Riding The Road Less Traveled

[@KestrelYI]

You shredding western NC was what motivated me to start mountain biking. That was a few years ago and I just want to say thank you! I've met some great people and gone on some fantastic rides - a very positive life change! Glad to see you visiting NC again!

[@gulfcitynd]

Can't ride my mtb wrist is still messed up

[@lameboysmtb6705]

Phil… you don’t have to explain when something is sketchy. If you say it’s sketchy, the majority of us just accept it cause you’re so damn good at riding. Though it is super fun to watch you explain the way you think.

[@SpillsonHills]

I was down in the Smoky Mountains in '98 as freshman in college. I crashed pretty bad when the stem on my '93 Giant Yukon shook loose while at the NC Arboretum. Bought a Schwinn Moab after that and crashed that even harder. I don't think we ever made it up to Pisgah, though. I just got back on a bike for first time in 25 years thanks you to you, Phil. Alpine in Killington hooked it up!

[@AveragelaughTheLEGEND]

it's mesmerizing watching you ride these trails, truly trippy and calming.

[@Wilderness_Recon]

This might be my favorite video from you. Love the less used trail coverage. Reminds me of what I used to do as a kid in the woods around the neighborhood. Great job man 👍🚲

[@Varaxis]

Ever since I got my emtb, I've been specifically targeting all these roads less traveled. Way more satisfying than trying to ride the popular local spots on some minimalistic bike. Something about the freshness and rawness of the experience that makes it epic... an escape from overly engineered spaces... it's like comparing how people do parkour in a city park, since jogging it normally would be boring, versus a hiker summiting a remote mtn peak without any effort spent on exaggerated style, who finds no boredom thanks to the environment.

[@ThreeThree6]

From Greensboro here, got my first mtb about 4 weeks ago has rained every weekend since I got it lol. Was able to ride a local trail and just watching you ride the leaves impresses me, during the one ride I got to do I discovered leaves are like riding a vehicle on an icy road. I completely slid and fail. So yeah lol impressive watching this. FYI Linville Gorge is the most beautiful spot I ever seen in my life, grand canyon of the east coast.

[@dvs620]

Do some urban riding when the pavement is dry enough, but the trails aren't. Stairsets really taught me about bike control on descents while also giving me a uniform "slope" that I can session to work on developing technique. Hopping curbs on and off is great for clearing smaller obstacles. And bombing down hills is great to learn about speed control and feathering brakes. I'm far from an experienced rider, but on the few occasions when I can hit the trails (my bike for that is currently being upgraded), I find myself more confident on stuff I was scared to do or just barely would do. I converted my cheaper hardtail into a single speed and do urban stuff all the time with it. I can't wait to finish my upgrade on my better hardtail.

[@hansbuehler]

Wise man to skip the gap when alone way in the middle of nowhere. I was getting worried!

[@SemiSendy]

I'm right there with you, so awkward when you're trying to talk to the camera and wham....people out of nowhere. Love Yancey! Need to get up there and check out all the work. So stoked when you posted this for a proper Phil preview!

[@grubbjt]

Love seeing you back on WNC trails!

[@vasilgrigorov6157]

*subscribed* Phil, the only MTB rider that is so fast, you can't even see the small berms and turns, they're straight line with this speed

[@charliecannon7909]

I’m just a regular student at UNC Asheville these days, but I know moto Mike and I ride Wilson’s creek with my older friends every time I can. Go do beehive when it’s not leafy because I probably watch that old video of yours every month to remind myself that I can always ride faster haha! You are an inspiration and a monster dude. Favorite mountain biker along with Jeff Kendall!

[@joetomasik7381]

Nice to see you posting videos regularly again. A video with Kevin aka Steady Spin I believe would be very entertaining while you are there.

[@ColtVanGo]

Man, I love this channel

[@SubmarinersDive]

Glad you are showing trails around Pisgah, Kanuga, etc...it's about an hour or so from Charlotte and I've been dying to go there. Thanks Phil!

[@jayybone6227]

Pure Diligence, thank you for sharing Phil

[@Goblusser]

what a challenging unpaved road, awesome ride with all nature views. great job!

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

Thanks for taking us along!

[@BlackFlag94]

I still cannot fathom how you ride so fast, so easily. It's rare but your GoPro footage looks faster than my riding feels!

[@MTBKingLife]

Another great set of trail riding with all the right commentary to support.✌️

[@eshark08]

Ha! Phil was in my riding area! So cool. I did the Wilson ramble a couple times and it comes through there.

[@DIGGINGDEEP007]

Man, love the vids!!! Always makes me want to go out and push myself after watching. Keep it coming Phil!

[@piciu256]

You can get an accurate readout of the pressure inside the shock by pre pressurizing the hose, screw the adapter on just enough for the seal to engage, pressurise to around what should be in there and screw the hose on all the way for the valve to open.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

That's an interesting suggestion, I've never once heard of that but I'll give it a go sometime. 👍

[@piciu256]

@@SkillsWithPhil I never thought of that myself, but someone told me to try and it works 100%, aspecially useful when trying to troubleshoot if you're losing pressure.

