The Adventure Begins - The Great Divide 2023 - Part 1 (Day 1-4)

[@naryanclaudy2116]

This is amazing and so inspiring. No matter if you’re into biking or not

[@frankducett9]

Great video. Unhurried as it should be. Can't imagine racing that, that would be a waste, enjoy it. And thank you.

[@matryderadventures]

I'm enjoying this pace. 50 miles per day gives me chance to enjoy the surroundings. Cheers 👍

[@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx]

I would love to do that route, but I am too afraid of bears and mountain lions. Glad your experience was safe and enjoyable!

[@leebert7624]

Good on ya , living the dream 😊

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Yes, it’s impressive. Just wish I had the funds to do a trip like this. Like his you tube style, interesting and nice to watch.

[@matryderadventures]

It's amazing. I'll try to keep a record of costs etc. I think it could be done fairly cheaply but it's the time of work that's the real killer.

[@HubertJ1909]

I feel perhaps that the good people of Kananaskis have a rather dark sense of humour to build a visitor centre that presents you with all the animals that might ravage you on the trail, I imagine the staff get a good laugh watching the bikepackers trying to peddle off with their legs a quiver. It looks like you're having a great time. Try to relax into the ride, the path ahead will be waiting whatever pace you travel at, enjoy each day.

[@matryderadventures]

I didn't think of it that way. They just want us all to go home and stop cluttering up their trail. It's a museum of terror. I'm having such a good time out here. I'm currently in someone's back garden, drinking free beer and playing catch with a dog called Rosie. Life is very very good

[@gordonmculloch4904]

There’s no rush. “Take time to smell the roses”. Settle in and enjoy. 👍

[@matryderadventures]

I'm taking a day off today at Whitefish lake. I'm tempted to push on but you're completely right. There's no rush.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

@@matryderadventures rather than suffering, give yourself time to recover, and enjoy your self. 👍

[@depravedmonk1]

Sesame Street pin ball. You brought back great memories of my youth. I also plan to do the great divide in a few years.. :-)

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

This guy cracks me up! Him and his ice cream. Nothing better when your body is screaming for it. You don't sound like a dick, you are keeping yourself safe

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 nothing beats ice cream when you've been riding all day. Better even than a beer!!

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

@@matryderadventures yes, I'm 3rd generation Irish and appreciate a good beer. I've lived in Colorado and now in Southwest Arizona. Have been on my motorcycle to Silver City as well. You are sort of the Ricky Gervais (huge fan) traveling cyclist. When I do century road rides I always end with an ice cream. Stay safe friend. Enjoyed your narration and excellent positively human interactions.

[@louspeed1]

School House Rock! I'm enjoying your adventure and your great attitude.

[@matryderadventures]

👍 It's nice to hear when people enjoy watching.

[@patdunne3277]

Cheers Mat incredible journey so far ( and your only starting 😀) sooooo jealous looks fantastic!! Looking forward to your nxt video. 👍

[@matryderadventures]

👍 Thanks. It is absolutely amazing out here. I have filmed quite a bit more stuff so another video should be out soon. Thanks for watching!!!!

[@bikesandbeyond618]

Wow. Just wow! Great views. I appreciate your relaxed or reserved approach to your trip. Not a race…but a trip to enjoy.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'm trying my best to not rush through. It's not difficult with all the amazing scenery. I'll take a day off today at Whitefish Lake and maybe go for a swim. Cheers 👍

[@kevindean9613]

Don't forget to do stretching pre & post rides .

[@matryderadventures]

I won't. I only do a few simple stretches but I'm sure they're helping. Cheers.

[@VABigRing]

Loved the look when you pulled the desiccant out of the meal pouch!

[@matryderadventures]

I do that every time!!! Very annoying. Thanks for watching 👍👍.

[@scottsterry8119]

You’re certainly going to love looking back on these videos over the upcoming years. Astonishing views and memories!

[@matryderadventures]

It really is nice to know that I have a permanent record of these trips. It's one of the main reasons for making these videos. Cheers 👍

[@thomash7573]

That bear warning song of yours is from Sesame Street! When I ride a longer distance I unfortunately get the Christopher Cross song ‘Ride Like the Wind’ playing on loop in my head for hours. It is a fitting song for you case - “Got such a long way to go. To make it to the border of Mexico”. Great videos, thank you!

[@matryderadventures]

Correct!!!!!! I loved Sesame Street. You may have put that Christopher Cross song in my head now 😳. I've had a recurring Billy Joel song for about 8 years!!! I'll look up the Mexico border song. Thanks for following 👍👍

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Your doing great. 👍 camera work and your interaction with the camera is top class. Brilliant adventure ahead

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It's good to get feedback. It's amazing out here.

