I was choking up while watching you both touring.... having been stationed at those "couple of airbases" (RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge) for four years, '74 -'77, working on F4s. Snape: Where I got the notion to take a canoe (US, "kayak") from the Snape bridge down the waterways taking out at Orford. Wife made the return trip (almost got lost). Orford Castle: we had the oportunity to go up in the castle (actually the "keep" as most of the castle was gone). The top floor was occupied by a HUGE round table and an equally HUGE fireplace! The slotted windows were for the archers, the stone steps up were worn soooo much, a very noticeable dip in their edges being a witness to the thousands of folks who have used them. Framlingham Castle: Mother came for visit from the States and we took her there for a look-see. Funny, I remembered the name as Framingham Castle!) Both our children were born at RAF Lakenheath.. Fond memories.... Cheers, Mates!
@KimberlyGreen2 жыл бұрын
I _truly_ appreciate the historical content you include. It really elevates your channel beyond the typical outdoor adventures.
@olejacobstalesen65582 жыл бұрын
If not allergic to narrowboats, you should check out Foxes Afloat - lots of historical anecdotes - and nice guys too!
@simonablokeinthewoods2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kimberly! I concur about Foxes Afloat - very enjoyable viewing 😁
@Mlucas472 жыл бұрын
Lovely video Simon. I'm Suffolk born and bred it's a beautiful county especially the coast. I did the great Tommy sleep out myself on the banks of the river Lark right on the border with Cambs btw. It was my first solo camp at age 61. It's people like you that give old buggers like me the inspiration to do it...i hope to do many more...
@simonablokeinthewoods2 жыл бұрын
That is superb! Never too late! I hope you had a good night - such a great cause. 👍👍👍
@PhilCadey5 ай бұрын
Nice bike. For a seat, I'd have a Brooks B17 Standard touring saddle (leather). Try Madgett cycles of Diss.
@JakeMay Жыл бұрын
Cheers for the vid! Did a very similar route last weekend and loved it, currently in the process of editing the video I filmed on our ride!
@davidfitnesstech2 жыл бұрын
Leaving the first comment. ANOTHER GOOD VID SIR. I love the UK in the way that it doesn't have to tear old structures down to build new ones. (Like here in the US.)
@carlsimmons3052 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your journey & supporting the homeless ex service personnel 💪
@xsirdavidianx Жыл бұрын
I loved this one. It was also great to see someone lovingly talk about where they're from, your Suffolk friend there. A very pleasant video indeed 😊
@jamiewilliams6852 жыл бұрын
It always amazes me that there's any peace to be found in the countryside that's still left in England.
@leeruffner15532 жыл бұрын
Simon, I was so excited to see you covering the area around Rendalshem. In my youth, as a young US Airman, I spent a few years at RAF Bentwaters . I loved it, loved your country and camped, hiked and fished some of the same turf you're covering in your videos. Ive been a fan since around 2018 and truly enjoy watching your adventures. I was a few years after the UFO 😁. Take care, keep the videos coming, I hope to bring my wife to the UK to see what I've talked about all these years. Maybe our paths will cross. Your friend, Lee
@alessia00642 жыл бұрын
I hope you get to meet Simon if and when you get over here, I doubt I'll ever have that privilege. I'd also like to thank you for your military service both here in Uk and in USA 👍👍.
@simonablokeinthewoods2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Lee! I’m glad it brought back some memories! I hope you do make it over here with your wife and show her your old haunts. 👍👍
@Lightandlovetoyou7 ай бұрын
What a lovely pair you are I’d love to see more adventures with the dinner biscuit man haha
@aravr_project2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for raising the issue of Veteran homelessness. It is a global phenomenon. Lest we forget.
