I purchased the Garmin inReach Mini 2 after this MTB track tried to kill me.

[@seniorsone5066]

Cheers for the shoutout buddy 👍 😅. The shame is still with me… On a more serious note, you demonstrated my worst fear!!! I will be investing in a Garmin for sure 👌

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I think alot of us have the same fear. I do hope that even if the Garmin doesn't save me this video saves someone else.

[@smtex9902]

Glad you're OK Lance. And smooth hop off the bike....

[@evlgtz]

Awesome vid. Loved the holy crap holy crap! Glad you didn’t go in the drink!

[@wildtrek1250]

Just a hint Lance, never go abseiling on your ebike, and if you do, you probably should use a rope. After getting my leg stuck under a big heavy moto in a deep mud hole on a remote track a few years ago, I actually threw the cement pills away (they don’t work anyway) and bought a Personal Locating Beacon (PLB). It goes everywhere with me now, on every ebike ride and I reckon if you ride a mountain bike in any backcountry area, it’s the smart thing to do. Glad you didn’t die, we are enjoying your vids immensely and would have to find another channel. Nice work 👍😁

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for that. I will take my Garmin with me at all times now. We are all the same though. Hit your face on the ground, buy a full face, fracture your elbow, buy some elbow pads. Slow learners.

[@chrismartin9779]

Glad you’re ok Lance, that would of scared the crap out of me as well 😳😳 Awesome purchase on the Garmin too, definitely worth it. Stay safe my friend 👍

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Chris. I am glad everyone doesn't think I was over reacting.

[@russellbrebner7664]

Nice ride Lance. I rode that track a few months ago with some locals. They stopped at that point you nearly fell and wouldn't let me ride. We walked it. Apparently one of the lads fell down there on another trip... and managed to live to tell the tale. It's a proper fall tho! Apparently there use to be signs, but they got vandalized.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for that. I don't feel so pathetic now.

[@russellbrebner7664]

@@bestdayevermtb2 it's not really a safe section of trail to be fair. The consequence of a fall is severe and with wide bars it would require some high precision riding to clean it. And I'm not sure if you would want to session it to achieve it.... ☠☠

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@russellbrebner7664 not sure I will be back doing it again any time soon to try and perfect it. I think the tricky part is the rock wall has jagged bits that stick out.

[@alandickinson2403]

That looked like an awesome trail and what an epic save when you hit the rock

[@tsalesto]

Wow, lucky to be alive. This is why I now run 770 mm bar instead of 800. Still clipping the trees sometimes. We have pretty narrow places on trails in my hoods.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Yes in some places the wide bars can be an issue. I remember when wide bars became fashionable. I was constantly hitting my hands on trees.

[@Greyarcher1]

God one Lance! I got me one of those military grade cell phones so it can take a hit or two, cos i Always ride alone,and surching for New Trails and Adventures, have had a few incidents but manage to get back home everytime, god to se you will be safe well at least getting help where every you ride cos i would like to se more of the same kind of Adventures, Always riding unknown Trails gets adictive Man😉 good one Lance more of the same please 🤠

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for that. I know some people say you should never ride alone but the reality is we pretty much all do it. We often discuss rides amongst the guys but they never seem to happen. Sometimes you just need to go off and do it yourself.

[@allanspooner1084]

That is a real Tech trail. What an amazing trail. Love it!

[@nevwaterson1327]

Mate you were lucky!! Reckon if it was me I would have been in the river. Great escape. Great vid. Some gr8 one liners... "I may not have to drive back to Auckland, may end up riding there!" 😂. "I can film myself freezing to death" 🥶Awesome adventure ride. Yeeow 🤜

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Glad you liked my one liners.😁😁😁

[@ocbyn]

Another great video Lance. Thank you. Loving the commentary for a single person ride out. What a brilliantly varied trail and nice multi angles at the waterfall. Mate..! that holy crap moment……I was nervous a lot of the way through the video waiting because of the title. My Garmin head unit has an emergency feature too- sending a preset text and location details to my emergency contact. Great piece of kit.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Glad you liked the video. I guess the title probably made you nervous on every corner. It is funny as a lot of the commentary was about safety even though I didn't know that incident was going to happen.

[@jacquelineeastman1472]

Ah. Should have done Captain Sender 🤣.. from Wifey... Proud of you ...love you... and always want the best for you xxx

[@jeremyharris4415]

Fantastic video Lance really enjoyed watching it. I did the same thing except it was on Karahake Gorge but I feel down the rocks and all most fell in the water only 500 mm away from it .had to have a operation on my knee after it had my cartilage taken out of my knee. And that trail you did I dislocated shoulder went over a wooden bridge and front wheel came out from the front of me enjoys of learning mountain biking over 25 years ago for me take care mate looking forward to seeing your next video

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Glad you enjoyed the video. All the horror stories are coming out of the wood work now. Think I may take up bowls 😄

[@estimateparagon]

I ride in Colorado and went down hard at the beginning of May and was by myself. I basically broke everything in my upper right quadrant of my body. I was lucky I could walk out a mile and had cell service. I spent 3 weeks in a hospital and have since purchased the agar in Mini 2 for myself. I’ll always be riding by myself but like you now have another rescue option

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Bugger that sounds painful. We always think we will just ride or walk out but that is not always possible. Hopefully I never need mine. Stay safe.

