You should be very proud of that, Darren. A mega effort. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the last stint in the Surrey Hills and that you met some decent cycling folks. Treat that Achilles with a few pints of Thatchers and then onto the next one! 👍💪
Thanks Andy, the week it took sitting on my backside resting, trying to edit all these videos, took care of the Achilles! Apart from Birling Gap to Beachy Head. Riding in the Surrey Hills on Day 7 was my favourite bit.
It was until afterwards, when I worked out how much climbing I’d done in the week, 12000m, which is an Everest and a half! But I can’t explain that feeling of riding up that last climb knowing I’d done it, especially after my struggles the day before. Thanks for watching Randel, as it makes it even more satisfying, knowing everyone has enjoyed the series.
So nice to see you all upbeat again Darren. 👍 There we’re certainly some lumpy sections on that day! But you just grind your way up, so we’ll done on bagging all those climbs. Cool bike alarm as well. 👏
Thanks Steve, I’m quite determined and stubborn, that’s what my wife keeps telling me anyway!! 😂 I was chuffed to bits by the end and probably bit off more than I could chew, so I’ve learned a few valuable lessons for the next adventure. Of which, there definitely will be another one, that’s for sure. That Alarm was very good, I thought it was worth trying for the price and surprised how well it worked. So far, it’s faultless.
Thanks Shane, you’re too kind! But I love that!! The alarm is brilliant and just gives you piece of mind when your camping. I’m going to hide it on the downtube compartment when I get around to it. I’m glad you liked the series, as I really enjoyed making it.
Awesome effort! Been really enjoyable to follow you along on this epic trip. Rapidly becoming my favourite cycling TH-cam channel 👍 look forward to the next one
Thank you Peter, I was very pleased with how the series turned out, and finally relieved that they are all out for people to watch. Just the one left on Wednesday about my journey home and going through my bags to show everyone what I took. I’m just so happy that they’ve gone down so well. Although I need some Inspiration of my own to figure out what’s next, as I’m not quite sure how I follow this series yet!
Thanks Lincoln, I didn’t think when I planned it, it would be as hard as it was. But it was incredibly satisfying riding up that last climb knowing I’d done it.
Well done you that was flipping brilliant I can just about get up and 8% climb and that’s on a creo sl ebike and I’m worn out ha ha. Could not even imagine what it would be like with loads of kit! Wow fantastic 🎉🎉🎉👍👍👏👏
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. I was so pleased with myself for getting them all done. Although, thanks to a GPS malfunction, I’ve still got to go back and do White Lane again! Hopefully this time, a driver won’t park in the middle of the road!
Thank you Colin! There’s still another video to come on Wednesday, with me limping back home, but I’m glad the series has been received so well. I still wasn’t sure I was even going to go on this trip the week before I left. I really had to push myself to commit to the trip and book it all up. But I’m so glad I did, as it was one of my favourite bike trips, that I’ve ever done and definitely won’t be the last bikepacking trip.
Thanks Ian, I was actually surprised how strong I felt on this penultimate day, apart from my Achilles, “Did I mention it?” 😂 I actually found all the climbs achievable and knowing I was so close to completing them all, I’d really switched my mood from the day before. So many happy memories for a few moments of pain. I’m chuffed to bits that the series has gone down so well, so thank for watching!
Top man, well done 👍. I'm playing catch-up with your videos at the moment, think I'm a month or so behind. Always well produced and inspiring keep them coming.
Thanks Terry, you’ll have plenty of chance to catch up, as I’ve not made a video in ages! Let alone ridden my bike. What with the recovery from my injuries sustained on this trip, to Covid and life getting in the way. Not to mention the awful weather!! Fingers crossed I can shake off this little virus I’ve picked up before the weekend, as I’m supposed to be riding the Dirty Santa MTB event in Surrey. Oddly, around some of the climbs in this video!
@terrynunn4643 if only I was Terry! Turned out to be full on Manflu! It’s now been 10 days and I’m only just starting to feel better. At one point this week after an hour coughing fit and being unable to breathe, I contemplated calling an Ambulance! But decided to try some Vick Vaporub and promptly fell asleep, so quick was the relief!
