EUROVELO 6 FILM ☆ Cycling the Danube 2018 ○ London to Istanbul Film 2/3

Cycling the Danube from it's Source in Germany all the way to Romania via the impressive Eurovelo 6 (Film 2 of 3 as we ride London to Istanbul). This film documents our cycle through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and then reach Romania before we begin the Ev13 (Film 3 of 3)
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 cycle the Rhine / cycle tour in general advice!
Next up.. Film 3/3 - Cycling the Iron Curtain Trail from Romania to Turkey - Eurovelo 13 Watch as we complete our sabbatical tour, with an emotional ending in Istanbul and news of our next adventure...
Akos' channel / akosrajtmar
@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​
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.
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​
~~~
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

[@glennsmurthwaite3856]

Once again Mat, outstanding. Love the format. Didn't think you could improve on the first episode but you have. Thank you for the hours and hours you must have spent editing this.

[@MatHall]

So glad you enjoyed it, a real labour of love to edit but so so much fun too. Thank you so much for watching Glenn! One more film to come and I hope it'll be the best one

[@seansixfive]

Treat yourselves to some nice hand-laced wheels. UK builders like Harry Rowland will fix you up. I could not believe the difference his wheels made to the ride quality of my audax bike.

[@nik-roshansirak3398]

46:47 - As a German constantly complaining about the lack of knowledge of the english language throughout my country, I am amazed how good it seems to be in eastern europe nowadays as this sign is so well written, that most Germans probably wouldn't understand it! :D

[@tomarmstrong1281]

I am totally knocked out by everything. Stamina, can do attitude, but mostly how you pedalled virtually everything you needed. Not only the absolute necessities and camping gear, but cameras and sound recording and apparently film editing equipment on a couple of bikes. Amazing.

[@MatHall]

Thank you Tom! Kit wise it was surprisingly and purposely lightweight, just a tiny point and shoot camera that took good video, no mics or lenses, just shot away from the wind when possible. Aim was to make some videos for us and family but was fun to edit together some full length films too as people said they really helped them plan...which is such a nice feeling! I edited the vlog series on the go with a free app on my little tablet and then at home in lockdown this year did the full hour long films on my new pc with a lot more care... took me bloody ages but so glad I did. Your comments make it all worthwhile! Plenty more plans in the making for 2022 now we have a little girl to join us! Thanks again for watching:) do you have any plans?

[@douglasensor8985]

Thanks Mat for putting this together. I can't wait for the world to re-open so my wife and I can start our EuroVelo adventures! The information in your vids really help my planning and feeds our desire to travel!! Thanks again mate!

[@MatHall]

That's the best thing we could hope for, that people can enjoy the films but also that they help people plan or get even a little bit of inspiration. Humbled, thanks Douglas! One more film to come as we ride the last part to Istanbul then we hope to get back to Eurovelos soon too! What plans do you have?

[@douglasensor8985]

@@MatHall We have a trip planned on EuroVelo 15 to Basel then to follow the EuroVelo 6 until we run out of time. We only have a 4 weeks, so I plan to fly into Amsterdam and out of Munich. Hopefully the Australian government will open the borders by Jun 22 and we will be the first out the gate! We did LEJOG in 2018 and that started our love of bicycle touring.

[@MatHall]

@@douglasensor8985 oh that's so exciting I hope you can get over! 4 weeks is plenty of time for an amazing ride. I'd love to hear how you get on!

[@douglasensor8985]

@@MatHall Not a problem, I'll let you know the final decision and route. In the mean time, please keep your videos coming. Harriet and your adventures really do inspire us. Cheers

[@CityWalks]

@@douglasensor8985 Oh man, I'm envious. I'm a total newby but these trips have my mouth watering. -H

[@dudeonbike800]

The family and I were in Ulm in 2017. Boy was I jealous of all the cyclists heading out along the Danube. Later on our trip, we met a couple tandeming the Rhine in Switzerland who had started in The Netherlands. Now that a travel tandem and suitcases are in hand, this trip is closer to reality than ever! Such a great way to go! (As long as you've gotten through and past the whole "divorce/argument machine" thing!!!) It's on the list, for sure! Love that you showed the Donauquelle in Donauschingen. I didn't realize it literally sprouts from a spring in town. Just assumed it started in the hills outside town as a small rivulet or something. Very nice. Thanks!

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching! Im now also forever jealous whenever im near a river cycleway and i see folk on a ride. Just glorious isnt it! Are you planning a ride on eurovelo soon then?

