1st Winter Bike ride to see the Hangman stone, On One Bootzipper MTB

Thanks to PlanetX for replacing the frame free of charge.
If your thinking about buying a bike online make sure you spend some time working out what size frame you need, I was on the cross over for medium or large being 5ft 10". The medium frame was just a bit too small for me!
Don't forget to check out Dave Border Ramblers channel.
A great channel and well worth subscribing too
/ @borderrambler
My Strava and a link to the actual route I rode in this video: / strava

[@campfire52]

Your new bike has turned out to be a fantastic purchase Sandy. It has proven itself with the ability to allow you to accomplish some amazing adventures (and the story of that bike has just barely begun.) Fresh air and exercise will definitely help you stay fit and feeling younger. There are so many worrisome issues ahead of us to ponder in our world right now, it is surely a blessing to have the privilege of joining you on your journeys of your beautiful part of the globe. Take care my friend and I will see you on the next one.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Terry, Yes Humanity is in a bit of a pickle at the momnt what with jabs and nukes. I don't know what to make of it so I think I'll just go out for a bike ride:)

[@campfire52]

@@WiltshireMan Brilliant idea!!!!!

[@ticthedog6095]

Thanks for another enjoyable video. Great service from Planet X. I’ve been looking at the Boot Zipper as a second bike, can you put full mudguards on the bike?

[@chrismartin1761]

Yea it takes mudguards

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Typical English reserved response when you met the flood 😁👍 Nice ride out. If only those stones could speak 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Ken, Haaa Yes I think I'm that typical reserved English type, could be a good thing but I did hear a story once regarding a group of British soldiers who came under heavy fire and sustained terrible losses, the radio operator sent out a message probably went something like, "Can you send us some help, we are in a bit of bother" but the receiving American forces thought it didn't sound too bad so were not quick to respond! Yes the stones, if only they could talk :)

[@shaunholbrook8575]

next time in cornwall, check out "carn euny" and "chysauster", im checking "chysauster" hopefully tomorrow

[@TurboTimsWorld]

as someone from swindon living in Devon I agree with you, kzbin.info/www/bejne/roGxXqCufZuKhMk although cream on first lol xx

[@shaunholbrook8575]

@@TurboTimsWorld im from devon , plymouth/tavistock but living with the enemy, i gotta agree ,cream on first !

[@WiltshireMan]

I'm also with cream first

[@garydumbauld4212]

The Downs and Lambourn-Dick Francis country I believe. Great looking bike. At six feet two inches I always enjoyed the big wheels. I am still using a Hilleberg Soulo if I’m not hot-tenting, a tight inner tent is my much preferred choice. Thanks for another great video.

[@ccwweeman3385]

Great video love the bike and also use the helm 1 compact tent great tent easy to put up and take down . Those handlebars look spot on for bikepacking thanks for sharing enjoyed this video...colin👍🏻🚴‍♂️

[@peterharris3096]

Thoroughly nice chap. Always enjoy these videos.

[@carletonblackwell]

Really enjoy watching your trips out. My mum loves not far from the Whitehorse so hopefully we might bump into you one time we are down visiting. Lovely countryside round there

[@afacere736]

FYI - Bing maps has a built-in free OS map but it only works on desktop computers and not on mobile browsers.

[@petejones7532]

It's disgusting the rubbish people leave dumped all over this country.

[@tonypatey5669]

Keep on trucking. Your finds are interesting. Thanks for sharing. . Tony

[@jamesgonzales4522]

I always watch your videos on biking sir,I have a dream that someday I have my own bike because I'm a poor man here in the Philippines, God bless you always

[@McCaff62]

Excellent adventure bike on one have always had a good reputation, possibly go the tubeless as its a no-brainer if your doing lots of bridleways with hawthorn bushes plentiful.

[@colinpearce7079]

Hi Sandy,yet another great video,something for everyone,scenery,technical info on your new purchase & a bit of history on the hangman’s stone which looking at the fly tipped rubbish I can think of a use for it,atb Colin P.

[@craigratcliffe7088]

Another good video My brother and I have Planet x road bikes which belonged to our late dad and he got great service from the company We also just got a lightweight gas stove cook set from them All the best for Christmas

[@marcomcdowell8861]

I have similar Goprix fork cages like the ones you have fitted. Great pieces of kit!

[@kennethkuhl1188]

Your bike looks great Sounds like it suits you and your riding style well. Nice outing, thanks for sharing.

