The bicycle changed my life forever. I was stuck in a prison of alcoholism for 15 + years, feeling hopeless. I thought there was no escape and on the verge of suicide…one day I asked a friend if I could borrow his bike, my intention was to go to the liquor store…something very significant happened that day. I had such a strong feeling of freedom that I rode right past the liquor store and kept going until my legs nearly gave out. I felt so good that all I wanted to do was keep riding and riding. I cried heavily on my way back home. That was the day I knew the battle had been won. Fast forward 5 years later and I’m heading on a bikepacking adventure of a lifetime. Thank you❤️❤️❤️ iam forever grateful. This is a great video!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this intense but beautiful story. So glad to hear things are on the up for you thanks to the bike, best of luck to you and keep up the good fight! 👊🔥
At 78 years old, I'm working to get back to riding. I had a major heart attack and was also suffering from dizzy spells and general unsteadiness on my feet. A change of diet, exercise, and vitamin B complex supplements, especially vitamin B 12 which is SO VERY important to us as we age. Bottom line: no more dizziness and that unsteady feeling. If I can do it, so can you. I'm getting ready to hit the road again. Nothing short of dying is going to stop me.
Great short film. I am 59 and just started to get back into riding. My aim is to do day rides exploring and photographing the city I have lived in my whole life, and haven't fully seen, Which is something touched on is this film. Very motivating.
There's no better way to explore and get to know a city than on a bike. I've visited places and rode around for a few days, and was able to tell people who have lived there for years about things they've never heard of or seen.
I have cerebral palsy. I can't walk but on a bicycle and I'm mobile. I wish I had wheels instead of feet. Loved the bicycle and the lady. Smiles from the UK.
Its awesome she is still riding her first love. The bike industry is so focussed on getting the newest, and I really appreciate people using what they have. ❤
I was an all year rider for 7 years straight(did not own any motorized vehicles and public transport is a loss because I cannot go where I want, when I want). I started off with a bike I got for free, and after 2 years it just started to fall apart, and it had some specific parts to that cheap brand that I just could not get anymore, so I had to find a new bike. I found one used for 150$ and I used that for the next 5 years straight. I wanted to gradually start upgrading it, but found out Shimano was slowly phasing out the drivetrain standard I was using(9 speed) and as I was already onboard I did the best I could and got the best 9 speed components I could source. It's been a rollercoaster getting to know industry standards like bottom brackets and so on. Eventually I've just settled with the fact that it was someone else(Shimano) that did not want me to upgrade it, so I've done the best I could. The bike is also a size too small so I've had to modify it to fit me better. All in all I just never wanted to throw too much money into it, so I've just accepted it as-is simply because it works. Last year I got myself an expensive mountainbike, and I still got the cheap commuterbike because it makes no sense selling it. It has a much higher value to me because I know what is possible on even cheap bikes, and I still use it, and want to continue to. As I've moved far out in the countryside I do use my car more though given the distances naturally increase. My whole point is you can still have both and/or anything in between as long as your passion is for two wheels. I'd still have the bike I got for free if it was possible to fix it, but it just wasn't.
Thank you! I dumped my car almost 30 years ago and my bikes have connected me with my city. I wave, I smile, I ring my bell, I talk and sometimes yell at people. I can't imagine my life without a bike!
Just recently I've hung up my car keys due to financial constraints and jumped back on my bike again. Biggest problem? Worlds sorest arse, need a more comfy seat lol. Otherwise it was great 😂
@@ballsack4321Keep riding. It's usually not the saddle. You get used to it. I actually prefer narrower saddles in the city, and a bit wider and more cushy on the mountain bike.
Great video. Simple but profound. I am 67 been riding bikes for 60 years, just bought a 1970's steel framed road bike, the same model that my dad bought me to ride to school on when I was 11 years old. Beautiful thing, still works great and will be perfect once I have stripped it down, cleaned and lubed it and replaced any parts that are worn (with appropriate period parts of course). I am like that chap the young woman bought the bike from, I find old neglected bikes and bring them back to life. Bike give me purpose, one of the best inventions ever.
She perfectly captured why I LOVE cycling. First there is the wind in your face. It is a feeling that few things can match. Then there there is the constant wheels turning that allows your mind to shut off and just follow the up and down of the pedals. Shutting all the other thoughts out allows your mind to just wander and as a result some of my best thinking has happened on my bike. And finally, it the idea that YOU are the engine. Any distance you travel is because of your own effort. Whether it is one mile or 100, you can look back and think: "I did this!!"
My bike helped me kick a 10 year addiction for good, and has been a very positive force in my life. There’s no greater feeling than the high you get from riding. Getting home and feeling like you did something positive, is better than anything. My depression and anxiety has faded into background noise, and is slowly getting much more easy to manage as time goes on.
@@briancaine9130 Yep, no matter how long it is, it’s always better than nothing. You get out and see the sunlight, feel the wind, see the birdies, smell the flowers, and reset your mind. You get a boost of adrenaline and serotonin and feel so much better for it. It’s your body’s natural medicine. Now obviously it’s not going to cure everything that ails you, but it will help you kick start it. I wish I’d started doing it earlier.
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. ” ― Elizabeth West
I remember vividly at the age of 14 when i got my very first racing bike. It was a raleigh, in a beautiful red colour and i had to fix it up. I went everywhere with it. One sunny day i lent the bike against my friends house with the sun shining on it and i fell in love with the shape! To this day, and i am now 61 i have never been without a bike, but my raleigh is still the love of my life. I now own an electric bike, and i really like it aswell, i call it John. Thank you for highlighting the importance of such a humble and very important part of peoples lives.
