Riding a Triumph Bonneville T120 from Bala Lake to Lake Vyrnwy

It was cold, but not raining; so I took the Triumph Bonneville T120 out for its first proper adventure ride of the year.
209 miles in total, it was a long day, but worth every mile. Setting out from home, I aimed for The Old Stores Motorcycle Cafe, a great starting point for any adventure ride in North Wales.
Taking in the lesser ridden south shore of Bala Lake, then over the hills to Lake Vyrnwy and you're treated to breathtaking vistas that are hard to believe reside in the UK, it's a truly beautiful ride.
For more info on the bike and the channel, hop on over to:
www.classic-ri...
Music tracks in this video:
We're All We've Got & Unborn Millions to Come by Kyle Preston
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Gear Guide:
* Panniers: www.classic-ri...
* Tail Bag: www.classic-ri...
* Most of the custom parts on my T120 are from: www.motone.co.uk/
* Seat by: www.tom-hurley...
* If you’re interested in any of the other gear I use in my videos, you’ll find Amazon affiliate links below for much of it. It doesn’t add anything to the cost and if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission from Amazon which will help me make more videos in the future.
*Camera Equipment:
Go Pro Hero 7 Black: amzn.to/3gXsusT
Fuji X100F: amzn.to/3gXr6GL
DJI Mavic Air Drone: amzn.to/3gYfwLz
Zhiyun Crane M2 Camera Gimbal: amzn.to/3fIwbBA
Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod: amzn.to/2VxX6t9
RAM Mount 6" jaw connector: amzn.to/3yYgIUT
RAM ball adaptor for GoPro Hero 7: amzn.to/3BNK76a
RAM Tough-Claw: amzn.to/38Uu9L6
Go Pro Bendy Mount: amzn.to/3h6dZC5
Go Pro Clamp Mount: amzn.to/3jgkbtP
64GB Micro SD cards: amzn.to/2U3A1xx
SP Connect Phone Mount: amzn.to/3h7Vz3L
Bike Riding Gear:
Motorcycle: ‪@OfficialTriumph‬ Bonneville T120
Helmet: Arai Profile V
Jacket: ‪@belstaff‬ Tourmaster Pro
Trousers: Merlin Jeans
Boots: Merlin G24 Legacy Outlast Boots
#ModernClassic #TriumphBonnevilleT120 #MotorcycleAdventure

[@916strada]

Thank you Matt. I have just given up motorcycling after 52 years however your videos keep my passion and spirit alive.

[@ClassicRides]

Sorry to hear you've given up, but happy my videos are doing something to lessen the loss!

[@mikeessary4925]

I wish you well. A tough reality for me to think about. Every winter I visualize my previous summer rides.

[@mohammadhadimirzaei5156]

Me too

[@MrDiegoMieres]

Master of light and music. Bravo.

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Diego!

[@BlackThor15]

What a video, what a soundtrack(!), awesome, truly awesome, thank you Matt!! 👍👍

[@ClassicRides]

My pleasure Nelio, glad you liked it!

[@firatkarabasak7186]

Thank you Matt, breathtaking with everything

[@ClassicRides]

Thank you Firat, glad you enjoyed it!

[@poutch1963]

Bonjour Matt , un vrai bonheur cette nouvelle video 💖 des paysages à couper le souffle une musique qui nous porte vers un monde meilleur l'espace d'un moment merci ca fait un bien ...... belle journée à toi

[@ClassicRides]

Merci beaucoup! 🙏

[@Robyzed57]

I live on the Ligurian Riviera, but I can never get enough of those amazing landscapes...and your passion is blatantly contagious. Keep on pursuing it!

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Roberto, I will!

[@markb3180]

My part of the world and it does not get much better than this. So well produced can't express how much I enjoyed it.

[@ClassicRides]

You’re a lucky man having these roads on your doorstep!

[@franrakou7458]

Hi Matt , sun snow fog wet road beautiful colors allthis isnicely filmed without forgetting the mtorcycle . Thank you

[@ClassicRides]

I got lucky with the weather that day, glad you enjoyed it Fran!