[@quigleyoutside]

I'm excited to do this with you. Thanks and best...pops

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It was an amazing trip. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@wendym5137]

Fantastic, wow, all of it 👌 thank you . I can't get over the spectacular views

[@matryderadventures]

Neither can I. It's unreal. Thanks for following along!! Gary told me that you watch all my videos!!!

[@peterbeardsley419]

Great video, what an adventure! I look forwards to seeing more. Thanks for sharing.

[@matryderadventures]

It's amazing here. I'm very lucky. There will be another video soon. I'm on day 8 and am taking a day off in Whitefish, Montana.

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

I like your narration on the videos. Makes a big difference versus just watching the trip views

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Nice feedback. It's difficult to get a good balance so it's nice to hear what people think. Cheers 👍

[@welshwoodsman]

Well done so far. So jealous! Keep the videos coming, scenery is stunning. Just make sure you fuel up big time each night or you’ll have no legs the next day. All the best from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers! I'm starting to eat more and am getting the hang of eating regularly through the day. Thanks for following 👍

[@cmortimernz]

Thanks for sharing your journey Matt. I've just finished watching your whole trip. I'm about to do my own bikebacking trip down the North Island of New Zealand (Tour Aotearoa), and your videos have given me even more motivation. I also watched a lot of the videos with my wife and planted the seed that maybe the Great Divide will be added to the bucket list

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. I would love to do the Tour Aotearoa. I'm thinking 2025. It looks incredible. I'd love to hear how you get on with it. Cheers 👍

[@Naufrago_Sur]

Is for the video! Looking forward to catching up on the others.

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. Thanks for the support. Hope you enjoy the others. Cheers 👍👍

[@I_Am_Bone]

Great video! I really enjoyed watching this and pointing out the trails, and the stops I also experienced when I rode from Canmore to Vancouver. The Elk Pass was a particularly fun (crazy hard) ride after the incredible beauty of Kananaskis. I took the single-track out of the SW of the campground instead of the smarter route out of the parking lot up and over the pass via the powerline road. Pulling a 60 LB trailer was an added challenge.... Anyway, I loved seeing the things I felt too rushed to explore and film more. It was my very first bikepacking trip, and I would do some things very differently. I did it to raise funds for childrens cancer, and would do it all again. Headed to watch more!

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've never experienced pulling a trailer. 60lb! Sounds like work, especially on single track. I'm sure the funds you raised were appreciated!! Cheers 👍

[@obikedog]

Another awesome trip recap. Glad you got to see a bear (from a distance!) fwiw I rewound the footage several times and could not find what you're seeing.

[@thesuperfunkomatic]

Thanks for sharing your journey. You're inspiring me to complete it in sections since this first bit is right outside my door from Calgary. It's really cool to see some of these local sights and places I've been from the perspective of someone who isn't from here. Reminds me how great this part of the Rockies really is. :)

[@matryderadventures]

You live in an incredibly beautiful place. I hope you manage to get out and ride this route. The Canada section is exceptional. Cheers 👍

[@joelofarc13]

Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Would so love to do this!

[@matryderadventures]

I'd definitely recommend it if you ever get chance. It's incredible. Thanks for following 👍

[@olafjensen4508]

Well done, fella

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers 👍

[@impossiblevoices]

Amazing effort so far! Great video - thanks for bringing us along.

[@matryderadventures]

No problem. It feels a bit like someone's with me when I'm filming so it's my pleasure. Cheers 👍

[@rolk9581]

You are off to a great start, keep up the good work! Really enjoying the series so far, cheers.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Glad you like it. Another video should be out soon. Cheers 👍

[@anne9616]

Great videos. Looking forward to sharing the trail with you. Thank you.

[@matryderadventures]

I'm glad you like them. Thanks for following along 👍

[@thewelshwolverine9093]

Great start

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers 👍👍

[@davejack3054]

Glad to see you enjoyed Kananaskis, as a local I think we are at risk of taking it for granted as strange as that may seem. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your adventures on the GDMBR.

[@matryderadventures]

I loved those first few days. Possibly the best scenery on the whole trip. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@Paul540]

Really enjoying watching this adventure and the scenery is absolutely amazing. Looking forward to the next installment, stay safe and enjoy the ride 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. It's awesome out here. I'm in Montana and some of the views are stunning. Thanks for following along 👍

[@1uniqueislander968]

Lol I love that pin ball counting song, classic. 😂 I was singing 99 bottles in Hokkaido 🚴 Found your channel, enjoying your video journey. Great work on your video👍

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers. I'm glad you liked it. Another singer!! I loved Sesame Street when I was a kid and that song has stuck with me all these years. Cheers 👍

[@jemmaamortimer]

I’m loving following your journey so far. The scenery is breathtaking. I’m glad that bear spray is firmly fixed to you at all time. This makes a very happy Caroline!!! Enjoy and keep safe 😊

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks Jodie. It is pretty amazing out here. The scenery changes every day. Caroline can sleep easy. Bear spray is always with me...