Doesn't matter if I'm on a club ride or just riding across town to work, riding my bikes makes me feel truly free. Still feels like I'm playing out like a kid, the feeling never goes and I'm 58 now! EV's won't save the planet, just get a bike.. 🚴🚴
Bike life is the best life. The path becomes the goal and the intensity makes you feel that you are alive. In the last few years I've ridden a lot of motorcycles but it's not the same. Now I'm back on the bike. Thanks for your great contribution. Fixies never dies.
Bought a bike a year and a half ago and now I almost always refuse to drive my car for short distances. Helped me steer clear of my addictions(10+ yrs alcoholism), gain confidence and the best part is, when I'm riding it I notice so many things, things I wouldn't have seen had I been in my car. It's such a natural mood enhancer!! What makes it even better is that I live in a suburb close to which there a lot of farms and lakes where riding helps me connect with nature in a way I never had earlier. Honestly, feels like it is now hard for me to imagine a life hereafter without a bike.
Love that it’s an old bike that’s still going strong and looks sooo cool. She’s also not over techy about riding and strict confirming , ie having a beer or wine with friends but she can ride like the wind and looks happy & healthy. Nice vid 😊
A wonderful documentary about what it means to be human. The lady was speaking from the heart it did not feel scripted therefore I loved it more. Thank you so much . As an aside, I did notice most comments were from people who wanted the connections she displayed. I absorb all the connections and vibes in my bike rides over the last 65 yrs and I am still riding 250/300 km per week , never fell out of love with my bikes.
I love how she found the secret to knowing a city in a shipping container filled with discarded bikes. I found it a basement thrift store myself. And every time I travel, I try to rent or borrow a bike if I have to spend any more than a single day in the same city. Being a part of the environment with your face in the open is the way to learn about the feel of a place. No substitute for it.
She really stumbled onto a nice frame set. Vintage steel lugged frame made in Taiwan ( Yokota 80s Japanese bike company, hard to find info on) with down tube shifting, cool! I really think so many folks are cyclist, they just don’t know it yet. I also spied the Pergamino Co. sticker. Coffee and bikes, the perfect combo. Beautifully filmed, and a wonderful story. Cheers from Chicago!
Yokota, nice bikes, I worked for the U.S. distributor of Yokota, D.I.N. industries of MT View but relocated to San Jose we also distributed another Quality Japanese made bicycle Maruishi.
Reminds me of my move from Upstate NY to Phoenix a long while ago. Sold my car and motorcycle to get out there, bicycle was mode of transpo for 6 years and I don't regret it. Like lady says, you see many things that you miss while whizzin by on anything else. See little things you'd usually miss, find new routes, cool spots, hangout spots, beautiful view spots, fun night rides, fun day rides. Good way of life. My favorite was taking my fur companion with me on bike whereever she wanted to go!
I remember my 1st bike from a neighbor whose teenage daughter was not interested in riding anymore, I was gifted a pink stingray bike. Being a boy riding around the rough parts of East NY Brooklyn on a pink bike I drew many remarks, luckily I had a thick skin at a young age from always being the new kid on the block. Eventually, I began to gain more confidence in my riding skills and was able to beat any of the verbal bullies in any race. The bike gives a young person lots of independence to explore their environment, by the time I was 15 I knew most of Brooklyn. I only wish I had a camera to capture all the craziness and wonder of that time in NY. Now when I travel to any city I always rent a bike and relive moments of my youth by getting lost and exploring a city.
Terrific. I also try to rent a bike when I arrive in new places. So good to explore. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a 'scrapper' and just leave it leaning somewhere when you leave. I often take a goodbye shot 🚴♂️.
I’ve been riding bikes all my life. I am 67 now and I love riding my bike to the coffee shops, best food restaurants I really enjoy riding it gives you a piece of mine and you feel very good after a good long ride.😊
Hey Crew of One, you could do very well just interviewing a different cyclist each time. The love this video will get is from bike fanatics. There are hordes of us. We love bikes. Any bikes. We also love cyclists. Behind every bike there is a story. Go for it. I will subscribe and wait for the next one.
Thanks. Absolutely, I understand and respect the passion. My idea for the channel is to cover people and their passions from all different walks though. There might be other people from bike culture in the mix going forward though…
@@sanatandharma4435 it’s not actually a biking channel specifically, more about people and their passions, next film will be something entirely different but thanks for the offer.
Agreed. There are a lot of cyclists and you can count the number of good cycling videos in one hand. Inspired to Ride and Ride the Divide are a couple of good ones. I’m not interested in the professional athlete documentaries. Too much has been said about the big cheater, L.A. he needs to go away and let American cycling blossom again. Cycling is not only professional athletes Thanks for posting this video.
It’s amazing how a bike can change your life. I always enjoyed riding bikes but had quit in my grown adult life. It was in the spring of 2020 when I picked up my bike and rode into freedom! It got me out of a rut and some depression I’ve been in due to occupation/routine & lack of exercise. Thanks for sharing May’s cool story! ✌️ 🍻 🚴
Just returned from a five day cycling tour with all of my luggage. Eventhough it was in my youth I’d cycled with camping gear the last time, I now left my house and found myself riding about 80 kilometers a day on my second hand cyclocross that I had bought two weeks earlier. The urge I felt to go on a cycling trip had been very strong and eventhough there were parts of the trip were I felt kind of afraid I felt so happy to have made the decision to go. I am now 58 and mother of two grownup children . The woman in this documentary makes me love life more thank you ❤ for being you and so honestly sharing your love for your bicycle:) and all that it has helped you experience 🪶🍀
This is beautiful! Thank you! It brought tears to my eyes. I have a very similar story. A cheap and free bike was given to me randomly when I worked in South Beach as a waitress, near the AT&T Park. I used the bike to commute from and to the excelsior district for a few months. I later invested on a better bike and I spent years exploring SF on it until it was stolen one day in front of Yoga Tree Castro. After that, I got a nicer road bike and also a touring bike, and the rest is history. Eventually got into racing occasionally. Cycling became not only a simple way to commute, but my favorite hobby and sport to watch on TV, and honestly, quite an obsession.
