New Mexico Is Incredible - The Great Divide (GDMBR) 2023 - Part 14 (Day 55-58)

[@chrisstrege9906]

If the "adventures of John and Mat" was a television show, I'd certainly watch it.

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Chris. If you weren't on such a fast pace it would have been good to ride with you for a bit longer. We definitely would have had a good laugh!!!

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

On behalf of all of your fans across the world I would like to vote for turning around and doing it all over again, and heading back to Canada.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 I'll see what I can do!!! Cheers 👍

[@chrisk7642]

Remember, we’ve got hockey on tv all the time!

[@HubertJ1909]

It was only the other day that I was thinking "the only thing this channel needs is a bit more skin on show", and here we are, John provided. That shirt of yours has performed admirably, a little faded in patches it looks like, but I would think it creates the illusion to others of a gentleman cyclist who looks after himself and the places he rides; until they smell you of course.

[@matryderadventures]

We should have blurred it out 🤣🤣

[@egalegal2058]

Great once again. Couldn’t watch this episode earlier cause I had to do a three-day-bikepacking-adventure with a kindergarden kid

[@matryderadventures]

Three days with a kid!!! That's definitely more work than my whole trip . Hope it was good. Cheers 👍👍

[@egalegal2058]

@@matryderadventures We had a good time. I had more equipment on the bike than you had, but it was no work

[@quigleyoutside]

Two iconic GDMBR stops, along with the NM monsoon season! Clssic Tour experiences. May i compliment your refreshing attitude of exciteme while riing along! Attitude is everything!! Thanks and best...pops

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Pops 👍.

[@billbike9573]

Thanks for all the time and effort you take to respond to all the comments!

[@matryderadventures]

No problem at all!

[@keithwilliams5946]

Hey Matt. It’s so fun to relive this with you. Thank you! I did it in 2017. I got stuck in the mud 15 miles before Pie Town just like you did. I was good for about 20 paces during the downpour before the wheels froze up. Just camped roadside. There are no options. It took days to wash the mud out of all crevices. The red chili-cherry pie, raisin pie, and green chili-apple pie were phenomenal at Pie-oneer. Thanks for the inspiring narrative, beautiful video and trail-angel-sharing. Truly rejuvenating for the soul. You’re almost there buddy! It’s bittersweet to think about it, isn’t it? Planning on Trans-Cont southern tier vs Arizona Trail in March-April 2024 if anyone interested in a companion.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. If we'd have been caught earlier we would have had to do the same and camp on the side of the road. We were lucky. Pie Town was one of my favourite stops on the entire route. Everything in New Mexico seems to have green chili in it. Even Ice Cream...I finish today and I'll be glad in some ways but not others. I'll be planning the next one soon. I didn't know you could cycle the Arizona Trail. It's on my list of hikes I'd like to do. I'll look into it. Cheers 👍

[@billbike9573]

The Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch where you hauled water only narrowly escaped the big forest fire (called Black Fire) last year.

[@matryderadventures]

The guy who helped us out said as much. The rain and the mud also caused huge problems. Thankfully this year has been better.

[@amrinturley7735]

Thankyou Mat, for taking the time to share this with us. I have watched so many videos of the Tour Divide and yours are the best.

[@matryderadventures]

That's good to hear. Thanks. I'm glad you've enjoyed them. Thanks for following along 👍 o

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

They really are. He set the bar high for all that follow in his footsteps vlogging the ride

[@matryderadventures]

I have the nicest subscribers!!!! Thanks all 👍

[@timgearing5121]

Mat, if this were an RPG, your riding companions would be NPC’s😂 Another fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations of the GDMBR. Thank you!

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣 NPC's....I haven't looked at it that way. Thanks for the support 👍

[@jerhughes500]

Another great few episodes and I’m excited and disappointed I’ve only got two left to watch! That mud reminds me of the time it rained in Glastonbury years back. I like Bills setup but have never slept in a hammock. Did he ever have a place with no trees to set it up? Just wondering what he did then. The generosity of strangers is fantastic, gives you hope. 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I've never been to Glastonbury. I've seen people sliding around in the mud there on TV and yes, it seems pretty similar..Bill only had to sleep on the ground 5 times which is miraculous. He was very creative. He had a sleeping pad just in case. Cheers 👍

[@louspeed1]

"Never turn down pie" - words to live by. Excited for you and your progress and all those kind people helping you guys out.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. The pie was exceptional. The people out here are too. Thanks for following along 👍

[@reinhartbigl367]

As usual, great video Matt! I just finished the GDMBR on Oct 1…looks like you took the paved alternative south of Grants…as did I

[@matryderadventures]

Congratulations!!! Was that the diversion which took in the arch and the lava field. I think it was a 40ish mile diversion which avoided some pretty serious mud which we just couldn't get through. What a route!!!

