The Top Was Too Much - But The Rest Was Awesome!

Strava Link - / strava
Ben Vane is a mountain I've visited on a few occasions now, and up until this day, I'd never gotten to the top.
Well, it was about time that I got it ticked off the list once and for all. The following video will show how successful I was.
Patreon - / mctrailrider
Deviate Cycles - bit.ly/3VqBdFK
Vitus Bikes - vitusbikes.com/
20TwentyBikes - bit.ly/3OVHHt8
PayPal Donations - www.paypal.com...
Bikes
Main bike
Deviate Claymore (custom build) - store.deviatec...
Ebike
Vitus E Sommet VRS - vitusbikes.com...
Camera Gear
Main POV Camera
GoPro Hero 10 - gopro.com/en/g...
Drone
Skydio 2 - www.skydio.com...
Riding Equipment
Full Face helmet
Specialised Gambit - www.specialize...
Open face helmet
POC Tectal - amzn.to/3k7yiAf
Medium sized backpack
USWE Patriot 15 - amzn.to/3kb3yOz
Large backpack
Kriega Trail 18 - amzn.to/37xM75Q
Riding glasses
Oakely Jawbreakers - amzn.to/37wYOOg
One piece suit
Dirtlej Dirtsuit - amzn.to/3bnmPsj
Shoes
5Ten Trailcross - amzn.to/2NsmHzw
Bike computer
Garmin Edge 530 -amzn.to/3aCCV24
Bike Computer Mount - www.76projects...

[@busdriver2011]

The mountains you thought were Ben Vorlich and Stob Binean at Loch Earn were Ben More and Stob Binean. The one you thought was Ben More was in fact Ben Lui, Ben Oss and Ben Duchraig at Tyndrum. Cracking hill, but shocked at how badly worn the path is in places. I would say however the number of walkers is the real issue, especially those who choose to cut across corners on decent paths and around muddy puddles thus widening the worn paths. Keep it up Andy, great videos.

[@McTrailRider]

You are absolutely correct in regard to the mountains, I’ll pin your comment so that everyone can see 👍 As for the path, I first went up this hill when construction of the new path had only just started. Now that it’s complete, the hill has gotten significantly more popular, resulting in a lot more wear. I’d say that a good percentage of the hill walkers predominantly walk on the grass at the side of the path, this really annoys me.

[@graemegoddard7237]

Andrew there is a brilliant app called peak finder that identifies summits. It uses your camera and location, just have to point at the summits and it'll tell ya what they are! It is like £3 but once you buy it you have it forever! Great video mate, thanks!

[@flippy66]

@@McTrailRider The way some paths are built is pretty poor and necessitates walking off them, particularly in certain conditions. In places like Ben Vane it really, really doesn't matter though. It's a glorified sheep field (literally cateogorised as grazing land in order to ensure the landowner maintains control, but that's a tangent).

[@davidhunter5184]

Mountains there for everyone to enjoy, as a ex Munro Bagger I guarantee more boots will wander off paths than bike tyres ever will.

[@McTrailRider]

To be fair, I rarely experience issues with other trail users, but yes, boots are causing most of the damage.

[@flippy66]

Per user horses cause the most erosion, then bikes, then walkers. There are just simply more walkers. But there's zero ecological damage to be done on Ben Vane by anyone, it's a monoculture. Bikes are entitled to responsible access like everyone else, just be responsible (i.e. don't place others at risk, minimise your impact etc.) Didn't see any issues in this video. You are under no obligation to stick to footpaths other than in specific areas.

[@ridetreeline]

Good riding Andy. Deviate Claymore in its element!

[@McTrailRider]

Where she belongs Oliver 👍

[@simonhill4791]

Good to see Piers again 👍

[@McTrailRider]

It had been a while.

[@simonhill4791]

@@McTrailRider love that drone stuff again. Really shows how you are shifting your body position 👍

[@bc.oO0Oo.]

not been biking for ages this makes me wanna get back out ...savage landscape Scotland is class

[@McTrailRider]

That’s the desired effect 👍

[@kevinwood8021]

Great riding down that guys, especially with one of you sporting a hangover😂

[@McTrailRider]

I’m glad it wasn’t me with the hangover 😜

[@greencroft]

Great skills on display there and sure it was 10x steeper in reality than it looked on film. I wish I had the confidence to pivot on the front wheel in those situations - you make it look second nature.

