EUROVELO 13 FILM ☆ Serbia/Rom to Turkey 2018 ● London to Istanbul Film 3/3 ● Iron Curtain Trail

Cycling the Eurovelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail - Southern half of the Eurovelo from Romania to Turkey (London to Istanbul, final film of this 3 part series). This film documents our cycle from western Romania straight into Serbia and away from the Danube, south to Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and then Turkey.
Harriets very detailed Blog with full route distances, accommodation costs, kit, tips etc... monteandkomodo...
Previously on our London to Istanbul ride.....
Film 1/3 - Eurovelo 15 - From London to Switzerland. Full cycle touring film documenting our journey as we cycled the full Rhine River, following the Eurovelo 15 cycle route, including how to cycling the Rhine / cycle tour in general advice!
Film 2/3 - Eurovelo 6 - Cycling the Danube River from its source in Germany to Western Romania via Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and finally Romania.
@monteandkomodo - Follow us on Instagram!
#eurovelo​
FULL DAILY BLOG/ CAMPSITES/ KITLIST/ DISTANCES:
monteandkomodo...
Music:
www.epidemicsound.com
Our most recommended KIT:
Buy the MSR WhisperLite Universal Backpacking Stove amzn.to/3sHuIjM​
Buy our TENT of choice! And we did a lot of research trust me... Cannot fault it for 2 people travelling together - the Msr Elixir 3 V2 Tent green 2020 tube tent amzn.to/3ft9mm9​
Buy the Vlogging travel CAMERA here amzn.to/3fvcM8e​
(Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera Camera - Vlogging Camera, with Full HD 60p movies and tilt touch screen, ideal for vloggers and KZbin content creators)
Buy perhaps the most useful thing we had! The Delta Unisex Cargo Net with Hooks. Great to keeping everything secure and tidy on the back of your bike amzn.to/31wBP2v​
Sea to Summit The Clothes Line amzn.to/39tUtfz​
Buy the only choice in Panniers... Ortlieb Unisex's Back-Roller Plus Bag, Signal Red/Dark Chili, 42 x 23/32 x 17 cm/20 Litre amzn.to/3cBSyHW​
Buy the best saddles ever to exist - Brooks Saddles Imperial B17 amzn.to/2PNfCKH​
Buy the bullet proof, comfiest cycle touring mattress Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex Ultralight Self-Inflating Backpacking Pad with WingLock Valve, Large - 25 x 77 Inches amzn.to/3sCYwxH​
Route & Guide book
The Rhine Cycle Route: From source to sea through Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands (Cycling and Cycle Touring) (Cicerone Guide) amzn.to/39uJdzI​
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content.
~~~
15 countries, approx. 5500km, 77 days cycling over 96 days, camping, warm showers and cheap hotels in Eastern Europe.
Do watch the Full episodes available on our KZbin channel!
Thanks for watching!
I hope you enjoy our bicycle touring documentary film and it makes you want to do one too! We practised in England with a couple of longer day tours, approx. 50 miles or so in a weekend then just went for it. Thankfully our jobs allowed us a 4 month sabbatical, the perfect amount of time to cycle to the edge of Asia, Istanbul! For preparation and tips on what to take on a tour, check out our KZbin episodes Playlist for the ride - 'Cycle tour London to Istanbul'. Thanks for watching!!
Music from #epidemicsound​​ Edited on Filmora 10​ software by Wondershare.
All filmed on small point and shoot #canong7xmkii​​ and #drone​​ #djispark

[@l_b7535]

I got a bit choked when the two of you arrived at the hostel in instanbul! Well done you two and thanks for taking us all along with you for the ride. I haven't cycle toured for over 10 years but watching this has lit the fire and inspired me to go with my wife this time.

[@MatHall]

Hi liam thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it and amazing to know we may have played a small part of you heading on a tour again. We have some small ones planned in may as we start riding with our little one. Cannot wait. Videos soon i expect!

[@l_b7535]

@@MatHall Good luck and I'll definitely tune in! I thought you did a top job of putting the films together considering the limited equipment you can carry with you - we watched them all. You captured the contrasts and all ups and downs really well and brought the memories flooding back for me. I couldn't believe you had a salt and pepper mill with you but no chain tool or split links etc 😅😅. Watching a pro like Mark Beaumont do it as part of an extreme challenge is one thing, but watching two normal people do it in the name of pure adventure is a much richer experience.

[@MatHall]

@@l_b7535 hahahahha i know right. So unbelievably under prepared with tools or knowledge but the trip turned out ok! I think if we we're riding across remote central asia or something we'd have done a maintenance course and took plenty of tools. We just wanted a leisurely fun challenge to enjoy our short career break. Ah, we miss it everyday and cant wait to get going again with baby in tow! Currently moving house and by end of May we'll be settled and back riding and making videos!

