Wild Camping North Coast 500 - Bikepacking in Scotland

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Wild Camping North Coast 500 - Bikepacking in Scotland

Рет қаралды 37,866

Күн бұрын

Bikepacking, wild camping, and cycling the North Coast 500 (NC500) - the famous 830km or 515 mile tourist scenic route along the North coast of Scotland. We cycled the entire NC500 route on bikes with our wild camping gear in 8 days starting and ending in Inverness. We passed through majestic landscapes of Scottish Highlands with many wonderful views of the lochs and mountains in Scotland. We cycled the North Coast 500 in September during the Autumn to avoid the rain and midges.
Timestamps broken down by each day on the NC500
00:00 NC500 route and gear
01:30 Day 1 - Inverness to Lochcarron
04:21 Day 2 - Lochcarron to A896 wild camp
10:42 Day 3 - A896 wild camp to A832 wild camp
16:16 Day 4 - A832 wild camp to A837 wild camp
20:37 Day 5 - A837 wild camp to Loch Eriboll
24:36 Day 6 - Loch Eriboll to Dunnet Bay
28:38 Day 7 - Dunnet Bay to Cairn Liath
32:36 Day 8 - Cairn Liath to Inverness
36:01 Ending thoughts
38:24 Gear review
My bike is nothing special, just a steel gravel adventure Charge Plug 3 with Sora 3500 groupset. My entire setup weighed 18.5kg, of which 11.5kg is the bike. I am also just an average cyclist, with my longest ride before we took on the North Coast 500 bikepacking trip being just a 100km ride on my road bike.
We also chose to ride using flat pedals rather than clipless pedals (although Liam had flats with toe clips) as we are wild camping. We didn't plan ahead exactly where we would be wild camping on the NC500 each night, so we opted to wear shoes that we can walk and hike a bike in comfortably as the wild camps may not be 'just off the road', and could've resulted in a detour from the main North Coast 500 route.
__
Our 8 day NC500 itinerary:
Day 1 - Inverness to Lochcarron; via Garve, Achnasheen, A832, A890. 107km with 610m climbed.
Day 2 - Lochcarron to A896 wild camp (South of Kinlochewe); via Tornapress, Bealach na Ba, Applecross, Ardheslaig, Shieldaig, Torridon, Annat. 90km with 1770m climbed.
Day 3 - A896 wild camp to A832 wild camp; via Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Poolewe, Drumchork, Dundonnell. 105km with 1475m climbed.
Day 4 - A832 wild camp to A837 wild camp (West of Loch Assynt); via Corrieshalloch Gorge, A835, Ullapool, Loch Lurgainn, Loch Bad a' Ghaill (passing around Stac Pollaidh), Inverkirkaig, Lochinver. 85km with 1300m climbed.
Day 5 - A837 wild camp to Loch Eriboll (near Eriboll); via Little Assynt, Loch Assynt, Loch na Gainmhich, A894, Unapool, Kylesku, Scourie, Rhiconich, A838, Durness. 102km with 1410m climbed.
Day 6 - Loch Eriboll to Dunnet Bay; via A838, Tongue, A836, Bettyhill, Strathy, Thurso. 106km with 1600m climbed.
Day 7 - Dunnet Bay to somewhere in between Brora and Golspie; via John o' Groats, Wick, A99, Berriedale, Helmsdale, A9, Brora. 130km with 1400m climbed.
Day 8 - Camp to Inverness; via Golspie, Loch Fleet, Tain, A9, Alness, Munlochy, Charleston. 95km with 840m climbed.
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Wild camping gear I used on this trip: (These are affiliate links):
Tent - 3F Lanshan 1 Pro→ s.click.aliexp...
Sleeping bag - AegisMax Wind Hard Tiny Quilt → s.click.aliexp...
Sleeping mat - OEX Fulcrum EV → bit.ly/2LNW3e8
Bikepacking and cycling gear I used on this trip: (These are affiliate links):
Sushi cycling jersey → s.click.aliexp...
Saddle bag - Roswheel 8L → s.click.aliexp...
Saddle bag - Roswheel 8L (Amazon) → amzn.to/2KNCVSQ
Tyres - Schwalbe One Performance → amzn.to/3hGFWA8
Handlebar Tape → s.click.aliexp...
Vaude top tube bag → amzn.to/3omsmUY
Saddle - Charge Spoon → amzn.to/3rPpxOD
Helmet - Lazer Blade → amzn.to/2LnSuk4
Handlebar bag - Podsacs → bit.ly/PodsacsH...
Frame bag - Podsacs → bit.ly/PodsacsF...
GPS Watch - Garmin FR945 → amzn.to/3j7yIob
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Instagram: / itsrichardcheng
Filming gear that I used for this video (These are affiliate links):
GoPro → amzn.to/2JEgi2x
Camera → amzn.to/2vcrusq
Phone → amzn.to/3hwO2e1
___
Music:
Heart Beats - Silent Partner
Every Day - Wayne John Bradley (CC BY 3.0) / every-day-80s-style-or...
Blessed - Wayne John Bradley (CC BY 3.0) / blessed
Home - Neutrin05 (CC BY 3.0) / neutrin05-home
Before I Go - RKVC
Stinson - Reed Mathis
Friendly Dance - Nico Staf
Believer - Silent Partner
Don't Turn Back - Silent Partner
This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small commission for purchases made via these links which goes to help me in making more videos and to support this channel
#bikepacking #wildcamping #northcoast500 #NC500 #bikepackingNC500 #ultralight

