Go for a gravel or endurance bike, not a full-on race bike, as these will be more comfortable on longer rides. Gravel bikes will usually allow you to fit wider tires, and will also have more attachment points. As for bikes, I love my Giant Defy, it's a great all-rounder and really comfy. You can also look at the Revolt, which is Giant's gravel bike. And they also have a women-specific brand, called Liv, which might be an option as well. And, almost more important than a new bike, get a proper, full bike-fit before and after getting the bike. Before to make sure you get the right size, and after to adjust it to fit you perfectly (saddle height and setback, stem length, handlebar height, etc).
@@kaitlynbuquoi7132 I'm excited for her to find Francis Cade (Cade Media), He is currently doing a 1000 mile bikepacking trip through south western india. great content
Hi, I am a cycling coach from NZ and I been getting into bike packing myself recently. One thing I have noticed is that you stay on your seat when you stop, try pulling forward when you stop so you can have 2 feet flat on the ground and spend some time riding of your seat its a super helpful skill. I also learnt the hard way bike packing is a slog, try balance the weight of the gear across your bike, it feels so much better to ride :) Thanks for making cool content
Adding to this: not moving, put one leg at the lowest point (think 6 o'clock), scoot your butt forward so you're over your top tube and not on your saddle, other foot goes on the ground. Try it holding onto something first/have a friend hold your front wheel and handlebars really stable while you try this. And in flat pedals/tennis shoes is easier. Try this on both sides. Not moving. And then try starting and stopping, very slowly. Again on both sides. This boosted the confidence of the 4-6 year olds I coached last summer because then they knew they could stop easily and with less risk of falling. Remember, baby steps!
Dear Makari, This is your subscriber from Belarus writing to you. I rarely leave comments under videos, but in this case, I couldn't pass by. Thank you so much for continuing to open up the world of travel and bicycles for people like me. I am constantly in awe of Canada's nature and your beauty. Excellent video! After watching it, I have a strong desire to try something similar, though I first need to get my own bike. Thank you for your videos, and keep up the great work.
As a cyclist and hockey player I love that part at 1:49 😂❤ MTB kit can be just as protective and is usually better ventilated - quite a few of my team use it for ball hockey rather than ice kit to reduce overheating. Another ‘safe’ way to practice clipping in/out would be if you had a trainer as they hold the bike securely for; click, twist free, click, twist free, click, can be picked up for cheap through ebay/marketplace and you can be introduced to the wonderful world of online cycling too! Road bike, Gravel bike, next one to be a hardtail mtb, then a full-squish? 🎉 The ratio of bikes you need vs you already have is always n+1 !
I just have to say that since I saw the recommendation for your channel, everytime I watch one of your videos I feel happier, more motivated and adventurous at the same time. You're a natural at this (logging you r life's adventures and firsts at things) and one of the people I love to follow here. And BTW, now you can consider yourself a hardcore biker! Once you start bikepacking, there's no going back... ❤🎉👏 And congrats on the 100k subs milestone! 🥳🥳👏👏
The best advice my coach gave me when I was learning to ride clipless was to sit in a doorway and hold on to the door. And then just clip in and out about a billion times to get comfortable with the muscle memory, then just ride around on flat ground and keep clipping in and clipping out. I am a competitive mountain biker and I've only turtled once in the year and a half I've been using clipless. ❤❤❤❤
Hello, I'm a long time cyclist from Australia. Been racing (road, mountain and track) and clipped into my pedals since I was 12 and I've had my fair share of falls when I was learning. Watching you get into cycling has brought a smile to my face so many times. My advice based on your struggles when coming to a stop. 1. Unclip one foot early. Change to an easier gear that you'll be able to start in easily. 2. Put your other foot at 6 O'clock and stand up (on that leg) out of the saddle. 3. Lean the bike ever so slightly to one side (your unclipped foot) and stand on that foot. 4. When you get moving again put the still clipped foot around 2 O'clock. This is a good position of power and this way you get a good pedal stroke in to start rolling while you stress about with your other foot.This way you'll only have to reclip one foot. It can be much harder on hills because you don't get much rolling distance. Practice this start technique (like you were on the grass. Stop, clip in, ride 10m, stop, repeat over and over) until its muscle memory and you can get your foot in almost every time first time without looking. That will really help with hill start As for bike selection, an endurance bike like a Giant Defy or Cervelo Caledonia (I had one of these, excellent bike), with wider tyres is great for bike-packing and predominantly road cycling but with the right tyres could do gravel and will have a lot of attachments. A Gravel bike would work equally as well but feel slightly more sluggish on the road. I can't see you racing a crit any time soon so that probably isn't a huge issue. Equally as good would be getting either of those kidns of bikes and just having 2 sets of wheels (gravel and road). I used to race with someone who has gone semi-pro and her current team rides Liv (a womens specific brand) and she swears by them. Have a look at their gravel and endurance bikes. They may be harder to get second hand though. Lastly, when you get a bike get a bike fit. You don't want to find yourself injured down the road. Keep doing you and having fun, your videos are a joy to watch.
Makari! Haven't seen you since high-school - we will ignore that it's almost been 10 years since graduation 😳 - LOVE that you came back to doing videos (was always amazed at how good you were in school 😂). This video is so inspiring ♡ very much looking forward to the next one!
You are awesome! Bike packing and touring is the best! No mistake but learning about yourself and what you are capable of in the future of travelling by bike. Clipless pedals are the best. Glad you tried them. We're in our mid and late sixties and just finished a 7 week 8 country tour on a fully loaded tandem bike from Zurich, Switzerland to Venice, Italy. You go girl the world awaits you!!!❤
I've been following your path from Video 1. And its so cool to see you evolve into the person you want to be, and truly inspire me to do the same. Its like, yeah.. I can try that too. Thinge I've always envisioned myself being but never having the guts to do it. And your process to get it done, the months and months of prior training and commitment to different project. Kuddos! Mad respect for you, little sis! 💛
These videos are great, I've been racing since '86 and in the bike industry since '94... your insights on learning new parts of the craft and your courage to try is exactly what new riders need to see. I always tell my customers that nobody IS good at this stuff, you GET good at this stuff. Thanks for putting it out there!