[@billcotton1551]

I really like that bike Sandy! At least fig rolls can't kill you with a rope:]

[@victormonster4658]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Mr W. Thanks for all your videos 👍

[@peter236uk1]

Hi sandy nice video mate be interested to hear about helm 1 thinking of that one but i am 6ft 1 '' ish

[@williamdavidson1456]

Another great video Sandy it’s great to be out in the fresh air with great views at your own leisure. Take care see you on next one 👍🏻

[@Celtic-Silver-countryman]

Very interesting stuff, hangman’s stone were where a gibbet was set up above the condemned stood on top of the stone noose around the neck pushed off stone choke to death😢

[@RichardGoucher]

Great video, glad you’re enjoying the Bootzipper. Nearly bought one myself but didn’t have my size in stock so got a Whippet instead. Awesome bike and the usual fantastic service from Planet X.

[@WiltshireMan]

Whippet looks like a great bike, just checked it out: )

[@alanhanley9515]

Hey Sandy, great stuff as ever and yes "life will get better" when you cut the excess of your helmet straps!!!!!

[@WiltshireMan]

I'll have to cut the straps ...one of these days:)

[@oscartravis5740]

People who fly tip are atrocious and, ironically, would be best served tangled up by a sheep on a length of rope around the hangman's stone :-D

[@WiltshireMan]

Absolutely Oscar, there is something fundamentally wrong with someone who can litter like that, they have no respect probably not even for themselves either

[@johnsayer116]

Lovely looking bike, but if the large is ok for you at 5’10”, I reckon for me at 6’3” it’ll not be big enough

[@WiltshireMan]

I'd get the XL if I were you

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Great video Sandy, any adventures planned with 'Chug'?🤔

[@WiltshireMan]

Not when it's so cold, but Chug is hooked up to a battery tender and fully taxed and ready to go. Probably no motorcycle camping adventures til the warmer months though

[@TurboTimsWorld]

Sandy have you ever been to Pendon model railway museum with all the houses from the vale and the pubs at Wanborough ?

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Tim, Yes I am aware of it

[@robedmunds7163]

Can't beat a fig role😁 wooly hat under helmet is essential this time if year otherwise the vents make your head freezing.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Rob I would be real cold if it wasn't for the thin fleece hat, It keeps the winter chill off

[@MadDogSurvival]

Excellent! Enjoyed coming along with you Sandy! Fun and interesting as always Sir! Sending you wishes for a happy Christmas and very best wishes for health and happiness to you and your family 👍🏻👍🏻😎👌🏽🎅🏼

[@petechampion297]

Maybe it is called the hangman stone because when you get there you kind of just hang around it

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats about right Pete, I'm sure a lot of modern folk do just that:)

[@SteveSeadog]

You'll be fitter than a butcher's dog. A ride like that at this time of year definitely lifts the spirits. Looks like you struck gold with the bike and PlanetX have done a great job in supporting you with the mods. Stay safe and well.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Steve, The old fitness sin't too bad, I can manage the hills now with no leg aches at all though it's fair to say I don't have a lot of power either:) I'm very pleased with the Bootzipper:)

[@iancharlesworth3654]

BRILLIANT SANDY. Life is good pal while were still breathing. Keep getting them FIG ROLLS DOWN YOU. 👍

[@Isaacretrochannel1282]

Great review just bought one and looking forward to it arriving

[@WiltshireMan]

It's a good sturdy bike just make sure you get the right size, I had to go up to a large frame even though according to the size chart I was a medium

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

I'm loving your videos, brilliant way to unwind after work pressure. Keep them coming and thanks for doing them. All the best from Yorkshire.

[@ssmtb]

Nice review thanks for sharing 🙏 The review also blended well with the ride story IMO That Bootzipper looks like a really fun ride

[@Oldie-inhisfoldie]

Great video inspired me to get out there 💪, been a little lazy over 😴 last week. Have you a link for the handle bars on your bike, They looked just what would suit my needs. can't wait for your nxt video. thanks, keep safe 🙏

[@alansturk4756]

Couple of things I really liked about this account..... You mentioned how worthwhile it was to get out on a winter's day into the quiet and beauty of the country.. That's inspiring. I did the same today, after watching you..... really forced myself out into the cold and damp. Like you, I'd say I benefitted more than if I'd stayed in. Uplifted might be the word. About the 'hangman's stone'. Thomas hardy wrote an interesting short story involving a hangman...."The Three Strangers". It's a good read. Thanks again for such interesting filming.