[@McTrailRider]

Trust me, I don’t always get the ending turns that good, still working on them.

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

One of the best mtb videos on YT ✌️

[@McTrailRider]

I’ll take that, cheers 😊

[@markking8274]

Wow!! Great riding and incredible views!!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks a lot!

[@jason-tc4jb]

The drone footage was brilliant showed how technical it was and fun keep up the good work and and all was have fun

[@McTrailRider]

It’s great for that 👌

[@peterj2131]

Love videos like this, showcases what a competent rider you are on the techy stuff. It’s not about speed on that, it’s about control and line choice

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve pegged myself into a proper niche of biking, but I suppose I’ve gotten quite good at it by now.

[@yakimpov6]

Honestly, it's about fun, relax, love. This is Mountainbike :)

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

Magnificent Views Andrew!👌Your Excellent videos are Always a Treat! Thank you!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Roger

[@MrMJelly]

It seems like Scotland was blessed with good weather, whilst winter continued for everywhere south 😀 A taste of spring I'm sure.

[@McTrailRider]

The last couple of weeks have been great tbh.

[@andyraven6219]

Thank you for the Monday mountain biking fix. I to was highly impressed with your technical feature terminologies. Yet again, loving the drone footage.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a very self explanatory way of talking 😜

[@victorgibbons4237]

Incredible drone shots of you descending the mountain 👏🏻

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks, I do love that drone.

[@andrewcrookes5775]

Bobble hat Bird 😂. Old vid but gnarly as a quarter cask 👌

[@Thepoeticmtbr_The_poetic_mtbr]

Superb riding MrMcT. What you've created there is a timeless video, it will look as good in 10, 15, 20 years time 👏👏

[@McTrailRider]

Hope so!

[@TheDavidjakeson]

I dig the dual water bottle setup on your Claymore! I put a little storage bag for tools and spares on the top bracket.

[@McTrailRider]

I really like the mounting options on the Claymore👌 I opted for the bottles as I carry spares in my hip pack, due to me using two different bikes.

[@TheDavidjakeson]

@@McTrailRider Makes sense. I just spent the extra money and have sets of spares on each bike 😅

[@petedougan5682]

What a view !!!

[@McTrailRider]

Not bad eh

[@muddymongoosemtb9873]

Fantastic drone shots again. Great control you showed coming down that chunky steep mountain. Great advert for Deviate as well - shows how capable their bikes are. 👌Another very enjoyable vid. Cheers mate.😁🤙

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude, things felt pretty dialled on this one 👍

[@Mugtree]

WoW Andrew. Absolutely amazing. My favourite type of ridding. You made it look so easy 🤯. Very jealous of the weather too. Thank you for your amazing videos ♥️

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks a ton!

[@andrewlorimer5189]

Love the drone mapping you, some great angles that show the real topography.

[@McTrailRider]

That’s always the desired outcome 👍

[@stuartwoodburn2653]

Your right boots off trail do more damage than rolling bike can. The only thing that would bother me if I was walking is the noise of the drone because I go walking in the hills for the peace. But having said that the footages is amazing, another great video thanks😊

[@McTrailRider]

I get what you’re saying about the drone, but bare in mind that the drone is locked on me at about 30ft away. It’s just a passing noise for everyone else thankfully. That being said, I do wish it was quieter.

[@rob2738]

Your giving me the motivation to get back out on my bike. It’s been ages since I did some good trails.

[@McTrailRider]

You can do it!

[@SHREDD-ED]

That drone footage makes my day!

[@McTrailRider]

Mine too

[@Jfree68]

Amazing vistas with the drone. Thanks

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NBMBC40]

Glad it's not just in England we have miserable old walkers thinking they have a god given right to the out doors, at least you have the right to roam law in Scotland. Great video Anderw and Drone shots.

[@McTrailRider]

From what I hear, I believe it’s worse down south, but then again, more people equals more problems.

[@zafaramin5178]

Great riding skills and excellent drone footage. Kept me on my toes watching it

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks 👍

[@muzzmacc6411]

The lady walker isn’t really in any position to complain. The environmental damage of owning a car outweighs any (repairable) damage to the path. Given where Andy lives, a car is pretty much essential. Fair do’s. Odds on, the lady walker could as easily have taken the bus to Inveruglas. But she probably drove there. A great video., nonetheless. With more daylight, the hero11 is starting to show its true colours😉

[@McTrailRider]

I suppose no one is truly in that position when it comes down to it. The hero 11 really is a very good camera, the benchmark for sure.