Пікірлер: 230

@PACEUK22 3 жыл бұрын

Dude! That was the most helpful and informative video of the NC500 experience I’ve ever seen (and I’ve watched a lot!). Thank you so much for uploading and well done. I hope to do this soon (wild camping) and will be using this to help me prepare and plan. Cheers dude... subscribed

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy your NC500 trip in the not so distant future 😄

@bigfootlil 3 жыл бұрын

Your mate looks fed up in every shot.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hard to look enthusiastic after riding all day!

@kmtb2011 3 жыл бұрын

man you absolute legend! thanks for the detailed commentary, the fact you did this on a standard steel bike and it being your first bike pack aswell! kudos to you!!!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊 Goes to show to have a good time you don’t need a great bike, just a bit of time, perseverance, and a low gear to make up for the lack of training 😄

@jonasfroog2941 Ай бұрын

great video mate

@RichardCheng Ай бұрын

Thank you Jonas

@Pasdechevredreamer Жыл бұрын

Good effort

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@timwood70 3 жыл бұрын

I can wait to give this a bash this summer!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck Tim, I hope you enjoy the ride

@alexanderlawson1649 3 жыл бұрын

Speaking as a Scot, from this rain drenched land. I would say that the best time of year to get dry weather is in the spring, most usually the first half of May. We don't always get it but when we do its super. The other advantage is that there are usually no midges up till late May. So sun, dry weather, no midges, early May is the best bet.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Fully agree with that Alexander. By may the days are quite long too so plenty of time to relax in cafes pubs and restaurants

@donaldthomson9411 3 жыл бұрын

Yes that’s definitely true, late April or May are the best times. August is often too midgey for camping.Beautifully made video.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Donald

@stevedavis68 3 жыл бұрын

Loved watching your adventure.....awesome ride in some pretty rubbish weather.....I’ve subscribed👍🏼😀😊✅

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve 😊

@stickyprickle 3 жыл бұрын

Those skills acquired building the IKEA rucksack paid off for fixing the bike bag! Keeping living the dream 🤟

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Yes exactly! As long as I have a needle and thread I’m confident in being able to fix my gear

@ascot1049 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, very honest and without ego ,thanks .

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ascot, very kind

@brezdog4623 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid. 👍 I liked Liam's role as Silent Bob

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brez 😂

@mohakhu 3 жыл бұрын

As always, Richard, amazing video with Bik packing throw Scotland. I can't wait for your new ones, Thanks. 🙏

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mohammad!

@ripvanmarlowe 3 жыл бұрын

I must have done this about a month after you last year. I just caught the end of the decent weather before it got too cold but I had one day with absolutely biblical downpours that I couldn't escape and that was the worst day's cycling I've ever done. When you're stuck on one of those mountain passes with no shelter in sight and miles to the nearest town you really find out what you're made of! Great video!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Cycling in the rain isn’t enjoyable, especially when it gets cold and even more so if you’re camping at the end of the day

@ethanlucas975 3 жыл бұрын

Gonna watch later but this looks like the EXACT video I was looking for!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Ethan, are you looking to wild camp and ride the NC500 as well?