That was a great bio , she's super cool and has the spirit of a cyclist. Cycling helped me on my recovery from drinking, 2 grest decisions that improved my life immensely! Keep riding!
Hey girl. I am 69 and still have the ability to ride my bike around. I do not live in a big city but I can see that your are very happy. You made me smile too. Gotta go for a ride now. Later.
This was awesome. Her story was great and relatable. It's why I ride and why I run. I love to explore and when I ask myself, "what's down that street?" my bike, running shoes or motorcycles give me the means to check it out. I always keep asking, "What's over there?".
Cute little doc. I taught myself to ride bicycles when I was 15 in college. Recently bought an E tricycle for my yes-kill shelter rescue puppy, because she finds riding MUNI to be challenging and she's afraid of BART station escalators.
The design of the bicycle is now over 200 years old ! That and the fact that there are probably hundreds of millions of bicycles in active use everyday make the bike one of the most impactful and enduring designs humans have ever come up with. They are so ubiquitous most of us hardly ever notice them.
This reminds me of my years living in Seattle with no car. Like May, I slung my bike over my shoulder and carried it up stairs or across sand or wet grass. That bike changed my relationship to the rain; it lost its power over me. When I got out from behind the windows and onto the bike the rain became just a part of trip, nothing to be feared as long as I had someplace to go. I lived many years in Seattle, but the ones I remember most fondly are the ones on that bike. Thanks to you and your sweet little film for the reminder.
So nice! The girl and the bike are awesome! Notice how the bike has old style shifters on the lower tube... So nice... You don't need electronics to ride... electronics take the riding poetry away... With electronics riding becomes intellectual... I like poetry riding better, just your body, a steel frame and pure mechanics.
I love stopping & looking when I travel. A car doesn’t let you do this. You’re travelling to quickly, you need parking, turning around is tricky, the moment has passed and you’re a mile down the road. The bike is brilliant. Sitting high up you get a good view around, you go slow enough to soak up the surroundings, saying hello to familiar faces, you can stop almost instantaneously with no parking space needed and hell, you feel great. A bike lets you explore & connect with a place.
I am Indonesian living in Jogjakarta and I commute by bicycle every day. What I like the most about bicycle is that you don't have to pedal continuously, sometimes you can just rest and doing nothing but your bicycle keeps going. That's the best part of riding a bicycle, the ultimate energy savings👍
Great film. I totally get how the bicycle brings the connectivity of your surroundings to life. During the pandemic, I decided to take to my local trails, rather than the roads, and discovered a whole new network of connections and life that had passed me by for 30 years.
Riding a bike is a life changing thing. I just moved to Portland, OR from a small rural town in Wisconsin and I feel the exact same way as this woman. I feel the pulse of the city when I ride through it. I feel connected to what is around me in a way you cannot in a car. And the ease of access that are bike has that a car just doesn't makes actually going out and enjoying life in the city easier and more affordable. It really is amazing to get back into it after years of not being on the bike after finally getting my driver's license. I love videos like this. I am also thankful for my bike!
That's cool you found this short so relatable, I've always enjoyed Portland when I've visited and it must be a great city to bike around. Thanks for your feedback and for watching-:)
cycling also is part of my life. thank you for this video, this brings back memories. I remember, riding a bike when I was a kid is very exciting, I had crashed many times but it didn't resulted major injuries. until now, I have enjoyed it even though I ride my bike 99% alone. it brings calmness that no other activity could give. this video popped up when I needed it the most, I feel like i'm at my lowest because of knee injury(from running). I'm afraid of not riding my bike the way i used too, but this video made me grateful for the experienced I had. thank you.
I had a 30 gap from the last time i rode a bike. Bought 1 during the pandemic and have ridden thousands upon thousands of miles, explored more than i ever have since getting back in the saddle. I love the outdoors. Bikepacking is my new release.
May is absolutely awesome, and her bike is beautiful! Nicely done on a beautiful short doc! ""Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world" - Grant Peterson
Amazing mini doc!! Well done! Also, my life is changing as I write this because of a bike. Reconnecting to the little kid I once was is amazing!! Thank you for putting this together!
The saying goes something like, 'the world is a reflection of yourself'. Seems right to me. When I'm riding I feel so dang good, and I enjoy the world a whole lot more. I can go on forever doing that, and marveling about that.
I’ve lived in Las Vegas, Portland, and now Houston. I’ve rode my bicycle all over those cities, and it is the best way to learn and find hidden gems that they have to offer! My personal preference is a mountain bike so I can keep on riding even after the paved trail ends :)
I love this. Made me want to get out and ride. Can’t imagine not having my bike. I’m finally able to ride again after a few years of overcoming an injury…and my first long ride made me cry with joy.
There is truly something magical about bicycles! My first one at age 8 meant, "Free At Last!" and from then until ill health forced me to quit riding at age 72 bicycles were an essential part of life for me.I really loved this short documentary and having once lived in the SF area I can attest to the fact that cycling thru the city is a very different experience than driving in a car or bus!
I think this gets back to our human nature of not being in a box.. I mean in transportation ways we were using camels and horses until cars were made so... a bike is more like a horse than a car or a bus... love the video ❤ and I am going to get a bike 🚲 and explore my city 😃❤ Thanks for the inspiration.