@nigellack2576 Жыл бұрын
Only just seen this Simon. I used to live in North Essex, and my mum in Long Melford. So your expedition brings back some memories. We occasionally went to Diss and my mum's second husband took us to the Newmarket races occasionally (early 1970s) . I've lived in Scotland for the last 35 years, and am well travelled here around the hills. Maybe we could team up with a few days in Sutherland? You won't refret it. If you've never been there, it's the most magical landscspe I've ever had the pleasure to be in! Keep up the great work, Nigel.
@unexpectedreaction9564 Жыл бұрын
Love this one! When you left Southwold you weren’t a million miles from where my profile picture was taken :) lovely to see the area from your perspective! Fantastic journey Mr!
@neilwilkinson54152 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed that video. It was interesting to see your bike packing set up.Thank you.
@BrianthatiscalledBrian2 жыл бұрын
Thank, Simon. I really liked the way your filmed the riding sequences. Almost like riding along with you. 👍🙂🚴♂️🏕️
@billburr58812 жыл бұрын
Nearly 150k subscribers! I remember when it was less than 20k! What an achievement Simon!
@danozeman26 Жыл бұрын
Nice little trip. The lighthouse at southwold is the one from grandp in my pocket.
@Kenbur2 жыл бұрын
great context as always Simon - thanks🚴
@janetogrady2 жыл бұрын
Great trip, thanks for taking us along.
@__cypher__2 жыл бұрын
YESSS!!! Keep the bike/camping adventures coming!
@stefan.59872 жыл бұрын
It was a nice trip you both had there. Really enjoyed watching. Until next time, Simon. Stay safe.
@craiglake60912 жыл бұрын
Great adventure. Now I'll have to go out and buy a bike.
@davidash27272 жыл бұрын
Brilliant. Thanks for sharing your adventures. We will check out The Great Tommy Sleep Out. I recall meeting a homeless British soldier at the City Mission in Miami after the Iraq war. He was a fine person, great hiker, sometimes we would walk all night and look at the stars.
@michaelthomson51012 жыл бұрын
Watching this adventure gives me a desire to breakout my 1985 Rockhopper and go for a ride....
@brulee37464 ай бұрын
So good that you can be so positive for the other and yourself (although it must not always be easy - a tiring day etc).
@ossirioth2 жыл бұрын
Lovely series of videos around an area I know well from my very early childhood - my grandfather owned a small property in Aldeburgh in the very early 80s and we'd stay there every Witsun holiday break over 6bor 7 years. Dunwich, Southwold and especially The Maltings at Snape are sweet memories from back when I was young enough to still be on a harness held by my ever watchful dad - I was a "grabber" as a toddler! Good times, lovely area! If you go back, Snape is worth more than a ride-through, there's a nice walk out through the reed beds if nothing else and it's an artist's commune so several nice shops and galleries to check out. Gorgeous in the sun but possibly even better on a foggy day- the boats coming out of the mist is a bucket list memory... Also, there are at least two fantastic pubs further along the path from Dunwich which I think you probably passed at least one of 😀 Good stuff, thanks for the memories and stay safe on your adventures... BTW, Andy says get down to Salisbury with him for a trip/video series!
@KD__.2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic thanks for taking us along 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@J0eBl0e2 жыл бұрын
What a great trip. My friends and I just did a quick overnight bikepacking trip here on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC area in US. It's so nice to be able to completely change your surroundings in just a few hours on a bike.
@alextrees68822 жыл бұрын
As someone who grew up in between diss and halesworth, now living in Cornwall, it’s great to hear these accents on my KZbin subscriptions 😁
@garphykeks2 жыл бұрын
Inspiring😎👌👏Beaut part of the world shown with great cinematography👍👊
@nicolejeanne2 жыл бұрын
Bravo Luke and Simon 🤗👍
@jkline9992 жыл бұрын
Whoa--- never thought I'd see a Cadillac in England.
@Sotnek792 жыл бұрын
Awesome scenery!
@lafonevc56632 жыл бұрын
Such a mellow film while being active! Great part 2.
