Nice video, thank you. Which way did you go past Blaenau Ffestiniog? Did you stick to the road, or did you go through Manod quarries?
@MattPage14 күн бұрын
It stuck to the road. Near that area there was a very long road climb, and then a fast road descent to Penmachno.
@Mister_G14 күн бұрын
@@MattPage Cheers.
@GK1976A16 күн бұрын
Don’t be fooled by all these video guides on KZfaq showing young people having the time of their lives doing this ride in one day. I’ve just completed it in 3 days with 3 of my mates and we all agreed that there’s not enough emphasis on how hard this ride is. I’m well above average fitness. Parkrun and circuit training every week etc and I struggled. Most of the climbs you will have to get off the bike and push at some point. Some of the tracks are so rutted you can’t pedal without getting pedal strikes every 10 seconds. The track around the reservoir is just deep potholes full of water so you can’t fly along them like in this video. The 4x4 track before the dam is completely unridable for at least 5 miles due to flooding and mud. So I have to say, I honestly don’t believe any of these so called ‘records’ on here. I certainly couldn’t do it over two days, let alone one. And get used to your feet being permanently soaked due to the silly amount of stream and river crossings.
@MattPage16 күн бұрын
So you are calling me a liar? The Strava link is in the description for you to see for yourself.
@GK1976A15 күн бұрын
@@MattPage not necessarily. I just don’t see any video evidence of the tough parts in your post. It’s very cleverly edited to make the ride look like a doddle. Which it isn’t.
@MattPage15 күн бұрын
@@GK1976A I wouldn't be able to win the Olympics or ride the stuff that Tom Pidcock can, but I wouldn't call him a liar. If you think Trans Cambrian is technical you need to ride elsewhere, because it's really not technical. Hafod forest has changed since I did it 3 years ago and Claerwen is rougher, the rest is similar.
@GK1976A15 күн бұрын
@@MattPage I also forgot to mention that the downhill section after the last big climb before Llangurig is a death trap. Most of the tarmac path has been washed away due to flooding, leaving only a very thin strip of tarmac path with a metre drop on either side. If that’s not technical I don’t know what is.
@MattPage15 күн бұрын
@@GK1976A I cycled down that section a few months ago, so I know which section you mean. It has worsened since 2021, but I cycled there with no problems.
@andrew09724 күн бұрын
Nobody really cares in the Audax world about how fast people go. Often, the more regular riders time themselves to finish at the most social, moment. Its a journey
@user-bh8ye2pf3t25 күн бұрын
Норм обзор все по практиці а не теорія дякую
@frankschock998126 күн бұрын
Did you review the Race model?
@andycox0Ай бұрын
Well done, I think there's a lot of value in re-imagining an adventure when things don't go to plan...
@MattPageАй бұрын
Thank you
@thedmxtubeАй бұрын
Some great scenery and an awesome route. Just did the 5 ferries route starting on Arran and absolutely loved it. Not quite as adventurous as your route though! Epic. 🙌
@unklesannjayАй бұрын
what does magnum opus mean
@MattPageАй бұрын
I don't exactly know. I think they did extra distance to get to the start, or something similar.
@TheYohtubeАй бұрын
Biggest, Best, Most impressive...
@DustySingletrackАй бұрын
Riders who completed 2 of the first 4 in the series of 5 races (2019,2021,2022,2023), or who were a winner of any of the events in these years, were eligible to do the Magnus Opus element. They got to choose a Celtic nation to start from (Breton, Kernow, Cymru, Alba, Eire) and had to plot a route that passed through 3 mandatory parcours in order. All of the additional routes ended in Douglas, IOM (after at least an additional 1000km) where they could start the main routes with the rest of us mere mortals😁
@garethhelliwell9736Ай бұрын
Although it didn't go to plan, another epic ride with great scenery. Great editing as per usual and a cracking video.
@MattPageАй бұрын
Thanks Gareth.
@ftlikemikeАй бұрын
Fabulous fitness level doing that in a one-r Matt. I got a set of those grips on the way, hoping that I can getvthem onto my Supercal as I have the RSL one-piece bar, I wasn't thinking it thru properly maybes. Is that headset i see a GPS Matt, it doesn't look like a phone/ I want something to nav the route and that looks great up there. Again, well played !
@MattPageАй бұрын
It's a wahoo roam, and I use it for all rides. The navigation on it is pretty good, and fine for things like this where you can easily download a gpx file.
@ftlikemikeАй бұрын
@@MattPage thanks for that Matt. Looking at it closer now, very smart👍
@fionahunt8530Ай бұрын
I thought with an audax you could work out your own route between checkpoints. If so could you not have avoided the scary bit of road?
@MattPageАй бұрын
Some, and perhaps most are like that, but others have a fixed route to stay to.
@julianmorgan7202Ай бұрын
THR 🙌🏼
@chrismoody8777Ай бұрын
Good luck for the PC!
@welshbikepackingadventuresАй бұрын
Reminds me of my first bedsit back in the early 90s
@christopherthomas3403Ай бұрын
"Wow. Almost luxury." 😂 I think I'd have been back on my bike and seeking out a b&b or hotel. 😀 Good luck for the Pan Celtic!
