Great Western Trail / Trans Euro Trail - Devon | Aprilia Tuareg 660

[@economicalrides]

Mate, what a cracking video 🥰 That looked like a hard day in the saddle, you definitely earned your evening pint or three that day ! You actually did everything exactly as I would do it, I’m always very conscious of the fact that I am riding alone. Different circumstances, different rules. As a veteran of tough trails myself these days 😇 I can confirm that riding down is often more sketchy than riding up. Love your modesty but however good or bad you think you are, rest assured that you have inspired me to start this off-road nonsense ! I also agree that bike size and weight is often a limiting factor. I’d be a lot more confident on a lightweight dirt bike or enduro than I ever will be with my hefalump of a Himalayan. Weight brings so many disadvantages, the only advantage being traction. In every other way it works against you ! Cheers H-D, I hope you enjoyed the beers that evening, well deserved 👍 Garry

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh thanks Garry 🙂 It was tiring, but very awesome.... I actually got to my destination a lot earlier than I'd planned, but then I did miss out around 5 lanes all in which would have probably added another hour if they went well, or several hours had I not skipped them and got into trouble, so was best to avoid the ones that were tough, even if it meant I had to avoid a couple of easier ones that those linked to. Def enjoyed a few beers and a steak and ale pie and chips once I'd settled in at the hotel. I think in all things skill related, there is always going to be someone better that I will aspire to, and there will always be someone with less experience, I don't feel I am doing myself a disservice by saying I have a lot to learn... I still feel I have loads to learn on tarmac, and I have been doing that over 30 years!😀 Hahaha It is very awesome to hear I have inspired you to play in the dirt, I hope some of my videos have inspired others to do so too as motorcycling, especially trail riding, is so very rewarding for mind, body and soul in my book! 🙂 Aye, weight and manageability of a bike is super important to give confidence and to raise ability. The Himy has a cracking engine for hill climbs, the log stroke motor really help it lug up incredibly toughclimbs, Angel Steps and Saddlebags are a case in point. If my Aprilia was lower, or if it was lighter, I would feel so very much more confident on it out on the trails, as it is, I love it, but it is just on the cusp of manageability vs too much bike for me out in the dirt.

[@economicalrides]

@@HippoDrones Yes, I can well imagine that there are plenty of situations where with the Beta you'd be like "Hell yeah !" and with the Toerag you're like "Hmmm. Maybe not !". In my latest vid, I was quite envious of those dirt bike lads. I was already thinking at the time, that I'd be a lot more casual about coming down that trail on something like that rather than trying to wrestle Norman down there ! It actually got me thinking that I'd like a dirt bike IN ADDITION to Norman 😝 I could enjoy Norman on the gentler routes and use the dirt bike for testing new routes. But no Garry, no. You have two bikes already and only one backside. Stop it ! Silly boy ! 😛 Really looking forward to experiencing Norman's engine when it's fully run in. Apparently they do improve a lot after about 1000 miles. I'm currently at 1000 km, so still another 600 or so to go, but looking forward to feeling the difference ! Cheers Pete, take care, stay safe ! Garry & Ruby ( who enjoyed the dog action in this video by the way ) ❤🐕

[@HippoDrones]

@@economicalrides haha... as you get more dirt saddle time you'll get more used to the Himy and its weight will become less of an issue... but the advice I always follow is "buy the goddam motorcycle" in almost all situations, even when there isn't one to buy! 🤣

[@economicalrides]

@@HippoDrones True. I also think that once I've dropped him a few more times, I will be less anxious about dropping him. That is the stress factor at the moment, I am anxious about not damaging a new bike. Once he is no longer so new, I think it will give me one less thing to worry about on the trails and I'll feel a lot braver. I am tempted to get a really small, light dirt bike for scouting new trails before tackling them with Norman. 🤔 I have the whole summer to think about that one. I'm thinking that a 175 or 250 would be ideal. Something nice and light, easy to pick up and turn around if I decide to turn back because things are getting too sketchy. A small capacity bike would be fine for scouting trails, only downside is getting to the trails which are further away at 50mph max, that would suck a bit. But definitely something to consider and might mean that Norman has to crash less ! 🤔

[@HippoDrones]

@@economicalrides it was why I suggested a Beta Alp 200 to you a while back, it'll get up any climb, is light enough and nimble enough and tough enough for any trail... and you can service it with a hammer.

