Gone Riding - A report on our Adventure Country Tracks UK ride

The last week of April 2023 we rode the new Adventure Country Tracks UK.
Eleven bikes total. Five days. Some good riding.
Accommodation stops:
1. YHA Brecon Beacons
2. Torrent Walk Campsite, Dolgellau (www.torrentwalkcampsite.co.uk)
3. Glenlough Campsite, Isle of Man (www. glenloughcampsite.com)
4. Glenlough Campsite, Isle of MAn (www. glenloughcampsite.com)
5. Old Hall Cottage campsite, Hawes (www.oldhallcottagecampsite.co.uk)
6. Kildale Bunk Barn, Kildale (www.kildalebarn.co.uk)
Navigation:
osmand.net/
Irrespective of bike choice, the ACT is a great reminder that we can have a grand adventure right here on our doorsteps.
Many thanks to the ACT team
Download the route here and have your own adventure:
www.adventurecountrytracks.com/united-kingdom
For more of Dorothy's Adventures and sign up for one, head to:
www.dorothysspeedshop.com

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Excellent video. Hit the nail on the head with your comments. Less weight, less damage etc

[@WildCogs]

Love to do this if your ever thinking of doing it again

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Really excellent video and appraisal of the ACT. I could not agree more with your closing comments. I am 64 and have had a full licence since I was 17. I currently road ride / tour / moto camp on the 650 VStrom and I look at all the bigger and bigger and bigger ADV bikes, even the likes of the new TransAlp and the VStrom 800DE and think, fine for the wide open gravel roads of America or Australia but not for me. BTW, I know Matt who was on your ride. We live in the same town and both rode the A39 to Barnstaple with a KZbinr called Helmet Head (Alan) last year. I was really pleased to see that Matt is out there 'doing it' on his Monkey.

[@chriswills4064]

I think what you were saying about dry stone walls and a cracking curry is more a Yorkshire/Lancashire thing than an England thing. Part of the enjoyment of England/Wales/UK for me is the wide variety of terrain, environments and climates you can reach in a day's drive, even from down here in Cornwall. Love it all, in all its rich variety and we are blessed to live here 😊

[@davidarchibald5578]

I will be back next year not with the Zontes though. I can’t believe it started after drowning it. Your a top guy Nathan I appreciated you helping this old git.

[@nathanthepostman]

No worries at all David. Yeah that was pretty impressive. Keen to see what it's like on road. Off road.... never again!

[@wildmanrobsonsprinter4503]

Awesome video. Bought myself a tiger 800 xrt. 1st big bike. After riding it I want to do adventure riding but I'm not skilled enough. Plus it cost a canny bit of money to just drop it. But I'm tempted to stick some knobblies on her and see what happens.

[@Reids-Rides]

Really enjoyed that Nathan and I think you summed the reason to trail ride perfectly. Having just come back from a weekend in the Dales with N. Yorks TRF I completely agree with your observations. I was blown away by the majesty of the setting.

[@ExeterCenturion]

Absolutely brilliant break down. Love the honesty in this 'review'. Would be great to see a full video of the riding as well though!

[@marksherwood9295]

A fabulous enthralling video...your sentiment is genuine and I hope to ride with you some day keep up the enthusiasm Nathan.

[@ktmtravels3727]

I just spent the entire video agreeing with everything you said🤗. Thanks for providing a great service for adventure-seekers! Scram in my future I reckon. (Great piece on England/UK, kinda resonates with me). Mind how you go, and thanks.

[@simonchilli2088]

Earlier this year TMF a YT vlogger posted a video of him off roading in the eu. He'd never done it before and was on a big GS BMW. He came off several times and was clearly struggling. I thought whilst I watched that it was irresponsible to have put him on such a big machine as a beginner. The GS 310 would have been much more suitable. However they probably don't look as cool on the adverts for the ADV company. Keep up the good work Nathan.

