Wish I could, but you know... bill to pay. Maybe one day I can be semi-retired and have more time to create content and ride. But for now it will have to do.
Videos like this are great at showing the reality of bikepacking/touring., things do not always go as planned and you have to be ready to roll with the punches.
Oof a bumpy trail in that smoke and heat...OUCH! That really sucks you couldn't finish, but you made the right call. And even if you didn't make that call...it looks like that would have been decided for you anyway further up the road. You still hammered and you should be proud of yourself. It sucks having unfinished business like this... Are you going to give it another go 2023?
I need a change of venue. Think I'll ride the XWA westbound this spring. Logistically it's easier for me. Clipper -> Seattle, Amtrak -> Spokane and ride to the start. I have a few other races I may try (funding permitting) but also want to get back to my fly fishing. It was a huge part of my life prior to my crash. So why not ride & fish (you know how it goes) I would like to get a nice little travel 5-6 pc switch rod, around 4-5 weight. Great for everything from slingling weighted tips on a shore line to high stick nymph drifting little tight water, and everything in between. But we'll see.
Glad you enjoyed it. I've ridden some sections of the XWA route. I think it will be interesting to ride it westbound, from the arid planes to the wet coastal mountains.
Another terrific video Rob! Sorry you had to pack it in early, but you are so right.... your health is more important. The journey, moment to moment.... will always bring you joy. Love and Hugs, Dea😻
I love watching your videos and this one is close to home for me geographically so that’s cool. I’m a dad and want to start taking my kids on little bikepacking trips. I’m new to bikepacking myself and am planning my first solo this year. One reason I like your videos is because of your wisdom with health and safety. I can’t foresee a “finish at all costs” ideology instilling the right values in my kids. It’s about the time spent doing what you love that matters. So, thank you for being a good bikepacking role model to me so I can be a good role model to them.
Yes.. it's all about scaling the adventure to your (or the kids) abilities. That's what's nice about bikepacking. Completely scalable from mild to wild. Well-trodden to Expeditions. And of course, mitigating risks of all types. I think these types of skills are being lost.... to objectively self-evaluate situations. You sound like an awesome dad. :)
I loved your comment DJM! And as Salty said... "you must be an awesome Dad!" I wish that self and situational evaluation skills were something I had learned as a youngster. It's taken quite a few years to learn to trust my intuition, to learn that the journey is so much more important than the final goal, success, or destination, that reassessing and changing your mind or path... is not failure. Thank you DJM for teaching your children to be amazing human beings.
@@mycreativeheart4159 Well said Creative HeART. I couldn't agree more. Check out this TH-cam channel for more crazy outdoor kids, I met them last summer in Fernie. This is one cool dad. www.youtube.com/@ThatMountainLife/featured
Yeah... tough call to call it, but once I was in town and chatted with locals.... the call was really made for me anyway. But better to play it safe than have some funky lung problem.
Yeah, the surface along the KVR is highly variable! I did it on a Trek 420 with stem and seatpost suspensions, but I could never get the tires right. If that is even possible. The worst part for me was West of Faulder where the ATVs churn everything up. But I persevered to Brookmere in heavy, deep gravel. If I did it again, it would be on an electric fatty. And a BIG solar panel. I've toured past fires four times. Nimpkish Lake, Valemont, Anarchist Mtn and somewhere on the KVR. At least I have a supply of N95s now.
It was really cool this year to ride the area twice in the same year, seeing the drastic change in trail conditions. I've been on this route about 7-8 times now in my life, and every time, the conditions are just a little different. I was surprised how rough the eastside climb up Grey Pass was. Seemed like any loose dirt was gone. Just hardpan & big round rocks (goat heads). UGH.... and to do that at night just seemed to make it worse.
Amazing journey, your videos are some of the best out there. That section of the KVR from Osprey lake to Princeton is tough enough, with the forest fires it must have been brutal!
Another epic video. I love seeing your adventures, as well as your editing work. Gotta protect your health, so good call. Hope you've fully recovered from all that smoke and feel better again.