[@davidhawkins120]

Glad you stayed safe Pete especially on your own, respect for that! Certainly a better route than the A30, great to watch👍

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... 100% better than the A30 :-D Cheers David :-)

[@kenbrooks7794]

I enjoyed seeing your take on many of the lanes that ive done whilst led by Dave and Saddlebags. You did the right thing by paying attention to Dave and not attempting Coryton Church lane. Its a rocky rut from hell up there, maybe do-able on yours but if you got it wrong theres no turning the bike and you were on your own (and a long way from home) You should enjoy your eventual visit to North Devon, we've got loads to choose from at all levels of severity! Nice Vid 😊

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh cheers Ken, it was awesome to put my own wheels in the ruts I've seen you lot riding :-) Yeah, Dave gave me some good advice I think. Had I been on my Beta and without luggage, I'd have probably attempted them all as that is so light and unintimidating when the trails get tougher, but te Tuareg, with my short legs and lack of ability, def right to skip the ones that looked tougher! :-) I can't wait to get over to North Devon with Marc, it has a terriffic coastline, with many lanes to match! :-)

[@Saddlebags73]

It’s really cool seeing you riding trails I’m familiar with 😎 I think the first one you turned back from was one we missed out after walking up it. Gets real gnarly. It was a blast going up Fingle Bridge. I’ll have to go back and do it downwards, it did look sketchy. Mister Dave is making a name for himself 🙂 Great fun mate 👍🏼

[@HippoDrones]

Mr Dave is a life saver by all accounts! 😀 I'd def be interested in hearing how you get on going down it vs going up it. I would have been a lot happier on my Beta I think for most of the lanes, I am looking forward to bringing that down to go play dirty bikes with Marc 🙂

[@Saddlebags73]

@@HippoDrones Beta va GS1250 😮 Don’t get squashed 🤣

[@HippoDrones]

@@Saddlebags73 🤣

[@ronpranglen5287]

I have a video taken from Fingles bridge when cyling there on holiday the water was fast flowing, coming back I noticed the byway sign but did'nt fancy it on my push bike

[@HippoDrones]

@@ronpranglen5287 haha... don't blame you, be hard-working riding up or down it on a bicycle 😆

[@thra5herxb12s]

My old stamping ground back in the 80s and 90s when I lived in Dunsford. I had a lovely playground literally in my back yard and rode the byways on my old pre 65 green laner, a 1938 Ariel 350. Great times indeed.

[@HippoDrones]

Awesome stuff 🙂

[@NooBiker]

Some sensible decisions and quite a lot of hard work, there. You must have been proper knackered by the end of the day!

[@HippoDrones]

I know right, it's almost like I'm an adult already! :-D Hahaha :-D I was, I stopped in a B&B in Exeter, had some scran and a couple of pints and hit the sack with a proper early night! :-)

[@MVDBR]

Gee what a hero splashing ya like that. It's acceptable doing that to ya mates now and then but not to complete strangers. That's my opinion anyway 🤷🏻 Fun and challenging tracks though Pete and beaut countryside thanks for sharing 🙌

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... yeah, I would probably not have done that to someone I didn't know myself... still, it made me chuckle none the less 😀 It was a cracking days riding, was shattered by the end of it 🙂

[@oldwildandfree]

No shame in turning around if you are not feeling it. Well done for getting down Fingle Bridge👍. I have only been up it. And if you go at a decent speed it is excilerating 👍

[@HippoDrones]

absobloominlutely. Ha... I can barely ride at a wobble on the trails 😀

[@Banditmanuk]

Nice to see you making good use of the trip to Cornwall. @Saddlebags is officially an influencer with you following some of the lanes he rides.