[@Skrap289]

I stumbled across your first video while scrolling through the Home Screen days ago. I have watched every video of your ride!!! Sad to see it almost end but a great capture of your trip through your videos

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'm glad you've enjoyed these videos. It's a shame it'll be over soon (I should finish the route tomorrow!!!) But I'll be planning more trips soon. Thanks for the support 👍

[@billbike9573]

Beautiful those the clouds over York Ranch Road. Too bad you guys got stuck in the peanut butter mud afterwards. I have understood that the roads typically dry out within a few hours after the rain stops. I hope this is not an a summer period of monsoonal rains. I think peanut butter mud is more worse in the section Cuba Grants because the lack of any resupply in that section in case of unexpected delay.

[@matryderadventures]

The roads do dry out quickly. It was a concern that we could get stuck somewhere without water nearby but thankfully that never happened. We always made sure to have a small emergency supply should we need to wait out rain.

[@Ey_up]

Just come across your channel a couple of days ago but followed along with this series and I'm really enjoying it. Wales' answer to RvD? (But a lot funnier!)

[@matryderadventures]

What a compliment!!! Cheers. Glad you're enjoying it. 👍👍

[@chromebook2724]

i was not looking forward to New Mexico but ended up under it's spell. that is the place i want to go back to the most now. cheers. Great footage.

[@matryderadventures]

I was the same. People kept telling me how hard it is. The landscapes more than make up for it.

[@mitchOrr1]

Loved every minute of watching these videos Matt 👍 can I ask what saddle you have been using?

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I have a Brookes C17. Cheers 👍

[@juliethrower1185]

Clearly another amazing place with great quirky little bits, which are very interesting to hear about. You have been lucky on your travels and so lovely that everyone is kind and generous. All the best with the last few days. Enjoy those wonderful views😊

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I've been lucky throughout the whole trip. I think tomorrow will be my last day.....all of it has been amazing.

[@Bikepacking]

First time seen you do close drone fly by shots nice shot

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I really need to learn how to use the drone properly. I'll spend some time on it. Cheers 👍

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures yeah i thought that as your really didn’t maximize it much on the trip it amazing drone .. just put low and in follow me it brillant even side follow me looks so cool but make sure not to put in side follow me if there stuff in the way .. front and rear moves arround thing no problem. I added a dji control mount to my bike so you dont have to hold it just follow me

[@matryderadventures]

I'll experiment when I get home. I need that bike mount. I didn't know there was one.

[@texasflood1295]

I love the smell of rain in the desert. I could almost smell it at 4:20 of the video.

[@matryderadventures]

I know exactly what you mean. What an incredible section.

[@parduez]

I can see you’re loving New Mexico bro. I have to go to pie town.

[@matryderadventures]

Awesome place Bro. You'd love it. Maybe we'll get out here again some time.

[@patdunne3277]

Cheers Mat another fantastic episode New Mexico looks unreal!!!! 👍

[@matryderadventures]

It's incredible here. Stunning landscapes and amazing people. Thanks for following along 👍

[@julianhawker7672]

Hey Bert, such awesome landscapes, that mud though.............. Is it clay based, to be that sticky? That scrap yard on the side of the highway, 1950 and 60's american cars are so cool, amazing that there's so many just parked up or left abandoned. Looking forward to the final leg. Cheers. Ernie

[@matryderadventures]

Hey Ernie. I'm not sure about the mud. It must have some clay on it. It's hideous. I could have spent all day in that scrap yard. Those old cars are very cool. I'd love to have one shipped back. Cheers , Bert.

[@julianhawker7672]

@@matryderadventures I'm with you on shipping one back 100% , I've loved old yank cars since finding a book on them in school library as a kid.

[@billbike9573]

What a worry that your belt came off so often. Fortunately, it didn't break.

[@matryderadventures]

I think the tension was too low. Also, I realised it wasn't properly aligned so hopefully it won't happen again. John has the same set up and his didn't come off once. Cheers 👍

[@kimdoxey6806]

NM has its monsoon season and you chose to ride during it. Mud city.

[@matryderadventures]

I honestly didn't know much about the weather before planning the trip, other than NM being hot! I had a window when I was free and went for it, fortunately I got lucky as we really only had a few stretches where the mud was a problem. Thanks for commenting.

[@jacqueline7118]

I love how people are so kind and I love how much you guys appreciate it! Good food, good travel buds, beer and amazing places to sleep! Doesn't get much better! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next episode! :) :)

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. You're right. People have been incredibly kind on this trip. I'll never take it for granted. It's been amazing here. I finish tomorrow!!!! Thanks for all the support 👍

[@jacqueline7118]

@@matryderadventures Finish.....boohoo! LOL Are you sure you don't want to turn around and do it the opposite way? Just for us? hahaha!

[@matryderadventures]

Tempting 🤣🤣. I'll be going on another trip soon.....

[@mhilde7744]

👍.....nuf said!

[@matryderadventures]

👍👍 Cheers

[@Bikepacker]

What a great adventure, Mat! I always enjoy your dry sense of humor too. The drone shots are so beautiful. I'm glad you showed the upstairs of the Toaster House. I've been through Pie Town twice but never really looked around the house.That was a cool space. Onward to Antelope Wells! Memories to last a lifetime!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks again for the kind comment. Toaster house was a very cool place. I love that it's almost left to hikers and cyclists to look after. I'll be at the finish tomorrow!!!!