The fact that you are already doing your first solo bikepacking trip after just a few months is super impressive and inspiring. And that's coming from kind of a "cool adventure person" - but it took me years of adventures with friends to have the confidence to go on a solo trip. Also unpopular opinion: flat pedals with trail runners are superior for bikepacking. At least on longer trips where you sometimes leave the bike behind to explore a city on foot or hike up a mountain.
Great video, you're progressing really quickly ! Clipless pedals take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, they're amazing. One piece of advice, get off the saddle before you come to a complete stop, and when you get going, that way you can have your whole foot on the ground instead of just the tips. It'll help massively witth stability.
Came here to say this. Advice is valid for clips or flats. Practice 'track stands' with your flat pedals (search youtube for tutorials), this will help with your low speed balance and confidence standing on the pedals, hopefully move to confidence with being unseated and un clipping.
@@Bithu I'm not good at trackstands, personnally, never really had good balance like that. But riding a motorcycle has helped me with low speed balance a lot ! However, I don't think I will ever be able to just stay seated/clipped-in at a traffic light... But yeah, first thing is to learn to get started and come to a stop out of the saddle, just makes it so much easier to get your feet down.
If it makes you feel any better I fell at an intersection around about 15 cars because I could clip out and completely embarrassed myself but now you do it without thinking! Keep it up.
Hello, I think even if you don't notice it, you got the face of happiness that cycling usually gives along with the wonderful sense of freedom and personal achievement. many congratulations, you graduated with a master's degree in happiness.
I’m soooo thankful someone else documented how difficult learning clipless pedals are… I fell so many times and my cyclist boyfriend made it seem like learning is EASY 😭
I have been bikepaking my whole life (thanks mum and dad!), multiple weeks at the time. My current bike, which I highly recommend, is a Genesis Tour de Fer (+ vaude or Ortlieb bags, Ortlieb is better). It comes fully equipped with high-end components for bikepaking, mudguards, front and back light dynamo system. Loved the video!
i still remember seeing a video and i thought just from the quality that this is a 500k+ channel EASILY and she was just at 25k. we're seeing the growth of an amazing channel live
It helps to come forward off the saddle then step 'down' off the pedal with one foot whilst still standing over the bike. That way you can get your balance first and then fully dismount. Then do the reverse to get back on.
Good on you for getting out there on a bike and doing an overnight ride . My partner and i started small , now bikepacking is our preferred holiday. We love riding rail trails and quiet gravel routes . Another option which we do is to take less stuff and just stay in motels. Your load to carry is much lighter which allows you to ride further, and mostly you get a better night sleep . So many bikepacking routes to explore
It has been so wonderful to see your biking journey in your videos! You should be so proud of yourself for facing your fears and trying bikepacking and clipless shoes! Hope to see more bike updates in the future
This is amazing! It always fills me with lots of happiness when people discover the beauty of cycling, in whatever shape or form that may be for them. Very inspirational and keep up the positive vibes!
You're SO inspirational, and I bet you felt incredibly accomplished! Cycling is always type two fun for me. its work on the way out, fun at the destination, and rewarding on the way home. Keep the content coming, you're awesome!
Wow, very impressive! I've been obsessed by cycling for 5 years now, have a decent level of fitness and done tons of cool rides, but solo bikepacking scares me. You're very brave and a big inspiration for me, thank you!
Awesome! You're more brave then most people. I didn't do my first solo bikepacking trip until this year. And I have been doing it for several years now. Major Kudos to you. Keep it up and way to push yourself!
nice! no matter what anyone tells you, bike packing (biking in general) is a ride what ya got that makes you comfortable kind of thing. like no one really needs clipless pedals - if they work for you, great. if they don't work for you, rock those flats on any bike any place. applies to all gear decisions IMHO.
Despite what you might think from social media, bikepacking is a stinky grind. An awesome, fun, and rewarding... stinky grind. If you're hauling enough clothes, etc to be as clean and comfy as you are when car camping you're probably hating how heavy it is.
Hi Makari! We took a cycle study trip to Utrecht, Netherlands and it changed my life! The cycle culture there is out of this world and it's just amazing to see how deeply ingrained cycling is in their daily lives. You might want to try it! It changed my perspective on cycling and made me realize that it doesn't have to be a sport or anything - it's meant to be simple and you shouldn't have to overthink it!
@@makariespe the cycle study tour we went to was specifically for designers and engineers (more on cycle infrastructure design, etc.) since I work in that industry but I know they offer other cycle tours that are more leisurely and takes you to various beautiful sites there! We cycled EVERYWHERE (at an easy pace, I might add), non-stop for 2 days to immerse in the experience.
the fact that you made the ending look dramatic is appreciable it feels nice to watch your videos give yourself a pat on the back cause you made a subscriber from all the way from Bangladesh.
Wow. I'm really impressed. To go from a tech job worker to now making your own videos and doing things that some of us dream of is great. Also you have a great support system. Thank you for sharing your dad on the podcast as well. I have really enjoyed it.
I am going to be honest. I have been watching your content for a few months now. I never realised that you lived in BC until I saw the flag in the furry. Then suddenly so many things made sense. Now all streets became familiar. I am like "oh wow I have been there, I know that". Great to see someone making cool contents in my local area. Love your content
I got tearful at the end of this video. Your words and the images reminded me of my early days of riding, of that joy and accomplishment that comes with conquering a fear with rugged independence. I felt those same emotions you felt in your current stage of cycling (amazement, wonder, accomplishment, relief), and you reminded me of my first moments on the bike with those feelings. It brought joyful tears to my eyes and inspired me to get out on the bike for an adventure this weekend, even if it is cold. In any case, great work! Love the videos! Can't wait to see your next cycling adventure.
