The Queen's Ransom - A Winter Escape

[@albert85b]

After Chris Wilson's video, and now this, I have never been more PUMPED to visit AZ!!!

[@troyvanlee1]

Frick I love it there. I have done two adventures there one on foot and another bikepacking. Its a magical place.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It's got all the special sauce.

[@Jasmine-zi2qh]

Really loved the editing on this one, Neil. That old Americana vibe with the slide guitar. Love it.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks so much!

[@Incorruptus1]

Wow! As a European I envy your US Environment. Simply awesome.

[@ilyalope]

perfect timing! I'm starting this route on Sunday.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

You are going to loooooove it!

[@pnwbikepacking]

Yay, been so excited for this to drop. That was a great watch, awesome work Neil and crew. There was so much trash on that road! I thought of doing an entire trash bit too Bahah. Always excited for new videos from you Neil! Cheers!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks Chris, it seems like you are getting the short end of the stick as far as cold temperatures are concerned recently, lol. I think we may have hit 32f one night we were out there. I actually just finished your video of the route, great stuff. You covered it all, and gave fair warning that its not the easiest route out there. That's a solid solo tour if you ask me. If you get the chance, do the 300 mile stretch of the AZT from Parker Canyon Lake to the Picket Post Trail head. You need to time it right, with Mt. Lemmon, but its hands down some of the best 300 mile bikepacking stretch out there. Not easy by any stretch, but so rewarding.

[@jrbechthold]

Absolutely gorgeous video! Love the perspective of the harsh, beautiful landscape!

[@ronjones-yl2gv]

It’s a great route! John did an amazing job creating it. Every year typically around beginning of March, John will host a group ride. Usually around 20 riders from around the country and overseas. He has been doing it for 10 years now.

[@tomassumter-rx7tf]

You were probably following our tracks on the QR. Loved seeing the highlights from your trip! Brought back many good memories.

[@mihaylo_kovin]

Arizona at February.... wow! Thanks for sharing this adventure with us!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It’s really a special place.

[@Outsideville]

In Arizona and someone chose Subway over Mexican? I'm not sure we can still be friends. 😉

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

well, one was twice as much as the other.

[@rogerhart612]

Awesome video . Beautiful country.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It really is!

[@TheWoodyworker]

Neil, great fun watching. That camera is soooo good.

[@MachineSwede]

As someone from Phoenix who rides most of the areas you guys passed through, this looks like an absolute epic trip. I've been staring at this route for quite some time now and I think it may finally be time to tackle it. Thanks for sharing, and glad you guys got to enjoy some of the most epic trails the Valley of the Sun has to offer 🤙🏼

[@RobParker8]

Had to watch that one on the big screen. Very cool! Good job to you and the crew!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Yeah Rob, thanks for doing that. Some videos are better viewed on the big screen for sure! The drone is a really nice addition and made for some sweet shots.

[@pedalingnowhere]

Nice work!

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Brushing up on ya hardtail skills neil 👍

[@onestep4me]

Man you guys travel light!

[@ethanreed6191]

These videos are awesome! Love to see reporting on these routes

[@BBurton1231]

The "half-pipey" trail is called K-Trail. There is a sweet optional rock face at the top of it. Great video. Miss living in Mesa.

[@joshhicks8874]

great drone footage dude!!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

working on it, this was the second time I used it, lol.

[@larrywhite8590]

Awesome! and to get back on the ATB definition horse ;-), this really illustrates why if you have a flat bar boost ATB that a suspension fork is the logical choice. With flatbars you are going to want to ride this stuff. That would not have been fun on drops. Mind you it would not have been fun with a rigid fork either ;-).

[@mtboverland]

Great film, looks like an epic trip

[@seanwgg]

Love the route report videos! Keep them coming!

[@crlarner]

Great video! Really enjoy watching your videos for their camerawork, story, and insight. Not a big fan of the desert, but this video has me jonesin for a road trip. Had white rim on my bucket list, but have been replaced with this one. Sorry if I missed it, but how many miles. Awesome work

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. The full route can be found here: bikepacking.com/routes/queens-ransom/

[@FATKEVMTB]

AZ resident for 17 years and still haven’t even ridden half of the available trails.

[@Silidons91]

Man, I need to find some folks I could do this kind of stuff with.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It's not easy to do, but once you find a solid crew, it really helps with all aspects.

[@scottbraden14]

It would be super cool to know what bikes each guy chose for their sick expedition!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Andrew was on this bike: bikepacking.com/bikes/2023-esker-hayduke-review/ and I was on the Viral Derive, I should have a a review out on this bike this month. viral.bike/shop/p/viralderive

[@MrQuestful]

As usual, I look forward to your review, but this is a bike I’m particularly keen to hear about. I got to meet the founder of Viral at NAHBS in Sacramento back in 2019, Steve Domahidy. To me, he’s one of the unsung heroes of the bike industry. He helped popularize the 29” wheel format as a cofounder of Niner bikes, he helped make the Faraday e-bike concept a real bike (which was a feat I personally admire most) and I trust he has novel thoughts on how to make a great adventure bike. We geeked out about pinion drives, and I hope they become more of a norm.

[@BoiseDawg11]

Hey, when you guys are riding in the desert (with no trees for a bear bag), where do you stash your food to keep away from the critters?

[@ronjones-yl2gv]

Typically the winter isn’t an issue. Frame bag or the harness bag will protect food. Has it gets warmer, you have to be careful with your tubing for a camelback. The mice and ETC, will chew thru it to get water.

[@BoiseDawg11]

@@ronjones-yl2gv Sorry, should have been more specific: really asking about overnight. Do you store in your tent, leave in a frame bag, etc?

[@ronjones-yl2gv]

I keep all food in my frame bag. I live in the desert. I haven’t had any issues yet with critters trying to get at my good. I’ve had burritos, peanut butter and banana sandwiches. No issues.

[@BoiseDawg11]

@@ronjones-yl2gv Good to hear. Thanks for the feedback!

[@LVang152]

Who rides the priority bike or pinion bike? How does that handle the ride on this trip?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I did (Neil), I should have review the Viral Derive soon. It worked great, but I do have some important thoughts. Wish I could get it out sooner. stay tuned.

[@samet_akkaya]

🚴

[@rogerhart612]

I'm interested in what are some of your favorite cycling clothes and brands.

[@BenHammerPhotography]

My home.

[@notpablo8369]

Whats the bike you guys using on this epic route?🔥🔥🔥

[@mhe8545]

What a shame people trash up the world. The rest of your ride was incredible.

[@Armour783]

How did you guys get all your bikes to Arizona? Or did you just borrow bikes while there?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

We flew with them.

[@bosun120]

What bike is that at 2:10? Looks like a custom Pinion Gates?

[@Davis2001r6]

Fast eyes, I missed it. Maybe a Pilot Locum Pinion?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It the Viral Derive, I should have a review up soon on it. viral.bike/shop/p/viralderive

[@_MPP_]

What's the song at 5:59?

[@rhettmelerine3551]

Mmmm, mattress...? Priceless

[@riskyrax]

maybe you can drop off your styro cup o noodle off at that dump 👍

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Could you do me a favor… Invest in plant based packaging and put those dinners/snacks in every hole the wall convenience store. Much appreciated.

[@FATKEVMTB]

AZ resident for 17 years and still haven’t even ridden half of the available trails.