[@Daedelus27]

Love your videos Phil! Always a fun watch.

[@beerenmusli8220]

Amazing Video, as always! Keep doing such awesome videos!

[@brianschroeder7331]

Awesome to see you ride this area again! I just rode there and also carvins cove in Roanoke. It would be cool to see you shred that place. Just up 81 from NC. Thanks for the great videos Phil!

[@gretchenmorfea5988]

Nice ride Phil! Congrats on the scholarship! Keep rippin!

[@marcelloc395]

Insane dude, your riding inspires me daily.

[@guttormsbikelife]

The motor sign is not bikes but e-bikes. Love your channel.

[@taylor8109]

Loving this content! Great job!

[@Friskee62]

Sweet Shreddin'...

[@mrshaneyt43]

Hope you & your lovely wife have a great Christmas Phil 🎄🎅

[@vangilanteryan713]

Cool. I've been thinking of ways to make a super functional sweeper attachment that is very light. No good ideas yet. lol.

[@Fastestdad]

I’ve never thought of gaping the double backwards. I gapped it last year the proper way

[@richardp6461]

🎄Merry Christmas🎄 Phil.

[@jcreeker5581]

Great video. Thx. Yancy is an amazing ride. Really like the sound of the leaves being crunched by the tires, then the silence when you are in the air. Do you have the link to the excavator video?

[@IggasaurusRex]

Hello. What a beautiful place to ride. What kind of trees do we see in the background having those red/orange leaves still hanging on. Love watching you ride! Thanks.

[@deadstump4970]

The lack of planning bit... I think it is your New England showing. "Oh well I don't want to bother them last minute, they might feel bad if they have to say no and if they say yes they might just be doing it to be polite. I shouldn't put that pressure on my friends." Or at least that is how my mind was molded round these parts.

[@skinnymtb3574]

Phil, I really appreciate your videos! Your skills are awesome! I really enjoyed your Chasing Pro Riders down Whistler videos. You guys were sending it, like Blake sending that one to flat! Thanks for sharing this life with us! I love mountain biking and I'm quarantined due to my 2nd bout with Covid but I think I'm climbing out of it now. I live in Owensboro, Kentucky if you ever need a place to stay or park. Hope you have a great Christmas! Keep up the great riding!

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Playing bikes rules😍😍

[@jaydalton]

I would have gotten so worked at 5:06 lol. You handled it like it was no big deal

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Ha, that was definitely a close call. I can't remember what happened, but i got off balance or something and it sent me funny. I'm just glad i rode that one out!

[@jacksonford527]

Love your vids man, and you should come to texas we have some great riding

[@ridelikekrum7707]

Would be so cool to "try" and follow you down that. I've only done it once. Enjoy the videos!!

[@hansbuehler]

Watching the new part I said, “I don’t think this is Phil is loving this.} ,so when you said you don’t prefer it I wasn’t surprised! Pedaling too much down hill is too much like uphill! I find the little river state park trails like that, but maybe I need more flow.

[@jacobg130productions]

Phil: I can’t talk to the camera with other people around. You and me both Phil.

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

Wow how can you see the bumps in the trail with all those leaves. I love your videos.

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

3:13 so true!!! It's even funnier when making different *voices*

[@MichaelRei99]

Phil Metz, Keeper of the trails!!!I tell ya I could tell which way to go on those trails and the camera wasn’t loving them for sure. I’d like to give them a whirl when they are clear though!

[@mtbville]

Good stuff 👏

[@parker5323]

You should go to sugarloaf in maine next year. They made a good enduro course.

[@actblessed74]

I don't know why, but for some reason, since you put on your gloves-I feel that you're more safe & secure!! 💯😂😭😂 Happy Holidays, y'all!! 🤙

[@williamrosby7251]

Hey Phil, you probably don’t remember me but I saw your at rays like a week ago and we took a photo. Thanks so much!

[@tizqz.2252]

nice vid man keep it up:)

[@MoCoFXDC]

10:55 looks like NE Pennsylvania trails in the fall… “where the heck it the trail?!??”

[@brianblinnl.ac.6022]

have you been out to santa cruz demo and rode the singletrack? you'd crush it. It's an absolute blast.

[@righteousbob272]

No, thank you for riding bikes with us!

[@daniels6997]

You're giving the "it's not you it's me excuse"? I invented it's not you it's me. 😁

[@joewiese7261]

Hey Phil (or anyone) Im looking to get my first full face helmet and was wondering if you had any recommendations?

[@connorloyd8432]

You should go to Rocky Knob while you're in the area. They have been doing a lot of work over there and its prettyyy sweet

[@dadlife8289]

I'd be sketched riding over those leaves

[@randallmason9687]

Did You get to check out the Riveter bike park? Dupont, and Pisgah are My favorite places to ride!

[@PiazzaWoodWorks]

Pressures is a must everyride fact

[@aminboutrig6479]

nice job man

[@jacksonbench3690]

Hey Phil, Are you ever going to make a video of Snowshoe bike park

[@1802hippy]

love the vids but I have to ask why is everything so fogy and blur until you come close to it?

