How Far Can I Ride In 72 Hours? | Bikepacking Challenge

[@gcn]

Would you consider a 72-hour unsupported ride? And where would be your dream location to do it? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[@davidmurray3685]

Epic!

[@mbtravel7294]

The empire state trail, from NYC to Montreal.

[@TravelNerd]

Just did a small stretch of the European Divide Trail. Epic!

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

"[Cyclists] didn't [ride] on [...] to make great time. They [rode] on [...] to have a great time." ;)

[@fabioqueiros9322]

I’d do a fairly calm Porto-Lisbon (roughly 300km)

[@sepang87]

I love Connor's approach to the challenge. Not having a optimised route but rather going out, enjoying the ride and not hesitating to stop for a few minutes in order to enjoy the views. Keep it like that!

[@conordunne1]

Thanks Bernardo, I just can't not stop sometimes especially when the views are that good!! Thanks for watching

[@sepang87]

@@conordunne1 I totally agree with you, I am kind of the same, just miles behind in terms of fitness! It is always a pleasure to watch your videos, keep it like that :D

[@238949]

Brilliant effort, could have watched for much longer, so enjoyable seeing Conor ride this challenge

[@djosullivan9654]

Such a shame that the weather didn't play ball for you Conor. Epic cycling all the same and great route choices. Hopefully the sun is out the next time you're back. It'd be a great country if only we could put a roof on it. :)

[@red2lucas]

This is so strange. I'm Australian but my girlfriend is Irish. On our last trip to Ireland in 2019 we stayed at her parents in Waterford, through to Killarney, went to Inch Beach. Had lunch at the South Pole Inn (which was blue at the time, and best friend's local pub) and then ended up in Dingle. I've always thought of riding around there, but thought the roads were death traps for cyclists. Might reconsider it now. Thanks Conor, and great effort. The bike packing gods like to mess with you a bit don't they.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Loved this Conor and gcn! Great content! Glad I finally saw this breathtakingly beautiful video of your homeland! Conor's trip to Connor was jaw droppingly beautiful! I laughed at the best view sign fogged in! Great that you didn't let the adversity get you down!

[@sarunasgardzijauskas629]

Camping in Caherdaniel,climbing brutal Conor Pass ,saluting Funghi in Dingle...Imagine if i bumped into Conor >< greetings from KIllarney!!!!!!great video.

[@williamshafer3199]

7:35 + ferns & forest; quite beautiful!

[@Trisnolan]

An Irish man here for another Irishman’s tour around Ireland 🇮🇪 😂 Cheers Conor 🤘🏻

[@conordunne1]

Aw thanks glad you enjoyed this one!! Conor

[@ImAnEmergency]

I love Conor’s approach here. Plans? No. Just bike.

[@Allride_]

This is not an apples to apples comparison but this last weekend big dogs backyard ultrarace took place and Conor, you’ve almost got beaten by runners. The winner did 354 miles, 566 km in a 85 hour race Just mind blowing!! Anyway thanks for bringing us along, also a great effort that i wouldn't be able to do and a joy to follow along on screen :)

[@aidanoc19]

Best roads ever on the SW Ireland peninsulas! Great video Connor and hope you enjoyed a well deserved pint in An Daingean after that.

[@rexaldrinrabon7797]

Just look at what this lad is doing. He's living in a dream. Someday when I get a job, I'm gonna buy me self a bike. Maybe a gravel so I can take on road and semi-trail. And get to actually physically feel what you're feeling. Good luck and god bless on your future rides my friend! Whenever I'm tired, I always watch your rides/trips, it's just so relaxing. I can even say it gives me peace.

[@JasonDBike]

When you have a job, you are either too tired or don't have enough time to do excessive trips like this. But this can be done on any bike. You don't need anything special, trips like these have been ridden for 100 years on old steel bikes.

[@rexaldrinrabon7797]

@@JasonDBike soon!

[@johnfran3218]

When things were at their very worst: 2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy. Scientists will say it was a global illusion. Beware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again. After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way. Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet - will seem to rise from the dead - will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one. One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist. Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent. "Arab uprising will spark global unrest - Italy will trigger fall out" "The time for the schism in the Church is almost here and you must get prepared now." The Book of Truth.

[@fourutubez7294]

@@johnfran3218 "Truth" ..... chuckle

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Thank you Conor that was magnificent. I love this notion of simply riding and experiencing rather than always having to be chasing goals. Perhaps the goal should be how many sights you can see and experiences you can accumulate. If I had 72 hours, I would like to explore Newfoundland, Canada.

[@JesmondBeeBee]

I'm imagining Connor walking into a camping supply shop and just saying, "I need the biggest sleeping bag you've got."

