The WEIRDEST Bikepacking Trip I've Ever Been On!

Here at GCN we love bikepacking and a good adventure, especially Hank! So when two GCN fans got in touch asking us whether we'd be interested on going on their next cycling holiday, we HAD to say yes! With a budget of only £100 and having never met his travelling companions before, Hank had no idea where this trip would take him...
Check out the routes on Komoot:
Day 1 👉 gcn.eu/7QQ
Day 2 👉 gcn.eu/7QR
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Would you go on a budget bikepacking trip? Let us know in the comments! 👇
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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Academia - Heyson
Diamond in the Rough (Instrumental Version) - Zorro
EMT - Awlee
Future Is Now - FLYIN
Honey Sky (Instrumental Version) - Torii Wolf
Imprints - Dusty Decks
Jakarta - Bonsaye
Lets Give a Damn - OTE
Like the Ocean - The Big Let Down
Lost in Mind - nothanks
Lupi - Sayuri Hayashi Egnell
Nocturnal Sun - At The End Of Times, Nothing
Press Send - Erik Fernholm
Rested - Heyson
rooibos - bomull
Shadow of a Magnitude - Howard Harper-Barnes
Suntrip - Harvio
Sweet Dang Thang - Tellsonic
The Throne - Heyson
Ugly as I (Instrumental Version) - Zorro
Uncontainable - Margareta
#gcn #cycling #roadbike #CyclingAdventure #Bikepacking #Challenge #CyclingChallenge #BudgetChallenge
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
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[@gcn]

Would you go on a budget bikepacking trip? Let us know below! 👇

[@madyogi6164]

That very same path, road-bike, small budget - sure! Spare tube, bank account card and there I go. All that bikepacking stuff - nope, rather leave it to 🐫. Thumbs Up? Sure!!! 👍

[@kennethreyes8529]

this type of adventure video is much better maybe create a segment for more riding adventures with random normal cyclist

[@scotchandsalmonroll5337]

If anyone is planning one in and around Tokyo, please do let me know! Hank you're an absolute legend

[@CameronFraserACHF]

This may be the best GCN video ever, although you deserved better weather. I would have spent more on hotels and food, but I'm old enough to want the comfort. Beyond that I am very envious. And thanks for remembering Canadian Lt. Colonel John McCrae, who did not survive the war

[@FlyingDwarfman]

Taiwan Huandao (transl: "around the island") is a popular travel goal in my corner of the world. People are fond of doing it -- in part or full. Most full, coastal routes would be 1000-ish km. The two halves can be almost completely flat through coastal cities or consistent climbs along mountainous coast (West and East, respectively). Probably hard-pressed to find a ritzy French cafe, but the locals prefer their bubble tea, anyway.

[@Vokunos]

Not gonna Lie i didnt expected an Video Like that, but i for sure want more. Wouldnt mind if GCN does more videos like this from now on. Even though i like the epic camera shots and all... this video felt refreshing and relateable at the same time... like actual real riding and less like an commercial for an superbike.

[@gcn]

Thanks for the kind words! Its definitely something we look to do more of in the future

[@apm9507]

@@gcn big bang for the buck!

[@askmeaboutmattweiner]

It's always fun to see how regular people respond to being on GCN.

[@AndrewBartley]

Trips like this give us inspiration and ideas of things any of us could do. Great work again!

[@stephensaines7100]

[ i for sure want more.] Absolutely! I'm amazed at the budget they did this with. This particular outing in itself isn't that impressive, through no fault of the three of them. The weather was awful for much of the time, but that's the point. Repeated, this could only get better. Much better, given clement weather and perhaps more back roads, and a tad more time. A long weekend would suit things much better. I hate doing trips like this and then end-up arguing with the clock, but love it when time allows detours and side trips. This was inspiring!

[@davewood4208]

Love the fact Andrew and Francisco turned up straight from work and that they got stuck in with the filming. No Gucci posh gear, relatable and fun.

[@paulbateman]

Yeah really relatable.....I always ask my Gardiner if I can use stuff from the garden to make mud guards

[@gcn]

That's what it's all about 🙌Getting stuck in and loving it!