[@frankboff8185]

Good video, makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@markchurchward482]

Fantastic video again Nathan really showed the reality of what’s out there. Keep it up mate 😊

[@craigr1craig]

This is why i love my beta alp so much , i can pick it up all day long

[@1990-t1j]

I like the basket top box. Good-looking bike.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great video mate

[@ianseddon9347]

Fantastic video - I’m quite new to your channel - the more I watch the more I love it. As a small old bloke I really want one of those CT125s and to have that fun that I know I couldn’t have on a GS! Thank you and keep entertaining - I love your Devon accent too - reminds me of living in Derbyshire 30 years ago 😉 Happy days

[@irishflyer6377]

Thank you for a good heads up on the trial. I’m thinking of doing it in March, probably take a CRF450L.

[@ladyjrider666]

Fantastic! Love the smaller bikes. I'm short and no way I could ride a tall bike. Have zero experience of trail riding. Love to watch them. 😊

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Good advice about buying a smaller bike, the bigger is better mantra is not for everyone. The CT110 & CT125 definately punches above its weight, giving lots of smiles per mile.

[@moorehen1]

I love your passion Nathan, I’m even more jealous that I missed that trip. You do have a great natural skill with these videos and should be financially rewarded for producing them via KZbin. Looking forward to a couple of trips later on but keep them coming.

[@barrywilliams3783]

I just bought a Scram 411 & love it , so agree with what you say, too big & too much power not needed to enjoy motorcycling. Great channel BTW.

[@dancraggs422]

Hi mate . Glad to see you are still going . My wife and I have just finished a trans Australia ride on ct110s 4300klms of mostly tracks and trails across the Nullarbor out back qld .I agree 100% small bikes are amazing . Thank you for the inspiration and confidence to take a ct110 to some of the remotest places in Australia. If you are ever back in Aus I’d love to show you an amazing trip across Oz. Regards Dan and Kristy aka @dkcadventures

[@stephenmundane]

Telling it like it is Nathan 👍

[@robertmerry1693]

Great adventure, totally agree. Invisible G310gs

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes apologies Robert. I forgot to mention your bike. But it was shown I think.

[@jeremythomas6980]

sounds like a fantastic trip

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Absolutely brilliant Video Nathan especially for those of us thinking about the ACT watched it last night with dad massively informative I've actually been doing what you suggested green road map on the TRF been a big help.

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

That looks like an epic trip. Your editing is great in this video too.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks mate. I did do a bit of faffing with this one

[@triskelworkshop2855]

Excellent vid and spot on when it comes to analysing the ACT-UK I did most parts of it on a Triumph Tiger 900 this june and had quiet a struggle on some parts. I mentioned the first bit offroad being resurfased with big rocks(behind the farmhouse) to the ACT team and they provided an alternative route to start in their download tracks. All in all..ACT on a big bike, shure. But the UK one is heavy duty. Not as much as the TET, but still

[@alanflint7732]

I used to bash about in Essex on my pushbikes in my teens and twenties. Epping forest and byways throughout the county. Up into Norfolk and Suffolk. Even on a pushbike I would find bits that were hard work. Deep tractor ruts. Essex clay that blocks the tyres and wheels. There were times when picking the bike up and slogging on foot were the only way out of some situations. I can only imagine getting into some of that with something that can't be slung over your shoulder would get a bit soul destroying. I have had a tall Suzuki 125 2 stroke here on Corfu. I dropped it a few times on olive grove tracks. A lack of talent, and leg length, being the main cause, on my part. So I am with you on the idea of a smaller, lighter bike being the sensible option for off-road riding. It's not Paris Dakar style riding. Speed is not the thing here. It's about choosing the route through obstacles, and being able to continue. If you can carry some kit and spare clothes, even better. Trying to lug 180kg machines is daft.

[@volt8684]

Superb Nathan. Just read ur books. I think I read them in the context of how u speak, accent etc. u braver than me but what an achievement. Incredible ride u had.

[@OrangeManStan]

Heart warming video Nathan. Great to get an insight into an amazing adventure you guys all had. It shows how tricky the tracks can be. If you are precious about your bike you'd be better to stick to the roads. Buy a light weight second hand bike that already has some dings and dents. Youll enjoy it more 👍

[@nathanthepostman]

Most definitely. Something old and ratty on that trip would be the bizz on that trip.

