DISASTER At My First Gravel Race | Dirty Reiver 2023

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

A great insight into an event that i never want to do. 😂 Really good video and some nice editing work. Appreciate that alot 👌

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Stu! Haha but think of the video you could make 🤣. It’s double hard being knackered from an event and then trying to piece together a video, but we wouldn’t have it any other way would we 😬

[@davidrowe8747]

Best Reiver 2023 video I've seen so far! (I've watched them all!) I also rode it and it was wet, muddy, miserable and exhilarating in equal measure. Your constant commentary throughout the ride makes it much more interesting than the many ride videos on YT where the person just posts 30 minutes of GoPro footage. You give a very realistic feel for the experience of riding the Reiver. Hopefully next year the sun will be shining and you'll be able to complete the full 200km!

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much David, I really appreciate that :). Well done to you, see you next year!

[@PW-CreakySaddle]

16:56! Certainly not a failure - a true inspiration and insight to a great challenge. You kept it together well and certainly dont under estimate your achievement. Hope the injuries minor and you are back on it.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much indeed, really appreciate that :). I'm back on it now, just a few nights of sticky sheets and painful showers :D

[@ianwilkinson7167]

Just spotted myself walking at 17:14. I broke spokes at 50k and had to nurse it back on the road. Well done for finishing after the crash, hope you are fully recovered now

[@TriathlonDan]

Ahhh man sorry to hear it! At least you could still roll on the road. Can't exactly rebuild a wheel during the day can you :(

[@Richiemouse]

That looked brilliant fun. Well done on only stacking it once and on doing the 130, that looked tough enough. Hope you do more of this.

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers! It certainly was, but I'm keen to do a "proper" long one now

[@hbguitar]

Great watch. Ventured down gravel riding myself recently and signed up for my first event (not a race!) in August (Devon Grit).

[@TriathlonDan]

@@hbguitar thanks very much :)

[@daz_the_cyclist8961]

Great video thanks for sharing. Maybe look at the Lakelander Gravel Grinder in Fermanagh Northern Ireland 100km not race race

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! Love Ireland, going over for a triathlon later this year. I'll check it out!

[@Stoo61]

Nice video mate, good to watch. It was a tough ol' day out that. Almost stacked it a couple of time on the sloppy single track stuff but lucky to get away with that and no mechanicals. Couldn't hold a wheel for getting sand blasted eye balls. I probably got caught up in the chasing and racing and went too hard at the start but the goal was to be empty at the end and I achieved that. The last couple of climbs were brutal but couple of caffeine gels gave me a sprint in the last 10 undulating miles or so. Type 2 fun for sure. (8h 38mins 54secs)

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Stuart! Great ride by you, brilliant time over such testing terrain

[@georgemills2302]

Great video. I did the 65, hats off to anyone who managed the 130 or 200👌. Lots of crashes on that muddy woodland bit, more mountain bike than gravel bike territory there. Well done 👍

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks George, well done to you! 65k is still a great ride in those conditions and terrain that's for sure. See you next year!

[@GogglesTyresandTrainers]

Great effort mate, looked like a beast of an event and you've learnt a lot by the looks. Congratulations on 6k!!! I quite fancy that next year 🤔

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers Ian! I love these sorts of challenges, just only so many weekends/ time/ money isn't there. Might get one more in this year. See you next year then!

[@tefer1982]

Well done, shame about the off but hard doing these when quite new to gravel. I done the 130 last year and had the 200 marked for this year and it was so tough in those conditions. I got it done but the last 30 miles were absolute slog.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! Well done indeed, a couple of my friends did the 200 too and said the same. Great effort.

[@m.droberts5206]

Awesome edit and commentary, good work👌

[@TriathlonDan]

Thank you so much 😀

[@alanbenham4139]

Good VLOG Dan. I am the same weight as you, but with a FTP some 120W lower. My endurance is usually pretty good, but the conditions got to me and I ended up doing the 130kms and not the 200kms as well. It looks like it was an option taken by many. Well done for giving it a go.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Alan! Great effort, 130 was plenty on the day wasn't it! Next year :)

[@owenwilliams9582]

Great effort, no DNF there, cheers for the vid. Next year you'll fly on it. Da Iawn.

[@TriathlonDan]

thanks very much :)

[@brickstotrips]

Great work Dan and unlucky with the fall, you'll be back to finish the job next year!