[@Bikepacker]

Hi Mat! Really enjoying the videos. I miss the route so much - it's SO beautiful!!

[@matryderadventures]

It really is. I'm in Colorado at the moment. Heading for Salida. It's a bit like Wyoming here. Glad you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for following along 👍

[@richardstoner866]

Having discovered your channel a month ago, I’m enjoying catching up on your travels…..this is epic! Thanks….✊

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. That was an incredible trip. I loved the gdmbr. Thanks for watching 👍

[@RonSuchanek]

Brilliant! I stopped at the Brickhouse in Fernie for lunch when I was on the route this year. I look forward to seeing the rest of your trip.

[@matryderadventures]

Fernie was a nice town. Thanks for following along 👍

[@GaryM492]

Find those ice baths and you'll feel 21 again, and be good to go!!

[@matryderadventures]

Or.......beer? I find it does the same thing. I'm drinking one now as it happens..........

[@timparsons2741]

Love your baseball cap .

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I stole it from my brother!

[@juliethrower1185]

Cheers 🍹. 😲 omg those views are breathtaking, they have got to be worth the leg pain. Bet you didn't pack your deep heat. Maybe try soaking them in a cold lake? Lovely watch, it all looks amazing ❤. Let's hope they were the only bears you come across. Keep up the good work Mat😊

[@matryderadventures]

The scenery is incredible. Luckily I'm at a lake today and I'm definitely planning on spending a while in it. Day off for me. I need to recover. It was an amazing first week. Thanks for watching!!!!

[@christrisnan6209]

Spectacular scenery Matt. Looking forward to the rest of the adventure

[@matryderadventures]

It's beyond belief out here. Another video should be out soon. Thanks for following along 👍☺️

[@christineryder92]

Great video Math. I’m glad you’re telling us where you are. It’s interesting and the song was from Sesame Street. Take care x

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 It was Sesame Street. I'll try to keep up the place names. I'm in Whitefish but you probably know that already. Time to go to the lake and do nothing!!!!

[@lesteph101]

Superbe aventure ,bravo mat …tres hate de voir la suite …soyez prudent.

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. I had a 20 mile day today and feel rested. Cheers 👍

[@ducky4258]

9:00 That fog moving has to be a great view!

[@matryderadventures]

I just had a look. It was my first morning on trail and I'll never forget it. The sun warming me up and the mist on the water. Amazing! Cheers 👍

[@mpct400]

If one stays at the Sparwood campground, and gets a reasonably early start, the singletrack route to Fernie east of the hwy is absolutely beautiful. It takes much longer and is too much of a tackle from Elkford to Fernie in a day by mere mortals. This route goes right past the Hosmer ruins. There are lots of crossroads back out to that rough powerline road or hwy 3. Safe journies.

[@matryderadventures]

Very interesting. There wasn't much single track on the GDMBR so I may have given that a try. Maybe I'll end up over there again some day. Cheers 👍

[@JakeBikeAU]

Congrats on 5K!

[@matryderadventures]

Crazy. I can hardly believe it. Cheers 👍

[@struanmills5710]

Hey Mat. Just catching up on your GDMBR videos. Great stuff. FYI a Cougar is very much bigger than a lynx. I saw one from a distance once (cycling in the Yukon) and I must say I'm very glad it just carried on across the road. They are very big cats and I wouldn't fancy my chances against one!!

[@matryderadventures]

I haven't seen one yet but think I'd like to see one the way you did. Cheers 👍

[@ephemeralexcursions]

It is not silly talking outloud to the bears if you are in bear country! It is smart. Singing is good, too. Love the video. I'm gearing up to continue my GDMBR journey this spring, and this is great motivation and inspiration. I rode in 2021 from Antelope Wells, NM to Lava Mountain Lodge in WY before my legs quit on me, and I ran out of vacation time. The Divide is magical.

[@matryderadventures]

Good luck on your return. You've already done the hardest part, in my opinion anyway. Montana and Canada are amazing. Cheers 👍

[@ephemeralexcursions]

I fell in love with New Mexico it has been my favorite so far.

[@matryderadventures]

I loved it too. I liked the feeling of isolation. Such a cool place. The people were awesome too.

