Absolutely. Showing the reality of what a challenge like this entails is absolutely key. The Scottish Highlands are unforgiving at the best of times let alone during a challenge as epic as the HT550
You’re an inspiration Matthew. Well done pushing through and learning more about your own limits. It looks like you’ve gained experience you can apply to similar adventures in future. (A supportive message from your folks can never be underestimated)
One of the most inspirational thing I have seen in a long time and the fact it was done by a 18 year old humbles me/1 good job mate you are going to go far in life with grit like that
Good video. Great effort. Went longer than almost anyone would. Take care of yourself. Sometimes even things that you'd never think can cause permanent harm do. Make sure the reward is worth the risk.
Incredible effort Matthew 👊 Lots of folk will know how fit you are if they know your story and know you'd have smashed this if the weather wasn't so brutal.
So awesome! Keep looking for challenges in life it will serve you well. Congratulations on starting a journey like this, the first step is always the hardest. Next challenge you will have the strength of looking at what you accomplished this time to fuel you. Cheers!
Awesome. Cold here in chch NZ. Tucked up in bed with a thick duvet. Wind howling in the poplars. Watching this makes it even more cosy.... thanks.. and good work.
What a journey Mathew! I was fearing for you on this one. Your tenacity is at a level I can't even comprehend, but it's inspiring to think about. Thanks for sharing all the good and the bad!
Massive respect for the effort and recognising it's ok to call it. Inspirational to see someone so young so in control of their limits. Hopefully your sponsors are also on a learning curve for the level of support they need to give. Endurance athletes would often have a companion on the toughest legs even if they're remaining self supported!
What a powerful lad, truly brutal conditions, amazing effort. Eating when you don't want to but know you have to is the hardest part of ulta endurance. I believe in good weather you'd have smashed this. X
Definitely a brave effort Matt....and an even braver decision to know when to call it a day....the challenge will always be there if you want it in the future....but it's a strong mind that knows when the odds are not in your favour....survival mode is a good instinct to have 👍you will recover and look forward to your next adventure and have learned a lot about yourself. Thanks for sharing the vid.
I’m lucky enough to work across all the areas you biked through, and I’ve biked most of them as well. I know how hard it is to just get through a wild day up here and for you to do 4 is certainly not a failure. Pretty hard core just to do the route up over gruinard to carnmore bothy on a good day, never mind one without gloves, in the dark, in the wind and in the rain. Most folk would have turned back well before the main river crossing. So good luck next time you come up to give it a try, I’m sure you’ll succeed the next time - and if you need any tuition on bog crossings, I’m happy to oblige - it’s easy!, till it isnt……..
Merino wool is your friend, it'll keep you warm even when it's wet. And please for the love of God get some waterproof clothing - anywhere in the UK is going to be wet a lot of the time, but Scotland is just colder and wetter than the rest (& the Highlands are usually the coldest and wettest part of Scotland). Wish I'd had this young man's fortitude back when I was his age, rather than now when I'm old and my body isn't up to the task anymore. Much respect to Mr Fairbrother (and wisdom gained I suspect). 😁
Each ride like this is a learning lesson about all sorts of things. Joe Nation is doing similar trips, he’s another NZer, maybe see if you can link up with him?
You shouldn't ask lots of questions to a mind that is fighting and pushing forward. You might as well ride next to him in your car and throw bags of cement on his back. Just read what he is showing and help in which ever way you think will unload him. You should also avoid arguments, so if he says no to something, just leave it... It's all about just being there.
So many videos are edited to look like anybody can take them on, this wasn`t one of them. raw and honest yet still inspirational, respect
Absolutely. Showing the reality of what a challenge like this entails is absolutely key. The Scottish Highlands are unforgiving at the best of times let alone during a challenge as epic as the HT550
It doesn't always go to plan, this was one was especially tough, Cheers!
@@matthewfmtb respect, tuning into some of your other vids on travelling to races 👍
Hardcore, great effort. Heard lots of stories of ultra endurance athletes hallucinating and getting totally removed from reality before. Goodonya
Yeah - it's mad what can happen to the body and brain in those circumstances. Health always comes first!
Cheers! It's definitely a savage discipline!
What an absolute legend. You can just see from your face how tough that was. Fair play man. So many people would have walked alot earlier.
A legend at 18 as well. Top lad.
@@lezbig535 this kid is something else for sure! Made of sterner stuff.
His face really does say it all. The route is punishingly difficult.
Probably the deepest I've had to push! Thanks for the kind words!
You’re an inspiration Matthew. Well done pushing through and learning more about your own limits. It looks like you’ve gained experience you can apply to similar adventures in future.
(A supportive message from your folks can never be underestimated)
We all need words of encouragement and support when times are tough - never more so when facing something like this!
Cheers! definitely plenty learnt from this one
One of the most inspirational thing I have seen in a long time and the fact it was done by a 18 year old humbles me/1 good job mate you are going to go far in life with grit like that
Absolutely incredible ride Matthew!
Cheers team!
Wow. That was very much still a win mate. Total respect 👍
appreciate, cheers!
Respect indeed ... you found the edge and kept on the right side of it! It'll be a memory you'll remember
Appreciate it, you're right I won't be forgetting about that any time soon. Lucky to have walked away with reasonable health!