[@theycallmebernd]

i wouldn´t care if they´d ride in louis Vuitton...the idea of this trip was brilliant! nice blokes anyway

[@michaelatkinson7577]

@@paulbateman I suspect that joke went a little over your head....

[@neilbardsley]

Except the Rapha top?

[@anndowsett7332]

Francisco looks such an athletic cyclist, Andrew looks like he's having a great time too, can't wait to see my Grandson on the big screen again! Hank did a wonderful job reading the poem, and reminded me of when my father fought in Belgium over 100 years ago. Wonder if I'm the oldest GCN viewer at 96!

[@reusserfarm1]

Taking Hank along on a weekend journey, oh what fun !! GCN needs to setup a “Rent a Hank” for a weekend program 😂 Hank you did great taking the video along with the story telling of your adventure and sights. It was so interesting to see the memorials along the way, very touching tribute to those lost in the wars.

[@PeteEllson5656]

@Life_ with_olie- "Rent a Hank" LOL! I like it. Good one.

[@claudialuna9216]

Yessss! I love the idea Rent-a-Hank! Needs to be a segment, seems so open and takes great shots. Also has a great balance of scenery and blogging 🌄

[@gcn]

It's one of our favourites 🙌 Rent-a-Hank... hahahaha not sure on the legality on that one 😂

[@boudoir00]

Rent-a-Hank 😂😂😂 that’s priceless

[@GilbertTang]

Rent-a-Hank for charity though? Could be awesome.

[@joshuag.4873]

I loved the personal touch of stopping at Hank's great grandfather's grave, as well as the other respectful tributes to remember our fallen heroes. Andrew's smile is contagious - so enjoyable to watch three handsome guys biking through beautiful scenery.

[@gcn]

We're pretty proud of this one 🙌 Glad you liked it so much! Did you ever catch this budget bike packing video 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmjWoppoeKt1ick

[@filda2005]

- 1hr penny farthing velodrom Hank survived - 24h zwift Hank survived - 1go-575k gravel Hank survived - 1go-11k elevation Hank survived - 200k+10caffees Hank survived - budget breakfast Hank nearly died 8:43

[@stevewilkins1342]

This is what I love about cycling, it brings all types of people together with a common passion/experience. Real people on a real ride, Hank was perfect for this. Great video - more like this 👍🏼

[@gcn]

Cheers Steve! Glad you liked it

[@nzmarty]

I got the feeling that Hank knew that poem by heart. He orated it perfectly. I don’t think I’ve ever choked up over a GCN video before.

[@jedisdad2265]

I remember memorizing In Flanders Fields when I was at University. It was a part of my fraternity pledge initiation.

[@josephbaker9932]

Thank you for a profoundly meaningful video this Remembrance Day honouring those who served and died.

[@LovetheIPAs]

Agree; a moving rendition. I appreciate that you gave proper tribute at these memorials. Well done.

[@packratty]

John McCRae was Canadian, just so you all know. I had no idea that his poem was known outside Canada. The Canadians were many among those fallen near Ypres, and the first to be hit with mustard gas. It's definitely worth a tour of the historic sites around there, just to see how flat it is and how there was no way one side could make a move without everyone knowing it - it really was just each side throwing kids to their deaths, so lamely called a war of attrition. We did it by car but it would be great by bike - the Canadian embassy has a proposed itinerary.

[@supersixmikeohimod]

@@packratty thanks for the itinerary tip. Am a Canuck based in London and was planning something like this in the spring along with Dieppe.

[@danielpauley4024]

Not the usual GCN video but found myself smiling from ear to ear whilst watching this. such a nice video showing the good everyday people of cycling. Andrew should feature more as presenter love the energy he gives! Also very touching to see the history and memorials along the way, thanks GCN!

[@gcn]

Thanks Daniel! If you're interested in other bikepacking content we have loads of documentaries on GCN+ including this one around the Hebrides in Scotland! gcn.eu/7RD

[@DC-lu5qs]

Absolutely loved this content. Polished and fancy is a nice part of the GCN charm, but so is "3 regular blokes and their bikes". Awesome. Well done all 3.

