Not A New Chapter, It's A Whole New Book!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you all so much for the kind words, solid advice, genuine concern and some superchats too. I found it very difficult to make this video, but I guess I wanted/needed to make it, in order to help me move on. I didn’t know how it would be received or if anyone would actually watch it, but here we are. While I won’t be responding to all your amazing messages I have read and will continue to read them all. You guys are amazing and you have no idea how much your comments have helped me. I already feel more optimistic about the future. If you want to keep up to date with my whereabouts, please follow my Instagram page - instagram.com/mctrail.rider/

[@lornehaycock]

Gimmie a shout if the tools are still sharp

[@craighudson2016]

Andrew, m8 I applaud your honesty and strength. I had a shocking few years after a bike accident done over my bike career and broke my neck. The mental health from that huge change was horrendous. Please take this from me that you will get through with strength to see it through. I have embraced a way of life now. “Embrace, overcome and defeat all challenges. Don’t avoid challenges as each one makes you stronger. Is the house sold or waiting. It a lovely house so hopefully you will have a good and exciting 2025. Something that helped me was realising that speaking to people helps and sometimes it may not even be someone you expect to be there. Some amazing people come out as true wonderful friends for me that I will never forget. Please Andrew be strong.

[@tobyehillier]

Fair play Bro. Had a shit one too... Sometimes shit happens to move you into a better place... Still looking forward to riding bikes with ye sometime 😘

[@nickpope567]

Hi Andrew, you're a brave man being so open and honest on camera. 2024 was a shitshow for me too - my wife passed away 1 day short of our 20th wedding anniversary (although we'd been together much longer). I'm still adapting to being on my own again. The house feels empty and my life hollowed out, the joy removed. I've decided to retire early - I have pensions that will give me 'enough', and that's all I need now. So, like you I'm gonna try and turn it around in 2025 - more riding, hillwalking, kayaking and perhaps a few things that I wouldn't have done with my wife. We were fortunate to be able to discuss (in the hospice) what she thought I should do with the rest of my life - she said "retire, and keep having adventures outdoors". I intend to honour that. Keep strong Andrew, grasp every opportunity, take care of yourself, and as you've already done, seek help if you need it.

[@McTrailRider]

I can't even begin to imagine how that must have felt Nick. I'm glad that you got to talk to your wife in a meaningful way about the future before she passed though, I had the same with my dad and it helped me greatly with purpose and direction going forward.

[@peterj2131]

First and foremost, although I don’t know you, I’m glad you’re still here. Your videos have been a staple of my weeks and months. I rode Ben Lomond off the back of your video a few years ago and would love to do more on my visits to Scotland. Keep your head up and hopefully being somewhere else helps you get your head in a good place!

[@D3xt3r_MTB]

Thanks for all the content Andrew. Once you're ready I look forward to seeing where else you ride!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you for the support dude😊

[@MrTranton]

Thanks for lifting others through your videos for the last few years. I know you've inspired me on several occasions. Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[@McTrailRider]

I’m glad I’ve inspired you dude, and thank you for your donation 😊

[@luismartins9521]

Hy my friend, I'm Luís, from Coimbra, Portugal. First and foremost, welcome to my country! In second...I'm so sorry to hear what I just heard...and thank God you're still with us! And when I say that it's because I KNOW EXACTLY why you're saying it. I'm a 45 year old doctor and I've been through heavy human, personnal loss and so much turmoil in my career and personal relationship of 18 years(prior to that I became a widow at the age of 27...) that sometimes I wondered why on earth I kept hanging on...going foward...And so I've spent...quite some time of my life thinking about...well, you know...ending it. And I can't quite believe I'm opening up about this with a perfect stranger, that I've never met in person my all life but...your honesty...was so refreshing, so vivid, so brutal, so raw that I felt that I had to let you know that you're not alone in this God green earth. Life, is difficult! Personal human relationships, are difficult! People can be...unforgiving and brutal and the world can be quite a quite harsh place to be in...But it's also beautifull! And for every shit person, you might find two good ones and before you know it, you're able to smile again! And, in my case, every time I look in the eyes of my beautifull 8 year old daughter I know why I want to be alive, every time I ride one of my 4 mtb's I know why I want to be alive! The sheer joy they bring me is astonishing. And every time I look into the eyes of my wife of 18 years I'm very, very proud of all that we had to overcome to still be a couple. I'm sorry if you might feel that me, reaching out to you like this, over something quite so public as your youtube channel was an over reach but, as soon as I ended watching your video I knew I had to write to you. Be well, my friend! But please, keep being!! All the best from Coimbra!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you for opening up Luis, it helps to share for sure! You have endured far more than I have and you are still here, that gives me comfort in what could be considered a weird way. All your positive sentiments are correct though. Whilst I feel my emotions strongly, that does include the good times and things that the world has to offer😊