Best invention of the 19th, or any other, century. I got my first adult bicycle 38 years ago, went north of 100K miles 2 years back, no plans of tapering off. Your film gave me chills.
As a Dutch person this video is just odd but satisfying as well at the same time. What I mean by that, biking is so normal for us. Its in our DNA, we grow up with it and we bike to school as we are only 4 years old. The US can learn much from Europeans in that sense. I hope more people will follow her over there in the US cause biking is the best thing in the world. I did already about 4000km this year on my race bike (2500 miles) and I encourage everyone to buy a bike and just start riding. Peace and love from NL.
Haha, I'll never forget being in the Netherlands and mentioning that biking was one of my main hobbies. The locals were like, "Hobby? Everyone does that here!" 😂
A true love story. I used to have a yellow racer too. When riding I felt almost elemental, like the wind and rain combined. Thank you for sharing this.
wow! I like your doc style. I am from the other side of the world, but having similar story with my bike, I have built it in the 90s, still ride the same. It gives me freedom like nothing else.
I've just got back into mountain biking and it's life changing. Everything this video describes is 💯 accurate. Best video I've seen in a long time too. Inspiring.
I've never been to SF and never watched one of your videos before, but I love bikes and their power to transform lives and upend the status quo. This was beautifully done and made me cry.. Thanks A Crew of One! :)
Awesome, I spent years riding from A - B and for the last 7years I've spent less than a day out on a ride. Time to find myself a new project, thanks for the motivation. ✌️💙
i was in a really bad place during covid with my exams and everything, just being lonely and alone, without any hobbies or skills or enjoyment in life. going on my bike was my escape and freedom, it gave me happiness and hope for a better future, i love it and it keeps me motivated, healthy and happy. ❤
This short film is just so beautiful and inspiring. Kudos to a crewofone and especially to the shining star of this little documentary because she is my hero for today. I should have been out riding my bike today instead of watching UA-cam videos, but then perhaps I would have missed this little gem instead?
Biking will be the happiest you'll ever be while travelling. You feel everything. Hear everything. See everything. I took a leap fo fate during the pandemic and learned how to bike at 27 years old. I never want to drive after learning how to bike. I have achieved my freedom.
Great documentary. Lady has a super personality. Cycling has been very important throughout my life. Have had many enjoyable years committing in London.
Well done! I'm sure many cycling enthusiasts share the perspective of meeting people and experiencing things along the route of their journey. The desire is not just to get somewhere but also to embrace what attracts us along the way.
Loved the entirety of the video. This is a message I needed to hear. I had forgotten the importance of connecting with my environment. Describing riding her bike, hearing the sounds, smelling the smells, interacting with the people and places, she is a real part of the community. Brilliant. Thank you
Great video! Bikes and San Francisco. It doesn't get any better than that. I rent a bike every time I visit to soak in the sights, sounds and smell of the city. I can't wait to go back!
The bicycle changed my life forever. I was stuck in a prison of alcoholism for 15 + years, feeling hopeless. I thought there was no escape and on the verge of suicide…one day I asked a friend if I could borrow his bike, my intention was to go to the liquor store…something very significant happened that day. I had such a strong feeling of freedom that I rode right past the liquor store and kept going until my legs nearly gave out. I felt so good that all I wanted to do was keep riding and riding. I cried heavily on my way back home. That was the day I knew the battle had been won. Fast forward 5 years later and I’m heading on a bikepacking adventure of a lifetime. Thank you❤️❤️❤️ iam forever grateful. This is a great video!!!
Thanks so much for sharing this intense but beautiful story. So glad to hear things are on the up for you thanks to the bike, best of luck to you and keep up the good fight! 👊🔥
Keep on riding✌
Enjoy that adventure and make it epic!
Bikes change lives. I’m glad you discovered yours. Just Ride from Chicago!
@@kgilliagorilla2761 Amazing!!!
I am in tears!
At 82 years of age in a body that can no longer perform as I should like...
Boy do I miss my bike!
Incredible presentation.
My thanks.
You may be able to operate an electric tricycle!
At 78 years old, I'm working to get back to riding. I had a major heart attack and was also suffering from dizzy spells and general unsteadiness on my feet. A change of diet, exercise, and vitamin B complex supplements, especially vitamin B 12 which is SO VERY important to us as we age. Bottom line: no more dizziness and that unsteady feeling. If I can do it, so can you. I'm getting ready to hit the road again. Nothing short of dying is going to stop me.
@@kelalamusic9258 Heck yeah! Happy Trails!
Great short film. I am 59 and just started to get back into riding. My aim is to do day rides exploring and photographing the city I have lived in my whole life, and haven't fully seen, Which is something touched on is this film. Very motivating.
I love her perspective about how the bike makes her feel connected to the city vs driving or being driven to places. You just notice more.
You do for sure.
There's no better way to explore and get to know a city than on a bike. I've visited places and rode around for a few days, and was able to tell people who have lived there for years about things they've never heard of or seen.
Absolutely, driving does not always provide the feeling of freedom you think it does, it’s a form of sensory deprivation
it is a bit like hike is one more step from bike to notice more, or the same with very different aspect
She delusional about SF bus system. One can get to anywhere in the city by bus , with no more and super rarely 3 transfers.
Bicycles are a work of art and poetry and freedom
Poetry in motion!
Best seven minutes i've spent in a long while.
Totally.
I have cerebral palsy. I can't walk but on a bicycle and I'm mobile. I wish I had wheels instead of feet. Loved the bicycle and the lady. Smiles from the UK.
Its awesome she is still riding her first love. The bike industry is so focussed on getting the newest, and I really appreciate people using what they have. ❤
Bike industry is filled with over engineered crap that is overpriced! Keep it simple and get some nice slick tires to bike easy and you're set.
