I love your sentiment about “we are all tourists someplace, as long as people are having a good time that’s what matters”. The world would be a much better place if you all took that attitude and were more tolerate of others. I need to heed that advice as one who loves solo trips and dislikes crowds. Always love you videos, thanks
I was part of the Loch Ness and Morar project in the late 70s and early 80s, based on the shores of Loch Morar. I well remember the long journey up from Bristol, and we would often stop at the Glenfinnan monument. I remember the tourist shop, and as at many such places in Scotland, the American accent! Fantastic place, I have been following you for at least a couple of years now and I so envy the roads you have to play on, although as proven in this film, quiet but not always so safe!
When I bought my bike, I also received User Manual, including a picture "what it's called". But the manual is in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese. So... I could learn all the basic parts of my bike in those languages. My experience: in tourist areas the guys know how to speak English, but lack technical skill. The technical guys often only speaks their own language. You might get away with point and say "rotto" (meaning broken), but still. Basic words like left, right, front, back, toilet, thank you, 1-10, tomorrow, rain, coffee etc, it all makes your experience a lot better. And also the other person will appreciate you at least tried, and opens new doors/friendships etc
That’s a good idea, thanks. Actually you jogged an ancient memory. Back in 1991 I spent a month riding across Spain and the Cyclists Touring Club did a cheat-sheet translating all bike bits and possible breakdowns into a whole range of languages. I’ll make one for this.
Not much to ditch except that drone , but I like the views u will produce 🤣 Definitely keep that blue Goretex jacket , good windshirt , extra warmth and reliable in bad weather, kinda forgotten how bad weather gets in the south east 😎
As always a great video. I think we all agonise over kit to take on multi-day rides. Personally, I would ditch the down jacket and keep the insulated gilet and rain jacket. Oh and maybe fewer off-bike clothes. I liked the drone footage, I have contemplated getting the same and in your hands, we will surely get some spectacular footage of the Alps. But as others have said, this is your ride and probably tough enough already without worrying over getting the perfect ariel shot.
we are all different as to what works - i undertook a similar exercise for this years panceltic race. I was surprised in the end as to what little i actually needed. For food - i used dried food where i just needed to add water heated from my jetboil.
I watched all your videos and I'm excited of the Scotish Landscape you show us all the time. I'm riding roadbikes since more than 40 years now, but I have to turn 60 to get a new love: Gravelbiking. And when I watch your videos, inside of me there is a big dream: Making a Gravel-Adventure in Scotland. End of September my wife and I will go on an roundtrip to Scotland by bus. We first fly from Cologne to London. And then the trip will start there. It's the first time for us in Great Britain and we are so excited. And maybe, some dreams will come true. Next year with the gravelbike ?????
The drone adds weight, uses space and creates pressure to stop and use it when it might be better to maintain your concentration on enjoying your ride. Having said that, if you are wise and leave it, you're bound to wish your brought it along!
I do hope you take the drone , the shots are great . Great loop , love that gravel track but the midges are a killer , think ill wait to later in the year to try it again
You could keep the drone at home, makes things a lot easier. And if you know where the restaurants are, you might ditch some cookery as well. Still, taking several easy foods and drinks are necessary. And yes there are also supermarkets in France and Italy (almost all countries really). A little time spent on languages helps a lot anyways. Like what is your favorite food in Italian
Most people seem to agree about the drone - it's super helpful to get feedback. You're so right about languages. My Italian is rubbish but I can get by in French and I'm doing Duolingo every day, partly for this and partly for brain health
On the hand a fellow Dutch guy with youtube channel "WannaGoBiking" made an awesome video with a drone and map and things. Looks very professional. But I think he has front and back bags (Dutch style). In that case, you can take the drone with you and a lot lot more stuff. The total other way is like what Lael Wilcox does (American style) search for "I Just Want To Ride - Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide" Some wanne challenge and try to survive in very remote areas, no supermarkets, hotels and all for a few days. It's all possible but could easily mean extra training, extra weight on bike, more difficult bike steering.
Love the drone shots - though I’m not a fan(!) of these things whirring around while I’m out enjoying the peace & quiet. However, your answer as to whether or not to take it is at 9:27.