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... he'll love that you called him an "Influencer"! :-D I def made good use of the miles and time I had available. Was a mini holiday for me, had a great time :-)

[@economicalrides]

Ooooh this is a long one ! I'm hoping to watch it tonight before bedtime, should be fun ! Cheers Pete 👍🏻 Garry & Ruby ❤🐕

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... that's what she said! :-P I've been away over the weekend, but back on nights now so catching up too... my job has it's perks! :-D

[@deepjoyrides]

As a fan of the big boxers I look forward to seeing you with epic motorcycle tours.

[@HippoDrones]

Me too... be interesting to see where he takes us! 🙂

[@BikingBuddies]

I really enjoyed that. I can agree with you about the ruts - I'm not a big fan at all. I think as soon lone rider on the day, you made yhe right calls when avoiding some of the trails and binning off that last one. You may have been ok, but as we all know, on a bigger bike, on your own is never a good combination. PS: watching your video's, I get a sense that we're probably at a similar ability level and on similar weight/class bikes too.

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh good to hear Paul ☺️ Ruts suck.. so does sand... yet I still really enjoy them in some kind of masochistic way 🤣 I wouldn't want to put your ability down mate after saying in this vid I am not very good 🤣

[@imagine3687]

I love your videos! You ride safe, courteous to others, and take in what is around you. That is riding responsibly! Too many hooligans out there tearing up trails and we end up loosing privileges. Gorgeous scenery! Stay safe!

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh thank you, I try to be respectful, we all share the lanes, so we have to get on with each other out on them 🙂

[@exeterrider]

Good to see some new local tracks. You did the right thing on the last track, that could have been a disaster if you got stuck or worse. You know where the line is 👍 We are lucky how much we have here. Shame I don't have an offroader, but reality is I wouldn't use it that much if I did. Nicely done 👍🍻

[@HippoDrones]

You have some lovely places to ride down your way. Gotta be sensible when out solo, especially on an adv bike. My Beta would have seen me be bolder 😄

[@ads_rides]

Nice ride pete 👍 good to get out on new trails and explore new area's looks lovely down that way but have heard of some tricky lanes always good to take a buddy with you. Great video mate very entertaining as always 👌

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers Ad, yeah it is always a good idea to ride with another person, especially on new trails. Unfortunately wasn't an option for me on this ride though.

[@terrysaint688]

Great video,lovely part of the country👌

[@HippoDrones]

Devon is amazing, as is Cornwall, but more trails I think in Devon 🙂 Thank you Terry 🙂

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

Wow, that was quite the trail mate. I’m sure you got the bike a little dirty lol.

[@HippoDrones]

I did, not that you'd be able to tell it was any filthier! 😀

[@mellowr1]

cool vid mate. Looked like very hard work a couple of those😁

[@HippoDrones]

I think I am my own worst enemy, as I doubt myself which makes me ride slower, which in turn, makes a lot of the stuff a lot harder for me than it need be! 😆

[@mellowr1]

@Hippo-Drones I'm the same. Show me wet mud or ruts and I slow right up🙄😁 According to my professional friends you need to stand to let the bike move around, be on the throttle which makes the bike track through the ruts and not slow down. It does work, but it's hard training the brain to do that 🤔😁

[@HippoDrones]

@@mellowr1 yup, am the same on sand too... I just tense up

[@mellowr1]

@@HippoDrones not to worry. It will all just be dust soon🤔😁

[@HippoDrones]

@@mellowr1 :D

[@FaithPixel]

Really enjoyed the video. Would love to give this a go sometime.

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh cheers Jess🙂 You should see if there are any experience days in your area, my first taste of riding dirt was on a Yamaha Offroad Experience, I was hooked! 🙂

[@markfortin8286]

I would have left those questionable sections for times when I had others with me, too! Sometimes it's better to play it safe and keep enjoying yourself, rather than risking a miserable time!

