Sharing my cycling experiences, adventures, and honest advice, in Northern Ireland and further afield. Hopefully providing some useful tips, encouragement and inspirations to other cyclists along the way!
is it worth buying this model. bicycle of this model, second hand .year 2020, well preserved, for sale for 320 euros
@connormcc6 күн бұрын
That is a good price I reckon, maybe ask if you can get a test ride on it, and maybe get a local bike mechanic to give it a once over before you buy it. It's a pretty good bike for gentle trails - I wouldn't do anything too technical on it though
@GuinnessSquirrel8 күн бұрын
Great video. Curious: how do you mount the 1040 to your frame? Also, why does the new need to make the 1040 your primary training device?
@connormcc7 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed! I have a mount from Canyon that I use for the Garmin, it's just a standard quarter turn mount, but needs to be a special on to fit my Canyon, but depending on what bike you have there are loads of options... Making the garmin the primary training device is only important if you also have a garmin watch
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain363611 күн бұрын
Such a pity about the weather as after all that climbing it’s nice to get a view. Enjoyed the four videos and they defo deserved a donation for all your effort.
@connormcc11 күн бұрын
yea the way he wasn’t ideal but on the positive side it could have been a whole lot worse! thanks for the donation, it’s much appreciated!
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain363611 күн бұрын
Yes the videos don’t really do it justice be it wet or a glorious day you really have to be there and experience the Invergarry to Lochalsh road. If you think it’s bad for traffic you should see the east side of Skye it’s like a race track, they spoilt Skye when they built the bridge. Now for part four.
@connormcc11 күн бұрын
it really was stunning, even if it was a big main road, the bit from Localsh around to Plockton, Stromeferry and Strathcarron was also incredible!
@Countrystock11 күн бұрын
What a great adventure you had. Loved the 4 videos Connor. Nice one
@connormcc11 күн бұрын
I’m glad you enjoyed the videos! It really was a great adventure, one that I have talked about for years, so I’m really glad that I’ve finally done it!
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain363612 күн бұрын
I’ve done that route from Fort Bill to Invergarry and beyond on a road bike with 32’s fine apart from when the forestry have been working. Corran to Fort Bill is the worst bit of the A82 it does get better from Fort Bill to Inverness but I do love the the A861 even if you do miss the Camusnagaul ferry it’s an easy ride round and better than the 82 it’s also l oh added with deer and highland cows. Looking forward to the next one.
@connormcc12 күн бұрын
Yea I did think about the long way around to Fotrtwilliam, but didn’t fancy it, as it was going to add too much time for me
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain363612 күн бұрын
If you ever get the chance do it. There’s a fab loop taking in Loch Shiel and round to Acharacle and Strontian.
@connormcc12 күн бұрын
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636 I’ll have a look and maybe check it out some time!
@jackowens_12 күн бұрын
Nice to see you were back out on the island again this year, Connor! I too made it again this year at the end of June for some more perfect riding. Some favourites - of course the lighthouse out Cap di Formentor. Sa Batalla is another favourite up the way to the Repsol garage. If you move away from the more famous and popular routes and rides, I've found there are some nice inland flat lanes winding around which make for some fast rolling and engaging riding. As you say, buttery roads and great scenery really anywhere you go and plenty of other riders always around. I do feel you have to keep your wits about you on the road, especially on the decents - they can be fast, and without local knowledge and plenty of tourists in hire cars and buses on blind turns, they can be dodgy enough at times. Concur on the cafe bombon! 😀
@connormcc12 күн бұрын
Yea I hope to get out next year again and maybe do Sa Batalla, and some others!
@barrycorney366514 күн бұрын
I did the clockwise peninsula loop on 23rd June, starting from the campsite and finishing with the Bealach. I found that the section on the north between Fearnmore and Shieldaig looked horrendous on the map but ended up being like a pump track- if you went full pelt on each descent you got pretty far up the next climb! The Bealach took me 59 mins, but the 1/2 mile or so section leading into the hairpins was brutal and I had so much oncoming traffic I pulled up at each passing place, aye getting clipped into SL's on 15% is no fun would change to SPD's next time I go (and do it from Applecross to Tornapress)!! 3 weeks prior I'd done Sa Calobra in 50 mins (I'm 55, 170cm and 85kg, a wee fatty lol) and knew the ascent and distance were similar but been holidaying at Applecross almost annually since 2005 so knew the gradient profile on this is WAY harder than Sa Calobra..... I also used my "hill bike" at Applecross which has 30/46 by 11-36 and kept me in the saddle!!! It's a superb ride though and had people shouting encouragement at me out their windows on the top half of it, never realised how much of a boost that can actually give you!
@connormcc14 күн бұрын
The first time I did it I started in Torridon and had 70 miles in my legs by the time I got to the pass, and the rest of the peninsula, this time was a bit less, but still found the peninsula tough! I was on a 52-36 and 11-28 setup this time. Thankfully I didn’t have to stop too much for traffic, they mostly stopped for me!