[@A_AAA232]

big skills coming down from up there Andrew, looked stunning at the top, worth the hike but well sketchy path on the way down - great footage and riding as always

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Buddy 👍

[@tylerdurden4289]

Nice riding there fellas, hats off

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers Tyler

[@fazzini3868]

Love the "aye aye aye" "technical" terminology. My technical terminology goes something like "oh ****" usually followed by pain, suffering and embarrassment 😂 great video as ever

[@McTrailRider]

That’s my pg version 😜

[@R2Magnum]

Superb riding skills!! Really cool drone footage of you riding.

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@ceriway380]

Thank god for good balance and 29er wheel. Good effort mate.

[@McTrailRider]

The big wheels help a lot 👍

[@andrewnorris5415]

Great views from the top made it worth the painful hike in a way! But like you say not really recommended. Liked the drone shot of the two hops 10:17 Glad you enjoyed it. So many places in Scotland to ride, your channel is a good guide.

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Andrew, that section is good fun.

[@rhettetherington1351]

Wow! What a fantastic video. Incredible riding and amazing footage.

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jesmtb]

Great video Andrew, and some proper riding from both of you, gnarly jank at its finest 🤘

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kyled121]

Great vid Andy, superb views!

[@McTrailRider]

Views for days

[@smv9338]

Another top edit. Loving your work.

[@McTrailRider]

Appreciate that👍

[@5492sparky]

That is some great riding Andrew. Very good handling down this one. 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude, I felt I ride well on this one.

[@vinosteeps]

Nice bike control. I like you riding skiils

[@McTrailRider]

I appreciate that!

[@easty-stage-4-fighter.]

great front brake skills, your riding well, made me nip in a place or two.

[@McTrailRider]

A lot of feathering going on 😬

[@Canghel13]

The suspension works pretty damn good 👊

[@McTrailRider]

It sure does 👍

[@jonathanspackman9290]

Those views are STUNNING 😍

[@McTrailRider]

Agreed!

[@McTrailRider]

Agreed!

[@patbriggsmbr]

Wow those views ❤ as for people who complain 😂 choose life 👍, some great riding by the way 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks! 😃

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great stuff Buddy 😜 enjoyed the video, great Views at the top 😉🚴🚴👌

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks Taffy👍

[@blackmac1970]

Not something I could ride but great to see. Your endo skills are top notch now 😀

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks! 😀

[@ianlamberts7927]

Great one Mctrail Rider

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks ✌️

[@davidfleming2468]

Another good one, love BenVane a favourite of mine. Do you not shit yourselves leaving you bikes? don’t think I’d relax…

[@McTrailRider]

I was very aware of the bikes on this one, I usually have a place to hide them and the hills are usually a lot quieter too.

[@dougiegraham662]

I take my front wheel off and take the thru axle with me. If someone steals it, they have to carry it. That way you have a chance to chase them on foot.

[@jadonald]

Another great video Andrew! Have you ever had a look at Beinn Trilleachan? The slabs up there looked like they could be interesting to ride. Getting the bikes up would be a challenge though as it’s a steep grassy one without much of a path.

[@McTrailRider]

I hadn’t until I checked just there. I’ve seen it before though, and I don’t think it would be very doable, surely too steep?

[@jadonald]

@@McTrailRider there’s a lot of exposed rock up on the ridge itself. Definitely rideable

[@McTrailRider]

@@jadonald will have a better look on Google Earth then 👍

[@MTBScotland]

Thats a no from me. I'm out. That top bit looked terrifying.

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a pretty wild mountain to be fair.

[@andrewcrookes5775]

Bless there little bobble hats 🤧🤣

[@McTrailRider]

😂😂

[@michaelwynn7772]

Great video, good practice if you get back to Grande Sassiere.