[@streetpigeonmtb]

Ah mate. Thanks for sharing dude. You've got this for sure man. I've no doubt you'll be back and be stronger than ever. And don't be afraid to share a bit more of your life in the vids. We subscribe for you as a person as much as the biking. Take care and see you on your return... Even if we have to crowdfund you back 👌🙏

[@paullomax6675]

Good meaningful words

[@jamesgrabowski6871]

Sharing your life is genuinely interesting but don't feel you have to. You built a channel on well shot MTB videos and it doesn't need to be anymore than that.

[@micwatson2776]

6 years ago my wife left me for another person , it was just before our 20th wedding anniversary , at the same time i walked away from racing enduro motorbikes somethig i had done for 20+ years and my children had been brought up around , my father was also put into care with severe parkinsons disease and no longer even knew who i was , it was by far the worst year of my life and i decided to remove myself from this world it was the only way out i could see to stop the shit i was going through but thankfully it turns out im not very good at topping myself . I started riding mtb again to give me a new focus and not long after i came across your channel and loved your passion and the areas you were riding in as a subscriber i never miss a new video , you might not think it but you are an inspiration to a lot of people Andrew so im very glad you are still here Ive never met you but i look out for you every time im riding in scotland and i hope to bump into you one day to say hello , my daughter is at uni in Aberdeen so ive got a great excuse to drive up and while there i always spend a week in my camper floating around the cairngorms and the highlands , i discovered Tarland and Glenlivet trail centers thanks to your videos . Time is a great healer i didnt belive it during my shit year but it really is . Im sending beer tokens i dont drink so you might aswell have them , dont beat yourself up too much it wont help it will just make you sad , you cant change the past its happened now , get well spend some time on yourself and enjoy the surf while we all freeze to death back in blighty lol , looking forward to seeing your new content in 2025 , stay safe

[@McTrailRider]

That is a very generous donation! Thank you very much😊 I'm glad that you are still here mate. that's the main thing. More than ever before, I can understand what it feels like to want to take your own life. There is always another side to bad times, but it's so hard to see when you get overwhelmed. Thankfully I'm not a drinker either, so I will use your donation for fuel for the van or fuel for myself👌

[@paulb5390]

Nothing fixes a broken heart except time

[@UPHILLPHILL]

Andrew, I admire and respect you greatly even more so than I did before as not only have your videos and mountain biking adventures inspired me and amused me over the years but it seems that we also have something else in common through battling with mental health (although through different circumstances). I’m sure you’re fully aware of just how many people you have truly inspired and seeing/hearing this very honest and genuine post really gets me understanding just how vitally important it is to have the courage to talk about it out loud, rest assured that we hear you ✊. Thanks for everything you do and I fully respect your decision to take time out to reset and focus on your MH, just make sure to surround yourself with the right people and do what ever makes and keeps you happy. I look forward to seeing your return and I genuinely wish you all the best and look forward to seeing more of your work in good time. Best wishes and full respect. Phill. 🤜🤛

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you so much for your kind words, good advice and superchat, it means a lot😊

[@Ey_up]

Here's the money I owe you from when I lost my bank card and didnt update the details on Patreon. Should help get you to Spain! 😂 In the meantime, I am still very best friends with my first wife. I once called her mobile while she stood on the Forth Road Bridge, looking down...she answered. I'm glad you're still here. Inspirational work!

[@McTrailRider]

You didn't owe me anything mate, but I'm grateful all the same. I'm very glad you made that phone call mate!

[@antongnatiuk6304]

Its amazing you can be so honest so thats a good sign. Work on growth, the things you love and the people around you. Looking forward to the videos of your love for riding and exploring.

[@Shooterthecat1]

Thanks for all that you do...take care.