I was an all year rider for 7 years straight(did not own any motorized vehicles and public transport is a loss because I cannot go where I want, when I want). I started off with a bike I got for free, and after 2 years it just started to fall apart, and it had some specific parts to that cheap brand that I just could not get anymore, so I had to find a new bike. I found one used for 150$ and I used that for the next 5 years straight. I wanted to gradually start upgrading it, but found out Shimano was slowly phasing out the drivetrain standard I was using(9 speed) and as I was already onboard I did the best I could and got the best 9 speed components I could source.
It's been a rollercoaster getting to know industry standards like bottom brackets and so on. Eventually I've just settled with the fact that it was someone else(Shimano) that did not want me to upgrade it, so I've done the best I could.
The bike is also a size too small so I've had to modify it to fit me better. All in all I just never wanted to throw too much money into it, so I've just accepted it as-is simply because it works.
Last year I got myself an expensive mountainbike, and I still got the cheap commuterbike because it makes no sense selling it. It has a much higher value to me because I know what is possible on even cheap bikes, and I still use it, and want to continue to. As I've moved far out in the countryside I do use my car more though given the distances naturally increase.
My whole point is you can still have both and/or anything in between as long as your passion is for two wheels. I'd still have the bike I got for free if it was possible to fix it, but it just wasn't.
yep,,,,these classic, simple bikes are beautiful and accessible,,,,
Thank you! I dumped my car almost 30 years ago and my bikes have connected me with my city. I wave, I smile, I ring my bell, I talk and sometimes yell at people. I can't imagine my life without a bike!
Just recently I've hung up my car keys due to financial constraints and jumped back on my bike again. Biggest problem? Worlds sorest arse, need a more comfy seat lol. Otherwise it was great 😂
@@ballsack4321Keep riding. It's usually not the saddle. You get used to it. I actually prefer narrower saddles in the city, and a bit wider and more cushy on the mountain bike.
@@valkaielod thanks mate, I shall report back asap 🙂
Great video. Simple but profound. I am 67 been riding bikes for 60 years, just bought a 1970's steel framed road bike, the same model that my dad bought me to ride to school on when I was 11 years old. Beautiful thing, still works great and will be perfect once I have stripped it down, cleaned and lubed it and replaced any parts that are worn (with appropriate period parts of course). I am like that chap the young woman bought the bike from, I find old neglected bikes and bring them back to life. Bike give me purpose, one of the best inventions ever.
Magic machines
it french. @@denverspin
Same here! My bicycle changes my life everyday. It gives me health, happiness and freedom.
She perfectly captured why I LOVE cycling. First there is the wind in your face. It is a feeling that few things can match. Then there there is the constant wheels turning that allows your mind to shut off and just follow the up and down of the pedals. Shutting all the other thoughts out allows your mind to just wander and as a result some of my best thinking has happened on my bike. And finally, it the idea that YOU are the engine. Any distance you travel is because of your own effort. Whether it is one mile or 100, you can look back and think: "I did this!!"
My bike helped me kick a 10 year addiction for good, and has been a very positive force in my life. There’s no greater feeling than the high you get from riding. Getting home and feeling like you did something positive, is better than anything. My depression and anxiety has faded into background noise, and is slowly getting much more easy to manage as time goes on.
Agree. Even a 10 minute ride. I say “ I’m 10 minutes healthier than I was before”.
@@briancaine9130 Yep, no matter how long it is, it’s always better than nothing. You get out and see the sunlight, feel the wind, see the birdies, smell the flowers, and reset your mind. You get a boost of adrenaline and serotonin and feel so much better for it. It’s your body’s natural medicine. Now obviously it’s not going to cure everything that ails you, but it will help you kick start it. I wish I’d started doing it earlier.
Congrats, its also been a driving force in quitting drinking myself 🙂👌
Good video. Nice to see someone enjoying life, and a bicycle. A bike may be the best invention, ever.
Couldn't agree more!
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. ”
― Elizabeth West
It is the best invention ever. Humble yet very personal.
My #1 response to best invention!
Bike is man's best invention after a horse.
This may be a short documentary, but not short on content. We’ll done and I hope many more people can see it as it can save their live❤
I remember vividly at the age of 14 when i got my very first racing bike. It was a raleigh, in a beautiful red colour and i had to fix it up. I went everywhere with it. One sunny day i lent the bike against my friends house with the sun shining on it and i fell in love with the shape! To this day, and i am now 61 i have never been without a bike, but my raleigh is still the love of my life. I now own an electric bike, and i really like it aswell, i call it John.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of such a humble and very important part of peoples lives.
Doesn't matter if I'm on a club ride or just riding across town to work, riding my bikes makes me feel truly free. Still feels like I'm playing out like a kid, the feeling never goes and I'm 58 now! EV's won't save the planet, just get a bike.. 🚴🚴
Bike life is the best life.
The path becomes the goal and the intensity makes you feel that you are alive.
In the last few years I've ridden a lot of motorcycles but it's not the same. Now I'm back on the bike.
Thanks for your great contribution.
Fixies never dies.
Thanks for watching and great you're back on the bike.
Bought a bike a year and a half ago and now I almost always refuse to drive my car for short distances. Helped me steer clear of my addictions(10+ yrs alcoholism), gain confidence and the best part is, when I'm riding it I notice so many things, things I wouldn't have seen had I been in my car. It's such a natural mood enhancer!! What makes it even better is that I live in a suburb close to which there a lot of farms and lakes where riding helps me connect with nature in a way I never had earlier. Honestly, feels like it is now hard for me to imagine a life hereafter without a bike.
Congrats on your perseverance in defeating your addiction, I also credit cycling for helping me quit alcohol, 29 months strong !