@eyedoclondon 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved this video - in fact - love all of your video's Richard. I may get around to NC500 before I am too ancient to do it. Lovely to see your trip though. Many thanks for sharing all of your experiences in Scotland. Best. Gordon

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gordon. A trip for this year perhaps? I believe with ample time most folk could cycle the NC500 😊

@felixfranke2838 3 жыл бұрын

Did the NC500 (and a bit more) 2 years ago, great route. I was much more loaded (and slower) though, really tough on the Scottish hills.Thanks for the great video. Liam: "Pick a week when it's definitely not going to rain" - well, that rules out Scotland entirely, doesn't it? I did the tour in June, and I had my gloves out one day (the thin ones I had with me in case of repairs). I got rained on _every_single_day_. So actually, I think you were pretty lucky with the weather (except maybe the frosty night). But I agree, the west coast is the best coast. Absolutely stunning.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Felix, and well done on completing the NC500 too! I knew there was a lot of climbing each day on the NC500 from looking at the route profile and maps before hand, but the climbs seemed endless when I was riding I think the week we went was quite dry given we were on the West coast for a week. Best to not go in summer in my opinion, avoiding the midges and the rainy months

@albacampers7501 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful 🥰 great video, thank you 🤩

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@yongj29 3 жыл бұрын

wow I love the bike camping video.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you John

@sammybrownfox6265 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed that. Thanks guys and well done.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sammy

@wonkylommiter6364 3 жыл бұрын

A needle or 2, and some strong thread is such a good idea on a long trip! many thanks for that. a few cable ties a bit of wire, and duct tape I have in a pannier, but sewing kit is def. going in there!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Duck tape is so useful, I carry it on all my trips with it on my trekking poles. Since I started cycling I’ve now also added a few cable ties in my repair kit as well. They weigh nothing and are so handy. Sewing kit is definitely the MVP for me - needle and threading and the back stitch will mend a lot of things!

@user-bp3iz2kp8u 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rich Brian for sharing your ride i enjoyed it!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Daiki

@user-bp3iz2kp8u 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng You're welcome, waiting for your more cycling vlog sir!

@SloMo2723 Жыл бұрын

i biked the Danube river with 2 of my buddies last year and loved it. The NC500 is next.

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

I hope you have a great time on the NC500!

@amigosabroad 2 жыл бұрын

Hi mate, great video! thanks for that! With one friend we going to do the NC500 wild camping too but all in a Mini Cooper. Very helpful to watch your full experience!

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, hope you have a good time

@motocampadventure8885 3 жыл бұрын

Great video!Three of us planto do the NC500 next summer on motorcycles, camping all the way. I'm in the mood to do some bike camping now! Well done to both of you, very informative too, lot of good tips there for our trip, our hillclimbs should be a lot easier too :)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, having an actual engine will make all the climbs a breathe I’m sure

@Nabagabo22 2 жыл бұрын

Richard & Liam - well done both of you an awsome adventure! Richard - you have persuaded me - the Lanshan 1 Pro definitely up for multiday adventure camping!

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, you’ll love the Lanshan 1 Pro

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, you’ll love the Lanshan 1 Pro

@johnlloyd2414 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Well done on what was a hard ride especially when camping too.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you John. I really like the flexibility wild camping gives me, no set number of miles I needed to do, just go with what I feel like

@grantoniang7535 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent Trip. Very Honest presentation

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@DaveGoodman1959 3 жыл бұрын

Great film Richard, enjoyed it all. Tough cycling. 🍻👍

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, it was hard but rewarding, very pleased that we did it

@richardthackrey1539 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid and top tips could really feel the cold in the tent when it went minus 5

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard, yes that was a freezing cold night

@carlijnteeuwen6711 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very helpfull, thnx! Let's see if I can manage on my own.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Carlijn, best of luck to you

@pauljones5066 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Richard and well done to the pair of you, great achievement

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul!

@mountain_del1863 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Richard, absolutely top notch Sir. Putting ideas into my head for summer 21👍👍👍

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Del, the NC500 was a blast and I can only imagine riding the route in good weather, especially the roads around the North West coast

@paulkenyon1830 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Richard 😋👍

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul

@lauraennature 3 жыл бұрын

WAOW ! Amazing to travel so light ! I dream to do a bikepack in Switzerland ! With your video and all your advices I know what to buy to do this new adventure. Thank you very much !