[@dudeonbike800]

@@MatHall no current plans for a self-supported Danube (or other) trip. HOWEVER, we were presented with two open spots on a two-week France trip with friends in May. Fully arranged routes and accommodations, so you just have to show up and pedal! So we couldn't say no!

[@docbailey3265]

Well. Popping up to Mauthausen is not as easy as it sounds. That’s a right nasty hill that the camp is located on.

[@MatHall]

Certainly was, and by that stage we hadnt really hit any hills! Glad we went tho

[@docbailey3265]

@@MatHall Yep. I was just there (Viking tour). I’ve never experienced such a strong visceral reaction as when I passed the oven.

[@rolandmd73]

I’m loving the videos of the Eurovelo routes. As a beginning biketourer they offer me lot of tips and inspiration. Thank you so much!

[@psycholist724]

Spring is here which means my thoughts turn to bike trips and I go back to watching bike trip documentaries and of course I had to come back to this one. I can NOT get enough of watching you two taking this trip. I hope I can find the time to do something like this someday.

[@oliviaulch1605]

THIS IS GREAT! Thank you for sharing. Totally making it feel real and doable! Watching from Indiana, USA. What do you recommend for phone service coverage?

[@MatHall]

Thanks Olivia! Glad you enjoyed! Wow America, nice! We used our uk phones and it was free thru Europe except one or two eastern euro countries and turkey i think, but mostly was ok. You could pick up a tesco mobile or sim super cheap, they have free roaming in mainland Europe i believe!

[@petercrawley4035]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching that! It was inspiring. Thanks very much

[@annechicherie4596]

Soooo excited about this New Episode! Thanks so much Guys for making this . So helpful and Most of all ...very inspiring . 🙏🙌🚵☀️

[@xavierleparisien929]

Encore merci pour ce moment passé avec vous 😮😅😊

[@3niknicholson]

Did the Carretera Austral in Dec/Jan/Feb no prob sleeping cos nearly always alone, I know what it's like tho' from working on ships and empathise. I would reduce my caffeine intake and take an antihistamine travel sickness pill (may cause drowsiness) or make a valerian tea. Good luck and Happy Trails!

[@MatHall]

Haha love those tips!!! We now have a baby and i dont know what is more noisy... a euro campsite in summer or a crying 1 year old! 😄😄😄 ...will google valerian tea... :)

[@joshuamx2024]

Hi Mat, couple of years too late but... thanks for posting these vids..! Wife and I will be cycling this route (Germany-Vienna) and would like to ask you a question around campsites... I noticed that a number of towns do not have an internet indication of a dedicated campsite close to the route at least on Google Maps, is this something you tackled with recommendations from the book/guide you were following or how did you find where to stay in those stops?

[@MatHall]

Hi carlos thanks for watching! Yeh o think we mostly used the guide book for campsite recommendations but to be honest they are really frequent and you dont really need to plan too much, unless going in summee holidays when sometimes the nicer campsites can get full. But we found there was always a way, or another one nearby!

[@edinelsonramirez5656]

How about the crazy idea of pulling your tent far away from the snoring others! .... just sayin'!

[@MatHall]

Ah tried but seemingly another snorer always arrives late in the night 😂

[@ruben4447]

I dont mean to be a dumbass but was it really necessary to mention Eastern Europe? You could have just said the countrys names like you did in the rest of the countries. Eastern Europe is huge and you cant say all the countries are the same because they arent. Just had to say it so people stop alwaysmentioning Eastern Europe when talking about a country from there. They are European diverse independent countries.

[@MatHall]

It wasnt meant in any way to be derogatory but simply Western Europe and Eastern Europe are the most commonly used given names for these regions. Like for example the West Country in UK or The Mediterranean etc. In the films i do of course discuss each country individually, as they should be. At no point do i say all of eastern Europe is the same but for ease in the video we do say guideline costs per day is X amount in Western Euro and X amount in Eastern Europe, as well as how immediately when crossing into Slovakia, do campsites become less frequent and hotel stays much cheaper. Very much agree, 'eastern europe' is huge and so incredibly varied, it is definitely the most beautiful area we cycled in, with some of the best food and friendliest people too. Perhaps the days of the iron curtain coined the terms 'east and west'.

[@iokarus]

You both look much healthier and happier in this episode compared to the last. Did you find it bought you closer together? Did you fall out often?

[@MatHall]

Not really, mostly little arguments if tired or hungry. Or me wanting to stop to eat too early..! Being outside always seems to heal and keep things happy. Its incredible

[@lookpastlimits]

Such a great film guys!! We absolutely loved the section from Passau to Vienna so thinking we'll need to go and continue it further next year! 🚲👍

[@MatHall]

You must!!