[@HippoDrones]

Yup, def wise words there Mark... Just one wrong lane can turn a great ride into a nightmare.

[@BigDaveTALKS]

Awesome ride right there. Hey I totally understand bypassing sections when alone. Heck even when you are with somebody you may have to bypass sections if their skills aren’t on par or better than yours. That was a lot of work turning the bike around in that tight space but probably saved much more headache if you would have continued down that path. Just something to consider on the next tire purchase; I really like the Anake Wild tires my biggest issue is they don’t last long (rear) due to all the road/ highway riding around here. But they do very well on road and great in the slippery mud. I had them on the Africa Twin when I rode New Mexico last year. The wet roads, muddy trails, rocky roads, I never lost confidence in those tires.

[@HippoDrones]

I've heard good things about their grip too... but also heard they don't last long, which is why I like the Motoz Tractionator tyres... I got around 5000 miles out of the Tractionator Adventures, I'll not get as many from the Rallz I don't think, but they should still last better than a lot of other brands ADV tyres (tires, soz for you US folk) 😀

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@HippoDrones 😂t-I-res.. yessss. Me and @dynamotightstar have had that conversation before. But that was my only complaint about the Anake also, they just don’t last. I have 2,500 on my motoz but man the imbalance issues🤨. I cant be that unlucky to get 2 tires that wont hold a balance. I have a plan though. I was told i may be spinning the rim in the tire, so i marked it and will see if that is the issue.

[@HippoDrones]

@@BigDaveTALKS the Tractionator Adventures were worse for stability than the Tracionator Rallz... but the Rallz are def not stable on the tarmac! 😀

[@Dereksol]

Great video Pete. Gillianthepillion sympathise with you on the steep down section. She struggles a bit with similar and knows most of it is just a head job. 😎👍👍

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Derek, I'm sure if I could get my feet down easier, I'd find it all a bit less challenging 😁

[@Dereksol]

@@HippoDrones That is Gill's problem. 🤓😎👍

[@HippoDrones]

@@Dereksol #StumpyLife

[@matmoore5700]

Another great video. Youbtalked about getting the bike in your van, I got a T7 in my Transit. Had to take the screen off and use a ratchet strap to compress the forks and it went in with mm to spare.

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Mat, appreciate tge kindcwords 🙂👍 Was that a low roof? Did you have any issues loading it with the suspension compressed?

[@ExeterCenturion]

Ruts aren't my favourite bit either. Cracking video!

[@HippoDrones]

A bit easier on an enduro than an adv bike, but can mess you up on either! 🤣

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Awesome day of adventuring matey! Yes, I'm one of those who say you're pretty skilled on the bike ;) ... there's a few reasons. Similarly to road riding - one should never ride to 100% of one's ability. 70% is a good target, this allows for the unexpected and allows one to learn new things as they come along. That requires wisdom and experience. Very few people actually ride their Adventure bikes off road, in fact many will turn around at the sight of some gravel on the tar - I know that's a bit of a clichee but I reckon it's true. Even fewer people would have the skills required to turn a bike around in a situation like you did at the end, or even the wisdom to make that call faced with what they saw in front. Then there's the very few who can actually ride just about anything at any speed. They are extremely rare, and they are prepared to risk 3 months of updates from the hospital bed and trashing the beloved bike. I'd say I'm more like you Pete, and perhaps even appeal to more people who are also not the "Toby Prices" in the world, as they can relate to how we struggle. If we could just relax a bit more... 😉 That was well worth the watch mate!

[@HippoDrones]

It very much was mate, loved it, frustrating to have had to bail on some of the trails, but like you say... better to be cautious in situations like those. I am definitely not a bad trail rider, but I do have a lot of room for improvement and lots and lots to learn still... but I feel the same on my road riding, and that is after 30+ years on bikes. I do think it is important to be able to tell myself that I am not the best at stuff like this, it stops me biting off more than I can chew! :-D I think you are on to something there mate, being relatable with our content is quite possibly what draws in the new subscribers! :-) Thanks David :-)

[@WolfyFam]

Looked like a fun ride and it’s definitely making me want to get an adventure bike now 😂

[@HippoDrones]

I've only been riding dirt 4 years out of the 30 odd years I've been riding, but love it so much, possibly my favourite type of riding.