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Laora. I really like not being weighed down by gear, I find it makes the travels so much more enjoyable. I hope you get to bikepacking in Switzerland soon

@themunrobagger 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant well done 👏

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

😊 thank you

@joannaherbst4403 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video xxx I'm planning to do it in the end of July. X

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Best of luck Joanna, I hope you have a cracking time

@WiltshireMan 3 жыл бұрын

Welldone Richard that was cook, I did the NC500 last year but on Motor bike:)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, we saw lots of motorcyclists on the North Coast 500, it looks to be very popular even at the end of the season

@middy1065 3 жыл бұрын

Well done to both of you, you has it tough with the weather but great achievement.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul, the NC500 was pretty tough going with all the hills and the tail end of September was probably a bit colder than I’d like, but glad we did it

@johnukhypnotherapy 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely great. Can you tell me about your cycling glasses. Thank you. Kind regards John. 😀

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi John, they were the 900 range from Decathlon. I didn’t get on with them too well, as I found it was too easy to accidentally open the latch that lets the lens drops out

@johnukhypnotherapy 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Hi Richard. I’m grateful for you taking time to reply. I am a big fan of yours and love your videos. In fact I bought my tent and sticks on your reviews. Thanks again and Safe Travels. I’ll look at those glasses. 😀

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John for your kind words. Hopefully the sunglasses works better for you than for myself if you do end up getting them

@bicycleadventures2133 3 жыл бұрын

Good going, well done!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@alandavies803 3 жыл бұрын

Wow. Really great video and very informative. Like many people this is on my wish list to do

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan, fingers crossed that we’ll be able to head outdoors again soon

@benjaminzac_Man_Wi_A_Tan 3 жыл бұрын

Well done Richard. What an incredible bike ride that was. Looks like you were lucky with the weather. About 13 years ago I stayed in Shieldaig for a weeks holiday. Good to see some of the places I have been to.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. That ride has been a whistle stop tour of the North coast. We went past so many places that I would like to go back to visit and explore again

@Pdogpaz 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, loved the honest approach to all the difficulties which will help me if I find time to do it. I guess from your experience avoiding the A9 would be good if at all possible. We'll done to you both👍.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paz, hope you’ll be able to find to time to ride the NC500

@lacingtrails420 3 жыл бұрын

This was a great watch, awesome job man! And great information

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lacing!

@Northern_Rockhopper 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely mint.

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rick

@1invag 3 жыл бұрын

Your friends eyes look like they're filled with contempt for you everytime he looks at the camera haha... Wait no he is indeed human, he mellows as it goes on

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

The trip was pretty knackering, and it was hard to talk to the camera at times

@mauricioorantes9809 3 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent video. The KZfaq algorithm suggested it and it was perfect! Great scenery, amazing narration and just overall informative and entertaining. It would have been nice if ur mate Liam would’ve talked a little more and see what he was thinking but maybe the dynamics are that your the extrovert and he is the introvert. Regardless I wish to commend you for sharing ur experience with us. Also you guys seem to ride at a fast pace as if you were racing each other.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mauricio - it’s difficult to vlog and ride all day, so I try to not pressure my friends into talking to the camera too much. Thanks for your suggestion though, I’ll try to capture more conversations in the future where I can

@stickyprickle 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, hope you and Liam are still friends. Keep creating!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Max, we’re still very much friends for sure

@johnhenryoliver1 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏻

@JivecattheMagnificent 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for uploading, brother. It was a nice watch, for sure, and thanks for going over your equipment at the end, and talking about what worked well and what didn't. 🙏 I think my only criticism is that the vibe is a bit, mmm, flat, maybe, but I guess that makes sense seeing as at the end you said you probably wouldn't do it again. 😂 Like you guys didn't seem to be having the times of your life or anything, which is fair enough, of course. Definitely gave me some stuff to think about, and yeah nice editing as well, bud. 💯😎

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

I gave bikepacking a go and I honestly don’t think it’s for me, but I think I like the idea of it if it was dry and sunny? Might have to give it another go at some point!

