GCN's Gravel Challenge | Si Vs Jeremy: Who Can Make The Most Epic Ride?

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Years ago I ran into Jeremy while riding over in the States. I fought to keep the guy gaining on me from passing me on a long climb. When he finally caught me I recognized him. He gave me a big grin, said "Nice ride" and pedaled with me for a while making friendly cycling small talk before wishing me a nice day and cycling in. Class act big time! A super ambassador to the sport. I imagine if I ran into Si, I'd have a similar positive experience. Anyway, greetingS from central Austria GCN, you guys ROCK!!!

[@CDOES]

This was amazing! Si and Jeremy are two genuine guys that showed just how excited they were to go out there and go riding! More like these please!

[@frazergoodwin4945]

I love the underlying message behind this video: go out and explore your area whatever trails and roads there are there - its what a gravel bike is for! (Oh, and you're welcome to come and test this theory out on the forest trails, the farm tracks, the canal and riversidepaths, as well as the cobbles and country roads south of Brussels anytime you fancy too 🙂)

[@jamesportoraro8248]

Hey Frazer! I just started riding about a month ago courtesy of GCN; a Canadian living in Brussels! I never expected or knew how amazing the area south of Brussels could be for gravel and road cycling!

[@scottbelongie9051]

Omg I almost had a Stroke!!! My wife stated after watching that Video “ you know I don’t like cycling and all these shows you watch but, when Jeremy and Si do the videos together I just like those two and all the Beautiful scenery”. She loves the GCN adventure episodes where u travel. Spot on boys another great video.

[@breitemasse]

tell us when she starts cycling xD

[@AndrewJillings]

'Bungalow to carpark' must be the most British Strava Segment ever!

[@tenyriakteny3803]

Clearly a section for the Doggers!

[@TechNCyclingNerd]

I read that in a British accent.

[@Mjdssdfff]

😆

[@markmitchenall5948]

Two KOMs better than one, but Jeremy's descent has to be a candidate for extreme corner! That was terrifying.

[@alphalau3243]

I enjoyed this video so much, I like the way how you guys connect to each other with lots of motivation. Well done.

[@winstoncat6785]

Si's philosophy of gravel ridiing, is, for me, absolutely on the mark. If you live in "one of those places", there are tons of trails that you can link up within a couple of tens of kilometres of your own home to produce almost endlessly variable and enjoyable rides. You often rediscover your locality as a result.

[@ZoomZap95]

More like this! Love it when the presenters are actually out on their bikes and going deep for us viewers! GCN Gravel Everest Challenge???

[@vanlinden]

Your really see the different take on gravel riding when Si uses fat tires for light to medium gravel while Jeremy casually drives MTB trails on semi slicks. But I'm going to give it to Si for this one, mainly because he showed more of the type of riding I associate with gravel. Well and Jeremy changed tires. I mean... come on...

[@Ashiquei]

I thought Jeremy had this under the bag. As he has been the gravel expert on gcn . But changing tyres that was unexpected... Can't believe Si smashed both kOm... Road yes I knew he would get but even gravel.. 😮 wow. Got to give it to Simon.. You are the winner

[@pwitts]

Yeah changing tires mid ride kind of goes against the whole point of a do everything bike. If he looped back to his car that would be one thing. But stashing them outside is ridiculous.

[@josephkerley2011]

It’s a 25min advert for a 3T bike. It’s just to show versatility.... even though it’s an ad it’s still a cool bike though

[@Ashiquei]

@@josephkerley2011 well money doesn't grow on trees right...gcn got sponsored by 3t as long as they make video about it. It's people like you and me has to pay for it...

[@navsvarigi]

I love Jeremys spirit but changing tires on gravel epic leads to disqualification! Both rides were great time out!

[@magnusdagbro8226]

Eh I use a gravel bike with two wheelsets because I don't have the space for a dedicated road bike. I'd say it shows their versatility.

[@MrIanD1]

I don't know, a 34 second KOM isn't exactly legit.

[@paulhartman3118]

Oh he’d have put on 28’s Jeremy would have gotten the road KOM

[@pwitts]

Two wheel sets is legit. Stashing a set of tires in the woods and swapping mid ride is not.

[@louisnewton8027]

Si: “I wouldn’t travel 50 miles to get here” Everyone who lives 49 miles away: right I’m on my way 😁😁

[@awen9164]

Some great handling skills there Jeremy, Ive ridden rough loose descents similar to that and you made it look easy

[@monty2078]

One of GCN's best vids ever. Jeremy, I cant believe you road that mtb section on the gravel bike - wow. Simon's ride is my style as I wouldn't even walk the gnarly mtb section

[@rodneyteason]

Jeremy is even positive when a bird craps on him. Bonus points.