[@luthermclain2959]

Hey Mat, I realized I missed a few of your GDMBR videos, so I"m going through the full catalogue. I'm really enjoying this one, as I lived in Canmore and Calgary for over 30 years and it's great to see some very familiar mountain landscapes and locales. I hope you are enjoying America's midwest now on your Trans-Am ride. Looks like you just missed crossing Lael's track by a day or two.. Cheers!

[@Red-b1j]

Unfiltered Mountain water is always amusing to me when people say it's refreshing. You saw bear scat near the river, do you know where it washes to in every rain? Elk, raccoons, all the wild animals just pissing and pooping in it, not the mention the fish.

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

Man... I'll be 50 soon. I need to develop an exit strategy so I can do this stuff.

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

25:00 Ah, the counting song on Sesame Street circa 1977. Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once and a while, you'll miss it.

[@matryderadventures]

Definitely!!! There's no time to waste. I love that Sesame Street song. Thanks for watching 👍

[@matryderadventures]

Exit strategy 🤣🤣

[@Doogiecdog]

Been watching your GDMBR adventure on television. On video 5. Just wanted to say ‘Awesome job’ so far. Can’t wait to see if you make it. Tempted to skip ahead to find out but that would ruin everything. 🤙

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks!! I won't spoil it for you 🤣🤣.

[@randallgd]

Awesome new subscriber :)

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent 👍👍👍 Thanks.

[@jacqueline7118]

I enjoy hiking as well, backpacking too! The only thing I find is as I age I need to update gear to some lighter stuff. I am in that process but the light stuff is super expensive but all in all, worth it to be able to continue to do it. :) I haven't done a weeks trip for quite a few years. I have done some really challenging ones but I fear my days of those could be over, maybe but maybe not. LOL Getting older physically, sucks! haha! You are absolutely right about a lynx and a cougar being not the same. Lynx are quite elusive and will not eat you, unless you are already dead but if you are then you're fair game! Cougars scare me a bit I admit, so does the grizzly bear. I would love to see both, but not up close and personal. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the rest of your journey as it unfolds. :) :)

[@matryderadventures]

You're right. The lighter the equipment the heavier the stack of cash required to pay for it. Anything to keep hiking for longer is worth it though. If I'm already dead then a Lynx is welcome to eat me. Cougars, I'm told, actually stalk you. I'll keep a look out.

[@jacqueline7118]

Keep your eyes high, in the trees as well as ground level. :)

[@matryderadventures]

@@jacqueline7118 I didn't consider threats from above!!!! I'll be vigilant....

[@twowheelsintokyo7039]

Well, you talked me into it, and I talked to a friend who is as crazy as I am, and he will join me. We are both busy, and don’t have as much time as you did to complete your ride. So we’ll join the Tour Divide race next year, and hopefully finish in time to get back to our busy lives.

[@matryderadventures]

Fantastic. You'll love it out there. It's epic. Keep me posted.

[@Bikepacking]

Brillant just see my old tanka truck it real lol

[@matryderadventures]

🤣🤣

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures Tonka meant to say

[@parduez]

Awesome bro. I can’t believe the first person you met is from Cardiff. I need to go back to Canada.

[@matryderadventures]

I know. Small world. Crazy isn't it. Maybe a hiking trip here??

[@thedoopa3169]

Lynx cougar and mountain lion are not the same but are used interchangeably. In my experience they tend to be called cougar in the western and northern areas and mountain lion on the south end and eastern most parts of the country.

[@alanhanley9515]

The legs will come, they always do, just keep the initial mileage sensible, it's not a race as they say!

[@matryderadventures]

I'm hoping a day off today will help. I can feel my legs getting stronger but a recovery day feels right.

[@justinf1343]

Great advice. You see so many folk attempt the GDMBR and scratch 3 days later. What do they expect, when there longest ride to date was 4 hours and they go and do 12 hours and wonder why they are destroyed.

[@tonypaddler]

It's great to finally see you on the trail Mat, and I'm sure you'll know to keep your daily mileage on the low side for the first week until your legs get used to pushing a heavy load. A fishing rod bell clipped onto your bars would alert the bears of your presence, thereby foregoing the need to sing Sesame Street songs in the wrong key ... 😉 Looking forward to part 2 🚴‍♂️👍

[@matryderadventures]

In the wrong key 🤣🤣 I genuinely laughed out loud at that. I'll get a bell, or take singing lessons. I'm going to sing a different Sesame street song just for you. I'll be sure to sing it a semitone out!!!

[@SuzieCurtlin]

@@matryderadventures what about Mah Na Mah Na by The Muppets!

[@tonypaddler]

@@matryderadventures ah, there's nothing wrong with your voice per se, I was just worried about the reactions of a grizzly bear coming face to face with a melodic cookie monster...

