GDMBR (or anything else) Q&A.

I am joined by Ross (who edits all my videos) for this live stream. This is a Q&A about my ride of the GDMBR, or anything else you might want to ask. This is our first live video, so apologies if it is a bit all over the place!
Also apologies to everyone watching the video after the live stream, but we didn't tick a box that meant the live comments would be saved with the video, hopefully you can still follow along though as we tried to read out questions as we went.
Thank you for watching.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks again to everybody who made it to the live stream last night. Thanks also for all of the questions. Ross and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Cheers 👍👍👍

[@bcparfitt]

This was a fantastic series! Really enjoyed watching them. I am currently on a 1 year sabbatical from work and looking to do a section of the trail (Banff to Butte) later this summer. I'd love to do the whole thing but still have family commitments that will make that challenging. Mat - Do you have any comment on feasibility of using a full suspension bike? Did you see any out on the trail? Sadly, an adventure bike is not in the budget at the moment.. i.e. See note about not working this year :-).

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. That is a great section..you'll have a fantastic time. I didn't see any full suspension bikes out there but there's no reason why, not that I can think of. I think the general consensus is to keep everything as simple as possible and maybe full suspension has more to go wrong but I think you'd be fine. It may be a bit more difficult to mount bags etc. Hope it works out. Cheers 👍

[@bcparfitt]

@@matryderadventures Thanks Mat. Couple of quick follow-ups for you. First - Shipping the bike. I see you boxed it up for the flight. It looks like that was just checked 'luggage' at the airport. Is that correct, or did you ship the bike ahead of time? 2) Shuttle from Calgary to Banff. I see a number of 'bus' style shuttles. Did you use one of these and if so, did you have any issues with space for the boxed bike on the bus? Very appreciative of all the info you have put out. BTW - My father's family came from Wales before they emigrated to the US. Cheers!

[@matryderadventures]

I checked the bike at the airport. It was very straightforward and cheaper than shipping ahead of time. I had the same concern with getting the boxed bike on the shuttle bus but it was absolutely fine. I went with Brewster Express. They dropped me in Canmore and I called a local taxi to get me to the motel.

[@gregduggan829]

Cheers Mat, I really enjoyed your vids. Really informative and scenic. I appreciate how you just seem yourself on camera. Best wishes.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. That's good to hear. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@oregoniangal]

Thank you to the talent and editor team once again for another excellent video of great information and laughs.

[@matryderadventures]

'Talent and editor team' 🤣🤣. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@louspeed1]

Sorry to have missed this live but I was on my own adventure. I have done a small section of the GDMBR in Montana and I'm now planning to go Banff to Whitefish, much because of watching your videos.

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. That's nice to hear. The Banff to Whitefish section is a fantastic section. I hope it all goes well. Cheers 👍

[@craiggroseth2032]

Thank you for the informative and entertaining videos, Mat. FYI, bikepacking long distant, remote routes is entirely possible with a C-PAP machine and batteries, as demonstrated by my good friend, Paul Brasby. He has carried his mobile system on many week long bikepacking rides with me across the American Mountain West, including the 500 mile Cloud Peak 500, the 400 mile BackBone Grande, and the northern 1200 miles of the GDMBR, and many others without me. Over several years, he pieced together a 4.2 pound system to be able to camp remotely 3 consecutive nights without extra power. It works well for him.

[@matryderadventures]

Wow..that's incredible. It's amazing how many comments I've had from people with C-PAP machines asking about long distance bikepacking. A 4.2lb system is extremely impressive..thanks for commenting 👍

[@bikenergy6688]

Thank you for doing this video rapping your experience up and sharing it with us, I wasn't able to see you guys live yesterday so I just watch it right now.

[@matryderadventures]

Great. Thanks for watching it. It was a lot of fun. I'll hopefully get to go more. Cheers 👍

[@Bikepacker]

The live stream was lots of fun, Mat. Always cheering for you!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It was good to see you there 👍

[@naryanclaudy2116]

You are the best man! So love your videos and hard work

[@mennosolarquest]

Hello Matt, I just did see your videos of the GDMBR for the second time. This to distil the important information about it. Your videos are great, for me, and I liked your humour. Don’t excuse yourself about the muse you’re doing along the trip. It is nice to have it informal and interesting. YOU SUCCEEDED in this! The second time I had the maps of the ACA next to the computer to get a picture of where you were at that moment and get a feel for the route itself. You gave a very good impression about the route and the rough road conditions in general. Of course, when it would rain the roads could be impassable. I liked the way you enjoyment was visible of every day you cycled and filmed. There is also a lot of information “in between the lines” , for me at least. Is it possible to use the drone on the road or in the field stationary and make a film during you cycled on? Of course have the drone fly back afterwards. This in stead of putting the GoPro in the field or on the road and collect it afterward? I am planning to cycle the GDMBR from July 1st 2025. I did retire than (June 1st 2025). I have extensive experience in long distance cycling: 2008 the TransAm (from Atlanta to Virginia; the TransAm and back east again) 11.000 km. 2014 North coast of Alaska to Panama City 9500 km cycling. The first 800 km is, mainly, gravel road and hardly any services available. Both of them on a recumbent, (very) heavy loaded. Now I would like to go Bikepacking for the first time. With an upright travel bicycle (Pinion and Belt probably) Just steel, no Titanium. Maybe we’ll meet somewhere on the road. Greetings from the Netherlands Menno