I can't comment on the camping setup. Never done it myself but what you've shown seems perfectly sensible to me. As for the drone...I love those drone shots (just got the same one myself...and already had to send it back because of a broken bottom sensor), and even though Torino Nice is more about the ride for you personally, ask yourself this question: When reflecting on your recent ride, do the drone shots make your remembrance of the ride better? If you smile more, then it's clear...take the drone. If you say "that's nice" but find your other shots equally as enjoyable, then leave the drone at home.
Lovely part of the world around there, had some great open canoe trips down Shiel and round to Moidart, never seen so many Dragonflies and Damselflies as there were up the river Polloch. On my fourth custom Stingray bag now, like you I've found it's best to shrink the dimensions by around 10mm all round. My first one fitted my fatbike frame perfectly, the second one for my bikepacking hardtail was huge so it had to go back, 3rd and 4th have been spot on. Did you have a duplicate template to compare the finish item too, I always meant to do this and always forgot. The low/wide Evernew pots work well on the bike if you have narrow bags, the 600ml (ECA251 I think) is big enough for meals and brews and slots in nicely up the front of my frame bag. Sack the drone and enjoy the experience for yourself, hmmm, he says on TH-cam lol
It would have been a great idea to keep a duplicate template, but sadly I didn't. I think I can make it work if I lace it to the frame rather than use the velcro, but we'll see. If I ditch the drone I might not need it. Thanks for the news on the Evernew, I'll take a look. The one I have is a pretty good size. It's amazing the polarity of opinion on that damn drone!
I'm almost at the end of the video and I don't think I've seen any drone footage. I've not thought the video lacked anything for it. It looks good when it finally arrives right near the end, but I think leave it behind. Whatever you do, you'll probably still wonder "what if I hadn't made that decision"...
Don't skimp on the bike - it might be the difference between pain & pleasure. How much off-bike time do you expect? Do you need the off-bike clothes? If the down jacket will do 2 jobs, ditch the gilet. It's your ride, not mine/ours so leave the drive behind. Your non-drone filming is still the best around. Keep up the great work.
I don't know enough detail about the Rally, so my only observation is everything is packed pretty tight. Consider a hip pack with either spare clothes (very light) or the drone very compact) in? Otherwise, where will you put your Leaning Tower of Pisa?!
Great video as always the chamois cream is the one I use its great, what you make of the Quad lock? I have one on road bike sometime find it fiddly to get phone on it, maybe just me lol. 👍👍
You're right Dave, the quadlock is fiddly to get on. But I really like it, and it's brilliant to have a second way of navigating. When you get to a town you don't know, trying to find a cafe or supermarket is a pain holding the phone in one hand or re-routing the Garmin. being able to clip the phone (temporarily) onto the bars is a game changer for me.
TBA I can’t remember the numbers exactly Dave but I did a video after which answers this sort of question. It’s divided into chapters so you should easily find the gearing answer. What Worked, What Didn't | Torino Nice Rally | Part 5 th-cam.com/video/THkEHtTTpHA/w-d-xo.html
I've always been in two minds about a full frame bag but it's the loss of bottle space that really bothers me. interesting to see your two carriers out the back of your saddle but when fully loaded with a seat pack what do you plan to do to carry water?
Bought myself a frame bag a couple of years ago, but not a custom one so it shares your bad fit by being to big and yeah it does make both those things happen so - thanks for telling me that Alpkit now do custom bags, because that had somehow escaped me and I shan't make the mistake of not letting it cinch up tight when I order one. Choosing what not to take can be a absolute begger - have you considered dropping the hooped bivvy and using a emergency bivvy instead, most of which only weigh 150 grams or less and can be had for less than £10. I always employ the rule that everything needs to do more than one thing and if it only does one thing then it can usually be done without or find something that does the same job and weighs less.
I had to check - they're Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC Folding Tyre - 27.5" Not had a puncture yet. Butyl tube in rear, tubeless in front, just testing them out really.
Guarantee being warm, staying dry especially in a sleeping bag, getting cool when needed, having a good nights sleep, plenty of snacks and fluids. Ensure family know where you are buy a tracking method.