The vibes are always positive, even when you're unsure of yourself or your situation. Please don't change anything about yourself or your video making process!
So proud of you! Struggling up a hill is worth it because afterwards you can feel the pure, childlike joy of riding downhill. Maybe that works as a metaphor as well?
Respect for learning to go clipless 2 days before the trip. Despite what GCN says, personally I stick to flat pedals. But kudos to you and your first trip!
Actually GCB tested flat vs clipless and found minimum difference in speed The choice is more a personal one, and to me clipless makes it so much more comfortable and always keeps your feet in the correct position. But personal indeed!
To me it seems pointless for leisure trip. I understand competitions, but for just riding to enjoy the view and road, doesn't seem really worth it. My husband actually has pedals that are half clip-half flat and love the options, but we never did actually use the clip version, even though we pedaled around 1000km on EuroVelo trips (Europe) a few years in a row (sometimes more).
@@Joppie86 I tried clipless when doing longer rides, you’re right to say it made very little difference performance wise. Being attached to the pedals made it rather unstable for me during steeper climbs, especially carrying a load on my bike. With flats, I don’t have to worry about falling with the bike if it did topple over when climbing. Maybe it’s just me 🙂↕️
I love bikepacking and it takes alot of courage to go alone. I am so excited for you. I hope you do it again soon and bring a new friend to try it. Also don’t be afraid to walk your loaded bike up hills when riding is too tough. We all do it and there’s no shame in walking. Way to go with the new shoes too!!! I often switch back to flats for bikepacking so it’s more comfortable to explore and hike around camp and town.
Congrats! If you're open to a suggestion--clipless will feel a lot less awkward on the mount/dismount if you straddle your top tube (rather than rest on the seat) when you clip in and out. That way you don't need to balance on your toes side to side (because the top tube is lower than the seat) and you can just transfer your weight back after clipping in your first shoe. For bicycles recommendations, it depends on what you're into. If you're looking for more bike camping/exploring, consider something with an internal hub and belt drive system (like a Priority Apollo), they need less maintenance and cleaning. They're slower though.
You're SO BRAVE for solo bikepacking your first time while ALSO camping and wearing clipless for the first time in the wild!! I did my first bikepacking trip this summer but to be honest it was more of a bicycle touring experience and I approached it very conservatively. It was a week but we stayed in hotels every night and mostly went out to eat, also it's a very popular route so there was plenty of cyclist infrastructure and other cyclists around in case anything happened and I went with my partner so I wasn't alone. Also lol at the GCN rabbit hole, the same thing happened to me, might be a bit in love with Hank tbh.
Makari! I Love This! I discovered your channel whilst solo bike packing for the second time, and watched one of your videos per night in my little tent to calm the woman-alone-in-a-tent nerves!! Love your content, love your sense of adventure and humour, keep it up!
I like your really humble attitude about making these huge progress in cycling, you can be proud of yourself, you are doing really really great, hope you can use Strava and have a Road Bike someday, you are going to discover a big cycling community
idk why but for some reason, i enjoy this kind of video it brings me back when i first rode my bike, and yes like you its just me and some yt tutorials
Aww congrats on your first overnight solo trip! This was awesome to watch, and as someone who is also terrified of her clipless pedals and hasn't taken her bike out yet with them because she's afraid of falling over, I relate to that content so much. I also bought myself an inexpensive tacx trainer on marketplace which I am going to use over the winter, to hopefully train myself in clipping in and out. Maybe by spring, I'll be confident enough to go out on the road like you! Love the video!
I always smile the entire time watching your videos, so much positive energy! And when it comes to a bike upgrade, a lot has been said, but you have to ask yourself what do you want to do with/on your bike. Road bikes are great for that feeling of lightness and speed. You can do bikepacking on them, but it will be difficult to mount a rack etc., so you would need to get bikepacking bags and light camping gear. Gravels offer more freedom - freedom to choose your path (within reason), deal with bad roads and city infrastructure. They can offer more comfort and better options when it comes to bikepacking. So really, as all salespeople would say, we need to know your needs and wants before we can offer advice.
I remember when my wife demanded for some clipless pedals/shoe as she thinks it would make her a proper ‘cyclist’. She used it the very next day with little practice on an 80km gravel bike ride with me. She fell 6 times just like a tree falling slowly 😂. Good thing it was all on soft trail and grass. A few weeks later we had a 3 day gravel bike packing trip which is still my most memorable ride in my 15 years of cycling and racing. Keep it up! I love your positivity, it is very contagious.
Great video and congratulations on your first solo bikepacking trip. The new bike bug has bit, you're officially a cyclist like the rest of us. The proper number of bikes is n+1, you cannot resist the urge. Great job on the clipless pedals, I got my cousin to learn how to use them at the ripe old age of 49 and after a spill or two he loves them. Can't wait to see where the adventures take you.
Great content and love the positive attitude 👍 one piece of gear I recommend to any cyclist that rides on tarmac is to consider getting the Garmin Varia. Its a rear radar light combo that alerts you when vehicles are close by on your bike computer or mobile phone. Its saved my butt a few times already and I never ride without it. Safe travels!