[@Bikepacker]

@@matryderadventures Bitter sweet!!

[@billbike9573]

Beautiful that Lajolla Canyon, it was much greener there than I had thought it would be.

[@matryderadventures]

You definitely know more about where I've been than I do 🤣. I should have paid more attention to the place names. I loved New Mexico. It was stunning. Cheers 👍

[@tonypaddler]

So, you finally encountered the fabled peanut butter mud, but with 'only' 2 miles to go. Once again, the weather gods have smiled down on you!

[@matryderadventures]

I can't tell you how lucky I've been on this trip. I've heard some real horror stories about people abandoning their bikes and hiking out. Honestly, I seem to be lucky with most things in life. I definitely don't take it for granted!!!! Cheers Tony 👍

[@wendym5137]

Super Awesome Mat 👌 👏 thank you for sharing this amazing journey .

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks Wendy. It's my last day today!!!!

[@wendym5137]

@matryderadventures oh my really wow.safe travels home . 🏡 going to miss the adventure. Many thanks got to be so proud 👏 congrats to all .

[@ezr168]

The heat is a factor in the southwest, luckily there was some monsoon activity to cool things down with rain and clouds. Its wild how fast the road conditions can change with some moisture or lack thereof. This adventure is almost done, many memories will remain

[@matryderadventures]

I'm sure we've been lucky. The heat is a problem but I expected much worse. The rain is actually welcome when the roads aren't muddy. Thanks for following along 👍

[@billbike9573]

Thanks for once again wonderful impressions, Mat. I am eager to ride the gdmbr!

[@matryderadventures]

I can tell from your messages that you would love it out here. I would have liked to take a bit longer and learn more about the landscapes. Hope you make it out here . Thanks for all of the support 👍

[@freddixon]

Wow, I find it hard to believe that you have gone so far with the finish in sight. I have been following your adventure and it has been brilliant.

[@matryderadventures]

I can hardly believe it too. It's been an awesome trip. Thanks for following along 👍

[@ZDD760]

Great video! Be safe!

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers. I will 👍👍

[@TheIanCurrie]

Great viewing. Any consideration to complete the Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia?

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Sadly, I've never been to Australia so I need to look into the Munda Biddi Trail. Cheers 👍

[@arcoulant87]

Enjoying these videos and your nearly at the end ! hope you can do around up video what worked etc when you get back to blighty.Rubber side down.

[@matryderadventures]

I'll definitely be doing a video like that. I have some ideas for changes to my set up too. Cheers 👍

[@billbike9573]

Was there any water available at the A-F Ranch (7113 Bursum Road). They have bottles of water ready along the road (donation based). I didn't see it on your video.

[@matryderadventures]

I remember seeing the bottles but didn't need any water at that point. I would have left it for someone who did. I think CDT hikers come through there. I'm not sure.

[@teddylott]

Great as usual! Will miss watching this when it’s over as I’m sure you’ll miss riding it. Any plans brewing for the next adventure? Gotta ask, had any mechanical issues on the ride? Presume just the odd puncture? Running tubeless or tubes for the divide?

[@matryderadventures]

I'm already thinking about the next trip. I have some ideas. I'll probably talk about them in a video. I'll also do a 'what worked and what didn't' video. I have 44 miles to go. The bike has been incredible. No issues whatsoever. The belt has popped off three times but I'm sure that was my fault for not tensioning it correctly. I'm running tubeless and can say with complete honesty that I've not had one single flat!!!! I can hardly believe it myself. Tubeless is 100% the only way to go. Cheers 👍

[@teddylott]

@@matryderadventures wow that is amazing! Yeah look forward to that video. Enjoy the final stretch, sorry you’re having to finish this amazing journey!

[@TheScatman89]

Hey Mat how do you record audio when seated on the bike? Is there a shotgun mic or some kind of foam protecting the mic on the action camera? Or is it just straight from the action camera? Thanks a lot 🙏

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. All I use is a foam cover called a Windslayer on my GoPro. It does an amazing job for something so simple. Cheers 👍

[@TheScatman89]

@@matryderadventures Thanks! 🙏

[@avagadroa4065]

How do you secure your bikes when you hike?

[@matryderadventures]

I have a lightweight lock called a ln Ottolock. It wouldn't stop a determined thief but prevents opportunists. We didn't do much hiking on the gdmbr and when we did there was hardly anybody about. Cheers 👍

[@chrisstrege9906]

Hey, is that Allen and his wife??

[@matryderadventures]

It was. We were with them for a day or so. Great people. They finished today. I'm guessing you finished ages ago!!

[@chrisstrege9906]

@matryderadventures I did not finish. I called it north of abiquiu sadly. Very happy to be home though. Can't wait to see you at the border!

[@matryderadventures]

You can always finish it off at some point...it's been difficult down here but well worth it. We finish today!!

[@chrisstrege9906]

Definitely. I've been watching. It looks beautiful, but tough. Good luck today man!

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

hahaha, that rocking chair suits you, just need a banjo now

[@matryderadventures]

I have a banjo 🤣🤣 honestly. It could be a luxury item on my next trip. Cheers 👍