[@McTrailRider]

So nice of you, thanks😊

[@gibbykirwan7788]

Ah dude what can I say. It's never fun when a long term relationship ends, whether that be your employer or your loved ones. But to then be rejected after giving everything up is just beyond understanding & to then have the courage to make this video. You're a braver man than most. I wish you absolutely all the best for the future mate. Keep your head & your heart strong & never give up. There's no shame in getting help & your honesty will help many others

[@fraser-b3494]

That must have been a really tough video to make and to share with the community. I'm so glad to hear that you recognised you needed additional support and you went out and got it. Too many guys like yourself suffer in silence until its too late and end up doing something that can't be taken back. You'll probably have some more bad days ahead of you during this spell, but eventually you will have a lot more good days, so just keep at it, keep moving forward and you'll get there. If anyone else is suffering out there, reach out to a family member, a friend, a colleague or a Dr. Just anyone. Just start that conversation and get help.

[@paulmcmonagle6014]

You are an inspirational figure to me and many others, warm, humble and open, a true ambassador for all you represent.

[@TheMikkifits]

Life has a funny way of happening to us all, just wanted to let you know that your videos helped me get me thru the treatment for throat cancer, You went out on your bike for me when I could not, you went to the hills when I could not, you went swimming in the rivers when I could not. I went with you on all your adventures. I got through it, just like you will. A different version of you perhaps, but a more experienced and better for having the journey. Like yourself I would not change a thing. Life is just life there to be lived in all it's different forms. All the best and keep on living !

[@ianparker1051]

Sorry to hear about your struggles mate. Hope you find some peace in a fresh start this year.

[@otissmith6603]

Sorry to hear about the tough stuff you’re going through but really happy you are in a place where you can be honest with yourself and open up to your followers. Life can be awesome and also really brutal. I guess that’s what makes it interesting and going through such things gives us the ability to help others. You’ve probable helped more people than you will ever realize. Myself going through a rough patch but always looking forward to your videos and a good laugh really kept me going. Keep your head up and keep riding. Best to ya.

[@georgekinghorn7495]

Life is messy. Being honest with yourself and close ones is very very hard. Your honesty is refreshing. Hope it all works out for you

[@misterdroneboy8999]

Good luck with everything man, been through so many similar things you’re not alone bro

[@seantaylormtb7170]

Hey Andrew, very brave video to make, you should be enormously proud of that. It takes guts and shows what a good man you are actually. I am really pleased to hear you heading in the right direction mentally, that can be a massive struggle but it is one worth taking on. Your videos have been a staple for me over the years, they are inspirational and life affirming too, I hope you keep going it will surely help you while helping others. Enjoy your time and sure your community here will always help you get back !!

[@MDMTV001]

Hvala!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you for the donation 😊

[@asafcohen3272]

I appreciate your incredible honesty - with your partner, with your viewers, and above all with yourself. Here's to new beginnings!

[@youngbairn]

Thanks for the honest vlog man. I've been at that lowest point mate and glad that I continued as things have certainly got better and they will for you too. Don't be hard on yourself as we are all amateurs at this life game. Take care and repair 💪

[@Mugtree]

Thanks

[@McTrailRider]

thank you so much Paul😊

[@rossridesmtb7497]

Thank you for sharing and being so real. It sounds like it has been such a tough year for you. I wish you all the best for the future it sounds like you are on a new path. I look forward to seeing what you can do with the new opportunities that will come your way. Its been amazing to see your channel grow and develop, you are certainly one of the more real and genuine people on youtube.

[@neilclements4266]

It’s so brave of you to be honest and say how you’re feeling. I love watching your content and look forward to some great content in 2025. Keep talking and keep riding.

[@northernchubbygurladventur7539]

I'm so happy Greg introduced me to you ans Alix. This is an incredibly painful and raw video to film and share, so thank you. Considering the circumstances, it shows how much respect you have for each other for coming clean and an example of how when things change in a relationship you sit down and have a conversation. It takes a lot to say you need help and I'm glad you did that. Absolutely the best thing to do is work on yourself, but it takes time. Wishing you all the best Andy!

[@LMRomao]

💪 do what you like to do and be happy mate.

[@neilthomson4112]

Very brave man to open up like that, wish you all the best, glad you're still with us, keep going Andrew.

