Fantastic little trip Ray - I think everyone who starts bike packing does Glen tilt.. it was one of our first (pre-youtube days) - fantastic beginners glen that you never get tired of - Glen Almond is another fantastic accessible spot with numerous tracks off and up if you're feeling up to it! On another note we've actually stayed at Marble lodge... few years ago now and I recall it being a lot cheaper than we expected, to be sure its a little rustic inside but the garage behind that electric charger had what must have been 4-5 tonnes of prepped wood for the fireplace inside.. fantastic spot and good times. - ATB Tom
Thanks for the info and need to maybe have a wee trip up Glaen Almond. Checked out price for the lodge and not too cheap now and booked out for ages. Atb
I really appreciate the time and effort you take to make videos. No loud music, you're not trying to impress me, just the right amount of footage in each scene, relaxed style in your speech and lovely sharp images. I'm not going to be doing the long walks or bike packing anymore, just too old for that now (70) but I can still be there with you in your travels. Thank you so much.
A friend of mine like yourself went from hiking to mountain biking. His recommendation for when you are biking on trail is to use a tube bag that attaches underneath your seat and seat post. The reasoning as I understand it, is that you are less likely to damage your bike or panniers with that system if you were unfortunate enough to have some sort of collision and you and the bike ended up on the ground. Something to perhaps consider. Really enjoy your channel, thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos. All the best with all your adventures.
I found that running low tyre pressures (15psi) made a huge difference to the bike. At those pressures you need to go tubeless but that's also a game changer. I bought a suspension seat post (EESilk plus) and wouldn't be without it. It doesn't have a huge range of motion but makes a huge difference on longer rides. Excellent video. Cheers.
Welcome to bikepacking Ray, as you said - you can cover many more miles, plus the bonus of nothing heavy on your back. Even when you have to walk, the bike acts like a walking stick ! I use a homemade silny tent that the bike holds up - so no poles to carry. How did you find cycling in those walking trousers ? I think you may like the comfort of padded cycling specific trousers, especially when travelling long distances. For waterproofs gear, I prefer the traditional bike cape (although with modern materials) and gaiters over midi boots. I find a couple of merino neck gaiters, which can be used in various ways and stored on the wrists, invaluable. ( neck / head / balaclava / doubled up etc ) Also an ultralight Windshirt I find essential. Look forward to your future bikepacking trips. ATB
Perfect first bikepacking trip! I've yet to do one myself. I've been cycling for years but have yet to do an overnighter. And it's crazy because I live in an area with sooooo much bikepacking opportunities. I just need to do it! But I do love watching videos like this in the mean time to motivate and inspire me. Beautiful country out there!
First video of yours for me ! Enjoyed it, I am just getting into bike packing as a beginner at 72 so your experiences and tips are appreciated. Yes the world at presents is a crazy sad circus 🤯good to reset in mother nature’s quiet womb. Cheers and Onward🙏🏻
Most excellent Ray. How refreshing to see someone choose panniers for bike packing. I did a lot of (on road) cycle touring over 20 years and cannot get my mind around why people limit themselves to frame packs and giant saddlebags. Swapping to the front suspension is something you will not regret either. I only did off road touring for 3 holidays, but it makes such a difference not only to your wrists (which is really important) but also to the keeping the bike going where you want over rough ground. And as for the state of the world, only a Scot could summarise it so succinctly and accurately. Having walked in the Caingorms over the last two summers, some of the long tracks there really lend themselves to the use of a bike, especially if you are after a 'quick trip out' to camp away from "civilisation" but also to open up Munro's were the walk in could be long and tedious on foot before you get to the good stuff.