Everyday I have a micro-adventure on my bike. Great video.
Love that it’s an old bike that’s still going strong and looks sooo cool. She’s also not over techy about riding and strict confirming , ie having a beer or wine with friends but she can ride like the wind and looks happy & healthy. Nice vid 😊
A wonderful documentary about what it means to be human. The lady was speaking from the heart it did not feel scripted therefore I loved it more. Thank you so much . As an aside, I did notice most comments were from people who wanted the connections she displayed. I absorb all the connections and vibes in my bike rides over the last 65 yrs and I am still riding 250/300 km per week , never fell out of love with my bikes.
I love how she found the secret to knowing a city in a shipping container filled with discarded bikes. I found it a basement thrift store myself. And every time I travel, I try to rent or borrow a bike if I have to spend any more than a single day in the same city. Being a part of the environment with your face in the open is the way to learn about the feel of a place. No substitute for it.
...one thing you're thankful for..."my bike"...wholeheartedly agree!
Thanks!
Thank you!
She really stumbled onto a nice frame set. Vintage steel lugged frame made in Taiwan ( Yokota 80s Japanese bike company, hard to find info on) with down tube shifting, cool! I really think so many folks are cyclist, they just don’t know it yet. I also spied the Pergamino Co. sticker. Coffee and bikes, the perfect combo. Beautifully filmed, and a wonderful story. Cheers from Chicago!
Gotta love friction shifting, requires more input than a trigger, or heaven forbid, a bluetooth-enabled signal.
So old school, yet decent quality by the look. She could cover serious kms on that thing comfortably
Thanks for the info. I was wondering about the bike.
Yokota, nice bikes, I worked for the U.S. distributor of Yokota, D.I.N. industries of MT View but relocated to San Jose we also distributed another Quality Japanese made bicycle Maruishi.
@@cecilecorpuz5735 Always loved the Japanese lugged frames. I have a 93’ Bridgestone X-02. She found a winner. I bet you saw some cool bikes!
Reminds me of my move from Upstate NY to Phoenix a long while ago. Sold my car and motorcycle to get out there, bicycle was mode of transpo for 6 years and I don't regret it. Like lady says, you see many things that you miss while whizzin by on anything else. See little things you'd usually miss, find new routes, cool spots, hangout spots, beautiful view spots, fun night rides, fun day rides. Good way of life. My favorite was taking my fur companion with me on bike whereever she wanted to go!
So recognizable. It's the simple things you notice while riding a bike that give you a boost of happiness. Please more of this!
I remember my 1st bike from a neighbor whose teenage daughter was not interested in riding anymore, I was gifted a pink stingray bike. Being a boy riding around the rough parts of East NY Brooklyn on a pink bike I drew many remarks, luckily I had a thick skin at a young age from always being the new kid on the block. Eventually, I began to gain more confidence in my riding skills and was able to beat any of the verbal bullies in any race. The bike gives a young person lots of independence to explore their environment, by the time I was 15 I knew most of Brooklyn. I only wish I had a camera to capture all the craziness and wonder of that time in NY. Now when I travel to any city I always rent a bike and relive moments of my youth by getting lost and exploring a city.
Terrific.
I also try to rent a bike when I arrive in new places. So good to explore. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a 'scrapper' and just leave it leaning somewhere when you leave.
I often take a goodbye shot 🚴♂️.
I’ve been riding bikes all my life. I am 67 now and I love riding my bike to the coffee shops, best food restaurants I really enjoy riding it gives you a piece of mine and you feel very good after a good long ride.😊
Hey Crew of One, you could do very well just interviewing a different cyclist each time. The love this video will get is from bike fanatics. There are hordes of us. We love bikes. Any bikes. We also love cyclists. Behind every bike there is a story. Go for it. I will subscribe and wait for the next one.
Thanks. Absolutely, I understand and respect the passion. My idea for the channel is to cover people and their passions from all different walks though. There might be other people from bike culture in the mix going forward though…
@@guywilkinsonfilms
Can i send you a video of me and my bike or do you need to interview people directly. I live in Spain.
@@sanatandharma4435 it’s not actually a biking channel specifically, more about people and their passions, next film will be something entirely different but thanks for the offer.
Fully agree. As a cyclist myself, I loved this video and there is so much potential for more bike stories.
Agreed. There are a lot of cyclists and you can count the number of good cycling videos in one hand.
Inspired to Ride and Ride the Divide are a couple of good ones.
I’m not interested in the professional athlete documentaries. Too much has been said about the big cheater, L.A. he needs to go away and let American cycling blossom again. Cycling is not only professional athletes
Thanks for posting this video.
It’s amazing how a bike can change your life. I always enjoyed riding bikes but had quit in my grown adult life.
It was in the spring of 2020 when I picked up my bike and rode into freedom! It got me out of a rut and some depression I’ve been in due to occupation/routine & lack of exercise.
Thanks for sharing May’s cool story! ✌️ 🍻 🚴
dont ever stop.
"I picked up my bike and rode into freedom! " What a wonderful statement. Thank you David.
That bike brings me back to my earliest days of cycling, quill stem and down tube shifting, love it.❤🥰
Just returned from a five day cycling tour with all of my luggage. Eventhough it was in my youth I’d cycled with camping gear the last time, I now left my house and found myself riding about 80 kilometers a day on my second hand cyclocross that I had bought two weeks earlier. The urge I felt to go on a cycling trip had been very strong and eventhough there were parts of the trip were I felt kind of afraid I felt so happy to have made the decision to go. I am now 58 and mother of two grownup children . The woman in this documentary makes me love life more thank you ❤ for being you and so honestly sharing your love for your bicycle:) and all that it has helped you experience 🪶🍀
This is beautiful! Thank you! It brought tears to my eyes. I have a very similar story. A cheap and free bike was given to me randomly when I worked in South Beach as a waitress, near the AT&T Park. I used the bike to commute from and to the excelsior district for a few months. I later invested on a better bike and I spent years exploring SF on it until it was stolen one day in front of Yoga Tree Castro. After that, I got a nicer road bike and also a touring bike, and the rest is history. Eventually got into racing occasionally. Cycling became not only a simple way to commute, but my favorite hobby and sport to watch on TV, and honestly, quite an obsession.