@barrycorney366514 күн бұрын
@@connormcc Yea that would be tough!!! I wouldn't even have that gearing if I lived somewhere flat lol(I am toying with the idea of the 30/46 and an 11-28 so I can use more of the cassette high end).... I got a decent clear run down into Applecross and only got into the 46/11 briefly yet am 14th out of 1177 in the 55-64 category on Strava! Even on undulating courses near me(I live in the Highlands)I rarely get past 50/14 on the other bike, I'm in the camp whereby I'd rather have a range of gears I can use that doesn't cause me to walk so prioritise the lower end...
@connormcc14 күн бұрын
totally makes sense. for you to have that setup given where you live!
@bighotpant14 күн бұрын
Absolutely amazing climb, it must be a bit more challenging with traffic on the road, I’ve recently done the Bealach na Ba on closed roads in Celtman Solo .5. Views from the hairpins are awesome on a clear day. The landscape around that part of Scotland is simply stunning and any photos or videos don’t show justice. You have to go to fully appreciate it!
@connormcc14 күн бұрын
Yea I can’t imagine it’s much fun later in the day, I set off early and didn’t encounter too much traffic. I agree that it’s really hard to do it justice in photos and videos, and everyone should try and experience it first hand for sure!
@DavidMackenzie15 күн бұрын
Really enjoying the video series and your commentary - thanks.
@connormcc15 күн бұрын
Glad you are enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching!
@daveansell241815 күн бұрын
Gave that a try in 2012 unfortunately was very very wet and windy, had to climb off before I was blown off! Rolling back down the very wet road was the most frightening thing Ive ever done... rims brakes etc!
@connormcc15 күн бұрын
Yea I can imagine it’s horrendous if the weather is bad, first time I did it was dry, this time a bit cool and damp but still manageable
@LordVordnorf15 күн бұрын
How are you getting home?
@connormcc15 күн бұрын
I got the train back from Strathcarron down to Ayr, and got a lift from there to the boat at Cairnryan
@thecycle2worker15216 күн бұрын
Never heard of this one before but it’s in the bank now.
@connormcc16 күн бұрын
Glad I’ve inspired you! It’s a great one, definitely worth giving it a go if you can!
@colincampbell426124 күн бұрын
Serious question - why not fit a rear rack for panniers?
@connormcc24 күн бұрын
@@colincampbell4261 I do now have a rear rack, I use the Tailfin aeropack and panniers, it works on all my bikes, road, gravel and mtb
@colincampbell426124 күн бұрын
@@connormcc ok - thanks.
@connormcc23 күн бұрын
@@colincampbell4261 there are loads of other rack options, the tailfin one works best for me because of the versatility of it
@Ken-jp1gr28 күн бұрын
I'm 70 now cycled all my life, road, mtb and gravel. I still ride these bikes regularly but I have health issues one of which is arthritis in my knees. When I turned 70 I got an hardtail ebike. It seems to work like physio therapy mobilizing my joints but not putting them under to much strain. After a ride on the ebike I'm good to go on the normal bike. I can still get a hard workout on the ebike by staying in eco mode if I want to. Also living in a very hilly area I can still ride with the heart rate I set out to do, for instance a recovery ride.
@connormcc28 күн бұрын
This is the point I’m trying to make really, there’s a lot of unnecessary snobbery around e bikes, which I think is unwarranted - if it helps people cycle post injury, or gets people into cycling in the first place, then that’s great!
@WheelersAtLarge28 күн бұрын
Well done... Agree with you, the view from the top of the road 'snaking' down is epic.
@connormcc28 күн бұрын
Yea it really is spectacular!
@Ken-jp1gr28 күн бұрын
Ridden all those roads, but on a motorcycle, the main road to Skye is another road I wouldn't cycle on. Coming back from the far north once in torrential rain I could hardly see where I was going. Would be terrifying on a bicycle. Great scenery though on a good day.
@connormcc28 күн бұрын
Yea I loved that road for scenery, less so for the traffic
@Ken-jp1gr29 күн бұрын
The A82 is a very dangerous road, no way would I ever cycle on that road. I've ridden the road on the other side between the two ferries a few times and its beautiful. I always use a gravel bike for these sort of trips, but then I'm slow on or off road LOL Enjoyed the film.
@connormcc28 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed! Yes I think I’d prefer a gravel bike for this trip too, but because I was doing the Bealach Na Ba I wanted to take my road bike
@daveansell2418Ай бұрын
Good work Sir! Did you stay in the Lochcarron pub/hotel, used to be run by biker but a strange place. Night before I attempted Bealach where it all went wrong! Good luck with the weather!
@connormccАй бұрын
I stayed in the Strathcarron hotel, and bizarrely Bill Bailey way staying that night too, very random! Stay tuned for the Bealach video in 2 weeks!