[@debgraystone]

I loved this episode; it brought back our great memories when we did this trip 5 years ago as new retirees. Donaueschingen to Budapest.

[@nuoutdoor]

Greetings from Hungary!

[@SR81K9]

About 6 or 7 years dreaming about a UK - Singapore (..and beyond?) Cycle adventure. I still haven't left 😳 I'm 40 in a couple of months, I've gotta leave some time!!

[@MatHall]

Oh you have to do it!!! We're hoping to ride the west side of the EV6 one day, French coast to Germany, with the baby in the trailer! I hope you get on your big ride soon. No time like the present.. mustn't have regrets. Our relatively big tour UK to Turkey was the best thing we've ever done

[@skids181]

Love your videos. Great to see Croatia. I was a young soldier in the British army in the 90's and spent plenty of time peacekeeping in Croatia and Bosnia. I'd love to go back there one day, preferably by bike.

[@MatHall]

Oh wow. To return one day to this now beautifully peaceful region would be just incredible. Thanks for your work there almost 30 years ago! Thanks for watching David, I really appreciate it

[@ArboMoto]

sorry, i am way to late, but: what a lovely conent and conent creators. wish you guys all the best

[@MatHall]

Thank you that is very kind!

[@Longtack55]

I read several blogs saying that the Danube route is sterile and dull, and much of Hungary Route 6 is flat and featureless. In that case we plan to take a convoluted route through more interesting settled areas (if there are any.) 600,000 cyclists annually on the Danube from Passau to Vienna mostly June-August!!

[@MatHall]

Agree to some extent about Hungary.. however.. Having a busier section (passau to vienna especially) was really fun, but we also did love Hungary. Yes, 3 or 4 days of featureless great hungarian plane, but we found beautiful little towns, amazing food, lovely people and after germany and austria, it was nice to feel like we were one of the few to carry on along ev6. Also the towns just before and after the incredible capital city Budapest, were a real highlight. Once over the hot planes though, it then gets very very feature-full, more mountainous and incredibly beautiful thru the gorges after you briefly pass thru northern croatia into enter Serbia!

[@Longtack55]

@@MatHall Thanks Mat. I'll make use of your observations. Slovenia sounds great too.

[@newlipstick4426]

Fascinating tour. The mammoth impersonation was priceless.

[@richardlinck1207]

Really enjoying your journey, came across these vids as I have started researching my own potencial cycle tour. I'm inspired, looking forward to episode three

[@MatHall]

Thanks for the comment richard, good luck with your planning. Are you considering Eurovelo routes? Glad you liked the videos! 😊😊😊

[@danielholman7225]

Matt, really enjoying your vid and you comments along the way. You look a little like the great Robin Williams when he was younger. I really like your British accent as well and you have the gift for gab, as we say in the States. Camera work is very good, what else can I say. I’am also into bike touring but I stay on the pavement unlike the bike packers. Ok, thanks again for your video, it was a treat. Om!

[@unknownmovement]

Mate i HATE snorers. Wild camping is your answer 👍🏽

[@whattovisitinromania5044]

Beautiful experience, amazing places to discover! ❤️😍Wish you more beautiful trips to come!

[@ascot7154]

Really great, I love bikes, but when I was young in Northumberland, and me and my pal's, we would cycle up North to Wooler. On a Sunday night coming home I got a puncture, and did not have a seal for the tube. So my pal's kept riding. A van stopped and I asked for a lift, so he put my bike in the van, and I was happy to have a rest. He dropped me off in Gosforth, and I carried the bike home. Just turning the corner to my street and my pale rode up behind.

[@senolsen637]

Hello guys thank you for this great videos showing and information 😊 I have never done this kind off journey in my life .. my child hood dream to do this trip !! Just don’t want to do it alone ! If anyone interesting we could make a plan journey to from London to Istanbul??

[@GrizzlyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you very much for sharing. Very nice recordings, very nice journey. I look forward to your adventures in Part 3. For now, stay healthy and stay happy.

[@AdventuresWithDanaJodie]

I want to do this sometime. I just subscribed and plan on watching more of you videos.

[@deborahmoore3942]

Thank you so much for sharing these adventures again - so inspiring. You have to be a cycle tourist to appreciate all of the food clips could almost taste it. We aren't usually motivated by food, except when cycle touring - it becomes a real focus of the day. Cant wait to set off on the ferry to France again. It must have been such fun to re-visit your cycle tour and share your memories together - keep pedalling.