[@Paul540]

@@matryderadventures To be fair, I thought the singing was half decent, way better than any strangled cat type noise that I'd emit anyway 😂

[@matryderadventures]

Done!!!!

[@PLuKE06]

Catching up on the videos. I must say it looks absolutely stunning, how can you come back to the UK with views like this. Keep them coming, great to see your progress and the videos tick along smoothly!

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Luke. I'd miss the beautiful sights of Ipswich... And The Cricketers 🤣

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

At least your doing it, the majority of us will never do it 👍👍🙂 The longest I’ve done is 2 weeks in outer Hebrides and Skye and I found that more of a mental and logistical challenge than physical. Ps I see you are wearing the compulsory American bikepacking divide flannel shirt 😏😆 I tried my best to eat real foods (not easy). I try to use those dehydrated food bags only when really need them (I carry a couple) as I’ve found I can eat them but the other end is not nice 😐 😮. More than two days eating the bags is not great Just thinking, do you have to hang your food away from where you are camping due to the bears?

[@matryderadventures]

I'd love to get out and ride in the outer Hebrides. I imagine it's tough but rewarding. I love this shirt. Being able to unbutton it on fast descents and cool off is amazing. I agree with you regarding those horrible freeze dried foods. I'm improving my diet as I go. I'm passing through a lot of towns at the moment so there's no shortage of good food. I have an Ursak bear proof bag. It's designed to be tied to a tree far from camp. I am definitely keeping it far from me at night. Cheers 👍

[@Bikepacking]

Tip tie you bike to the guy lines of the tent when you setup camp and get into the route on doing that you never know

[@matryderadventures]

Good idea! That makes good sense. Cheers 👍

[@samtatge8299]

Curry on a bike odyssey. You won’t poop yourself. It’ll be fine! LOL LOL LOL !!!

[@oregoniangal]

When you get into a town, and stop at the library, the pool, etc. where do you keep your bike during those times?

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I had a very small lightweight lock and tried to lock it somewhere busy. The libraries always have bike racks and seemed to be a safe bet. I'll be honest and say I was always nervous about leaving the bike out of sight but there's not much choice. Cheers 👍

[@christrower]

Amazing that the first person you met was from Cardiff! what were the chances. Caerphilly here

[@matryderadventures]

It's crazy. He used to work 10 minutes walk from my house. I love Caerphilly. Great walks and great cheese. Cheers 👍

[@surfbodi.0015]

Hey there. Only just found your channel and enjoying this series. It would be amazing to do this someday. I laughed mind as I bikepacked to the Gower last weekend and got a bit lonely on a one nighter 😄 I do wonder if some riders struggle with that on long trips. By the way, I thought I was the only weirdo to still have the Sesame Street pinball song in my head. Turns out not 😂

[@matryderadventures]

Excellent. I'm glad you're enjoying these videos. I love the Gower.. I think, after a few nights you get used to being alone. Saying that, I ended up meeting people at most campsites on the trip. Sesame Street was definitely the best show when we were kids. The alternative was Swap Shop....boring!!!!

[@adriansmith38]

Enjoyed that. Struggling to find part 2 ?

[@matryderadventures]

Glad that you enjoyed it. Here is a link to the playlist of the whole trip: kzbin.info/aero/PL3-zVwEVdJ-UbC1DT4tSGgyfi55qLcGPX&si=9qaj-bAYIPa4p-zw Hope that works! If not just go on my channel and it will be under playlists.

[@jkllholland]

Brilliant videos, your song is from sesame street, I'm 50 this year and still sing it lol

[@matryderadventures]

You got it. I loved Sesame Street. I was pre Elmo.

[@jkllholland]

@@matryderadventures "brought to you in association with the childrens television workshop" I always remember that part for some reason lol, and yeah Elmo turned up first when I was 6 🙂

[@egalegal2058]

One or two days Bikepacking most people can just do. But for a multiweek adventure you need the first four to twelve days to be your practice. Just keep hydrated, have food and maybe even good food, take your rest and your legs will become better. Once you reached Helena you’ll feel like racing the divide next year.

[@matryderadventures]

Nice to hear. I did 20 miles today, just because I wanted to get out of town. I feel better for the short day and am starting to feel good. I messed up on hydration yesterday. I'm lucky I was headed into a town.

[@egalegal2058]

@@matryderadventures hydration is key. But if you drink too much you need to add electrolytes and salt. I missed that last year in a heat wave and it took me a day of sleeping and eating to recover. I did better last weekend and could fairly easy pedal 30 hours in three days through a heat wave.

[@matryderadventures]

I think that's exactly what I did wrong. I'm picking up lots of electrolytes today in Ovando. It makes a huge difference. Cheers.