[@steveball2307]

Fantastic! Old (ish), limited ability, own suitable bike (ish), I'm definitely tempted!

[@ktmtravels3727]

Go for it!🤗

[@leslieaustin151]

More good, sound, common sense! Thanks Nathan. I’m out on a charity (road) ride today on the Serow. Look forward to your next video. Les inChester

[@nathanthepostman]

Safe riding Les. Hope you and the mighty serow get on ok.

[@skaraborgcraft]

I hope there was a few Fray Bentos safely strapped into that wicker basket. Its good to see someone keeping it real, how many people went out and mortgaged the house to buy big beemers, only to find it was not the ideal bike for their abilities and use.

[@nathanthepostman]

Totally. You could buy a suitable bike and do this trip for £1500.

[@dondle2]

Good stuff son.

[@Handsolowe]

Couldn’t agree more Nathan. I rode an ATAS for 18 months trying my hand at green lanes. Got sucked in by the flashy marketing and seeing expert riders making it look easy. Spent a fortune decking it out in crash bars etc and sh*t myself every time I went off road on it. Dropped it more times than I can remember. What little confidence I had soon evaporated. Finally pulled the pin and traded it in for a 300 Rally. Best thing I’ve ever done where motorcycles are concerned. A brilliant little bike that gives me the confidence to go off exploring on my own without the dread and fear of getting stuck somewhere or having the indignity of a passing dog walker pull you out from under your 230kg machine. (Don’t ask how I know what that feels like!) I’ll be joining you at some point on a trip for sure. Keep up the good work mate. 👍👍

[@malcolmwilliams5266]

Hi Nathan, I consider myself to have been very fortunate to have been included in this trip. Youve hit the nail squarly on the head and any decline in the large Adventure bike market will be more than made up by the increased sales in small to medium similarly equipped bikes. Can we expect to see Charley Borman selling 'Nathan's Adventure Spec Wicker Baskets' in the near future?

[@richardshilling2958]

I think it'll be Chris packham sponsoring the ACT for all the good twitching

[@irishflyer6377]

Like the CT125 I’ve got a Yamaha TW225 that is low high, light weight and low power. It’s almost impossible to drop and if you do it can be pickup one handed. Sometimes this is just the best fun bike and comes with no stress even when riding alone.

[@AdventuringEden]

Ive cancelled my subscription to ABR. One of the reasons as you say is the push of big, expensive, impractical (for what they say) bikes but the final straw was a jacket review with one if them costing £1600! That cant be justified. Had a Himi and CB500 but now very happy on a bargain 310GS. With bar risers its great for Wales.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yep, chasing the dollar unfortunately. I didn't last long there.

[@nathanthepostman]

Ps. Yeah 310s a good ride. Perfect for it

[@Scarletpimp72]

Very profound words on the feeling of reconnecting with the real England Wales etc. Would have loved this track to connect Scotland too tho.

[@ktmtravels3727]

Ye, sadly our access laws are different. We have so much space!

[@markbailey3027]

Yep gonna purchase a smaller/lighter bike. Somehow i think my 1200 explorer will be a pig. Thanks for this, probably saved me

[@Matt-vo1ge]

Interesting comment about the TransAlp, FranksWay converted an NC700 using a 21" and it seemed to handle like a trials bike.

[@nathanthepostman]

I think I've seen that NC700 project. I'd probably just buy a Transalp. So many good second hand examples out there. One in our village just went for under £2000. Looked very tidy. Was tempted myself.

[@Jaffa1951]

Well said! Get something mall. Come on Honda - CT125 for the UK, please.

[@rokhnroll]

The old saying 'the more you know the less weight you carry' rings true for down sizing your ride to a manageable weight. I ride a 650 v-strom and I would never consider going off tarmac on it, partly due to my skills not being good and also its a heavy bike which is ok when in motion but man handling it is not an easy task, I would not like to be trapped under it in the middle of nowhere either. Thanks for the honest no frills report on how the trip went it looked a lot of fun, but hard earned fun.

[@richtucker857]

Been waiting for your next ACT video an now it's arrived! So pleased. So will you run this trip again next year?? But over 6days or so?? I'm on your Welsh Safari an keen for next year.