@JivecattheMagnificent 2 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Hahah, yeah fair enough, dude! I'll take a look at your channel anyway mate, and yeah, cheers for replying! 😎👍

@DejanOfRadic 3 жыл бұрын

That is the way to make a bike video! No annoying inappropriate music, and more scenery than personality. Well done!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dejan😄

@DejanOfRadic 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng thank you! One of the best things about cycling is the silence....and folks fill up the beautiful scenery part of their videos with music. I have been down a bit of a rabbit hole regarding the NC 500, and your video is one of the best.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dejan, that means a lot to me 🙏🏻

@MrWildWales 3 жыл бұрын

Looked great this a nice watch and well commentated throughout 👍 You had a bit of rain though got to be expected in Scotland I guess. It could have been worse and didn't seem to go on for too long. The lanshan seemed to perform well. Well done on smashing out that ride

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. I think we were quite lucky with the rain. Rain during the day was bearable as long as it stayed dry in the afternoon for us to dry off before camp. We only went to bed wet once which is pretty good going

@MrWildWales 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng subscribed look forward to your next outing

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The next adventure might be a while yet with the new restrictions! I hope you're well

@rh6112 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video Richard helps us all stuck in this lockdown! Is your mate not into vlogging? 😂

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ross, going on the adventures is hard enough, so I can imagine why my friends aren’t into videoing on top of all that

@rh6112 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Your efforts are appreciated mate!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

No problem, glad I’m able to provide a bit of entertainment and inspiration during the lockdown

@johnhickie1107 3 жыл бұрын

Well done ! Like your attitude - just going and doing it no matter what. This ride is on my hit list for sure - once things open up from Covid. Being from Canada, I'm not sure what wild camping is. Seems like just ordinary camping to me!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. Here normal camping is setting up in camp sites. Wild camping is pitching up outside of a camp site. I guess it doesn’t look look wild as We didn’t stray too far from the main road to avoid extra miles!

@johnhickie1107 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Ahh! I guess we just call it all camping. Rode across Canada when I was 18 with a heavy steel 10 speed - yes 2 chainrings and 5 gears on the cassette. With your steel bike and and Sora gears you would have fit right in. It's so important to just get up and go - we tend to be too prone to perceive marketing that we "NEED" the best. Back in 1974 we couldn't buy panniers here in Canada, so we designed some and my friends mom sewed them. Actually our back rack bag hasn't been equalled since - I'll have to sew another one! Great videos, glad I caught them when I was on my lunch break. Back to work now.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

I like my ‘modern’ conveniences of 34/32 gearing, I don’t think I would’ve managed without it. Your trip across Canada sounds awesome and the DIY gear! I hope your back rack bag comes out well

@johnhickie1107 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Love my 34/36 gearing now! Lets me get up really steep climbs in Spain, Lowland Scotland and Northumbria. Oddly enough, out here in the Rockies, climbs are long but grades tend to be much more mellow.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Old, minor roads means we have plenty of short steep climbs for sure

@therosesareblack 3 жыл бұрын

Can I ask the most important gear question - which is where is that *beautiful* sushi shirt from? Love your vids, the best thing for lockdown 3.0! :)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, hopefully my videos will be able to offer a little hope for the 3rd lockdown. I got the sushi cycling jersey from AliExpress, I've put an affiliate link in the description of the video if you wish to go through that 😄

@Ey_up 3 жыл бұрын

Nice vlog. I bought the Lanshan 1 due to your review. Look up the "Badger Divide" off-road cycle route, from Inverness to Glasgow (or Edinburgh). Two inch tyres are recommended though. I'm hoping to do it this summer. 🤞 PS: Poolewe = "Pool- you", Same for Kinlochewe

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

We were debating whether to do it instead last year, but neither of us had ideal bikes. A reason to buy a new bike perhaps? 🤔

@Ey_up 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng plenty of excellent Genesis bikes might do it. I have the Vagabond.

@VandrefalkTV 3 жыл бұрын

Good on ya Richard! Been missing your videos :D Hope you're all okay down there ^^ Cheers from Norway

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I’ve been doing well 😄 This was a much longer video than my previous ones and took quite a while to make but I managed to finish it over the holidays. I hope everything’s well with you too

@TanukiParis 3 жыл бұрын

There are carbon poles (for tent) for the lanshan 1 pro on AE in 3 or 4 parts, convenient for portability

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Yes you can buy them with are better for bikepacking or if you don’t use trekking poles for hiking. I didn’t see myself using the carbon tent pole too much so I decided just to strap my trekking poles to the bike

@zerotraceadventure 3 жыл бұрын

Well done mate got yourself a sub here

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Zero Trace!