[@conordunne1]

This is literally what happened. Sale on as well!!!

[@andrifsig]

Loved this! Have done a few unsupported bike touring trips in my home country of Iceland. Would always recommend exploring the Westfjords. Epic scenery, small towns almost always within a days ride, quiet roads and a mix of asphalt and gravel. Other regions as the Northeast offer flatter terrain but still very scenic. Then there is the East coast, which hugs the eastern coastline between the sea and mountains. Then there are the Central Highlands, an area where you need to navigate river crossings, lava fields, rough washboard gravel roads, bone-chilling windgusts coming in from the glaciers and the occasional volcanic eruptions! All the while carrying everything on your bike as the resupply points are very few and very far between. But you will be rewarded with unreal scenery, bone-grinding and mind-numbing efforts and an experience to tell your grandchildren. I trust that GCN will send Hank to us to complete some epic wild adventure ride...

[@larsborghouts8360]

And that is why some old-fashioned people, like myself, take an actual tent when bicycle touring…. Not as hipster as bikepacking perhaps, but a lot dryer 😜

[@nicolasdomise]

I have so much admiration for Conor and in general people who can stay so positive in such adversity, I can't say enough great things about his personality. GCN has found (like with all the others) a phenomenal person to be part of their team. Massive kudos to them and of course to Conor for succeeding this challenge. BIG congratulations! Very inspiring!

[@FlatSpinMan]

GCN has an absolutely stellar line up right now, doesn’t it? Fun, talented, up for anything, not at all self-important, and just generally positive. Oh, and Dan.

[@이불속영화-c9i]

I miss Ireland. The country is beatiful and has nice landscape. I remember days when I walked in a park just after rain jumping over puddles. Thank you for giving me a chance to think the experience again.

[@douglaspate9314]

What a FANTASTIC clip!! Totally enjoyed it. Even having 25% of my blood Irish, I never realised how spectacular the west coast of Ireland is. Now it is on my list. But Conor, mate, I've taken less with me for unsupported rides of 4 weeks in Scandinavia. I must admit though I had help. The mate I went with was a mountain survival specialist and knowing what to take is half the battle. I also remember once, a night storm in a camp site in Sweden, my mate had predicted the storm and we set our tent on massive, very slightly inclined rock (padded it underneath with forest debris). We woke to a flooded camp site, people in consternation and we were dry. By the way, my first choice would be Norway, though that is a choice based on having already done it.

[@nellecanzoni5]

Excellent video Connor! I rode 338 miles in 79 hours this June when I rode from Cleveland to Cincinnati Ohio for my first self-supported bike trip. My two oldest (13 and 10) loved the pictures so much they wanted to try so we did it again in a few segments over the course of several weeks (8 total ride days, the last 250 over five days straight!). My oldest asked what adventure we’re doing next year, and my 10yo watch Manon’s bikepacking in Scotland videos with me and said “I’m a bikepacker too!” Huge wins!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@davidryan4053]

GCN's best presenter. A nice guy without any BS. An engaging travel story and I watched it from start to finish.

[@jessetamez7362]

One of Connor’sbest! He seemed to so enjoy completing it. No matter what is happening one of Connor’s smiles lights up the video.

[@87solarsky]

Nice reminder one can do this sort of cycling even in the cooler season. I did this sorta trip across southern Ireland, including Dingle & Conor Pass on my first independent bikepacking trip in 2005, when I was 18. Time flies... need to repeat this somehow. Maybe next spring/summer. Hostels were still 10-15€ a night

[@mayfieldcourt]

A beautiful, moving video, thank you Conor & GCN. Ireland is incredible, and to be reminded of Tom Crean, and Shackleton, and Tom's heroism in the far South, and to see his pub was wonderful. Invincible Irish courage. But Conor, next time, please, keep your bed-roll dry!

[@mikemoloney3191]

GCN, this is the way to inspire people. More of these please.

[@conordunne1]

Aw thanks Mike that super kind of you! Thanks for watching enjoy the ride

[@richardreddecliffe9755]

As a reasonably experienced bike packer (who always carries too much) it always amazes me when you guys pull out your camping coffee makers. I just don’t understand where you fit all your gear as you seem to have less bags than I typically carry.

[@conordunne1]

I brought a stove top but it was a pain in the arse if I'm honest. Cowboy coffee was easiest just using the same mug I cooked with. Had a super small camping stove, folded up to a match box size. Gas cylinder bulky thing but managed to fit in top tube bag!

[@richardreddecliffe9755]

@@conordunne1, I have the same stove top at home but have always resisted the temptation to try and squeeze it in somewhere :) Usually just go cold turkey and hang out for second breakfast. Great trip and video BTW.