@papajeff54862 жыл бұрын
Good to see you out and about. Well thought out kit on an excellent new bike. Thank you for sharing your beautiful country side and a bike camp, so civilized, neat and clean. You have fine illustrations of the range efforts of man’s impact on the land, from your, leave no trace, to the ruins of your ancestors, some being restored. I think you have castles that took longer to build than the history of my entire nation. Again, thanks for the amazing video work and story. Also, BIG PAT on the back for the music choice for this video. Hope to see you again, soon. Texas
@andykjohnsonjohnson76222 жыл бұрын
Another excellent part #2 , of your adventures Simon 👍👍
@dorsettyke2 жыл бұрын
Lovely video in a beautiful part of the country. And what a crackin' Suffolk accent Luke has! 🙂
@MichaelAndersen_DK Жыл бұрын
Should have paid a visit to the Adnams brew pub. Their Ghost Ship is damn fine - especially on tap. Really liked this tour. The cyclist is me is itching to come out.
@nickeling91612 жыл бұрын
What a great trip and history lesson of Suffolk. Seeing it by bike seems to be a comprehensive way to see the county. Thanks for bringing us along!
@cww9222 жыл бұрын
So Envious! Absolutely beautiful country! Thanks for the video and adventure!
@canoecycle70052 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed both videos. Good packing. Packet mash n stake Good choice love the new frame bag.
@joncarter83722 жыл бұрын
You captured a lot of fun and creative shots this week and last.
@Jamie-xs5hg2 жыл бұрын
Another brilliant video Simon! Thank you so much for giving Kermit and “The Great Tommy Sleepout” a mention 🙏🏻❤️
@optimisticgal2 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed different locations you stopped at and shared. Thanks!
@Keyswiz712 жыл бұрын
I'm a Suffolk man born and bred, so it's really nice to see you promote the beauty of this county and the fact it's not as flat as people think!
@86beeman2 жыл бұрын
Fun trip, as always. Thanks Simon. I had to laugh at tend with he big old Cadillac barely able to navigate the bend in one lane. It looked like the USS Enterprise.
@michaelharris45032 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the tour . What lovely views. Scenery and Weather were outstanding.
2 жыл бұрын
Great movie, nice to watch. Best wishes from the forest :)
@michaelnowak23402 жыл бұрын
Simon, Yes!!! Suffolk really looks like a great place!!!
@martincheesman45642 жыл бұрын
Thank you SImon. Really enjoyable and inspirational as usual. I am not surprised that your companion described you as a really nice bloke and as we see on your videos. Maybe see you out there one day.
@brianloughary25212 жыл бұрын
Beautiful country thanks for sharing your videos Simon.👍
@noseybirdadventures58802 жыл бұрын
What an inspirational series again, thank you
@treksntarps2 жыл бұрын
Cracking adventure and lovely vid . Enjoyed that . 👌 🚴
@jennyleef17752 жыл бұрын
Beautiful scenery and lovely little towns. One day we will manage to get over there to see some of these wonderful sites ourselves. 🙂
@antoanto53012 жыл бұрын
Thank you both for two great videos, such a beautiful part of the UK, interesting journey!
@colvillebri1962 жыл бұрын
The UFO sightings were 1980 not in the 40’s , great seeing all my local sites. Good stuff.
@simonablokeinthewoods2 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate - I stand corrected 😁
@Woollseys12 жыл бұрын
Damn - You beat me to it! I’m obviously not the only UFO buff watching Simon then 🙂🛸
@colvillebri1962 жыл бұрын
Not a UFO buff as such, I’m more military history but I do find the Rendlesham sightings fascinating, I’ve also cycled round the forest many many times as I live in Suffolk.
@ifitrollsrideit5302 ай бұрын
@@simonablokeinthewoods ...but if you do want local area weirdness from the 1940s there's the "Burning Seas" Nazi invasion stories from Shingle Street just up the road. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shingle_Street#World_War_II You're also a stones throw from Sutton Hoo there too. It's a pretty interesting part of the country. ps What a great video Simon. Really enjoyed this series.