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers buddy, for sure! I’m persistent if nothing else 🤣

[@gwynwrex]

Great video and commentary. it was a tough day. need to convince myself to enter next year

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Gwyneth! Well done to you. When entries open, we will have all forgotten the pain :D

[@mxdoug]

I can only dream of your FTP so this makes me feel a lot better about a 11hr+ finish on the 200k 😁. Great video and interesting insight into your day. Everyone can ride it how they like IMHO. Never thought the TT bars would get much use at Kielder.

[@TriathlonDan]

FTP means nothing on this sort of thing does it :D well done to you indeed, thats a massive day out on a bike and the numbers don't give any idea about the conditions we rode in, great work. Hmm yes I wasn't on them much, but I mount my garmin to them so they'll probably stay on for the foreseeable :)

[@shawsugar]

Great video Dan, good to catch up with you and Chris. The DR is a different animal for many reasons. I am sure you will be back next year.

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers dude and you! Thought we’d end up on the ‘road’ together at some point, next time 😬

[@matthewwhetton4326]

Great work Dan. Hope you're healing well. There's always next time!

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers Matthew, I’m scabbing up nicely, hopefully another few days and it won’t be as tender. It’s looking like there will be a next time 😬

[@NowtDaftTonyFawcett]

Such a tough day out. Well done getting it edited so quickly. Sorry I didn’t catch you at the end for some craic.

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers Tony! I didn't have all day to wait around for you ;)

[@rlsideswipre4187]

Great video as always Dan, keep up the good work. Hope your recovery is going well 💪. I got took out by a van trying to overtake with a bend coming up. Car coming the otherway and he avoided a head on by taking me out.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! Oh no, sorry to hear it, hope you're not injured and the bike is ok :(

[@rlsideswipre4187]

@@TriathlonDan I hope people understand the amount of time you put into your work. Your such a grounded person, who has the right outlook on life. Keep up the incredible work you do for all of us👏 Just remember when your feeling low look across the bed and see the beauty that's in your life❤️ take care both of you.

[@TriathlonDan]

@@rlsideswipre4187 too kind. Thanks for the support, all the best to you 👍👍

[@ulrikmortensen9426]

Great video! Congrats on the 130❤ Did you wear a long sleeve merino under the Perfetto jacket? I really would recommend that in the rain and cold. You seemed a bit too lightly dressed 🥶🥶🥶But dressing right is something that will come with more off Road experience. 🤗🤗🤗

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! I had a long sleeve lycra base layer and a jersey under it. I've ridden that setup down to 0 degrees and it's spot on for me, just need to keep moving. I had a rain jacket and spare base layer in my bag though. Hard to plan clothing when climbing is hot but descending is cold, plus rain! Thanks :)

[@davesmeaton4137]

Great video, thanks for sharing and well done 😊

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much Dave!

[@AdamRussellCycling]

Great effort, Dan! Adding this event to my bucket list!

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks, nice one! I'll miss this one this year :(

[@AdamRussellCycling]

@@TriathlonDan Will be next year for me, part of a big year of cycling I have planned in 2025!

[@jpk91]

Hi! What is the Garmin mount you are using?

[@TriathlonDan]

It's a 76 projects TT mount :)

[@flexmtb]

Nice one! 🎉 If I may, how tall are you and which Grizl size did you end up with? Thanks!

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! I'm 6ft2 and I have the Large, fits me perfect. I have a couple of older Canyon's which are XL, they've sized up in recent years

[@flexmtb]

@@TriathlonDan Thank you for the quick response! I'm one of those that are always in-between sizes and it is always so difficult to determine the best option.

[@meejoir1]

Enjoyed that, well done. I've got to ask though was it not worth fitting the new mech hanger? Or was the derailleur completely shafted?

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Dave! Yes maybe, I just couldn’t bring myself to change it with the filth / cold / aching limbs etc. I only had around 20k to ride to get to the end and wasn’t riding at any fast pace so just limped it in. I’ve swapped it now though :)

[@andyoffler3494]

I completely messed up too, went too hard at the start, didn’t take on enough fuel, you can see me at the finish in you video wearing the VB kit, I spoke to few lads from SNCC at the finish. Roll on next year

[@TriathlonDan]

Ah yes I spoke to you at the finish Andy! You certainly looked like you'd given it your all haha :D. Hard to take on fuel when the conditions are so tough isn't it, but we live and learn!

[@andyoffler3494]

@@TriathlonDan hydration pack next time drinking grit is not the best 🤣

[@TriathlonDan]

@@andyoffler3494 yes I was thinking the same!