[@jonburnell532]

My type of ride. Just going out and getting lost, no dedicated route planning, no data, just great views and new roads.

[@FlatSpinMan]

This is a good point. If he’d actually had and stuck to a plan he would probably have gone further, but I like what he did and 500+ km in 72 hours is unthinkable to me.

[@defaultstate4536]

i do that sometimes, but just daytrips haha

[@bikeskimawk670]

Connor your passion for cycling is unmatched. Continue to ride to the level of your smile.⛰🍀🚴‍♂️😃

[@iaideenb]

I think all the GCN crew should come to Ireland for a tour with Conor👍🏻

[@DAlexKablack]

haha i love the "Irelands Best Known View (fog permitting)" as if they're just covering the legals side

[@conordunne1]

Haha so true!! Thanks for watching!

[@Keorvane]

I always find Connor to be the underdog of gcn compared to everyone else, always making attempts at challenges and always seems to have fun. Maybe a week long bike ride with the kid? :p

[@conordunne1]

Aw thanks Kenneth!! Week long with my son is definitely in the plans when I can get permission for Stacey haha

[@SFSomega]

Always enjoying those videos featuring Conor. Love his lightheartedness and his spirit.

[@km4089]

Great video thanks, what a great challenge, I just took up cycling again not long ago so well worth trying once Ive got a bit more bike fitness.

[@stephensmith3704]

Yes, Conor!! Glad you found a way to keep going 💪 You'll need that resilience for when you're sent back to complete the Donegal 555 - I'd love to see that video 👌

[@yedidyafriedler974]

Definitely would like to cycle in Norway! One of the most idyllic places in the world!

[@agilagilsen8714]

I can recommend some pretty nice parts of norway to cycle through if you want some nice views and to go places that have less tourism, although there will obviously be some as there are tourists everywhere. And usually a lot of norwegian "tourists" but even so it's a very nice place to cycle and I can definitely recommend it!

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

When I visited NordKapp in a late Autumn, there was heavy drizzle and thick fog in that desolate greyscape. Two bikepackers were arriving. Presumably from the amount of gear they were carrying they'd come a long way. And so they looked dejected and miserable arriving in those conditions, poor things. At least NordKapp Hall is open year round so they could change, dry off and have something warm to eat. 🇳🇴

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Toured around the Islands of Lofoten in August '97. The most amazing place to ride a bike - the roads go around the coastlines of the islands mostly as they are way too steep and mountainous inland. So cycling from fisherman's Hut to hut you need little gear (the fisherman's huts come with equipped kitchens), the roads are flat but you have stunning mountain scenery and coastal views!

[@denisoconnor3025]

Good man Conor. Pity about the weather. Beara, Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas have some of the most scenic cycling routes anywhere in Europe. Definitely better without the fog! Hope you had a pint of the black stuff in Dick Mac's in Dingle!

[@matthewardern5072]

YAY! I love this style of video, Conor's sheep whispering is very entertaining. For a 72 hour riding challange? How about Sydney to Melbourne? But do it in winter or spring! (doing it in summer is just a death sentence!)

[@cjohnson3836]

I just want to thank Conor's brother-in-law, Nigel

[@conorlynch8016]

Awesome video. Would love to see it in as an hour long episode on GCN+. This has certainly inspired me to plan something similar. Being from Cork I’ve cycled all those roads at one time or another and none of them fast. 500+ km is great going

[@oliviant2235]

Connor once again delight us with a ride around his beautiful country. He never disappoints giving a little bit of history while riding. I learned today about Tom Green. Thanks Connor!

[@polovr-n1v]

As a waterford man great to see Ireland represented.

[@backtoids]

gcn should release a flannel with their logo on it for the bikepackers

[@linot111]

Thanks for showing that amazing landscape. Definitely wanna see it from the saddle now.

[@jimswift52]

Great challenge, nice to see Conor enjoying an epic ride, not caring about the distance and ending with a smile.

[@stephenboshears4832]

515km! Wow really puts Si’s gravel epic in perspective.

[@sfetriathlon2432]

Great video, Conor. I enjoyed that you appeared surprised by the amount of rain while riding through Kerry ;)

[@thomashill5042]

Just when I think I'm done with challenges for the year and plan on slowing down Conor goes and reignites that fire. And, AND, in a place that is so close to my heart.

[@conordunne1]

Ah nice one Thomas, good luck and hope you make it out there. Fantastic roads to explore in this part of the world

[@petewillmot]

Brilliant effort Conor! Even though it was nice not seeing you “pinging” about in this video, it was sad to see your wet wake up! Brilliant resilience and intuition to adapt to your situation. Another brilliant film guys!

