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The Brutal Reality of Cycling Central America



The Brutal Reality of Cycling Central America

This video is sponsored by COROS. You can check out the Dura which I use to track my route and data here: https://dada.link/fqaSLp

Bikepacking through Central America isn’t always smooth tarmac and epic descents. In this video, I’m showing you the brutal reality of a hiking a 35kg bike up a steep, rocky grade in El Salvador. When the temperature hits 30C and the dirt track turns into a boulder field, round-the-world bicycle touring becomes a whole different beast.

I’m breaking down exactly what it takes to survive a gruelling day on this expedition. From routing my map and managing water resupplies in the intense heat, to setting up my alcohol stove and homemade pot cosy at camp after dragging my rig up the side of a volcano. If you want to see the unfiltered, sweat-soaked truth behind the perfect wild camping shots, this is it.

My website: https://www.tristanridley.com

My bike: Tout Terrain Outback Xplore
https://toutterrainde.avln.me/c/ejNAtvCBNthB

Gear list: https://www.tristanridley.com/gear

Patreon for early, ad-free access to all future videos, your name in the credits, as well as exclusive access to bonus content not shared anywhere else:
https://www.patreon.com/tristanrid

Instagram: for my latest updates https://www.instagram.com/tristanrid

Tip Jar for a one-off donation
buymeacoffee.com/tristanrid
https://paypal.me/tristanrid

Interactive map of my full route around the world:
https://www.tristanridley.com/map

Thanks for watching!

#bikepacking #elsalvador #adventurecycling

MB01Z5TDFHDFSTI

0:00 – Introduction
0:49 – Morning
2:20 – Setting Out
4:44 – Coros Dura
5:51 – Hike-a-bike
7:24 – Town
9:04 – Afternoon
11:18 – Arriving
12:55 – Camp and Cooking
17:34 – Ending

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34件のコメント

  2. @bgockel on

    Thanks for the quotidian content, hope to be out there in the next year or two. Might make the switch to chain based on your experiences on my TT bike.

  4. @antoniahubancheva7907 on

    I generally enjoy your videos wherever you travel but this one felt as if I was back on an adventure as I used to do. So real and "normal" 😅 Thank you! Also… I hope you know that but you don't need to perform anything for your audience, to climb a volcano for a sunset, or ride over a crocodile. We're here because you are kind enough to take us on the ride with you but that's your life and your body so in case you decide to hike to the top of a volcano, or ride over a crocodile do it for your own joy. People follow your channel mostly because of your personality and your attitude.
    PS. Please consider skipping the crocodile part, it's overrated.

  9. @funiguy8779 on

    Don't know if you read all the comments, but in case you do…you are such an inspiration to me , in a tough time of my life. ❤. Please don't ever think you are alone out there. So many people like me absolutely love you . Don't ever be afraid to let us know when you're having a bit of a down time like everyone else in this world. We are here to listen and help you…no matter what the problem. I truly mean this from the bottom of my heart. ❤

  10. @adammacer on

    You just sold me a Dura. I knew about the battery life but the ease of route loading is a game-changer. I've had a Wahoo Roam up until now and the BS you have to go thru to get a route on it is insane. The fact that it pairs so easily with MapOut, whoch I LOVE, is just another bonus..
    I'd love to know how you made that pot cosy in detail – I'm familiar with loft insulation and making stuff but I can't figure out how you've done. Really interesting that you don't boil until cooked – a game changer with fuel consumption

  13. @bashbob8494 on

    Hi Tristan, thx for the amazing videos, this one was special wouldn't mind more of that style tbh. After some searching i found out that MapOut is IOS only, anyone have a recommendation for android?

  14. @CaspianKing-f6r on

    Damn bro, those climbs look brutal! Very interested to hear that the dura does offline route transfer, thats driven me crazy with my garmin so I might just have to upgrade. Thanks for another great vid!

  15. @crculver2068 on

    Not true that other GPS units popular among cyclists won't allow you to move a GPX from your phone wihtout internet. Garmin eTrex units connect as an ordinary USB mass storage device, so you can just copy the file over from your phone. I believe the same is true of the Garmin GPSMAP 65s.

  19. @Mike-vd2qt on

    Great video, thanks! I have one section of the GDMBR to finish, then I'll be sticking to rail trails and bike paths. I'm amazed at what young bikepackers can ride and hikeabike, you're a rock.☮

  21. @PouTaytto on

    ive wondered that since he is cycling to near every nook and cranny of the globe, does he carry any firearms or any sort of protection or does he just stay away from dangerous areas

  25. @nimbleandquick on

    You are quite a champion in my eyes and I have had a great time joining you vicariously through your lovely video series. Inspirational! Fun to see some of the details that go into your daily rides. And great to see your positive attitude even when huffing and puffing, pushing your bike up steep sections, yet exclaiming that it’s a great workout for your shoulders. Question: how are you recharging your phone, as well as any electronics? And what map system are you relying on for these more rural routes? Thx

  26. @FrankHagemannBibaRox on

    Great videocassette always. Very inspiring. I am bikepacking myself for one week in Spain myself but found very good help in your video. The App MapOut will help me in planning and exporting the tour into RideWithGps and this into my Wahoo computer. The limited options in planning with RideWithGps are a bit frustrating.
    Keep on moving and stay healthy and safe.

  29. @michaelwittmann2644 on

    I really enjoy watching all of Tristran's videos, including this one, but I wish they were much longer–they're just so entertaining to watch. Safe travels!

  31. @agmartin2127 on

    Enjoying your videos and the choice of topics, like this one. Part of the fun of wild camping is not knowing exactly where the spot is you'll camp at. You start slowing down, eyeing potential spots, choosing one, and maybe / maybe not camping there. I love that, "Ok, this is it" moment… then the riding part of the day is over. Going to ride AK based on your (and Iohan's) videos… always get excited when I see a new one drop.

  33. @rossgerring on

    Please tell us about your clothes washing regime. All the gory details pls 😁. Fyi I was a backpacker for over 4 years in the 90s, hoping to do some long distance bikepacking in retirement.

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