[@ragleytrigadventures7422]

Just wow. The whole trip and what an adventure sir 😮. Maybe I’ll be able to do it one day. Btw. How many days are you looking for to finish it in. Regards

[@matryderadventures]

It's incredible. If you get chance, just go for it. I'm anticipating about 2 months but it may take a bit longer. Cheers 👍

[@julianhawker7672]

EPIC views! looks ace. Do bears largely leave people alone and go for the food stash? the thought of a grizzly bear in the tent during the night , scares the pants off me!!!! I would be impressed if you can do a "Bert and Ernie" impression! ;-)

[@matryderadventures]

🤣 I can definitely do Ernie. I'll try to remember to film it for an upcoming video. As far as I know, bears don't want to interact with people. If you startle them you can be in trouble. As for them coming into the tent, that terrifies me too but they only want food so if there's none in the tent you should be ok.

[@scottsugimoto8223]

There's a fellow, if your familiar with the Alaskan Winter event ITI. He finished the 1000 mile event 9 times , before he completed the event by fat bike. He referred to himself as " an imposter " . You , Sir , are a Biker

[@matryderadventures]

We'll, I can't argue with that!!! Cheers Scott 👍

[@colinwatt00]

Did you ride along the High Rockies Trail or the Smith Dorian road? You commented saying it had been dusty for a while so I’m guessing you took the road? Thank you.

[@matryderadventures]

I followed the official ACA GDMBR route and I just checked as I followed my GPS and didn't pay too much attention to place/road names etc. In hindsight I wish I had. The High Rockies trail is listed as an alternate so the official route looks like it follows the Smith Dorian Road. It was a dusty, gravel road. Here's a link to the ACA site which may be more helpful. Cheers. www.adventurecycling.org/blog/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/

[@theexplorer6813]

Living the dream. Enjoy and buy yourself a portable speaker to alert the bears

[@matryderadventures]

Is my singing that bad. I may get a speaker although I'll be out of Grizzly country soon. cheers 👍

[@chromebook2724]

@@matryderadventures grizzly country all the way to pinedale!

[@matryderadventures]

Ah. A while to go then....

[@michaelodesse3286]

Hi Mat. Just wondering what month did you actually start this tour? My wife and I would love to do it next year.

[@matryderadventures]

I started on July 2nd. It worked out well for me. I hope you make it out there next year. You'll love it. Thanks for following along 👍

[@michaelodesse3286]

Thanks for the reply. Have a great day.

[@olafjensen4508]

Try the hill near Todmorden. An incline of 5 miles

[@matryderadventures]

I'll make sure to do that..cheers 👍

[@olafjensen4508]

5.4 miles to be exact. My bus route went up there. In 2 years I saw one serious rider go up and he was about 70, at the time. Made me look pathetic, bless his soul. Cragg Vale

[@hectorcastro2800]

How long it took it to run the whole great divine And wakes, and how many miles to paddle per day 😮

[@matryderadventures]

It took me around 2 months pedalling approximately 50 miles per day....

[@jerhughes500]

Hi Mat, I’m a bit late to the trip but the first 2 videos are amazing! Having lived on Vancouver island for 16 years I totally agree about how beautiful, clean and friendly Canada is. When I first went over there, 1997, I was offered a job in Sparwood! I thought, I’ll just drive over from the island for the interview. Little did I realize how far away it was! I didn’t go and eventually moved from Neath to Victoria BC in 2006. I’ve been cycling daily, in Edinburgh where I currently am, for several months and this trip looks very tempting. I think I’ll be heading back to BC very soon and this could be on my list for next year. I’m waffling, must be a 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 thing. Looking forward to watching the rest of the trip. Did you film it all on a mobile phone? Cheers.

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. I really liked Sparwood.The place with the giant dump truck. From Neath to BC!! That's a big move. I think waffling is a Welsh thing. I'm guilty myself...I can guarantee you'll love it if you ride this trail. It's incredible. I filmed everything on a GoPro 11..

[@deanherde805]

Great video. What tyres are you running?

[@matryderadventures]

At the moment I have a Maxxis Minion DHRII on the back and a Maxxis Rekon on the front both are 2.6". I prefer the Rekon and will probably stick with those from now on. Cheers 👍

[@kevindean9613]

looks absolutely stunning , On the dehydrated food I thought you had to leave the top open to allow the steam to evaporate ?

[@matryderadventures]

I don't know. Maybe some. The one I had said to seal it up. It was horrible anyway so I'm going to avoid them.