[@MatHall]

Hi Deborah! Thank you for your comment. Food certainly becomes the main focus of the day that's for sure and the further we headed east the more exciting it got for sure especially as we ate out more and more. I only wish one day to cycle thru Central Asia and beyond to continue our cycling culinary explorations! Thanks for watching. Cheers to travelling again soon by any means and hopefully more meaningful mindful means

[@mistreku]

cycling aside (we all love it, that's why we're here), your editing skills are amazing for a (presumably) amateur! it looks like a TV documentary, very well put together! *thumbsup*

[@MatHall]

Wow thank you so much, that is an incredible compliment!! (And yes, very much amateur.. this film took about 6 months to edit😭😭 Was a labour of love during lockdown and learnt a lot!) Thanks again 😍

[@mistreku]

@@MatHall Your hard work paid off, if you ask me, this journey is so well documented, I almost feel like I'm part of it, I thoroughly enjoyed it so far! I'm nowhere near as fit (nor as young) as you guys, but these series made me really consider a longer trip on my bike (albeit not European, but at least through my country (Romania). Again, congrats for these videos, it's amazing we get such quality content for free on YT.

[@voyagesdedavid]

You're a very handsome couple, and look like you're having an amazing time. My wife and I cycled from Passau to Budapest in 2017. Loved every second of it. :-)

[@fm7319]

Matt, you’re great. Harriet is beautiful but her smile is amazing. You guys do it right, eating/drinking. -admire & respect-

[@davidhorton1064]

Great film, I'm planning a trip next year, haven't decided whether to do the danube or the rhine

[@MatHall]

Thanks David. Its a tough one.. id say Danube for the variety if I had to choose!

[@Mochioverland]

Danube!!! It is mesmerizing!

[@gogotharyantharyant7629]

👍👍👍👍

[@harviegemmell8697]

Another great Video! Hope you enjoyed Ulm and Munich, interesting to see the price differences between East and West, Nice work guys 😎

[@letsseeyoutravel8364]

Your last video you ended in Chur...did you ride back to Donaueschingen to start the Danube tour?

[@glenirvine6161]

Very good...really enjoyed this...even the mammoth impression!

[@whistlersama]

Mat you need custom made sleeping ear plugs! The Ear doctor/specialist takes a mold of your ears and 3D prints them for you.

[@antsantics]

Awesome episode. Pro tip - don’t watch when you’re hungry.

[@MatHall]

Or thirsty! An honour to have such a huge film director as yourself comment on our video, Anthony. Thanks for watching!

[@misopasko2614]

What do you mean Eastern Europe?? We are Central Europe 🤣🤣🤣 (Every Slovak guy)

[@123espoosrl]

Hello from Romania. The episode was great but I reckon I was also waiting for the Romanian section. Thank you Matt for inviting us to adventure on a bike.

[@sharathkumar1700]

Now this video has been shared by Eurovelo on their official Facebook page. Cheers 🥂

[@MatHall]

Oh awesome! We're not on Facebook. Thanks the letting us know!

[@onedaywellallbedead4338]

Thanks for the info guys. Love these long informative cycle touring vids. I feel it’s noteworthy to mention I’m on the Euro6 right now en route to Turkey. It’s open. Many of the campsites are closed but wild camping is always possible.....😁👍

[@MatHall]

Oh wow so nice to imagine being on the ev 6 right now. Sure you're enjoying it! Appreciate the message thank you

[@MatHall]

Will have finished the Romania to Turkey film by mid June I think. Maybe you'll be there by then!

[@wonglipmeng3472]

Brilliant ride video with very informative and useful commentary. Love those beautiful cities and countryside along the route and not forget to mention those mouth-watering local foods. Will be delighted to ride it in near future when pandemic is over ... most likely same as London to Istanbul as I love to visit Turkey and Iran as well. By the way what is the average price per person tent pitch in those campsites? My 1st camping experience on a bike trip was in Scottish highlands during summer in 2018 where it was about 8 to 10 British pound for a person. Thanks again for your awesome video.

[@MatHall]

Hi mate sorry for delay I only just saw your lovely comment!! All the costs are in Harriets blog. Link is in the description but on average I'd say around 20 euro a night for 2 people one tent. France was 10, Switzerland more like 30, lichtenstein was 45! Germany and Austria on average around 20, great value. Much cheaper in Eastern Europe so we had more hotels at approx 20 euro a night :) Let us know if you do a similar ride! Good luck! Thanks for watching :)))

[@45LiveRecords]

excellent (again!), your film(s) are the best piece of youtube I've ever seen I think. Part 3 next :)

[@MatHall]

Love that you sat thru all 3. Thank you!!!