[@brandoncollins3334]

Man all those leaves would sketch me out

[@dcasandman]

Cruising those leaves. Leaf coverage scares crap out of me.

[@themtbproject1422]

You need an ebike for this days . Riding life it’s so much easier with one 😁

[@anthonyottinger2594]

All the leaf trail camouflage got me freaked out 0.o

[@deathwatch76]

Would be awesome to see you ride with Remy Metallier up in Squamish one day !

[@TheButlerNZ]

One thing I learned riding trail bikes (motorbike)... What's the point in crashing if no one's there to see it. If I'm going to crash, I want at least one other person to get a laugh out of it!

[@mtsm-bz9fv]

Hey Phil, great video! what’s the back sweep on your handlebars?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Had to look it up: "Nine-degree bend and backsweep with 5-degree upsweep"

[@mtsm-bz9fv]

@@SkillsWithPhil thanks phil! Appreciate it. Happy Holiday’s

[@techmathmajor]

Would love to know how they got the ex up that slope with the drop off on the side! We've had to suspend our machine halfway mid-air with the boom due to driving over holes in the trail and it is very nerve wracking.

[@mattyribs]

George Costanza is gonna have something to say about you using the "It's not you it's me" routine.

[@ww2736]

i remember this trail fromyour video with the Trek remedy i think?

[@igotmystimmy9241]

We crash on leaves in the fall to shred loam in the spring

[@RIMTB]

Man i am jealous this time of year stinks its hard to get out during the week now with it getting dark so early and it seems now every weekend it freaking rains 🤣 Place looks fun have you ever ridden out west?

[@i8screaminmoose]

Hey, can you maybe consider posting some "challenge" videos? Then do a react/critique video follow up? I think the community would really enjoy that kind of thing. Kinda like you mentioned with the skinny on this video.

[@jinavl]

@skills with phil you still in Asheville?? If so you should do a sub ride at kanuga..if not next time

[@cLab2022]

Early crew.

[@genisis53]

How do you get so much grip on fallen leaves?!

[@cleggycyclist]

MTB looks so much fun when you have Phil's skills, sadly I do not

[@Fastestdad]

Never thought of hitting the double backwards. I gapped it last year the normal way

[@jinavl]

Is this trail worth the ride from avl??

[@Fastestdad]

This trail is the most organic MOUNTAIN biking experience you can have in the tops of WNC

[@saraaumiller4115]

no views... weird, guess I'm first.

[@keith6308]

The real question does closed to motor vehicles include E Bikes? A lot of state game lands have access roads that say that.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The sign at the exit of the trail says no ebikes but I'm not sure about the initial road though.

[@MilanGP]

We have the same leaf problems here in the uk during autumn (fall for you Americans).

[@willbros1499]

I have no idea how you go that speed in the leaves like that. For me, that was one big cringe, and especially on that last part where there left the sapling "sniper trees" right in areas where you had to rely on traction to turn away from them. I have had one too many bad experiences with slick leaves, or things buried under them to ever feel like I could push it like that descending in them. Absolutely FLYING down that stuff, like the leaves aren't there....insane.

[@nathanbaker9457]

👍

[@gerrygadget]

Is the bottom of the GT force pre-painted with dirt color? LOL

[@dkd123]

I thought with the thumbnail this was going to be in Smugglers Notch.

[@DHOBSESSIONS]

glad u didn't do that gap, it looked so sketchy

[@MartianGopnik]

Have you ever tried uploading in 60 fps? The video seems to have more artifacts when you are going faster.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I have in the past. I've tried many work arounds. There was no noticeable change in quality from what i remember. The limitations aren't on my end but KZbin's due to the way the videos are compressed and their bitrate. The faster i go, the more the scenery changes, and as a result compression without sacrificing quality becomes nearly impossible. That being said if you watch the videos in 4k the artifacts aren't present (or at least very evident) as the bit rates are much higher but in 1080p the artifacts are evident and big screen tv only makes these artifacts more apparent.

[@toddscherz4526]

Gloves or no or don’t care ?

[@noahbock5454]

I think someone did the log skinny

[@MTBMA]

Anybody else watch this at their computer...leaning every so slightly in the turns as if you're Phil? No? Just me?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I find myself pumping and turning with the terrain when I'm watching the videos before exporting. Side note, what areas of mass are ridable in the winter?

[@MTBMA]

@@SkillsWithPhil we’re still on dirt here in Framingham MA (obv can change quickly in the blink of an eye), but the Cape fairs pretty well (Pine Hills is a fav down there!)

[@edit_tyler]

So how much travel did you end up using?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I never ended up looking 😑

[@amigosihavediabetes1957]

In some parts I could not tell if you used time laps

[@benmorton6481]

How old are you Phil

[@dmille462]

That’s not a skinny it’s a fallen tree for us common folk 😂

[@markiusgalfordii9248]

Too bad there isn't a device you can hook up to your bike that will blow the leaves away while you ride down the trail that would be cool LOL