[@toon_8552]

More of this please, Hank is an absolute ledge. Well done to GCN to taking up the challenge. And well done to the lads. Think I’d need a room to myself tho :-)

[@gcn]

Hahaha that might be in Hanks list next time! Where should we send him next? 👀

[@toon_8552]

@@gcn Poland? Or anywhere combined with wartime history. It was a really respectful look back.

[@adempewolff]

Loved Andrew's attitude and vision--as well as how the editor managed to make all of Hank's out of focus and poorly framed shots just look like a super trendy arthouse flick!

[@andras.89]

Hank looks like a genuine nice guy. Open minded and positively reciving the other two Person's habit. Big like

[@gcn]

It's all about bringing people together, riding bikes and spreading the cycling love 🙌

[@thenovicecyclist9096]

This is wholesome. A cap tip to GCN for actually getting involved with the community, getting out with the fans and showing that cycling is not just about the pedal pushing but the adventure.

[@GilbertTang]

This was fucking awesome. That really is the only way to put it (well, besides all the lovely things everyone else said). What a great idea, and what a wonderful showing by all three. Hank, you seem like one of the coolest people around. Just fantastic stuff.

[@JohnClowes724]

Like the prior commenter, I was wonderfully surprised by this episode. Really moving to hear about Hank's ancestry and what his family gave during the war. The whole episode shows that total strangers can come together and become friends if everyone is willing. Great attitudes and great laughter make it really easy to watch. Thanks!

[@bittiapina]

Y'all are really smashing it with the content lately. Hank's expression when he saw where they were staying at for the night and what "breakfast" meant 🤣 Love to hear the bits of history of the places you visit as well. All in all yet another fantastic video with fun adventuring.

[@ondrejmitas3325]

That expression had me bent over laughing. So perfect.

[@gcn]

Glad you liked it! Have you ever ridden in that area before? 👀

[@klauslass6766]

Yeah, budget or not, I am fully empathic with Hanks sad looks on that supermarket-crap. Food should be enjoyable country-specific. I have spent hundreds of kilometers criss-crossing French Flanders and the part of Belgium you were. There are so many Bakeries, Bistros and of course Friteries where you tongue and stomach can get taste of the areas you are visiting. Maybe a less ambitious number of miles or an extra day would make this kind of trip a more complete joy. No boring Lidl-sheit or even worse McDonalds if avoidable. 😝 Acceptable only in emergencies!!!!! 😉 Anyway great to watch vids like this, thank you Hank!

[@IgorKos]

Andrew and Francisco are great guys (I'd go bikepacking with them any time!), but kudos to Hank for filming and creating. He and whoever edited it really created an amazing episode out of three guys riding bikes for two and a half days. Loved it.

[@Fudders]

St Pancreas?! A great trip, I'm gland you had a nice bile ride 😄 Well done Andrew and Francisco for organising it and well done Hank for joining them and filming 👍 That was a very touching tribute to the fallen soldiers too 🙏

[@lifecycleproject]

The gritty reality of this video was immensely enjoyable. A perfect representation of just why we love cycling !

[@yellowjerseycyclingholidays]

Brilliant, more like this please. A down to earth, real life, poignant journey

[@katiel7166]

Oh Hank, the bereft look on your face when there was no French cafe breakfast!

[@a1white]

Tbh I don’t blame him. I’d spend a few euros more to at least have that experience! 😅

[@claudiajohnson5834]

Well done GCN! Great video, definitely makes normal people want to do something like this. Not the usual rush rush rush without enjoying the ride. Thanks. Keep producing more of this please

[@gcn]

Thanks Claudia!

[@vincentcomerford5376]

Andrew needs to become a regular, dude is made for this type of content !

[@troycollett8540]

Sure is

[@gcn]

He's great right! What would you want to see him do next 👀

[@troycollett8540]

@@gcn guest presenter

[@vincentcomerford5376]

@@gcn Guys he could be reviewing washcloths for all I care, I just want to see more of him ! 😃

[@tonyharris1965]

@@gcn Let Andrew plan the trip.

[@__-bk6mm]

I would totally watch an entire series of Hank and Andrew bike packing, Andrew has a lot of character, charm and personality that would make it super fun!