[@V8pauly888]

Entertaining as always……cheers 🍻 👍

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh thanks Paul 🙂

[@MrAusadventure]

Looked like a bloody awesome ride mate! You did well in some of those sections. I think you need to give yourself more credit! Probably a wise move skipping the difficult section though when you're by yourself a long way from home on a heavy bike. Isn't it annoying how the camera flattens out steep terrain. Crazy to think of cars flying up that bit! That spot where you crossed the river with a restaurant or whatever is stunning! Did you end up stopping there? HaHa! That was funny when the rider roosted you in the water. 🤣🤣 Bugger about having to turn around! That looked like a challenge getting back out of there. The clutch works well as a brake in those situations. I've had to do that a few times. Last time was sliding down a steep hill full of deep volcanic gravel in Bali. I'm looking forward to sharing that video! 🤣 Awesome video mate, I enjoyed that one! 👍

[@HippoDrones]

It really was mate, so glad I decided to take a few extra days to have an explore. Please don't get me wrong, I am not terrible in the dirt, more stating that I still have a LOT to learn, and recognising that how I can ride on my familiar trails is not a reflection of how "good" I am as a trail rider. I've only really been riding dirt since 2018, where as I've been riding tarmac since 1991, and I still have heaps to learn about that sort of riding. I am fine with knowing that, as it encourages me to try to be better and try new places to ride... is why I am hooking up with other riders around the country this year, to get me used to new trails and conditions (as well as to meet new people and see wonderful places of course) 😀 Cameras, especially action cameras really do flatten ascents and descents, and they also hide how scrabbly the ground is under the tyres, even ruts look flat. It is why channels like Crug and MVDBR make me so impressed with their ability, as often the climbs and clambers and down hills look intimidating on their cameras, so you know that they are far more extreme than they look... now those guys can ride! 😀 I did stop, but there was like a 40min wait for food and it looked quite a pricey place even to just have a drink... it was stunning there, super popular and parking was all up the skinny road, It did make me chuckle... I'm not sure if I'd have done that to someone else, but it was a hot day, so it cooled me off a little! 😀 I can't wait to see your volcanic video, sounds pretty epic. Yeah, def one to lose the jacket and helmet to help keep cooler while turning the bike. It is all good experience for me though, even turning the bike gets easier the more we do it, so no harm in giving myself a little practice hahaha... I'm sure at some point I will have to learn other ways to spin the bike around, in the meantime, I'll try and master the bar waggle method 😀 Cheers Bill, always appreciate your comments mate 🙂

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

Man there was some tricky predicaments on those trails that’s for sure 😬 You said a lot that you weren’t riding the best but honestly I think everyone can see your experience pays off on these lanes, I’d be all over the place fella 😂 It’s the rocky surface that would probably have me on my ass within seconds 😂 You’re brave for doing these lanes by yourself because you’re spot on you just never know what could go wrong. You definitely made the right call towards the end, just ain’t worth it, that looked crazy 😂 Very entertaining video mate, hope you’re doing well 🤘

[@HippoDrones]

Very kind of you to say mate, but I am not a great trail rider, and I'm fine with that as it makes me want to improve. It is one of the reasons I am travelling to further away trails, to get some experience on different lanes and improve hopefully 🙂 It is definitely worth being cautious when solo, like you say... can go wrong quickly. Am great ty, been working all weekend, but a week off now 😁🤘

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

@@HippoDrones Enjoy the week off and make the most of the sunshine 🤘

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheRhythmicBiker will do buddy 🙂👍

[@vithanasanjeewa1525]