[@jp119]

Cool track. Unfortunate about the spill.did the same in Rotorua today on Grinder track. Lost some skin and hurt ribs. I could still ride but the hour drive home not fun. Good purchase on the Garmin 👍

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Always nice to have someone to drive you home if sore.

[@sjaan7370]

I ride alone a lot and that was a close one. Definitely a nice save on that Lance and a nice purchase too... worth every penny 👍

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Yes I would pay $10 000 happily to not sleep the night injured in a river.

[@A-Kiwi]

Great stuff, you're as crazy as me! Love how you take the time to set up the cameras! Glad nothing happened. I got an adrenaline rush just watching it!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I am quite pleased the comments are more "I do the same as you Lance" rather than "Lance your an idiot."

[@A-Kiwi]

@@bestdayevermtb2 Too many sit on their Ass doo gooders and do nothing people commenting on the internet! I love adventure, and getting out there. If I wrap myself up in a safety roll of cotton wool and sit at home, I'd probably die fat and of a cotton wool allergy. Ok, take precautions, and don't ask for trouble, but enjoy life and make the most of it, like you seem to be doing.

[@pistolpete938]

Bit of a close call there Lance, you made me jump with that one!. It shows your not a complete nutter, you buying that garmin will give you a bit of reassurance when you're out on the trails alone. Stay safe mate!.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I like to think I am not a nutter but do enjoy spending hours in the forest with a bike and a camera. Have worried for some time about what would happen even if I just sprained an ankle and couldn't walk out.

[@pistolpete938]

@@bestdayevermtb2 you've done the right thing buying the garmin.

[@TheMaoriThatBikes]

Fml....that was a code brown moment dude!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I think I did change my shorts before heading home🤣🤣🤣

[@DEXATUA]

Good thing there was a river right there to wash ya shammy in after that one 😬

[@shelleymartin1775]

SHITE!!!!! That scared the living crap out of me! I am so happy to see you have bought a Garmin. I always worry when hubby goes out riding by himself and no one knows where he is. If you are unable to push the alarm, does it let someone know if it detects a fall? I’m pleased you are ok. Be careful out there.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

No it doesn't do an alert if you fall. Saying that I believe it can send tracking info to yourself so you could see his progress. I guess if he doesn't move for awhile you can go and investigate. I believe you can get helmets that can send out info in a crash.

[@shelleymartin1775]

@@bestdayevermtb2 well please can you get one of this then? Your poor wifey must worry sometimes.

[@mtbville]

Great video 😃👍

[@jamespaterson6550]

Sketchy moment there Lance, glad you're ok after the shock wore off,totally get riding on your own have had a few close shaves myself when solo .

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for the support James.

[@jeremybarber4693]

Wicked track. Good on you for getting the locator beacon

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Have been meaning to do it for ages but needed a scare to finally motivate me.

[@RobinCapper]

Great video, like you I got a PLB before needing one and hope I never do use it. It is surprising how quickly you can be out of cell reception, even near Auckland in the hills, and I like exploring type riding, often alone. Glad you got away with that one, could have been nasty!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Robin. Must admit I only have cell phone reception in half my house. I like riding in Riverhead and many areas have no reception. Will definitely carry Garmin in there even when with friends.

[@grr250]

Another masterpiece of cinematography . Was wondering how you would handle the cliff section as the barrier /sign was gone when I last rode it in April. There have been some bad accidents there involving helicopter rides to Hospital so you could say you're a winner 2 days in a row.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I can't believe how many people have said that spot is a death trap in the comments. I really hope someone who has watched this video gets a new sign organised. You really don't realise the danger until it is too late. Thanks for the feedback.

[@brettyallop6018]

Great video. Awesome trail. The mini looks pretty cool, I worry sometimes about what would happen to me if things went pear shaped out on an explore and have thought about getting a epirb but haven't got round to it.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I can't really lecture as am in my 50s and only just purchased it. It is quite cool as it can track your route and this can be sent to a family member to follow your progress. I guess if you didn't move for a long time that may ring some alarm bells.

[@tylerpaulmtb1926]

Might be worth buying a lotto ticket after that…

[@brentgregory1359]

I’ve been thinking about getting a Garmin mini. Would be great if you could do a review video on it Lance. 👍

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Could try but tech and me are not best friends. I did watch lots of reviews on it before I did buy it though.