I was surprised how it hit me so quickly. I probably could have pushed through the night if the road was open, but at what cost? I took a full 2-weeks for the lungs to feel completely freed up. Thanks for watching :)
Looks like we're in for a third attempt on your part!? But seriously, your channel is one of my favorite on youtube. I really think if you keep at it, it'll eventually get huge. Your videos have great editing, you have nice personality. Just keep at it!
Amazing adventure you tackled, sorry you didn’t make the final leg on this one. Your health is more important. I hope you make some new videos camping trails and hanging out in the woods next year and take us along!
Lots planned for 2023, even if only half happens should still be a fun year. hard to juggle a full-time job, riding, shooting, editing, and still managing to take out the recycling every two weeks. LOL
Awesome wrap up and great editing, thanks for sharing round 2! 👍👍 Riding in smoke sucks, so a good call there. I have a Tailfin with trunk and 10L mini panniers in my wishlist so am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it (I did see your spoiler alert).
I usually coordinate my races with family vacation... or shall I say, my wife visiting friends while I race. LOL. I've been lucky that way. Friends all over the place. That said, I could imagine this being a difficult race for some to logistically to plan for. I would assume that the FaceBook group page would be the first place to try a coordinate transportation, and BC Bikepacking FB page.
I’m working on my Tailfin review now. I will be mentioning what I like/dislike about seatbags briefly, but these two bag systems are radically different. Think of Tailfin as the rugged offroad version of good old panniers. And the unique ability to run their rear rack on any kind of bike - including full suspension. Yes, the full system is wider than a seat bag, but if you on ran the rear aero bag, its still 4-6 litres bigger than big bikepacking seatbags.
I attempted in 2018 also westbound (my first ever bikepacking race), and while I was riding well for myself at that time, I lost feeling in my feet at 750 km. This year I rode it east for the grand depart, and did 450 km in one push, but badly bruised a toenail. With a little healing and more training, I did this second westbound attempt, and was aiming on a sub-five-day finnish. But the fire thwarted that... oh so close. Time to give this route a break, and race a few other places for 2023
@@SaltyBeard_Adventures always impressed and love your videos. hope to come meet you at a vibc event if I can get down to one and you happen to be there. I'm up island just above Courtenay.
I've always worried about the fire smoke with regard to long distance bike travel around BC and across the country, and its potential effect on my health. You see people hiking and biking in it and I always wonder if that's a good idea. In the past I've kept my SUV nearby so I can have somewhere to go rest and take it easy during the smoke, from the sounds of this video I think I should keep doing so. I can only imagine those fires will keep getting worse.
I've had a few trips heavy with smoke, and just scaled back my efforts. The ash was another thing all together, combined with the 35+ temps that last day. Honestly, I took too many breaks cooling off and faffing about. I could have made better time, and maybe even beat the road closure. But, hey... it's all part of the adventure (including self-preservation).
@@SaltyBeard_Adventures absolutely it's all about the bigger long term adventure. I'd rather see you make more trip videos another day than push through the smoke and suffer.
@saltybeard, you’re too good at this to not being do it full time.
Wish I could, but you know... bill to pay. Maybe one day I can be semi-retired and have more time to create content and ride. But for now it will have to do.
Videos like this are great at showing the reality of bikepacking/touring., things do not always go as planned and you have to be ready to roll with the punches.
Yup... just have to be flexible.
Your video's are awesome. Thank you for sharing your adventure with all of us. Bummer on the Forest Fire.
Thanks for watching! ... until the next time, be safe out there. :)
Oof a bumpy trail in that smoke and heat...OUCH! That really sucks you couldn't finish, but you made the right call. And even if you didn't make that call...it looks like that would have been decided for you anyway further up the road. You still hammered and you should be proud of yourself. It sucks having unfinished business like this... Are you going to give it another go 2023?