So firstly your videos are beautifully edited. The GcN crew are amazing and you are so likeable and charming. I didn’t even skip through the sponsor bit 🎉
this is gonna sound so weird coming from a stranger on the internet but I'm so so proud of you for putting yourself out there and carrying on so huge well done
I'm try to learn english and i really love your channel. The way that you speak and do your videos it's interesting and joy; helps me to thaugh new words and have a relaxing time. Thank you so much!! Biking i'ts the best :D
Hi Makari! First video I ever watched from your channel was cycling for 30 days and now you are on your first ever clipless pedal ride! Awesome! I also struggled and was nervous when I first tried clipless pedal. And I think making the tension in the pedals less made it easier to dismount and avoid falls. I also try to dismount with my dominant foot which is my right foot. And lastly, I try to move forward from the saddle when dismounting so I don't have to tip toe and cramp. Hahaha. Keep on cycling! Gravel bike suggestion would be a Giant Revolt. Cheers!!!
Makari congrats on your first solo bikepacking trip, as well as on 100k! Your videos are such an inspiration, I love the angles you choose and your editing! :)
One of us, one of us, one of us! btw getting a cycling computer and planning routes using strava or something similar is much better than using google maps. To many more 2 wheeled adventures!
I always struggled with clipless pedals. I recently switched to magnetic (mag) pedals and absolutely love them. They give you that "locked in" feeling clipless does, but so much easier to get out of especially in a critical situation (me falling... again). Sure, they weigh a little more, but a pleeb like me who has 99 problems while cycling, a little extra weight isn't one of them. Great Job
Congratulations on more milestones! This may have all clicked for you by now, but just in case, I'd like to share how I clip in and out, and mount and dismount. I know some cyclists may differ from me, so don't take this as the definitive method; it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with and how you feel stable. (I'll be referring to dominant and non-dominant legs. I'll also be referring to pedal position: 0 degrees is pedal at the top, 90 is pedal toward the front, 180 is pedal at the bottom, 270 is pedal toward the back.) Mounting/clipping in/standing start: Position your dominant side pedal anywhere between about 70 to 180 degrees. Stand on the non-dominant side of your bike while hold both brakes. Swing your dominant leg over the bike and clip in that foot. Bring that pedal to about 70 degrees. With the brakes held, you can rely on your hold of the bike for stability as you're on your non-dominant leg. Transfer your weight onto your dominant leg as you release the brakes until you're standing on the pedal (if you can also push yourself forward against the ground with your non-dominant foot, this will help you gain momentum). With your weight on your dominant pedal (pedal at 180 degrees), clip into your non-dominant pedal and take a few standing pedal strokes before sitting. Dismounting/unclipping/stopping: While still moving, stand up out of the saddle with your weight on your dominant leg. Slow down and unclip your non-dominant foot. As you approach your stop, lower your non-dominant foot to a few inches above the ground. (You should still be off the saddle.) Plant your non-dominant foot on the ground as you come to a complete stop. While still holding the brakes and weight now transferred to your non-dominant leg, unclip your other foot and swing that leg over the bike. As for a bike recommendation, I'd say stick with your current bike for a while longer unless there are critical problems with it (like it's too big or too small for you). Give it some time to discover what aspect of cycling really draws you in. Do you love riding on smooth pavement? Do you love exploring on lesser-known paths, maybe even off pavement? Do you want to go fast at the expense of some comfort, of go far at the expense of some speed?
New road bike or gravel bike… What do we think? 🤔
And of course, get your free LMNT sample pack with any purchase here: DrinkLMNT.com/makari
Road
Get a new road bike
nah go gravel its more versatile and if need be you could just get another road wheel set
I would suggest an all-road or endurance bike. But if you want to use it mainly everyday gravel is my choice.
Go for a gravel or endurance bike, not a full-on race bike, as these will be more comfortable on longer rides. Gravel bikes will usually allow you to fit wider tires, and will also have more attachment points.
As for bikes, I love my Giant Defy, it's a great all-rounder and really comfy. You can also look at the Revolt, which is Giant's gravel bike. And they also have a women-specific brand, called Liv, which might be an option as well.
And, almost more important than a new bike, get a proper, full bike-fit before and after getting the bike. Before to make sure you get the right size, and after to adjust it to fit you perfectly (saddle height and setback, stem length, handlebar height, etc).
You're doing amazingly well Makari - well done. Glad our videos have helped a little.... ❤
AAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! STOP!!!!!!
THANK YOU.
I will fly to the UK tomorrow to be in 5 seconds of your next video.
@@makariespethe fangirling is crazy 😭
I would love to see a collaboration with Manon and Makari about the bikepacking for beginners.
Sis has become a cyclist. A $15k bike is only a matter of time.
LOL
She's become a cyclist not a dentist that rides on Sunday only.
She found GCN. No turning back now.
Only one bike?
@@zedddddfula sponsor will pick her up
the falling in love with the gcn channel is one of the most important steps in a cyclist's journey
Couldn't agree more
Wait until she discovers Berm Peak and sees what he does. O.o
That guy makes newbies feel so welcome though!
Or the vegan cyclist
@@kaitlynbuquoi7132 I'm excited for her to find Francis Cade (Cade Media), He is currently doing a 1000 mile bikepacking trip through south western india. great content
100% agree both the main CGN and the CGN tech channels are the best
Hi, I am a cycling coach from NZ and I been getting into bike packing myself recently. One thing I have noticed is that you stay on your seat when you stop, try pulling forward when you stop so you can have 2 feet flat on the ground and spend some time riding of your seat its a super helpful skill. I also learnt the hard way bike packing is a slog, try balance the weight of the gear across your bike, it feels so much better to ride :) Thanks for making cool content
This!!!
I came to say this, but this great individual already did.
omg newzealander wooooooooooooooooo
Adding to this: not moving, put one leg at the lowest point (think 6 o'clock), scoot your butt forward so you're over your top tube and not on your saddle, other foot goes on the ground. Try it holding onto something first/have a friend hold your front wheel and handlebars really stable while you try this. And in flat pedals/tennis shoes is easier. Try this on both sides. Not moving. And then try starting and stopping, very slowly. Again on both sides.