[@jeremycarter4083]

Very lucky but due to your catlike reflexes the outcome was never in doubt!! Question... Where did the trail end? far from where you started? Interested to do it myself... Cheers!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

It came out on a gravel road. Straight back to main road although several km's north of the car park. I ended up riding about a 25km loop. Have fun but don't fall in the river.🙄

[@benmoore8911]

Great video thanks Lance! I always ride alone and carry a PLB. Maybe it’s time to ditch the clip in pedals! 👍🏻

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks but not ditching the pedals. Flats would not have made any difference in this situation.

[@lemonadejars]

Good call. I’ve been meaning to buy one but keep forgetting so this has prompted me to get one

[@bestdayevermtb2]

We all know it is a good idea. I think mountain bikers know what we do is risky but still like to think it won't happen to us. I think if one person bought a locator beacon/satellite phone from watching my video and it saved their life that would be truly awesome.

[@lemonadejars]

@@bestdayevermtb2 100% agree

[@misterwasabi4273]

Mate!!! I jumped when you nearly went down that bank. Hope you are well

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Was not hurt just scared me.

[@kevstringer01]

I was on a group ride when one of the group came off in exactly the same place and ended up falling down into the river! Thankfully she was ok with only a few bumps, scrapes and bruises but her rear wheel was toast. Luckily it is very close to the end of the trail and the carpark so we managed to assist her and carry her bike out!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

The more I read the comments the more I realise this is a dangerous spot. I really think some warning signs are needed. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@kevstringer01]

@@bestdayevermtb2 Agree - something to make riders get off and walk that section... otherwise it's a great Backcountry track that worth checking out!

[@emmad1lemma106]

Yeap that was me 🤣

[@bluestraycat]

Phew that was a real close call Lance, but you saved it well! Garmin looks a great little device, does it run off GPS?

[@bestdayevermtb2]

It is connected to the satellite network. I pay $20 a month on a plan. You can pay only when you need it but given my track record I am going to have it always ready to go.

[@mycoolcar]

The new Sony camera looks crisp, just need to sort the over exposed bush footage. Good work on the in reach purchase, a great piece of safety equipment.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for that. Learning very slowly how to make videos.

[@outthereindustries7413]

Nice one bro, great info & lesson

[@miketodd2036]

Great trail. Maybe a bit better with all of Dads Army.

[@derekharper6031]

Mate you have the ost awesome trails in NZ. Bit dry here in the west of Oz. Will be heading over to do some riding in the not too distant future. Yeh to ride alone or not, that is the question. I have been lost a few times and the panic does start to set in when yet again you remember that you really told no one actually where you were going.... I have a PLB and take it with me always just in case. Dislocated body part or loss of blood thru a large cut would not be nice if you were a long way from home on a trail that not many people use..... initially that drop looked pretty small but your slo mo replay at the end showed how high it actually was!!! A harder hit on that rock wall and you might not have been as lucky as it would have bounced you further left... and the combined ebike and body weight would be nicely assisted by gravity to take you down at a bit of speed 😞. All's well that ends well they say. Love your videos and your sense of humour 😀, stay safe my friend.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Derek. At least if I crash a snake or spider is not going to kill me or a croc on the river bed. My sister lives in Perth but have not been there in 20 years as I am not sure it has good mountain biking. Is it worth me visiting my sister?

[@derekharper6031]

@@bestdayevermtb2 hahaha, snakes yes but not often, spiders only on a night ride but you send a newbie out first to clear the trail ;) the first time they scream you know they are doing their job. I am in Perth and there are a tonne of awesome trails here locally and some further south in Margaret River etc. Truly world class. If your ever here mate just hit me up and I will be happy to show you around, seriously.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@derekharper6031 OK maybe I will visit my sister and you can clear the snakes out the way.

[@nicolamccormick8745]

Duh, yes, visit your sister!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@nicolamccormick8745 will get there one day sis.

[@brettleggett929]

shows us all how quick a great day can go bad multiply that by riding alone like a lot of us do dodgy cell coverage a wake up call for us all to invest in our own safety great investment you have made stay safe. ps may I ask what is your ebike tyre of choice with all the tracks you have ridden cheers.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

I always run Maxxis. Have minions on but also like assagai

[@darayoga6587]

I am a whangamata resident and ride bullock solo regularly on my rail7. Had considered getting a plb for some time for the same thoughts on the same trail. Am such a cheapskate though so still tossing up how much my life is worth. Btw, i put my feet down on that river edge always. Not worth the risk.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Dara. I am also a cheap skate but when I thought about potentially lying on a river bed overnight injured I decided $600 seemed cheap. When I got home I asked my wife at what point she would have tried to to arrange a search party. The answer 7pm. That means I am spending the night out there.