Thanks Andrew! I’ve already forgotten the pain and have started planning the next one, which will obviously be longer and further and more epic! You only live once eh?! 😂
Ha ha I'll give it to you@@DarrenPhillips you're not bad for a whinging pom. Would love to come over one day and join you for ride... I hear the Cornish pasties are worth the 24h flight
Superb Darren. That was the best ride love the music love the scenery and love your vlogs I didn’t want it to end. Oh and I still love the intro! Hats off to you doing all those climbs and loaded down with gear what a legend. 🤩🫅🏼 I’m so getting that alarm , love the way you demonstrated it haha. I never do coffee stops mostly coz they’re aren’t many around but now if I get the alarm ill be tempted to stop. My bike has security tags all over and is etched should it get nicked, it might get it returned. Good locks are too heavy and bulky. I don’t use strava but ill be interested in how many climbs are my way so I might join it. Whats next how can you top that?
Thanks Michelle, the honest answer is, I don’t know how to follow that series, which is probably why I’ve put off riding my bike since! Just the odd tandem outing with Deb. The alarm had some really good reviews, but I couldn’t believe how well it works, every time I tested it, same results. You can’t touch the bike without it going off. There are definitely some of the Welsh climbs in Pembrokeshire, as I’ve planned rides to do them, and never got around to it. We ended up going to Mid Wales instead. I’m chuffed to bits on how well the series has been received. I didn’t think it would be as hard as it was, but it was incredibly satisfying to complete it, especially with the troubles I had on the Queen stage. Just one last video to come on Wednesday, with my journey home and a look through the kit I took with me. So it’ll be the last outing for the intro, so I’ll have to find something else to top it too!
@@DarrenPhillips ooh great ill enjoy watching that. I’ve not watched the one you did abroad yet but i will. We have a great hill climb nit far from here and i had planned to do some unfortunately my mojo went along with the summer, but i will get back out soon. I actually on top of a challenging hill i used to fly up but not tempted it with my Domane yet. I think that’s definitely going be hard to top. If your do venture this way always welcome for cuppa or cake 😁
Thanks Scott, I get all my music from Epidemic Sound, although they’ve just put their prices up by 50% 😬 It just beats the hassle out of finding music.
If (when) you do it again, would you prefer to have different climbing gears or were your struggles bearable? Did you find you took too much stuff (camping gear etc)? Also, I think I missed the explanation on your “Las Vegas - Fat Elvis” glasses 😝😝 I remember you lost your 2nd pair - and finally, congrats on completing. Now a short cut home?
The gears on my bike were fine, I’ve got the 11-34 on the Domane, which get up anything. It was just the fatigue building up and my sore Achilles that made it tough on Day 6. Did you miss Day 6? I found the Elvis glasses in a charity shop when I stopped and gave myself a talking too, when I was struggling. I go through everything I took in the next video on Wednesday. But everything I took, I used and needed. So other than sourcing lighter or smaller substitutes, I’m not sure I could have taken less. I think next time, I’d not ride as far and not deliberately ride up so many hills. Other than that, it was amazing!
You should be very proud of that, Darren. A mega effort. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the last stint in the Surrey Hills and that you met some decent cycling folks. Treat that Achilles with a few pints of Thatchers and then onto the next one! 👍💪
Thanks Andy, the week it took sitting on my backside resting, trying to edit all these videos, took care of the Achilles! Apart from Birling Gap to Beachy Head. Riding in the Surrey Hills on Day 7 was my favourite bit.
You,re not a nutter, more of a legend. I suppose there is fun cycling and then the satisfaction you get when you beat a challenge, Well done.
It was until afterwards, when I worked out how much climbing I’d done in the week, 12000m, which is an Everest and a half! But I can’t explain that feeling of riding up that last climb knowing I’d done it, especially after my struggles the day before. Thanks for watching Randel, as it makes it even more satisfying, knowing everyone has enjoyed the series.
So nice to see you all upbeat again Darren. 👍 There we’re certainly some lumpy sections on that day! But you just grind your way up, so we’ll done on bagging all those climbs. Cool bike alarm as well. 👏
Thanks Steve, I’m quite determined and stubborn, that’s what my wife keeps telling me anyway!! 😂
I was chuffed to bits by the end and probably bit off more than I could chew, so I’ve learned a few valuable lessons for the next adventure. Of which, there definitely will be another one, that’s for sure. That Alarm was very good, I thought it was worth trying for the price and surprised how well it worked. So far, it’s faultless.
Congrats, Darren , inspiring! Gonna get one of those alarms too! A more appropriate Elvis song would be 'The wonder of you!
Thanks Shane, you’re too kind! But I love that!! The alarm is brilliant and just gives you piece of mind when your camping. I’m going to hide it on the downtube compartment when I get around to it. I’m glad you liked the series, as I really enjoyed making it.