I think you've answered your own question: Is it a bike ride? A bike and video ride? A video and bike ride? If it's primarily bike, or bike and video, I'd ditch the drone. But I speak as one who doesn't have a drone! IMHO drone shots can look good, but after a while they can be like Insta 360 shots - look at me, I've got a drone! Look at me, I've got an Insta 360!
@@alwaysanotheradventure I'm off on Saturday to ride Ireland end-to-end and I'm thinking I won't make a video; just enjoy the ride and take some photos.
Nice video, Drone shots seem to be the standard nowadays! I hope the ride goes well whatever you decide to take. Finally, I've checked the FAQ and description but you don't say what model drone your purchased?
Thanks for pointing out this omission Niall. Also I have a habit of crashing the things... My current one is a DJI Mini 3 Pro, which is too damn expensive to loose!
I am Staying in Kinlochleven for a few nights in September and I'm planning on doing that ride. You say its a steep climb but how steep and how long is it Simon?
Hi Ken - probably best to take a look on Komoot to see the gradient and length. The link is in the video description. Also the first video I did on the ride is probably more helpful - it’s also linked. From the ferry head to Strontian first because the hill is easier from that side.
I've done it in both directions in the same afternoon. Fool. It's best from Strontium, as Simon says, but iirc I had a little push in both directions. Standard compact chainset with 34 on the back. I did it in the spring pre midges. You might need a net at the moment!
Good video as always. Do you ever practice riding without your glasses? I'm about -7 and I do occasionally ride without my specs mostly so I'd be comfortable if I ever broke them while on a ride. I won't hit a car or a tree, but I might hit the odd pothole.
It’s a very good point Jeffrey, and I’ll try it. I should be ok because my distance vision is still pretty good. The glasses are varifocals mainly so I can read my Garmin or a map. I often drive without them - although I can’t see the speedo. 😁
Sorry Jon, do you mean the charger or power bank? The charger is just something off Amazon that I could find if you really want to know. The Power Bank is Anker.
Do the TNR in a van instead! Seriously though, I suspect your drone will spend far more time on your bike, in your way and getting charged than it will ever do in the air (or at least, that's my experience carrying one). Sure, you might miss out on some a few shots but drone shots don't really show what your are experiencing at bike level so I'd have no hesitation in leaving it behind. You can get some pretty good angles with the insta360 x2 anyway. As you rightly say, the ride is for you, not TH-cam fame so make it about your enjoyment, comfort and safety and consider everything else as surplus. You're never going to be able to film all of it anyway so a series of shorter vlogs on action cams will still make an interesting video. Don't forget, a guy called 'Simon Willis' made a vid some time ago now extolling the requirement of a video to tell a story; that's probably the most important thing for this trip! If you can cut down enough, I'd be sorely tempted to order one of Alpkit's smaller frame bags. As well as the bulge and wear points, you might find crosswinds a bit of an issue.
No drone… too fiddly to stop and get working, extra weight, etc. Clothes- I’m more of a hillwalker but when mtb in the mountains/hills here in Italy, the kit is literally the same especially when sleeping out in huts. Layer the clothing. Everything has to be useful by itself or for layering. Down jackets- do not use an actual feather down. If these get wet, they remain wet, and are virtually useless. I use Patagonia nano? type that is slightly waterproof and if wet will still keep me warm and dries quickly. In the evening, you won’t really be changing and use more or less same type of clothes as day when in the mountains, long sleeved merino top/ jacket helps here. Do take the waterproof/ wind proof jacket- I never leave home without if on hills for 2 days. Bear in mind that at the moment it’s very not here in Italy and on the mountains too. Thermal zero is at 4000m!!! If it’s hot very often early afternoon on mountains it can rain or have short downpour. We often take waterproof trousers. Huts to sleep in - check where the route goes and where huts are… generally in Italy there is a good network for walks and so for biking too. You might have to leave the route for 2/300m to see more options. Don’t worry about the Italian… Italians are friendly like Scots, some people might want to try their English out, a smile and a Ciao or Buongiorno will go a long way!! Adapter- maybe get an Italian type plug… they are smaller than UK ones, can be quite lightweight, think it goes in France too. That’s stuff that springs to mind. Cai refuges- if you are member of the British mountain club you should get discount at the Italian Mountain huts CAI ones- not at the private ones.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Hi can I get back to you on this tomorrow as I've just seen your message and it's dinner time here. There are different sites you can check so I'll link them for you. Or do you have an email where I can send everything?
