bikepacking in the Elan Valley

[whitestone]

This video https://bikepacking.com/plog/bikepackin ... les-video/ popped up on bikepacking.com. Many will recognise the trails. I'm not convinced by the "is it actually bikepacking if you don't have a dangling mug?" comment - I'll wait for the Krakatoa like explosion from Stu

[Bearbonesnorm]

Past caring Bob ... although I will continue to slip rubber dog turds into any dangling mug I happen across 'cos it makes me laugh.

[Taylor]

Watched that a couple of days ago, f**kin mug dangling comment riled me right up, maybe I'm turning into stu.
She attempted the Tuscany trail a couple of months back too and that was hard to watch as well.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Watched that a couple of days ago, f**kin mug dangling comment riled me right up, maybe I'm turning into stu.
She attempted the Tuscany trail a couple of months back too and that was hard to watch as well.

I've learnt to let it go fella. I've also learnt how to squat over a parked bike and crap into a dangled mug. I've become quite accurate

Ooh also, can anyone explain to me what a 'freelance creative' is. I wonder if it might be like my job, only I call it 'nobbing about'.

[RIP]

I think the emphasis is on the "free" bit - it's the "remuneration" that people seem to expect you to do things for if you're offering a service or goods that an alternative, but equivalent, "professional" person/outfit would charge them loads for .

[Mike]

the mug didnt offend me, but that dudes black vestwas shocking and her voice grates but other than that it was ok.

[summittoppler]

I was actually asked by 'bad back' Tom to guide these guys on this trip. However I couldn't make it as I went back to work the day before after a 6 week summer break!
At least the weather was kind and for them...

[Bearbonesnorm]

I was actually asked by 'bad back' Tom to guide these guys on this trip.

Strangely ......... I wasn't. Kind of odd considering I was a guide for 12 years and it's sorta my back garden

[sillybigfella]

the mug didnt offend me, but that dudes black vestwas shocking and her voice grates but other than that it was ok.

A black vest and sandals in the Elan Valley in that weather? Do me a favour.

[macinblack]

I saw this the other day and wondered when it might apppear here.

It made it funnier expecting the anticipated remarks it would prompt.

[Jamesh]

As much as I appreciate a good write up, photo set and some route info.. most videos of riding said route just don't hold my attention. I'd rather leave it a bit of a mystery and get out there eventually, rather than watch some youtube esq vlog.

Still props to Tom (interesting attire aside) as he is generally a top bloke and at the head of one the better shops in the South

[Bearbonesnorm]

In fairness, I think this and things like it probably aren't really aimed at 'us' and by us, I mean those that have already spent more than a single night out there* - which I suppose is fairly obvious judging by most of the comments.

*look at me being all reasonable

[Dave Barter]

I thought it was OK needs more swearing and I need to get a sleeve done

[Bearbonesnorm]

I need to get a sleeve done

These could save you a lot of expense Dave. If you bought a few you could chop and change as the mood took you

[Mike]

Like the 2nd from right! Just need to build my arms up so they look tight and manly otherwise it will be all baggy

[Bearbonesnorm]

You'll be fine ....... these are ladies ones.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Actually, are you sure you like the second from the right? That skull appears to be wearing a tea cosy

[composite]

It's watching this type of video that makes me wonder if doing my Diary of a Randonnuer thing is actually a good idea. I guess there will be a lot less whooping and being "on trend" but hmmm...

It's funny how you can watch a minute of this before looking at how much is left or get to 50mins in of Daves epic before you realise what the time is. The one video I have ever made where I actually spoke to camera ( ) the feedback was that people liked the honesty. That goes for Ride the Dave-ide IMO. Maybe it's the sense of feeling like I'm watching people who seem so hell-bent on showing what a great time they are having and "living their best life". Man, I've become a proper grumpy curmudgeon since passing 40.

I guess this goes back to Stu's point about experience. We all know there are plenty of bits of bikepacking and long riding that aren't all smiles and can be a bit sh1t. It's not as bad but this video is a bit like a British version of those Salsa bikepacking videos that are really just adverts.

On another note where is that bit of single track at 6:30?

EDIT: To be fair I thought I'd watch it again this morning over a coffee and actually it was fine. I was not having one of my best days yesterday.

[Wotsits]

1952 has been on, they want their bikepackers back...

Right miserable bunch of blokes you lot are on here sometimes

[Gregsie]

At least they didn't build a campfire....

[benconnolli]

It did felt like selling the dream rather than telling a story to people who have lived and breathed the reality of that dream. Nowt wrong with making a video like that to fund a lifestyle of cycling as long as you are reasonably clear that that’s what you’re doing which the hyperlinks and look at my bike!! Bits sort of did

[Taylor]

On another note where is that bit of single track at 6:30?

If I'm right, it's near the hafod mansion ruins

[sillybigfella]

It did felt like selling the dream rather than telling a story to people who have lived and breathed the reality of that dream. Nowt wrong with making a video like that to fund a lifestyle of cycling as long as you are reasonably clear that that’s what you’re doing which the hyperlinks and look at my bike!! Bits sort of did

At least they showed a bit of hike-a-bike, so at least that’s something like the brutal reality.

[psling]

I get the impression the way that the ride is presented that they have taken on board comments made previously on this forum or are of the same mindset as some people on here. It's not greatly glorified and reflects pretty real conditions.

I also get the impression that the dangling mug thing is a very deliberate kind of humour. Surely? I mean, a mug is a useful container when packed inside a bag and I prefer mine not to be splattered in bovine effluent and roadkill

[Charliecres]

Yes, it suffers from the relentlessly cheery - “this is vaguely exciting” - presentational style of the Instagram adventurer but other than that I couldn’t see anything to be negative about. Not entirely my cup of tea but we can’t all be miserable old sods.

There was hike-a-bike, getting lost, arriving after dark, appreciation of the landscape and a positive response to less than ideal conditions. Hopefully it will inspire people to step outside their comfort zone and try something similar.