[@bumpytrailsproductions]

I loved this video! It makes me want to go out and ride. Andrew took a part as a presenter and did fantastic job! Thumbs up to Hank for joining us, mortals, on an epic adventure!

[@gcn]

Hank loved it 🙌 Who should we send him out with next? 👀

[@bumpytrailsproductions]

@@gcn Well send him to us, we live in Japan and we will take him on an epic adventure!

[@bryguy6509]

@@bumpytrailsproductions Oh my, this is one I'd be itching to see!

[@bumpytrailsproductions]

Right!? I think there is bit of Asia missing in GCN content

[@bryguy6509]

@@bumpytrailsproductions well that settles it, if I do end up going to Japan for work in 2023 - I might have to impose and bring my bike. 😉 I might not be as charming as hank but I'm a sucker for hanging out with locals when I travel.

[@MarkPipkin1287]

Amazing use of the RAFA RIDES jersey from Andrew! I took part in the RAFA rides event in June and it’s an amazing way to raise awareness! An excellent video and great respect paid to those who gave so much to us during previous conflicts.

[@richardacerra2975]

One of the best vids I have seen from GCN. It was real! Hank is also such a good sport as he could be back home on his estate, riding those lovely English country lanes.

[@Simon16511]

Great stuff, real people, real adventure, on your bike in the rain. Very respectful as well. Well, done allround.

[@gcn]

Some great memories made on this one 🙌

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

This is what adventure is made of: the right balance between planning, budgeting, good memories and adversity, all dealt with a big smile on your face. PLEASE MORE OF THIS quick & dirty bikepacking trips!

[@michaelatkinson7577]

Thanks GCN - you made us feel a lot less weird with that one. Much more like how we did the 1200km back from Copenhagen back to Amsterdam with our teens this summer. Huts, AirBnBs, cheap hotels, tent, some train, mostly riding, 38 degrees and downpours, gravel, panniers, breakages, a flask, Lidl lunches, occasional fancy coffee/cake. A bit of everything really keeps it interesting, and it really is possible to do it relatively cheap and you really don't need all the gear!

[@garydawson4892]

What a brilliant video. Completely epitomised the nature of true cycling enthusiasts, and showed its not about what you ride or wear, its all about getting out there and doing it. Turning up direct from work in office wear and not being fancy with clipless shoes and pedals. Andrew was great as a presenter, and once Francisco got comfy on camera he added a softer side. Hank, as always, was his enthusiastic self, and was great to see his reaction to 'breakfast' on the first day - its not all about fancy coffee shops and cafe's 🤣 Please make more of these 'Rent-A-Presenter' videos !!!!!

[@andrifsig]

Love this! This is what bikepacking is about. Being ready for a downpour and being able to ride through it to catch a ferry, train or a bus. Eating whatever food you can source locally and not minding the fact that you are using a bus shelter for a dining room. More self supported bikepacking content please! Its a whole other dimension of cycling and experiencing the area you are riding through.

[@khazza930]

Yes, it's so inspiring seeing content like this. Makes me immediately wanna plan something similar for one of the upcoming weekends!

[@gcn]

Hahaha yes! This is the truth behind lots of cycling adventures. Less epics climbs and endless roads and more cheese in a bus shelter and stinging rain 😂

[@garymitchell5899]

Sourcing food locally is kind of the only option. In France go to Carrefour they're the best supermarket in Europe, and better than throwing spears at bison.

[@nickjowett]

This was one of your best videos yet! Props to Andrew for creating such a scenic, historical route on a budget. My dad was obsessed with WW2, and I am going to add this to my bucket list trips.

[@lee1987923]

This feels really genuine. Love every part of it and hope to see more videos like this.

[@gcn]

Where should we ride next? 👀

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Fantastic budget planning by Andrew and Francisco.

[@graham-kirby]

What a refreshing video, more please. Hank out and about with two normal people without cutting edge kit just proving cycling is fun and available to everyone without shelling out a bundle of cash. Loved the hack repair on the mudguard, last time that happened to me I strapped the bits to the bike rack with cable ties.

[@cindyalexander5930]

Loved this, especially Andrews sunny disposition and would like to see more of him. He would make a great addition to GCN.