[@atsukisettangeli9824]

So fantastic ride! Someday, When I go to England, I wanna riding to my Ducati like this!

[@ClassicRides]

I hope you do one day!

[@motovlogjoni]

You got one more sub.. incredible video, footage, bike..landscape, music.. everything :D

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Joni, I see you’re a fellow motovlogger, I’ll be sure to check your channel out!

[@nickmowat2301]

As an expat living in Chicago your videos make me realise how much I took the British landscape for granted. Great videos and production 👏

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Nick, I’ll try to keep delivering little slices of the UK over to you 😊

[@disco41]

Awesome Matt like watching a film superb👍

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you liked it Andy!

[@gianlucasavini1512]

Beautiful images as well as music. The desire to travel by motorbike, backpack and tent while observing the wonder of nature is a perfect theme. Well done. Plus make me want to buy Boneville!

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you enjoyed it Gianluca 🙏

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one Matt, as always superb camera work....

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Henry, glad you liked it.

[@julianriccardi209]

Hello Mat, I never cease to be surprised by the quality of the images, videos and landscapes, honestly, wonderful, I will continue to congratulate you for the excellent work you do for all of us, your followers... may you end your weekend very well, cordial greetings to all

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Julian, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@philcourse4375]

Hi Matt, first time I've seen your videos, absolutely brilliant. I'm hoping to do some of the routes on my Triumph Bonneville T100 this year.

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Phil, glad you like the videos. Seems like the nice weather has finally arrived so I hope you get plenty of chances to explore on your T100! 🏍💨

[@1000psespanol]

That was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experience :)

[@ClassicRides]

Always great to get a compliment from a skilled creative such as yourself, thank you sir!

[@brunozambounis3249]

Wonderful 👍😍

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you liked it Bruno 🙏

[@desmcleod2604]

Brilliant love watching your videos Bit of snow on side was it cold Seanary was amazing keep up the good work 🇳🇿

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Des, yes it was a bit chilly, about 3 -5 degrees for most of the day, but my heated jacket kept me nice & toasty.

[@andyb2375]

Great to see you out and about in such wonderful scenery Mat. Keep up the stunning work!

[@ClassicRides]

I’ll try Andy, glad you liked it.

[@bootsmcfoolish8499]

Beautiful.

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks 🙏

[@paulclarke1233]

Hi classic rides , you go to some amazing places and scenery and another great vid and look forward to the next

[@ClassicRides]

Just lucky to have a lot of great places within a days ride 🙂

[@TimothyMarkSmith]

Great video, very scenic and a good background score to go with. You are lucky to have such scenic places 🙂

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you liked it and I totally agree, I’m a bit spoiled for great views 😁

[@patdumayne]

Very nice, I live not far from there, so am on those roads often

[@ClassicRides]

You’re a lucky man!

[@wltrlg]

Thanks for this stunning ride again!

[@ClassicRides]

My pleasure 👊

[@gerardobrien3529]

As usual a beautiful video Matt , i rode my interceptor through the Wicklow mountains and home to Dublin after work today, in glorious weather and it reminded me of some of the amazing places you have filmed . I always look forward to your next video , take care and best wishes from Ireland.

[@ClassicRides]

Sounds great Gerard, I’m an Antrim boy originally so it’s on my wish list to ride the motherland at some point! 🇮🇪

[@andrewfritchie]

Matt - I’ve been riding bikes for 40 years, and am on my fourth Triumph - when it’s too miserable to go out, I can settle down with one of your rides - I almost prefer them to the real thing!