[@gezimcakerri6886]

Absolutely fascinating. I like those Brooks saddles on both bikes.

[@Gabriel-pt6tq]

I stayed at the Eden campsite about a week ago, that road it's on is not a fun road to cycle on? The campsite was cheap but loud with the cars and the shooting range across the street that sounded like Rambo was going at it till about 10pm. I think I should've not taken the detour to Gyor, too many busy roads. Oh well.

[@MatHall]

Yeh for sure one of the worst sections of road but thankfully didn't last long!

[@TrimaranSpirit]

Hey Mat love your videos super chill and super cool. If you'd ever like to do a collaboration on a sailing video let us know. All the best!

[@MatHall]

Oh now we're talking 😃 thanks for watching and your lovely comment :) Cycling and sailing the world would be pretty cool wouldn't it.. Little baby here now so we might have to wait a little while for next big trip..! All the best guys. Going to check out your vids and dream

[@roamin-goats]

Hi guys, great video, with the regard to cant sleep.... I used to have same problem, the nightly noises. One time it was a windy night- i rolled my long beanie hat over my eyes and ears. And boom, perfect nights sleep. I use it everywhere now. Just muffles sounds and the eye coverage lets you sleep longer when it gets light at 5am!!!!!!! Just a suggestion but works for me. The others say i am asleep within 5 mins of tucking in for the night.... LoL

[@MatHall]

Thanks for commenting! I remember trying my hat over my eyes n ears too and it did help a bit, but the best thing ever was the wax ear plugs I found in Austria. Game changer!... just by then we had nearly finished the camping nights and we went go cheap hotels in Eastern Europe ha! I now swear by them and always sleep in a buff over eyes for the light too

[@jb-lu4vo]

I think the trip is very good but what I do not understand is that you have not found any restrictions to travel through Europe Countries. They have not asked you for test, or blood analysis or pcr, or they have not taken your body temperature or they have not asked you to be vaccinated ??? I do not understand why for some who travel by plane the rules are so rigorous and for others so light. Can you explain it to me? Thanks and take care both of you.

[@MatHall]

Ah apologies, this trip was 2018!! Good comment.. I will update the Title and description! Thanks for pointing this out :)

[@unibuzzer]

Thanks to you two I have a #1 on my bucket list. My 12 year old son is absolutely enamored with Europe, and hopefully one day I can give him a memory of traveling this route. Until then, I'll be dreaming of the days. . . Really enjoyed this

[@MatHall]

Ah thats awesome, we really believe its the perfect family trip. Has everything. Value, educational, exercise, variety, a lot of fun!

[@fibonacciworks2623]

Can i do wild camping in europe just me and my bike?Many thanks from Brazil!

[@MatHall]

Yes but some countries its illegal, but many people do it anyway. If you find a quiet spot and of course leave no trace, it is likely noone will bother you but in western europe much of the land is farm or private, but you can still find somewhere for sure. Or ask people to stay in their land. In eastern europe it gets more spacious and much easier! Thanks for watching!!

[@fibonacciworks2623]

@@MatHall Thank you for your feedback! Keep doing more videos about eurovelo please! Big hug!

[@MatHall]

@@fibonacciworks2623 hope so next year... with Daughter in tow! Good luck in world cup :)

[@fibonacciworks2623]

@@MatHall Thank you bro! : )

[@IT-rj4gf]

A masterpiece. I enjoyed it so much. I first followed this route with Gonzaventuras, a twenty something year old from Spain. Check his channel.

[@MatHall]

Thank you!!! 😊 have checked out your recommendation too! Thanks for the great comment, glad you liked the video, we loved the ride!

[@kevinw7044]

A wonderful adventure. Looking forward to part 3.

[@MatHall]

Thanks Kevin!

[@jackgriswold8166]

Hallo May & Harriet, A simple thanks to both of you for pedaling where I had been over thirty years ago. Granted the the routes are much better developed now, but there were a lot of familiar views. I traveled for the micro- electronics business. All over Europe to many manufacturers and universities. Your routes brought back a lot of delightful memories. Maybe I will do some of it again? All the best, Smiling Retired Jack Griswold

[@MatHall]

Glad we did your old route justice and it still looks as wonderful as 39 yrs ago. I can imagine much has changed, but also much must be the same! Definitely more Lidls....! Best wishes and thanks for watching and saying hi!!