This boosted the confidence of the 4-6 year olds I coached last summer because then they knew they could stop easily and with less risk of falling. Remember, baby steps!
Dear Makari,
This is your subscriber from Belarus writing to you. I rarely leave comments under videos, but in this case, I couldn't pass by. Thank you so much for continuing to open up the world of travel and bicycles for people like me. I am constantly in awe of Canada's nature and your beauty. Excellent video! After watching it, I have a strong desire to try something similar, though I first need to get my own bike. Thank you for your videos, and keep up the great work.
Hey thanks for taking the time to leave a comments, I really appreciate it! :) And thank you for the kind words!
Tell me you're Canadian without telling me you're Canadian...:
"I learned to ride with clipless pedals in hockey pants..."
😂
As a cyclist and hockey player I love that part at 1:49 😂❤
MTB kit can be just as protective and is usually better ventilated - quite a few of my team use it for ball hockey rather than ice kit to reduce overheating.
Another ‘safe’ way to practice clipping in/out would be if you had a trainer as they hold the bike securely for; click, twist free, click, twist free, click, can be picked up for cheap through ebay/marketplace and you can be introduced to the wonderful world of online cycling too!
Road bike, Gravel bike, next one to be a hardtail mtb, then a full-squish? 🎉
The ratio of bikes you need vs you already have is always n+1 !
I just have to say that since I saw the recommendation for your channel, everytime I watch one of your videos I feel happier, more motivated and adventurous at the same time. You're a natural at this (logging you r life's adventures and firsts at things) and one of the people I love to follow here.
And BTW, now you can consider yourself a hardcore biker! Once you start bikepacking, there's no going back... ❤🎉👏
And congrats on the 100k subs milestone! 🥳🥳👏👏
Hey thanks for all of the kind words Alex!! I really appreciate it :)
Same! I always think "should I start doing that?" 🤔
The best advice my coach gave me when I was learning to ride clipless was to sit in a doorway and hold on to the door. And then just clip in and out about a billion times to get comfortable with the muscle memory, then just ride around on flat ground and keep clipping in and clipping out. I am a competitive mountain biker and I've only turtled once in the year and a half I've been using clipless. ❤❤❤❤
You`re the only person who can make me watch a video about bikes. Keep up the good work Makari! ❤
awe thank you!
I just don’t want this series to be over. You're doing amazingly well!
"I've never been a cool adventure person", that quote runs deep with me.
Hello,
I'm a long time cyclist from Australia. Been racing (road, mountain and track) and clipped into my pedals since I was 12 and I've had my fair share of falls when I was learning. Watching you get into cycling has brought a smile to my face so many times.
My advice based on your struggles when coming to a stop.
1. Unclip one foot early. Change to an easier gear that you'll be able to start in easily.
2. Put your other foot at 6 O'clock and stand up (on that leg) out of the saddle.
3. Lean the bike ever so slightly to one side (your unclipped foot) and stand on that foot.
4. When you get moving again put the still clipped foot around 2 O'clock. This is a good position of power and this way you get a good pedal stroke in to start rolling while you stress about with your other foot.This way you'll only have to reclip one foot.
It can be much harder on hills because you don't get much rolling distance. Practice this start technique (like you were on the grass. Stop, clip in, ride 10m, stop, repeat over and over) until its muscle memory and you can get your foot in almost every time first time without looking. That will really help with hill start
As for bike selection, an endurance bike like a Giant Defy or Cervelo Caledonia (I had one of these, excellent bike), with wider tyres is great for bike-packing and predominantly road cycling but with the right tyres could do gravel and will have a lot of attachments.
A Gravel bike would work equally as well but feel slightly more sluggish on the road. I can't see you racing a crit any time soon so that probably isn't a huge issue.
Equally as good would be getting either of those kidns of bikes and just having 2 sets of wheels (gravel and road).
I used to race with someone who has gone semi-pro and her current team rides Liv (a womens specific brand) and she swears by them. Have a look at their gravel and endurance bikes. They may be harder to get second hand though.
Lastly, when you get a bike get a bike fit. You don't want to find yourself injured down the road.
Keep doing you and having fun, your videos are a joy to watch.
Loving and appreciating these helpful comments!
Makari! Haven't seen you since high-school - we will ignore that it's almost been 10 years since graduation 😳 - LOVE that you came back to doing videos (was always amazed at how good you were in school 😂). This video is so inspiring ♡ very much looking forward to the next one!
You are awesome! Bike packing and touring is the best! No mistake but learning about yourself and what you are capable of in the future of travelling by bike. Clipless pedals are the best. Glad you tried them. We're in our mid and late sixties and just finished a 7 week 8 country tour on a fully loaded tandem bike from Zurich, Switzerland to Venice, Italy. You go girl the world awaits you!!!❤
I've been following your path from Video 1. And its so cool to see you evolve into the person you want to be, and truly inspire me to do the same. Its like, yeah.. I can try that too. Thinge I've always envisioned myself being but never having the guts to do it. And your process to get it done, the months and months of prior training and commitment to different project. Kuddos! Mad respect for you, little sis! 💛
These videos are great, I've been racing since '86 and in the bike industry since '94... your insights on learning new parts of the craft and your courage to try is exactly what new riders need to see. I always tell my customers that nobody IS good at this stuff, you GET good at this stuff. Thanks for putting it out there!
Not just hockey pants but old school hockey pants! I love it!
‘Old things die hard’. The whole hockey bag survived the decluttering process 😂❤️
Yes GCN! A Makari and Hank collab would be just the kind of positive energy the world needs ❤
that would be the best day of my life 😂
GO! And keep going. Adventure is life. And learning. Clipping gets easier. Camping gets better. Great job!