@noladventures88332 жыл бұрын
Fantastic style of camping with a very nice scenery out there.
@chrisandsamlivingthedream2 жыл бұрын
Awesome guys awesome… loved the vid.. cheers Chris & Sam
@mbrider562 жыл бұрын
Awesome stuff Simon and hippy swift, Great countryside and towns, villages as well. Nice set up on the bike as well. Making coffee in your sleeping bag, that's awesome lol..
@tattooRGBharley2 жыл бұрын
I love how you set up your bike. it is cool to see how much you can pack on your bike. Thank you for the tour of all the english towns. I live in New Hampshire USA we have many pine forest you would love. Thank you again for the video. Be safe
@bobpetrovski86772 жыл бұрын
Greetings from the Pacific Northwest USA. really enjoyed watching your journey. Thanks for sharing. Be well. Safe journeys. And happy trails.
@SouthEastCashew2 жыл бұрын
Better off getting a trailer on that bike for all that gear Simon!! Nice video as always top notch 👌
@DutchVai2 жыл бұрын
I wasn't expecting to see that blue yacht coming 'round the bend at the end.
@martinpearson10182 жыл бұрын
It’s such a pleasure watching your videos
@tonymac46562 жыл бұрын
Thanks Simon great vlog, enjoy your adventures 👍👍
@MA-uu3sb2 жыл бұрын
Hi Simon will be getting into your video momentarily to see your second half. Keep well
@andrewforrest89382 жыл бұрын
I've been walking around Suffolk it's got fantastic scenery one of my friends lives in Suffolk, thanks Simon for awesome video enjoyed Suffolk I'm thinking of going back for a holiday.
@kingrafa39382 жыл бұрын
Great video Simon. Looking forward to the next video.
@pack2hvy6662 жыл бұрын
Love it. More please , Simon .
@williamkenyon98582 жыл бұрын
Huge fan of the rural campouts. Boondocking/bandit camp, whatever ya call it. Like you we make sure not to make a mess of things and clean up after ourselves so it hardly looks like we were there. The bike camp is a great idea and I will be doing one this summer thanks to this video. Cheers!
@punkhiker3892 жыл бұрын
A great 3 days out and about on your bike. It's my favorite way of getting out in nature. Good that you had Hippie Swift to show you around. England is so nice, amazing county towns and great coast line. Really good filming.
@jonnyswalk_72 жыл бұрын
Stunning video 👏 - thanks so much for sharing - really felt I had a small tour around the east of our great country 👍
@Fishy17642 жыл бұрын
the most famous ufo sighting was in the 1980s and it happened over a few days its also a place id love to go and visit. love the channel Simon , absolutely fantastic thankyou and all the best mate.
@heathernisbet41362 жыл бұрын
Great second part of your adventure Simon ! I've been looking forward to watching it 😀 love the ruins, and coast footage, and it's great to see the conservation work at Orford castle, I wish more preservation would be carried out on historic buildings, instead of seeing them crumble. It would be great to see you do some more exploring by bike and show off how beautiful Norfolk is 😊
@simonablokeinthewoods2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! Some Norfolk trips are definitely on the cards 😁
@PaulCansdale2 жыл бұрын
We are blessed in our part of the world Simon, lovely Caddy at the end too 😂
@marcomiceli12 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed watching this video...tks 🙂
@vinnie42ful2 жыл бұрын
Awesome is all I can say 🙏
@bradlafferty2 жыл бұрын
Pretty scenery! Good vid. Liked your he closing music, the bit of history, meeting Luke, and the roll-by of the log piles at the end - different! Thanks, Simon!
