Seeking Warmer Climes in the Dordogne Valley | European Tour Episode 2

[@patdunne3277]

Hi Mat another cracking video!! Honestly loving this format you should be getting paid from French Tourism Board cause I for one am sold (I've never been and living in Ireland i have no excuse really ) looking forward to the next instalment 👍

[@matryderadventures]

You're the same as me. I don't know why I haven't explored here before. It's easier and quicker to get here from Ipswich than it is to get to the lake District. More sun too. Try to make it out here. You'll love it. Cheers 👍

[@ZDD760]

Wow France is beautiful! Thanks for taking us along!

[@matryderadventures]

There are some stunning landscapes over here. I'm having a great time. Cheers 👍

[@texarama]

You're the next Mr Beast of bike touring videos. ;-)

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣 Cheers..high praise.

[@parduez]

I have to go there bro. Looks amazing. Was that a convoy of caterpillars?

[@matryderadventures]

It was a convoy of caterpillars. I've been told it's to make them look more dangerous to predators. I guess they look like a snake.

[@samcampbell850]

Another great video! It seems like there’s no people out and about in these little towns. Where are all the people? Cheers.

[@matryderadventures]

It's very quiet out here. I am amazed. I think it's just because it's out of season. Suits me. It'll.probably go crazy in May but that's fine by me. Cheers 👍

I can relate to the "always worring about new stuff and playing it out in my head a thousand times!" :)

[@matryderadventures]

It's a strange behaviour. It's never as bad as I imagine. I'm sure it's the same for you.

Yes, 99% of the times it's not as bad as I imagined:)

[@Ozinretirement]

Another great vid, looks like a fantastic trip, life is good eh?

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Life is very good. This trip has been exceptional. Cheers 👍

[@_Mountain_Dave]

Great content Matt love the natural and dry sense of humour - had to laugh at the other famous French guy comment, knew instantly who you meant the guy with the big nose! Just to the West of where you are there are many "caves" where you can go and taste the local produce, possibly a good shout with the van in walking distance just as an experience. Villages that stand out in my mind when riding there, Domme, Beynac and Rocamadour ( for anyone watching don't do latter if have vertigo or issues with being next to large cliffs on the way in) - apologies probably not spelt right. Dorgogne is a stunning place and good time to go as get's stiffling hot in June/July. As for the Drone get that, always feels wrong for some reason ha. As for climbing Mat cannot recommend enough the Shimano Deore 8000 XT cassette on the back if your running an 11 speed, you'll pick one up from Merlin Cycles (they deliver abroad) for around £70 as often reduced in price. Real quality cassette. I use the GRX for most things these days, mixes well with shimano road 11 speed also, fully mechanical, with options of of the 11-40 being the go to, but also the 11-46 if really off the beaten path but you will need a wolf link for the latter. I use the 800 rear derailer and can manage the 40 with no issues on the adjustment screw with my Cannondale frame. On the front i use the 810 48-31 front crank which gives me a range of cadence and speed that suits pretty much anything i'd do. Enjoy your trip! PS That Cassette if your going into the Pyrannees which im guessing you will then defo be helpful. Other weird things to check out if your in that way, the huge sand dune at Pyla (again spelling) its west of Bordeaux, but also some nice spots along the coast there near La porge and down to Cap Ferret and all down that coast if you like the sea amd want some flat rides. If your keeping inland some good riding around Pau and then within hopping distance to Loudres which may already be on your loose plan to go see. Then some solid rides into the mountains from there and some stunning views. I think the best thing about France, apart from the scenery, weather, roads, and without going fully Monty Python but the drivers in general are alot more respectful of riders.