[@barry5759]

Keep strong. The future will be bright. I’ve been in a similar position in the past and while you’re in the moment it can be difficult to be positive and believe you’ll be happy again, but you will be, and stronger for what you’ve been through. Take care.

[@twistandturn02]

Here's a tenner to buy a copy of Running with the moon... or a few cofffees 😀

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you very much. I think that buying the book will be my use of your kind donation.

[@laycockc]

Dude! The great thing about bad times is they pass. Your videos have brought me a great deal of pleasure, keep up the good work and I hope your journey gets better soon. Take care an remember that you are not alone

[@bendrummond3063]

Bumped into you very briefly in the pits at Fort William I think it was either 2017/2018, said a quick "love your videos man" and you gave a big smile and said cheers. It's not easy being so open about personal life but I'm sure many of your viewers can see how this has affected you mate. Im sorry things with you and the Mrs didn't work out, 20 years is a very long time so the toll something like that takes on you I can only imagine. Really hope to see you out enjoying life through your great videos in 2025 dude. Keep battling on 💪💪💪

[@lozetchells9164]

Hope everything works out for you, dude. Your biking videos have been an inspiration for me, so please keep doing you. All the best.

[@danhibbert5650]

Sorry you're going through it. Time is a healer (I know this), things will get better. Keep talking it out. Take care dude.

[@kaneEvro]

Upwards and Onwards mate, hope you can get your head straight and yourself on the mend 👊🏼 a little something to keep you ticking over. All the best. Kane

[@McTrailRider]

Much appreciated mate, I'll try and use your donation wisely.

[@cathrynusher6737]

Really sorry to hear things have been so bad for you but thank you and good on you for sharing. I’ve no doubt you will bounce back better and stronger than ever. Best wishes from NZ.

[@JockeSelin]

At the beginning of the video I was thinking “Come to Portugal to do some riding.”. Well, the first bit is sorted. Get in touch with me, you were ~30 min away, and I know some awesome trails, and if you don’t mind knocking back a few cervejas we could do that too. There’s a place to park the van too. Get in touch, when you’re ready. Life’s strange sometimes, tough quite often, but a bike ride is never a bad thing. Take care of yourself! 😎👍🏻

[@Blue_Grass_Girl]

Sorry you're going through it. Your videos bring great comfort to many people. We hope someone can bring comfort to you.

[@horstfoller1292]

dear andrew, thank you for sharing your inner soul with us. I ve been a constant viewer of your channel and rode some of your trails during our mtb trips to Scotland. and we liked them a lot! i am very sorry gut your current life situation and wish you all the best for the future. Hopefully time will heal the wounds and let you get back to health and strength. Hopefully the sun in portugal will help to sort things out. lots of love from Germany

[@HughDWallace]

Man, that's been a tough year for you. Been there, experienced that. Not in quite the same way as you but not a million miles away from it either. You can and will get through this but it might be the hardest thing you will ever do. But it will be worth it in the end. I got a Facebook memory today of the mental place I was in 13 years ago and it was not a good place to remember. But here and now I am doing pretty well and you have that to look forward to. One day at a time. You've got this.

[@glendaandthepinkwarrig]

Sorry to hear what a difficult time you and Alex have gone through. You’ll get there. One day at a time. Focus on the positives.

[@yokogerikeage]

Amazing strength that you opened up this honestly. Feel better, friend! ❤

[@paulbailhache2803]

Sometimes life just happens, so pleased you're on the other side of this. Been through similar and it's not pleasant. Your videos are refreshing and enjoyable looking forward to the next batch. You're alright for a Jock Mc Trail rider 😊

[@steviedsolve]

Jeez Andrew. I met you and Alex a few years ago at coed y brenin. A different era for me too. 2024 can definitely do one. So many folk i know have had a tough one. Such a heartfelt video and good to share it and get it off your chest. I hope i bump into you again at some point and shoot the breeze over a ride and a pint. Stay free for a while and I'm sure you'll discover your next direction in life.

[@grzesgrzesiewski810]

good luck getting back on your feet mate, you've got this!!

[@mtbguides_Rich]

Sorry to hear about troubles must of been a real tuff time. Pleased your getting through it.