[@davebarney3369]

Great that they sorted your bike out; brilliant customer service. I’ve been out walking this week and it’s much better than in the summer imo. What also amazes me is that even in the middle of nowhere some idiot has fly tipped 🤦‍♂️ Looking forward to the next video- thanks.

[@limchoonteck1]

Do consider mud guards for wet cold winter!

[@WiltshireMan]

I would really like some mudguards now:)

[@victormonster4658]

Your positive attitude is brilliant Mr W. Really enjoyed your video again, keep them coming please 👍

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Nice looking bike. Cheers!

[@neilwilkinson5415]

Great cycle ride there Sandy. I enjoyed the nice views up there on the downs. I’m glad to see you got your boot zipper frame size changed. People often don’t realise how important the right size frame is for comfort and performance. I’m looking forward to seeing your new tent. Thanks again for the video.

[@TheMendipman]

Nice video Sandy. It's life affirming to see you continuing to take such joy in simple pleasures. Roll on, Brother. Noel

[@michaelcase8574]

I'm glad you are happy with this new bike. Only thing better than a great product is great customer service. Looks what you've got there Sandy. Speed is over rated. Better to fall at 10mph than 20! Nice job!

[@Rick--A-F]

Your videos are reminiscent of the old Jack Hargreaves programmes, long may they and your adventures continue Sandy!

[@DesmondsDonders]

I found getting my leg over got harder with age. Thanks Sandy

[@Nicktgrief]

not sure about the colour Sandy but I approve of the FIg rolls :) I love the way they put horse racing fencing thru Lambourn ... that area on the handlebars would be useful for a Mountain topper and morse key :)

[@michaelfraser5723]

WHO takes those approach shots ? Has he got a support crew?

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes Me:)

[@herman.8533]

Engaging and smile educing as always. I always stop on the Clarendon Way at a WW2 German crash site hidden in the trees .Ta muchly.

[@glynburden1813]

Great tent the Helm 1 I'm sure you will love it, look forward to seeing the camp with it

[@chrismartin1761]

Iv had a boot zipper for 3 years and nothing compares for versatility 👌

[@robwilkguitar4458]

Another inspiring video for the senior community. I've been following your Chanel for a few years now and the cycling is an interesting change from the motorcycling. I have to say your certainly living life to the full.

[@freedomformen2548]

Always relaxing to watch your video's 👍😀

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Great bike ride out there Sandy and a good looking bike I like the colour I'm getting into the bikepacking adventures myself it's a great way to cover more miles in less time we have a hangman's gibbet were I camp in Harwood forest in Northumberland the story is that a local man killed a farmer so they hung him and there's been sightings of his ghost at night walking in the area its a spooky place atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats an interesting story Jimmy. Biking is the way to go, it is low impact. Even in the Winter with short days you can still cover 40 or 50 miles off road carrying all your kit on a bike. I reckon on average it is possible to maintain two or three times walking speed and hardly break a sweat. You've only got to average 8 mph and in 5 hours you've done 40 miles!

[@firephlox]

Great video Sandy, I sometimes find it's hard to get motivated this time of year to go out for a ride but the rewards when you do can be just as good if not better than in the warmer months. That larger frame looks a lot better fit than the last one, glad it was a smooth process to get it sorted. Planet X are great, I've bought quite a bit off them over the years,

[@patrickshaw7983]

Nice looking bike there. Impressive gearing.

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

PlanetX sound like a real decent company, nice to hear. Life does get better haha....nice vid, cheers.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Bry They treated me well and the Bootzipper is a real nice design too. I love it:) Haaha Yes Life will always have it's up and downs, too many Strawberries and you'd stop appreciating them so every now and then we need an unripe Gooseberry, unwelcome that it is but by comparison we then know what is good :) In an ideal world we would store that memory and accept just the strawberries but we have no control about what is heading our way around the next corner. Enjoy the ride:)

[@harnserhoowt2824]

Just want to say thanks I appreciate and enjoy your adventures

[@justinsheldon5015]

Great to watch another vlog Sandy. I am 5ft 10 and was in total turmoil with Planet X for my Tempest gravel bike in September, so understand your quandry completely. I thought medium but Planet X said large. The old sizing of standover doesnt exist anymore and is all about stack heights, which mean diddly squat to most. So, in the end, I went with their sizing and it came good. Sleepness nights were wasted on trying to work it out.Planet X were great and really helpful with my bike and patient with my annoying whatsapp messaging regarding sizing and changing the bar widths. Now nearly 400 miles in on the Tempest in West Berkshire local rides. The riding is amazing this time of year and a well worth the effort and bike clean afterwards. A bit sketchy on the hidden roots below the fresh fallen leaves, but one of the best seasons to ride. Lambourn is a great area to ride but the chalky descents can catch you out. Look forward to the camping ride , from sitting indoors keeping warm :)