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Andrew, that’s praise indeed! 😊

[@tshansen]

This was so well done mate 🎥 Thank you for this, a true inspiration and really nice ride. Cheers from Norway 🇳🇴

[@ClassicRides]

How strange, I found your channel yesterday and was binge watching a lot of your videos! I’ll take your comment as a huge compliment from someone who actually knows what they’re doing with videography 😊

[@tshansen]

@@ClassicRides Haha, sometimes the KZbin recommendations are spot on, I just found your channel today mate. And I have been watching some of your back catalogue...and I'm impressed. You have got a new fan 👏🏻 Impressive work for a guy who claims to not know what he is doing 🙈 Cheers

[@ClassicRides]

@@tshansen photography I get, which helps, but I’ve avoided video like the plague for years so very much still learning. You’ve got quite a few videos that will be really helpful!

[@tshansen]

@@ClassicRides You have the same approach as me, I have many years with photo behind me, so it makes the transitions easier. But still so much to learn. And everything is kinda learning by doing. And that is one of the most fascinating things about this craft. There is so much you need to do and understand before you can learn and utilise it. Keep doing what you do... I truly enjoy your style mate 🔥

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks dude! 🙏

[@quentinjackson6015]

Thanks for a great video. There's something about the English countryside in winter.....stark landscape and muted colours, all of which you captured well. Cheers.

[@ClassicRides]

Can’t think of anything better than a British motorcycle to ride through it on either 🏍💨

[@deeproller4838]

Love from 🇮🇳

[@pookiewookie7679]

Very nice video! New helmet and jacket? Looks great 👍

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks 🙏. I’ve had the jacket and helmet for a while actually, if I’m going on a longer trip with higher speeds I’ll usually pop my full face on, and the jacket just hasn’t had lots of screen time, its a great bit of kit though.

[@xuken5190]

love your vedio!!!

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks 🙏

[@paulroberson7113]

Absolutely brilliant videography and bang on with the music too! I see the roads are quiet at this time of year! Liked the Belstaff wax jacket. Which one is it?

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Paul, riding on a weekday is always better for traffic I think. The jacket is the Tourmaster Pro, a proper ‘do everything’ bike jacket, well worth the money.

[@paulroberson7113]

Thanks Matt.

[@micheledibona6699]

Amazing video , nice soundtrack

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Michele, glad you liked it.

[@someonejelly]

Hey Matt, you continue to set the standard for high quality composition, editing,.... everything. Do you deliberately aim for a "filmic" look (rather than a "video" look)? If yes, what do you do to achieve it? Frame rates, filters, colour-grading or other tricks?

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Simon, that’s all nice of you to say. I’m still very much learning videography so each video I usually do a bunch of things differently, some of it works, some of it doesn’t, sadly I don’t have a ‘secret sauce’ I can reveal just yet 😁

[@mikeessary4925]

Thanks for taking us along. So beautiful! Do you know if it's possible to put any kind of mini floorboard on the t 120?

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you liked it Mike. I’ve never seen floorboards on a T120 so I really don’t know, sorry!

[@keithprentice2100]

Superb video matey…what was the road you travelled on from Bala to Vernwy ?

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Keith, I don’t think that road has a number, but if you follow the B4403 west, at the southern edge of Bala lake it branches off towards Y Bryn. Just follow that road until you eventually come to a T-junction overlooking a huge valley, take a sharp left and then just follow that road and you’ll eventually end up at Vyrnwy.

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

With all your magnificent adventures, what’s the furthest you’ve ridden on your Bonneville in one day ?

[@ClassicRides]

Probably somewhere around 250-300 miles, nothing record setting 😊

[@maverickb9465]

Nice Video, this is the 1st time I came across your YT. May I know which GPS and holder and sadle bags you are using. Luv from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ClassicRides]

Hey there Maverick B, the GPS is just Google Maps on my old iPhone 6 and the holder is from SP Connect. The saddle bags are my own brand I made for the channel, if you'd like more info you can view them at www.classic-rides.co.uk/shop 🙂

[@maverickb9465]

@@ClassicRides Do I need to have luggage rack to fix the saddle bags? Do you ship them to Canada?

[@ClassicRides]

@@maverickb9465 Yes I can ship to Canada, that's no problem. It is possible to mount the bags without pannier rails as you could strap them to the bike frame, or a grab rail, or any horizontal bar really, but I would always recommend having pannier rails just from a safety standpoint as it stops the chance of the bags swinging into the wheel when you're riding.