[@jesmtb]

Andrew, firstly well done for making this video, we can all see how hard that has been. Your honesty and integrity shines through in how you have handled this situation. All your followers will I’m sure wish Alex all the very best in her new chapter 🤗. With respect to you, please keep your eyes on the horizon, hand firmly on the tiller and keep well, as we love your content and hugely look forward to sharing your new adventures moving forward 😎 very much look forward to hearing from you when you are ready my friend. Kindest regards Jes

[@beckywareing3956]

Can only echo what everyone else has said, wishing you all best for this new year, often the lows and the hardships in life can change us and our lives for the better, just takes time.

[@abstraddic0442]

One day at a time. Breathe. Easier said than done but, a must. You're one of the best out there. 🙏

[@63off]

The best piece of advice I was given when I was going through some ugliness was to be kind to myself. There will be ugly times, there's no avoiding them, but if you can be kind to yourself you'll be in a better place after them. Best of luck and health to you.

[@abtelco9748]

All the best Andrew. Hope you can find a way to live the dream, and show beautiful Scotland to the world!

[@TB-eh1sj]

Yeh man that takes real guts to talk about what youve been through last year. Hats off to you big time for that. This video will help guys in similar situations, because we often keep things to ourselves as guys dont we. Keep your chin up and get stuck into 2025!

[@ajfitz8067]

Honest video from the Heart. Good for you man. I really hope everything works out for you.

[@Bessunger]

Great Vid, and props to your openness and serenity. I wish you the best that you get back on track / trail, no I am sure, as you have triggered the most important steps in this video. See you on the trails, mate!

[@Dcedinburgh]

You are an inspiration to many people. Relationships do of course move on and your positivity is to be admired. Keep your chin-up fella.

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

Been through something similar in the last few years mate - it gets better, Stick in and immerse yourself in your passions. 👊

[@roberttobin194]

Well done Andrew it must have been difficult to share those experiences with such honesty and dignity. I don't think I could have managed that. Thanks for putting out your wonderful videos (easily the best on KZbin) which got me interested in mtb, which is now the biggest source of enjoyment in my life! So you kinda gave me that. Even watching you ride places I knew I would never get to ride I got to experience it vicariously through your eyes and your channel and it has been immensely uplifting. Hope this is a very good year for you going forward. (And I will do the Patreon thing that I have never got around to before)

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you for saying what you did😊 And thank you for joining Patreon too😊

[@derekmoses5325]

Hope it helps.

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you Derek, of course it will help😊

[@Danwhit5]

Thank you for sharing my friend. Wishing you all the best. Cheers from California.

[@davebarnett4262]

Brave video - if you fancy a pedal in north Yorkshire when you're back, shout. Ace trails and ace food 👍🏻

[@dansutherland70]

Sorry to hear you've had such a bad year. I've always enjoyed and valued your content, you create some of the best real-world mountain biking films out there, beautifully shot, edited and constructed. Best of luck for 2025!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you Dan, your kind words and donation are much appreciated 😊

[@paulbygrave6859]

Glad to see you holding in there and looking forward to things being better just keep that one foot in front of the other and moving forwards

[@Chris-ImperialAerosolKid]

Keep on keeping on Andrew. Love your videos, you're very inspirational.

[@stum8760]

Wishing you all the luck in the world for 2025 dude. Little steps forward lead to big reward. Take care of yourself.

[@CristinaMcAvoy]

I’m so proud of you Baby Brother - you’ve come so far from where you were in July… Keep on keeping on and I’m sure you’ll make 2025 your comeback year. Grab it by the balls, as dad would say. And, for the record, Alix is indeed a bloody angel! You both deserve all the happiness you can get. Much love, Cx 😘😘😘

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks big sis, you’ve been such a great help to me over the past few months, it’s not gone unnoticed 🤗

[@nicolaivanderbellen1837]

Dear Andrew, shit happens and ship clings and sometimes it takes everything just to stay afloat. I'm happy you managed to! I haven't ridden a bike in 3 years because of injuries but stay a patreon because I like you. If you need a place to stop in southern Germany to park your van, have a shower and a few beers with an ear, come by. You are not alone, even if it feels like it! Love, Nicolai

[@flatslide3250]

All the best Andrew. Thank you for all the rides you have taken us on over the past years. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[@alankeith]