[@ronivetter6729]

-2 points to Si for disparaging the bum bag 😂 Great video, with beautiful scenery and a fun challenge!

[@whomstd]

Petiton to start GGN: Global Gravel Network

[@Paganiproductions84]

Gravel is great even on a mountauinbike

[@Paganiproductions84]

as a offroad biker prefur the gravel content more than road side of things

[@austinshoupe3003]

@@dominicadams9856 gravel and MTB are pretty different animals. Related, but not the same.

[@austinshoupe3003]

Eh, I remember GCN being about all things bike. Plus, the roadies don't have enough to talk about without gravel.

[@samuelkmaina]

Absolutely! Jeremy can lead on that, he makes all things awesome.

[@Latchfpv]

Such a great vid. Awesome rides by both. Jeremy qualifies purely on his undying enthusiasm alone, and his selfie had me bawling with laughter. Also his control over his bike is insane, I didn't think a gravel bike could do half the stuff he made it do. I super super appreciated Si's approach of showing 'backyard gravel rides' because to be honest, that's the stuff that I'd end up doing most times and it's cool to see how much fun you can have with it as well. I'd call this a tie, can't pick between two awesome hosts/rides.

[@tmbmtl]

Si gets it. Road KOM on those big soft tires, yeah, that was something. Essentially, this was about exploring your back yard, and those kind of videos usually score big with your viewers. The new kit looks damn good. Kudos GCN, great vid.

[@sethgriffiths6539]

Man, what a seriously tough decision. Both epic. I like the fact that Jeremy DID change his tyres actually (no disqualification in my eyes, and 3 seconds from 2 riders on road bikes perhaps?) because he proved what the new gravel bike wheels can do and, by doing so, emphasising that these bikes are for everyone in that large spectrum. Thus, for not resting on his gigantic-back-garden-laurels by just pulling out an easy normal everyday spin, Jeremy inches it out to win. Otherwise, nothing in it.

[@julen2380]

Loved it. Si plus Jeremy plus just going out on the bike exploring = awesome. And I totally, totally feel your fear of cows, Si! They always seem to fixate you and they are bigger in person than you'd imagine. At least the German black/white variety. Yikes.

[@jills2157]

Love these presenter challenges - great video, great enthusiasm from both Si and JP. I have to give my vote to Si, although it was really close.

[@gcn]

It's definitely a tough call, isn't i? Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@i_aakkii]

Jeremy is clearly the winner here! I mean, look at that photo!

[@bdgrph]

Willing to overlook the missed KOM by Jeremy because the trails he rode were so gnarly, plus he got pooped on. However, calling a cider a beer is a faux pas that is sooo egregious that it negates all else, plus Si wore plaid in his pic, huge win for Si! Great video, thanks GCN

[@Condemakoto]

I have to say this dude, Jeremy's got a lot of points due to the beer! that's quite a way to end an epic gravel ride

[@ferguslatta9514]

Si “cows are the most dangerous animal in England” Vicious squirrel attack’s him!!

[@SmokyMtSci]

We have bears where I live, but more people are killed by insect stings.

[@breitemasse]

that was the revenge from squirrel cause Si didn't mention squirrels🤣

[@glennparr3013]

I disagree I got wiped out by a mouse last week

[@oldanslo]

Yeah, I've never had a cow caught in my front wheel.

[@jeremie8730]

Si and Jeremy on the same vid. Sex has to wait.

[@danbuck9214]

The editing keeps getting better and better! Great video, and so fun to see Jeremy and Si enjoying a challenge together from so far apart!

[@jamesfischer9617]

Jeremy and Si are the best GCN presenters by far. I hope they can do more films together after 'rona restrictions are over.

[@johannamortberg3080]

Si has finally gotten the Castelli kit. That alone makes him the winner. But Jeremys hipster photo was epic, so for me it's a tie. Simon is the moral winner, Jeremy gets a gold star fot the photo. Great to watch you guys rok the 3T bike. It seems like a real pearl.

[@neal9151]

Excellent stuff - I fell off on that "steep loose gravel" section Simon went down 👍

[@thesuperfunkomatic]

Both absolute legends! Very entertaining.

