're out on your bike somewhere!