[@gcn]

He is pretty great right 🙌

[@vipergtsrgt1]

As much as I loved the bikepacking through the Atlas Mountains video, this is so much more relatable to what I suspect my experience would be. It was a very endearing video with visits to historically significant places we normally wouldn't see on GCN. Well done.

[@gcn]

Both great videos ( if we say so ourselves) Do you prefer the more relatable content or the epic rides? 👀

[@vipergtsrgt1]

​@@gcn I can't say that I prefer one over the other. I think it's just a matter of finding the right balance in content. This video and the other beginner rider videos have a nice change of pace, but I still love the epic rides in exotic locations. Those can inspire us too.

[@jeremynelson8926]

@@gcnI love the epic rides, but I’d love more like this too!

[@sensesfailler]

Laughed when Andrew said he hoped Belgium was flat, while driving straight toward the most Hilliest part of Belgium in that area. Not the real high hills, but there isn't a metre (or inch) flat there. And still he managed to evade the most hilly parts looking at the map.

[@Howdoyafeel]

One of the best GCN video’s in a long time- I am a very early GCN fan and this video reminds me of why I was attracted to this channel- it reminded me; we are all people like me: we are sometimes geeky, sometimes sporty, sometimes angry, sometimes rich and poor, sometimes need to dub in the poem we failed to recite properly but always human and brought together by the simple fact that we loved cycling and the freedom hopping on the bike can afford. It is no wonder that most pro cyclist bio’s refer to the freedom the first bike gave the child that never forgot.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

For Hank that weather was merely a bit of misty drizzle. 😆 More madventures like this please GCN - stuff us mere mortals can relate to. 😁👍

[@gcn]

Hahaha thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed it, did you ever catch our commuter challenge? 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW7pquqarVkd80

[@davidkeddle4192]

When I was in elementary school in the 1960's our class had to memorize in Flanders Fields. It was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae a Canadian army doctor. To this day I can still recite most of the poem. Thoroughly enjoyed the video.

[@martincornish1737]

This has to be one of the best and enjoyable GCN videos I've watched. Well done to all 3 of you on your adventure. The stop offs at all the memorials was very moving, especially seeing Hank at his great grandfather's gravestone. Thank you Andrew, Francisco and Hank.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have you ever ridden in this area? 👀

[@miguelcpt]

Hanks versatility is commendable. Love this kind of videos.

[@gcn]

From smashing ultra challenges to friendly pootles through french countryside... a man with many talents. Did you catch him supporting Mark Beaumont on his epic north coast 500 ride 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6enp62tfKmSb9k

[@plugglifee]

The concern in Hank's voice when Andrew bit into the block of cheese 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@crabbh]

this made me crease!

[@scottmccann4509]

Really enjoyed the adventuring aspect to historical places 👌. Very fitting tribute at this time of year. Would love to see more adventures, maybe delve into the kit that's definitely needed, what's a luxury and even bike bags etc 👍

[@drummerman122]

Wow Hank reading the poem and visiting the grave was very moving.

[@gcn]

Thanks Scott! Check out this video we made a couple of years ago about bikepacking kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_CdXRmo75lfc0

[@user-qb7ms6vs7s]

I cycled from nottingham too amsterdam 2020. Great fun.

[@Rick-B8]

This was a wonderful and unique change of video content for GCN (Hank). Thoroughly enjoyed it. A good topper would have been a review of Andrew’s or Francisco’s rig.

[@gcn]

Nice idea Rick... would love to hear more on those plant pot mudguards 👀

[@robthethird]

Andrew's "questionable lunge" got me! lol Epic photo finish on the velodrome.

[@ChrisGuarraia]

This is great stuff. Not only did you show you can do a bike packing trip on a budget, but you also were able were able to pay homage to the men and women who sacrificed their lives during WWI and WWII defending freedom. My dad fought in WWII in France (was D-Day +13) but made it home along with his two brothers, unlike those whose cemeteries and memorials you saw. Dad and his brothers have since passed away and are with their brothers-in-arms from the wars. May Hank’s granddad, my dad and uncles, and all those whose monuments and cemeteries you visited be eternally at peace. More content like this is wonderful. There is a lot to be seen when you’re not zooming around on a motor or engine. And, I’m also jealous of how nice and clean (and actually “budget”) the budget hotels are in Europe compared to what we have in the States. Andrew and Francisco were great throughout, and I’m glad Hank got to ride with them and document the journey.