[@stevenmeyer512]

HI Matt - First of all really appreciate how good Ross makes you look! Just kidding. My wife and I truly enjoy your video's and I hope you realize how helpful your experience is to others. I'm leaving Texas for Calgary June 25th and hopefully arrive at the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge late that afternoon. I had a couple questions if you have time. How much cash did you carry and do you need to exchange for CA Dollars for the 4-5 days in Canada before reaching the USA? The Banff Airporter says it doesn't drop off at the lodge and the RMSL is about 1.5 miles away...don't fancy hauling a bike box there so did you sweet talk the bus driver or get a cab/uber/new friend?

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. That's a fair enough comment..I throw a lot of footage at Ross and he has a knack for making me look like I sort of know what I'm doing. I'm really glad you find it useful. I can't remember exactly what I carried money wise, but think it was about 40 dollars Canadian which I got from a cash machine at the airport. I didn't use it all so ended up using it in Montana. They seemed happy to accept it there. I couldn't get the transfer to drop me off at the lodge so called for a taxi. I just used the first local firm which came up on Google. It all worked great. It was a much shorter journey than I thought so am sure I could have got a ride. They drop you near to a set of shops and there were loads of people around. I'm seriously jealous. I wish I was heading back out there. It's incredible. You'll love it. Good luck.

[@stevenmeyer512]

@@matryderadventures Thanks for writing back while you're traversing Europe! As you said in one of the video's you're excited and a little nervous to do this, mainly just want to get started. Like you I backpack a fair amount but haven't ever really bikepacked so it will be quite the experience! Maybe I need to find a lucky penny as you did ion Canmore. Still planning on doing the Tran-America this summer? Maybe at least our paths will cross, Happy Trails.

[@matryderadventures]

I think you'll feel the same way as I did. By the end of day one most of the nerves had gone. I'm still heading off on the TransAm. I arrive in Portland on July 22nd. Maybe our paths will cross. Good luck 🤞

[@JimOrr-s8x]

Hi, Matt, on day 4 you went off course to a dead end, did it take long to get back on route ? And did you use a Wahoo round gps ? Fantastic video btw !😎👍

[@matryderadventures]

Hi. It took around an hour to get back on the trail. I took a ridiculous detour through loads of scrub. Not clever! I used the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. That was the only wrong turn on the whole route. Cheers. 👍

[@astridvanbreenen3757]

Hi Matt, have been binge watching your video’s. Now I’m gonna check them all again and ask a lot of questions. Hope that’s okay? First ones: How cold were the evenings and nights in Canada? Your Zpacks doesn’t look very warm and insulated. How did you stay warm and comfortable?

[@matryderadventures]

Ask as many questions as you like. I'll never get tired of answering them. Canada did get a bit cold but stayed just above freezing. The Z Packs Duplex offers no insulation at all but I had a 20 degree Enlightened Equipment quilt which kept me warm. My sleeping pad wasn't warm enough. I would have ideally brought my Thermarest X Therm for the first part of the journey.

[@astridvanbreenen3757]

Thanks Matt! I think I’m even more afraid of cold then bears, so I’ll take my Hilleberg and Exped 7R mat. Heavier but worth it, I hope. 😊 My compliments for your video’s. I have been watching a lot lately and yours are standing out. Both in quality as for all the information. Really well done and very helpful! 🙏🏼

[@matryderadventures]

@astridvanbreenen3757 you can't go wrong with a Hilleberg. I don't think weight is such an issue on the bike anyway, unless you're pushing. Thanks for great feedback. Cheers.

[@astridvanbreenen3757]

Hi there Mat, hope you’re doing fine. Just wanted to let you know I booked my ticket to Calgary and my EE quilt. GDMBR here I come! 😁 And off course I’ve got another question… What e-sim did you use for your phone? Data more important than phone calls. And is there one sim for Canada and US, or did you have two?

[@matryderadventures]

Fantastic!!! That's great news. I have a UK simm which allows me to use data etc. overseas so I didn't buy a US simm. The signal is very patchy on the route so I relied mainly on WiFi in towns and found it very easy to find most of the time. I did consider getting an e-simm and looked at a company called holafly.com but have no idea how good/bad they are.

[@Bikepacking]

Cool what you using to edit on

[@matryderadventures]

I don't do any editing. Ross does it all. I just upload loads of nonsense footage and he makes it look good. I think he might use Power Director.

[@TheCoopsvids]

Well done Matt loving the journey so far … are you on Strava mate? Atb Coops 👍🏻🚴🍻

[@matryderadventures]

Cheers Coops. I'm not on Strava. I have Komoot but am not really tracking it on there. I'll maybe look into it.

[@TheCoopsvids]

@@matryderadventures yeah there’s groups on Stava too … I,m in an over 50s one and if I post a local ride I get about 300 likes so you should get miles more ..cheeky link to you YT bio more subs more views happy days 👍🏻🚴🍻

[@rykie5]

Sesame Street dong with 1970’s psychedelic acid trip cartoon. I was always fixated with the marble or ball rolling and falling in the holes….. Does beg the question though: how old are you?

