West Highland Way: Rab Wardell's Record Attempt
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ธ.ค. 2020
- Stretching from just outside the hustle of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, to the iconic highland town of Fort William, the 95 miles (153km) West Highland Way is a world-famous, multi-day traverse loved by walkers from around the world.
What is less well known about the route, is that a hardy band of mountain bikers have been vying for record times along the way for the last 10 years. Riding “the way” in its entirety is a notable accomplishment - it boasts a meaty 10,351ft of climbing, and parts of the terrain involve carrying, rather than riding a bike.
This adventure has been on Rab Wardell’s mind since he first walked the route in 2007 as a recently retired 22-year-old professional mountain biker. In 2011, Wardell undertook his first attempt, completing the route in a 12.15hr, in 2012, he bettered that by going sub 12hrs - a major personal milestone. A few years later this record time was broken by Steve McInnes with an 11:30. Then in 2015, Scottish Endurance legend Keith Forsyth set a new fastest time of 10:27. Rab began thinking about trying to win his record back in 2019 and had concluded that a sub-10-hour time would be his aim, besting Forsyth’s time. To everyone’s shock, Fort William rider Gary McDonald then set a blistering 9:28 across the route in early August.
Training through the pre-pandemic winter, aided training technology from Wahoo including the KICKR Smart Trainer. Rab was spurred on by girlfriend Katie Archibald's inspiring efforts leading into the now postponed Olympics. Despite setbacks, Rab achieved his aim and has openly encouraged others to attempt the record, all while experiencing such a soul-edifying route through his beloved homeland.
How long his record will remain intact is an open-ended question; even completing such an extreme human endeavor could be considered a victory no matter what - but for this hardy group vying for records, there will always be more on the line than simply finishing.
Presented By:
Wahoo
Santa Cruz Bicycles
In Association with:
Endura
Cushcore
Secret Training
Outdoor Capital of the UK
Shot and edited by Cut Media
Executive producers: Stu Thomson and Matt Porter
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I've watched this many times and its inspiring every time, with todays sad news I'm here again this time with tears in my eyes RIP Rab thoughts with all your friends and family, ride free
Same. Rab is an absolute legend, the world is a much darker place without him. Ride in Peace, Rab.
RIP Rab, this remains a superb effort and video among all your achievements, my thoughts are with your family and friends!
Agreed! He was a big inspiration for me.
Rest In Ride,Legend
Just watched, Rab and WHW record. Great legacy amongst others, RIP.
Similar to others, I’ve watched this a lot and loved the film making element as well as the incredible challenge and it’s inspired me a lot. Awful news today about Rab’s death. Shocking!
I've watched this a few times and the "lets make history" still brings a lump to my throat. Such an inspiring account of this magnificent achievement.
Rabs passing is such a loss to the world.
RIP Rab. Sad to hear the news. Can still remember the good old days racing with you and Dave for Sandy Wallace
What an inspiration this Lad was, watched this many times before I attempted WHW. Difficult to believe the news today and like so many others find myself deeply saddened. My thoughts are with your loved and dear ones Rab, I hope there are better rides on the other side for you. Sleep in peace.
Ride in peace, Rab.
RIP Rab, you will be missed by us all
"Let's make f****** history!" at 16:55 made my lip quiver - emotional - awesome job Rab and team! Great video.
Same. Brought back fond memories of supporting a pal on ultra-runs (non-record breaking ones).
Low key I cried a bit
Had to watch this again today through tears. What an loss to the world. Inspirational man. So sad for his family and friends. Rest in peace Rab.
So very sad. I was totally inspired by this young man.
TH-cam algorithm just showed me this epic video and I came here to shower Rab in praise for a tremendous achievement .. only to learn of his passing. RIP Rab , even though you are no longer here, you are still inspiring others to get out on the trails.
Took many groups of recovering addicted lads and lassies along that trail in the 90s. Trying to show a different path. Happy days indeed, some memories 🏴❤️
.
RIP Rab Hoping you're enjoying the ride of your life up there !
I've just finished the WHW by bike, and had to come back and watch this again, it can't be overstated how significant an achievement this is
Awesome! I hope you enjoyed the ride!
The section after inversnaid is hell on earth
Rest in peace Rab
RIP Rab! Way too young- you were an inspiration. Sincere condolences to your friends and family.
RIP Rab 💐💐💐
I just had to come back and watch this. RIP Rab 🖤
I came here after hearing the terrible news. I'd never heard of Rab until the news of his tragic demise, but what an inspiration. Ride free, Rab. Tyres down!
Here today after reading about Katie's injury and led me to this. I remember reading about Rab's passing at the time and was shocked and saddened for Katie, his Mum and Dad , family and all his friends. Today I was inspired - and sad again - a 58 year old Scouser with a wrecked knee - by this amazing adventure, this achievement and this warrior of a man. RIP Rab and ride free. YNRA !! Get well soon Katie.