[@matryderadventures]

Wow. Lots of great information, thanks. I went to Beynac and Rocamadour, both were amazing. I'll look into the other routes you mentioned. As for the gearing information. Awesome. Thanks. I'll look into everything you've suggested. I need to digest it properly. I always feel guilty about short responses to messages but please know that I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I'm really grateful. Cheers 👍

[@_Mountain_Dave]

@@matryderadventures Ahh no worries Mat, replies not needed but thank you. But yea that 11-40 cassette is a godsend, i'd avoid any MTB x3 front crank setups, and over the years i've literally tried everything. 2x11 GRX is pretty much perfect for what i have seen from your rides, unless your intended to start going seriously off road and severe non road gradients. It's also bombproof but will give you road speed also with the 48 crank and that Deore 8000 cassette, i have a variety of drivechains but this is the one i always take when mechanical's would be a real issue. Paired with a KMC X11 chain, and mainted it will last. Enjoy the trip!

[@simplydebes]

How's the Kona Sutra going Mat? When touring I have a 32 chainring and 11-46 cassette on my Surly Ogre. Does the job for me. You might have to bite the bullet and try a few combinations and see what suits your riding.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. It's been great so far. It's been perfect on the road/gravel. I'm taking note of any suggestions and will start experimenting. Cheers 👍

[@mphillips24]

We had a cottage rental in Beynac in the Autumn. Lovely - should have taken my bike. Also, I’ll ‘flex’ for you…re KZbin money, not anyone can make films that people will watch. You can .

[@matryderadventures]

What a gorgeous place. I'm sure you enjoyed it, even without the bike. Thanks for the kind comment. I'm blushing 🤣. Cheers 👍

[@ianmatlock1]

Have you not considered De Caff coffee when you go out? The de caff offerings in France Spain & Portugal for some reason are much better generally than in the UK in our experience. This is what we do we when we have a coffee and cake when we're out and about but want to limit our caffeine intake. PS The Dordogne is also one of our favourite french areas especially if you go in the lest touristy months, though I haven't had my bike with me there yet. Great video by the way.

[@matryderadventures]

I thought about decaf but the addiction wore off fairly quickly so I don't miss the taste so much. I agree a cake needs something to go with it. Strangely I stopped eating cake instead. The Dordogne was incredible. I'll aim to get back over there soon. If you manage to get your bike over the cycling is fantastic.

[@dirtmerchantlover]

Absolutely loving the vids Matt, on a wee note about the hundred year war stuff, there are some great books on the subject. Lots of Welsh archers involved. You’d love them. David gilman has written a great series.

[@matryderadventures]

I'll look him up. Thanks ms for the suggestion. Cheers 👍

[@RonSuchanek]

So beautiful! I was confused what you were talking about LPG. Is that the fuel your van uses? I'm intrigued by your reduction of coffee intake. I love my cups in the morning, but might try to wean down or off.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Ron. It's a diesel van but I have an underslung lpg tank for the heating, stove etc. It uses the same pump as LPG fuelled cars. You don't see many of those anymore. As for the coffee. Cutting down has given me so much more energy and I don't miss it at all. The morning one keeps me going all day. I think a small amount is actually good for you. One in the morning and one in the afternoon could be a perfect balance. Cheers 👍

[@Charlie-vw9ur]

brilliant that KZbin is paying your day to day expenses, well you make great content so it should ! gonna need a granny gear for sure .. especially if Ross sends you up the Pyrénées haha

[@matryderadventures]

I'll.be riding in the Pyrenees today so I guess I'll find out. There may be some pushing..Cheers 👍

[@teddgram]

If you are concerned about your hand position stack/reach, I would highly recommend getting a bike fit. I had done 4 trips without and just trying things. I would lose feeling in my hands by day 3 and had tingling the whole time. After I got a fit and made all the adjustments to the bike, the numbness was gone and I found it a lot less fatiguing to ride on long hours.

[@matryderadventures]

I think I might do that. I definitely get the numb hand problem and I imagine it'll be worse on a road tour than the gdmbr. Rha ks for the advice. Cheers 👍

[@joelofarc13]

So cool that you are already making some money doing this. I almost took my video camera to record my bike trip riding the Natchez Trace last week, but decided against it because it looks like a lot of work. :)

[@matryderadventures]

It is work, but worth it I think. A tiny little action cam is all you need. I use a GoPro and it does a good job. Cheers 👍

[@GegoXaren]

You should look into getting suspension saddle post and suspension handlebar stem...? It might or might not be useful..? I have not used any such thing, but I've heard some find it less fatiguing to ride with them. And to keep the sun out of your face/neck/ears you can look at something like Da Brim sun brim for most helmets.