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Thanks for commenting. I like your method of following along with the maps. I may even do that myself at some point as half the time I was unaware of where I was. It's particularly good to hear that my videos have been useful for your preparation for next year. I occasionally used the drone as you suggested. The downside is that it does not record audio. You certainly have a huge amount of experience. I was curious and discovered your blog. I'll have a good look through, but your recumbent bike looks incredible. I would love to try one one day. I can recommend the Pinion/Gates solution. It all worked great. I hope we do meet one day. Good luck for next year. Cheers 👍

[@tonypaddler]

Ah, I can't believe I missed this!😢 I'll watch it later and catch up.

[@matryderadventures]

Imagine you've been out somewhere interesting? Hope so.

[@tonypaddler]

@@matryderadventures unfortunately not, Mat. It's been a very unproductive past two weeks, now I need to start making up for it. I see that you have three new videos out after the GDMBR Q&A, I'll have a Mat-fest to catch up 🚴‍♂️👍

[@dsa5394]

Sorry I missed your live stream. I'm looking forward to the long video. The editing is very tedious, Ross did an awesome job. We've done sections of the GDMBR. After watching you, we're ready to go again.

[@matryderadventures]

That's good to here. Which section do you think you'll do next. I'm glad I don't have to do the editing. I don't have the patience. Thanks for watching 👍

[@dsa5394]

@matryderadventures we've done from Whitefish to Jackson, Wyoming. We're thinking of either Whitefish to Jasper or starting at the Tetons and heading south. I'm not sure how far.

[@matryderadventures]

@@dsa5394 both are great sections. I'm jealous. If I lived closer I'd be back out too. Good luck!

[@danielwehner1876]

I honestly love your content, especially your GDMBR experience. Since you mentioned Duzer, I also enjoyed his series. But I found yours like more in depth, more informative. Great work! I really appreciate your effort! The only problem is, that I now even more desperatly want to do this adventure by myself! Have a beer or some coffee on me on your next adventure!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks 👍👍. As luck would have it I'm enjoying a beer right now. It's on you!!! It's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the content. I really hope you make it out onto the GDMBR. It's an absolutely incredible trail. Cheers 👍

[@HubertJ1909]

It was great to be able to catch up on this. Just to let you know the chat replay is working, so you must be more competent at this KZbin stuff that you realise. I asked about the bears and you answered, so thank you for that, I have never ridden anywhere with the threat of such potentially dangerous creatures, well other than Newcastle, so it was interesting to hear how they played on your mind at times. I think whispering was a good idea.

[@matryderadventures]

Ross would have me shouting in bear country!! Maybe he doesn't like me that much. It doesn't matter how you look at it, Grizzly bears are massive, clawed, toothy monsters and even positive encounters likenthe ones I had are terrifying. Thanks for being a regular!!! Cheers 👍

[@jerhughes500]

Some good tips and advice from both yourself, and Ross, with regard to editing and what’s involved with that. I’ve just started going through the minefield of research that you did, what bike, gear, etc. It feels a bit daunting for a newbie but I’ll get there, with help from yourself and google! I’m a motorbike rider too, so I like the idea of the internal hub and belt system, the less maintenance the better. I’ve just come across the GB divide this morning, interesting. 👍

[@matryderadventures]

It is a bit daunting but all as many questions as you like. I love talking about this stuff... The internal hub is definitely low maintenance and that was a big draw for me. Have you watched Keep Smiling Adventures on KZbin? I think he did the GB Divide. I need to look into that route too.

[@jerhughes500]

@@matryderadventures I started watching it this morning. Yet another route I’ve never heard of which, so far, looks amazing. I’ve had an idea of cycling to Saint Jean Pied de Port, the start of Camino Frances, from the UK, but don’t know where to look for cycle friendly routes. I’ve google mapped it but I don’t know what those roads/paths would be like. Any ideas?

[@matryderadventures]

@@jerhughes500 I need to look that variant of the Camino up. I'd like to hike one of them and cycle another. I have had good experiences with Komoot. I haven't made any custom routes myself but I believe it's fairly user friendly. I'll see what Ross thinks. He usually makes the routes for me.

[@parduez]

Sorry I missed it live. I can’t wait for the outtakes.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 🤣🤣.

