After my epic fail on the HTR 550 I needed to test out a new arse, new saddle and some new mind control techniques in order to bring back my bikepacking Tao. In haste I downloaded a C2C route for Wales from Llandudno to Swansea and jumped on a train Friday evening to try and knock it off over 3 days. As with everything I ever do, it didn't quite go to plan. Sadly(for you) I took the camera and did a bit more videoing. My technique has not improved, neither has my editing so you have been warned. But this video gives you an idea of the trip and maybe the odd moment of entertainment. I promise to make something a lot more polished next time.

https://vimeo.com/102052940

Enjoyed the now traditional extra minutes of black screen at the end. Kept watching incase there was a Disney Pixar bonus feature.

FFS

Enjoyed that.

...whoever designed [the route] was using the scottish model of access rights which I don't believe applies in Wales...

No idea what you mean

To be fair though, if you stuck strictly to bridleways in Wales you would spend 50% of your time up to your arse in mud or fighting your way through gorse and scrub. The route takes advantage of any decent bridleways or byways in existence, and takes in legit tracks through forests to piece it all together. On the Conwy valley stuff, which I concede is on footpaths (that I think should be classified as RUPP's, and have ridden for the past 20 years), I think you were unlucky to get some grumpy walkers. The farm is a bit different. I've been through there three times now without issue, and on Strava where I created a segment for the climb*, it's had 7 people through it. Hardly a motorway, but it is possible. Luck of the draw.

Still, as you've seen, I've tweaked the route


*Edit: and now deleted (sorry Steve, you're down a KOM on that now...)

Nice, irreverence much appreciated, need to get that pronunciation sorted mind
Pretty long days in the saddle, how's that new arse working out for you?
As for the chavs, one of the many reasons I never went back to the valleys when I came back to the UK.

Please don't change your video style. I find it very refreshing

Enjoyed that - as above, it's a refreshing style that shows personality rather than polished video making skills.

And Ian, that KOM was mine - I don't care how many farmers were made unhappy in the process! Going to have to beast myself going to work in the morning now!

Please let someone get the climbing joke. My family tumbleweeded at that one.

I got it (I think)

Another great vid, and always good to hear Senser

Good one Dave but the sound is not clear - when you are talking can hear the wind more than anything else... (tempted to say you were talking through your ahhh what was the word...?)

What happened to the Trekker tent ? It looked good that one...

Dave Barter wrote:Please let someone get the climbing joke. My family tumbleweeded at that one.

It looked a bit bold

Keep them coming Dave. Very entertaining

Remember Kids. Look Left, Look right

Well done on the mileage and again like the previous posts, I enjoyed that video. Not sure if you intended it to be funny but I was chuckling at times watching it especially at 9 minutes in
Keep up the good unpolished work

What happened to the Trekker tent ? It looked good that one..

This trip convinced me to never leave it behind. I was trying out going with no poles to save weight but sleeping in the midge net is just not for me.

Oh and it's more like VS 5c (!) as you preplaced the sandwich...

Not enough swearing.

Wait till I have a go at the Lakelands loop then Rich.

Good video.
Thanks for sharing.

Can i ask what software you use for editing, ive tried loads and cant get any of them to do what i want......maybe its just me??

Can i ask what software you use for editing, ive tried loads and cant get any of them to do what i want......maybe its just me??

This was my first go with Final Cut Pro X. Not really got to grips with it properly yet.

Great video Dave. Really enjoyed that. +1 for a bit more swearing next time please!

Another classic of its genre!

Loved it!

Hey Dave Ive just been looking at your artical in this months CTC magazine, nice one

Thanks Rob, Stu supplied the (decent) photos for that.

Where do you find the gpx file?