[@psycholist724]

I know how you feel. Getting to the final destination is both the happiest and saddest thing. You think, wow, all this planning and execution, now it's done. What do we do now? When I did a 5-day bike trip to Canada I was just a touch sad to get up on the final morning because I knew there would be no more.

[@45LiveRecords]

Just finished watching the 3rd, and have to say what an incredible journey. You two are just brilliant, your relaxed spirit and wanderlust is so inspiring. Even when things were a bit 'meh', you plowed on through it, because just around the next corner is always something to lift your spirits. Loved the food commentary throughout all 3 films too! I know from all my cycle tours that food really is one of the best bits!! I managed to persuade my 18 year old daughter to come on a tour in the south of France with me 10 years ago, it was a joyous and precious trip, and even though there were moments she wasn't so into it (being with her annoying dad), she now looks back on it with pride and fondness that she completed a 470 mile ride. My longest ever tour was just short of 1000 miles and last year's bimble around France was 400 or so, so I can't imagine a totally epic tour like yours. What a wonderful thing to have done together, something to relish for the rest of your lives. Huge respect to you both. Right, I've got itchy pedals again!

[@MatHall]

Thanks for the lovely message. Food is life!! We hope to tour with our daughters on future holidays, hopefully mini tour this summer when youngest is 1. Life is rapidly fast forwarding, and we'll try to enjoy every moment with the kids. And cycle touring can definitely do that. Watch this space for family of 4 touring soon!

[@CamionWham]

Just discovered and watched your 3 videos of London to Istanbul and have to say it was amazing to watch. I’m a lorry driver and love to see our country by road but have longed to do European. Watching this has made me want to do this in the near future how you described that mark Beauchamp cycle around the world inspired you to do something similar you and your misses has done the same to me and I thank you. Hope family life is all good and I’m looking forward to watching more on your channel

[@morgs4mountains]

Impossible to watch all 3 amazing videos and not comment. Highly motivating, wonderfully created videos that show the joys and difficulties of long term trips. Thanks so much for taking the considerable time that you would have needed to make the videos and provide so much pleasure for others.

[@MatHall]

Thanks for the comment. So nice of you :) if it wasnt for free time during covid lockdown i definitely wouldnt have had the time to edit the 3 together, so thats one covid plus i guess!! 😁

[@rogerstoub4507]

My girlfriend and I have done a bit of cycle touring around the world. She gone now but I'll always have ethe memoirs of our cycle tours from time to time after we've come home, we would look at each other and say do you realize what we've done OMG what a ball its indescribable I'm older now but still want to get out there for a couple of more trips what fun you will treasure it the rest of you days

[@MatHall]

Completely agree. Looking back (we reminisce often..!) is always such fun! We hope to do some touring in europe with family over the comimg years :) special times!

[@timdalton3989]

Congratulations on an amazing achievement and journey as well as your marriage and baby girl. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. We’re now going to leave Oz in ‘25 to ride thru Euro instead of ‘26 so thanks for the extra motivation 🙌👏👍

[@MatHall]

@timdalton3989 that's fantastic, sooner the better for sure. Thank you for watching and we appreciate the comment! :) Have the best time next year. Will you document / make. blog or insta for it ?

[@AngelaMcTag]

What an amazing journey! These three videos are the best bike touring films I've seen. Lovely photography, interesting commentary, really makes your adventures come alive

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks so much angela thats so nice of you to say. So glad you enjoyed them. Comments like this make all the hours editing into 3 films all worth it!

[@bertlustig7783]

Beautiful People. Fantastic to watch you both cycling. Food bike experience of 2 lovely friends for ever. +Baby

[@MatHall]

@bertlustig7783 aw thank youuuuu

[@paulterry474]

The 3 videos were awsome. What a trip that was. Thanks for uploading and letting us all watch. Well done to you both 👍🏻

[@MatHall]

Thank you Terry!! Much appreciated. Have a healthy happy 2022

[@ToastandJam52]

Just finished watching your fantastic adventure over the last three days and loved it. In my youth I cycled a lot including a 1000 mile trip around England's south coast. I have been thinking of giving one of the Eurovelo routes a try recently. I think I cam only manage the flat bits as I am now 70. Not to sure about camping either! Anyway, thank you very much for making the films and congratulations on your new adventure into parenthood. Like cycling, it certainly has its ups and downs but worth it in the end.