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Justin Glad you got the bike sized correctly. I am very happy with my new bike now with the larger frame size

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Another nice video Sandy, looks like the new bike is working out great. And once again I noticed another parallel, commenter mentions Hungerford. and in my Hometown of Pittsfield MA. there is a street named Hungerford St. once again a link from there to here. Funny how so many things transgress the Atlantic to Canada to my home town. town names, villages, habits. foods etc. amazing! thanks again for a lovely journey and we'll CUDTL OM! de Ellis WA1RKS

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I'm sure there are links to Ye Olde England with all those place names Ellis. You probably have some English blood flowing in your veins:)

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Ooh, I think it's going to be chilly next week. Such a lovely part of England. I'll be passing your house this next Saturday and will say cheers as I do. All the best to you and yours mate 👍 👍 👍 🍻

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I have seen the forecast. Time to stoke the woodstove up a bit

[@charlespark7338]

Love the local history again. Looks like you are enjoying the new bike even in the mud. 👍🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️😀

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Charles, the mud is going to be with us for the next 4 months so may as well embrace it and get plastered:)

[@silktvPDR1]

Went up there years ago in my old Landrover, totally forgotten about that place. There is also the hangman's gibbet near Hungerford too, I think that one of the highest areas in Southern England.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats coombe gibbet Paul. I've been there

[@SharpblueCreative]

Fantastic- I know the area very well having come from there - never knew about the hangman stone. Sandy, do you know of Combe Gibbet not far from Hungerford? - that might be one for you to visit.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Mark, I#ve been to Combe Gibbet a couple of times before. It's a good Winter days ride to get there and back and could need lights. Hopefully will do a campout with the bike soon

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

Fig rolls! lifeis excellent - stay safe Sandy

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks for the tour, Sandy. Pretty cool. Maybe they should change the name to Fly-tip Stone? 🤪

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes Brian that was a shame, makes me feel sad when I see rubbish dumped like that

[@artisalltoes]

Hi, I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. although I neither cycle or camp(yet), but I really enjoy your videos. I am however very local( Highworth), so I can relate to most of the places you visit. A brief insight into local history, and surroundings are great. I do ride a motorcycle( or three), which is what brought me too your channel at first. Saying that, I find all of your content and you, very engaging. Nice one.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Austin and nice to see a comment from a local. I have two motorcycles but in this cold weather I'd rather ride my bike, the exercise warms me up:)

[@jonnblue]

Ive been riding my On Ones around Wiltshire for a few years now. Finally completed my bike liscence after being inspired by your videos. Good instructor based up at the old Wroughton airfield

[@WiltshireMan]

Welldone on getting your bike licence John

[@jimrowland6089]

Bike looks great Sandy. I have been wanting some kind of fenders on my 29er to keep the spray down a little. I have not or seem to not be able to commit to anything yet. I need to tho if I want to get out for a few more rides before the snow flies. Hope you're able to keep riding and enjoying the outdoor exercise. I love seeing the British countryside.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Jim, Yes some fenders (we call them mud guards over here) would be helpful at this time of year.I got plastered. I hope to be able to continue riding throughout the winter, generally we only get a little snow, but things have turned real cold now so will have to wait and see:) Stay watm

[@wayneberry8703]

Great video and story, Sandy 👍🏼

[@jeetts59]

Like your new bike. I went riding last week for the first time since the beginning of lockdown 2 years ago. It felt good to be back in the saddle, but I’m mighty stiff in the legs.

[@WiltshireMan]

Harold, the way forward is to go slow and steady. My average speed is about 3 or 4 times walking pace. That means when your accoustomed to the saddle large distance can be covered in a day on a bike

[@Dave64track]

You made that look really easy on that bike. It looks like a good piece of kit and PlanetX are looking after you well which is good, you should get some great adventures on that which I'm looking forward seeing. Take care mate.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks David

[@johnfiler6448]

Very interesting video Sandy. You have some great countryside in your part of the woods. Looking forward to the next video. Thank you and Stay Safe.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks John yes Wiltshire is a beautiful county but we lack the rugged mountains, just rolling hills instead

[@andrewcrofts531]

My son has been riding an 'on one' bike for the past 10 years or more and he swears by it. Its never let him down other than service parts. You've made a good choice with that one Sandy.👍🏼

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Andrew, yes I think they are solid bikes

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Your grit and determination is so inspiring!! You just keep going and going! Best wishes, and prayers for your health.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Julian, I do have a dogged determination at times. It got me through to the end of some difficult adventures in the past

[@bilgeratjim]

That's a great story about the stone. The Lord God protects his flock.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes that must be it:)

[@mischef18]

Enjoyed the video bro and the supposed story behind the stone. Safe travels

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Ken

[@rialobran]

Beautiful bike being ridden through beautiful Wiltshire.