[@stephenbrown5844]

Fantastic efforts guys😁👍♥️you boys now know what Northumberland is all about on the mtb, or gravel,, plenty wet gruelling tracks, smelly trees and rain💦🤣👊plenty food,🎂 water and determination and your day becomes an adventure you dont forget😊👌❤️Excellent event... Brilliant tracks,,, stay safe and sound boys 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Stephen! We’ll be back 😬👍

[@robinclee6700]

Respect Dan. Fantastic effort and great footage 👍

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much Robin, hope you're well!

[@arthurlane9810]

Well done Dan, with all the gear on the bike and those aero bar horns you will know better next time

[@TriathlonDan]

thanks :)

[@beckywareing3956]

By no means a failure, you got the full reiver experience by the looks of it, I'd say more of a trooper! 👊

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much, hoping to be back for redemption this year 😬👍

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Quite enjoyed that! Well done mate 🍻

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Darren :)

[@jonmathias6159]

Is that one of the new Tailfin top tube bags?

[@TriathlonDan]

Nope - it’s the Apidura x Canyon top tube bag. I just bought it from Canyon when I ordered the bike, didn’t really shop around 🤷‍♂️

[@jonmathias6159]

@@TriathlonDan I was wondering how you'd got one in time for the Reiver.

[@mikelacross]

I problem I had was that I'm quite slow going up hill, go quite well on the flat & pretty fast down hill, where I kept finding groups riding side by side & sometimes there was no clear line to overtake, so the only bits I could make some time up, I was being held up by groups having a good chat 😕. I also ALMOST had a massive crash & also only managed the 130 😕

[@TriathlonDan]

Tough when it’s busy isn’t it, 130 was plenty 😬

[@LoveTri]

Overall video fantastic and a great insight but feel like it lacked an proper ending and was abrupt like 'race done! Bye' whereas a few days later moment might have been a better way to finish but that's only my view. Have you reviewed your decision to push on and trying to stay with that group before crash if you'd already decided you were going to stop at 2nd feed only a few hundred metres away? Would you do things differently next time?

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much, appreciate the feedback! I was just conscious it was already a long video and in honesty haven’t had the time to set up a camera and do a debrief in daylight since then. I didn’t know exactly where the 2nd feed was, it was that muddy / hectic I was just planning to stop there when it came up. I think I’d have a similar plan next time, bar the crash 🤣

[@singletrackmania1]

What was that mega frame bag for?

[@TriathlonDan]

I had a jacket, emergency blanket, pump, spare base layer, that was about it. High volume low weight kinda stuff. I'd use it again, very practical

[@josephlund9748]

What time do they set you off?

[@TriathlonDan]

Rolling start from memory around 9am

[@Stoob0y]

thanks for the video enjoyed it.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much :)

[@bonn1771]

Solid work Dan bummer about the crash rear mech

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers! Mech is only scuffed, new hanger sorted it :)

[@TriToBeIron]

Looked like a mad day out that Dan. Not sure I'd want to do it...hate bleeding mud!

[@TriathlonDan]

Haha I thought the same, bike washing is a whole new level! I pack baby wipes everywhere I go now :D

[@Joshmorgan5493]

Awesome video 🎉

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers Josh!

[@russellcarter6699]

Good effort Dan, and a great video.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much Russell :)

[@grumpy-dad3701]

Looks fun to be honest. I would finish last but still have fun

[@josephlund9748]

Kudos!

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers!

[@runmyworld]

Major respect to you both for doing that! Yikes. Did Liz actually let you in the house like that 😂

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks! Haha everything had to be shook outside before going in the wash!

[@freddiecycles]

Class vid 👌

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Freddie :)

[@Steve-xh1co]

Massive respect Dan 🤙👍 defo not a failure.

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Steve!

[@Jcrossland1980]

Sometimes life throws a spanner in the works. You're safe and probably had a shower now lol. Always next year! Well done

[@TriathlonDan]

Still picking mud out my eyes! Thanks James :) these things are sent to test us eh

[@matcharlie2379]

Well done mate. I think it was the right decision to do the 130 given the weather, without the other issues. See you there next year?

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers dude! Maybe :D I'm not writing anything off or committing to anything at this point. Great ride by you!

[@zikaperic2133]

Seems that Chris I trying to avoid getting ass punctured by that aero bars 😂

[@TriathlonDan]

hahaha luckily for him, he can escape at will

[@glennwilliams5869]

What did you have in all those frame bags?

[@TriathlonDan]

Saddle bag was spares, top tube bag was food, frame bag was a jacket, base layer, emergency blanket, couple of other bits of random spares. Some of those things were mandatory as per the event guidance and I knew I'd rather have too much than too little :)

[@glennwilliams5869]

@TriathlonDan just that most other people I saw "racing" had nowhere near that amount of bags? Just asking because I'm planning on doing it myself next year. I did the Glorious Gravel N Wales this year & no kit was mandatory.