Nice ride Pete! Good entertaining 🤩🤩

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers Sid mate 🙂👍

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

Nice one Pete. Glad you enjoyed the Dartmoor lanes. I think that one you missed out was one that we left out when I was out with Mr Dave, Saddlebags, Exeter Rider and Ken. 100% the GS is a huge bike but I’m determined or is that stubborn 😂 For sure Fingle Bridge is steep. I went up it at the end of April. Video goes live Saturday. And yes, it’s cheating on the Beta 😜

[@exeterrider]

We all have big respect for the way you use your bike like it's a crf250👍👍

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

@@exeterrider cheers ER. It doesn’t feel like a CRF at times 😂

[@exeterrider]

😊

[@HippoDrones]

It was Dave that warned me about it at Saddlebags73's ride, I was very grateful for his local knowledge 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... def a mixture of determination and being too stubborn to let it beat you! 😁 Beta might be cheating, but I'll be glad of its lighter weight fir sure 🤣

[@Land-Shark]

Beautiful trails :) This reminds me that I need to pay for an InReach emergency service subscription for my Montana 700i so I can let someone know where to find my pathetic and twisted corpse out on the trail. There is no cell service in some of the areas where I'll be at this summer, so having satellite SOS service and texting service will be nice, just in case the worst happens.

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh that is a good plan. I can imagine in a huge country like yours, that it could be days before anyone stumbled across you if you came offcand got hurt!

[@rolandstaines3249]

Rippa ride rippa lanes nice one mowmentum mowmentum :)

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers Roland 🙂 Hahaha... aye, I needed mooooor! 😀

[@bikerbuddy3166]

Well I definitely see you as a very competent off road rider no matter the pace you is definitely faster than me and def don’t fall off as much as I would lol 😂 and the best tip in the world is stay alive lol 😂 on road or mud , as ever really enjoyed that 😎👌🙏🤘top man

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh dude, very kind of you to say, but I have to disagree, I am very wobbly when out of my regular trails! :-) Ha... the older I get, the less worried I am about speed... more about the not dying! :-D Hahaha

[@MfrOffroadRiderNorCal]

Error with caution when by yourself smart to turn around no sense in risk to you or bike that’s my philosophy nice vid 👍🤟

[@HippoDrones]

Absolutely, the Tuareg gets heavy very fast when tired and trying to pick it up! 🙂 Thanks mate 🙂

[@theodorstravels]

Isn't it the operating system, that turns the screen dark? If you have the light sensor on the phone, Android tends to adjust it automatically, even if you continuously tell it not to. / Being bold in muddy water can mean ending up italic.

[@HippoDrones]

It might well be, but when I use Google Maps on the phone, it stays bright and doesn't lock, same on other nav apps, it is just the OS App that can't seem to keep the screen on

[@LordBilious]

Some nice lanes there. Discretion is the better part of valour when you're on your own.

[@HippoDrones]

Yup on both counts.... especially after having been told what the lanes I missed were like... def a good choice to skip them solo!

[@exeterrider]

@ExeterCenturion some tracks here for you.

[@HippoDrones]

:-)

[@chadde46666]

What van do you have? I got mine in a normal Vivaro with the screen removed

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh that is good to know. I have a 2021 Transit Custom SWB/low roof.

[@ronpranglen5287]

Had no sound Hippo so ficked through it, looked like easy riding hedges cut back made for an easier ride in deep rut.

[@HippoDrones]

It was a good spin, some tough bits that I had to miss or bail on, but other than that was a nice ride

[@NooBiker]

Riding like a Noob, you say? 😂

[@HippoDrones]

😀hahaha... possibly! 😀

[@CarlosUzdinet]

... not suitable 💪

[@HippoDrones]

What?

[@CarlosUzdinet]

@@HippoDrones era un comentario irónico, quería hacer un chiste... me refería a que en algunos caminos indicaba "no adecuado para motos" y sin embargo los hiciste, quien puso el cartel indicador, no contaba con tu perseverancia... Gracias por tus vídeos!!

[@HippoDrones]

@@CarlosUzdinet😀Ah, hahahah... Sì... quei segni sono i migliori segnali per una moto d'avventura! 😀