[@canibal666100]

Does anyone know what bike Hank is riding?

[@jedisdad2265]

In Flanders Fields- great recitation This may be one of my All Time Favorite GCN videos!!!

[@kimsue429]

Loved this video! Andrew and Francisco were great and Hank's filming was good too! Loved the real life adventure with the budget hotels and the credit card cheese knife 😂

[@gcn]

Thanks Kim! If you liked that you should check out our other bikepacking films on GCN+ like this one we made in the Faroe islands! gcn.eu/7P-

[@kimsue429]

@@gcn I love the films on GCN+! I will check out the Faroe Islands film and I'm excited to watch Conor's latest with Jenny Graham!

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Wow! Hank/gcn I absolutely LOVE this content! So accessible! What a great adventure! Thanks for taking us along! So real. I was laughing out loud (credit card cheese knife/flower pot mudguard bodge). What a good sport Hank is and what quirky fun travelling companions! I really would like more of this stuff. Raw camera. Raw reality. Rain and persistent camaraderie! Well done all. You have shown us that its possible on a budget (no superbike adds). I want tos ee more experience adventures more than racing or thinly veiled adds. The bit Sidid about veteran training fits the bill too!

[@emperorgsx]

Andrew’s a savage for doing that whole trip with just cages No clipless pedals🔥

[@neilaquino5294]

and using a debit/credit card to make a sandwhich hahahahaha!!! I'd do it w/ pedal straps 😆😆😆

[@gcn]

Strong strong riding 💪

[@emperorgsx]

@@neilaquino5294 🤣🤣no knife no problem lol, damnn pedal straps!!😭🤣

[@neilaquino5294]

@King Of Crunk i wouldn't risk it, i mean i'd try to ask shops along the way if they have disposable knives but when there isn't one, you make do with what you have. 😅

[@patrickenglish9593]

I have cycled in France with a pen knife/pocket knife many times and didn’t think about it to be honest. Haven’t check the law but all sorts of pocket knives (including a mushroom knife I once found for my brother in law) for sale in specialist shops so I haven’t ever considered it a problem except in hand luggage on an air plane to be honest. Interested that other responses suggest I might have been lucky though

[@SystemicCreative]

Excellent video, thanks guys. We need to see more of Andrew, what a legend! Also, Francisco just quietly smashed the ride - dude didn't even look tired at the end.

[@jeffreywilliams3646]

A bike tour of WWII western front sites is on my bucket list. You just raised my interest. Excellent video guys.

[@Rogerfleming-nd4kl]

Two humble guys, with crazy And amazing Hank, doing what they love. Great vid, very cool.

[@Larley_Lars]

Brilliant video, really enjoyable and inspiring. Especially as I watch it 2 days after breaking my collar bone during my first gravel ride. Can’t wait to heal and get back on the bike and do things like this.

[@yengsabio5315]

Heal fast, fellow biker! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@gcn]

Thanks! Get well soon!

[@lostinature]

This is what makes GCN great. Aside from all the gear- and tech oriented stuff, there's this type of content. just pure, relatable joy of cycling and adventure :)

[@jeremynelson8926]

Exactly my thoughts as well! It’s difficult to find cycling content that isn’t entirely gear or race driven. I love the touring content and epic rides and all the presenters great attitudes and passion and joy about cycling.

[@alinapopescu872]

Lovely Sunday content! Please thank James, Andrew and Francisco for it ❤

[@gcn]

Our pleasure 🙌 Have you ever ridden around this area? 👀

[@alinapopescu872]

@@gcn I've never been to France 🙂

[@amishrider]

Outstanding film gents. Andrew and Francisco are awesome for the plan and the invitation. Hank is a legend for accepting and getting fully involved. Can't think of too many enterprises where something like this would happen. Mudguards are definitely a bodge but get them on the app Andrew

[@sanpanuk]

Great video GCN. This reminded me about my ride to Ypres with the RBL. We visited Dunkirk, Tyne Cot, Menin Gate and other memorials along the way. The stories our historian told and seeing the graves and names (many could not be identified) of those who made the ultimate sacrifice was truly emotional. Lest we forget.