TH-cam recommended this video to me due to watching so many cycle touring/camping videos. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more with your bike. Subscribed.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this Ray, brought back some fond memories, long walk in to Carn a’ Chlamain then looks like just past your spot, where I camped with the daft spaniel…cracking walk. Looks like the bike is suiting you, look forward to the next film… ATB 👍
Enjoyed that Ray, like you say its good for the soul to get out & about! Interesting to hear about mics, my Rode mic is a nightmare for losing audio.. might take a look at that one for the future. I loved Glen Tilt when doing the munros up there, look forward to returning in the future.. Cheers, James
Loved it Ray.. exactly my kinda thing... stuck inside at the moment, so perfect for me - thank you so much for sharing.. i use a bungee through the Ortlieb pannier straps for insurance - they can jump off on rough terrain... i have them on my tourer... Already looking forward to your next one and the winter suprise.. 🚴😎
Great video Ray nice to see you trying the bike packing its great fun and something different. The Great Glen way is a great one to do but has some steep bit on it. I have the DD Magic carpet tarp which i used to cover my bike to hide it from prying eyes and a little bit of protection. Steve 👍
Looks a decent setup on the bike Ray , I have that same alpkit pole so that sounds a good hack . Mic sounds spot on and probs loads cheaper than the rode/dji ones. My problem with the panniers is that I can’t remember what I’ve packed in which bag lol … it’s great having the bike for covering the distance quicker tho 🚲👍
I have that trouble! I have a red inner bag for toiletries/first aid and a blue one for food...was thinking to put some blue and red tape on the handle of the pannier bags to identify. Similar Ortlieb bags to the ones ray used in this video.
Thanks for the comment on the forks, I have been considering a new bike for bike packing but the gravel bike set up doesn't seem logical for me. rigid forks and drop handle bars over rough terrane didn't add up. Thanks for being part of my research. Good vid.
Hi Jonathan and thanks for wathcing. Have found out more so in my latest trip that had I kept the rigid forks my arms would have suffered badly. Also a drop bar setup would have made control of the bike a nightmare on the really bad tracks and gravel bike would have been on the limit in my opinion. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray taking a break from this shitty modern world. Definitely needed at the moment. Any chance you could do a wee video of an in depth review of this new lavallier mic you were trying out. I was surprised to hear you say you didn't like the Rode microphone as that's what everyone seems to use. Been thinking about trying to improve my audio for a while now as I just use on GoPro 7 with foam windshield on it.
Another great video from you. Well done with the bike. I think you might also be a convert to rum and honey from now on. Just one question, what is the music you are using in your vidoe?
Nice one Ray.....a change from hiking in on foot, as you say you can that little bit further. Like the set for the tent pole .....as for the rum and honey ?? I quite like the Jack Daniels Honey, but I'll try the rum (are you a dark / spiced rum drinker ?) More power to your legs 🏴🥃🏴🥾🥾🥾🥾
Another fantastic video Stop watching the news Ray look after the family don't worry what's going on get on with life I think people are starting to wake up to this crap
Superb Ray people can think what they like, you know how being outside feels to you thats all that matters. Me and my brother often do a bikepack, one suggestion keep everything minimal, we are often offroad so keep your bike as light as possible with a small backpack, dont overload that as it is a potential big mass at higher centre of gravity... anyway... yip good call get away and dont join the ship of fools "governing" us. Camping resets you and does.wonders for your mental health.
u r absolutly right ... there is nothing better then go into the nature to avoid all the madness ... and all the people who buy all this nonsense that they r selling us ... lets pray for some common sense
Hi there Ray, cracking video mate, and what a cracking spot for a camp. Looking forward to seeing your bike packing adventures as well as all the others. All the best Dave 😀⛰🥾🏴🚴♂️
Loved this upload Ray and couldn't agree more about how messed up the World feels. Being with mother nature is the perfect tonic ❤
Many thanks for watching. Atb
👍👍
Fantastic little trip Ray, rum and honey sounds like a good winter warmer, Cheers mate.
Its going down well so far. Atb
Loved the Music Glen Tilt is a Brilliant Place and have cycled it many times. Glad you have a front fork big improvement .many Thanks.
Fantastic little trip Ray - I think everyone who starts bike packing does Glen tilt.. it was one of our first (pre-youtube days) - fantastic beginners glen that you never get tired of - Glen Almond is another fantastic accessible spot with numerous tracks off and up if you're feeling up to it! On another note we've actually stayed at Marble lodge... few years ago now and I recall it being a lot cheaper than we expected, to be sure its a little rustic inside but the garage behind that electric charger had what must have been 4-5 tonnes of prepped wood for the fireplace inside.. fantastic spot and good times. - ATB Tom
Thanks for the info and need to maybe have a wee trip up Glaen Almond. Checked out price for the lodge and not too cheap now and booked out for ages. Atb
It's just good to be outside. Thanks for video.