[@McTrailRider]

Good practice indeed, but is so much harder and more scary 🙈

[@camrivers3122]

Great footage...but also.... couldn't help but nerd out on the low speed compression control on that ohlins fork. Perfectly supported in the mid stroke despite dealing with constant hits at a steep,slow speed angle. My lyriks would be diving terribly in that situation and have tried for years to tune them for low speed tech but never quite got them where I want. Need to arrange a demo of some ohlins kit I'm super curious

[@McTrailRider]

Well observed! They really do behave in the way that you described. It took me quite a while to get used to the way the forks behave, as is very different to what I’ve used previously. They aren’t quite as smooth as Fox/Rockshox off the top though.

[@danielgrafik]

At first I though the drone sound was bagpipes starting up. That would've been the most Scottish thing ever. You naming the mountains, is a pretty good second 😅

[@McTrailRider]

Haha, maybe I could tune the drone to sound like the bagpipes following me down the hill 😜

[@dkerplunk89]

Looks class! Enjoying the drone footage, would look cool if you did some split screen shots so you can see the drone view and your GoPro view at the same time!

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve tried the Picture in Picture approach before, but it really didn’t work all that well in my opinion.

[@dkerplunk89]

@@McTrailRider ah fair enough, looks really cool anyway, getting me inspired to get out into the mountains!

[@endurokid82]

Nice of you taking Lewis Capaldi out for a ride 🤣

[@McTrailRider]

I’m sure Piers will delighted to hear what you said 😂

[@endurokid82]

@@McTrailRider No compliment is higher! Lewis is a f’in cracking dude and all round nice guy 🤟🏼 Turns out he can ride pretty well too 😝🤘🏼

[@willienillie6337]

Tricky it is.

[@McTrailRider]

Indeed

[@iridemountainbikes]

Ironically walkers cause more damage than bikes. I remember reading about it a long time ago. Whereas bikes roll over the ground walkers heels kick up dirt with every step. The reason they have to build huge stone staircases all over the mountains is thanks to erosion caused by walkers. Just sounds like a miserable cow that doesn’t like sharing the countryside. Glad you have right to roam. Love your videos.

[@McTrailRider]

Can’t argue with what you’ve said there 👍

[@azzhatmax8537]

Amazing place. Never been up with the MTB though. Next time methinks

[@McTrailRider]

It’s a challenging one for the bike.

[@ptmcferran]

Haha that was me i'm the fan 🤣 pitty you always get grumpy people 😢

[@McTrailRider]

Nice to meet you mate 👍

[@fordtrac7171]

Fantastic riding sirs! There is always one footpath police who has to share there misery. Nature is to be enjoyed by all ❤

[@McTrailRider]

You got that right!

[@DizRidesMtb]

Views awesome bro n great riding n vid boyz . N there's always someone moaning eh lol 😂

[@McTrailRider]

Very true 😜

[@bennysh]

"A hop into an Aye Aye Aye", lyrics by Andrew, music by a drone.

[@McTrailRider]

I’ll have that on my grave stone 😜

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome epik video

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks 😁

[@terrycoates4731]

Spectacular views from the summit but do you not worry about theft when you leave the bikes?

[@McTrailRider]

I definitely worried on this occasion, as it was busy and there wasn’t a good place to hide the bikes either.

[@barriekinnaird5856]

Most hill walkers are great and you get great banter. However had a run in with several over the years similar to what you got. Now I just tell them politely to get stuffed when they start pontificating garbage about bikers - think they own the hills. 😮

[@McTrailRider]

The vast majority of hill walkers are great, with many stopping to chat along the way 👍

[@andrewhenly9057]

Is there a Ben Dover?

[@McTrailRider]

There’s not, but I’m sure you’d like it if there was😜

[@chrismccannIRL]

That looked epic. Are you riding standard flat pedals or clipping in? The way you lift the rear wheel around tight corners is a great skill

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve only ever run flat pedals, although I do think that clipping in would technically be more of a benefit descending these kind of trails.

[@chrismccannIRL]

@@McTrailRider I’ve just switched from clipped in pedals for 10+ years to flat pedals and it’s a real learning curve. Easier to get going again but on the rough sketchy stuff feel like I bounce my feet all over the place. Good to know though they work ok in terrain like that 👌🏼

[@gibbykirwan7788]

Dude I've watched you ride for a couple of years now & that path has to be one of the sketchiest. The "path" work that I've seen all over Scotland now in my humble opinion has destroyed the hills, turning them into giant staircases. They were never designed with bikers in mind, infact they're probably meant to discourage bikes. As for the grumpy Karen, well it doesn't matter how much you educate these people they'll ALWAYS be grumpy karens. Yet again another great day out. Thanks for sharing

[@McTrailRider]

It’s up there for sure. I half agree with what you are saying re the paths, but I’d argue that the alternative is very wide and boggy ruts etc spread across the hillside.