[@jamiefarrell6496]

New fave video! Am going out right now to take on the challenges. Si and JPow needed more beard action in their gravel pics, though :-)

[@Shellewell]

"Jeremy's probably got more wilderness in his back garden than we do here." Truly spoken like somebody who lives in the south of England. Have you forgotten your ride around the North Coast 500?

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

And there’s the Highland Trail 550 for even more wild country fun.

[@Michael-cj9uo]

north coast 500 is pretty barren is it now? sheep farming has eliminated 'wilderness' from the UK. All we have are empty fields.

[@Shellewell]

@Free T The areas I was talking about aren't in England, bro.

[@keithmccallum1054]

Great video gents!! I initially called your adventures a tie.After consulting the tie breaking rules Si gets the nod based on the fact is 3T had a nicer paint scheme.

[@Gijsganz]

Really likes the video! Just go on ride your bike and enjoy! It’s a tie for me

[@SergeyHamzatov]

Absolutely loved this challenge. Si, Jeremy, you nailed it! And kinda made me want to buy second bike in addition to pure road one because these gravel roads look so much fun :)

[@SnowVicar]

Just so much fun to watch. Perhaps a top 5 segment for GCN. Well done Boys!

[@xphiliptranx]

You know it's going to a GCN epic ride when you hear Si's sheep imitation!

[@benedictearlson9044]

This is a good one Simon, really inventive video. Now realise I need to do more gravel riding, like you say it opens up a new World of glorious possibilities.

[@alanhill7965]

Excellent video ,,makes me want to go out on my gravel bike ,,,but we have very scary kangaroos where i live ,,,must be brave !

[@DD-qq8sn]

Several KOM's and a new record for most adverts in a single KZbin video. Great content though. really enjoyed watching that.

[@aharrypotterfan5951]

Daniel Darkens there weren’t that many adverts.

[@jordantaylorreed]

These types of videos from the GCN Crew are excellent. Thanks for the fun!

[@shanezimmer_DCN]

Fantastic video gents. I didn’t know how much I missed Jeremy and Si’s bro-mance until this video. Can’t wait to see you guys tearing up some landscape together again soon. Also - why not make a trip to Missouri and I’ll show you some pretty fantastic roads and steep hills.

[@mejdrichj]

Si, Jeremy, this is not a one and done, it is a series... Best of 7!!! Back at it!

[@simonguard5087]

I started watching GCN and discovered the A team Si, Dan and Matt, the depression I slipped into when Matt left the team has been life changing . The only thing missing from this video is Dan - this can be the new A team, GCN do the right thing.

[@djscars572]

Enjoyed the guys, cracking work, I think Si just shaded it for me on this one, bikes looks fantastic, but boy clearance tight for sure, looked like a load of fun. I just took up cycling again in my 50’s and I’m loving the gravel riding at speed so much adrenaline it’s fantastic fun.

[@AussieInJapan]

Great to see you roadies (Si!) on the type of ride and bike with wide tyres, flared handlebars like I’ve been riding for a few years. Kept showing more stuff like this where you are having this much fun!

[@AngeloMontilla]

Jeremy and Si vids are top notch!

[@jonathantrudel2325]

Really like Jermey repping bestern Mass. I've done a bunch of road rides on the MA / VT border north of Greenfield but excited to hit some spicy gravel around there too. Good on ya mates!

[@robertstrickland6637]

But also, I’m loving the 3T Exploro. That’s my next “n+1”!

[@barrettcanning1800]

My vote is for Jeremy. I just want to hear Si on the next GCN show plead his case for Jeremy only getting 1 KOM! Great video thank you.

[@hugobci]

Wow great content from gravel cycling network! +1 for Si on gravel clothes, -1 for the helmet. +10 to Jeremy for the rough terrain

[@iainmatheson6146]

Wohoo! The first trail Si is on by the river is my commute. Such an amazing start/finish to a day... well if I wasn't working from home. Great vid guys

[@anthonycordeiro3205]

You guys are Awesome 🤙🏻

[@user-g3r2d]

si finally got his new kit hahah

[@jbratt]

Si: I got the crabs riding my bicycle. Dr: Sure you did Mr. Richardson

[@lexgoss6505]

Dirty urban gravel rocks! I love just going out the door in my town and finding all the cool back alleys, off road areas, wooded areas etc. Just like Si did. Beats having to haul you bike somewhere and waste a whole day.