@PumpkinVillage2 жыл бұрын
Another outstanding video and thanks for showing us so much history. Looked like a good time and Luke needs to pack a couple more snacks.😁😁 Thank you and take care, Al
@ShimodaLife2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video. You do such a great job of knitting the B-roll into the narrative. Viewers get a great introduction to the lands that you travel. Thanks for sharing.
@mphigham19632 жыл бұрын
Loved the video Simon, it looks like a beautiful part of the country and well worth a visit. Cheers Pal 😀
@ronsattin28692 жыл бұрын
Now that was a great video, to me one of your best, Cheers.
@TA-kr1di2 жыл бұрын
Cool video! I love to do what we call Stealth Camping.
@graceygrumble2 жыл бұрын
March is usually ’In like a lion, out like a lamb’, but this March has been the reverse! You were very lucky with the weather. April begins tomorrow - "Oh, to be in England now that April’s there". Well. I’m off to Scotland, but the same thing applies. Hope I get similar weather. It has been known. ;) Great trip by you both - hob nobs for the win! PS. I forgot about the fundraiser, until I was reminded by others in the comment section. Flag up stuff like that at the end for folks like me, with the memory of a goldfish!
@texasford2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely wonderful bike packing trip through historic parts of the U.K. ! Made my legs tired just watching y’all cycle up the hills! Always great to see your videos Simon , our cousins across the pond !
@jacksg18092 жыл бұрын
What lovely weather u had ,well judged lol . Beautiful scenery 🥰 .U must be so fit .
@thomascraig72302 жыл бұрын
Great stuff once again sir. Beautiful countryside. I was surprised to see an old school Cadillac come around the corner towards the end.
@tracyl13682 жыл бұрын
Another fantastic vlog thanks Simon.....
@alexmorgan34352 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed these two videos of your bike packing trip. Very well filmed, presented and then edited. You got some great camera angles and shots capturing the essence of a cycle trip and bike packing. As you say and show it's such a great area to ride. Narfolk as well. Thanks for making and ATB.
@sanction76272 жыл бұрын
Another great video. Thank you!
@GAR851205142 жыл бұрын
Great trip. Fascinating sites. Take care
@rgober602 жыл бұрын
Thank you Simon for the beautiful scenery. I'm sure I'll never get to that part of the world but with kind people like you showing us about , it's like I've been there. Your company seems like a nice young man, will have to have a look at his channel. Again, Thank you for sharing with us all your part of the world you love so much. One of the Best things about your channel young man is you show us all about the places and the special buildings that are about. The UK should hire you as a travel guide for the small out or off the main drag places that people might miss. Your a good representative for your area. Good a good rest before your next travel. I appreciate all your hard work and time you give to us. Stay safe and Take Care.....give Maggie a big Hug 🌹💜🌹💜
@wobblyjohn2 жыл бұрын
Another interesting video, and a great way for me to relax after a stressful Wednesday. I must get out for a SO24 over Easter.
@AncientHermit2 жыл бұрын
You made good time, but clearly saw it all.😀 Seriously nice weather too. 🤨Glorious journey.🙂 New bike looks very neat indeed.🤔 Thanks for it Simon, it was a good two part adventure. Be well.😊
@margaretbagur35532 жыл бұрын
The history you include is so very interesting. Great combination with the trail and camping.
@jasonlomakin67222 жыл бұрын
Great video Simon. The production value is incredible. It made me really appreciate what a stunning Country the UK is. It's easy to take the old place for granted sometimes, so it's great to be reminded on occasions.
@jonnyteeee2 жыл бұрын
Great video Simon, You sure did good with the weather!! 🙌🏽👌🏽
@Trekon22 жыл бұрын
Great adventure in one of my favourite areas of the UK, I hope you will have another tour with Luke one day soon, always enjoy watching your variety of outdoor activities Simon, all the best 🎖️👌👏👋
@alj5212 жыл бұрын
Jolly good video!!! Cheers!!
@blomkillen2 жыл бұрын
This was a delight to watch, great job and thank you for taking us with you!