[@steviemt1]

Just finished watching your London to Istanbul videos. They are simply fantastic. I wish you all the best of love, luck and happiness in the future. Keep cycling and keep producing fantastic videos 😊

[@MatHall]

Thank you that's really kind ! And thanks for making all the way to the end of the ev13 video!! I take that as a huge compliment :)

[@glennsmurthwaite3856]

Matt, what can I say but outstanding and emotional. My wife and I have just finished our longest tour yet, 1100 miles, and the motivation for our touring has been highlighted with the experiences you have shared in your video. We followed your initial films and that gave us a lot of inspiration. Thank you so much and we wish all three of you many more exciting journeys together. Stay safe.

[@MatHall]

Hi again Glenn! Thanks for watching this last one too. I will now finish going on about London go Istanbul and have other tours and projects in the making with baby Flic in tow! So glad you enjoyed the videos and it's lovely to hear we had a part to play in inspiring your own trips! Where have you just ridden then? Thanks again for commenting, just had a sleepless night with the baby and that's put a spring in my step this morning :)

[@joanrademakers5134]

great movies great trip great inspiration thank grtz from holland

[@billp8768]

Loved watching this. Great inspiration for our trip on the Eurovelo next year. It’ll be a snippet of what you’ve done .

[@tv3460]

Simply adorable

[@RenaXKXu]

What amazing trip! Congratulations!👍👍👍

[@davidharris4062]

Yep, cycling is a great way to travel.......you are extremely lucky to have one another.......look after yourselves

[@kimjay2380]

Wonderful - thank you for sharing your amazing trip. So inspiring! ❤

[@MatHall]

Thank you for getting through to film 3! 😍

[@helgonet_12]

Amazing, just watched all you’re episodes. Thanks for charging and congrats to both of you. 4,5 years later. 😊

[@davidharris4062]

The kindness of strangers, brilliant

[@VagabondTurtle]

Really cool to see the autumn colours turning slowly on the trees... that area feels underrated honestly, which i can understand partially: it is not the most developed or well-routed area, but the nature is just gorgeous, and you get to experience so much!

[@pbrown239]

Thanks for putting this together. It is a real motivator to ride the Eurovelos, when things open up. Congrats on the child, that's the real adventure.

[@MatHall]

Thanks Peter! And yes it really is...! A lot of fun but certainly more tiring that then cycling in some days...! Can't wait til the spring 2022 when she's big enough for a trailer..

[@richardhoyle8726]

Thanks really enjoyed all the videos. Another trip now added to my list

[@Bill-gx7mv]

These videos are great, very well put together and the couple in them are very inspirational. I love cycling and do everything to encourage my wife but we could never be as organised, focused and spirited as this couple.

[@MatHall]

Ah we weren't hugely organised, just kind of learnt as we went! A good organised pannier bag though is a beautiful thing. Thanks for watching Bill :) took me ages to put all our footage together and write the voiceovers but then again we did have lockdown, it was a worthwhile exercise in the end. We have plans for new videos for 2022 too. Thanks again!

[@encouragesolutions2595]

Really awesome journey, in fact, awesome story. Live life !

[@MatHall]

The best trip, we still relive way too often.. thanks for watching!

[@woodyhuband9248]

Outstanding adventure!!!

[@RenaXKXu]

Thank you for making this video!

[@kevinw7044]

What an epic journey. Great to watch.

[@peterschouten-ys8yr]

Hi, I came across your video a couple of days ago and enjoyed watching your adventure. The thing I would like to mention is that after having done large cycle tours with my wife in multiple continents I think that you have to recognise the signs of travel fatigue and rest up for longer intervals. You became grumpier than need be with small breakages on your bike. Better preparedness and knowing how to improvise should overcome even the biggest challenge in this way. I am sure that your lives have changed forever as it has done ours. Cheers, Peter.

[@blair512]

Just sat and watched part 2 & 3, it really is an awesome vlog and your editing is fantastic. Congrats on the baby, I'll be looking out for future content

[@KelluxAZ]

Thank you for sharing amazing cycling travels and even more so for cleaning up the trash.

[@m__r1100]

Great to sit with lunch and a brew in the office and watch this - one day I too will join you on a bike, not in the office!

[@ronwhite8503]

Bradley Cooper? Recumberent? No hipster, madly expensive gravel bikes? Just watched all three episodes in a row......epic trip and experience. Cheers. And no, I didn't tear up at the end, but what a beautiful child. Enjoy.

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching Ron :))) Took me ages to edit them. Longer than the ride probably. Good covid hobby...! Will be making more soon once baby is old enough for trailer!

[@madiantin]

Do you mean to tell me that I managed to surf into your channel yesterday, enjoyed the first two films, and now here you are just about to upload the third film? HOW EXCITING! Looking forward to it.

[@MatHall]

Ah that's so awesome! Appreciate you watching all three! I wonder how many people have. The last one is quite a niche less travelled route but I think its my favourite one yet. I hope you like it!