[@darayoga6587]

@@bestdayevermtb2 local fenz first responder told me someone recently ended up impaled ona waratah on the riverside track. Luckily he wasnt alone. Just got back from roto tonight and after being inspired by dads army i finally hit katore jumps. Would be good to tag along with you guys if ever possible...being of similar ilk

[@bestdayevermtb2]

@@darayoga6587 well done on Katore jumps. I am sure we could do a ride some time.

[@lexvdw]

Holy shit dude

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Beautiful trail, glad you're ok! What kind of wildlife could you see in these parts?

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Didn't see much as probably scared the birds away. I imagine there would be pigs, deer and possums in there plus lots of birds. I used to love wildlife photography. It is sad in NZ that most of our wildlife is not native and considered a pest.

[@theziggyg]

There’s no way I’d ever give steve o CPR I’d cycle back and get Kev and go back after we’ve had a cup of tea ,oh and $650 mines at negative $650 😂 Ps I would’ve gone off the cliff for sure 😱

[@bestdayevermtb2]

😂I think given the choice of giving Steve CPR or going off a cliff I would just send it off the edge.

[@johnmccool7551]

Lesson learned .next time take the boys with ya and shred that trail.when I ride alone I ride at places with lots of people .

[@bestdayevermtb2]

The reality is I will often ride midweek and very few people are around. I also enjoy playing with cameras and very few people have the patience for this.

[@paul--b]

How much is the iridium satellite 📡 subscription?

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Cost me $20 per month. This is the cheapest plan but all I need. If you needed to send a lot of txts from remote locations there are a range of plans.

[@BigMal76]

Glad you are ok What was the end of trail like? Was there an exit or did you go back up the trail again?

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Actually hit a gravel road at the end which went back to main road but several km north of the bike park. Ended up about a 25km ride.

[@emmad1lemma106]

Just to let you know I survived the drop! Did same … handle bars hit wall n bucked me off. Front wheel totally buckled. Broke little finger, buckled front wheel, good scar of left arm! I am very wary VERY… of narrow tracks now🥺

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Emma. Glad you survived that fall. I have never been worried in the past by big drops or heights as I never thought I would fall down them. I will definitely think twice in future.

[@ToddNZMTB]

my kind of trail! 💯 are you using any live location trackers? OsmAnd has a good one and Strava's Beacon is ok in a pinch [if you record with it]

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Still learning how to use it but the inreach will track you.

[@ToddNZMTB]

@@bestdayevermtb2 for free though...? ;)

[@jakebeaudrie]

I do think you're a complete nutter and that's why I watch all your stuff!!

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Not sure if that is a complement but glad you like the videos.

[@jakebeaudrie]

@@bestdayevermtb2 definitely a compliment!

[@fossilmatic]

Regardless of the tech, regardless of the cost, FFS tell people where you’re going.

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Good advice. I had told my wife I was riding in the park that morning but hadn't told when I would be home so not a lot of help.

[@i-am-vonnegut]

Proof you're a dyed in the wool mtb'er... Bike first body second 😀. I had exactly one of those edge of the trail runs offs in Glen Rosa on the Isle of Arran Scotland. The trail wasn't as close to the edge but I was tired and looking at mountain tops instead of where I should be. 2-3m drop into some shallow rapids and only a handle bar grab to stop the bike from going fully over. Slighty shaken afterwards. Knew that if I had gone over the water wasn't deep enough to stop me hitting the bottom. Coincidentally around 15 mins later the Scottish mountain rescue heli was in the Glen practising cliff rescues up above me so figured I would of been lucky enough to have a free taxi out of there. Moral of the story? There isn't one really. Sensible is playing bowls. All mtb'ers enjoy those moments of being out there or up there alone. It's our thing. Do take basic emergency kit to wrap up and stay dry. Small first aid kit for cuts, gashes and strap up a damaged limbs. Head torch and whistle DO NOT rely on mobile phones. And remember if you do foul up its probably going to be up to you to get to help. Getting yourself and your bike of the mountain side with broken ribs is great fun, trust me. Happy trails folks 🙏

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks for your words of wisdom. The thing with this ride was it wasn't at all planned. I was going to ride a track 5 min from my car. It was slippery and looked risky so looked on trail forks for something safer. Funny how things can turn out.

[@doctorpc4x4]

SO with age comes wisdom. Its a lovely looking trial. So both you and your wallet suffered a pucker factor. Yeah you gotta be happy with your race result. Soooooooo did Mrs Best Day Ever give you a windup? Be sure to carry that device on YOU not the BIKE

[@bestdayevermtb2]

Thanks Dan. Was really happy with race result. Don't get on the podium much these days.