[@matryderadventures]

I have a suspension seat post on my mountain bike. It's fantastic. I will look into a suspension stem. I've not heard of the Da Brim. I'll Google it now. Cheers 👍👍

[@twowheelsintokyo7039]

I'm looking out my 20th floor window at the Tokyo cityscape, which is grey, chilly, and being soaked with pouring rain. I wish I were out riding my bike in sunny France.

[@matryderadventures]

I've been lucky with the weather so far. Today looks good too. I think there is snow to come but that's never a bad thing when you don't have to go anywhere. Cheers 👍

[@IntoTheWhite04]

My MTB has a 51 tooth cog on the rear and a 30 tooth on the front.. perfect for climbing..

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'm making note of all these suggestions and will do something about it when I get home. Cheers 👍

[@mads205]

KZbin is weird. Can't even imagine what the big channels make.

[@matryderadventures]

I agree. There's some serious cash being made out there. I still can't believe that I'm making money from these videos. It feels like I'm cheating. Cheers 👍

[@myseniorbrain]

Congratulations on overcoming the gas cap challenge. cheers!

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣 thanks 👍👍

[@PaulSavai-lq1th]

The Dordogne looks absolutely amazing and a possible cycle holiday for next year 🤗cheers Mat

[@sheilajones9249]

Absolutely loving your videos, photography and drone footage is wonderful. Thank goodness for your really down to earth approach. . Please keep them coming. Any suggestions for flat rides in the UK - I have very bad knees and want to go bike packing/touring with my hubby. Keep touring🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴🚴🚴

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I would say any rides over on the east coast, Suffolk and Norfolk are very flat and the countryside is beautiful. Maybe somewhere on the north Norfolk coast. Cheers 👍

[@sheilajones9249]

Thank you so much @matryderadventires😄

[@frankducett9]

Mat, this was a great video, I don't know why. Maybe the church bells, the birds or the countryside. I'm glad you don't cover everything up with loud music.

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Frank. I'm glad you liked it. I can't stand the crappy music either. We decided early on to stop using it. Cheers 👍

[@sheilajones9249]

Absolutely, Frank, I hate loud music

[@alexalderthay4346]

Thanks for that Mat. We are thinking of going to Le Bugue for our holidays this year, just near where you were in Les Eyzies. You've just made up my mind, it looks fantastic! Thanks.

[@DarrenWatersJohn]

I can heartily recommend Le Bugue. Have stayed near there many times at a campsite called St Avit Loisirs, which I recommend. It's a great base to explore some of the most stunning villages in France.

[@matryderadventures]

It really is amazing. Bring your bike. The cycling is incredible. Cheers 👍

[@wendym5137]

Wow, Mat France is so beautiful . You're doing a wonderful job 👏 enjoying it so much . Thank you

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks Wendy. It is a beautiful country. I'll be in the Pyrenees soon...see you soon 👍👍

[@alanhanley9515]

Hi Matt, if changing stem why not consider the Redshift Kitchen Sink bars plus their suspension stem. You'll relish that aid to comfort on the American tarmac.

[@matryderadventures]

I thought about the suspension stem but haven't seen the bars. I'll take a look now. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers 👍 ...I just looked. I think you've just cost me some money.