Well done for having the confidence to do this video & post it.......that in itself probably illustrates how far you have came in the past few weeks. By the sounds of it you are probably coming out the deepest part of the hole now so fingers crossed you are on the rise. Christmas can often be a tough time of year for many people so you're not alone in that respect, a lot of people hate January but i don't mind it,- yes get it out the way but then February is a short month & spring will just be round the corner. Try to enjoy your time away, don't be too harsh on yourself & don't overthink things, I know the channel probably isn't your top priority just now but maybe a short diary/blog update from Portugal every few days would do you the world of good & I'm sure everybody on here would love to see how you are getting on as well ❤

[@welshrobinireland9478]

Sorry to hear all this, it takes a very brave person to do what you've just done. Been watching most of your videos for a long time now, even the ones where Alix was learning to bike. Ireland would be a good place to go for a while I think. West coast especially. Massive shortage of tradesmen. If you find yourself around the Cork area then gimme a shout.

[@ArunMTB]

Sorry to hear about your tough time. I greatly respect your openness in sharing this . I hope things get better soon . Have really enjoyed your videos .

[@50atope]

Andrew mate! I wish you all the best forward. Get well, work on yourself, treat yourself well, love yourself, say yourself kind words. I know for a fact the nice guy you are and I'm sure you'll find the best life you deserve. If you happen to come to Spain, you know where to find me. All the best!

[@ShaneyBCM]

Gutted m8, but at the start I was worried it was going to be health related bad news so thankful that everyone is "good". See you on the trails around scotland again soon 👌, have a liter of fuel on me 🤣

[@McTrailRider]

Actually, I can get about 1.37 litres of diesel out here with that🤘😊

[@jaymzfc]

Andrew, life has a way of changing stuff, taking you out of your comfort zone throwing you in the deep end and generally punching you in the gut, hard. Im firm believer in everything happens for a reason. You will come out of this a different person stronger with a new perspective in life. Stay strong, speak to people cry laugh shout but most importantly never give up. You can do this. Ive been through it all myself and im in a very good place now.

[@orbea2247]

Good luck and keep moving.

[@MCDmr028]

Hey mate, it's Matt.D. You're such a strong man! Doing different things keeping yourself busy, where you'll make more friends and learn even more about yourself is the best idea! You're doing everything right and I'm so happy to have met you. I've got a busy 2-3months ahead but after that, once I get my new bike, you'll be the first to know and we'll get some quality 2025 riding in...maybe even some surfing😉to go in your new book. Much love bud.

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers Matt, will definitely catch up with you at some point mate👍

[@JonLloyd65]

Absolute kudos to you. That takes courage to be honest and forthright. I take my hat off to you. To share is to heal, so you are in the right track. You are always welcome in Western Australia too 😊 Stick at it. We are here for you.

[@aaronadventure]

I'm so sorry Andrew! That's tough to hear. I've been in a similar boat, and it's hard. Sounds like you managed to condense my last year and a half into 8-9 months, and you have my deepest sympathy for all that! I ended up falling in love with a co-worker a while back, who black-listed me right before I was let go from that job and now pretends I don't exist (despite saying 'yep, we're fine'). It put me in a huge, dark hole. Thankfully biking helped keep me somewhat controlled, tethered, and acted as an escape so I didn't just sit at home dwelling on it too much. I told my wife that my friend now hated me, but I kinda had to sit on the full extent of what I was actually dealing with for a year. It finally came to full light when the Mrs and I were discussing divorce, which we filed amicably in November of this year. We're still good friends - just found ourselves aiming in different directions. This vid posted right before what would've been our 8th anniversary, but we've been together for 11 yrs. The change is going to be tough once she moves out. But it does open up opportunities for where and what I want my next few years to head towards! Hope Portugal treats you well and clears your head! Stay strong, my friend!

[@ChunkyDawz1]

Fair plays Andrew. That was a very open and honest vlog and hope it is helping you to get on the road to a better year this year. All the best for 2025 and hope to see you back creating some epic biking vids really soon. Enjoy the sunshine while you’ve got it!

[@Dazeski]

Fair play for being so honest mate, I'm sure it helps remove some of the weight from your shoulders. Life will work out for you in the end, and I have to commend you in being so strong and taking these actions - it's definitely the best attitude to have. There can be enjoyment and excitement now too in new surroundings and experiences that perhaps a year ago you couldn't imagine. My outlook is that we are only here for a short time, to experience whatever we may, be it good or bad, it's all an experience. You just have to accept the rough with the smooth, and when things are bad, instead of looking a way out, accept that better things must come. Best of luck, and I'm looking forward to what you've got to come!