[@dsa5394]

I totally agree about the rain pants. We opted not to take them on our last trip and only slightly missed them when we rode in cold rain our last day. Even then, we were okay without them, and I'm not sure I would have worn them even if I had them.

[@matryderadventures]

They're going to be left behind on the next trip..

[@jaybrooks8404]

Would it work on a gravel bike? On the theory that the best bike is the one you’ve got …. I hope the answer is yes! Thank you for the great insight and fun. Tip top story throughout.

[@matryderadventures]

I mostly saw mountain bikes, flat bar and drop bar variants. I'm sure it could be done on a gravel bike but I'd put the widest tyres you can on it. Anything 2" or over should be fine. I hope that helps. Cheers 👍

[@chrisallen2005]

Too funny, Ross was just talking about Foresty Forest. I was talking to him two days ago. Super nice guy. Man, the community is small.

[@matryderadventures]

I love Foresty! I think he's my favourite KZbinr. Cheers👍

[@peymannorouzi4165]

I would like to know how old Mat is. Do u know? I have only watched his Tour Divide video.

[@matryderadventures]

I know 🤣. I'm.50.

[@peymannorouzi4165]

@@matryderadventures Glad that someone knows 😄 More power to your knees buddy ✌️

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers 👍👍

[@MrNvona]

Hi! First, thanks for doing all of this. I'm just now watching your trip and it's inspiring me to want to give it a go. I have a question: You box your bike up for the trip to Calgary, what do you do when you are in New Mexico and it's time to fly home? How do you procure a new box? Ask a local bike shop? Thanks in advance.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I hope you make it out there. It's an amazing trail. When we arrived in New Mexico we picked up some boxes from a local bike shop (I actually bought an ex rental hard sided bike box. John and Bill grabbed some cardboard bike boxes). The shop was called Crazy Cat Cyclery. We called when we were a week or so from the end. They can keep them aside for you. Hope that helps. Cheers.

[@daniels6554]

Really enjoyed your videos of the GDMBR. Question, did you ever have navigation issues, like, not sure which trail you are to follow or get lost? Also did you carry clothing detergent? Thats a weird one, I know. Thx.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I'm glad you enjoyed them. I have no navigation issues at all. I used a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for navigation and it worked perfectly. I didn't get lost once. I didn't carry detergent. I rinsed clothes out now and then but only washed clothes properly in towns. Thanks for following along 👍

[@egalegal2058]

Great live stream. We demand more Ross content 😊

[@matryderadventures]

I knew it was a bad idea to let him out of his editing cell!!! Seriously though, we have some trips planned.

[@crispywetsuit688]

Hi Mat ,I have booked my flights on westjet and good to go in August. Thanks to your videos. Quick question ,your transport from antelope wells to ELP ,was it easy to come by and what was the expense? “Shout out” to Ross for your editing ,he has silently done a great job. Thanks once again Simon

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. Fantastic. You're going to have an amazing time. The transfer was simple. I contacted a guy called Jeffery Sharp. He runs the Hachita Bike Ranch in Hachita. Email [e-mail] (hopefully that's still valid). I honestly can't remember how much it was but I'm sure he can let you know. He's an absolute legend and went above and beyond to help us out. I will genuinely be interested to hear how you get on with everything. It is THE most amazing trail and I miss it.

[@crispywetsuit688]

@@matryderadventures Yeah ,the excitement only truly begins once the flight is booked ,closely followed by a sprinkle of nerves. Thanks will send jeffery an email…

[@peterbeardsley419]

Sorry I missed it, we were on a 4 day cycling adventure, inspired in part by your adventure!

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. It's good to hear that I've inspired somebody, even if in just a small way. Where was your ride?

[@peterbeardsley419]

@@matryderadventures We started in Nottingham, rode west through sherwood forest into Derbyshire then back east through Nottinghamshire into Lincolnshire and then back via Lincoln and Newark to Nottingham. I called it the Nottingham Divide. We had good weather and there's loads of trails. I look forwards to your future adventures.

[@MrHoustonismydog]

I have a late question. First, really enjoyed your adventure on the GDMBR. If you only could do a section, say10 days, which would you do? Thanks 🍻

[@matryderadventures]

Difficult. I loved the basin in Wyoming, but I can't imagine many people would recommend that. For me the landscapes there were mesmerising. You also get to eat in Atlantic City just before you enter the basin.

[@MrHoustonismydog]

@@matryderadventures I’ve been in the basin, honestly, don’t ever care to go back. I’ve never seen worse lighting and I’m from Florida, truly life threatening. Wyoming is a diverse and wonderful place.

[@bderris]

When setting off as a group, you need to set clear rules. Everyone has a different pace, i liked to start earlier in the morning than others, etc. I would start and remain solo as much as possible on the GDMBR. Ive ridden with family and friends, but solo is the way to go for me.