That was a great bio , she's super cool and has the spirit of a cyclist. Cycling helped me on my recovery from drinking, 2 grest decisions that improved my life immensely! Keep riding!
Hey girl. I am 69 and still have the ability to ride my bike around. I do not live in a big city but I can see that your are very happy. You made me smile too. Gotta go for a ride now. Later.
This was awesome. Her story was great and relatable. It's why I ride and why I run. I love to explore and when I ask myself, "what's down that street?" my bike, running shoes or motorcycles give me the means to check it out. I always keep asking, "What's over there?".
Cute little doc. I taught myself to ride bicycles when I was 15 in college. Recently bought an E tricycle for my yes-kill shelter rescue puppy, because she finds riding MUNI to be challenging and she's afraid of BART station escalators.
The design of the bicycle is now over 200 years old ! That and the fact that there are probably hundreds of millions of bicycles in active use everyday make the bike one of the most impactful and enduring designs humans have ever come up with. They are so ubiquitous most of us hardly ever notice them.
This reminds me of my years living in Seattle with no car. Like May, I slung my bike over my shoulder and carried it up stairs or across sand or wet grass. That bike changed my relationship to the rain; it lost its power over me. When I got out from behind the windows and onto the bike the rain became just a part of trip, nothing to be feared as long as I had someplace to go. I lived many years in Seattle, but the ones I remember most fondly are the ones on that bike. Thanks to you and your sweet little film for the reminder.
So nice! The girl and the bike are awesome! Notice how the bike has old style shifters on the lower tube... So nice... You don't need electronics to ride... electronics take the riding poetry away... With electronics riding becomes intellectual... I like poetry riding better, just your body, a steel frame and pure mechanics.
Me too. I benefited from bicyclng in several profound ways .
I love stopping & looking when I travel. A car doesn’t let you do this. You’re travelling to quickly, you need parking, turning around is tricky, the moment has passed and you’re a mile down the road. The bike is brilliant. Sitting high up you get a good view around, you go slow enough to soak up the surroundings, saying hello to familiar faces, you can stop almost instantaneously with no parking space needed and hell, you feel great. A bike lets you explore & connect with a place.
I am Indonesian living in Jogjakarta and I commute by bicycle every day.
What I like the most about bicycle is that you don't have to pedal continuously, sometimes you can just rest and doing nothing but your bicycle keeps going. That's the best part of riding a bicycle, the ultimate energy savings👍
Great film. I totally get how the bicycle brings the connectivity of your surroundings to life. During the pandemic, I decided to take to my local trails, rather than the roads, and discovered a whole new network of connections and life that had passed me by for 30 years.
beautiful woman, beautiful bike, beautiful story - thank you
Riding a bike is a life changing thing. I just moved to Portland, OR from a small rural town in Wisconsin and I feel the exact same way as this woman. I feel the pulse of the city when I ride through it. I feel connected to what is around me in a way you cannot in a car. And the ease of access that are bike has that a car just doesn't makes actually going out and enjoying life in the city easier and more affordable. It really is amazing to get back into it after years of not being on the bike after finally getting my driver's license. I love videos like this. I am also thankful for my bike!
That's cool you found this short so relatable, I've always enjoyed Portland when I've visited and it must be a great city to bike around. Thanks for your feedback and for watching-:)
So rad! I fell in love with my bike in Monterey a couple years ago. I totally get it!
cycling also is part of my life. thank you for this video, this brings back memories. I remember, riding a bike when I was a kid is very exciting, I had crashed many times but it didn't resulted major injuries. until now, I have enjoyed it even though I ride my bike 99% alone. it brings calmness that no other activity could give. this video popped up when I needed it the most, I feel like i'm at my lowest because of knee injury(from running). I'm afraid of not riding my bike the way i used too, but this video made me grateful for the experienced I had. thank you.
What a beautiful attitude she's got. Wonderful to see.
A bike changed my life for the better, too 😁
I live in Philadelphia and I know exactly how you feel! My bike is the only true constant in my life!
Cool, would love to go to Philadelphia at some stage. Please consider subscribing to see more short films like this.
@@guywilkinsonfilms
Yeah you definitely should! Philly has an awesome bike scene!
I had a 30 gap from the last time i rode a bike.
Bought 1 during the pandemic and have ridden thousands upon thousands of miles, explored more than i ever have since getting back in the saddle.
I love the outdoors. Bikepacking is my new release.
Great place to take up riding. Get out of the city and the rides are amazing.
Bicycling really does bring out the best parts of SF. Great shots of hawk hill and divisadero
Yes indeed. And thanks!
May is absolutely awesome, and her bike is beautiful! Nicely done on a beautiful short doc!
""Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world" - Grant Peterson
I was cycling in the mountains nearby this morning... It never feels the same, but always feels good 🙂
Amazing mini doc!! Well done! Also, my life is changing as I write this because of a bike. Reconnecting to the little kid I once was is amazing!! Thank you for putting this together!
Great story! Thank you for sharing!!
Loved it! I get the same things from riding my bike. Plus the health benefits!
I love her energy. Sometimes I hesitate to ride my bike, but so far I have never regretted going out for a ride after arriving back home.
