Dartmoor bikepacking trip: An amazing but tough experience

[@benburns5425]

Just stumbled across your channel after ordering a brompton and then looking at videos of how people are using them. Who knew the humble folding bike could be such a capable touring bike. Great vids. 👍

[@darinjgraham]

Lol the same thing happened to me and then I became a Brompton bikepacking youtube person.

[@pootlingalong8928]

Bromptons are an awesome travel companion - I bought one nine years ago and it is the best money I’ve ever spent. Your films are great - subscribed! 🤗

[@darinjgraham]

Hello, thank you very much for watching and subscribing. Glad you have had a great experience with your Brompton. Have you seen this new gravel one that has come out? Interesting!!!

[@maureenarnold-hc4sg]

Well done Darin, you gave it a go !! Most of us never do…..

[@darinjgraham]

Tough though on the old brommie but hey it’s worth a go isn’t it!

[@TheInnacity]

loved the dream description a anxiety image

[@NewHorizonsTravel]

The scenery is truly stunning and awe-inspiring adventure. Thank you for sharing💕✨

[@darinjgraham]

Thanks for watching, I’d never been before and really enjoyed it as it looks different to many other parts of England!

[@andrewsmith6674]

Way to go !

[@patsmith7710]

you did so well, ride safe

[@damedavidfrith55]

Loved it excellent trip the bike may be small but your heart is big ,happy rides ahead

[@darinjgraham]

thank you! And thanks for watching.

[@stbmunky]

Hello, just stumbled across this and your previous video - really great. I’ve been out on Dartmoor a couple of times, starting from Okehampton and Lydford. Both times I got caught out a bit by the unexpected, but both times thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a learning experience, I suppose. A shame it’s such a way from London where I live, but worth it.

[@darinjgraham]

Completely agree with you that the unexpected becomes a learning experience. When things go wrong those are the things I remember the most and I try and learn from it and prepare better for the next time. I live in London too and wish it was closer. But I think we’re so lucky to have somewhere like that in England

[@stbmunky]

@@darinjgraham Yeah, I figured that out with a mention of Ealing Broadway on another video. That’s my stomping ground too, though fret not - not a stalker; just a follower 😂

[@darinjgraham]

lol yes not far from there. If you see someone on an orange Brompton whizz by heading to Ealing B…then that’s probably me

[@stbmunky]

@@darinjgraham There’s that many bikes zipping around these days it’s hard to tell one from the other! The algorithm showed me your video because I’ve watched tonnes of videos about Dartmoor after deciding I wanted to go camp out there and then just recently started looking at folding bikes, after I realised my work’s new office in Paddington is pretty much just a trip along the canal towpath. Not sure how practical it would really be but it found me something new to watch, so thanks!

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

Those drones do some fantastic shots... I would have carried a medium to stiff small hand brush to get into the nooks and crannies to clean the bike off. Subbed .....Dartmoor has got a reputation so you have to be prepared for anything there...

[@darinjgraham]

thanks for the tip, that is a good idea and so simple too!

[@JohnRichardson-v2l]

I had a cycle cape many years ago, stop using it when a gust of wind got under it & departed me from the bike..... 'Ull' east yorkshire.

[@darinjgraham]

I can just imagine! I have a better solution now. I have a cycling jacket that’s waterproof and a high vis jacket to put over it that’s waterproof. Now I just need some waterproof cycling trousers. Surprisingly hard to find

[@JohnRichardson-v2l]

I've usually had to buy waterproof walking over trousers.... 'Ull' east yorkshire.

[@bobalinga]

Another great adventure on a brompton. Electric pumps are great and so fast. Which nemo tent do you use?

[@darinjgraham]

hiya! It''s the nemo dragonfly bike pack 2p osmo tent

[@bobalinga]

@@darinjgraham thanks. I like the shortenend poles. The weight is the same as the hubba hubba but that has longer poles which is a pain on a Brompton.

[@darinjgraham]

@@bobalinga yeah I know what you mean. I considered that one plus the hillaberg akto but went for the nemo instead as it fits well on the bike

[@fernandoromomartin7043]

your videos are amazing and inspirational. I really like the music you always choose for your videos. Can I ask you what camera and drone you use?

[@darinjgraham]

Hi, thanks for the kind comment. I use the DJI osmo action 4 and the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone. Sometimes use my phone to film as well. I hope to invest in a proper camera one day but the DJI is very good!

[@pilatestree5502]

What a lovely adventure! If you ever decide to put together small group I’d love to join. I’ve mostly done day trips with London Brompton Club group on FB or London CTC, didn’t attempt camping ⛺️ yet..

[@darinjgraham]

Thank you. I have been wondering whether I should try and plan something like that so thanks for mentioning it. I am moving to the Midlands early next year so it may be a project for next spring!

[@pilatestree5502]

@ Great keep me in mind please even earlier than next year!

[@frank8265]

I enjoy watching your adventures. But why not a rugged phone for your rides?

[@darinjgraham]

Yes good idea. I need a spare back up rugged phone

[@MarkS-e9r]

Good job the park rangers didn’t catch you using your drone, they are banned on Dartmoor by the park authority. Quite a few people have been fined for using them.

[@darinjgraham]

I use the civil aviation authority website and another app called drone assist which is usually quite good at telling you where you can and can’t fly. There was a large area marked red to the north in Dartmoor which was a no fly zone and I think it’s because it’s a military training zone. The area I was in had no fly restrictions. But I didn’t realise that on the Dartmoor national park website it actually states you can’t take off or land adrone anywhere in Dartmoor. At least I now know for next time.

[@aimupton]

Great video. You’ve inspired me. What do you use to fix the phone to the Brompton? I’ve used a Quadlock but never seen the one you used attached to a Brommy. Keep it up

[@darinjgraham]

Hiya, it’s just some cheap thing I got online I think. It just straps around the handle bar. I think it was £5 on Amazon

[@GWong-lr7ry]

Hi Darin, I see you're not using the Vincita Nash trunk bag on this trip. Why? (too small)

[@darinjgraham]

Hiya, yeah too small! I have a new one coming!

[@willalm830]

why? I have a Brampton for the town, never bike packing, it knocks my teeth out on the cobbles of Wapping let alone off-road.

[@darinjgraham]

I take it because it’s easy to take it on the train or bus or plane. And I like the luggage options/carrier block and back rack.

[@Mrsmith74]

Drones aren't allowed on Dartmoor, Mightn't hurt to do some research & have some Respect for the byelaws.

[@darinjgraham]

Oh dear sorry about that. I did check the recommended apps re drone take off restrictions. It showed a big area as restricted above Princetown and the area I was by the reservoir as clear. But clearly there are some other rules in place around here. I’m usually very careful about checking re drone rules before flying