Regarding the drone.... I reckon it'd be a big loss to the 'production value' of the tour video. You put out some really nice stuff so I'm guessing you want to keep the standards high or even get better still. And it looks like the things not taking massive chunks of time to set up and fly? So you'll probably want to take it! That said, if you just want to enjoy the ride AND make your life easier.... then the alternative IS the better option. Lol
Surely Alpkit should know the dimensions of their own bike brand frames to make up the Stingray bag, why the need to send them a cardboard template for their own bike brand?!
You would have thought that, wouldn't you? In fact I did think that, but they got in touch asking for the template. In fairness, mine was Gen 1 and they're now Gen 3, plus they do three frame sizes and the Alu might be different to the Ti, so that's 18 templates. Then they have all the other bikes in their range. But yes, it was a surprise, and the result somewhat disappointing. I since noticed the Altura frame bag doesn't drop to the base of the down-tube. That bottom triangle is truncated so it doesn't crumple into the chainring.
Sure, testing is key. Most people take away more stuff than they need and gradually reduce the load as the years roll by. I'd ditch the bivvy and hope for good weather or find a sheltered camping spot like a barn where you won't need the bivvy. You could decant the chamois cream into a smaller container and save 3.68 gr. Don't know the first thing about drones but the rest of your kit looks fairly bare bones already without being ideologically spartan. Water filter and hydration? Good not to have bags filled to the gills. Looks to me that you're generally on the right track.
If I could pass on ONE thing to adventure cyclists on a longer ride: Fully packed bike? Mountain passes or even just big hills? You can NEVER have a low enough gear and 1x just won't give you the range of low enough gears. Reply when you get back home🤣
I’m sure you’re right Mick. I was told you’re either grinding up or freewheeling down. So.., I’ve switched to shorter cranks; bit cassette up from 42 to 46 (50 wouldn’t shift); and chainring from 40T to 34T, about the smallest I could go and still make forward progress on the flat. But still I’ll want lower. 😉
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
Brilliant Simon, thanks for the footage my friend 😊👏❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧
I love your sentiment about “we are all tourists someplace, as long as people are having a good time that’s what matters”. The world would be a much better place if you all took that attitude and were more tolerate of others. I need to heed that advice as one who loves solo trips and dislikes crowds. Always love you videos, thanks
I was part of the Loch Ness and Morar project in the late 70s and early 80s, based on the shores of Loch Morar. I well remember the long journey up from Bristol, and we would often stop at the Glenfinnan monument. I remember the tourist shop, and as at many such places in Scotland, the American accent! Fantastic place, I have been following you for at least a couple of years now and I so envy the roads you have to play on, although as proven in this film, quiet but not always so safe!
When I bought my bike, I also received User Manual, including a picture "what it's called". But the manual is in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Russian and Chinese. So... I could learn all the basic parts of my bike in those languages. My experience: in tourist areas the guys know how to speak English, but lack technical skill. The technical guys often only speaks their own language. You might get away with point and say "rotto" (meaning broken), but still. Basic words like left, right, front, back, toilet, thank you, 1-10, tomorrow, rain, coffee etc, it all makes your experience a lot better. And also the other person will appreciate you at least tried, and opens new doors/friendships etc
That’s a good idea, thanks. Actually you jogged an ancient memory. Back in 1991 I spent a month riding across Spain and the Cyclists Touring Club did a cheat-sheet translating all bike bits and possible breakdowns into a whole range of languages. I’ll make one for this.
Not much to ditch except that drone , but I like the views u will produce 🤣
Definitely keep that blue Goretex jacket , good windshirt , extra warmth and reliable in bad weather, kinda forgotten how bad weather gets in the south east 😎
As always a great video. I think we all agonise over kit to take on multi-day rides. Personally, I would ditch the down jacket and keep the insulated gilet and rain jacket. Oh and maybe fewer off-bike clothes. I liked the drone footage, I have contemplated getting the same and in your hands, we will surely get some spectacular footage of the Alps. But as others have said, this is your ride and probably tough enough already without worrying over getting the perfect ariel shot.
we are all different as to what works - i undertook a similar exercise for this years panceltic race.