Good video. Great effort. Went longer than almost anyone would. Take care of yourself. Sometimes even things that you'd never think can cause permanent harm do. Make sure the reward is worth the risk.
Very wise words. Knowing when to admit defeat and not put yourself in harms way is crucial
Thank you! Always hard to make that judgement, glad to pull out when I did on this one to keep the body in good health.
Incredible effort Matthew 👊 Lots of folk will know how fit you are if they know your story and know you'd have smashed this if the weather wasn't so brutal.
I think it would take quite a bit of convincing to get him back on that route in the future...but who knows!
Weather was certainly tough, appreciate your kind words!
So awesome! Keep looking for challenges in life it will serve you well. Congratulations on starting a journey like this, the first step is always the hardest. Next challenge you will have the strength of looking at what you accomplished this time to fuel you. Cheers!
Couldn't agree with you more there. So much to take away from a challenge like this for the future
Already fired up for the next one! Thanks!
Awesome. Cold here in chch NZ. Tucked up in bed with a thick duvet. Wind howling in the poplars. Watching this makes it even more cosy.... thanks.. and good work.
What a journey Mathew! I was fearing for you on this one. Your tenacity is at a level I can't even comprehend, but it's inspiring to think about. Thanks for sharing all the good and the bad!
It's great to see the reality behind these challenges. It was 100% the right decision for him to stop and look after his health
This one was definitely tough, it doesn't all go to plan. Cheers for your kind words!
Dude is a trooper! What a tough ride
Thank you, was brutal alright!
such a beast man, love following your adventures
Awesome to hear, cheers!
Massive respect for the effort and recognising it's ok to call it. Inspirational to see someone so young so in control of their limits. Hopefully your sponsors are also on a learning curve for the level of support they need to give. Endurance athletes would often have a companion on the toughest legs even if they're remaining self supported!
What a powerful lad, truly brutal conditions, amazing effort. Eating when you don't want to but know you have to is the hardest part of ulta endurance. I believe in good weather you'd have smashed this. X
Forcing food down your throat sucks, but It's got down be done! thanks for your comment!
Couldn't agree more
Definitely a brave effort Matt....and an even braver decision to know when to call it a day....the challenge will always be there if you want it in the future....but it's a strong mind that knows when the odds are not in your favour....survival mode is a good instinct to have 👍you will recover and look forward to your next adventure and have learned a lot about yourself. Thanks for sharing the vid.
Definitely lots learnt in this one, and really glad I choose to walk away from it when I did. On to the next one!
@@matthewfmtb Always a learning curve Matt 👍👍
Well done! Just like the Port hills.
Amazing feat of survival keep pushing the limits..!
Cheers, on to the next one!
Wow amazing effort chapeau
I’m lucky enough to work across all the areas you biked through, and I’ve biked most of them as well. I know how hard it is to just get through a wild day up here and for you to do 4 is certainly not a failure. Pretty hard core just to do the route up over gruinard to carnmore bothy on a good day, never mind one without gloves, in the dark, in the wind and in the rain. Most folk would have turned back well before the main river crossing. So good luck next time you come up to give it a try, I’m sure you’ll succeed the next time - and if you need any tuition on bog crossings, I’m happy to oblige - it’s easy!, till it isnt……..
Excellent effort!!!!!!
It's great to see first hand what the riders can experience on challenges such as these. In this instance - bogs for miles it seems!!
Thanks!
Brilliant vid
Merino wool is your friend, it'll keep you warm even when it's wet. And please for the love of God get some waterproof clothing - anywhere in the UK is going to be wet a lot of the time, but Scotland is just colder and wetter than the rest (& the Highlands are usually the coldest and wettest part of Scotland). Wish I'd had this young man's fortitude back when I was his age, rather than now when I'm old and my body isn't up to the task anymore. Much respect to Mr Fairbrother (and wisdom gained I suspect). 😁
Each ride like this is a learning lesson about all sorts of things. Joe Nation is doing similar trips, he’s another NZer, maybe see if you can link up with him?
This lad is as tough as they come.
What's the system used for the hike a bike rucking around 14:25?
I’ve ridden some of that and it’s brutal. The weather is very unforgiving in Scotland. Hat’s aff tae ye lad. Bloody guid effort.
It's exceptionally tough and as you say, the landscape very unforgiving. His next challenge will hopefully have fewer bogs hah!
The weather was relentless! But when it was good it was really good, such an amazing place. Thanks!
respect mate
Well done Matthew...great effort. What's the bike carrying system you use?
Thank you! That'd the Restart Hike-a-bike harness
thanks for getting back @@matthewfmtb
Beast
The summer time in Scotland 😉
Hah! Very unforgiving!!
What a fucking legend
haha cheers!
Yes he is!!
You shouldn't ask lots of questions to a mind that is fighting and pushing forward. You might as well ride next to him in your car and throw bags of cement on his back.
Just read what he is showing and help in which ever way you think will unload him. You should also avoid arguments, so if he says no to something, just leave it...
It's all about just being there.
I hope he's got a good tooth brush.
Respect 🫡
Gummy bears and determination got you a long, long way! 👏
Hah. He does love those Haribos....maybe less so after this!
Hairdos is all you need!