[@WheelsonaBike]

How lucky!!

[@Trm72]

Just amazing 🎉🎉🎉

[@cowichanguy5968]

I have cycled over 33000km and i have enjoyed your videos. OMG the 3 rd video made me cry. Well done to the both of you.

[@MatHall]

Ah thank you 😊 🙏 really appreciate the comment and for watching. Makes all the effort editing worthwhile and to think it emotionally connected with ppl we dont know, i feel quite proud :)

[@cowichanguy5968]

@@MatHall And you should. Well done.

[@alexlawsontas]

Loved watching your journey. You've inspired me to start planning a euro cycle tour with my girlfriend. I too was sad to see your journey come to an end. A testament to your great story telling and editing.

[@MatHall]

Amazing! You gota do it. Time seems still stand still a bit when you do something like this, rather than fly by in real life. Best few months of our lives. Thanks for watching and taking the time so comment! :)

[@cyclemum]

thanks for the journey! We're at the other end of the family cycling journey having ridden the Hebrides with our teenagers at the end of lockdown in 2020. They are now old enough to (want to) stay at home and old enough to leave. We leave for a slice of EV13 for 11 days in September, and secretly wish for sabbatical too!

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching!! Scotland is firmly on our list for one day too. I bet that was incredible in covid times. Amazing lasting family fun memories! Enjoy ev13, are you doing the northern parts or a southern chunk like us?

[@mihajloristovic]

You are very dear. Greetings from Serbia!

[@Mr-Tony-888]

Just brillant. I watched all 3 back to back and what an ending. I was quite emotional at the end, 1 I also stayed in the 'worldhouse hostel' 6 months ago when I had my quick hair transplant (video to follow as its still growing) and 2 the birth of Falicity. I hope to do the same route (Hope) in the weeks to follow. My editing is not as professional as yours but!

[@garydunbar2734]

Great effort and you are right, the best way to travel and really be in the moment and sample hospitality of the countries you travel through. Well done and excellent series of videos. Cheers from Australia, Gary

[@MatHall]

Cheers Gary, appreciate that!!!

[@MissMolehill]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Inspiring!

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks Laura!!! :)))

[@psycholist724]

I love you guys! You said at the end you hoped I enjoyed it. Not only did I enjoy it this time, I will enjoy it again and again. You made me want to do my own Eurovelo tour some day.

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks Ian!!! That's really brightened up my Monday! ❤

[@BenSlavin]

Thanks so much for taking us along on your journey! We've really enjoyed watching your videos and admiring your spirit! Cheers and here's to many more wild and wonderful adventures in the years ahead!

[@Gazzaivey]

WOW . thankyou so much for making this video - you guys are ace . so inspirational well done guys thankyou xx

[@MatHall]

Ah thank you :))) was just a lot of fun. Day by day, pedal by pedal and all that! Thank you for taking the time to say hi and for watching :)

[@tomica0311]

What an amazing movies, journey, everything. I started to cry when you finish the ride in Instambul, "our last 10 meters of ride". I loved he part trough Serbia, becouse im from Serbia and if I start some of Eurovelo routes its will be your fault. :D Good job!!! (im sorry of my bad english, i cant find words to express myself enough).

[@MatHall]

Aw thank you so so much Tomica! Thats an amazing review and makes all the long hours editing at home worthwhile. Thanks for watching. Serbia our favourite country we both agreed!!!

[@rmunozarancibia]

Well done!, you did make a great job on the videos, i had the sensation of take a journey with you, congrats for the accomplishment, for you have been always positive. A europa’s beautyfull picture, and of your relationship.

[@MatHall]

Thank you so much Roberto what a lovely message to start our week! Thanks for watching. We werent always positive all the way but were lucky that one of us can help the other thru any difficult times :) More family adventures to come..!

[@OlofLaurin]

This three part series was amazing. Thank you so much for taking your time and compiling it!

[@MatHall]

Thanks Olof, I'm glad the hours figuring out the editing software was worth it! 🤗🤗🤗 Appreciate your comment and I'm so glad you enjoyed, all three!! :)))

[@Longtack55]

Great soundtrack guys. Empathic and "mature." The video has inspired me to take this route in Sept this year with my darling.

[@MatHall]

Thank you for the compliment, i took a long time considering background music! 😃 Have the best time in September:)

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

Epic ride captured so much it was wonderful

[@MatHall]

Certainly was, thanks for watching :))

[@steveevans9991]

Awesome documented journey! I cycled solo to Athens from the UK in 2019 so I can appreciate all the ups and downs you experienced on your adventure. Thank you for sharing it with us all and may it inspire more people to try this type of adventure. It truly is life-changing as I can testify. :)

[@svetoslavdonev1555]

Bravo. You are heroes! Respect🚴👌🚴

[@jeremyb6980]

thankyou for sharing your amazing adventure here, incredible.