@MattPageАй бұрын
Compared to most, it was brilliant, and being off the floor is always nice.
@davidedwards4676Ай бұрын
Hey Matt great video and all the best for the PC
@MattPageАй бұрын
Thank you!
@davewatt8840Ай бұрын
Good luck Matt, great video as always and that freehub sure is noisy 😅
@MattPageАй бұрын
It's not that bad. Just a DT240 exp, and there are noisier options.
@randy9876qwqАй бұрын
I have no idea how you could sleep there alone. It is the scene of a crime waiting to happen, exactly the same vibes as the hut in the movie The Ritual. Great stuff !
@MattPageАй бұрын
Blair Witch Project! 😄
@user-go1vh3un2u2 ай бұрын
Респект и уважуха 👍🔥🔥🔥👋!!!
@grahamricketts-bq1ft2 ай бұрын
Too many cars ?, have you ridden Sa Calobra !!, I'll be doing this in September but over 7 days and with mudguards, can't wait..........won't be using the A9, will take the route down from Melvich
@MattPage2 ай бұрын
Sa Ca isn't something I have a desire to ride, and your idea to skip the A9 is wise. The western side is fantastic though, and makes up for it.
@BoogieMan5682 ай бұрын
Mine Tacx Neo 2T is leaning to the right, not the bike but the trainer. A search on google this is a common problem with Tacx Neo 2T. and i sold mine and will try Wahoo V6 now i think
@soloist7772 ай бұрын
It seems there are drivers worldwide who are wankers. I'm in Australia and the drivers here, especially the rednecks, are just so aggressive and impatient at times. Great video, too.
@MRC10MAX3 ай бұрын
Well done Matt, takes strong mental strength to finish it as well. Did you find out what the clicking was in the end 😬💪👍
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you! The clicking is something in the bottom bracket, although it still isn't fixed, but I am fitting a new BB soon.
@jonathanbliss19453 ай бұрын
I would say you need to slow down and start to enjoy these events, especially if you're to take on Pan Celtic. Always finish and finish smiling is the best approach IMO.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Not everyone gets enjoyment in the same way, and for me, I enjoy these events by challenging myself, and not simply trying to do the distance.
@ugy063 ай бұрын
Great review mate, thx!!
@JFomo3 ай бұрын
I was going to purchase a tub of the Effetto but I don't think I will now. Great video.
@ryand1413 ай бұрын
Why's everyone wearing the Pogacar's helmet? Do they want to be him, like Lance back in the day with Livestrong? Those guys would be last guys I'd want to be my hero. Bunch of dopers.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
I had this before he was known. It's a really comfortable, well ventilated helmet.
@Richz23 ай бұрын
Nice paint job. The SystemSix is just about the fastest you can have. What bike lock do you carry for when you pop into a shop?
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you! I didn't bother with a lock for this one, and the control was just 50 metres away, and the bike was left there. But it is rare that I take one anyway. When I do, its either just a reusable zip tie - simply to prevent the grab & go, or I do have a metal cord with a digit thing. For Pan Celtic I'm looking at Hiplock.
@Richz23 ай бұрын
@@MattPage Thanks, I currently use the Hiplock.
@tefer19823 ай бұрын
great vid Matt, audax looks slightly mental but has a strange draw to it.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you. I'd absolutely recommend it. Although I knew almost all the roads, it was still a brilliant way to see the country.
@1ytt7423 ай бұрын
Just go ride Pan Celtic anyway, unless limited time and money are factors. Looks like you had a bad night. It happens. Pan Celtic should be a good ride. Even if it doesn't go well, I doubt you would do worse than top 10 at the worst and there's always stuff to learn. Clicking seemed to have got better over Gospel Pass. Maybe I got used to it. Would have driven me crackers. Bad enough watching it on here!🤣
@bitchoflivingblah3 ай бұрын
Well done Matt, I think anyone who was on the ride that day knows how well you rode. I aspire to ride that well, and by that I mean to ride with souplesse and not have to paperboy steeper sections like Llyn Clywedog or most of the Gospel Pass. I got to Bangor as it was getting dark, so missed seeing the coast on the way to Aberdyfi in the sunset, and yes you're right, no better place in the world - hopefully I'll see it next year. I slept at the control for 2 hours and when i rode out saw the morning mist roll back to reveal the bobbing boats in Cardigan Bay, a magical sight. Plus, if only Gospel Pass was the end of it, there were two not inconsiderable bumps on the way back, Grosmont and Cross Ash. I rode with someone who is also signed up for the Pan-Celtic, and the BCM was his longest ride so far, he was doing it to iron out all the potential problems he might face further down the line. I did Brevet Cymru a couple of weeks ago for the same reason and i realised straightaway i needed to change gearing and nutrition if i was going to get around the BCM. It worked - I took 15 gels with me and used all of them to help get me through along with eating other stuff. But I'm pretty sure with your experience and expertise in endurance events you'll have it covered already - or see a nutritionist, literally a small price to pay for sorting out any issues a head of time. Good luck for that, I'll be dot-watching my friend and hopefully watching you too.