[@TriathlonDan]

@@glennwilliams5869 yes I thought the same, I don’t think many people actually heeded the ‘mandatory’ part but I could have certainly travelled lighter. It’s all learning isn’t it. Given the weather and my riding skills I could well have needed the emergency kit 🤣

[@budycelyn]

what's your next gravel event? i'm going to Gritfest in june

[@TriathlonDan]

Hmmmm I’m not 100% sure to be honest, I’m debating the Frontier 300 but it’s a long way & time & cost etc. Gritfest looks fun! Hope Wales is drier than Scotland 🤣👍

[@budycelyn]

@@TriathlonDan seems to be always wet in wales, the joy of living here, hopefully it will be nice in june.

[@shyamfootprints972]

Nice video. Those aero bars look more a hindrance than any help imo.

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers! No more of a hinderance than my bike handling skills :D

[@gusrallim]

great vid

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks very much Gus!

[@ike2112]

I saw you at the start - not that I knew who you are...my reaction was simply "jesus that lads got aero bars!" Could you actually maintain that position and control on much of the course? This year's had more road than last - barely 2km of road last year's route, and probably rougher/rockier gravel. I came down at exactly the same section as you. Guy in front touched the brakes a bit unexpectedly, I tried to change line to the other side, slid out pretty much same as you. It's interesting though for someone like me at 102kg just tying to make their way round, that my experience was largely same as those much further up the road.

[@TriathlonDan]

Haha brilliant, they certainly provoke some discussion! I didn't use them much, I'm pretty comfortable on aerobars so felt fine on them when I did, high sided armrests keep me locked in pretty well. Ahh no, easily done isn't it, it was like ice with the compact mud. Hope you're not too banged up and the bike is ok!

[@ike2112]

@@TriathlonDan yeah I was fine thanks - the benefit of so much 'natural padding'. It was a fairly mundane place to come off and soft going so hopefully we both had softer landings. Interesting on the aero bars. I'm fine with eating whilst riding on the road but even that I found a little bit more challenging on the dirty Reiver, exactly because of the thing you noted about having to frequently concentrate on getting in the line of the softer/smaller gravel, and also that there's not a lot of flat in the course after halfway - it was almost all up or down until you got to the woodland bit where you make the 130/200 choice - by which time its almost too late to eat anyway.

[@Triathlon_Cabbie]

Well Done Dan. Did Liz clean your bike for you😂

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers Dean! Haha no, but she did make me wash the area under which I washed my bike afterwards 🤣

[@Bazza1968]

Looks ideal conditions for a 100mm travel cross country MTB on 2.1" tyres....

[@TriathlonDan]

Haha yeah maybe! I find the drop bar position comfier

[@DarraghMurray]

Seems a tad odd to use aero bars in a race like this. The race organisers permitted this?

[@TriathlonDan]

I'm a triathlete at heart, yes there were a few others with them too. Obviously didn't get a lot of use but still handy at times

[@DarkstarDarth]

Cool 😎🤘🏼

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers!

[@BF-eb4xs]

when you were having a piss... you just pissed, and let it trickled? lol

[@TriathlonDan]

Splash and dash 🤣

[@cw4107]

🔥🔥🔥

[@TriathlonDan]

#engagement

[@cw4107]

You know it 😂😂😂

[@getpoked101]

Not a failure bud you shook that tumble off well

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks!

[@smefour]

People just can't help themselves but to race lol :)

[@TriathlonDan]

It’s too easy to get carried away isn’t it 🤣

[@leesaunders7232]

What's the point of a neutralised start if everyone's racing? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@TriathlonDan]

Exactly my thoughts 🤣 it was supposed to be because the roads were open, but we rode on open roads later in the route. Goodness knows, but I know for next time 😬

[@davidhalewood4207]

Get rid of those tri bars. Unlucky kept going

[@TriathlonDan]

Cheers David!

[@richarddocherty5007]

Hated this year with a passion

[@TriathlonDan]

Haha 😂 such a tough day out

[@daveansell2418]

Not a disaster at all, good work and hope that cut cleaned up well! Onwards!

[@TriathlonDan]

Thanks Dave, it's been a slow process this week but it's scabbing up now, my elbow is giving me some aggro. Why do we do these things eh :D

[@TheLazyGarden3r]

That was a bit of a ridiculous "neutralised" start. I guess no one was enforcing it. Seems a bit pointless.

[@TriathlonDan]

yeah I don't think there was any lead moto or anything so it only takes one person to press on and the whole thing is chaos