[@MatHall]

Youre welcome Jeremy and thanks so much for watching:)

[@paulhunt8905]

Fantastic 3 videos. Enjoyed the balance of commentary between different aspects of your trip. Well done and congrats on getting married and your baby

[@MatHall]

Thanks Paul :))) best wishes for 2023!

[@nickzoic]

Wonderful videos and congratulations!

[@xavierleparisien929]

Bravo et merci pour le partage de votre aventure 😮😅😊

[@MatHall]

Merci beaucoup Xavier!

[@gabrielsbikerides1445]

Totally underrated channel. I found you looking for something else, spent some hours watching your videos. Such inspiring videos guys!

[@MatHall]

Ah cheers Gabriel!!! Thats awesome we stumbled into your viewings. Been a while since we rode but finally heading on a weekend camping bike ride this month with our daughter. Cant wait. Video soon! Thanks for watching and commentinh :)

[@weinbergfahrer4048]

Thank you very much for taking me along on that epic journey! The countless moments of joy (hospitality in Bulgaria) and frustration (going uphill for days on end) must be forever engraved in your memories! And it's also a fitting analogy to married life: not every day is a fun day, but in the end it's the joys of a long journey made together. Wishing you all the best for that lifetime trip! :) PS: Would you recommend that Fuji bike? (sorry, if I missed your answer in any other video...)

[@MatHall]

Thanks for the comment, so glad you enjoyed it! Very much so like married life, and now parenthood ha! Loved the Fuji, its still going strong now and in fact taking him to a shop for a full service next weekend as a treat for being such a good boy haha! Get him cleaned up and ready for cycling with baby later this month!

[@janeshaw5564]

Great achievement, the videos are fantastic . This even beats anything on TV these days.

[@MatHall]

Thank you Jane! That's a huge compliment. Can't wait to make more very soon. Thanks for watching, really glad they've been enjoyed!

[@psycholist724]

I loved the rapid-fire montage of you and your ever-growing beard. I think it would have been even funnier if you'd followed it up with a similar montage of Harriett not changing one iota every single day. LOL

[@MatHall]

Hahaha thats such a good shout. She just got more tanned and dare i say more beautiful everyday 😍

[@tommyclarke2007]

Folks, you are heroes ! Great trip, great story and thank you so much for sharing 👍

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching all the way thru, that, is more heroic ! :)))

[@deck153]

thank you for sharing your adventure and keeping it real, very touching tail, keep up the good work!

[@MatHall]

Thanks Mark. Inspires us to film more and definitely have some more rides planned this year with little one on tow, albeit somewhat shorter rides!!

[@connection2777777]

This was a seriously inspiring watch. Thanks both

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks so much! Means a lot :)

[@connection2777777]

@@MatHall No worries. Gutted it's over!! Don't know how you both went back to work after doing something so incredible. Best wishes

[@milesdavenport2859]

What an amazing journey.. The variety from following route six to route thirteen. The hospitality, food, and the different landscapes are beautifully shown. Thank you for sharing 🙂.

[@MatHall]

Cheers Miles! Thanks for watching. Looking forward to making more pretty soon..! We've just watch Ed Pratts latest cycle tour video if you're keen on this sorta thing :) Take care

[@lemodafr]

Beautiful ♥️🎥♥️🎥✨✨✨✨✨

[@manthouartbutdust]

Thank you so much:)

[@Pasdechevredreamer]

Fantastic inspirational professional presentation. Best wishes

[@MatHall]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@gethinprobert]

Kudos both ☝️

[@TheSanyap]

What an inspirational trip! Now living in the city printed on your cap brim but originally coming from Budapest, i have ridden those EV-6 miles from Esztergom to Bp many times. This video just gave me that trip back to that lovely part of the world I can't have now due to the lockdowns. Keep on riding until you're 99 !😀

[@MatHall]

Ah amazing thanks for watching! LOVED that Hungary section, such friendly people and nice varied riding... Great bakeries!! My bro owns a bike shop in St Kilda called Just Pedal... check him out sometime and say hi . Not seen him for 3 years :((

[@petethompson6040]

Hi Matt and Harriet, thanks so much for sharing your journey. Great editorial style for an info packed, light-hearted and uplifting story. Our EV15 plans were put on hold with the pandemic. This has us excited for the actual event when we can. Happy trails.