@prensapjaimo 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Richard. I was wondering how the lanshan 1 pro performed in those rainy days regarding condensation. Keep it up and enjoy the journey

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Prensap, the Lanshan 1 Pro’s been a really good tent so far

@tomwhite4714 3 жыл бұрын

I'm planning to run this route in August time solo camping.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Best of luck to you Tom!

@tomwhite4714 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Thank you for the advise video dude. I have never done wild camping but we only live once so why not

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Wild camping is a fantastic way to travel Scotland, you get to wake up to fantastic scenery. I hope you stay safe and enjoy your trip!

@tomwhite4714 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Thank you. Can you recommend the best month for hot weather please? Finally as I'm planning solo what advise for emergency?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, I’m not really able to offer much advice on how to keep yourself safe, there are much better resources out there than my opinion. I would go in May or September personally to avoid midges, but they’re not hot months unfortunately

@stevenjan2003 Жыл бұрын

Hello my friend great trip you had can I ask is there shops that sell gas canisters along the route x

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen. I didn’t specifically look, but with the number of campsites and campers, I’d say there are probably lots of shops and garages that would sell gas canisters

@alexmorgan3435 2 жыл бұрын

Your cycling companion Liam didn't appear to be very pleased with you filming the ride. If looks could kill!

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Hard to look enthusiastic and happy when you’re tired, wet, and hungry for days on end!

@michaellee91 Жыл бұрын

Great video Richard! One question, how many coats did you take (i think i counted three!), and what brands are they? Is the Puffer jacket a down one?

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, I took a transparent cycling hoodless rain jacket from AliExpress, and a Rab Continuum down jacket for warmth

@philipmification 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoyable video Richard. Well done. You did worry me about pronouncing Kinlochewe. I think its ewe as in 'u' or female sheep. Great journey. The road down from Tongue is better for cycling rather than the east coast. Looking forward to your next adventure.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pip. Sorry for my numerous mis pronunciations of Scottish words and places but thanks for the correction, I typed up the place names as well just to clear any confusion up. The road south from Tongue may have to be explored on another trip, it looked fantastic from looking at the map!

@Sturmer69 3 жыл бұрын

is your friend a happy person? good video though!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheerful enough off camera 😂

@Martin-8oll 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, very well done, informative, with good continuity. I live in Edinburgh and cycle regularly for fitness and recently bought a Kona Sutra Bike. Richard what are routes that you would recommend me around Edinburgh to start getting used to bike packing? Thanks again for the enjoyable video.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin, thank you. Congratulations on your new bike, a great choice. I’ve ridden around Edinburgh a fair bit, but for fun rather than to train for bikepacking. I enjoy some light gravel and single trail in East Lothian, following the Pencaitland Railway Walk then through the surrounding woods. Dalmeny Estate is also great, as is Pentlands through Bonaly or Balerno. Road wise cycling through Roslin will give you a good climb. Further out getting to Gladhouse Reservoir is a nice ride, or head west to the ‘Bathgate Alps’

@Martin-8oll 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng thank you very much for your recommendations and your videos! they are very enjoyable and full of good tips! Have a good week ahead!

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Martin, you too 😄

@motheexplorer 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed that! Would you have the Strava route you took? Would be interested in the actual camp spots if possible.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mourad. I’m reluctant to share the places where we camped to prevent them from being over used. There are many suitable spots to camp along, especially around the West coast and North coast.

@motheexplorer 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I understand. Thanks anyway

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Google satellite view was really helpful in figuring out where we could reasonably camp. We also just used the tactic of ‘we rode enough today, so the next reasonable campsite is where we’re stopping’ too

@RoamingWanders 3 жыл бұрын

Good job, that looked pretty tough. Wondering what your thoughts are on the Lanshan 1 vs pro, have been looking at them to use for over night hiking & mountain bike trips in Scotland throughout the year? Would you say that the condensation on them are pretty similar and the weight saving and slightly extra room in the pro would make it better in your opinion? Also your comments on the aegismax quilt in cold weather have confirmed I might try the Aegismax M3 instead. Keep up the good vids man.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John. I think the Lanshan 1 Pro is slightly worse than than the standard Lanshan 1 at handling condensation. However, it’s manageable and I would take the trade off to gain the extra space and weigh savings as you said. Additional consideration is the Lanshan 1 Pro has a much bigger footprint which could lead to being slightly harder to find a good place to pitch up, especially if you’re with others who are using their own tents up a mountain.