@benjaminburley-ward5098Ай бұрын
What gear do you have on your handlebars may i please ask,i see a torch, GPS, but what's the other thing? Do you perhaps have two cameras? One on your head and one on you handlebars?
@connormccАй бұрын
I’ll be doing a bit of a kit video soon, but yea, I have a See Sense Beam + light, my Garmin Edge 1040, and the other thing is my insta360 x3 360 camera, which is how I get some of the footage of me on the bike
@mokotrampАй бұрын
Christ, you've packed more gear for one night than I did for 5 'wild' days in Wales! 😁
@connormccАй бұрын
🤣 ha ha, this was very much a test trip, and I’m learning more with each trip, that being said, I’m definitely not a minimalist bike packer 😂
@mokotrampАй бұрын
@@connormccIt's really difficult to decide what to take and what not to take! I think I must unpack and repack my kit more times than I care to admit! Just make sure you take plenty of peanut butter! 😁
@connormccАй бұрын
Yea it really is! It changes depending on where you are going, type of trip, availability of food, shops, spares etc… and I always take a little coffee grinder and coffee beans, that’s my luxury item 😁
@mokotrampАй бұрын
@@connormcc And there's me thinking I'm spoiling myself with green tea bags! 😄
@connormccАй бұрын
😂 I can’t do without good coffee, lol
@thecycle2worker152Ай бұрын
Thought the traffic would have been lighter
@connormccАй бұрын
Yea, it was worse than I expected, I guess when you get that far north in Scotland the roads are much fewer, and I was cycling on effectively the main road from south west to north east - Oban to Inverness
@ivorhamilton5304Ай бұрын
Enjoyed again Connor 👍👍
@connormccАй бұрын
thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying this little series of videos!
@roadfertАй бұрын
Along with the case I use the lanyard included in the package. To be honest, at first I thought they were a little corny but after seeing a bunch of World Tour riders using them I got over that pretty quick.
@connormccАй бұрын
yea the little safety cord thingy? I loop it round my bars, means even if the computer comes out of the mount for some reason, it’s still attached and won’t hit the ground!
@edwardperkinson792924 күн бұрын
how do you connect the lanyard i don't see a place for it
@connormcc24 күн бұрын
@@edwardperkinson7929 there is a tiny little hole in the bottom at the back usually, that the thin lanyard string should loop through
@clp91009Ай бұрын
I’m really enjoying watching your adventure. Myself I have never bike packed, I do sportives around Ireland. You might just have inspired me to try it. Next time I’m in Northern Ireland I would love to join you for a spin.
@connormccАй бұрын
you should definitely give bikepacking a go! it’s a great way to see new places, either road bikepacking and staying in hostels, b and bs etc, or off road and camping! Look up Connect Cycling on Facebook or Instagram, and give us a shout next time you are up this way, you’d be more than welcome to join us!
@clp91009Ай бұрын
@@connormcc will do, thanks
@BikepackingАй бұрын
Cool
@connormccАй бұрын
glad you enjoyed!
@johnryan9280Ай бұрын
Beautiful scenery and a great video keep up the great work 💪🏻💪🏻
@connormccАй бұрын
Thank you! Will do!
@colincampbell4261Ай бұрын
May the wind always be behind you and the rain never in your face.
@connormccАй бұрын
I mean it's Scotland, so that might just be a miracle 😂
@daveansell2418Ай бұрын
Well said Sir this is spot on and brave we all need to talk! I failed Bealach na Ba in 2012, near the top was so windy and raining I couldn't do anymore!
@connormccАй бұрын
Yea, talking about mental health is so so important, especially amongst men. Ahhh, you have unfinished business with the Bealach Ns Ba then, you will have to go back again - I've now done it in May and September, both times it has been ok
@dennisbaron5680Ай бұрын
amazing scenery , epic ride
@connormccАй бұрын
Yea, the scenery was really incredible!
@TBat0431Ай бұрын
Any recommendations for the bike hire?
@connormccАй бұрын
I hired from a place called Rent March in Port Pollenca, but there are loads of hire options!
@TBat0431Ай бұрын
Where have you hired from?
@TBat0431Ай бұрын
Bike island looks good for Giant
@connormccАй бұрын
I hired from a place called Rent March in Port Pollenca, but there are loads of hire options!
@TBat0431Ай бұрын
Planning on visiting spring 2025 - very informative ❤
@connormccАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed the video! I'll maybe see you there, as I intend to be there in Spring 2025 too!
@ivorhamilton5304Ай бұрын
Another great wee video Connor
@connormccАй бұрын
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
@OGillo2001Ай бұрын
Early morning 100%, for all those reasons.
@connormccАй бұрын
Yup, definitely, thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@CountrystockАй бұрын
Looking forward to part 2, bike packing is on my 'to do' list
@connormccАй бұрын
coming this weekend :) Glad you enjoyed, and hopefully inspires you to give bikepacking a go!