I was surprised in the end as to what little i actually needed.
For food - i used dried food where i just needed to add water heated from my jetboil.
I watched all your videos and I'm excited of the Scotish Landscape you show us all the time. I'm riding roadbikes since more than 40 years now, but I have to turn 60 to get a new love: Gravelbiking. And when I watch your videos, inside of me there is a big dream: Making a Gravel-Adventure in Scotland. End of September my wife and I will go on an roundtrip to Scotland by bus. We first fly from Cologne to London. And then the trip will start there. It's the first time for us in Great Britain and we are so excited. And maybe, some dreams will come true. Next year with the gravelbike ?????
Sounds fantastic Peter. I hope you have a superb trip.
The drone adds weight, uses space and creates pressure to stop and use it when it might be better to maintain your concentration on enjoying your ride. Having said that, if you are wise and leave it, you're bound to wish your brought it along!
Take the drone Si it will be great for us 😀. Love your videos that is for sure!
I really enjoy drone shots
I do hope you take the drone , the shots are great . Great loop , love that gravel track but the midges are a killer , think ill wait to later in the year to try it again
I'm just home from an overnight bivi trip - wait until you see the midges last night 😮
You could keep the drone at home, makes things a lot easier. And if you know where the restaurants are, you might ditch some cookery as well. Still, taking several easy foods and drinks are necessary. And yes there are also supermarkets in France and Italy (almost all countries really). A little time spent on languages helps a lot anyways. Like what is your favorite food in Italian
Most people seem to agree about the drone - it's super helpful to get feedback. You're so right about languages. My Italian is rubbish but I can get by in French and I'm doing Duolingo every day, partly for this and partly for brain health
On the hand a fellow Dutch guy with youtube channel "WannaGoBiking" made an awesome video with a drone and map and things. Looks very professional. But I think he has front and back bags (Dutch style). In that case, you can take the drone with you and a lot lot more stuff.
The total other way is like what Lael Wilcox does (American style) search for "I Just Want To Ride - Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide"
Some wanne challenge and try to survive in very remote areas, no supermarkets, hotels and all for a few days. It's all possible but could easily mean extra training, extra weight on bike, more difficult bike steering.
Darius and daisy were awesome friends of yours. As always ❤️
Love the drone shots - though I’m not a fan(!) of these things whirring around while I’m out enjoying the peace & quiet. However, your answer as to whether or not to take it is at 9:27.
I can't comment on the camping setup. Never done it myself but what you've shown seems perfectly sensible to me. As for the drone...I love those drone shots (just got the same one myself...and already had to send it back because of a broken bottom sensor), and even though Torino Nice is more about the ride for you personally, ask yourself this question: When reflecting on your recent ride, do the drone shots make your remembrance of the ride better? If you smile more, then it's clear...take the drone. If you say "that's nice" but find your other shots equally as enjoyable, then leave the drone at home.
Try some elastic bungee cord and a spring lock (in place of Velcro) to get frame back fitting nice. I needed to do that on an Alpkit half frame bag.
You can then lace it to the frame using all the bags attachment webbing points.
Hmmm - good idea. In fact AlpKit offer an option like that. Maybe not even bungee but a non-stretch lace... You got me thinking again.
Lovely part of the world around there, had some great open canoe trips down Shiel and round to Moidart, never seen so many Dragonflies and Damselflies as there were up the river Polloch.
On my fourth custom Stingray bag now, like you I've found it's best to shrink the dimensions by around 10mm all round. My first one fitted my fatbike frame perfectly, the second one for my bikepacking hardtail was huge so it had to go back, 3rd and 4th have been spot on. Did you have a duplicate template to compare the finish item too, I always meant to do this and always forgot.
The low/wide Evernew pots work well on the bike if you have narrow bags, the 600ml (ECA251 I think) is big enough for meals and brews and slots in nicely up the front of my frame bag.