[@thecees]

One way to deal with other people snoring is to breath along with their snoring... breath in with them... breathe out with them.... your brain will be fooled into thinking you are snoring.. thus sleeping... and will get sleepy soon. Works for me every time.

[@MatHall]

Ah interesting! Will give that a go next time. I think my mind is just so set it getting angry at snorers now, it's hard to change. But I'm desperate to!

[@tandago7281]

I wonder what was the most naturally beautiful part of the Danube Cycleway for a 3-4 day trip...

[@MatHall]

Hmm a great question! I think Basel to lake Konstanz would be a contender.. a lot of beautiful villages along the river and Basel was a great spot, people have a great life there! Lake konstanz was stunning too. Also the classic Passau to Bratislava, loved that. If you want a third option then definitely Bratislava to Budapest especially the last 20km into budapest on the river, incredible!

[@julianhill5360]

Hi Mat, loving your videos. Did you find the GPX file of the routes somewhere or did you try to follow the route by looking at the paper map?

[@MatHall]

Hi Julian, we just used the eurovelo signs pretty much! And the excellent guidebooks by cicerone 👍👍👍 thanks for watching. Hope you get to ride the route too, its a lot of fun!

[@kobrapelle]

I have done it so I will not accept bs. Eurovelo is a good thing and I want it to be more respected and maintained. So big words about the environment and so few bicycle paths in general, I really hope you will be true about how bicycles are considered as a way to bring business to local establishments, not a way to explore the world.

[@MatHall]

Eurovelo is a great thing! We really hope more people will consider cycle touring, as like you say, it's so important for the local businesses set up along the routes. The more people cycle the Eurovelos, the more businesses will come (mostly local!) and thus the most money can be invested in improving the routes. I hope you enjoy the film in a few weeks time. The first one is already online, and the third and final one from our trip will be ready by the end of May. Thanks for commenting :)

[@kobrapelle]

@@MatHall Local business will gain from bicycle tourism, but to make a lot of unnecessary reroutes just to benefit it is not in the interest of the bicycling crowd.

[@antoniocruz8083]

Great filming and editing. I have a question for you, did you have to book the campsites ahead or you could just show up at the end of the day and there was always a spot? In Brittany this year it was nerve wrecking having to find and book an available spot near where we wanted to stop. So finally I just spend more than 10 hours booking the next three weeks in advance, 21 campsites, which meant we had no freedom to stop anywhere else. Another question, can you get by without a kitchen by eating out often or is it just too expensive. Pre-made supermarket meals are OK but not everyday. For example, in Spain you can do without a kitchen since there are cheap places to eat every 500m, from breakfast to dinner and open quite late in the evening. But not so in France where you had to carry more than 5kg extra in kitchen and food, all day long, because 1. restaurants stopped serving at 21.00 and were quite expensive and 2. supermarkets closed at 19.00 so if you didn't arrive early you could be without supper.

[@MatHall]

Thanks Antonio. Appreciated! Only twice did we get turned away as campsite was full, during august summer holiday in Germany. We usually called ahead 2 days before to book if we thought it might be popular, and to check it was open etc. For food, sure, we met plenty of tourers who didnt cook, and really until more remote places after we left ev6, there was always somewhere to buy food, prepare sandwiches or something. We just preffered to cook to keep it cheaper and make coffee in morning :)

[@antoniocruz8083]

@@MatHall Thanks, yes, to carry a couple of mugs and make cold coffee and morning cereals is no problem but to carry onions, carrots, olive oil and spices is another thing. I think we will try part of your route next year and we will chance going without a full kitchen. Thank so much for the info and keep up the good videos.

[@donnyo65]

I'm with you re the snorers - If I'm disturbed by them I tend to start the next day very early and very noisily!

[@MatHall]

Hahaha ditto!!

[@normancoutts]

These make for great watching. Cheers!

[@pedallinraw]

I had the same thermarest issue ....this was nearly over three years ago,I see thermarest have done zero to improve their mats! Currently using e bay china mat,which is very thick,very light,packs small,also has a pump built in ! Cheap but very well made and quality 🙂😉👍🏻

[@MatHall]

Ha really!! Just goes to show i guess. Win some lose some, but in general we definitely rated buying slme good major bits of kit like our amazing msr stove and tent. Best recommendation from us!