[@rustymh]

Jeremy, I really want to give it to you for showing what a Gravel bike can do.That route was epic and awesome photo! But it’s a gravel challenge. In my opinion gravel bikes can do it without road Tires. So, Si Great route as well. Not the best photo though but vote is on your side. Love the Gravel bike shows, as I enjoy my Gravel bike just as much. Good Work 💪🏻👍🏻

[@mellowgroovin]

Si gets points for the KOM's, but I gotta give it to Jeremy for the gnar. I live in MA, and that ride, on that bike...I'm impressed and inspired! Everyone is on JP about the tire change, but I'm not sure everyone realizes how strong tim johnson is. EPIC all the way through. Next time choose a MA brewery, though. lol. CHEERS!

[@janetcaine7575]

Great video! Simon, you win, love your comments. Jeremy had the best route, Beautiful and sunny.

[@robbchastain3036]

Okay, grins aside about all of Si's rules and Jeremy's failure to KOM, this is a beautiful thing, local route show and tell on either side of the pond and both routes looked fantastic and how much fun is it to make the most of local streets and country roads and everything off the beaten path.

[@pjgarcia2417]

This was a draw because Jeremy has much tougher competition for KOM's in his area. KOM chasing is practically a sanctioned sport here. The wheel change was a legitimate attempt to even the playing field on that front but wasn't enough. Due credit to Si for taking both KOMs, though, his bike game is so strong!! Even if he's afraid of cows...! Great show, love the self-effacing British humor Si brings as a foil to Jeremy's positive energy! It always makes me wonder (and perhaps fear) what kind of explosion would happen if @zimblake and @jpows met for a bike challenge....😲

[@JACKCAPISTRANO]

0:38 I kind of wanted to wait on those two rider at the back to pass by closer.

[@aurorajunier5505]

I vote Si. Love the casual trails around his place, plus his bunny hop was a nice touch.

[@jss1921]

Best video in a while. Loved the rides and miss any competition. 'Please sir, may I have some more?"

[@Vii_DT]

Simon: cows are the deadliest animal in the UK for a reason. Australians: that's cute. very cute.

[@rahelwijeyekoon9403]

www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-27/sharks-snakes-crocodiles-horses-australias-most-dangerous/10534786?nw=0 Horses, cows, and "animal transport" are statistically the most deadly animals in Australia with 77 deaths in 2008-2017, followed by hornets/wasps/bees (60), then sharks (27), then snakes (23), dogs (22), crocodiles (17), arthropods (4), rats (1), and finally unspecified venomous animal or plant (1). Australia has a lot of venomous and otherwise dangerous animals, but the reality is that human contact with them is very limited, so it makes sense that the animals we're most commonly in contact with in the form of livestock and transport animals lead the way in deaths.

[@boomerangsruckflug8513]

Only when you eat them, they'll provide you with BSE 🐄

[@suziel5817]

@@rahelwijeyekoon9403 let's not forget magpies. They have caused more than one cyclist death and they are responsible for the most outrageous use of cable ties on helmets in swooping season. Si I'd love your opinion on that particular use of cable ties.

[@casakaiser]

And I always thought that the most deadly animal is Homo sapiens? Or do you get so many cows driving in cars and causing road accidents? Or hornets stabbing women? Or wolfs mobbing you until suicide?

[@nstrug]

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cows-officially-the-most-deadly-large-animals-in-britain-a6727266.html the problem is with dairy cows in particular with calves at foot left in fields with public footpaths (although the majority of those killed are farmworkers).

[@richaw6689]

Brill entertainment.. great unweighted hop too at the start Si.. What fab bikes .. wicked red and white one.. Consummate presentation from Si.. as per usual! A great route setting the benchmark.. great vocal sound effects too.. J Pow rocked his course too.. hey JP, bird shit is good luck! JPow cheating?? Tyre changes? Why not! 🚴🚴👍🏻👊🏻✊🏻 Well done both, but I vote Si!

[@phillarrowsmith3195]

'The international gravel ride of epicness' aka 'The only excuse Si could think of to wear his new kit!' 😉

[@JBDazen]

Jeremy's ride was much more technical. So that's why I go for Jeremy :-)

[@mitchellsteindler]

This is about as good as an ad could possibly be. Safe to say I want this bike now.

[@MichaelTighe]

Going with Jeremy. That trail looked tough enough to make up for the missed KOM, and the scenery was amazing

[@adilabs2772]

Let’s call it it tie! A good all around tire for road and gravel is the tubeless compatible Panaracer GravelKing 32c. Smooth tread and 290g. I’ve taken these on thousands of miles of all types of gravel in Colorado. They’ve never let me down. With these, Jeremy wouldn’t have had to swap out.