Sack the drone and enjoy the experience for yourself, hmmm, he says on TH-cam lol
It would have been a great idea to keep a duplicate template, but sadly I didn't. I think I can make it work if I lace it to the frame rather than use the velcro, but we'll see. If I ditch the drone I might not need it.
Thanks for the news on the Evernew, I'll take a look. The one I have is a pretty good size.
It's amazing the polarity of opinion on that damn drone!
I'm almost at the end of the video and I don't think I've seen any drone footage. I've not thought the video lacked anything for it. It looks good when it finally arrives right near the end, but I think leave it behind. Whatever you do, you'll probably still wonder "what if I hadn't made that decision"...
Had a similar frame bag made and it didn’t work out as well as hoped, moving companies to aiguille alpine in staverley Cumbria
Excellent video I will excuse the expletive when the lorry was coming 😁
Whoops - I thought I’d dipped that. 😩
@@alwaysanotheradventure it happens 😁 still enjoyed the video hope the frame bag survived
Don't skimp on the bike - it might be the difference between pain & pleasure. How much off-bike time do you expect? Do you need the off-bike clothes? If the down jacket will do 2 jobs, ditch the gilet. It's your ride, not mine/ours so leave the drive behind. Your non-drone filming is still the best around. Keep up the great work.
Drone!
Thanks Jonathan. I feel you pain re- predictive text. Not much time off bike - only evenings in huts and in my bivi where it could get cold.
I don't know enough detail about the Rally, so my only observation is everything is packed pretty tight. Consider a hip pack with either spare clothes (very light) or the drone very compact) in?
Otherwise, where will you put your Leaning Tower of Pisa?!
😁
Great video as always the chamois cream is the one I use its great, what you make of the Quad lock? I have one on road bike sometime find it fiddly to get phone on it, maybe just me lol. 👍👍
You're right Dave, the quadlock is fiddly to get on. But I really like it, and it's brilliant to have a second way of navigating. When you get to a town you don't know, trying to find a cafe or supermarket is a pain holding the phone in one hand or re-routing the Garmin. being able to clip the phone (temporarily) onto the bars is a game changer for me.
Great idea for a series 🤩🚴👍 what is the jacket in blue you use looks good ? Great drone footage but as the rides for you I’d leave it
It’s an OMM one but has been discontinued. The year after it won an award!
A bit late to the party here but I am curious: how low did you go with gearing to get up those mega steep hills both at home and on the TNR?
TBA I can’t remember the numbers exactly Dave but I did a video after which answers this sort of question. It’s divided into chapters so you should easily find the gearing answer.
What Worked, What Didn't | Torino Nice Rally | Part 5
th-cam.com/video/THkEHtTTpHA/w-d-xo.html
I've always been in two minds about a full frame bag but it's the loss of bottle space that really bothers me. interesting to see your two carriers out the back of your saddle but when fully loaded with a seat pack what do you plan to do to carry water?
They’re actually part of a seatpack stabilisation system by WooHoo Alison, so they sit either side of the pack and help hold it in place.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks really interesting info Simon 🙂
Bought myself a frame bag a couple of years ago, but not a custom one so it shares your bad fit by being to big and yeah it does make both those things happen so - thanks for telling me that Alpkit now do custom bags, because that had somehow escaped me and I shan't make the mistake of not letting it cinch up tight when I order one.
Choosing what not to take can be a absolute begger - have you considered dropping the hooped bivvy and using a emergency bivvy instead, most of which only weigh 150 grams or less and can be had for less than £10. I always employ the rule that everything needs to do more than one thing and if it only does one thing then it can usually be done without or find something that does the same job and weighs less.
I have considered a very light bivi - little more than an emergency one - and not ruled it out yet. I’m going to try the hooped one soon.
Thanks! Very good video as usual! Do you have Gravel King SK+ or just SK ? How about punctures?
I had to check - they're Panaracer Gravel King SK TLC Folding Tyre - 27.5" Not had a puncture yet. Butyl tube in rear, tubeless in front, just testing them out really.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thx
Guarantee being warm, staying dry especially in a sleeping bag, getting cool when needed, having a good nights sleep, plenty of snacks and fluids. Ensure family know where you are buy a tracking method.