[@matryderadventures]

I remember the marble thing too. I'm 49 (50 in September). Now you mention it there were some weird segments on Sesame Street. I still loved it though. The only other option was Noel Edmunds on Swapshop which was b#&£ocks!!!

[@billbike9573]

Great views Mat! Amazing landscape. What camera do you use and what do you do about post-processing? Or is this raw image (MP4) from the camera and you just made it into a timeline?

[@matryderadventures]

I use a GoPro Hero 11. As for post processing, that's all done by Ross, I just upload all the 4K footage. He uses Power Director. Cheers 👍

[@naryanclaudy2116]

How do you get this amazing drone shots? There is no way you are controlling a drone and riding at the same time ??

[@matryderadventures]

I do control the drone while riding but probably shouldn't. I mess up most shots.

[@naryanclaudy2116]

@@matryderadventures incredible man. How long did it take you to prepare for your first long distance ride? I just discovered your channel otherwise I would have met you in Columbus!!

[@matryderadventures]

​@@naryanclaudy2116Not too long. I started pretty slowly and built up my strength along the way.

[@chromebook2724]

Not bad for a non biker. i'm glad it's all working out for you. i just read that the huckleberries are ripe in Montana. ps, you don't need to cool hot discs down

[@matryderadventures]

Thanks. Ive been looking for huckleberries but haven't found any. I'll keep looking. Thanks for the tip about the discs. I know nothing!!!

[@chromebook2724]

@@matryderadventures Did you use the phone app when setting the tension on your gates drive belt ? the Ryan van duzer belt fail video is a good resource.

[@matryderadventures]

I did use the app. It's pretty ingenious. I'll watch his video anyway. Thanks for letting me know about it 👍

[@PaulTrustham]

Just wondering why you are referring to distances in Canada as "miles". We measure with kilometres. The USA however, does measure distances travelled in miles.

[@matryderadventures]

I mix and match between Imperial and metric, I prefer metric, but in the UK we tend to use metric for most things, the exception being long distances which are always in miles. I would also sometimes find myself giving heights in feet just as the signs in the US would give them that way. Thanks for watching 👍

[@PaulTrustham]

I hear you Mat. Thanks. @@matryderadventures

[@sipeb7543]

How many days should it take?

[@matryderadventures]

I'm guessing around 60 days but that's at a reasonably leisurely pace. Honestly, I dawdle a lot. It's just too beautiful to rush through.

[@jamesbrittain9564]

Where's the Wall? Where's Koko Claims!? If you say your doing the Divide - Do the Divide! :(

[@matryderadventures]

I'm not doing the Tour Divide. I'm doing the GDMBR. 'The Wall' and Koko claims are not part of the ACA GDMBR route. Maybe they're on the Tour Divide. These routes are different. Easy mistake to make.

[@Trueace21005]

So you didn't worry about eating in the camp site.. the bears etc? I thought you were supposed to eat away from your campsite... like at least 100 yards... then bear cannister your stuff far away too??

[@matryderadventures]

I used an Ursak for most of the trip and switched to a bear bag later on. There's no way I can think of to take a bear cannister bikepacking. If there were no bear lockers I hung my food in trees or from bridges somewhere away from the campsite. I didn't eat away from camp but made sure nothing with an odour remained in the camp. I think it is suggested that you eat away from your campsite but felt I was cautious enough. You could argue that you can't be too cautious and I'd agree, but that was where I drew my line. Cheers 👍

[@Trueace21005]

@@matryderadventures Yeah makes sense.. the more I read about bears.. the more they scare me loll.. how intelligent they are... and also their sense of smell is much stronger than a blood hounds!! Then again.. they know humans can be trouble for them too and they are mostly eating plants etc.... but that sense of smell fact is quite scary heh. Thanks.

[@matryderadventures]

They are incredibly scary. I was relieved when I left Grizzly country about half way through. I think a fear of bears is pretty healthy.

[@Trueace21005]

@@matryderadventures I honestly think I will only ride with a group in grizzly country... who are armed and also bear spray.. then you are relatively safe I think.. if something does happen.. buddies can cover you or vice versa..

[@matryderadventures]

Definitely a wise move. Make noise when you're by yourself. I did a bit of singing.

[@Bikepacking]

Sesame Street lol dam i am old

[@matryderadventures]

Yep. Like me!!

[@Bikepacking]

Is the camp sites free

[@matryderadventures]

Most are. The municipal ones are cheap. So far, most in Canada are free.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matryderadventures good to know shame about rules for drones dumb rule

[@WildPonyTulip]

Electric company??