@bonn1771Ай бұрын
great tips mate!! enjoy it also what power meter are you looking for gravel? was lookingat the Assioma PRO MX
@connormccАй бұрын
Thanks! Yea I'm looking at the Assioma as well, as it is the Assioma Duo that I have on my road bike
@bonn1771Ай бұрын
@@connormcc best bang for the buck since no more powertap
@BikepackingАй бұрын
Very cool just subbed
@connormccАй бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate that!
@davidpoots8362Ай бұрын
Brilliant video and a great cause. Really helped me get in the mood for a trip to Islay next month.
@connormccАй бұрын
Ahh amazing, I’m jealous even though I’ve just been there! Have you seen my other Islay and Jura videos? They a linked in the description of this video if you want to check them out…
@davidpoots8362Ай бұрын
@@connormcc Yes enjoyed your trip with Stephen. We are sailing 2 dinghies across from Portrush in July, should be a great wee adventure.
@connormccАй бұрын
@davidpoots8362 that sounds amazing, but also my idea of a nightmare, I’m not a fan of boats 🤣
@ianstewart5437Ай бұрын
Hello Connor, what is the WhatsApp gravel club you refer too in NI?
@connormccАй бұрын
It’s just a few friends who occasionally try to get some gravel rides in when we can really
@ianstewart5437Ай бұрын
@@connormcc ahh ok, I'm fairly new to cycling and keeping my eyes and ears open to opportunities local to me. Keep up your good videos 👌
@connormccАй бұрын
@ianstewart5437 where are you based, I can probably point you to someone local-ish, and is it gravel cycling you are starting in to?
@ianstewart5437Ай бұрын
@@connormcc well I suppose it's a bit of touring as well as gravel, I've cycled the WHW and Great Glen Way down the length of Oban and various other known routes. I aim to do a bit of road cycling too, probably more the audax/sportive type and not racing. I'm Ballymena area
@connormccАй бұрын
@ianstewart5437 I definitely want to try the WHW and Great Glen Way, Maybe the Badger Divide! If you are looking for roadies to join, 9am on a Saturday morning at Creative Gardens in Galgorm, I head out with Connect Cycling, we have a couple of groups go out, you’d be more than welcome to join us!
@Neill_ClementsАй бұрын
Really enjoyed that video Connor. I would love to take the bike over sometime. I rode a motorbike up the west coast of Scotland many years ago now and it was a beautiful area to ride though. Looking forward to more videos.
@connormccАй бұрын
Thanks! Yea it really is stunning! I was definitely a bit slower than a motorbike though 🤣
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636Ай бұрын
I’m thinking I’d love to incorporate that wee ferry at Ballycastle into a ride looks fun! The roads around Kintyre and Oban should never be underestimated quite tough in places. I cycled about there just after lockdown and it was bliss very little traffic. Yes having extra small frames can be a bit of a pain for bothies and luggage if I were to do more bikepacking I’d consider Tailfin just learned they do a universal skewer now and adapters for quick release so great for if you have multiple bikes. Looking forward to the next part.
@connormccАй бұрын
Yea the boat to Islay is great, it’s expensive, but so cool that you can get across there. The tailfin set up is great, I gave the qr axles and the thru axles, because 2 of my bikes are thru axle and 1 is QR
@kenwynn3871Ай бұрын
I'm going again in a month 😊 hitting up Randa and Formentor for the first time, plus my favourites Puig Major, Sa Batalla, Sa Calobra, Soller, Galilea, coast road, and Creu. Can't wait
@connormccАй бұрын
Very jealous! I have to wait until next year before I’m back, going to use your comment as inspiration for rides I haven’t done yet 😀
@csarswatchesАй бұрын
Nice setup! How do the Evo Schwalbes compare to the TT ones, Do they feel much slower? How many total miles aproxwere you able to put on the Schwalbe TT before having to replace them? Thanks for your videos!
@connormccАй бұрын
The Evos were much more durable than the TTs, I’m probably going to put them back on the bike in the next week or two (temporarily had them off), but I’m starting to go off tubeless for the road, it’s great 90% of the time, but the 10% of the time when it’s not sealable or there’s a problem, is a real nightmare. Glad you are enjoying the videos!
@csarswatchesАй бұрын
@@connormcc thanks for your response! I've been Contis GP5000 28mm cream wall + Vittoria Latex tubes and after +7000kms never had a puncture, run as good and as smooth as tubeless but I'm getting a new pair of wheels in which I may try tubeless.