I think you've answered your own question: Is it a bike ride? A bike and video ride? A video and bike ride? If it's primarily bike, or bike and video, I'd ditch the drone. But I speak as one who doesn't have a drone! IMHO drone shots can look good, but after a while they can be like Insta 360 shots - look at me, I've got a drone! Look at me, I've got an Insta 360!
I think you’re right. I realised as I edited the video that the point I made was how I really felt.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I'm off on Saturday to ride Ireland end-to-end and I'm thinking I won't make a video; just enjoy the ride and take some photos.
Nice one
Nice video, Drone shots seem to be the standard nowadays! I hope the ride goes well whatever you decide to take.
Finally, I've checked the FAQ and description but you don't say what model drone your purchased?
Thanks for pointing out this omission Niall. Also I have a habit of crashing the things... My current one is a DJI Mini 3 Pro, which is too damn expensive to loose!
I am Staying in Kinlochleven for a few nights in September and I'm planning on doing that ride. You say its a steep climb but how steep and how long is it Simon?
Hi Ken - probably best to take a look on Komoot to see the gradient and length. The link is in the video description. Also the first video I did on the ride is probably more helpful - it’s also linked. From the ferry head to Strontian first because the hill is easier from that side.
I've done it in both directions in the same afternoon. Fool.
It's best from Strontium, as Simon says, but iirc I had a little push in both directions. Standard compact chainset with 34 on the back.
I did it in the spring pre midges. You might need a net at the moment!
Good video as always. Do you ever practice riding without your glasses? I'm about -7 and I do occasionally ride without my specs mostly so I'd be comfortable if I ever broke them while on a ride. I won't hit a car or a tree, but I might hit the odd pothole.
It’s a very good point Jeffrey, and I’ll try it. I should be ok because my distance vision is still pretty good. The glasses are varifocals mainly so I can read my Garmin or a map. I often drive without them - although I can’t see the speedo. 😁
Are you taking a collapsible kitchen sink? What happens if you cant find one where you are?
Why so sarky Donald?
Interesting power cable - what is that? Thanks
Sorry Jon, do you mean the charger or power bank? The charger is just something off Amazon that I could find if you really want to know. The Power Bank is Anker.
Do the TNR in a van instead! Seriously though, I suspect your drone will spend far more time on your bike, in your way and getting charged than it will ever do in the air (or at least, that's my experience carrying one). Sure, you might miss out on some a few shots but drone shots don't really show what your are experiencing at bike level so I'd have no hesitation in leaving it behind. You can get some pretty good angles with the insta360 x2 anyway. As you rightly say, the ride is for you, not TH-cam fame so make it about your enjoyment, comfort and safety and consider everything else as surplus. You're never going to be able to film all of it anyway so a series of shorter vlogs on action cams will still make an interesting video. Don't forget, a guy called 'Simon Willis' made a vid some time ago now extolling the requirement of a video to tell a story; that's probably the most important thing for this trip! If you can cut down enough, I'd be sorely tempted to order one of Alpkit's smaller frame bags. As well as the bulge and wear points, you might find crosswinds a bit of an issue.
Thanks for this Mike, and of course you're right. I hadn't thought about cross-winds though., I was looking at AlpKit's other bags before replying...
Alpkit made a frame bag for a bike that Alpkit sold you but you still had to send in a cardboard cutout for them to make it against 🤔.
Surprised me too Mark. Although mine is 1st gen and they’re now on 3rd but still I thought they’d hold a template.
Does the shake dry WORK in bad weather?
Probably taking a bigger waterproof with hood
Take the drone ..... mind you, I'm not the one having the pedal it up climbs.
No drone… too fiddly to stop and get working, extra weight, etc.
Clothes- I’m more of a hillwalker but when mtb in the mountains/hills here in Italy, the kit is literally the same especially when sleeping out in huts. Layer the clothing. Everything has to be useful by itself or for layering.
Down jackets- do not use an actual feather down. If these get wet, they remain wet, and are virtually useless. I use Patagonia nano? type that is slightly waterproof and if wet will still keep me warm and dries quickly.
