How I became a Cycling YouTuber

In this video I explain how I got into cycling and my story to becoming a bikepacker / YouTuber

Timestamps:
00:00 -
00:17 -
04:05 -
06:21 -

#bikepacking #cycling #cycletouring

[Cycling]

Let me know how you got into cycling/bikepacking below 👇 👇 👇 ☺️

[paulfairclough]

What a good question. I’ve always had a bike as far back as I can remember. I’m 64 and retired now and as soon as I get on my bike I find myself smiling, I know I’m going to have fun. I’m not as brave as you so I don’t go wild camping but next week I’m driving up to a campsite in the lake district and I’m taking my Brompton and I plan to explore the area. Like you, I like to listen and see the wildlife. Fingers crossed I’m hoping that I can do a few trips this year 😊😊

[julesh]

Started after a major football injury. One door closed and another great one opened.

Love the variety of your content mate.

[chrisbee]

I started cycling aged 12 and did my first trip to a YHA in Edale. I was terrified and amazed I was allowed to do it! At 16, I cycled with a couple of mates to Paris and the north coast of France. 3 weeks, no mobile phone, very little money but amazing memories. Now, over 40 years later, and having always retained an interest in cycling, I’m out and about gravel riding, road riding and bike packing. NC500 a couple of years ago, Rebellion Way, Traws Eryri and TPT last year, Marcher Castles next month. I love it!!

[lizchilderley]

Tom! Brilliant video - this is the real you and it's as refreshing as ever. Loved hearing your story. You, your approach to your adventures and your humility has been a real inspiration to me. So much, that as a direct result of watching your content I pick up my gorgeous new gravel bike tomorrow morning...followed by a week in the Dales. I have you, and your films to thank for this!

[chrisbaker]

Cracking video! I have to say youve hit the nail on the head there - I always liked riding as a kid, got into some racing at 6th form & then found it sucked all the joy out of being on the bike - touring across into Wales (from the Midlands where I lived), down around Cornwall & south into Wiltshire & Dorset, I rediscovered the love & havnt looked back since. Fast forward 40 years and going out for a ride is still the best way to reset your mood - it saves me on a daily basis. More please!😎👍

[capturemylife]

I got into cycling initially as a form of exercise after stopping smoking. It quickly became an obsession and the bikes multiplied! I don't really like cycling in a group. For me, it's good to be on my own with my thoughts. It is great though to share some bike packing adventures with family and friends!

[Charlotte-tiyk]

I’m what many cyclists originate as… injured runners. Fairly new to bike-packing, having only tried it out last year on a crappy Halfords hybrid. I bought myself a proper bike in the January sales though, a Sonder Camino Ti. It’s a stunning ride (well, compared to my Halfords hybrid and a bottom of the range Decathlon Triban road bike that I have only ever used on Zwift). We go out together in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait!

[ianbarbar]

Only got into cycling at 50 after 25y running/fellrunning resulted in knee probs. Acquired a second hand road bike (Saracen w/105) and was reborn, and no knee swellings. Found Audax UK rides which were/are an adventure on every ride. Then included cycle touring and completed UK C2C's, Raid Pyrenees, Route de Grande Alps. Enjoyed my running days but wished I'd got into cycling earlier. Take care.

[Ddaverr]

Great journey to the backpacking and touring adventures. Nice to hear that you are a normal guy with a full time job and kids. Often as a parent it can be hard to carve time for yourself. Cheers

[imajez]

Well your childhood [and my] local woods are awesome fun. As well as all the other many nearby woods.
Last year I noticed you were just behind me on one of the Eccy Woods Strava segments, that I've failed to get the KOM on a few times. My fastest time was still after having to slow for a pedestrian near end of segment. I had decided to ride in the 40C temps because surely no-one else would be daft enough to be out on trail in that weather, I was wrong. 😄

[FOB-on-a-bike]

Brilliant video as always. You had the same idea for your latest video as I did, my story is similar to yours, I started racing then found touring. I just started a lot longer ago than you. My latest video covers why I love cycling and touring in particular, your welcome to watch it 😉

[DemiGod..]

Got rid of the bike, now ride a recumbent sports trike. I do 40 miles a day on it. Doubt a bike club would let me tag along, and judging by the lycra clad cyclists I see in the country doing 16mph+ average speed over 60+ miles, doubt I could keep up.