@connormccАй бұрын
@csarswatches I like the gp5000s, but always found them too tight with my rims to get on and off if I need to change…
@csarswatchesАй бұрын
Those schwalbes look neat! How many kms have you been able to put on them? I understand they're race and tt designed but look good for regular use
@connormccАй бұрын
To be honest I didn’t track how many kms or miles o covered in them, I switched to the pro one evos after these had an unrepairable puncture
@platypushatstand2 ай бұрын
Nice to see my old office (blue doors: 20 Lower Thames Street, aka London Custom House) at 10:38 & 12:45 I bought my orange H6R (C-Line Explore as it’s called these days) new back in 2012. In 12 years I’ve done 11,145 recreational miles. Definitely the best bike I’ve ever had, robust, easy to maintain. I ride roads, bridleways and bike paths: anything from 18 to 45 miles. Watch a few vids for the unfolding to get the hang of it and it’ll become second nature. Also check out touring videos from Susanna Thornton, Wiltshire Man. In London, the RAF fly their Chinooks 25:46 on Anti-Terrorist sorties (protecting everyone). Working in Croydon I’ve even seen the Apache AH-64 gunships fly over (2016) but Croydon is kinda rough, school kids like stabbing each other at tram stops, and murdering each other at railway stations and bus stops in recent years.
@connormcc2 ай бұрын
glad to know you are still enjoying your Brompton after 12 years!
@marccarter13502 ай бұрын
I have always seen them as my LBS Condor is a Brompton dealer. Never needed a folding bike, the small wheels also put me of, great video thou 🙂 ps, what was the cost pre day?
@DarrenWhittington2 ай бұрын
I’ve just hired one out to evaluate if I should buy one, the one I hired cycled very sluggish and was very resistant to freewheel, was able to check the tyre pressure and they were both on 30psi 🙁 Pumped them up to 95 but still found it difficult to ride and very bumpy; in the uk with the roads the way they are this wouldn’t make for a comfortable time. I’m not even sure if I would hire one if I was in a city, if the tyres were flat again it would be difficult to pump them up to 95 with the supplied pump.
@AWARENI962 ай бұрын
This is absolutely class Connor, thank you so much for your support!
@connormcc2 ай бұрын
no problem at all!
@theCree2 ай бұрын
You get used to the folding fairly quickly. Only one pedal folds. I used to commute from Dunadry to Belfast every day using the train from Antrim. It was perfect on my Brompton.
@connormcc2 ай бұрын
yea that’s kinda my thinking if I get one at some point, commute Ballymena to Belfast by train and Brompton 2 days a week
Пікірлер
is it worth buying this model. bicycle of this model, second hand .year 2020, well preserved, for sale for 320 euros
That is a good price I reckon, maybe ask if you can get a test ride on it, and maybe get a local bike mechanic to give it a once over before you buy it. It's a pretty good bike for gentle trails - I wouldn't do anything too technical on it though
Great video. Curious: how do you mount the 1040 to your frame? Also, why does the new need to make the 1040 your primary training device?
Glad you enjoyed! I have a mount from Canyon that I use for the Garmin, it's just a standard quarter turn mount, but needs to be a special on to fit my Canyon, but depending on what bike you have there are loads of options... Making the garmin the primary training device is only important if you also have a garmin watch
Such a pity about the weather as after all that climbing it’s nice to get a view. Enjoyed the four videos and they defo deserved a donation for all your effort.
yea the way he wasn’t ideal but on the positive side it could have been a whole lot worse! thanks for the donation, it’s much appreciated!
Yes the videos don’t really do it justice be it wet or a glorious day you really have to be there and experience the Invergarry to Lochalsh road. If you think it’s bad for traffic you should see the east side of Skye it’s like a race track, they spoilt Skye when they built the bridge. Now for part four.
it really was stunning, even if it was a big main road, the bit from Localsh around to Plockton, Stromeferry and Strathcarron was also incredible!
What a great adventure you had. Loved the 4 videos Connor. Nice one
I’m glad you enjoyed the videos! It really was a great adventure, one that I have talked about for years, so I’m really glad that I’ve finally done it!
I’ve done that route from Fort Bill to Invergarry and beyond on a road bike with 32’s fine apart from when the forestry have been working. Corran to Fort Bill is the worst bit of the A82 it does get better from Fort Bill to Inverness but I do love the the A861 even if you do miss the Camusnagaul ferry it’s an easy ride round and better than the 82 it’s also l oh added with deer and highland cows. Looking forward to the next one.
Yea I did think about the long way around to Fotrtwilliam, but didn’t fancy it, as it was going to add too much time for me
If you ever get the chance do it. There’s a fab loop taking in Loch Shiel and round to Acharacle and Strontian.
@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636 I’ll have a look and maybe check it out some time!
Nice to see you were back out on the island again this year, Connor! I too made it again this year at the end of June for some more perfect riding. Some favourites - of course the lighthouse out Cap di Formentor. Sa Batalla is another favourite up the way to the Repsol garage. If you move away from the more famous and popular routes and rides, I've found there are some nice inland flat lanes winding around which make for some fast rolling and engaging riding. As you say, buttery roads and great scenery really anywhere you go and plenty of other riders always around. I do feel you have to keep your wits about you on the road, especially on the decents - they can be fast, and without local knowledge and plenty of tourists in hire cars and buses on blind turns, they can be dodgy enough at times. Concur on the cafe bombon! 😀
Yea I hope to get out next year again and maybe do Sa Batalla, and some others!