It sure is. Atb
I really appreciate the time and effort you take to make videos. No loud music, you're not trying to impress me, just the right amount of footage in each scene, relaxed style in your speech and lovely sharp images. I'm not going to be doing the long walks or bike packing anymore, just too old for that now (70) but I can still be there with you in your travels. Thank you so much.
Many thanks for watching. Atb
Good to see you back Ray. Always enjoy your vids 👍👍
me too
Thanks 👍 for watching. Atb
A friend of mine like yourself went from hiking to mountain biking. His recommendation for when you are biking on trail is to use a tube bag that attaches underneath your seat and seat post. The reasoning as I understand it, is that you are less likely to damage your bike or panniers with that system if you were unfortunate enough to have some sort of collision and you and the bike ended up on the ground. Something to perhaps consider. Really enjoy your channel, thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos. All the best with all your adventures.
Thanks for the tip. Atb
Thanks for this, Ray. Lovely place. 🏕️🙂
Thanks for watching. Atb
I found that running low tyre pressures (15psi) made a huge difference to the bike. At those pressures you need to go tubeless but that's also a game changer. I bought a suspension seat post (EESilk plus) and wouldn't be without it. It doesn't have a huge range of motion but makes a huge difference on longer rides. Excellent video. Cheers.
Many thanks for the tips Mat and will look at giving some a try next year in the better weather. Atb
Great video again Ray! Love all your comments about life in general! Stay safe and I await your next adventure!👏👏👏👏
Thanks 👍 mate for watching. Atb
Cluster F*** perfect description - good to see you out again
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
A great video that many of us, i think, can relate to. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! Atb
looks lovely Ray, 100% agree with the solitude bit, just what you need sometimes. cheers.
Cheers Mick and hope you are keeping well. Atb
Very enjoyable once again Roy 😊
Jut started and see the front suspension already!! 😁
Yep, thanks for watching. Atb
Nice to see you Ray.
I will look forward to your winter adventure.
Cheers
You and me both! Atb
omg, that is good view~ ;))
Thanks for watching. Atb
Welcome to bikepacking Ray, as you said - you can cover many more miles, plus the bonus of nothing heavy on your back. Even when you have to walk, the bike acts like a walking stick !
I use a homemade silny tent that the bike holds up - so no poles to carry.
How did you find cycling in those walking trousers ? I think you may like the comfort of padded cycling specific trousers, especially when travelling long distances.
For waterproofs gear, I prefer the traditional bike cape (although with modern materials) and gaiters over midi boots. I find a couple of merino neck gaiters, which can be used in various ways and stored on the wrists, invaluable. ( neck / head / balaclava / doubled up etc )
Also an ultralight Windshirt I find essential. Look forward to your future bikepacking trips. ATB
Perfect first bikepacking trip! I've yet to do one myself. I've been cycling for years but have yet to do an overnighter. And it's crazy because I live in an area with sooooo much bikepacking opportunities. I just need to do it! But I do love watching videos like this in the mean time to motivate and inspire me. Beautiful country out there!
Thanks for watching and hope you get the chance to get out and bag your first camping trip with the bike. Atb
Stunner mate
Thanks, Atb.
Amazing Ray! Great to see the landscape and y 5:12 our experiences camping. Your extremely inspirational mate and all the best to you and your family
Many thanks for watching. Atb
That´s a really cool video! 🤙
Thanks! 👍
Nice video, bud . That mic looks really good. I will have a look at it .looked great day out, mate. happy bike hiking.
Thanks 👍 Atb
I camped in that very spot last summer. It’s a beautiful place. Intrigued by the idea of bike packing. Good vid. Thanks.
