Back in the 90's I climbed Mt. Whitney and back, for the second time in a day. I noticed how my knees felt afterwards and said to myself that my body was not capable of doing these types of things. I chose to never do that again to save damage to my knees. Now, at 58 years old I do tons of bicycling - mountain and road - and still have good knees. An attempt like that takes more R&D. Thank you for sharing, and being transparent. This has been a service to those of us that are motivated to push ourselves.
That was intense, thank you for sharing your story. I remember seeing you fly by me when you set the fkt for silverton to durango. I couldn't believe the pace you were pushing. I gained an immense respect for what you do and for the colorado trail in general. Be safe. I look forward to your next attempt.
Living 10 miles from the Denver part of the Colorado trail I’ve always wanted to bike pack the whole thing. This is a great view of what I have to prepare for if I am to do this in my future.
I just finished in 11 days. Payson is a PRO. The CT in my humble opinion is best for hiking not bikepacking with weight...It was brutal and a shit ton of hike a bike.....
wow man. Never foloowed Payson until now. Hearing you talk about the experience and proving something to yourself and not to others - respect. Really resonated with this journey.
Outstanding effort and incredible mental strength. Glad to see that you listened to your body and mind and made your health a priority. Thanks for sharing your story.
I know every person who has a real shot at actually racing for the top time has unexpected obstacles but I think your first shot at this with tons of downed trees is just something that can't be overcome! I have no doubt you have the mind, the ability and now the know how for this type of event that will a little more luck next time you will take the top time! ---- p.s Sure hope if LT100 happens this year you'll be back for a shot at the top for it as well!
Major props, takes more cajones to pull the plug than it does to push through sometimes. Looking forward to hearing about your future attempts and snagging the FKT!
Great short movie. I think you are entirely correct, people cannot understand this type of adventure without experiencing it first hand. In my experience, the equation is more like 60/40 mental. Maybe we’ll see you in Idaho for the Smoke n Fire in 2021.
Riding it in August and when there aren't wildfires ravaging the entire state would probably have made a world of difference. I've had the trail beat my ass a few times - but this year I did it fully supported as 8 long day rides on my trail bike with no bikepacking gear and it was infinitely more enjoyable!
Welcome to the dark side. My last BP race was this year. I’m 50. It can be hard on your body, but now you are learning another language....God Speed in your future efforts.
Interesting Journey. I love the CT. The reason people try to set a goal like the FKT on the CT is a spiritual lesson their soul needs to learn. What you say !? They need the experience to understand that an event like this, only matters in the beginning and in the end the lesson is learned ....that in the end, nothing really matters if you don’t enjoy the view, the sounds, the quiet of nature and where you are with each breath. Relish the moment. Think of all the views you stole from yourself. Enjoy conversation with your higher self. Records are nice but in the end they don’t matter. Stay in the moment. Love life and the journey, it’s required “to get it”...that you pause and take it in so in the end it does matter.
@@PaysonMcElveen Thanks I didn't even think that I could check there if there was any detours you had to make from the official route. Definitely something you should take pride in.
I thought someone left a bunch of towels up on top of Copper Mountain. I was pretty confused why they were up there. They were granite rocks on the trail 😂🤦♂️ The CT will do some weird shit to you.
I still have some pictures of (undisclosed) cyclists streaking naked, Rooting ON Jefe on this ride ;) A bottle of Makers and some camping may or may not have been involved.
I’m not quite understanding why there is a romanticized theme behind these imprudent ventures. Maybe there’s something gained by the individual. But the lengths gone to attain extreme, flirt with detrimental. I enjoy his courage to be himself, and he’s been rewarded with a warm persona. But the strive for war stories is slightly concerning....
It's one of those things that has to be experienced to understand. Whether an epic bikepacking excursion or a local weeknight race, not everyone decides competition or adventure is for them. That said, I think everyone would do well to try it once. I believe one of the things that make being human so special is our ability to learn ourselves by confronting, and then redefining, our limits. To me, far scarier than an adventure like this is playing it safe and never actually discovering what I'm made of or what's out there. The prize is not the war story at the end of the journey, it's the journey itself. Now and then I like to share the war stories in hopes that some might go discover their version of the same joys I have. Hard is good.