[@egalegal2058]

If you get the suspension stem and after a while want to get rid of it, think of me. Instead of a smaller ring in the front, you could also consider a bigger one in the back. Don’t know, what is easier and cheaper

[@matryderadventures]

I will definitely think of you 🤣. I will have to look into gearing properly. The more I look into it, the more choices there are. I enjoy researching things like this so that's ok. Cheers 👍

[@gotrailmark]

Beautiful! Keep on keeping on 🎉🎉

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I will. Cheers 👍

[@tonypaddler]

You pronounced Dordogne very well, much better than you did Loch Lomond 🙂 , and I think that you were referring to Gerard Depardieu 🤔 (long nosed guy) I'm really liking the drone footage Mat. Seeing the landscape that I once frequented, from above, is adding a whole new experience to my memories, it's quite overwhelming tbh. I'll not spoil the ending before your research but the Hundred Years War actually lasted for 116 years. Something to do with the metric system and France not having leap years. Maybe. There are some nice instant decaf coffees out there, I'll message you the ones I like. What a stunning outro! Thank you very much for that Ross 👏 I'm looking forward to catching up on part three, your getting very close now 😁👍

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Tony I'm glad my pronunciation was good this time. I was thinking of Gerard Depardieu. I managed to film that place we discussed. If it's not in the next video I'll get the footage to you. 116 years. Definitely the metric system.. I really should try decaf. Saying that, I don't seem to miss hot drinks any more. Now to deal with my final addiction, sugar. Cheers 👍

[@tonypaddler]

@@matryderadventures Hi Mat. Yes, we'll make a Francophile out of you yet. I'm sure that you did already know his name, but just didn't want to pronounce it on TV. I thought that you might have reached past Toulouse by now but I'm a video behind as I like to watch them in order. Oh yes, absolutely, no need to bother your audience with that footage, I'm sure that Ross will find a way to send it to me 🙂 Sugar is harder to kick than caffeine imo, it tricks the mind into thinking that your body needs it. It's fine having it whilst you're cycling as your body will burn it off as energy, but having it regularly as junk food or comfort food is not really what you need. If you go cold turkey you can wean yourself off it in about a fortnight but just gradually cutting down is an easier way out and much less traumatic! Thanks again 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Yes. Sugar will be the challenge. A side effect of cutting out coffee is the reduction in sugar. I have one spoon per cup, so I have already started the weaning process. I'm in Cordoba, Spain at the moment.

[@joannenardoni17]

Yes, perfect, beautiful

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks 👍👍

[@JRd941]

The French are very good at rivers.

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 They seem to be.

[@Flintynicknacks]

I know that LPG anxiety!! I always made such a bish of it I was relieved when I got an older van with bottles😁. When it comes to climbing gears you can’t really beat those old 3x Mtb’s. Did a bit of the KAW with a friend - she had an old hybrid ‘shopper’- basket on the front- but she had 3x9. Absolutely smashed all the hills while I struggled behind with my fancy pants Salsa 1x….😏….its not 1x anymore😂 many thanks for your uploads- much appreciated.❤🚐🚴‍♀️

[@matryderadventures]

I almost went with a 1x on the Kona. I'm glad I didn't. It would have been a vanity call. 2x seems like it'll work, with the right gearing. I may have gone with a 3x if I'd have known how smooth a decent chain set can be. I've only ever had problems with front derailleurs , this one is perfect. Cheers 👍

[@jerhughes500]

The Missenden Flyer, motorbike KZbin, recently did a video on his earnings over 10+ years. It's interesting, but not as much as I thought he would be making, he has 200k+ subs. But, if you can cover your costs while doing trips it's a win win. Talking to the camera must take some getting used to, but you've nailed it. Great video (thanks Ross) 👍

[@matryderadventures]

I'll have a look at his channel. I agree, covering costs is a huge deal. I mean, I'd do them anyway but it's nice all the same. I think I've definitely got used to talking to the camera. I don't even think about it any more. I remember the first time and I felt incredibly self conscious. That wasn't very long ago. Cheers 👍

[@jacqueline7118]

Beautiful places and free car parks, can't beat that! Great on not craving coffee. I usually have one a day and sometimes 2 on the weekend and I don't crave it either, however I feel it gives me some energy. I am going to explore medicinal mushroom tea for an energy replacement substance, may or may not work for me but I shall give it a whirl and see how it goes! Congrats on over 5K subscribers! Thanks for sharing your trip. :) :)