[@MatHall]

Hi Pete and Alli, I have a feeling the route will be even more popular post pandemic! Thank you so much for watching and your kind words. I really hope you get to ride it soon. Its just so much fun, every day!

[@georgesmith4785]

Just wanted to say that you’ve done an amazing job documenting the whole journey! We completed our London to Istanbul journey a couple of weeks ago, the Macedonian/Bulgarian stretch was definitely the final boss with all the hills but so rewarding and glad we went through the mountains instead of more direct route. Finishing the journey and watching your videos leaves us with an indescribable feeling but I think the Portuguese word Saudade comes the closest. (Saudade is an emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent something or someone. It is often associated with a repressed understanding that one might never encounter the object of longing ever again.) To the next one!

[@MatHall]

What a fantastic word! Congrats on your trip and i hope youve settled back to normal life ok.. we long for the next big trip still and a day doesnt go by where we think about our london to Istanbul trip, still, 5 years on!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Hi again Mat Harriet well I have just finished watching your three videos and enjoyed them all. How you managed to overcome your bicycle problems was amazing and those you met along the way that helped you were delightful. I expect like me to this day your wondering how the dog that followed got on but I am sure he she found their way back home. As for the ending of your video I would compare it to when I read about what happens to Little Nell in Dickens Old Curiosity Shop but far more pleasant. Belated congratulations on your marriage and the birth of Felicity. Hopefully these days your getting a goodnights sleep. I look forward to viewing your other videos now. Something tells me that it won't be very long before Felicity will be riding a bike. Ted

[@MatHall]

Thank you :))) Shes already riding around the house, and strangely very much enjoying reversing. She'll have a shock doing that on a real bike! More videos to come this year, heading out on a mini camping tour in a few weeks time. Dust off the touring bikes and camera time!! Thanks again for your kind message. Best wishes for the year

[@2wheelsrbest327]

@Mat Hall Thanks Mat look forward to the videos

[@jimo4449]

Amazing, these are the best produced and informative cycle touring videos I have ever seen and loved the ending with the update about your new family addition, may there be many more

[@MatHall]

Thank you! Wow what a compliment, really appreciate it and glad you liked it. We are 2 kids down now, that ride feels a lifetime ago, but not long until we can get family touring. Watch this space!

[@303cbs]

We're heading off to cycle Vienna to Istanbul in July/August and your videos/blogs have been SO helpful. Thank you! Absolutely going to use the accommodation you recommended.

[@MatHall]

Oh fantastic!!! Will you document with photos or video anywhere? We'd love to follow your journey! So glad it has helped and thanks for watching! :) happy planning

[@303cbs]

@@MatHall Yes I'll try to keep up with posting on Instagram (@clairestaz) and honestly might try a TikTok to post daily updates :)

[@darrylmeeking6839]

Came to this late. Awesome vlog and travels. Congrats on your family addition x

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks Darryl!!! :)))))

[@jeffzhejiang]

Wonderful series. I'm a bit surprised that the KZbin algorithms haven't shown me your videos sooner. I have been watching bike tour video's for a long time and this series is one of the best I have seen. Great content and well produced. I hope to replicate at least part of your tour myself sometime in the future.

[@MatHall]

Thanks jeff, we hugely appreciate that! So pleased even 100 people watched it, as we wanted to help others find these routes, and to know many have found our videos helpful is such a great feeling. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, it makes the hours and hours of lockdown editing so worth it!

[@madiantin]

22:55 Well. That made me tear up. How lovely! How kind. And holy cow that lunch looked delicious! What is the etiquette when things like this happen? My first instinct, quickly ignored, would be to offer to pay...but I imagine that would come across as quite insulting. I would want to give a little something in gratitude, but it's not like you can carry little gifts around with you on your bicycle on the rare chance something like this happens! I imagine a heartfelt thank you would be appreciated and all that's required? Cute little kittehs. 40:00 Bless you. You both needed a darn good rest. 41:13 Woah. That's like a painting, 50:36 Ohhh Myyyy GOOOOOSSSHHH! Look at that little cutie! 1:07:39 OH! Oh how wonderful! Many many many congratulations to you both. Oh my goodness, Felicity is gorgeous! And such a beautiful name. Ha! now your reply to a comment I made on a previous video makes sense. =D Congratulations to you all. Loved these videos. Thank you so much.

[@MatHall]

❤❤ what wonderful comments to wake up to! Thank you so much for taking the time and also watching the whole thing. That means so much, it was a long process to edit but so glad I finally got round to it. We made short vlogs along the way but I just wanted to make the trip into three easier to watch films as I know some people will want to just do the Rhine part for example and so far, it seems to have helped or inspired people which is a great feeling!! For this lovely couple who fed us, we of course thank as much as we can and they genuinely just want nothing in return, we did send a postcard of a photo of us all together though to the local shop (only shop!) So I hope it got to them that way.