[@douglaspate9314]

Such a good clip! Jeremy's route was incredible, with top bike skills, though Si pipped him at the post. Si get my vote. Maybe Si's section can have a subtitle"how to gravel ride within spitting distance of a city in the UK".

[@jralicea6299]

As always, fantastic! Granted time has passed, late vote for Si.

[@galure]

Looks like someone receive their new kit

[@RichardKlancer]

16:52 Yup, our Massachusetts "gravel" checks out ✓. Although everyone who hasn't bought a gravel bike just calls it rocks.

[@KvestiOnMovies]

My vote goes to Si because riding MTB rails with Gravel bike make it harder to find good gravel routes on Komoot. I tend to find myself on MTB trails quite often when trying to find new gravel routes. Much respect to Jeremy for riding that kind of trails.

[@bolandbohlecke]

This goes to both of you, great show. Si, please line up that topcap!

[@docalvin15]

Jeremy’s video parts were so EPIC!!!! Awesome job guys!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ResilientTim]

Si for the win. He might not tackled some of the gnarliest gravel, he at least tackled the challenge with great gusto for his route on 2.2" with a nice low PSI. Si only negative involves the gravel custom, kind of missing the pizza and beer from the gas station mid ride. Jermey receives an automatic DQ, and not the ice cream chain, for the staged wheel swap. Wheel swaps only are allowed if you bust a rim on a stair step or washed out section of gravel. At least Jermey finished off the ride properly with pizza and beer.

[@alansmith2593]

Awesome epic explorations dudes. Psyched to head out off the beaten track with Horris now woop

[@FlatSpinMan]

A lot of fun to watch.. both look like such beautiful areas to ride.

[@colinmcdonald2499]

Thank you for such an awesome gravel bike feature! Epic stuff.

[@paullinnitt5450]

This was called mountain biking back in the day, before trail centres opened (old git gets out of rocking chair). Great film and just shows what you can find in New and Old England. Loved seeing you two just getting out and enjoying the trails. I’ll vote for Simon, seeing how I live 5 miles from the same trails.

[@pahouseholder]

Leave it to CX guy to rip the new MTB single-track. Fun video guys. And the switch to Giro helmets, so much better than the Bells; same company I know, but, personally, the Giros are more aesthetically pleasing. And, remember: Gravel is a state of mind.

[@michaelwillis4528]

Nice work Si on making sure you’re ahead of a BikeRadar presenter too on that KOM

[@zyghom]

guys, you have AMAZING job: fun, play, games, testing new equipment - fantastic! and even being paid for it ;-)

[@ericrubin5542]

Jeremy's MTB route was beyond ridic--very slick move trying to change the tires mid-route!

[@apicharjiratanan4285]

Id vote for Massachusetts! Studied there for 4 years, loved it

[@co7013]

I actually prefer Si's ride. He is right: a gravel or cross bike is great for linking up interesting on road and off road sections. Jeremy's ride looks more like a mountainbike tour on the wrong bike.

[@tussk.]

Agreed. Jeremy looks like that guy who refuses to listen and rides the trail anyway.

[@jimcappa6815]

The wig was epic, but I have to give it to Si for hitting all the goals. Also, I don't blame Si for the cow paranoia. I got chased by a herd one time in a hike. I have a cycling jersey that looks like a plaid shirt that I wear for MTB.

[@stuartmcgill5065]

V cool! Best GCN content for a while. Thanks for the upload :-)

[@milanb.6022]

Paid promotion? Man, if all ads were as good as this i'd be broke. That was excellent!

[@hogiewan]

Si's route was a "what can people do with this bike?" example. Jeremy's route was a "what can I get away with on this bike?" example.

[@robbchastain3036]

Well, Jeremy didn't really fully comply with the rules, so I think his ride was the Most Epic Ride of International Gravelness. Big fun, Si and Jeremy, and it was pretty sneaky, Si, your imposing all those road-like rules on gravel. You just gotta let it go, bro.

[@daveyboy79]

If Jeremy would have pulled off the road KOM, then I would have voted for him with the master stroke of genius in changing tyres, however Si won my vote due to completing the challenge, great video.

[@kenblair2538]

Well, beings that I'm from JP's neck of the woods, and know some of those roads, and the quickest tire change on GCN's history, JP wins hands down. Period. KB.

[@derekwilbraham9828]

Got to give this to Si. Road KOM on the same tyres as the off-road? Stellar!

[@croccofanto]

that's a super cool bike dude! loved the fat tires. Superfun just ripping trails. I would have to give it to J-pow this time. This clip got me inspired