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Jacqueline. I'm in Barcelona at the moment and it's all going well. More free car parks!! I'm glad I cut down on coffee. I've heard that two per day is actually good for you so may increase my intake. I haven't heard of medical mushroom tea. I'll be interested to hear how it works for you. Cheers 👍

[@jacqueline7118]

@@matryderadventures Will let you know about the tea. It looks very much like coffee and am hoping it tastes good as well. I hope it boosts energy levels, it is also supposed to enhance the immune system. Gotta love those antioxidants, especially since I have grandkids which are spreaders of everything out there! haha! I am a Scout leader and I see wild bracket fungi like turkey tail and chaga when we take the kids on hikes. I read some research papers on using these in cancer therapy, looks very promising. I guess they are used extensively in Chinese and Japanese medicine and have for centuries. The more I read about mushrooms the more interested I become. Thanks for your reply. :)

[@matryderadventures]

I'm very interested. There's something very special about mushrooms. I will follow your lead and do some research myself.

[@jacqueline7118]

@@matryderadventures I agree with mushrooms being special. I love to hike and have seen many a mushroom on my travels. I am especially interested in bracket or shelf fungi, there are tons in my neck of the woods. Have a look here on KZbin at StoneAgeMan's channel and FreshCap Mushrooms as well. A ton of excellent information. I just ordered some Cordyceps capsules and I shall see how I fair out on those for increased energy and stamina, hopefully great! Keep your eye on Reishi, Chaga, and Turkey Tail. I feel they are some of the best! The teas I have ordered (they just came) are from Teeccino. I ordered from Amazon. The company seems to be a standup one, using excellent ingredients in processing their products. Have a great day and safe travels! :) :)

[@marianfrances4959]

Awesome tour!👍😎🇨🇦

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers 👍

[@Ey_up]

Great memories of walking the GR routes and canoeing down the Dordogne in that area thirty years ago...thanks for this. (Still have my fridge magnets!)

[@matryderadventures]

I would love to get my canoe over here. Thinking about it, I could always hire one. You've inspired me. Look out for a french canoe trip in this series. Cheers 👍👍

[@Ey_up]

@@matryderadventures we hired...paddled miles downriver then dropped the canoe off for pick-up. Then we just carried on our way.

[@matryderadventures]

Perfect. I'll hopefully manage to do the same . Cheers 👍

[@nickvincent3029]

Gerard Depardieu?

[@matryderadventures]

Yes 🤣🤣🤣. It was him. You win..

[@nickvincent3029]

@@matryderadventures ha ha Cheers 🍻 you should’ve made it a competition! I win 🤣 it was thinking about him in Jean de florette. They don’t make them like that anymore.

[@matryderadventures]

Very true. Next time there will be a prize!!

[@dragonmaster4356]

Matt can we have another wild camp adventure please. Yourself and Ross cooking a steak was a great watch.

[@matryderadventures]

Glad you liked it. We'll be out again soon, probably once I'm back from the TransAm, hopefully a hot tent camp. Cheers 👍

[@robertmarr9104]

Great video, Mat. Interesting weird little bits, like the American flag you passed and the antique car being towed. You seem to be apprehensive about your fitness - don't be. Remember the GDMBR and how you rode yourself into shape over the first week or so. You won't be racing so it will all work out.

[@matryderadventures]

You're very observant. I remember filming that flag. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm sure you're right. I only need to watch the first couple of parts of the GDMBR series. I definitely improved along the way. Cheers 👍

[@juliethrower1185]

What beautiful interesting places you visited. Lovely bit of history thrown in also, which is always a great bonus. Well done to Ross for fabulous routes😊 Ps...... why should your drone be a boy??? 😂 Also, don't be so tight and give the locals a little for some cake, you deserve it, and so do they for having you!

[@matryderadventures]

He's obviously a boy because he whinges and whines whenever he has to do something. Yes, I shall buy more cake. I can't fault your logic.