[@yellownev]

A excellent watch, thank you for putting the video together. Very inspiring - as you say why don't Honda bring us the CT125 - Honda should support you promoting the bike - it could do for Honda what Noraly did for Enfield and the Himalayan. Take care

[@nathanthepostman]

I think the ship's unfortunately already sailed on the CT. They won't bring it in now. Too busy trying to sell Africa twins I guess!

[@skaraborgcraft]

@@nathanthepostman More money flogging the new Transalp.

[@votronimatic]

I road green lanes for 15 years. I was strong and fit. 100 kg is the sweet spot. Ifs that’s a 10 on the fun factor scale,then deduct 1 point for every 15kg over that. If you can’t flat foot the bike,deduct 5points. Anything over 36bhp is just a waste.,and It’s way more fun screaming a small bike,then plodding a big one.

[@davidhawkins120]

Well said about big adventure bike marketing, will people listen? probably not!🙂

[@nathanthepostman]

I think eventually they will as the market is getting too old to manage the heavier machines. But some will keep on trying!

[@maalmiksa7409]

Sound advice

[@davedoingdavethings247]

Hi, very wise words, you can go anywhere on a 500cc or less, I only have a 40 year old vt500c as a daily all year round in any weather and everything else is smaller. I wouldn't trail ride on anything bigger than a 350cc and I used to ride in trials as a teenager. This whole big adventure bike thing I nonsense, most don't even get ridden in the wet let alone trail riding.

[@legendarywillybanjo]

epic

[@ianparish7473]

Hi Nathan, another great, no nonsense, video thanks! 👍 I’m curious as to how well the Monkey coped? The spec looks all wrong with 12” wheels and a yard of exhaust snaking around under the crankcases, but it seemed to be ok in the clips? How was it on the rougher stuff?

[@nathanthepostman]

Obviously Matt had to take it steady on the real rocky stuff and the deep water he always found a way around but the bike managed just fine to be fair. There were times it even looked to handle the rough better than the CTs.

[@ianparish7473]

@@nathanthepostman Thanks for the reply, that’s good to know as I’ve just taken delivery of a Dax 125 and was considering a bit of light trail riding. I guess manageability really does outweigh power and hi tech. Keep up the good work fella. 👍

[@jeremythomas6980]

would it be an idea to leave out the IOM?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah you could do but I think you'd miss a great bit of riding.

[@jeremythomas6980]

@@nathanthepostman I was just thinking of the aforementioned road closures and the ferry expense

[@nathanthepostman]

@@jeremythomas6980 personally I think it's worth doing but obviously you've got the freedom to make the route work for you. Or split it into 3 sections and do them over different weekends, months etx

[@mikelacross]

Where is the link to your website?

[@nathanthepostman]

Good point. www.dorothysspeedshop.com

[@Avigazed]

How more viewers haven't liked this video is beyond me. At the start, I was thinking a Voge Rally 300 would be a great choice for this route.

[@stillben]

how do you suppose a XT600e would manage, with a less than moderate rider? awesome video and commentary.

[@nathanthepostman]

A lot depends on light people pack. If you load her up good and proper then there could be a few sticky situations but I would have thought that bike would manage it nicely. But you would want to have some basic trail skills

[@stillben]

@@nathanthepostman Thanks. Won't have much to carry. I have done a fair bit around Kent on the Pilgrims' Way which is mainly flint and chalky stuff, usually quite solid. Wales looks more muddy from your videos. Maybe will stick some knobblies on a C70 then.

[@nathanthepostman]

@@stillben The C70 would manage it no problems at all!

[@Trigsbroom]

Excellent account, Nathan. Good straight talking and honest as usual. I agree completely about big trail bikes, I've done some tough trails on the Isle of Man, on a 1150GS, Himalayan and a Honda Wave 110i. The GS was a handful and only really ok if there was room to point and squirt, but where finesse was required the Himalayan and the lightweight Honda were far, far safer.

[@rodneyhull9764]

England....ruined by Blair

[@malcolmwilliams5266]

Once a Rodney always a Rodney.

[@rodneyhull9764]

@@malcolmwilliams5266 well constructed fact based argument