[@pedallinraw]

@@MatHall hi 👋 Msr great kit! Have you seen some of the cuben fibre goodies available ......😉🙂👍🏻

[@Mochioverland]

The good thing about thermarest is, that you can easily return them. My blew up on our trip and the replacement was sent to Budapest to an outdoor shop.

[@benedek6258]

Fantastic video Mat! Currently planning an Amsterdam-Budapest ride for this summer, this has made me look forward to it even more

[@MatHall]

Thank you! Have an epic ride. Great choice of route! 😉 will you ride Eurovelo15 Rhine south or go more direct to reach eurovelo 6 danube?

[@uravaavoom2972]

Very impressive.... And helpful. Thankyou very much guys....

[@MatHall]

So welcome ❤

[@rkentwenger5095]

In 2012 I did the Iron Gates section in the opposite direction -- and I stayed in that same little hotel in Stara Palanca!

[@MatHall]

Ah wow. I bet that little hotel looked practically the same in 2012 as my video.. same cobwebs I expect!

[@davidanderson3568]

Another cracking vid. Thanks

[@VagabondTurtle]

Really cool to see the Eurovelo, I am really contemplating to ride it, but from Sweden. This helps a lot to see how it looks, and even in the Alps it looks quite flat. Surprising. :) I guess it is because it follows the Danube.

[@MatHall]

Yeh! Very flat nearly all the way by the river. Idyllic. Some big hills sporadically but not for long then you head back onto the river. Eurovelo 13 tho, super super hilly!

[@VagabondTurtle]

@@MatHall Thanks! the Hungarian part I know somewhat (because I am originally from Hungary, and living in Sweden), but had no idea of the Alps-part, and it seemed a bit daunting to be honest. Also, very glad you guys met a nice person in Hungary to help you

[@MatHall]

Yes he was amazing and actually everyone was in hungary!!

[@explorer8908]

Thank you very much for the nice videos. I'm looking forward to the third part of your journey.

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching:) Hoping for third part to be ready by mid June.

[@johnnycatterall91]

Such a great video! I am really enjoying watching these with my partner as we prepare for a career break and wish to follow exactly this! As soon as covid disappears!

[@MatHall]

Thanks Jonathan, so glad it helps! We found there wasn't really any full videos for this section so I wanted to make a film that covered it. Means a lot that it will help people plan. You will love it the ev6 for sure! Do you have a full route / rough plan yet?

[@Chris-Roberts]

Totally thought these had been uploaded several years ago for some reason guys lovin this series keep it coming 👏👏👏

[@MatHall]

Ha yeh totally did the trip in 2018 and only made the films in lockdown. Took forever. Glad i did though. New stuff coming very soon with baby in tow!!!

[@AdebowaleAdesida]

Nice adventure cycling tours

[@BodybreakHal-Jo]

Really enjoy your videos. My wife and I are going to ride from Strasburg to Vienna this coming September. we try to stay off heavily traffic roads as much as possible. My question is, should we ride on th eurovelo 15 or eurovelo 6 after Basel when the two merge?

[@MatHall]

Thank you!! Glad you liked them. Youre in for a treat, its such a nice section. Ev15 to konstanz then it just joins ev 6 to vienna, super efficient and easy to follow. You cant really go wrong! Let us know how you get on :)

[@CanyonWanderer]

Lovely to follow this adventure!

[@joaoleiteneto668]

Guys, I'm simply speechless! Thank you again for such a pelasure!

[@MatHall]

Mate thanks again!!! So glad my hooooours of editing was worth worth hah! Best wishes from London 👍

[@theeuropeancyclepaths8206]

Subscribed guys. Cheers

[@janinebossel8009]

Thanks so much for the beautiful images and traveling tips. I'm going to ask Josh to increase spokes on my bike too...St Kilda, Melbourne

[@MatHall]

Ah awesome, you know my lil bro? Even if not, say hi from me if you pop into his Shop!

[@janinebossel8009]

@@MatHall Yeah l know Josh well

[@petrorudyy5992]

great video.thanks

[@ODOB]

Another great video. Sterling job indeed. I can see you have managed to inspire others myself included. Thanks and roll on part 3.

[@MatHall]

Ah thanks appreciate that! Next one hopefully done by mid June. Cant wait to make some new stuff soon too!

[@ODOB]

@@MatHall I finally did it. I cycled to London for the first time. Mind you in record slow time :) on a toy bike (as one cyclst said to me in Rusper). If you get time check it out. Part 1 is out, part 2 hopefully next week. Slow on editing.