[@HubertJ1909]

Another fantastic video, I love the route you are taking through France, I spent some time riding in the Dordogne valley a number of years back and it really is incredible. I always felt if the job of city planner existed in the 12th-14th century in France it must have been the cushiest job going, find the biggest hill in a town and stick a Chateau on it, done. Oh and at 11:41, knees in, Ryder! They will thank you after a day of climbing.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It is an exceptional area. I'm further south now but could easily head back up for more. I'll keep the knees in! I have no form whatsoever. Cheers 👍

[@DarrenWatersJohn]

Thanks for sharing. So funny to see you walking, driving and cycling through towns and to places - Domme, Vezac, Beynac, Les Eyzies, St Leon s/ Vezere that I know so well from family holidays. And so strange to see the viewing point in Domme so empty of people. In August there would be hundreds and hundreds of people enjoying that view. Looks like the amazing ice cream shop in Domme was closed as you went past. Pity - absolutely the greatest ice cream in the Dordogne region!

[@matryderadventures]

Maybe I'll stop in Domme on the way back up. If the ice cream is that good... I'm amazed at how quiet it is over here. As you say, come May it'll be a lot different. I think I've picked the best time of year for this trip. Thanks ms for watching 👍

[@keving8010]

As you’re speaking about 4k subscribers, I was writing to say that I’m one of the new ones. Greatly looking forward to the TransAm videos later this year (as I’ll be doing the ride next year, west to east) and enjoyed the latest from France. ps I’ve enjoyed the few videos I’ve watched so far.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. Thanks for subscribing! I'm really looking forward to the TransAm. I love travelling in the US, it's such a friendly place. It'll be great if you follow along. The videos will be out more or less in real time, so if you have any suggestions for places to stop etc. while I'm out there I would appreciate your input. Cheers and good luck 👍

[@gregclaessen7266]

Another good video. We have those caterpillars here in Brisbane too. I’ve always thought they are trying to look big to ward off predators. Poor things just end up squashed on the bike paths 😢

[@matryderadventures]

I think you're right. That makes good sense. As you say though, they just get squashed. Cheers 👍

[@crispyh]

Mat , followed this channel since your gdmbr vid was suggested on my feed , I never really watch videos in full , but your 2 hrs video had me from start to finish.

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. That's great to hear. We were worried that it would be too long but it's done really well. Glad you liked it. Cheers 👍

[@elzabethmorgan8020]

Absolutely stunning! Your videos really are amazing, and your narration is just right. Can’t wait for the next one! Take care.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. That's good to hear. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrew30m]

I camped their many many years ago, it was so wet we left without breaking the ring to go climbing. The kindly owners let us dry our stuff next to their fire

[@matryderadventures]

It was such a beautiful region. I'll definitely get back there again. Cheers 👍

[@ScowlerJase]

Ref the Drone - Buy a microSD card reader and use that instead to offload the footage. The drone gets really hot when you use it to wirelessly download the footage. It`lll be a hell of a lot faster to grab the footage too! Love the vids.

[@matryderadventures]

I think I'll try that. I have a micro SD reader with me but hadn't considered it. The drone does get hot and that can't be good for it. I think it needs to be sent in for repair. I did the DJI refresh thing so need to take advantage of it, definitely before the TransAm. Thanks for the advice. Cheers 👍

[@yankj8212]

🌟 Promo SM

[@DeeJee-l9t]

Not watched the video yet (later) but did you visit Padirac de Gouffre cave? Worth a look if you're near by

[@matryderadventures]

I just looked it up. I missed it which is a shame. Maybe on the way back up. It looks amazing. Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@bikepackinguk]

Looks great, I think we need a Ross's Routes channel he certainly knows how to pick them 🙂

[@matryderadventures]

Don't give him ideas. I really don't want to have to edit my own videos. Cheers 👍

[@stellawallington8869]

Stunning, I need to get out more

[@matryderadventures]

France has been very beautiful. I'm heading into the Pyrenees soon which will be interesting. Thanks for watching 👍

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_processionary

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Now I know. Fascinating (genuinely). Cheers 👍