The fact that you are already doing your first solo bikepacking trip after just a few months is super impressive and inspiring. And that's coming from kind of a "cool adventure person" - but it took me years of adventures with friends to have the confidence to go on a solo trip.
Also unpopular opinion: flat pedals with trail runners are superior for bikepacking. At least on longer trips where you sometimes leave the bike behind to explore a city on foot or hike up a mountain.
I love your videos and I can’t wait until life brings me back to Vancouver Island ❤️🙏🏼 so beautiful. Great job on your adventure!!!
Great video, you're progressing really quickly ! Clipless pedals take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, they're amazing.
One piece of advice, get off the saddle before you come to a complete stop, and when you get going, that way you can have your whole foot on the ground instead of just the tips. It'll help massively witth stability.
Came here to say this. Advice is valid for clips or flats. Practice 'track stands' with your flat pedals (search youtube for tutorials), this will help with your low speed balance and confidence standing on the pedals, hopefully move to confidence with being unseated and un clipping.
@@Bithu I'm not good at trackstands, personnally, never really had good balance like that. But riding a motorcycle has helped me with low speed balance a lot ! However, I don't think I will ever be able to just stay seated/clipped-in at a traffic light...
But yeah, first thing is to learn to get started and come to a stop out of the saddle, just makes it so much easier to get your feet down.
If it makes you feel any better I fell at an intersection around about 15 cars because I could clip out and completely embarrassed myself but now you do it without thinking! Keep it up.
Hello, I think even if you don't notice it, you got the face of happiness that cycling usually gives along with the wonderful sense of freedom and personal achievement. many congratulations, you graduated with a master's degree in happiness.
I'm a grumpy old cyclist that has fallen for your channel. Great fun. Well done and so cool to see you enjoying your bike so much
I’m soooo thankful someone else documented how difficult learning clipless pedals are… I fell so many times and my cyclist boyfriend made it seem like learning is EASY 😭
I have been bikepaking my whole life (thanks mum and dad!), multiple weeks at the time. My current bike, which I highly recommend, is a Genesis Tour de Fer (+ vaude or Ortlieb bags, Ortlieb is better). It comes fully equipped with high-end components for bikepaking, mudguards, front and back light dynamo system. Loved the video!
YOU DID HIT THE 100K LETS GOOOO
WOOO!!
i still remember seeing a video and i thought just from the quality that this is a 500k+ channel EASILY and she was just at 25k. we're seeing the growth of an amazing channel live
It helps to come forward off the saddle then step 'down' off the pedal with one foot whilst still standing over the bike. That way you can get your balance first and then fully dismount.
Then do the reverse to get back on.
Your video made me smile. Great to see to accomplish this goal, awesome work.
SPD pedals were the right choice. Awesome to see another person enjoying the cycling journey.
Good on you for getting out there on a bike and doing an overnight ride . My partner and i started small , now bikepacking is our preferred holiday. We love riding rail trails and quiet gravel routes .
Another option which we do is to take less stuff and just stay in motels. Your load to carry is much lighter which allows you to ride further, and mostly you get a better night sleep . So many bikepacking routes to explore
It has been so wonderful to see your biking journey in your videos! You should be so proud of yourself for facing your fears and trying bikepacking and clipless shoes! Hope to see more bike updates in the future
An inspiration!! A queen among us all. Well done Makari ❤🚴🏻♀️
This is amazing! It always fills me with lots of happiness when people discover the beauty of cycling, in whatever shape or form that may be for them. Very inspirational and keep up the positive vibes!
I love your sense of fun and adventure. Every video carries this - they are always a joy!
You're SO inspirational, and I bet you felt incredibly accomplished! Cycling is always type two fun for me. its work on the way out, fun at the destination, and rewarding on the way home. Keep the content coming, you're awesome!
I love how this series shows the major changes you can make overtime just starting small. Keep it up!
I'm glad you're getting to explore your "cool adventure person" self and are sharing it with us!
Wow, very impressive! I've been obsessed by cycling for 5 years now, have a decent level of fitness and done tons of cool rides, but solo bikepacking scares me. You're very brave and a big inspiration for me, thank you!
Awesome! You're more brave then most people. I didn't do my first solo bikepacking trip until this year. And I have been doing it for several years now. Major Kudos to you. Keep it up and way to push yourself!
Your vids renews my love for cycling, and Im pretty sure it really helps new cyclists as well. Keep up the good work 😊
nice! no matter what anyone tells you, bike packing (biking in general) is a ride what ya got that makes you comfortable kind of thing. like no one really needs clipless pedals - if they work for you, great. if they don't work for you, rock those flats on any bike any place. applies to all gear decisions IMHO.
Despite what you might think from social media, bikepacking is a stinky grind. An awesome, fun, and rewarding... stinky grind. If you're hauling enough clothes, etc to be as clean and comfy as you are when car camping you're probably hating how heavy it is.
Hi Makari! We took a cycle study trip to Utrecht, Netherlands and it changed my life! The cycle culture there is out of this world and it's just amazing to see how deeply ingrained cycling is in their daily lives. You might want to try it! It changed my perspective on cycling and made me realize that it doesn't have to be a sport or anything - it's meant to be simple and you shouldn't have to overthink it!
Oh my god that sounds so fun!!
@@makariespe the cycle study tour we went to was specifically for designers and engineers (more on cycle infrastructure design, etc.) since I work in that industry but I know they offer other cycle tours that are more leisurely and takes you to various beautiful sites there! We cycled EVERYWHERE (at an easy pace, I might add), non-stop for 2 days to immerse in the experience.
So exciting!! Makari, you might need a crew to accompany you! 😉 ❤
the fact that you made the ending look dramatic is appreciable
it feels nice to watch your videos
give yourself a pat on the back
cause you made a subscriber from all the way from Bangladesh.