The saying goes something like, 'the world is a reflection of yourself'. Seems right to me. When I'm riding I feel so dang good, and I enjoy the world a whole lot more. I can go on forever doing that, and marveling about that.
I’ve lived in Las Vegas, Portland, and now Houston. I’ve rode my bicycle all over those cities, and it is the best way to learn and find hidden gems that they have to offer!
My personal preference is a mountain bike so I can keep on riding even after the paved trail ends :)
I love this. Made me want to get out and ride. Can’t imagine not having my bike. I’m finally able to ride again after a few years of overcoming an injury…and my first long ride made me cry with joy.
There is truly something magical about bicycles! My first one at age 8 meant, "Free At Last!" and from then until ill health forced me to quit riding at age 72 bicycles were an essential part of life for me.I really loved this short documentary and having once lived in the SF area I can attest to the fact that cycling thru the city is a very different experience than driving in a car or bus!
I think this gets back to our human nature of not being in a box.. I mean in transportation ways we were using camels and horses until cars were made so... a bike is more like a horse than a car or a bus... love the video ❤ and I am going to get a bike 🚲 and explore my city 😃❤
Thanks for the inspiration.
So glad this inspired you and thanks for watching.
Wonderful video. The bike allows you to capture the real spirit of the city. Greatings from Italy
A bike also saved me. For the last six year it has opened my heart and mind. Loves
Best invention of the 19th, or any other, century. I got my first adult bicycle 38 years ago, went north of 100K miles 2 years back, no plans of tapering off. Your film gave me chills.
As a Dutch person this video is just odd but satisfying as well at the same time. What I mean by that, biking is so normal for us. Its in our DNA, we grow up with it and we bike to school as we are only 4 years old. The US can learn much from Europeans in that sense. I hope more people will follow her over there in the US cause biking is the best thing in the world. I did already about 4000km this year on my race bike (2500 miles) and I encourage everyone to buy a bike and just start riding. Peace and love from NL.
Haha, I'll never forget being in the Netherlands and mentioning that biking was one of my main hobbies. The locals were like, "Hobby? Everyone does that here!" 😂
This video has something I cannot exactly describe. It is probably the most beautiful, cinematic and sincere cycling video I have ever seen.
Very kind thanks!
Reminds me of the writer Henry Miller. 'My best friend is a bicycle'.
Yes indeed!
You project the soul of an artist! Love too that your bike is “old school.”
A true love story. I used to have a yellow racer too. When riding I felt almost elemental, like the wind and rain combined. Thank you for sharing this.
This video is gold. I had chill bumps the entire video.. Thanks for sharing! You are welcome here. Enjoy yourself!
Biking is so awesome! The City is also so beautiful😊
Completely bloody awesome!
Awesome job Guy and May. We have fond memories with you guys in SF.
What a wonderful story
Great Job guys.
Loved how open she was.
Keep it up.
Greets
Love how well you articulate your thoughts. The bit in between A - B & getting to know the city. Love that bike, super retro cool.👍
wow! I like your doc style. I am from the other side of the world, but having similar story with my bike, I have built it in the 90s, still ride the same. It gives me freedom like nothing else.
The bicycle - one of the great inventions! Still riding my 1980 bike!
I've just got back into mountain biking and it's life changing. Everything this video describes is 💯 accurate. Best video I've seen in a long time too. Inspiring.
Now I want a vintage build. Great story and one of the reasons I also love cycling.
Nicely done! Thank you for sharing.
I've never been to SF and never watched one of your videos before, but I love bikes and their power to transform lives and upend the status quo. This was beautifully done and made me cry.. Thanks A Crew of One! :)
Awesome video. Sometimes the simple things are just so special
Awesome, I spent years riding from A - B and for the last 7years I've spent less than a day out on a ride. Time to find myself a new project, thanks for the motivation. ✌️💙
i was in a really bad place during covid with my exams and everything, just being lonely and alone, without any hobbies or skills or enjoyment in life. going on my bike was my escape and freedom, it gave me happiness and hope for a better future, i love it and it keeps me motivated, healthy and happy. ❤
Opened my city up to me also. Much love and respect from Australia.
What a great little short about life. Love her kookiness!!!
I really love the freedom the bike has giving me my whole life! From community, health, to saving money. Bikes rule
This short film is just so beautiful and inspiring.
Kudos to a crewofone and especially to the shining star of this little documentary because she is my hero for today.
I should have been out riding my bike today instead of watching UA-cam videos, but then perhaps I would have missed this little gem instead?
Biking will be the happiest you'll ever be while travelling. You feel everything. Hear everything. See everything. I took a leap fo fate during the pandemic and learned how to bike at 27 years old. I never want to drive after learning how to bike. I have achieved my freedom.
Way Cool! Love bikes. And motorcycles.
Great documentary. Lady has a super personality. Cycling has been very important throughout my life. Have had many enjoyable years committing in London.
Well done! I'm sure many cycling enthusiasts share the perspective of meeting people and experiencing things along the route of their journey. The desire is not just to get somewhere but also to embrace what attracts us along the way.
The bike has been my healthy habit for over forty years, and that has made all the difference
Loved the entirety of the video. This is a message I needed to hear.
I had forgotten the importance of connecting with my environment. Describing riding her bike, hearing the sounds, smelling the smells, interacting with the people and places, she is a real part of the community.
Brilliant.
Thank you
Great video! Bikes and San Francisco. It doesn't get any better than that. I rent a bike every time I visit to soak in the sights, sounds and smell of the city. I can't wait to go back!
Sweet little vid about the huge gifts of this simple machine that we love. Thanks for making this vid!
A simple machine, but it feels like it has a soul. And it certainly rouses both the soul and machine in the rider.