@@PaysonMcElveen I have to utmost respect and admiration for your willingness to push up against boundaries. It’s pioneers like yourself, who reshape what’s possible. I feel my criticism comes from a lack of experience, that much is true. It seems the degree of suffering is what is scaled and I find myself wonder how the unquantifiable reward is interpreted. I appreciate your time and response.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
This popped up in my feed and first video of yours I watched. Loved it - the honesty and talent combined 👌
Back in the 90's I climbed Mt. Whitney and back, for the second time in a day. I noticed how my knees felt afterwards and said to myself that my body was not capable of doing these types of things. I chose to never do that again to save damage to my knees. Now, at 58 years old I do tons of bicycling - mountain and road - and still have good knees. An attempt like that takes more R&D. Thank you for sharing, and being transparent. This has been a service to those of us that are motivated to push ourselves.
That was intense, thank you for sharing your story. I remember seeing you fly by me when you set the fkt for silverton to durango. I couldn't believe the pace you were pushing. I gained an immense respect for what you do and for the colorado trail in general. Be safe. I look forward to your next attempt.
Nice ride Payson!
Payson, I'm in awe! Absolutely incredible! Please, please, please, be careful! I love you nephew. Praying for you...🙏🙏🙏 Uncle Joe
Much respect. I started the CTR three yrs ago. Got 165 miles and was finished when my heart started skipping beats.
What an INCREDIBLE adventure. Thanks for sharing all of it with us. Absolutely inspired.
Awesome story of personal triumph. Thanks for sharing this epic adventure.
It's hard to fathom being able to push yourself this hard! Incredible doesn't even begin to describe this!
I really need to do this one! Amazing storytelling! loved it!
Can’t wait to get back on the mountain, no distractions, no life, just the zen of “keep moving and don’t die”
lol
Wow - what a powerful, moving accounting of an incredible endeavor. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly and openly!!
awesome story and effort,
Awesome job! Thanks for sharing the journey!
Living 10 miles from the Denver part of the Colorado trail I’ve always wanted to bike pack the whole thing. This is a great view of what I have to prepare for if I am to do this in my future.
I just finished in 11 days. Payson is a PRO. The CT in my humble opinion is best for hiking not bikepacking with weight...It was brutal and a shit ton of hike a bike.....
wow man. Never foloowed Payson until now. Hearing you talk about the experience and proving something to yourself and not to others - respect. Really resonated with this journey.
thats a beast of a fnn trail. nice work
Outstanding effort and incredible mental strength. Glad to see that you listened to your body and mind and made your health a priority. Thanks for sharing your story.
Amazing video. Can’t wait to see your next adventure
Humility is good for the soul...
So cool, great production and great effort Payson!
Great recap of your attempt/adventure 👍🏻
Thank you for sharing this amazing experience!
Thanks for sharing your story
Congratulations on having the courage to push hard enough find your absolute limit 👊🏼
That's next on the list. Wild looking trail.
I know every person who has a real shot at actually racing for the top time has unexpected obstacles but I think your first shot at this with tons of downed trees is just something that can't be overcome! I have no doubt you have the mind, the ability and now the know how for this type of event that will a little more luck next time you will take the top time! ---- p.s Sure hope if LT100 happens this year you'll be back for a shot at the top for it as well!
Major props, takes more cajones to pull the plug than it does to push through sometimes. Looking forward to hearing about your future attempts and snagging the FKT!
Epic journey congrats
Great short movie. I think you are entirely correct, people cannot understand this type of adventure without experiencing it first hand. In my experience, the equation is more like 60/40 mental. Maybe we’ll see you in Idaho for the Smoke n Fire in 2021.
Riding it in August and when there aren't wildfires ravaging the entire state would probably have made a world of difference. I've had the trail beat my ass a few times - but this year I did it fully supported as 8 long day rides on my trail bike with no bikepacking gear and it was infinitely more enjoyable!