[@gcn]

Rides like this really help to put into perspective.

[@alexandersnider734]

This is fantastic, I would love to see this as a reoccuring series with Hank; just doing bikepacking trips with GCN viewers. If he ever wants to come out to the Pacific Northwest and ride through some beautiful forests and mountains, me and my mates would love to have him!

[@guidokemeling8188]

Amazing video. I like that the title is not "clickbait" for the deeper content - well done.

[@jaymefraioli5141]

As someone who lives to bikepack on a budget, more of these please. I did 4 days on the West Country Way for less than £100 over the summer and it was incredible.

[@Cycling-through-cancer]

Very classy Hank, GCN have really upped its game on videos lately. More please

[@gcn]

Cheers Gareth!

[@Jayneflakes]

What a thoroughly enjoyable video, well done to all participants, I could have watched an hour long special of them and the adventure they had. I would love to see more from them in the future. 🚲🚲🚲

[@gcn]

In the meantime, give the video Manon did in Scotland a watch! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmrZoJ-knZqZjtE

[@matt_acton-varian]

Brilliant! Would like to see GCN do more of this stuff. Get one of the beginner commuters on a 40 or 50 mile sportive next year, a behind-the-scenes video of a local ameteur race or two, any more stories like this. Hank visiting his great-grandfather's grave was very poignant and moving.

[@cambisemusic1236]

Really cool video, and loved Andrew and Francisco. Andrew is great on camera and such relatable content too, got me planning my next bikepacking trip! More of this please!

[@gcn]

Where you heading? Conor is on hand to give you some top tips 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmS1cqh7mJirmqc

[@marcocasamassima389]

What a wonderful and refreshing video. It's like seeing all of us in that trip with you Hank. Thank you for sharing guys!

[@shekton]

"St Pancreas station" named after the patron saint of digestive enzymes.

[@shadowby]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one but have to say it felt kind of special. Andrew & Francisco were absolutely lovely and Hank did a great job making the whole thing work.

[@eddjcaine]

Loved this video. Great to see Hank riding with two guys that just really enjoy cycling. Really great choice of route taking in important historical locations and honouring armistice, and refreshingly not about the bikes or the equipment. Amazing what’s achievable on a small budget. I would be wary of being in such close quarters with complete strangers - would be great if there was a “cycling friends” website where you could rate each other as companions, a bit like airbnb so it would take the nerves out of cycling with strangers…

[@catnip...]

I've played at the Menin Gate quite a few times, on Side drum and then bagpipes, sadly I didn't get to play bugle at the gate, as they have their own buglers, I do get to play it elsewhere though. Like the Cenotaph in Whitehall London. A little useless bit of information, but for anyone that would like to see the Gate but can't get over to Ypres, you can see the smaller one in Leicester. I was out cycling with a friend from Leicester, and went through a park. I think it's Victoria Park. When I saw this memorial I could see it was identical. We asked the park keeper there, and he showed us a plaque, and it was the same person that designed the Menin Gate.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

Of course no GCN video can be complete without rain! Great stuff and brings back my own memories of riding from London to Munich decades ago on a student budget. Now that I am fabulously wealthy I can stay wherever I like but still enjoy the basics because it is all about the riding. Bravo!

[@erics9214]

This, to me, is the joy of bikepacking; seeing new places and meeting new people. On my longer adventures I've made a number of long term friends just from meeting and riding with them a few days. Then there are all of the casual encounters with people along the way. Add the scenery and the physical challenge and bikepacking is a complete package of joyful adventure.

[@ianstewart8301]

Way to go Hank! And friends. Big adventure, thanks for sharing

[@mikegoulet6383]

Francisco and Andrew seem like great sports, love the atitudes! What a cool way to spend a weekend. Really enjoyed this change in format GCN.

[@johnparry8477]

Idea for a video. Many of us would be interested in knowing more about travelling with a bike. We know we have to pack it to fly but what about on the British and European trains? What about on cruise ships and on river cruises? Particularly interested in security and costs. Maybe a quick overview of differences in Australia, Asian countries, the Americas, etc. Keep up the good work.