[@lucavasile6433]

I did 580km in 3 days this summer, and seeing and ex Pro doing the same, makes me feel better about myself. Good job to me and Conner))) By the way I plan to do 2k km next summer, so Conner you are welcome to join me!

[@lucafwn]

This is the kind video that really gives me some cycling inspiration. Now I feel like packing some stuff and going on an adventure. Bravo Conor!

[@lezardvaleth99]

Fair Play Conor, Audax Ireland have a 600km Super Randonee route from Kerry to Dublin that could be worth a look, like this ride it needs to be self supported and has a similar time limit.

[@edjack1993]

Liked the pace of this one. A good reminder that despite the nature of the challenge, it’s not all about the (ultimately irrelevant) numbers - its about enjoying the ride itself and the beautiful scenery.

[@a.sarmiento5116]

Woohoo... great editing, epic view, nice scenery. Actually no need for the race time, informing the us viewers the different scenes makes us feel we're with you. Gives the idea where to go as well... on bikepacking!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Epic view, outstanding tour guide and a great ride. Beautiful. Thanks for a great video. Take care, Al

[@Liftedhands10]

Great job! Laundromat to dry your sleeping bag!!! LOL.

[@worldgonecrazy]

Pity you didn't get the healy pass from the otherside, it is one of the best decents ever! If you ever head down that way again the ring of Beara is an incredible spin, well done in horrible conditions though 👏 👍

[@edwardp5748]

i remember those beautiful roads with the brightly painted sheep and ALL THAT GREEN. such an amazing country, i must go back one day!

[@steveroth35]

That. Was. Insane! Well done, Conor! I don't think I could ever accomplish something like that; tip of that cap to you, sir.

[@andreweeley5095]

Another top vid from GCN's most watchable presenter, humble, funny & seems a good guy. Oh yeah, he can ride a bike too!

[@madman8592]

Having ridden most of those roads I can say you choose well.

[@Seppster58]

Thanks for sharing this Conor.What a beautiful country. Big thanks to GCN for another excellent video. Love this content. Keep these coming!!!

[@SWatchik]

What a trip, nice idea to not have a set distance or end point and just see how far you can go. I usually am way too rigid on planning journeys even those way shorter than this!

[@Solarsystem50]

Very cool. Thank you for taking us along. Ireland is a beautiful country. I went to the Dingle peninsula during winter several years ago and it was magical.

[@bruceb1433]

Nice clip. Could have watched a longer edit while i got my coffee brewing. I enjoy the internal struggle of setting a challenging goal and experiencing the highs and lows of the effort. They seem to be magnified when doing these alone, wishing i could share it with someone. I enjoyed Connor sharing the tough bits, like trying to sleep in a wet sleeping bag. Its easy to put myself in that situation and empathize.

[@tenderlovellcare]

That's an incredible challenge! Congratulations Conor! An amazing achievement! I'm hoping to bike pack the North Coast 500 in Scotland next year.

[@gcn]

Good luck, it's an epic!

[@stephenm8270]

more of these please ! it will be interesting to learn how connor changes and hopefully improves his cockpit and sleeping systems as he has more adventures. Its what I'm taking from my own adventures..... only through your own experiences do you learn what works for you !

[@martincaron7709]

Conor you're a very inspiring man. Big love for you. Keep up the good work!

[@niallshakeshaft1524]

Fanstastic video. Ireland looks amazing and I really enjoyed Connor’s trip. But for the love of god, after this and the bikepacking video, let him do a ‘glamping’ trip next time!

[@lizsandys5179]

So enjoyed watching this. Captured the landscape and journey so well 👏🏻

[@conordunne1]

Thank you Liz so glad you enjoyed it!

[@laconicjack]

Got the end of the video and realised I had a smile on my face. Thanks Connor you have a great spirit.

[@DoktorOste]

What a nice adventure! I did something similar two years ago and cycled from Berlin to the alps in 3 days. A ride I‘ll never forget.

[@matthewrendell1713]

Great content Conor. I'd forgotten how beautiful that part of Ireland is. You've definitely inspired me to return and take my bike with me this time. Conor Pass looks fabulous especially with the sun out! Nice one 👍

[@goldenmath4091]

Bikes and nature, a match made in heaven, great stuff Conor

[@leszogs3668]

What an awesome challenge! So inspired to try the same, from Sydney to the south coast. Great Chanel!!

[@DavidMackenzie]

Great of you to share the ride with us Conner. Wish it had been a longer vid. Admired the initiative in buying a new sleeping bag. That would have been my choice too!