I’m 55 years old and still get out on my MTB daily. This has inspired me to have a crack at this route but at a slightly slower pace! 😁
An awesome effort. Well in Rab. 👍
One of the best cycling videos I've ever seen.
One of the most inspiring MTB stories I've ever watched ❤
Proper mountain biking, amazing effort to everyone involved and so much respect to Rab especially
rest in peace legend. I will ride in Scotland soon I hope.
1st time watching this fallowing Sir Chris Hoy’s twitter tribute to such a dedicated ambassador to this wonderful sport for everyone. Started watch with sadness for the loss of Rab, then as continuing I found myself willing him on to his record. And as it ended, and stoked for him the realisation set in that family friends and the world has lost him.
RIP Rab. Your a legend.
"Everything crossed... apart from my eyes." What a class guy!
My first time to watch this amazing man’s endurance, it won’t be my last time.
Some guy! Nice one Rab, Wahoo and Cut Media 🔥 maybe I should give it a go 😅
Oft that's a good shout. 👍👍
Go for it Cameron , keep the record in Scotland. Lets hope Lachlan Morton dosen't see this.
@@dons4europe I don't fancy his chances... ;) Lachy, not Cammy.
Do it :)
Yes, go for it Cameron!
Way to go Rab, your my hero!
Rab always manages to inspire you whether it’s through a film like this or giving you advice when you bump into him at races. Never got to know him well enough but I’ll always appreciate the advice and guidance when we chatted at various races! Rest easy mate, the definition of a great guy and legend 🧡
On the 14th July 2021 I gave this very thing a go. I started in Fort William and did it backwards. After training for months my rear mech gave out after about 20 miles and I was devasted and limped the bike to the Kingshouse hotel. After sitting disheartened and frustrated I decided to change the bike into a single speed and try to continue on. The chain finally gave out after another 30 miles. After a bike change later down from some brilliant friends I eventually finished it in 17.5 hours. Really shows how fast the record is!
I love this, one day I will come from South Africa to give it a crack.
That pep talk @16:40 from Jimmy. Shivers out of nowhere.
He was definitely the man for the job!
That was a 20 minute emotional rollercoaster. TREMENDOUS. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 UNBELIEVABLE EFFORT
Watched this many of times, gives me goosebumps. From the comments i didnt know he died 😢 met him a few years back.. so sad
mighty. Top marks to Rab. We road it in September over 4 days, 2 up and 2 down. BUT beware the hikeabike along Loch Lomond will test your will to live. Took us over 4 hours with full camping gear and no joy. The rest of the trail is stunning "Lads..the campsite is one hour away and we have 40 minutes of daylight\"
Ive just come back after doing the WHW with the bike . there is now way to describle what and achivement this was for Rab. Lomond low path is hell on earth.
Lol I was just listening to him on BBC Scotland only a ten minute interview but herd him say it was being documented and here it is 👌🏻
What a great guy. So sad to hear the new of him passing unexpectedly.
Just read about Wardell's death on BBC. I don't follow cycling, so I'd never heard of him but he sounds like a lovely man who died too young. What isn't mentioned is what kind of job he had that allowed him to be off cycling for long trips. I've a friend who is an avid bicyclist who would love to find such a job.
Walked this nearly 10 years ago now; amazing route. Shared a Bothy with two MTB bike packers. They caught the ferry at Inversnaid and I don't blame them, it's hard going on foot. Amazing job.
Beautiful day for it. Astonishing ride. 🙌🏴
Awesome, a new trail to ride, thanks Rab.
Cracking. Watching this brought a smile to my face on a down day. Cheers.
Glad to hear it :)
R.I.P, Rab. Can't believe it!!
It's taken me until now to come back to this. Seeing his mother and friends there made this an incredibly emotional watch. What a man and what a loss!
Well done rab, this was a great watch 👍🏼🚵♂️🏴
Humble, honest and inspirational. Fair play lads.
Loved Gary cheering the boys on, and a top notch Cut Media edit as always.
Legend sad sad news today thoughts are with his family and friends RIP❤️
Awesome ride! Well done sir!
Well done bro!!!
Talking of dragging a dead donkey....We love it !
Well in Rab. Amazing watch.
This is a Christmas Day sort of film. Excitement, suspense, a good guy, evil elements ( not the wahoo element of course) and a happy uplifting ending. Oh and there was a coach ( think uncle buck) and mum and dad too. Loved it!
Bonkers Rab ! That was an incredible effort. More so in a full XC get up. Those disco loafers must have been sketchy along the banks of Loch Lomond on the hike-a-bike section ! Well done indeed..