[@matryderadventures]

I agree completely. It's a cliché but you have to hike your own hike (or ride your own ride). It has to be the priority. I was lucky to get into a group where we all felt the same. Cheers 👍

[@harryconstantine320]

Hey Mat, I’m setting off in about 6 weeks… question for you about navigation! You used the app? How did that upload to your wahoo? Or did you also have to download the GPX files from ACA as well?

[@matryderadventures]

I had to download the gpx files from the ACA website. It was easy enough to upload them to the Wahoo via the Elemnt app. Good luck. You'll love it.

[@ThePapawhisky]

I’m a long time hiker and Mtn biker, and about to get into bike packing. Here’s a question: when you finish a trail in the US, such as at Antelope Wells, how do you get to a city or airport ?

[@matryderadventures]

I had a transfer to El Paso. There's usually somebody who can do it. I've only done it once.

[@johnvine5731]

"​Hi all. I'm just in makeup. I'll be ready in a few minutes." LOL

[@matryderadventures]

I think they were a bit heavy handed with the blusher!!!

[@arcoulant87]

Chapeau great live stream

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I was a bit nervous but it was a good laugh.

[@taffnadian]

The bearanoia issue is always amusing. I think most people from outside of Canada think there's one behind every tree.

[@matryderadventures]

Yep!!!! I like the term 'bearanoia'.

[@taffnadian]

@@matryderadventures it's the geese you really need to worry about.... evil birds

[@matryderadventures]

Grizzly Geese???

[@taffnadian]

@@matryderadventures lol. Even scarier, it'll be the goose part that'll make them aggressive

[@xanadux534]

Sorry missed the live Q&A. Was wondering did you run into or know anyone in their 60s during your ride?

[@matryderadventures]

No problem. If you want to watch it you can click on the live tab on my channel and it's there. . I ran into lots of people in their sixties. Both Paul and John were in that age group. It seems age doesn't stop cyclists. Cheers 👍

[@xanadux534]

That's encouraging.! Thanks for taking time to respond 👍

[@oregoniangal]

As I'm gearing up to do a live stream q and a KZbin video (Jan 15th at 4pm pacific time here in the states) from our 2024 GDMBR run with our dog, I'm curious...did you do KZbin live for this? We're currently planning to do a live google meet event and then record it and then edit it a bit and release it on the channel for others to view later. But I'm curious what you and Ross did for this? KZbin live? Google meet? Zoom? Thank you in advance if you get this comment and reply!

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. We used KZbin live so wasn't edited at all. It's the only one we've done and it seemed to work out ok. Good luck with yours. I'll try to make it.

[@oregoniangal]

@@matryderadventures Thank you!

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Old! 50! Lol. My kids are 50 and over lol

[@matryderadventures]

I know. I don't feel old. Everyone is old to Ross because he's in his early 30's. I'll remember to call him old when he gets to 50!!

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Love it. Typically something happed so I couldn't comment live.

[@matryderadventures]

I'll hopefully do another live stream at some point. It was a good laugh. I loved your latest video. What an interesting life you've led...

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

​@matryderadventures that's just a tiny part. Keep watching

[@Ey_up]

My wife wishes she could "real life manage" me. I too need to get out for my dopamine fix...😮

[@naryanclaudy2116]

Hey!

[@stevemullin1195]

If you use a CPAP for apnea get an air mini machine and run it off a Exp48Pro power bank which will last 3-4 days based on usage. That battery can be charged as you ride by plugging it into your dynamo and/or solar panels (need at least 50W output).

[@matryderadventures]

Very interesting..I had quite a few people asking about CPAP machines. Cheers 👍

[@jered2177]

I thought you 2 were partners.

[@timcolton4680]

GRIZZLY BEAR ATTACK, Big Sky Montana, Sept 8 2023 leaves man hospitalized, bear ripped lower jaw off. Glad it wasn't you.

[@matryderadventures]

Terrifying!!! I looked it up and it seems the near was defending a carcass. Scary stuff.

[@evanlouis8853]

audio too low

[@matryderadventures]

Sorry about that Evan, I did notice it seemed a bit quiet, unfortunately we can't edit the audio level of a live video without deleting it and reuploading, which I think would lose all of the chat messages. I did find that at full volume on my phone, or with headphones, it was just loud enough. We did discuss your question about riding with sleep apnea, so if you can't find a way to watch that is loud enough then let me know and I'll try and summarise what we said.

[@evanlouis8853]

@@matryderadventures thank you for the reply. I will dig up a pair of headphones and listen to the entire live stream. Thanks for taking up my question I look forward to seeing how your next adventures unfolds

[@williamhilliard7386]

Your audio is bad here. Sorry I wanted to listen

[@matryderadventures]

Yeah it isn't great, it was our first and thus far only live stream. In future we'll do a test before getting going.