Wow. I'm really impressed. To go from a tech job worker to now making your own videos and doing things that some of us dream of is great. Also you have a great support system. Thank you for sharing your dad on the podcast as well. I have really enjoyed it.
You’re the coolest adventure person! Your videos are a joy to watch and inspire me to get out of my comfort zone 😊
I am going to be honest. I have been watching your content for a few months now. I never realised that you lived in BC until I saw the flag in the furry. Then suddenly so many things made sense. Now all streets became familiar. I am like "oh wow I have been there, I know that". Great to see someone making cool contents in my local area. Love your content
I got tearful at the end of this video. Your words and the images reminded me of my early days of riding, of that joy and accomplishment that comes with conquering a fear with rugged independence. I felt those same emotions you felt in your current stage of cycling (amazement, wonder, accomplishment, relief), and you reminded me of my first moments on the bike with those feelings. It brought joyful tears to my eyes and inspired me to get out on the bike for an adventure this weekend, even if it is cold.
In any case, great work! Love the videos! Can't wait to see your next cycling adventure.
Love to see others fall in love with the sport I love so much. Such a motivational video keep it up 💪💪
IT IS SO NICE TO SEE YOU THIS HAPPY!!!!!!!
The vibes are always positive, even when you're unsure of yourself or your situation. Please don't change anything about yourself or your video making process!
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Loved watching you learn to ride clipless on the grass in hockey pants. Simply brillant!!
What an inspiring video! Thank you for putting it all together 💪
Gooooooood for you… from a life long pedaler!! So happy for you and I soooooo admire your courage!
So proud of you! Struggling up a hill is worth it because afterwards you can feel the pure, childlike joy of riding downhill. Maybe that works as a metaphor as well?
1000000% going to see a Bike Upgrade video soon 😂. Excited to see it though
😆
Great video Makari! 🙌
I really had a bad day, but watching your video was worth getting through today. Thank you! I really like your videos.
You did an amazing job for your very first bike packing trip! Looking forward to more to come! ❤
Respect for learning to go clipless 2 days before the trip. Despite what GCN says, personally I stick to flat pedals. But kudos to you and your first trip!
Actually GCB tested flat vs clipless and found minimum difference in speed The choice is more a personal one, and to me clipless makes it so much more comfortable and always keeps your feet in the correct position. But personal indeed!
To me it seems pointless for leisure trip. I understand competitions, but for just riding to enjoy the view and road, doesn't seem really worth it. My husband actually has pedals that are half clip-half flat and love the options, but we never did actually use the clip version, even though we pedaled around 1000km on EuroVelo trips (Europe) a few years in a row (sometimes more).
@@Joppie86 I tried clipless when doing longer rides, you’re right to say it made very little difference performance wise. Being attached to the pedals made it rather unstable for me during steeper climbs, especially carrying a load on my bike. With flats, I don’t have to worry about falling with the bike if it did topple over when climbing. Maybe it’s just me 🙂↕️
these videos are judt so fun to watch, love the positivity
I love bikepacking and it takes alot of courage to go alone. I am so excited for you. I hope you do it again soon and bring a new friend to try it. Also don’t be afraid to walk your loaded bike up hills when riding is too tough. We all do it and there’s no shame in walking. Way to go with the new shoes too!!! I often switch back to flats for bikepacking so it’s more comfortable to explore and hike around camp and town.
Congrats!
If you're open to a suggestion--clipless will feel a lot less awkward on the mount/dismount if you straddle your top tube (rather than rest on the seat) when you clip in and out. That way you don't need to balance on your toes side to side (because the top tube is lower than the seat) and you can just transfer your weight back after clipping in your first shoe.
For bicycles recommendations, it depends on what you're into. If you're looking for more bike camping/exploring, consider something with an internal hub and belt drive system (like a Priority Apollo), they need less maintenance and cleaning. They're slower though.
You're SO BRAVE for solo bikepacking your first time while ALSO camping and wearing clipless for the first time in the wild!! I did my first bikepacking trip this summer but to be honest it was more of a bicycle touring experience and I approached it very conservatively. It was a week but we stayed in hotels every night and mostly went out to eat, also it's a very popular route so there was plenty of cyclist infrastructure and other cyclists around in case anything happened and I went with my partner so I wasn't alone.
Also lol at the GCN rabbit hole, the same thing happened to me, might be a bit in love with Hank tbh.
Makari! I Love This! I discovered your channel whilst solo bike packing for the second time, and watched one of your videos per night in my little tent to calm the woman-alone-in-a-tent nerves!! Love your content, love your sense of adventure and humour, keep it up!
Let us know when you fall. It's part of the ✨️Clipless Experience ✨️
Amazing smiles!!!! So good to see it!
I like your really humble attitude about making these huge progress in cycling, you can be proud of yourself, you are doing really really great, hope you can use Strava and have a Road Bike someday, you are going to discover a big cycling community
idk why but for some reason, i enjoy this kind of video it brings me back when i first rode my bike, and yes like you its just me and some yt tutorials
Aww congrats on your first overnight solo trip! This was awesome to watch, and as someone who is also terrified of her clipless pedals and hasn't taken her bike out yet with them because she's afraid of falling over, I relate to that content so much. I also bought myself an inexpensive tacx trainer on marketplace which I am going to use over the winter, to hopefully train myself in clipping in and out. Maybe by spring, I'll be confident enough to go out on the road like you! Love the video!
I always smile the entire time watching your videos, so much positive energy! And when it comes to a bike upgrade, a lot has been said, but you have to ask yourself what do you want to do with/on your bike.
Road bikes are great for that feeling of lightness and speed. You can do bikepacking on them, but it will be difficult to mount a rack etc., so you would need to get bikepacking bags and light camping gear.
Gravels offer more freedom - freedom to choose your path (within reason), deal with bad roads and city infrastructure. They can offer more comfort and better options when it comes to bikepacking.