[@FlatSpinMan]

This was such a fun video. It had everything - stylishly accoutred cyclists, fantastic nutritional tips (Jesus Christ, Andy, you savage- just gnawing on a block of cheese!), what must have been an absolutely gruelling 100km plus ride through hard rain to catch the ferry, plus larking about. What a nice change of pace. And it really did show how much you can do in a limited time on a limited budget. Gotta try it out myself.

[@goldenmath4091]

Emotional, the very fact we are able to cycle everywhere is because they fell for us I hope we all appreciate how lucky we are Great video Hank !

[@bikechingu]

Epic Budget Adventure! Enjoyed the video and totally know how fun it is because I do it too sometimes with limited time and budget. Great weekend ride!

[@onmyphone-Fl]

One of, if not the best GCN video Ive seen. Highlighting and paying respect to those who've made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live like we do today.

[@Nikwldfr]

This is as authenic as it gets! Would love to watch similar content in the future.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Hear, hear! Such fun.

[@TheBigfoot88]

Really cool video. Happy to see that there are still people having panniers on any cycle youtube - thought I'm alone :D Pushes my motivation to do a similar trip I had planned for months, going Germany, Netherlands, Ferry to England and via France back home.

[@ondrejmitas3325]

Definitely my favorite GCN video until now. There are moments of every single bike tour I ever did, in there.

[@benrawlings7780]

I put this on for a bit of light relief 80km in to mega pretzel, not expecting the poem read by Hank. After a slightly tearful and somber few minutes I was brought back to reality by Andrew’s pirouette. I’ve watched every gcn vid from day 1, this is one of my favourites. Top stuff chaps 👏

[@gcn]

Thanks Ben! Have you been to GCN+ to watch any of our documentaries? plus.globalcyclingnetwork.com/films

[@alanwebb3509]

4 year viewer, 1st time commenter! This hit home. Always struggled with making rides without braking the bank. But now living in the Suffolk area as visiting forces, I think this is just what I needed to get out my excuse list and burn it. Keep these coming. Never stop riding. Anything anyway everywhere.

[@SergeantSargeant]

Awesome 🤙🏻 I've been out for over a year a half now through illness. It's been so tough, I couldn't bring myself to keep watching GCN and the like for a while. It's still a long road back to health but trying to stay positive, back watching GCN and these videos are great inspiration. I can't wait to get back to riding, having adventures like this and living life!

[@gcn]

Sounds like a rest is what you needed. No stress in leaving cycling for a bit, the bike will always be there when you come back! 🙌 Did you ever catch this video? We talk you through some top tips on how to get back into cycling 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp7FYomQd6eKf8k

[@SergeantSargeant]

@@gcn Definitely. I'd just bought a nice Orro terra G gravel bike before I fell ill and it's been waiting for me on my kitchen wall, I hope for not too much longer. Thanks!

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

A great adventure by the Three Amigos! The video was touching and relatable. The best of the best. ❤️❤️❤️

[@petecampbell8697]

We need to see Andrew and Francis Bourgeois on a trip together. The bike/train combo would be spot on. GCN make it happen. The world needs this.

[@238949]

Loved this video, Hank looked a little out of his comfort zone to start with but soon got stuck in with the two new guys, content was fabulous and makes us all see we can too go on an adventure :)

[@theh2ohammer372]

also these two guys should be regulars on videos i love it.

[@ImranShaikh-gh2wd]

Loved this video - epic job Hank. Would love to see more. Maybe taking Ollie as a fish out of water bikepacker

[@shaunwynne2987]

The best video GCN has done in ages, chapeau guys what a ride !!

[@jerrysterling4432]

I don't think it's weird at all. A memorial/respect tour. I like learning some history from a country I'm not from. Nothing wrong with that at all. Would watch more of these type of videos. GOod work.

[@aliancemd]

Andrew reminds me of a friend of mine with exactly the same name and similar manners :D My friend is a geek and I absolutely love it.

[@laurippt]

One of my favorite videos! Love those kind of weekend bikepacking trips! So much fun!