@alexanderlawson16493 ай бұрын
Riding events like this, as a race should be stopped. Carbon bikes and all the latest razmataz in bike tech should be banned. Events like this should be a celebration of the bike and all the health advantages it brings to the human race, not a platform for failed athletes to grandstand about their mediocre results. I love the bike, I hate shite like this.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
While I appreciate your opinion, when did I ever mention that I was racing? I participated in the event exactly as it was intended: as a physical and mental test for the rider and a reliability test for the bicycle. Would you ban someone from participating simply because they only own one bike, and it happens to be carbon? Or prohibit someone because they are a strong rider? Audax events have speed limits in place to prevent racing, and they fulfil this purpose effectively. I started on my own and I finished on my own.
@davidmurphy91513 ай бұрын
Walking only - bikes are cheating.
@christopherthomas34033 ай бұрын
Wow! You're a nice friendly and cheerful chap aren't you. The max average speed for an audax and between controls is just over 18mph, so it's hardly racing. Each to their own for riding these events. I love cycling, but hate miserable shits like you. 😛
@Markhypnosis13 ай бұрын
Oh dear. What a pathetic comment. Events like these are about challenge, pushing yourself to the limits whether it be distance or speed. Who the hell are you to state why people should be doing these events and what bike they use, and how fast they want to do it in. A bike is a bike regardless of what it's made from and the marginal aero gains. AND, an athlete is someone who is skilled at and takes part in a particular physical sport regardless of their results. There is no such thing as a "failed" athlete. How about getting out and DOING something like this instead of dictating what it should be and mocking those who take part. Idiot!
@huwsparky1753033 ай бұрын
Good job Matt, well done 🙌
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thanks Huw.
@pandeyes3 ай бұрын
Impressive - for such an athlete as yourself to be honest about the challenges of long distance events- it gives mere mortals such as me confidence to give them a go. Filming makes Wales look stunning . Looking forward to riding some of these roads in June on the Solstice Sprint 1000km event
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Good luck with the Solstice Sprint! Wales has stunning scenery all around, but Mid Wales, and West are best :)
@333wheeler3 ай бұрын
Beautiful looking course if you were just leisure riding it and not pushing for any sort of time.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
It is OK. There are a few sections that are stunning, but there are also a huge amount of "empty" miles with very little to see.
@simonleeofficial3 ай бұрын
Cracking effort..
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thanks
@roadcc3 ай бұрын
💪💪💪
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
I'm looking forward to seeing Dave's!
@johnvine57313 ай бұрын
Another great video. Thanks for sharing.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@TheMrAPRise3 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed your video record of this event.....great effort.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate it.
@Sunny-gt8zi3 ай бұрын
Hows the BD been for you in the long run? My understanding is that it takes a few applications before it really starts to shine
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
I decided to stop using it, and instead I use either immersion hot wax, or Silca Synergetic. The former is cleaner, and the latter lasts longer in poor weather.
@davidedwards46763 ай бұрын
Great effort Matt thanks for the video welldone buddy
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thank you
@SwimBikeRunStu3 ай бұрын
Looks like an absolutely epic event 👌
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
It is very well run - and big in terms of riders, but the riding in Wales is better 😄 If we had been able to go into the Pyrenees as planned that could well be different.
@garethhelliwell97363 ай бұрын
Great video Matt. That was an epic ride, even though it was not what you wanted distance wise. I can only dream of completing that distance.
@johnvine57313 ай бұрын
That was a great video Matt. Thanks for sharing.
@MattPage3 ай бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to watch it.
@bitchoflivingblah3 ай бұрын
Good luck in your prep for Pan-Celtic. Looking forward to seeing you race that.
@Nordviking84 ай бұрын
Take the neo , the kicker won’t last ,trust me. I have one it’s a piece of junk.
@750ssduke4 ай бұрын
There is a Londis shop in Penmachno which has a few bike spares, only 1/4 mile from the turn off into the woods. Also there is a Spar shop in Dolwyddelan a mile or so along the A470. Both useful on the leg from Ffestiniog to Betws y Coed
@Mister_G15 күн бұрын
Spar in Dolwyddelan also does good pies, etc.
@AndreasZetterlund4 ай бұрын
When you at 7:50 say that you give it "a quick blast", do you mean just rinse it with water? How do you (recommend to) clean it and re-apply? Full wash with degreaser? Thanks for the informative test & review!
@MattPage4 ай бұрын
Just water.
@Temporalplace4 ай бұрын
What are tyres you were using in this video ?
@MattPage4 ай бұрын
I think they are Ere Research Tenaci TLR 44mm.
@Temporalplace4 ай бұрын
@@MattPage Any good ?
@MattPage4 ай бұрын
Yes, they are quite strong and good for touring. Limited use off-road
@pajwales4 ай бұрын
Great video, what is the route like in from the south to Cwm Lleust Bach, is it a bit less boggy?
@MattPage4 ай бұрын
If you come from the south it is OK. From the North is it wet, although with some care you can probably keep your feet dry.