In the evening, you won’t really be changing and use more or less same type of clothes as day when in the mountains, long sleeved merino top/ jacket helps here.
Do take the waterproof/ wind proof jacket- I never leave home without if on hills for 2 days.
Bear in mind that at the moment it’s very not here in Italy and on the mountains too. Thermal zero is at 4000m!!! If it’s hot very often early afternoon on mountains it can rain or have short downpour. We often take waterproof trousers.
Huts to sleep in - check where the route goes and where huts are… generally in Italy there is a good network for walks and so for biking too. You might have to leave the route for 2/300m to see more options.
Don’t worry about the Italian… Italians are friendly like Scots, some people might want to try their English out, a smile and a Ciao or Buongiorno will go a long way!!
Adapter- maybe get an Italian type plug… they are smaller than UK ones, can be quite lightweight, think it goes in France too.
That’s stuff that springs to mind.
Cai refuges- if you are member of the British mountain club you should get discount at the Italian Mountain huts CAI ones- not at the private ones.
Some great info here. Thank you
Alessandra - is there a good weather App you suggest for this part of the Alps please?
@@alwaysanotheradventure Hi can I get back to you on this tomorrow as I've just seen your message and it's dinner time here. There are different sites you can check so I'll link them for you. Or do you have an email where I can send everything?
@@alwaysanotheradventure Hope it's helpful.
@@AlessandraGregori yes please. Alwaysanotheradventure @ outlook .com Very grateful
Regarding the drone.... I reckon it'd be a big loss to the 'production value' of the tour video. You put out some really nice stuff so I'm guessing you want to keep the standards high or even get better still. And it looks like the things not taking massive chunks of time to set up and fly? So you'll probably want to take it!
That said, if you just want to enjoy the ride AND make your life easier.... then the alternative IS the better option. Lol
Exactly my thoughts... and that's why I'm struggling to decide 😁
How was the frame bag?
It works but would be better without the full bottom triangle which bulges too close to the chainring and cranks.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Maybe a piece of velcro attached either side across the inside could hold it in?
@@rainbowchamelion1051 it actually has that - good thought though.
Surely Alpkit should know the dimensions of their own bike brand frames to make up the Stingray bag, why the need to send them a cardboard template for their own bike brand?!
You would have thought that, wouldn't you? In fact I did think that, but they got in touch asking for the template. In fairness, mine was Gen 1 and they're now Gen 3, plus they do three frame sizes and the Alu might be different to the Ti, so that's 18 templates. Then they have all the other bikes in their range. But yes, it was a surprise, and the result somewhat disappointing. I since noticed the Altura frame bag doesn't drop to the base of the down-tube. That bottom triangle is truncated so it doesn't crumple into the chainring.
Sure, testing is key. Most people take away more stuff than they need and gradually reduce the load as the years roll by. I'd ditch the bivvy and hope for good weather or find a sheltered camping spot like a barn where you won't need the bivvy. You could decant the chamois cream into a smaller container and save 3.68 gr. Don't know the first thing about drones but the rest of your kit looks fairly bare bones already without being ideologically spartan. Water filter and hydration? Good not to have bags filled to the gills. Looks to me that you're generally on the right track.
🤔🤔🤔Naa tek the drone 👍🙂😃😃
Its a gravel rout??
Oh yes. Well, a mix of classic road cols and old gravel routes blasted out by the military
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks
If I could pass on ONE thing to adventure cyclists on a longer ride: Fully packed bike? Mountain passes or even just big hills? You can NEVER have a low enough gear and 1x just won't give you the range of low enough gears. Reply when you get back home🤣
I’m sure you’re right Mick. I was told you’re either grinding up or freewheeling down. So.., I’ve switched to shorter cranks; bit cassette up from 42 to 46 (50 wouldn’t shift); and chainring from 40T to 34T, about the smallest I could go and still make forward progress on the flat. But still I’ll want lower. 😉
Take the drone…..
Not "bike", "bivi". Bloody predictive text 😠 You'll definitely need a bike 😁😏
Don't take the drone just for "us". Do the ride as you would choose to do it and let us know how it goes.