I need a change of venue. Think I'll ride the XWA westbound this spring. Logistically it's easier for me. Clipper -> Seattle, Amtrak -> Spokane and ride to the start. I have a few other races I may try (funding permitting) but also want to get back to my fly fishing. It was a huge part of my life prior to my crash. So why not ride & fish (you know how it goes) I would like to get a nice little travel 5-6 pc switch rod, around 4-5 weight. Great for everything from slingling weighted tips on a shore line to high stick nymph drifting little tight water, and everything in between. But we'll see.
I picked up a Tenkara for the same reason, it's been great on the few occasions I've been able to use it
@@MyopicAdventures / I've only used a Tenkara once, and quite like it.
Again… Thanks for sharing these inspirational vídeos… Best of all, now I'm going to see the four acts in a row🎉👌🏻
Wonderful! Glad to hear you're enjoying them.
Great video series salty beard, covering that distance in such a short amount of time is very impressive. thanks. XWA looks amazing too.
Glad you enjoyed it. I've ridden some sections of the XWA route. I think it will be interesting to ride it westbound, from the arid planes to the wet coastal mountains.
Another terrific video Rob! Sorry you had to pack it in early, but you are so right.... your health is more important. The journey, moment to moment.... will always bring you joy. Love and Hugs, Dea😻
Yes, a little disappointing to cut it short so close to the end. But, you know... live to fight another day.
Just wanted to thank you for the simple joy you bring me. I LOVE your work.
You are so very welcome. Love having you along. :)
I love watching your videos and this one is close to home for me geographically so that’s cool. I’m a dad and want to start taking my kids on little bikepacking trips. I’m new to bikepacking myself and am planning my first solo this year. One reason I like your videos is because of your wisdom with health and safety. I can’t foresee a “finish at all costs” ideology instilling the right values in my kids. It’s about the time spent doing what you love that matters. So, thank you for being a good bikepacking role model to me so I can be a good role model to them.
Yes.. it's all about scaling the adventure to your (or the kids) abilities. That's what's nice about bikepacking. Completely scalable from mild to wild. Well-trodden to Expeditions. And of course, mitigating risks of all types. I think these types of skills are being lost.... to objectively self-evaluate situations. You sound like an awesome dad. :)
I loved your comment DJM! And as Salty said... "you must be an awesome Dad!" I wish that self and situational evaluation skills were something I had learned as a youngster. It's taken quite a few years to learn to trust my intuition, to learn that the journey is so much more important than the final goal, success, or destination, that reassessing and changing your mind or path... is not failure. Thank you DJM for teaching your children to be amazing human beings.
@@mycreativeheart4159 Well said Creative HeART. I couldn't agree more. Check out this TH-cam channel for more crazy outdoor kids, I met them last summer in Fernie. This is one cool dad. www.youtube.com/@ThatMountainLife/featured
As always,enjoyed your video work.Cycling through that smoke is brutal,good call on bailing.
Yeah... tough call to call it, but once I was in town and chatted with locals.... the call was really made for me anyway. But better to play it safe than have some funky lung problem.
Yeah, the surface along the KVR is highly variable! I did it on a Trek 420 with stem and seatpost suspensions, but I could never get the tires right. If that is even possible. The worst part for me was West of Faulder where the ATVs churn everything up. But I persevered to Brookmere in heavy, deep gravel. If I did it again, it would be on an electric fatty. And a BIG solar panel.
I've toured past fires four times. Nimpkish Lake, Valemont, Anarchist Mtn and somewhere on the KVR. At least I have a supply of N95s now.
It was really cool this year to ride the area twice in the same year, seeing the drastic change in trail conditions. I've been on this route about 7-8 times now in my life, and every time, the conditions are just a little different. I was surprised how rough the eastside climb up Grey Pass was. Seemed like any loose dirt was gone. Just hardpan & big round rocks (goat heads). UGH.... and to do that at night just seemed to make it worse.
Amazing journey, your videos are some of the best out there. That section of the KVR from Osprey lake to Princeton is tough enough, with the forest fires it must have been brutal!