So really, as all salespeople would say, we need to know your needs and wants before we can offer advice.
I remember when my wife demanded for some clipless pedals/shoe as she thinks it would make her a proper ‘cyclist’. She used it the very next day with little practice on an 80km gravel bike ride with me. She fell 6 times just like a tree falling slowly 😂. Good thing it was all on soft trail and grass.
A few weeks later we had a 3 day gravel bike packing trip which is still my most memorable ride in my 15 years of cycling and racing.
Keep it up! I love your positivity, it is very contagious.
Great video and congratulations on your first solo bikepacking trip. The new bike bug has bit, you're officially a cyclist like the rest of us. The proper number of bikes is n+1, you cannot resist the urge. Great job on the clipless pedals, I got my cousin to learn how to use them at the ripe old age of 49 and after a spill or two he loves them. Can't wait to see where the adventures take you.
Great content and love the positive attitude 👍 one piece of gear I recommend to any cyclist that rides on tarmac is to consider getting the Garmin Varia. Its a rear radar light combo that alerts you when vehicles are close by on your bike computer or mobile phone. Its saved my butt a few times already and I never ride without it. Safe travels!
Wow! Good to know!!
So firstly your videos are beautifully edited. The GcN crew are amazing and you are so likeable and charming. I didn’t even skip through the sponsor bit 🎉
this is gonna sound so weird coming from a stranger on the internet but I'm so so proud of you for putting yourself out there and carrying on so huge well done
I'm try to learn english and i really love your channel. The way that you speak and do your videos it's interesting and joy; helps me to thaugh new words and have a relaxing time. Thank you so much!!
Biking i'ts the best :D
I love yours and your dads relationship, it's so wholesome
So good! Way to overcome your fear and thanks for sharing your adventure!
Thanks for watching! :)
Hi Makari! First video I ever watched from your channel was cycling for 30 days and now you are on your first ever clipless pedal ride! Awesome!
I also struggled and was nervous when I first tried clipless pedal. And I think making the tension in the pedals less made it easier to dismount and avoid falls. I also try to dismount with my dominant foot which is my right foot. And lastly, I try to move forward from the saddle when dismounting so I don't have to tip toe and cramp. Hahaha.
Keep on cycling! Gravel bike suggestion would be a Giant Revolt. Cheers!!!
Let’s go!!! LMNT sponsorship 🔥🔥🔥 you’re killing it + I’m SO proud of you xx
Heck yeah! You'll be doing multi-week tours in no time! Welcome to the club!
Makari congrats on your first solo bikepacking trip, as well as on 100k! Your videos are such an inspiration, I love the angles you choose and your editing! :)
Hey thank you! I appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos :)
This is so full of yes! Congrats!
You brave girl! Mad respect
Long-time bike commuter and bike camper. I'm loving that we get to watch your growth into the cycling world.
Fantastic 1st bikepacking trip, solo too! Keep it up! Fantastic video and channel. Yes of course I'm a subscriber!
Great video. Thanks for saying and doing the things I worry about.
as always, a great video with lots of beautiful landscapes. enjoyed it!
Super happy about the upload. Love your style and your humor!
One of us, one of us, one of us! btw getting a cycling computer and planning routes using strava or something similar is much better than using google maps. To many more 2 wheeled adventures!
I always struggled with clipless pedals. I recently switched to magnetic (mag) pedals and absolutely love them. They give you that "locked in" feeling clipless does, but so much easier to get out of especially in a critical situation (me falling... again). Sure, they weigh a little more, but a pleeb like me who has 99 problems while cycling, a little extra weight isn't one of them. Great Job
YES, GIRLIE! I was so happy when you were able to ride down those big ole hills you had to slog up the day before!
Agree!!!
Congratulations on more milestones!
This may have all clicked for you by now, but just in case, I'd like to share how I clip in and out, and mount and dismount. I know some cyclists may differ from me, so don't take this as the definitive method; it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with and how you feel stable.
(I'll be referring to dominant and non-dominant legs. I'll also be referring to pedal position: 0 degrees is pedal at the top, 90 is pedal toward the front, 180 is pedal at the bottom, 270 is pedal toward the back.)
Mounting/clipping in/standing start: Position your dominant side pedal anywhere between about 70 to 180 degrees. Stand on the non-dominant side of your bike while hold both brakes. Swing your dominant leg over the bike and clip in that foot. Bring that pedal to about 70 degrees. With the brakes held, you can rely on your hold of the bike for stability as you're on your non-dominant leg. Transfer your weight onto your dominant leg as you release the brakes until you're standing on the pedal (if you can also push yourself forward against the ground with your non-dominant foot, this will help you gain momentum). With your weight on your dominant pedal (pedal at 180 degrees), clip into your non-dominant pedal and take a few standing pedal strokes before sitting.
Dismounting/unclipping/stopping: While still moving, stand up out of the saddle with your weight on your dominant leg. Slow down and unclip your non-dominant foot. As you approach your stop, lower your non-dominant foot to a few inches above the ground. (You should still be off the saddle.) Plant your non-dominant foot on the ground as you come to a complete stop. While still holding the brakes and weight now transferred to your non-dominant leg, unclip your other foot and swing that leg over the bike.
As for a bike recommendation, I'd say stick with your current bike for a while longer unless there are critical problems with it (like it's too big or too small for you). Give it some time to discover what aspect of cycling really draws you in. Do you love riding on smooth pavement? Do you love exploring on lesser-known paths, maybe even off pavement? Do you want to go fast at the expense of some comfort, of go far at the expense of some speed?
congrats! remember the times i saw your first biking videos, now you're bikepacking and all. really dived deep into bikes lol
Congrats Makari! You turned into a pro!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 Nothing is impossible, you are very inspiring 😊