[@terriswig493]

May God Bless you in the coming year and protect you always.

[@muzzmacc6411]

Very articulate and insightful, all things considered. Portugal? I was sure you were filming in Scarborough 😂😂 Very best of luck in ‘25👍

[@branscombesurf]

Peniche is such a rad place. Any activity in salt water will refresh you. I heard theres some good trails near Sintra. All the best brother. Lost my Dad, my little sister and my dog in the last 4 years. Just gotta keep on truckin! 🤘🙏🫡👊

[@TDS981]

You are on the right track, don't turn around (quite literally) ☀️💪🏼.

[@Sam._.santacruz]

I admire your honesty everyone has issues they keep to themselves myself included the best advice I can give is get your head right and the rest will follow chin up fella you’re a good guy remember that 👍

[@bilhog]

Sorry to hear man. Hope you can find the peace you need out there and get things turned around.

[@martinhayes5087]

All the best sir, thankful you're still here to keep us entertained with videos. Stay strong.

[@MindfulTrailBiker]

It takes real strength to share so openly and deeply. Wishing you all the very best for 2025 and beyond. ❤

[@waynegiles9320]

Tough watch, honest and humble as always. Stay strong and looking forward to seeing you get your mojo back.

[@velocoach]

Well done on completing that video and talking from the heart. So pleased you are working towards turning your situation around for 2025.

[@richellis2140]

I don’t know you or really what to say - was a tough watch given normally your videos offer so much fun / good times. That said am glad you made the video and you are moving forwards and I really hope 2025 is a better year for you. Reading the first few comments you certainly have plenty of people who care for you.

[@bigstoozeradventures]

Take care Andrew and enjoy your time in Portugal. Take as long as you need. Cheers. Stoozer.

[@dunneryak]

Best of luck and wishes mate!

[@martyy4073]

its all going to be good dude put your time into yourself and the bikes

[@neilbower123]

Sorry to hear about your relationship woes. Never easy to end especially after such a long time. I hope you can find some peace & keep up with the KZbin output, which I've found inspiring & informative. Take care whatever is in your future mate

[@jurassic690]

Hi Andrew, I've not been watching your videos as much lately (nothing to do with your output, I've just not been focused on mountain biking like I used to be). My wife of 32 years died suddenly in July 24 so I have some understanding of how it feels to have your life turned upside down. I don't think there's a simple answer, you just need to focus on the future and even though times are hard the logical part of your brain knows that eventually things will get better. Just keep going forwards and it should get easier (that's what I tell myself anyway). If you're back in Scotland and fancy trying the Helensburgh trails give me a shout, i don't ride at your level but I can show you around a bit. Keep on trucking, enjoy the surf and ride your bike, being outdoors is the best medicine for sure.

[@Stuarty]

Chris, I didn’t expect to see your name here. Had no idea about your wife and very sorry to hear that. Hope you’re doing as well as can be expected!

[@jurassic690]

@Stuarty , Hi. Am doing okay thanks, need to get back into riding but that'll happen at some point I'm sure. Been a long time follower of Andrew's exploits from way back when he first met BKXC and was a Patreon until recently (ended all my Patreon subscriptions when I retired last year).

[@McTrailRider]

I don’t even know what I can say mate. I cannot even begin to understand how you must feel. I guess you will have a better idea than me on what to do.

[@jurassic690]

@@McTrailRider , no need to say anything dude, wasn't looking for sympathy just trying to say that you're not alone in your time of hardship. Take care of yourself and give it time is what I'm saying I think.

[@Sonofsun001]

Don't beat yourself up, things will get better. I drove my campervan to Peniche ... it's a lovely place, so chill out and enjoy. Chin up, and all the best, look forward to the next video. You could always do another van tour video, looks like there has been some upgrades.

[@geocoupe8144]

That must have been a tough video to make, all the best for this year and hope things improve for you

[@sixtysecondsofshred]

My sentiments about 2024 very much echo your's dude. I also had hands down the worst year of my life... Although I stopped riding in 2021 (after a trip to Ainsa which was in part inspired by you) I have always enjoyed your content and I am super happy that you are continuing to do what you do. Onwards and upwards and I hope 2025 treats you better!