Well done Rob
Brings back memories. Did it over three days back in the 80s, staying at Inversnaid and then at Kingshouse, so a leisurely ride compared! Fantastic though. I remember the descent off Conic hill, and the slog of Rannoch Moor and Devil's Staircase like it was yesterday!
Love it ❤️🙌🏻
Epic, well done Rab!
Thanks Andrzej! I hope you’re well!
Rab Looks like a top bloke and has made me want to have a crack at it over a few days 👍🏻
Your Uncle Rab, never lets you down.
Smashed it mate 🤘
The more I see of the Scottish trails the more I want to ride them. Maybe that me, my lad and brothers have this as our next bike trip 🤔😎💪
Congratulations to Rab! Such a beautifully made film too. I rode it fully loaded over three days and am in awe of your time. Took me almost that long to get my sandwiches out my rucky.
Watched this video a few times, inspired me to have a go the route, did it 2 days ago, cant believe how easy you make it look, so much of it is unrideable, especially with a heavy bikepacking setup, it truly is a test of man and machine.
Brilliant video and hats off to you for such a fast time. 👏
Stoked it made you want to ride! Great job. And thank you!
So would you advise against doing it on MTB? I've done South Downs Way last year and this is on my bucket list.
Its fine doing it on a mtb, there is just quite a bit of pushing and carrying. The loch side section is about 6 miles of carrying/pushing, lots of pushing also on conic hill and devils staircase.
Great effort, great film ... what an athlete ! Well done !
What a treat to watch this and feel inspit to go ride. Amazing shots and production.
Absolutely Rabulous! And as handsome as a Lion 👌
What a fantastic achievement well done Rab!
What a well-produced video! So awesome!
A fantastic video and what a legacy to leave behind. The closing words resonate deeply. What I'd do to explore routes like this with loved ones I have lost. It was great to see you Mum and Dad as your best supporters. I'm sure this video will be the source of inspiration for many, for many years to come!
Great effort, what a route! Good on his mate encouraging him too!
Amazing achievement on an amazing land. Perfect! Congratulations!
Incredible effort! We walked this last year and that was hard enough, I can't imagine getting a bike through some of the rock and steep sections!
Super cool Thanks Wahoo, Cut Media, Rob for putting this together. I really want the latter part of my athletic life to be full of those epic rides. Awesome film.
Great video
Well done that man!! Hard enough walking never mind riding!! I take my hat of sir 👍
Such a great story, well done Rab!
Great inspiration to go out and ride it, superb work and great film 👍
Awesome achievement Rab, well done mate! Great video too, beautifully shot and edited 👍🏻
I hiked the West Highland Way at the end of August this year and I said to myself "never again" but since then I've done about 3 big hikes around Scotland and this has inspired me to go back and do it again in better time. Well done this is such a huge achievement!
Outstanding effort. Well done. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Rab, I heard about this recently so was glad to have found it on here. Fecking huge well done m8. I felt every last pedal stroke there. The pains of the Loch Lomond, the pleasure of passing devil’s staircase, the wind of the moor. Well done. And may the record hold for many years m8
What a incredible ride, thoroughly enjoyed watching this.
Absolute class Rab, I did it once, over 2 days, probably about 26 hours in total and a tub of Sudocream.
Great effort. Is the ‘thumbs down’ Gary Macdonald!??!
So is three days the standard like for the South Downs Way or even longer?
Utterly superb Rab! Your metric approach nailed it! Nice to see you had James Allan of Glasvegas in occasional transition support :-)
This was awesome to view! What an effort, what power, what support, what views!!! CONGRATULATIONS
Wow! It looked awesome! Amazing ride. Amazing scenery! Just want to go riding! Well done! Lorenzo from Australia.
Excellent effort and it takes a certain person to ride the WHW. I’ve Ridden it 3 times.
Well done 👏
Magic Rab, top stuff and congratualtions. How a record attempt should be done, with class. It was always on the cards for me...but its definitely happening now! Inspired, thank you 👍
Well done, Rab. Loved every minute of it. 🥰
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant Rab. Loved that. Beautifully filmed, you could feel the emotion of it. I’m ready to get out on my bike now!
Good on you Rab! Epic stuff.
Superb, loved every minute of that
Huge Congrats on the time, what an effort and what a ride! And huge kudos to the camera team too, to film that whilst you were racing is not easy. This has super inspired to get back up to Scotland and get into the wilderness again - although we all know Scotland ain’t all sunshine eh? Gotta love the rain and midges, they just add to the adventure
Top job man. Well done.
Incredible achievements Rab. 😎
What an amazing result and cracking cinematography. Scotland is a such a beautiful place.
Truly inspirational, what an amazing effort and another great showcase of Scottish cycling, well done Rab and well done Cut Media for another amazing production
Started doing mtb this year and also attempted to walk the west highland way couple months ago and this video was definitely an inspiration for both. Rest in peace Rab