I did the clockwise peninsula loop on 23rd June, starting from the campsite and finishing with the Bealach. I found that the section on the north between Fearnmore and Shieldaig looked horrendous on the map but ended up being like a pump track- if you went full pelt on each descent you got pretty far up the next climb! The Bealach took me 59 mins, but the 1/2 mile or so section leading into the hairpins was brutal and I had so much oncoming traffic I pulled up at each passing place, aye getting clipped into SL's on 15% is no fun would change to SPD's next time I go (and do it from Applecross to Tornapress)!! 3 weeks prior I'd done Sa Calobra in 50 mins (I'm 55, 170cm and 85kg, a wee fatty lol) and knew the ascent and distance were similar but been holidaying at Applecross almost annually since 2005 so knew the gradient profile on this is WAY harder than Sa Calobra..... I also used my "hill bike" at Applecross which has 30/46 by 11-36 and kept me in the saddle!!! It's a superb ride though and had people shouting encouragement at me out their windows on the top half of it, never realised how much of a boost that can actually give you!
The first time I did it I started in Torridon and had 70 miles in my legs by the time I got to the pass, and the rest of the peninsula, this time was a bit less, but still found the peninsula tough! I was on a 52-36 and 11-28 setup this time. Thankfully I didn’t have to stop too much for traffic, they mostly stopped for me!
@@connormcc Yea that would be tough!!! I wouldn't even have that gearing if I lived somewhere flat lol(I am toying with the idea of the 30/46 and an 11-28 so I can use more of the cassette high end).... I got a decent clear run down into Applecross and only got into the 46/11 briefly yet am 14th out of 1177 in the 55-64 category on Strava! Even on undulating courses near me(I live in the Highlands)I rarely get past 50/14 on the other bike, I'm in the camp whereby I'd rather have a range of gears I can use that doesn't cause me to walk so prioritise the lower end...
totally makes sense. for you to have that setup given where you live!
Absolutely amazing climb, it must be a bit more challenging with traffic on the road, I’ve recently done the Bealach na Ba on closed roads in Celtman Solo .5. Views from the hairpins are awesome on a clear day. The landscape around that part of Scotland is simply stunning and any photos or videos don’t show justice. You have to go to fully appreciate it!
Yea I can’t imagine it’s much fun later in the day, I set off early and didn’t encounter too much traffic. I agree that it’s really hard to do it justice in photos and videos, and everyone should try and experience it first hand for sure!
Really enjoying the video series and your commentary - thanks.
Glad you are enjoying the videos! Thanks for watching!
Gave that a try in 2012 unfortunately was very very wet and windy, had to climb off before I was blown off! Rolling back down the very wet road was the most frightening thing Ive ever done... rims brakes etc!
Yea I can imagine it’s horrendous if the weather is bad, first time I did it was dry, this time a bit cool and damp but still manageable
How are you getting home?
I got the train back from Strathcarron down to Ayr, and got a lift from there to the boat at Cairnryan
Never heard of this one before but it’s in the bank now.
Glad I’ve inspired you! It’s a great one, definitely worth giving it a go if you can!
Serious question - why not fit a rear rack for panniers?
@@colincampbell4261 I do now have a rear rack, I use the Tailfin aeropack and panniers, it works on all my bikes, road, gravel and mtb
@@connormcc ok - thanks.
@@colincampbell4261 there are loads of other rack options, the tailfin one works best for me because of the versatility of it
I'm 70 now cycled all my life, road, mtb and gravel. I still ride these bikes regularly but I have health issues one of which is arthritis in my knees. When I turned 70 I got an hardtail ebike. It seems to work like physio therapy mobilizing my joints but not putting them under to much strain. After a ride on the ebike I'm good to go on the normal bike. I can still get a hard workout on the ebike by staying in eco mode if I want to. Also living in a very hilly area I can still ride with the heart rate I set out to do, for instance a recovery ride.
This is the point I’m trying to make really, there’s a lot of unnecessary snobbery around e bikes, which I think is unwarranted - if it helps people cycle post injury, or gets people into cycling in the first place, then that’s great!
Well done... Agree with you, the view from the top of the road 'snaking' down is epic.
Yea it really is spectacular!
Ridden all those roads, but on a motorcycle, the main road to Skye is another road I wouldn't cycle on. Coming back from the far north once in torrential rain I could hardly see where I was going. Would be terrifying on a bicycle. Great scenery though on a good day.
Yea I loved that road for scenery, less so for the traffic
The A82 is a very dangerous road, no way would I ever cycle on that road. I've ridden the road on the other side between the two ferries a few times and its beautiful. I always use a gravel bike for these sort of trips, but then I'm slow on or off road LOL Enjoyed the film.