Awesome effort! Been really enjoyable to follow you along on this epic trip. Rapidly becoming my favourite cycling TH-cam channel 👍 look forward to the next one
Thanks Andrew, with that comment, you’re rapidly becoming my favourite viewer!! 😂😜
Well done Darren. Hell of an achievement in 7 days. Loved watching the videos!!
Thanks Greg, I really enjoyed my week, so there will be a series 2, somewhere!, just need an idea and to plan it now!
You’re still a bloody inspiration Darren! Great set of videos thanks, and well done.
Thank you Peter, I was very pleased with how the series turned out, and finally relieved that they are all out for people to watch. Just the one left on Wednesday about my journey home and going through my bags to show everyone what I took. I’m just so happy that they’ve gone down so well. Although I need some Inspiration of my own to figure out what’s next, as I’m not quite sure how I follow this series yet!
Congratulations Darren, you are such a nutter but a phenomenal achievement!!
Thanks Lincoln, I didn’t think when I planned it, it would be as hard as it was. But it was incredibly satisfying riding up that last climb knowing I’d done it.
Thanks Darren. As always a great video. I always enjoy your videos. Greetings from Denmark.
Thank you! That means a lot to me. The only trouble with releasing a series like this, is how you follow it up, with the next video!
Well done you that was flipping brilliant I can just about get up and 8% climb and that’s on a creo sl ebike and I’m worn out ha ha. Could not even imagine what it would be like with loads of kit! Wow fantastic 🎉🎉🎉👍👍👏👏
Thanks Linda, I can confirm, it’s very hard trying to ride up a climb with a fully loaded bike! 😂
Congratulations on a amazing accomplishment ! Thanks for sharing your adventure the scenery is beautiful.
Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. I was so pleased with myself for getting them all done. Although, thanks to a GPS malfunction, I’ve still got to go back and do White Lane again! Hopefully this time, a driver won’t park in the middle of the road!
Congratulations on completing the ride. It's been a fantastic series.
Thank you Colin! There’s still another video to come on Wednesday, with me limping back home, but I’m glad the series has been received so well. I still wasn’t sure I was even going to go on this trip the week before I left. I really had to push myself to commit to the trip and book it all up. But I’m so glad I did, as it was one of my favourite bike trips, that I’ve ever done and definitely won’t be the last bikepacking trip.
Great series of videos, inspirational cycling , a lot of up!!!
Thanks Ian, I was actually surprised how strong I felt on this penultimate day, apart from my Achilles, “Did I mention it?” 😂
I actually found all the climbs achievable and knowing I was so close to completing them all, I’d really switched my mood from the day before. So many happy memories for a few moments of pain. I’m chuffed to bits that the series has gone down so well, so thank for watching!
Fantastic effort that Darren, tremendous miles!! 👏🏽
Thanks Lewis, possibly a few too many! I’ve been a bit broken since and can’t manage to drag my arse back out on the bike!
Well done, loved the series , love the honesty in all the videos.
Thank you, I’m really pleased the series has gone down so well.
Great video to finish a great series. Thank you and massive kudos to you 👍
Thanks Lee, I’m really pleased that the series has gone down so well and that you’ve all enjoyed watching my adventure.
Really enjoyed this set of videos. Really great achievement. Good work!
Thanks Ben, I was very pleased with how the videos came out, and caught the many ups and downs of the trip in both the climbing and the emotions.
Superb adventure Darren and chapeau for completing it all. It's been a really good series to watch 👍
Thank you, I’m glad so many people have enjoyed it. I just need to not have to work, win the lottery and I’m good for the next adventure! 😂
Top man, well done 👍. I'm playing catch-up with your videos at the moment, think I'm a month or so behind. Always well produced and inspiring keep them coming.
Thanks Terry, you’ll have plenty of chance to catch up, as I’ve not made a video in ages! Let alone ridden my bike. What with the recovery from my injuries sustained on this trip, to Covid and life getting in the way. Not to mention the awful weather!! Fingers crossed I can shake off this little virus I’ve picked up before the weekend, as I’m supposed to be riding the Dirty Santa MTB event in Surrey. Oddly, around some of the climbs in this video!
@@DarrenPhillips Hope you're fighting fit for the weekend and enjoy riding the Dirty Santa event.
