I've been beaten to it!
Added 2022-04-11 10:39:44 +0000 UTCSo it seems that 2 young lads from Somerset have successfully crossed Scotland in a straight line, deviating 38 metres. You can find their 3 part series on YouTube now here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLin8pjXJ_0XPKU-6jRjJyA
I'm sure you're keen to get my thoughts on it, so here they are.
I have mixed feelings really, obviously I wanted to be the first, but on the other hand it was only a matter of time before worthy advisories came along. Competition can never be a bad thing either, in fact I welcome it with open arms.
I'm definitely gutted that mine and Greg's attempt ended how it did. I really think we were on course to smash that, and on a harder line too.
In terms of their line, they did a great job of sticking to it, but were heavily supported and didn't carry rucksacks. They slept in a campervan each night. They did overcome some big obstacles and battled through some terrible wintery terrain in pretty shit gear which I applaud them for greatly. Adam, the brother to Archie, whose YouTube channel it was uploaded it on held the GPS and navigated very well and remained conscious of deviations at all times. Archie was very often quite far from Adam however, which does raise questions about how much he deviated. Overall I'd say they were lucky at times, but I was really impressed with how they tackled their obstacles. They're clearly no strangers to the outdoors which is really refreshing to see in the younger generation.
Their edit was decent for first time YouTubers, especially at their age (I'm guessing they're about 19).
I was definitely impressed by their hardiness and spirit. Their grace and respect is somewhat lacking, in fact you could argue they're quite cocky and disrespectful, but I'm sure they'll grow out of that as they mature.
I'm sure many of you will want to leave a comment. Please be nice!
Let me know your thoughts or questions below.
Much Love, GW
Comments
Wales IS still up for grabs though…
Nicholas Arthur La Barre
2022-09-23 05:39:36 +0000 UTCNa.. Sorry but Wales 3 stil counts in my eyes! Your the real OG!
Tom Fly
2022-06-06 09:42:04 +0000 UTCUnsupported run is still up for grabs as well :)
2022-04-26 07:05:56 +0000 UTCThey did well, especially for their age, and it’s better than anything I’m able to do. However, it did feel less authentic to me with the extremely frequent meet-ups with the support crew and they aren’t carrying weighted backpacks, which already gives them a huge advantage. So for me, it’s not comparable to what you do Tom, plus you’re more entertaining.
Liv Armstrong
2022-04-24 13:56:38 +0000 UTCVery fair. Of course a platinum run is still up for grabs!
2022-04-19 15:14:36 +0000 UTCFair thoughts Tom, props to them for the task but it definitely lacks the spirit you bring to your missions. Well done on inspiring others to get out and have these experiences
2022-04-18 11:17:03 +0000 UTCHonestly this whole competitive edge to missions has absolutely taken the fun out of it for me on all sides. It was pure, honest good fun - and now it's just become another YouTube pissing exercise. Great...
Ethan Hayes
2022-04-18 11:06:33 +0000 UTCAbout their attitude - they were joking around, true. But with lads their age, I mean, come on. The thing that killed it for me (aside from the bad editing and voice-over) is this: even when Tom gets help (and he does), it doesn't *feel* as if he's heavily supported. These guys had a van, a whole crew, ladders, It didn't feel authentic, or as if they were going at it on their own. As a result - there wasn't enough suspense. They rigged it too much. It didn't feel they've earned it, so I got emotionally disengaged and didn't enjoy watching. That being said, I enjoy the rivalry. I can appreciate Tom even more than before (now that I've seen the bootleg version), and I think he would be even more committed to go to more straight line missions.
2022-04-17 15:36:41 +0000 UTCHonestly Tom, I wouldn't even consider yourself properly beaten by these guys. Yes they've completed a straight-line mission before you, but the amount of help from bystanders made it 10x easier for them. I'm not trying to disregard their accomplishment, but the nature of your mission and their mission wasn't the same. They went about this very differently and technically beat you, but there aren't any real rules to the mission aside from sticking to the line. That's because this was never a competition to begin with, but instead a wonderful journey and personal challenge that you made for yourself. You sticking to the line and completing the mission platinum is something I wish to see for you, but the ultimate reason for me (and I think many others) to watch your videos and to subscribe to your patreon even, is because of you. Your personality, your humour and charm, but also the amazing quality of your content and the obvious love and effort you put into it. You're sincere, you're a fresh breeze in the YouTube community and also the only person I will ever subscribe to on Patreon.
2022-04-14 22:37:55 +0000 UTCit was ok there video, did find them massively patronising though and it was a bit like a tory private school chums day out......they had 5 people doing all the leg work carrying the snacks food drinks gear etc.....they also managed to get maccy d's breakfast without leaving the line in the camper......
Andrew Way
2022-04-14 13:59:15 +0000 UTC