[@bilalchohan553]

wow, stunning. Do you do mtb cycling tours in the area?

[@McTrailRider]

I don’t, not really my thing.

[@bilalchohan553]

@@McTrailRider maybe a future business idea. you are an expert on trails in that part of the world and probably know all the hidden gems. If you ever change your mind I'd definitely pay to join you for a days ride. I reckon a lot of others would too 👍

[@andrewgibson6790]

Andrew, have you managed to remedy the famous hope squeal? As mint as the brakes are the squeal is annoying! I can hear it in this vid

[@McTrailRider]

These new Hope’s were almost silent up until the last couple of rides. I absolutely hate that noise in my videos😤 I’ve cleaned the discs with isopropyl and I’ve buffed the top surface of the pads now. Fingers crossed that that is enough.

[@andrewgibson6790]

@@McTrailRider well I've owned hope brakes for 8 years or so. I've tried everything, including lubing the pistons for good retraction and properly centralising the calipers to the disc. I would say that the only way you don't get a squeal is if you have brand new bedded in pads.

[@McTrailRider]

@@andrewgibson6790 have you run the new tech 4 V4 brakes, with e-bike callipers though. I think that combo is quieter by nature.

[@andrewgibson6790]

@@McTrailRider I haven't but I'd be intrigued into the results 👍

[@peterk7662]

How do you like the new suspension compared to your fox setup?

[@McTrailRider]

It took a good few weeks to adapt to the way it performs, but I very much prefer the Ohlins now 👌

[@kevincross9206]

I’m not anti horse, but the amount they damage all the trails and bridleways round here is pretty frustrating. (Of course not helped by all the wet stuff we have had of late!) A respectful mtb’r is never going to inflict the same amount, but still often seen as the bad guys 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@McTrailRider]

Not to mention the poo😜

[@kevincross9206]

@@McTrailRider 🤣🤣🤢 There’s a Strava segment on the South Downs called Sheep Shit Alley - speaks volumes!!

[@paulcatto5482]

What drone are you using pls

[@McTrailRider]

Is the Skydio 2, an excellent drone, but hard to get outside of the US and Canada.

[@alexmacleod9727]

did you lock the bikes?

[@McTrailRider]

I didn’t, but I really wish we had.

[@willienillie6337]

Where’s Mordor?

[@McTrailRider]

Hiding, he’s scared of the drone 😜

[@prusak26]

Yeah bicycle tyres cause some serious erosion on those shear rock steps they do you know. You won't even recognise the trail in about 3000 years. I bet she was the same woman I met when she was riding a horse, and she didn't want me to head up the hill on a fire road ahead, because she was just going to ride up it as well. And she obviously is more entitled to do so, and doesn't want a pleb in her way. End of the day, powers at be decided, that bicycles are legally allowed there and other places, so...

[@McTrailRider]

I was more annoyed that she was annoyed if that makes sense. From a legal and moral perspective, I have a very clear conscience riding these trails.

[@romanski-g9n]

I have to say: as nice as the drone footage is - these things are quite annoying for anyone who wants to spend a nice and quiet day in the mountains and in nature. That constant buzzing noise that is following you down the mountain - I can understand if someone is not too happy about that. Other than that: great video as always, some day I will get up there and ride all them Ben's. ;)

[@McTrailRider]

True, I do wish it was quieter. However, please bare in mind that it is locked into me and stays very close, so it’s only a momentary inconvenience for others. That, and most of the times I use, you’d be lucky if I met more than a handful of people.

[@scotlandmyhome7484]

Big hills again 👍 always a very small minority that think they own the hills 😂

[@McTrailRider]

Good to get back into the hills 👍

[@godzilllla2452]

I cant watch...My arms are hurting from the proxy arm pump

[@McTrailRider]

Haha, sorry about that 😜

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

sometimes the path is just no longer a path, you might as well make your own. 🙄

[@McTrailRider]

Walkers logic right there 😜