[@robzwicker942]

Do you find the windshield makes a difference on the bike?

[@ClassicRides]

It makes the bike look cooler 😁. It doesn’t do a vast amount for wind really, but I have mine set quite low so maybe with the headlight in the stock position it might be better.

[@robzwicker942]

@@ClassicRides I cruise all over New Brunswick, Canada on my t120 Black. A little less wind would be nice but I just love the factory look.

[@kwakasakifi]

Thanks for the ride buddy. Fine machine too. 😎👍

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Peter!

[@athiphongpongjam9761]

ผมชอบไทรอั้ม มากๆ

[@marlianihealthy]

How many your honor from youtube?

[@ClassicRides]

Sorry, I don’t understand your question.

[@athiphongpongjam9761]

Fc from thailand

[@accessadi]

serene, nostalgic... Wants you to just swing your leg over and chunk along.

[@ClassicRides]

It’s the best way to do it! 😊

[@mikecook1240]

Would love to ride in Wales but guess the last thing u guys want is a bunch of Americans roaming around lol

[@ClassicRides]

The Welsh are an accommodating bunch, it’s just the English they don’t like 😁

[@Morgannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Cymru annwyl, rwy'n dy garu di

[@ClassicRides]

It’s a special place!

[@peterwakeling3964]

Be nice to no what route you were on.

[@ClassicRides]

As far as I understand it it's an unnumbered road, but it's the most southern route from Bala Lake to Lake Vyrnwy, not too tricky to find on Google maps 🙂

[@peterwakeling3964]

@@ClassicRides that's cool thanks .

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Another beautiful production from this talented guy. The Triumph looks so good in all these videos too. Super roads and scenery...can't wait to get back to Wales very soon. 🏍️💨🌅🌳🌤️🌨️🌈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@ClassicRides]

The weather seems to be improving too, good rides ahead!

[@user-hc5ef7kk8s]

So enjoyable. Your sense of style speaks of a most correct cat. The cinematic choices and filmic sense makes your work an aesthetic cut above most other moto channels, imho. Beyond the mechanical, in a search for poetic motion. If I may be so bold (with some trepidation) - might you consider giving us stretches of just that lovely motor sound? Or no sound at all, a la Kurosawa's battle scenes? Or imagined sounds, as if that gorgeous British landscape could whisper...Thank you for your work, and with much vicarious appreciation, from NYC.

[@ClassicRides]

I see a logophile at work here, what a lovely block of words! Thank you. I’ve tried capturing the engine noise in the past, but my bike is quite quiet so I haven’t found a way to do it that doesn’t add a huge amount of processing time afterwards. But thank you for the other suggestions, I have sections in other videos where there’s no noise, I think the audio vacuum can be useful in drawing the viewer in. But I’m no film student, each new video I learn something new, so I’m just happy that some folk like what I’m doing!

[@apacherider7110]

Just watched 3 of your vids. They are the essence of motorcycle riding, simplistic, that what's its all about. Great work looking forward to seeing more. I'm going to be moving to Cumbria from Hampshire so looking forward to getting out there and seeing some of our beautiful countryside, as you do.👍

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you liked the videos so far. I’m sure you’ll love Cumbria, there’s some great scenery to ride through.

[@Gus-cg9yp]

Hi, lovely video. You should do Lake Vyrnwy to Dinas Mawddwy , it worth to go, amazing views. Thanks . Gus

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks for the tip Gus, I'll have to do that road soon!

[@grahamdennis2810]

I have bad health, don't know if I will ever own a motorcycle again, but through your videos you set me free Thank you 👍

[@ClassicRides]

Sorry to hear about your bad health Graham, but I’m glad my videos are doing some good for you, that alone makes it worthwhile making them.

[@edwardtodd2833]

Thank you for your videos they are wonderful. So need to get my licence for a bike. Mind hERe in Oz it's not as green.