Glad you enjoyed! Yes I think I’d prefer a gravel bike for this trip too, but because I was doing the Bealach Na Ba I wanted to take my road bike
Good work Sir! Did you stay in the Lochcarron pub/hotel, used to be run by biker but a strange place. Night before I attempted Bealach where it all went wrong! Good luck with the weather!
I stayed in the Strathcarron hotel, and bizarrely Bill Bailey way staying that night too, very random! Stay tuned for the Bealach video in 2 weeks!
What gear do you have on your handlebars may i please ask,i see a torch, GPS, but what's the other thing? Do you perhaps have two cameras? One on your head and one on you handlebars?
I’ll be doing a bit of a kit video soon, but yea, I have a See Sense Beam + light, my Garmin Edge 1040, and the other thing is my insta360 x3 360 camera, which is how I get some of the footage of me on the bike
Christ, you've packed more gear for one night than I did for 5 'wild' days in Wales! 😁
🤣 ha ha, this was very much a test trip, and I’m learning more with each trip, that being said, I’m definitely not a minimalist bike packer 😂
@@connormccIt's really difficult to decide what to take and what not to take! I think I must unpack and repack my kit more times than I care to admit! Just make sure you take plenty of peanut butter! 😁
Yea it really is! It changes depending on where you are going, type of trip, availability of food, shops, spares etc… and I always take a little coffee grinder and coffee beans, that’s my luxury item 😁
@@connormcc And there's me thinking I'm spoiling myself with green tea bags! 😄
😂 I can’t do without good coffee, lol
Thought the traffic would have been lighter
Yea, it was worse than I expected, I guess when you get that far north in Scotland the roads are much fewer, and I was cycling on effectively the main road from south west to north east - Oban to Inverness
Enjoyed again Connor 👍👍
thanks! I’m glad you’re enjoying this little series of videos!
Along with the case I use the lanyard included in the package. To be honest, at first I thought they were a little corny but after seeing a bunch of World Tour riders using them I got over that pretty quick.
yea the little safety cord thingy? I loop it round my bars, means even if the computer comes out of the mount for some reason, it’s still attached and won’t hit the ground!
how do you connect the lanyard i don't see a place for it
@@edwardperkinson7929 there is a tiny little hole in the bottom at the back usually, that the thin lanyard string should loop through
I’m really enjoying watching your adventure. Myself I have never bike packed, I do sportives around Ireland. You might just have inspired me to try it. Next time I’m in Northern Ireland I would love to join you for a spin.
you should definitely give bikepacking a go! it’s a great way to see new places, either road bikepacking and staying in hostels, b and bs etc, or off road and camping! Look up Connect Cycling on Facebook or Instagram, and give us a shout next time you are up this way, you’d be more than welcome to join us!
@@connormcc will do, thanks
Cool
glad you enjoyed!
Beautiful scenery and a great video keep up the great work 💪🏻💪🏻
Thank you! Will do!
May the wind always be behind you and the rain never in your face.
I mean it's Scotland, so that might just be a miracle 😂
Well said Sir this is spot on and brave we all need to talk! I failed Bealach na Ba in 2012, near the top was so windy and raining I couldn't do anymore!
Yea, talking about mental health is so so important, especially amongst men. Ahhh, you have unfinished business with the Bealach Ns Ba then, you will have to go back again - I've now done it in May and September, both times it has been ok
amazing scenery , epic ride
Yea, the scenery was really incredible!
Any recommendations for the bike hire?
I hired from a place called Rent March in Port Pollenca, but there are loads of hire options!
Where have you hired from?
Bike island looks good for Giant
I hired from a place called Rent March in Port Pollenca, but there are loads of hire options!
Planning on visiting spring 2025 - very informative ❤
Glad you enjoyed the video! I'll maybe see you there, as I intend to be there in Spring 2025 too!
Another great wee video Connor
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Early morning 100%, for all those reasons.
Yup, definitely, thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Looking forward to part 2, bike packing is on my 'to do' list
coming this weekend :) Glad you enjoyed, and hopefully inspires you to give bikepacking a go!
great tips mate!! enjoy it also what power meter are you looking for gravel? was lookingat the Assioma PRO MX
Thanks! Yea I'm looking at the Assioma as well, as it is the Assioma Duo that I have on my road bike
@@connormcc best bang for the buck since no more powertap
Very cool just subbed
Thank you! I appreciate that!
Brilliant video and a great cause. Really helped me get in the mood for a trip to Islay next month.
Ahh amazing, I’m jealous even though I’ve just been there! Have you seen my other Islay and Jura videos? They a linked in the description of this video if you want to check them out…
@@connormcc Yes enjoyed your trip with Stephen. We are sailing 2 dinghies across from Portrush in July, should be a great wee adventure.
@davidpoots8362 that sounds amazing, but also my idea of a nightmare, I’m not a fan of boats 🤣
Hello Connor, what is the WhatsApp gravel club you refer too in NI?