Welcome to the dark side. My last BP race was this year. I’m 50. It can be hard on your body, but now you are learning another language....God Speed in your future efforts.
You are such a hero bro...LOL
No when to hold em, know when to fold em.
Man, awesome ride and video! Was it a Crank Bros pedal?
nice...I would be interested in doing that,yet not alone..At least 3 riders. and a support vehicle within 30-60 mins close at all times..
Interesting Journey. I love the CT. The reason people try to set a goal like the FKT on the CT is a spiritual lesson their soul needs to learn. What you say !?
They need the experience to understand that an event like this, only matters in the beginning and in the end the lesson is learned ....that in the end, nothing really matters if you don’t enjoy the view, the sounds, the quiet of nature and where you are with each breath.
Relish the moment. Think of all the views you stole from yourself. Enjoy conversation with your higher self. Records are nice but in the end they don’t matter. Stay in the moment. Love life and the journey, it’s required “to get it”...that you pause and take it in so in the end it does matter.
This is great, Worth watching and doing.
Is there a chance you will share the GPX of the route you took and what trail sections you choose?
Everything is up on Strava!
@@PaysonMcElveen Thanks I didn't even think that I could check there if there was any detours you had to make from the official route.
Definitely something you should take pride in.
Listen at 0:55 to 0:58 then explain at 7:16 how you did this run "ALONE?" What rhymes with Alone? DRONE - "Follow me" mode. Which drone did you use?
Nice work Payson! Just curious, did you know the tree fall situation was going to be so bad going into the ride?
Crankbro pedals break on ya?!?!
human body and mind are limitless ? the mts are there to tell you what that means. thank you for for story it is incredible
I thought someone left a bunch of towels up on top of Copper Mountain. I was pretty confused why they were up there. They were granite rocks on the trail 😂🤦♂️ The CT will do some weird shit to you.
who is riding behind him with the headlamp at min 7:22 ?
Nicolas Cage
great story but sucks you didnt have a film crew with you to tell the story with actual footage. ill come film on some of these trips let me know
instagram.com/chrismillerphotography
Chapeau! Was it a ti spindle?
Please make your next attempt in mid/late July, A September run is a 50/50 shot at having S&R folks having to removing your dead body.
Why is that?
@@andy219100 Snow storms and extreme cold in the high country is not unusual in September.
Best weather of the year in Colorado... just check it before you go.
I still have some pictures of (undisclosed) cyclists streaking naked, Rooting ON Jefe on this ride ;) A bottle of Makers and some camping may or may not have been involved.
I’m not quite understanding why there is a romanticized theme behind these imprudent ventures. Maybe there’s something gained by the individual. But the lengths gone to attain extreme, flirt with detrimental. I enjoy his courage to be himself, and he’s been rewarded with a warm persona. But the strive for war stories is slightly concerning....
It's one of those things that has to be experienced to understand. Whether an epic bikepacking excursion or a local weeknight race, not everyone decides competition or adventure is for them. That said, I think everyone would do well to try it once. I believe one of the things that make being human so special is our ability to learn ourselves by confronting, and then redefining, our limits. To me, far scarier than an adventure like this is playing it safe and never actually discovering what I'm made of or what's out there. The prize is not the war story at the end of the journey, it's the journey itself. Now and then I like to share the war stories in hopes that some might go discover their version of the same joys I have. Hard is good.
@@PaysonMcElveen I have to utmost respect and admiration for your willingness to push up against boundaries. It’s pioneers like yourself, who reshape what’s possible. I feel my criticism comes from a lack of experience, that much is true. It seems the degree of suffering is what is scaled and I find myself wonder how the unquantifiable reward is interpreted. I appreciate your time and response.
Cran brothers pedal blew out after 3 months on me in the exact same way. Never buying them again.
so good but so many comercials.
This dropped and nobody told me?!
That cough sounds like me after a 8 hour bike ride in 35 down to 28 deg.
you forgot weed man
Banned in competition for most racing. Obviously the CT isn't normal racing, but I like to adhere to the same rules and morals.
A little dramatic