[@MatHall]

And yes, we are now 3! So exciting!! Lots of plans / dreams, but for now, we enjoy her as a baby and are currently at grandparents having watched the last film last night all together:) Thanks again for watching!! Watch this space for new videos soon 🤗

[@madiantin]

@@MatHall I can't imagine the herculean effort of editing all that! But it came out so well, so well put together. It was a pleasure to watch.

[@Uppercottage2]

Hi Mat & Harriet, just discovered your videos after all these years! Really enjoyed watching your journey, not just the actual journey, but ‘your’ journey too! Very inspiring, would like to ask a couple of questions if we may, 1. This is bike touring, and you appeared to be relative novices, have you kept it up and have you migrated to Bikepacking? 2. How did you get yourselves and the bikes back from Istanbul. 3. Since then we have left the EU, let’s not get into the politics but how d’you think this has changed your route?. 4. What would you do differently now, family aside. We are bikepackers but haven’t yet been on such a huge adventure, you have inspired us to look further afield. Thank you, Rob & Nicki.

[@MatHall]

Hi Rob and Nicki. Sorry for slow reply, kids = always so busy now ha! We haven't done a lot since, only short weekend rides with the kids, who are now 1 and 3! Planning on touring again on 2025 when they're both a bit more able and kind of willing... heading to Nethlands for first easy family touring. Watch out for videos! Bikes back from IST, threw them into boxes and onto a plane, easy. Brexit just meant a few more passport checks but mostly it'll make no difference! Have you penciled in any euro velo trip plans yet????

[@AdventuresWithDanaJodie]

We would never be able to do the entire trail but it would be great to do some of it. Thanks for the video's.

[@templink]

That was quite a story congrats on the proposal and the new born, This is my second time watching your 3 video and I cannot be more proud of you two for doing such an amazing trip and all the courage you have shown thru the problem encountered Well done guys

[@MatHall]

Thanks so much for watching Ronald! Certainly a bigger adventure having a baby and hopefully this spring she'll be big enough to sit in a trailer and we can do some short day trips.. watch this space! Just need to find a trailer first..!

[@TheDaninski]

Those were great videos. Good luck with the future :)

[@MatHall]

Thank you :)) you too!

[@tenkuiala]

super

[@MatHall]

Cheers!!!

[@ticonderoga20]

Tremendous achievement and a charming video. Thanks so much for sharing your journey and guidance for those who may follow.

[@MatHall]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@WheelsonaBike]

Your attempt at making your first impressions of the Black Sea positive - priceless. Thanks for this video. I have enjoyed the series so much! Great editing job! Also congratulations on becoming and growing your family.

[@MatHall]

Ha yes we try to stay positive.. sometimes, rarely but sometimes some places or events are such a let down and it was difficult.... I was saying last night that I am sure with the new airport that area will be developed very soon, and in the summer maybe its much nicer. I'd love to find out. I'd love to have the money to invest!

[@MatHall]

And yay!!! Family adventures TBC!!! 💕

[@larryhicks6321]

A BIG hello from CANADA!!! Matt and Harriet - you are amazing!! We followed you when you were riding on your trip - with the dailies that you put out back then, but having it all together in these three videos has been WONDERFUL! We are Debbie and Larry... we ride recumbent trikes here in Nova Scotia. But we are dreaming of wider excursions - to the UK and Europe - perhaps even following your footsteps to the Black Sea and Istanbul. We also loved the little denouement at the end - congratulations on your little family. Ours (all six of 'em) are long grown and on their own. But we can say with authority - enjoy every bit of your children as they grow. Don't miss any part of it. We are now enjoying our grand-kids. From your friends in Canada: Larry and Debbie

[@MatHall]

Oh yes!!! 🇨🇦 I have only been to for a few days as a side trip when I was working as a soccer coach at a summer camp in Massachusets, but I really want to return. I hope you're OK if you in that heatwave?! If you ever come to London do drop us an email [e-mail] 🥂🚴‍♀️🍺 THANKS SO MUCH for your amazing comments. I'll show Harriet when she wakes up too.. baby was up a lot last night! Lots of fun already and not too many sleepless nights thankfully. So much to look forward to! Your comments make the hours of editing in lockdown worth it. Could have just left the vlog series as it was but I just wanted to have each section in one easier to watch, more instructive kind of films as it seems most people will do just The Rhine or parts of Danube for example, and so far it seems to have really helped! Love that you watched all three!! Do let us know if you manage to get over to ride Europe. Best wishes, Mat, Haz and Flic x

[@MatHall]

Oh nova scotia, so east coast, cooler coast! 😎

[@TJspaceman]

I've just binge watched this. Amazing effort. So in awe of it all. I've travelled some of these routes but by car and I really missed out. I'm wondering where is the video of you riding home again? 😁😂

[@MatHall]

Haha yeh.. still gutted i lost that footage 🤣 Thank you for watching!