Thanks James / yes and I find it much slower going west climbing out of Summerland / thanks for watching / share and spread to your friends 🤘🏼
Love your rides and video works! Thank you!
You're welcome! Happy to have you along for the ride :)
Another epic video. I love seeing your adventures, as well as your editing work. Gotta protect your health, so good call. Hope you've fully recovered from all that smoke and feel better again.
I was surprised how it hit me so quickly. I probably could have pushed through the night if the road was open, but at what cost? I took a full 2-weeks for the lungs to feel completely freed up. Thanks for watching :)
Looks like we're in for a third attempt on your part!?
But seriously, your channel is one of my favorite on youtube. I really think if you keep at it, it'll eventually get huge. Your videos have great editing, you have nice personality. Just keep at it!
Thank you so much for the encouragement... it goes a long way.
Amazing adventure you tackled, sorry you didn’t make the final leg on this one. Your health is more important. I hope you make some new videos camping trails and hanging out in the woods next year and take us along!
Lots planned for 2023, even if only half happens should still be a fun year. hard to juggle a full-time job, riding, shooting, editing, and still managing to take out the recycling every two weeks. LOL
Hi salty. I hope you are well. I haven’t seen your awesome pictures lately. 🙏. Just thinking of you buddy
More kewl tunes and awesome video, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed!
Awesome wrap up and great editing, thanks for sharing round 2! 👍👍 Riding in smoke sucks, so a good call there.
I have a Tailfin with trunk and 10L mini panniers in my wishlist so am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it (I did see your spoiler alert).
I meant to ask, how are you getting to / from the start / finish? I can't drive so that's a bit of a challenge.
I usually coordinate my races with family vacation... or shall I say, my wife visiting friends while I race. LOL. I've been lucky that way. Friends all over the place. That said, I could imagine this being a difficult race for some to logistically to plan for. I would assume that the FaceBook group page would be the first place to try a coordinate transportation, and BC Bikepacking FB page.
Good Info, thanks! I've shared this series with many folks, even out in Scotland, all are enjoying your adventure and editing 👍
thanks :)
Did you do a review on the tailfin vs seat bag? And the honestly near the end of the video
I’m working on my Tailfin review now. I will be mentioning what I like/dislike about seatbags briefly, but these two bag systems are radically different. Think of Tailfin as the rugged offroad version of good old panniers. And the unique ability to run their rear rack on any kind of bike - including full suspension. Yes, the full system is wider than a seat bag, but if you on ran the rear aero bag, its still 4-6 litres bigger than big bikepacking seatbags.
looked like fun nice work. what was your first year doing it and your time? almost wanna join this year
I attempted in 2018 also westbound (my first ever bikepacking race), and while I was riding well for myself at that time, I lost feeling in my feet at 750 km. This year I rode it east for the grand depart, and did 450 km in one push, but badly bruised a toenail. With a little healing and more training, I did this second westbound attempt, and was aiming on a sub-five-day finnish. But the fire thwarted that... oh so close. Time to give this route a break, and race a few other places for 2023
@@SaltyBeard_Adventures always impressed and love your videos. hope to come meet you at a vibc event if I can get down to one and you happen to be there. I'm up island just above Courtenay.
I've always worried about the fire smoke with regard to long distance bike travel around BC and across the country, and its potential effect on my health. You see people hiking and biking in it and I always wonder if that's a good idea. In the past I've kept my SUV nearby so I can have somewhere to go rest and take it easy during the smoke, from the sounds of this video I think I should keep doing so. I can only imagine those fires will keep getting worse.
I've had a few trips heavy with smoke, and just scaled back my efforts. The ash was another thing all together, combined with the 35+ temps that last day. Honestly, I took too many breaks cooling off and faffing about. I could have made better time, and maybe even beat the road closure. But, hey... it's all part of the adventure (including self-preservation).
@@SaltyBeard_Adventures absolutely it's all about the bigger long term adventure. I'd rather see you make more trip videos another day than push through the smoke and suffer.