[@WiltshireMan]

It's a lovely bike and county, just have to try the new tent, they reckon it's a Hilleberg Soulo killer (almost) a quarter the price and great in storms and cold weather

[@brownsauce30]

Take care Andy. See you soon🤺👏

[@stevetaylor8446]

Gotta love horsey country 😉

[@barryconway]

Thanks for sharing your outing with us, Mr. Wiltshire, and good to see that new bike working for you - it looks suspiciously like it is geared out for 'bikepacking', methinks? We'll surely see! That enigmatic Hangman's Stone was a fine destination - a way marker, maybe? We'll surely never know. Over the past year or so, I've found that uk megalithic website to be a grand resource for plotting random days out. So much has been lost - we need to treasure what's left, I guess.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Barry, Yes treasure what we have for sure and yes you are correct, the bootzipper is designed for bike packing, they even call it an adventure bike:)

[@barryconway]

any bike is an "adventure bike" when in the hands of The @@WiltshireMan (o:

[@gavgreen10]

Great ride Sandy & nice to see you are happier on your bike - I run the same ergon grips with the small barends. I've also been to that stone and there is another south of Honeystreet off the K&A Canal not far from The Barge Inn that is also worth a visit but a bit trickier to find. Also 9.5/10 mph is plenty quick enough on that ride : )

[@WiltshireMan]

I will have to go and find the stone nr Honeystreet:)

[@gavgreen10]

Let me know when you next head down this way@@WiltshireMan - I went out today & stopped off at the only church in Wiltshire with a burial mound in its grounds. Great ride.

[@ericcorbett7769]

I enjoy your down to earth videos that I can relate to, well done, keep up the good work.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Eric

[@jessicapayne8622]

Yay!! Thanks for the vid. Another one to say ‘look Baba. We’re going here next year and your mums not invited’! X

[@WiltshireMan]

There's lot to see in Wiltshire, I'm sure your Grandchild will enjoy it. My first Grandchild is due any day now

[@jessicapayne8622]

@@WiltshireMan good luck to your daughter! Hope it all goes well for them all. The cuddles you’ll get will be sooooooo yummy!!! I’m now being mugged for 50ps and sweets every time I see him. When your grandbaba is old enough, bye mum! Xx

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

Luved this video Sandy. Stunning countryside and your excellent story telling and narration make your videos a pure pleasure to watch and listen too. Thank you my friend and take care. Neil

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Neil glad you are enjoying the videos:) Makes it all the more worthwhile

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

@@WiltshireMan Aways Sandy always. You work hard producing these vids for our enjoyment, please know it is appreciated.

[@garryentropy]

great, had a good ride today too but as you said in the vid i got a sweat up early on then was freezing later, note to self dont get in a sweat

[@WiltshireMan]

It's going to get even colder next week Garry, so will be keeping the output even lower:)

[@garryentropy]

@@WiltshireMan I'm going electric soon, ordered a cheap lidl e bike, motor in the rear hub.

[@WiltshireMan]

@@garryentropy I was sent one by Himiway it has a 250 watt hub motor. Makes the hills and headwinds so much easier, but I hope I've still got the fitness for a few more multi day bike rides where getting the battery recharged would be impossible so will stay with the old pedal power for as long as possible, but I may take the Ebike out for a local spin later today. Cold over here now garry 3C at the moment

[@garryentropy]

@@WiltshireMan thats the reason i ordered it after watching your himiway vid

[@robhemsley9181]

Your video s are excellent!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Rob

[@davidlawrence1523]

Lovely ride out Sandy ❤

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks David

[@TheSkskitey]

Nice 2nd Bootzipper Sandy , one that fits . Pleasant ride to the Hangman stone . I reckon it got it's name because they used to hang sheep stealers on it , they stand on top of the stone with a noose to the neck tied to a tree push them off and bingo they get hung :-)

[@WiltshireMan]

That would work Kitey but the tree has long gone