[@jonhale6918]

Hi, i leave the uk for istanbul in 2 weeks :) your vids have been a great inspiration - thank you both :) x

[@MatHall]

Ah so pleased! Would love to hear how you get on, will you document anywhere online?

[@cathye.9659]

Amazing journey and grit to keep going. You are inspiring me. Thank you for your super well done films.

[@MatHall]

Ah thank you Cathy! Glad you liked them and even more so they inspired :) More to come soon with baby!

[@douglasensor8985]

Thanks Matt for another great video. Thoroughly enjoyed watching Harriet and your adventures! My wife and I are watching the UK very closely and can’t wait for the world to open up! Congrats to you and Harriet on your wedding and a baby as well! She is one lucky little girl!! I can’t wait for the family adventures next, you guys are truly inspiring. Cheers.

[@julesprudhon3603]

enjoyable trip and fantastic life history. Congratulations Mat and Hariett you are wonderful

[@mikeb1195]

Brilliantly put together again.Thanks Matt and Harriet . Can’t wait for the next one!

[@MatHall]

Hey thanks again Mike!!!! Your ev15 comment is still one of our favourites and comments like these make us want to document more trips. Have plans on family trips next year, let's see how things go!! Take care and thanks again for watching :)

[@uralmutlu4320]

I sort of binged your videos today. Id like to do the Danube part of eurovelo 6 but its not gonna happen any time soon. As a Turk I felt sorry Kırklareli province didnt meet your expectations.

[@davidharris4062]

23.21 the kindness of strangers

[@Charlie-sr6dv]

Great trip. Thoroughly enjoyed your 3 videos.

[@MatHall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JamesLW86]

Hi there, just wanted to say I loved the series. There's not much else like this on youtube for the eurovelos, there are some vlogs but few edited together nicely in this kind of format. My partner and I are trying to piece together some kind of west to east route across Europe. The EV15 to Switzerland looks good, but then trying to decide whether we continue east though the Balkans, or head down through Italy instead. Lots to think about, and surprisingly few resources out there so thanks for putting these films together. You guys did an awesome job.

[@MatHall]

Hi James That's pretty much the best comment you could have said! That's makes me so happy. I filmed as we went along, not knowing if I'd bother to make any videos but I found the same thing as you, there wasn't really any full film for the entire rhine for example, so after I ended up making the shorter on the go vlog series, in lockdown I could still see that there were no half decent full films for these amazing routes. They took me forever to edit and we are so so happy they are proving useful for people who are at the planning stage. I remember watching a few videos of people's gopro footage, just to see what the surface might be like!! Hugely recommended EV15 for the first part, as it's not only stunning but is relatively easy so sets you up well for the latter stages. Going down into Italy via EV5 and then going east following the coast to Greece could be awesome too, certainly no less hilly than the Balkans tho! Until Slovakia, the EV6 was not hugely different to ev15 (flat, beautiful historic villages, great campsites, fantastic cities), so if you want a challenge, into Italy and across would be great!

[@bobsmith8322]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the three vids. Great mix of reality and "tourism". Hat's off to Harriet, what a trooper. Can I suggest you add a "buy me a coffee" or patreon link as I actually came to the comments buy you both a coffee in return for the great enjoyment I received from watching them.

[@MatHall]

Thank you Bob, really glad you enjoyed them. Very excited to get back on the road very soon.. with our baby, shes almost old enough..! Not long now. Thanks for your lovely comment

[@MatHall]

Also ill definitely look into the patreon thing. Might help us save for the bike trailer who knows!

[@TravelFunMusic]

What a hard slog, but rewarding experience! Incredible video. 😄

[@MatHall]

Yeh that part was a slog at times but the variety made it our fave section of the ride to Turkey. Such amazing memories! Thanks for watching!

[@ODOB]

Good job Mat. Really enjoyed your travel (round 2 for me). Really useful to include details of your accomodation and costs. Road into Istanbul looks scary. Harriet is such a trooper with zero complaints, good on her. Thanks for sharing.

[@colinhoward2200]

Incredible journey and footage - thank you so much for taking the time both to ride it and make this. I will watch your other videos for sure :)

[@MatHall]

Thanks Colin, we appreciate that!!! In process of making some news one now too (finally!) Best wishes :)

[@Woodleytrav58]

What a trip what an adventure, beautifully put together, one day I will do my first bike tour.