It’s just a few friends who occasionally try to get some gravel rides in when we can really
@@connormcc ahh ok, I'm fairly new to cycling and keeping my eyes and ears open to opportunities local to me. Keep up your good videos 👌
@ianstewart5437 where are you based, I can probably point you to someone local-ish, and is it gravel cycling you are starting in to?
@@connormcc well I suppose it's a bit of touring as well as gravel, I've cycled the WHW and Great Glen Way down the length of Oban and various other known routes. I aim to do a bit of road cycling too, probably more the audax/sportive type and not racing. I'm Ballymena area
@ianstewart5437 I definitely want to try the WHW and Great Glen Way, Maybe the Badger Divide! If you are looking for roadies to join, 9am on a Saturday morning at Creative Gardens in Galgorm, I head out with Connect Cycling, we have a couple of groups go out, you’d be more than welcome to join us!
Really enjoyed that video Connor. I would love to take the bike over sometime. I rode a motorbike up the west coast of Scotland many years ago now and it was a beautiful area to ride though. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks! Yea it really is stunning! I was definitely a bit slower than a motorbike though 🤣
I’m thinking I’d love to incorporate that wee ferry at Ballycastle into a ride looks fun! The roads around Kintyre and Oban should never be underestimated quite tough in places. I cycled about there just after lockdown and it was bliss very little traffic. Yes having extra small frames can be a bit of a pain for bothies and luggage if I were to do more bikepacking I’d consider Tailfin just learned they do a universal skewer now and adapters for quick release so great for if you have multiple bikes. Looking forward to the next part.
Yea the boat to Islay is great, it’s expensive, but so cool that you can get across there. The tailfin set up is great, I gave the qr axles and the thru axles, because 2 of my bikes are thru axle and 1 is QR
I'm going again in a month 😊 hitting up Randa and Formentor for the first time, plus my favourites Puig Major, Sa Batalla, Sa Calobra, Soller, Galilea, coast road, and Creu. Can't wait
Very jealous! I have to wait until next year before I’m back, going to use your comment as inspiration for rides I haven’t done yet 😀
Nice setup! How do the Evo Schwalbes compare to the TT ones, Do they feel much slower? How many total miles aproxwere you able to put on the Schwalbe TT before having to replace them? Thanks for your videos!
The Evos were much more durable than the TTs, I’m probably going to put them back on the bike in the next week or two (temporarily had them off), but I’m starting to go off tubeless for the road, it’s great 90% of the time, but the 10% of the time when it’s not sealable or there’s a problem, is a real nightmare. Glad you are enjoying the videos!
@@connormcc thanks for your response! I've been Contis GP5000 28mm cream wall + Vittoria Latex tubes and after +7000kms never had a puncture, run as good and as smooth as tubeless but I'm getting a new pair of wheels in which I may try tubeless.
@csarswatches I like the gp5000s, but always found them too tight with my rims to get on and off if I need to change…
Those schwalbes look neat! How many kms have you been able to put on them? I understand they're race and tt designed but look good for regular use
To be honest I didn’t track how many kms or miles o covered in them, I switched to the pro one evos after these had an unrepairable puncture
Nice to see my old office (blue doors: 20 Lower Thames Street, aka London Custom House) at 10:38 & 12:45 I bought my orange H6R (C-Line Explore as it’s called these days) new back in 2012. In 12 years I’ve done 11,145 recreational miles. Definitely the best bike I’ve ever had, robust, easy to maintain. I ride roads, bridleways and bike paths: anything from 18 to 45 miles. Watch a few vids for the unfolding to get the hang of it and it’ll become second nature. Also check out touring videos from Susanna Thornton, Wiltshire Man. In London, the RAF fly their Chinooks 25:46 on Anti-Terrorist sorties (protecting everyone). Working in Croydon I’ve even seen the Apache AH-64 gunships fly over (2016) but Croydon is kinda rough, school kids like stabbing each other at tram stops, and murdering each other at railway stations and bus stops in recent years.
glad to know you are still enjoying your Brompton after 12 years!
I have always seen them as my LBS Condor is a Brompton dealer. Never needed a folding bike, the small wheels also put me of, great video thou 🙂 ps, what was the cost pre day?
I’ve just hired one out to evaluate if I should buy one, the one I hired cycled very sluggish and was very resistant to freewheel, was able to check the tyre pressure and they were both on 30psi 🙁 Pumped them up to 95 but still found it difficult to ride and very bumpy; in the uk with the roads the way they are this wouldn’t make for a comfortable time. I’m not even sure if I would hire one if I was in a city, if the tyres were flat again it would be difficult to pump them up to 95 with the supplied pump.
This is absolutely class Connor, thank you so much for your support!
no problem at all!
You get used to the folding fairly quickly. Only one pedal folds. I used to commute from Dunadry to Belfast every day using the train from Antrim. It was perfect on my Brompton.
yea that’s kinda my thinking if I get one at some point, commute Ballymena to Belfast by train and Brompton 2 days a week