[@YTViewer1776]

What a ride. What a majestic country. Love it. Maybe an all GCN presenters group bike packing video next time.

[@kippen64]

Would have taken less stuff and enough money for good coffee. Enjoyed the video. The scenery was stunning. Felt serious envy.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Connor Pass looked amazing.

[@philipgibsone5351]

Such a good film buddy, loved it. You've inspired me to DO N.Scotland when I retire... but first a beer or two

[@ColmCostelloe]

Fantastic video. Well done Conor and great work GCN!

[@aghorn]

Good trek, Conor! Sorry about the rain, but beautiful countryside. Thanks for the video!

[@TheAesculap]

At 7:59 - rain on the Bivibag automatic Subtitles (Accidentally done) says: "applause" 😁

[@Terrierized]

You're bred tough mate On thru the foggin rain and wet beds. Very inspiring and the freedom!!! With you Big C 👍🇦🇺 ps I'd love to tour Tasmania..

[@lothburke2243]

Love these Ireland video's and Conor is a legend. 🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@alexgraves6842]

Another epic ride, Conor. 👍👍👍 Highly inspirational. Congratulations! 🍻🍻🍻

[@philtomlinson8220]

Tom Crean was a member of two of Shackletons's Antarctic expeditions. On the first one, they certainly could have reached the Pole, having got within 100 miles of it. However Shackleton turned back as he wasn't sure they had the supplies and reserves to return if they pushed on. It turned out to be a good decision, as about 30 miles from the edge of the ice, and their waiting ship, the party were caught in ferocious storm. More or less out of food and exhausted they had no choice but to stop, and shelter in their tent. Shackleton asked for a volunteer, to head out into the storm and raise the alarm, and get help from their waiting shipmates. Tom Crean volunteered. The others wanted to pool the supplies they had left to give Crean something to eat on his arduous trek. Crean refused, saying they needed the food more than him. After much pressing, he apparently agreed to take a single biscuit.......to sustain him for 30 miles through an antarctic storm! Needless to say, Crean successfully completed his journey, and the expedition was saved. Afterwards Shackleton said that Crean was, "Perhaps as close to being indestructible as it is possible for a man to be". Crean, was also a vital member of Shackleton's second and more famous following expedition. Check out the voyages of the Endurance, and her lifeboat the James Caird.

[@markmyers8775]

Stunning views and great effort. That was fantastic!

[@ltrtg13]

Conor, the top of Healy Pass is just around the bent. However I never said which bend.

[@bengt_axle]

What a breathtaking landscape!

[@PK-qq1lz]

Connor, you are great!!! I actually love all of you guys at GCN. Always an inspiration... I hope next year i'm gonna make my private Tortour around Switzerland with 1000k. See ya!

[@RochsWorld]

8:26 - Connor looks like the worlds biggest gnome 😆

[@timkosem3521]

Connor, you're a beast! What an effort in such beautiful country! I'm curious, where did you get your water? Did you filter it from streams?

[@sandpiper2012]

Another brilliant video Connor, well done and keep them coming...

[@SignorLuigi]

Magnificence performance, Connor! 👏👏👏 I can think of one place you did save weight. NO NEED FOR A SELFIE STICK! With arms as long as yours, you have been genetically bred to not need one. Brilliant! 🤳

[@conordunne1]

Hahha I'll take that!!! Thanks for watching, Conor

[@alexjohnson6462]

72 hours is a pretty good window to do the relatively new (and extremely challenging) TransVirginia Trail in the United States. 560 miles with 44,734 feet of elevation gain. There is also the slightly shorter Valley Route (539 miles, 33712 feet of elevation) which is part of the same course. The Valley route parallels the TransVa, but is a bit more narrower tire gravel bike friendly with slightly tamer gravel. You would not finish it in 72 hours (most participants take much longer than that), but you can still get pretty far along the trail.

[@neilmdon]

One of my very favorite restaurants in Ireland is Packie’s in Kenmare - but I suppose stopping there would be “support”.

[@Supermurph75]

Great effort Conor, totally inspiring and you’re made of tough stuff.

[@huntos83]

This was great, really enjoyed watching. I’m interested that you chose a pretty knobbly gravel tyre for the trip which looked to be almost all on road

[@edsmith530]

Great video Conner , would love to do that ride in Ireland absolutely inspiring

[@P6_7R_Nick]

Top mark's dude, full respect. That rain soaking everything must have hit hard. Good move with the new sleeping bag. Ireland is somewhere I've never travelled to but after watching this 2022 could be the year 👍

[@Berries2512]

Putting Munster on the map, good man Conor!