[@JakobFischer60]

I hope you found out that the Blautopf is the entrance to a underwater tunnel system of several hundred kilometers which has been investigated with a small submarine.

[@MatHall]

No way!!! How interesting!

[@MatHall]

Thanks!!!

[@Austromark]

Thankyou for telling your story,good edit!

[@MatHall]

Thanks so much for watching. Appreciate the comment. Took ages to edit haha!!

[@erdogankinali9648]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rrocketman]

That's a champion ride, and a great video :)

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching, was such a great experience. Obviously highly recommend the route! :)

[@Sckrtz]

👍🏻🙏🏻

[@jcassiopeia5790]

Love your tour and your vid - but - what about wearing a helmet? 😉 You‘re sort of a role model 😅😘

[@MatHall]

Thanks for watching! We wear helmets on roads, or anywhere busy, as you can see in the film. On the leisurely, slow, segregated cycle paths, its not necessary.

[@Biking360]

Simply brilliant :)

[@ranjithpowell6791]

Where does the Danube cycle trail (off the road) start and finish please?

[@MatHall]

Hi Ranjith, we started at the source as per the video but we didnt get to the end which is right out on the black sea in romania! Full maps on the eurovelo website too but its not very comprehensive which is another reason i wanted to make a video of our section. Hope the video helps and you have a great ride!!

[@madiantin]

50:43 Hahaha! The perfect Mammoth sound! And the wave to your fans at the end. =D Or maybe it was to calm down the terrified locals? =D I'm loving these videos! Thank you.

[@MatHall]

Haha maybe i was a mammoth in a previous life! I love how random and how continually surprising this cycle was. Every day was just so different and just so awesome. I miss it a lot! Can't wait for new family cycles soon ....

[@madiantin]

@@MatHall Family cycles? I've suddenly turned into that meme of the woman with all the maths around her. =D Conjectures abound! Edit: Ha! Now that I've finished watching the third video, your reply makes more sense. =D

[@MatHall]

Hehe!!!

[@Capital194]

Wonderful video and we really look forward to the next episode!

[@MatHall]

Thank you! Last one is taking a lot to get it under an hour but I aim to have it done by end of June. Thanks for watching and commenting! Really appreciate it 🙏

[@michelledolan362]

A wonderful adventure...can't wait to start mine soon

[@MatHall]

Exciting! What are your plans?

[@Redheaded_Cycle_Path]

New to the workd of bike touring. Friend bailed . going solo. Anyone got advice. Going july and August ( hot) but do I need to book in advance camp sites . I dont know how far Ill get everyday? Do people wild camp at all? I hear its illegal in the Netherlands. Any suggestions or tips would be great . Thanks

[@MatHall]

Hey Dawn. Youll be fine on your own, we saw many soloists. Many wild camp too but we preferred the lovely camp sites. Our film on the Rhine talks about our distances and prebooking camps or not, but generally, yes, its useful to prebook a few days in advance in summer holidays but only really in popular areas such as the lakes or popular city camp sites. We always found something eventually

[@Redheaded_Cycle_Path]

@@MatHall thank you for the information .

[@mohanjamesdsouza3660]

Hi Matt, loved this video! I am looking at doing something similar next Northern summer, and this is a massive help :) Just a question - I saw you shared the link to your blog in the comments, however it says the page wasn't found. Do you think you could please flick me the link?

[@MatHall]

monteandkomodo.wordpress.com/

[@mohanjamesdsouza3660]

@@MatHall Thanks Mat, great read! Another quick question; in kms / hour, what speed do you think you guys maintained? And how much training went into that?

[@MatHall]

@@mohanjamesdsouza3660 we did 2 trial overnight tours in London, quite short! Mainly to test kit I guess. We just got more cycle fit as we went but really you don't need to be very fit. Rhine and Danube are so flat for much of it. We rode around 60-70km a day average I think on the Rhine, nice and slow around 15km an hour average. Nice n cruisey, take in the sights, lots of stopping too! So much to see!

[@mohanjamesdsouza3660]

Perfect, thank you! 15k/hour is very achievable :) I saw you did 90ks some days on other legs so was wondering how long it took you, but 6 hours is very doable! Thanks for answering all my questions - no doubt you’ll hear from me again as we continue our planning. Hope that’s okay!

[@SamuraiExplorerTV]

Nice footage thank you for sharing!!

[@MatHall]

Thanks mate. I see you make really nice simple London cycle videos! Have subscribed. Was thinking of doing something similar and talk about points of interest along the way. Thanks for watching!