Thanks for watching. Needed to try out the bikepacking and see what all the fuss was about but does seem to have some big benefts. Atb
"a cluster fuck" very true words Ray, a lovely trip... thanks for bringing us along. atb
Thanks for watching. Atb
I watch all your videos Ray and enjoy them all but it does feel like you’ve got your confidence back with that one 😎
Thanks for watching. Atb
First video of yours for me ! Enjoyed it, I am just getting into bike packing as a beginner at 72 so your experiences and tips are appreciated. Yes the world at presents is a crazy sad circus 🤯good to reset in mother nature’s quiet womb. Cheers and Onward🙏🏻
Thanks for watching. Atb
Most excellent Ray. How refreshing to see someone choose panniers for bike packing. I did a lot of (on road) cycle touring over 20 years and cannot get my mind around why people limit themselves to frame packs and giant saddlebags. Swapping to the front suspension is something you will not regret either. I only did off road touring for 3 holidays, but it makes such a difference not only to your wrists (which is really important) but also to the keeping the bike going where you want over rough ground. And as for the state of the world, only a Scot could summarise it so succinctly and accurately. Having walked in the Caingorms over the last two summers, some of the long tracks there really lend themselves to the use of a bike, especially if you are after a 'quick trip out' to camp away from "civilisation" but also to open up Munro's were the walk in could be long and tedious on foot before you get to the good stuff.
Thanks very much for watching and the kind reply. Atb
Great Ray, well done bud 👏
Thanks 👍 Atb
TH-cam recommended this video to me due to watching so many cycle touring/camping videos. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more with your bike. Subscribed.
Glad you enjoyed it! Atb
Sound quality is really good Ray. Loving the biking content, almost makes me want to get the MTB out and dust off the cobwebs...almost.
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
magic ray thanks so much for sharing this with us ,looking forward to see your next trip out
Thanks for watching. Atb
great vid. really enjoying your new bike content.
Glad to hear it and thanks for watching. Atb
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this Ray, brought back some fond memories, long walk in to Carn a’ Chlamain then looks like just past your spot, where I camped with the daft spaniel…cracking walk. Looks like the bike is suiting you, look forward to the next film…
ATB 👍
Thanks for watching mate and hope you are doing well. Atb
Hi Ray, good to see you back. Great video and lovely scenery. Can’t beat getting away from it all and going into nature, great for the mind.
Thanks 👍 Atb
Hi Ray, the world is a mess. The solitude and greatness of being outdoors might be all we have soon
True Steve. Thanks for watching and Atb.
Enjoyed that Ray, like you say its good for the soul to get out & about! Interesting to hear about mics, my Rode mic is a nightmare for losing audio.. might take a look at that one for the future.
I loved Glen Tilt when doing the munros up there, look forward to returning in the future.. Cheers, James
Thanks for watching mate. Audio has been a pain since day one fo making videos. This seems to be good so far, if a bit expensive. Atb
Loved it Ray.. exactly my kinda thing... stuck inside at the moment, so perfect for me - thank you so much for sharing.. i use a bungee through the Ortlieb pannier straps for insurance - they can jump off on rough terrain... i have them on my tourer... Already looking forward to your next one and the winter suprise.. 🚴😎
Thanks for watching and the tip mate. Hope you are keeping well. Atb
I totally agree the world is absolutely fcuked up and the only place to escape the madness is the great outdoors. 👍
Thanks for watching. Atb
Great video Ray nice to see you trying the bike packing its great fun and something different. The Great Glen way is a great one to do but has some steep bit on it. I have the DD Magic carpet tarp which i used to cover my bike to hide it from prying eyes and a little bit of protection. Steve 👍
Nice idea. Atb
Looks a decent setup on the bike Ray , I have that same alpkit pole so that sounds a good hack . Mic sounds spot on and probs loads cheaper than the rode/dji ones. My problem with the panniers is that I can’t remember what I’ve packed in which bag lol … it’s great having the bike for covering the distance quicker tho 🚲👍
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
I have that trouble! I have a red inner bag for toiletries/first aid and a blue one for food...was thinking to put some blue and red tape on the handle of the pannier bags to identify. Similar Ortlieb bags to the ones ray used in this video.
Thanks for the comment on the forks, I have been considering a new bike for bike packing but the gravel bike set up doesn't seem logical for me. rigid forks and drop handle bars over rough terrane didn't add up. Thanks for being part of my research. Good vid.