[@ClassicRides]

Glad you like them Edward, I’m sure there are some amazing places to ride to all of Oz!

[@ianclarke4814]

Great new film Matt really enjoyed watching this one I'm wondering if it's your best to date You are a very talented film maker for sure

[@ClassicRides]

That’s kind of you to say Ian, still a bit of a hack but I’m starting to learn more as I go.

[@StayStoked]

It's a wonderful view. I also want to run in such a place

[@ClassicRides]

I highly recommend it!

[@alistairjones4017]

This is amazing. My Dad always said this route was incredible.

[@ClassicRides]

Your Dad was right, it’s a great route 👌

[@mohammadhadimirzaei5156]

I really enjoyed of this video ☘️🪴🌾🍂🌱🪵🍁🌾

[@ClassicRides]

I’m glad you did 🙏

[@garyfletcher1374]

Lovely.......( Well chosen music as ever........

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Gary 🙏

[@omercasim4259]

it's a very nice video again.. greetings

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Omer, glad you liked it!

[@naz2774]

Another master piece 🙌.

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks 🙏

[@SKEPhoto]

Beautiful. Love all of you videos. Your editing style and video processing along with your choice of music are top notch! Pls keep up the good work! Thank you!!

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Steve,so glad you like the videos 🙏

[@deeproller4838]

Nice video

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks 🙏

[@kghwanadoo]

Before COVID there was a great cafe at the end of the lake with amazing views we used to go to, don’t know if it’s still there. Looked cold up there. Another great video.

[@ClassicRides]

I think it’s still there, though it looked a bit closed up when I rode past on Friday. It’s a stunning place though, I hadn’t been before and was gobsmacked how pretty it is.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

perfect scenery and beautiful bike - loved it

[@ClassicRides]

So glad you did!

[@Disposalist]

Lovely. Excellent. I do a few motovlog vids, but nothing as cinematic and professional. Even if I had the artistic vision, just thinking through the logistics of what you have to do to get your vids leaves me with great admiration! A lot of work, but it shines through that you still enjoy the rides, too, which is great.

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks dude, I've seen your videos already, they're good! Those brass Motone parts really suit your Speedmaster 👌🏻

[@Disposalist]

@@ClassicRides Thanks hehe. I'm addicted... Next vid will show shorty red-gold replacement levers... Not sure...

[@stephendecker8371]

Matt, another stellar video. Your picture composition is just so artistic. I can really appreciate your love for riding, and that passion comes through loud and clear!! Trivial question perhaps, but what balaclava are you wearing? Seems like a nice fit, without being too restrictive. Thanks again for another great execution. You are nailing it every time!!

[@ClassicRides]

So glad you like the videos Stephen! The neck balaclava thing is actually a Buff neck gaiter I bought nearly 20 years ago, slightly amazing I still have it and it’s in useable condition 😁

[@leemartin54]

Beautiful ride, lovely bike and a great video. Looking forward to plenty of rides like this in 2022.

[@ClassicRides]

You and me both!

[@bryn481]

Another great vid Mat ,superb editing once again .also you have increased my need to head North again ,cheers✌️

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks Richie, glad to have inspired your travels a little bit!

[@rustysmith6419]

Another great video Matt you have a knack off drawing your viewers into the space as if we were there.

[@ClassicRides]

That’s good to hear, it’s what I was aiming for 😊

[@cpuuk]

Your transitions (and editing) are by far the best, sir- enjoying every video 🙂

[@ClassicRides]

Thanks, I’m sure there’s a video stinker or two lurking amongst my uploads 😁

[@lesperchard3793]

Well done Matt, & thanks for another amazing scenic ride.

[@ClassicRides]

My pleasure Les, always glad you like the videos!

[@saisengone5472]

Thank You, you just motivate me to go out for a nature ride!!!

[@ClassicRides]

Great, I hope you do! 🏍💨

[@bayouboy8644]

Fantastic ride, and scenery.

[@ClassicRides]

It was!

[@rwfrwf100]

Stunning.

[@ClassicRides]

Thank you!