@RoamingWanders 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng thanks for your insight, something for me to think about before I make a decision., Cheers. Keep up the good work with the vids, one of your earlier ones made me want to visit Knoydart again.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

No worries John, glad I’m able to inspire. I have zero regrets when taking the Lanshan 1 Pro out. There standard Lanshan 1 tent is a great tent, but the extra space is always handy

@hoser7706 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you. Did you guys ride in trainers on flat pedals?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Yes we both rode used flat pedals and normal trainers because we weren’t sure on where we’d be camping at each night, and how to get there

@samd-j 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. How did you keep all of your gear charged whilst on the road?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sam. We carried a medium sized 10000mah battery pack each and plugged it in where ever we could, at cafes and restaurants

@fabioricci-effeerreworld 3 жыл бұрын

This is an ispiration trip!!! Very fascinating... One question: do you have solar panel to charghe your electronics??? Thanks and greetings from Italy

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Fabio, thank you. I used a 10000mah battery bank, with a dual port quick charge (2x18W) wall plug which can charge both the battery bank and my phone at the same time in pubs, cafes and restaurants. Scotland’s not consistently sunny so a solar panel will have limited uses here

@fabioricci-effeerreworld 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng okkkey. Nice solution!!! Have a great sunday thanks lot

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

No problems at all

@pixeldeter8939 2 жыл бұрын

Hi mate ! Thank you for this great video. I'm currently doing a world tour (I'm french) and I'll be cycling the NC500 in a few weeks. Which part of the route was your favorite and which was the less interesting (apart the end with the A9 😁) ? I don't have a strict strict deadline but maybe I won't do the entire route but I don't know where to stop. I thought of starting in Kyle of Lochalsh to Tongue by the west coast and then heading south to Inverness, what do you think ?

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, thank you for your kind words. I loved the section between Ullapool and Lochinver - so much so I went back this year to hike up Suilven (a mountain in the region). I’ve heard Tongue to Lairg is a nice stretch of road too for cycling, but not done it myself

@pixeldeter8939 2 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng oh great! I also will be hiking on Skye. Thank you for your answer, I'm looking forward to it

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds fantastic, I hope you have a great time

@jibmyster1 2 жыл бұрын

Do you guys wear clipped shoes or just trainers?

@RichardCheng 2 жыл бұрын

As mentioned in the final section of the video, we both wore normal trainer to make camping easier as neither of us own SPD shoes

@CyclinginBelgium 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the video! I'm dreaming of doing this. Was the entire route on your Garmin? And how do you keep your electronics charged? Powerbanks? I believe you'll need a few to cover 8 days. And several memory cards to store all your images?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, everything was recorded on my Garmin FR945 watch. I used a 10,000mah battery bank and a dual wall charge to top the battery and my phone up whenever possible. 128gb SD card in my camera and the GoPro held all my photos and videos with room to spare

@CyclinginBelgium 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng thanks for the reply. I definately need to invest in a bigger SD card. Now using 32gb. I know what to put on my wishlist :)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

I was recording video in 1440p on the GoPro which took up most of the 128gb in there. The images I took would’ve all fit on a 32gb card

@CyclinginBelgium 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng I always doubt between filming in 1080/60 or 2.7K/60. The 2.7K makes nicer video's, but they are a pain to process on my laptop. In 1440 I can only chose 4:3 on my GoPro. But in 1080 I can shoot 2 hours of video. In 2.7 only 1 hour. It´s a struggle.

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

My laptop struggled too which is partly why it took me so long to get the video out. I used proxy files in the end which meant my laptop could handle the files easier

@hanleunk8547 3 жыл бұрын

Scusi. I probably did not look intense enough but can you help me in what month you did this great ride?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Han, this was in September. There’s more info in the description of the video too

@hanleunk8547 3 жыл бұрын

ooh sorry 36.05 september

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

No worries at all

@davidsanderson1891 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard. Just sub watching your review On lanshan 1. Will follow you travels with interest Looking to possibly buy this tent. I old fella now (63) looking for light weight gear to continue Wildcamping with the sons. When we can get out Old dave (northeast) (don't have channel)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Dave, great to hear that you can enjoy the outside with your sons. I got into light weight camping gear to carry my photography gear, it’s wonderful not being weighed down

@trytheoutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Inspirational. How did you get on with your budget quilt? Not too cold in the winter? I am trying to set up a sleep system for hiking in the UK and am struggling to decide over quilts and sleeping bag and whether to go for a 4 season bag (too hot in summer?) or use a 3 season bag / quilt and layer in the winter with a liner and / or a bivvy bag *eg alpkit hunka xl). I know you have both down and synthetic gear ...and I am inclined to go for down. Any ideas or advice? Regards Imran

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Imran, the AegisMax Wind Hard quilt was at its very limits on that cold -5 degrees night. I’ve never felt any of my sleeping bags or quilts are too warm as the temperature at night drops quickly, especially at elevation. Down and synthetic both have their advantages. For me it came down to volume vs convenience of not having to worry about getting Apex wet. On this trip space was a premium so I could only take the down quilt

@trytheoutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Do you if you had used a bivvy bag over the quilt and / or a liner inside the quilt, the aegis would have been much warmer?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve not used a bivvy bag or a liner so can’t share first hand experiences I’m afraid!

@trytheoutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

No problem. Thank you for all the videos. Great work. :)

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Imran 😄

@paulkenyon1830 3 жыл бұрын

Did you charge your phone etc at cafes Richard?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, yes we charged our devices wherever we could. I also had a 10000mah power bank too

@camperp195 3 жыл бұрын

How many punctures did you guys get. And did you run tubeless?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

We both rode on clinchers. Liam got 2 punctures on very old tyres (thousands of km), I had 0 punctures on new tyres.

@camperp195 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng i will be doing this soon,i run tubeless,may carry two spare tubes just in case 👍

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Good idea, chances are you’ll probably be fine. Good luck with your trip

@xMCish 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you guys wash yourselves and your clothes during the trip? In lochs?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

We didn’t worry about washing 😉

@relarras 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng ahhh this is causing so much anxiety for me!🥲

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

There weren’t that many opportunities to wash (not that we looked very hard). You could stop by paid for campsites or hotels to wash along the way. I guess it just takes time away from riding

@evanotto8261 3 жыл бұрын

Would this be doable on a mountain bike?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Yes for sure. You definitely don’t need wide tyres for this route though as it’s nearly all tarmac

@ritchiegardiner5659 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, makes me want to get out. I'm thinking about getting the same handlebar bag as you. What width are your bars, and would you recommend it?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ritchie, my handlebars are the Charge Shield that’s standard with the Charge Plug 3. Not sure about the width but I’d guess it’s a fairly standard 44cm? The handlebar bag is waterproof. Other than the squeak when it’s wet rubbing against my bar tape, and the fact the Velcro attachment is a bit long for my set up, I have no complaints about it whatsoever

@ritchiegardiner5659 3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng Great. Thank you.

@paulkenyon1830 3 жыл бұрын

What time of year was your ride?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, this was in September

@williamholt7469 3 жыл бұрын

Richard does your riding partner ride with Barry godin thanks

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

I’m afraid he does not, sorry William

@HelgeStrichen 3 жыл бұрын

34:42 whys he going at 100 mph?

@RichardCheng 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure we’re quite that quick!

@yusuf5316 Жыл бұрын

Looks like a sufferfest, bugs, rain, lack of food.

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

It was actually quite enjoyable! Only a little bit of rain everything considered, make worth it by the views

@yusuf5316 Жыл бұрын

@@RichardCheng sorry if I sounded rude or negative, I'm actually planning to go on bike packing next summer and your content was really helpful. Looking at a lot of videos on this route and, to be honest, feeling a little discouraged by all the hardships. Will probably not ride more than 35-40 miles a day and will take it really slow and easy, 100km a day will be really tough for me, in fact not possible probably. I've got a question for you, I have a road bike with 700x25c tyre. Is this okay for your route or I will need fatter tyre? And thank you for the video, it was very real and I now have a much better idea on how to plan for a trip of this type.

@RichardCheng Жыл бұрын

No worries at all Yusuf. 40 miles a day will put you on track to finish in around 10 days, which is good pace. 25c tyres should be fine - Liam did it with old 25c tyres. You might feel the fuzz of some stretches of tarmac a bit more, but you shouldn’t have any problems