Hi Jonathan and thanks for wathcing. Have found out more so in my latest trip that had I kept the rigid forks my arms would have suffered badly. Also a drop bar setup would have made control of the bike a nightmare on the really bad tracks and gravel bike would have been on the limit in my opinion. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray taking a break from this shitty modern world.
Definitely needed at the moment.
Any chance you could do a wee video of an in depth review of this new lavallier mic you were trying out.
I was surprised to hear you say you didn't like the Rode microphone as that's what everyone seems to use.
Been thinking about trying to improve my audio for a while now as I just use on GoPro 7 with foam windshield on it.
Thanks for watching and will try if I can. atb
Another great video from you. Well done with the bike. I think you might also be a convert to rum and honey from now on.
Just one question, what is the music you are using in your vidoe?
Thanks for watching. Not sure on the Audio now as actually bought them from a site a few years back so I didnt get copyright strikes. Atb
I strap a 20l dry bag rucksack to the rear rack. Works great as i have a pannier bounce off.
It's a lomo 30l.
BTW great video as always.
Love it
Nice one Ray I've done a few bikepacking camp's and enjoyed it
That area was stunning atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Thanks 👍 Atb
Nice one Ray.....a change from hiking in on foot, as you say you can that little bit further. Like the set for the tent pole .....as for the rum and honey ?? I quite like the Jack Daniels Honey, but I'll try the rum (are you a dark / spiced rum drinker ?) More power to your legs 🏴🥃🏴🥾🥾🥾🥾
Thanks for watching. Like the Kraken rum at the moment. Atb
Great to see another upload Ray, could this unfinished business be another winter west highland way attempt….
Thanks for watching and lets see what happens. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors whatever the adventure i am certainly looking forward to it.
Hike or cycle it doesn’t matter at least you are out and enjoying life
Great stuff
Thanks for watching. Atb
Quick question, Ray. How do you transport your bike with your car? We are trying to get a bike setup too and would appreciate some advice. Thanks.
Hi and thanks for watching. I have an old Volvo V70 estate. So it fits in the back on its side with the rear seats down. Atb
Best off with frame bags not panniers or racks. It distributes the weight a lot better. Look to Apidura, Alpkit etc
Will do, many thanks.
Thanks a lot Ray, now my wife keeps telling me to mix her a rum'n'honey.
Brill and thanks for watching. Atb
You have changed the front forks, upgrade?
Got them from Ebay second hand. Needed to try them out and see what the difference is. Atb
Bear Bones Backpacking will make a custom carbon pole for you!
Thanks for watching and will take a look into that. Atb
What boots and gators are you wearing?
Those are Salomon X Ultra GTX boots. Done a video about them on my channel. Paired with a set of Salomon ankle gaitors. Atb
i treated myself to an e bike i can get around 30 miles in the brecon beacons great for exploring it will climb up anything
Great stuff. Atb
love from Sri lanka
Thanks.
Another fantastic video Stop watching the news Ray look after the family don't worry what's going on get on with life I think people are starting to wake up to this crap
Dont watch the normal news anymore ;) But have been watching the world go down the pan for the last 20 years :) Atb
Atleast your awake Ray not many of us about lol
G,day from Sydney Australia.
The bike should be good for your leg muscles. You'll miss micro ecosystems travelling faster.
🌏🇭🇲
Thanks for watching. Atb
Superb Ray people can think what they like, you know how being outside feels to you thats all that matters. Me and my brother often do a bikepack, one suggestion keep everything minimal, we are often offroad so keep your bike as light as possible with a small backpack, dont overload that as it is a potential big mass at higher centre of gravity... anyway... yip good call get away and dont join the ship of fools "governing" us. Camping resets you and does.wonders for your mental health.
Thanks for wathcing and the tips. Atb
u r absolutly right ... there is nothing better then go into the nature to avoid all the madness ... and all the people who buy all this nonsense that they r selling us ... lets pray for some common sense
thanks for watching and Atb.
I had to stop watching the MSM , the conspiracy theories became theorems .
Very true. On average about 6 months before they seem to come fact at the moment :) Atb
Hi there Ray, cracking video mate, and what a cracking spot for a camp. Looking forward to seeing your bike packing adventures as well as all the others.
All the best
Dave 😀⛰🥾🏴🚴♂️
Thanks 👍 Atb