@terrynunn4643 if only I was Terry! Turned out to be full on Manflu! It’s now been 10 days and I’m only just starting to feel better. At one point this week after an hour coughing fit and being unable to breathe, I contemplated calling an Ambulance! But decided to try some Vick Vaporub and promptly fell asleep, so quick was the relief!
@@DarrenPhillips Good ol' Vick Vaporab it's amazing the use's it can be put to. At least you've got some relief now.
Well done Darren great videos 14:38 👍 I’ve also got one of those bike alarms, bargain for the price
Thanks Sean, I’m glad you liked them. That alarm was a little surprising, as for the money, I never expected it to work as well as it does.
Well done, really enjoyed this series.
Thanks Donna, I’m glad you liked it, as I really enjoyed making it and editing it all. Although I’m not sure how I follow it, with the next video!
Great watch Darren!
Thanks David, I’m glad you liked it!
Congratulations Darren - Goodonya! Great effort
Thanks Andrew! I’ve already forgotten the pain and have started planning the next one, which will obviously be longer and further and more epic! You only live once eh?! 😂
Ha ha I'll give it to you@@DarrenPhillips you're not bad for a whinging pom. Would love to come over one day and join you for ride... I hear the Cornish pasties are worth the 24h flight
You’re welcome anytime Andrew! The pasties will be on me! So definitely worth the 24hr flight! 😜😂
@@DarrenPhillips going to hold you to it mate. Couldn't imagine a more enjoyable adventure. After all... life's too short right 🙂
Superb Darren. That was the best ride love the music love the scenery and love your vlogs I didn’t want it to end. Oh and I still love the intro! Hats off to you doing all those climbs and loaded down with gear what a legend. 🤩🫅🏼
I’m so getting that alarm , love the way you demonstrated it haha. I never do coffee stops mostly coz they’re aren’t many around but now if I get the alarm ill be tempted to stop. My bike has security tags all over and is etched should it get nicked, it might get it returned. Good locks are too heavy and bulky.
I don’t use strava but ill be interested in how many climbs are my way so I might join it.
Whats next how can you top that?
Thanks Michelle, the honest answer is, I don’t know how to follow that series, which is probably why I’ve put off riding my bike since! Just the odd tandem outing with Deb. The alarm had some really good reviews, but I couldn’t believe how well it works, every time I tested it, same results. You can’t touch the bike without it going off. There are definitely some of the Welsh climbs in Pembrokeshire, as I’ve planned rides to do them, and never got around to it. We ended up going to Mid Wales instead. I’m chuffed to bits on how well the series has been received. I didn’t think it would be as hard as it was, but it was incredibly satisfying to complete it, especially with the troubles I had on the Queen stage. Just one last video to come on Wednesday, with my journey home and a look through the kit I took with me. So it’ll be the last outing for the intro, so I’ll have to find something else to top it too!
@@DarrenPhillips ooh great ill enjoy watching that. I’ve not watched the one you did abroad yet but i will.
We have a great hill climb nit far from here and i had planned to do some unfortunately my mojo went along with the summer, but i will get back out soon. I actually on top of a challenging hill i used to fly up but not tempted it with my Domane yet.
I think that’s definitely going be hard to top.
If your do venture this way always welcome for cuppa or cake 😁
Well done Darren. I have enjoyed your videos over the years. Where do you get the music from? Is it royalty free?
Thanks Scott, I get all my music from Epidemic Sound, although they’ve just put their prices up by 50% 😬
It just beats the hassle out of finding music.
If (when) you do it again, would you prefer to have different climbing gears or were your struggles bearable? Did you find you took too much stuff (camping gear etc)? Also, I think I missed the explanation on your “Las Vegas - Fat Elvis” glasses 😝😝 I remember you lost your 2nd pair - and finally, congrats on completing. Now a short cut home?
The gears on my bike were fine, I’ve got the 11-34 on the Domane, which get up anything. It was just the fatigue building up and my sore Achilles that made it tough on Day 6. Did you miss Day 6? I found the Elvis glasses in a charity shop when I stopped and gave myself a talking too, when I was struggling. I go through everything I took in the next video on Wednesday. But everything I took, I used and needed. So other than sourcing lighter or smaller substitutes, I’m not sure I could have taken less. I think next time, I’d not ride as far and not deliberately ride up so many hills. Other than that, it was amazing!
@@DarrenPhillips yes, definitely amazing. It seems I did miss one video. I’ll jump back today and watch it.
Great achievement!!! what bike you doing this on ?
Thank you, it was on my Trek Domane SL5.