65... and back on the bike
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- A film about the beauty and simplicity of bike travel, seen from the perspective of a pilgrim soul, and set against the backdrop of a 32-day roundtrip on the bike from Antwerp (Belgium) into Germany and back (2.350km). Although following more or less the chronological order of the journey it's not a travel journal as such, but focuses more on the inner experience of being on the road and on the interesting encounters with people along the way.
Intended to be the first in a series of more films to come, please subscribe if you wish to be notified of new releases in the future.
Can't believe bike vlog narration can be this good. So beautifully written.
Thank you! That's why it's called a film and not a vlog 😊
Beautiful!!! As a bicycle tourist since 1983, I agree with all you said about bike touring. When crossing large open spaces across mountains, plains, and deserts, a bicycle tourist can feel the actual shape of the land as it makes a lasting impression on you. It is like making your own map, tucked away inside you. Hard to explain, but you develop a feel for what you have slowly crossed, and it stays with you for many years. Every once in a while those sweet visions from the front of your bike suddenly reappear. And that moment is worth the struggle against wind, rain, and cold. Great video, thank you.
Thank you Mike ! That's beautifully said and I agree completely. I might quote you in my next film... 😀
Wow, that was old-school, fantastically old-school. And slow, also in the best way. The storytelling, the cycling, the attitude - slow. The whole movie says: Breathe and ride and enjoy your ride! And as a bonus: your self-made music. Great. Thanks a lot - et bon voyage 🙏
Thank you for your comment, Karsten, which captures exactly the message I intended to convey. You nailed it there!! 🙃
Indeed, good old silver school, the pace is great, slow go, focusing mostly on the present moment. It is very unique nowadays (mostly dopamine and fear driven societies).
A wonderous journey... I've just turned sixty-two and I haven't ridden much in the past ten years. I wondered if I still had it in me however your video is just what I needed. I have grandchildren that are riding now and I would love to share the road with them. Thank you so much for making this and sharing. Wonderful!
Thank you ! I think if you have had it in you it'll still be there, no matter your age. It's not the endurance of the body which makes a journey wonderous, it's the openness for discovering what's around the next bend and the willingness to surrender to a certain degree of adventure . So I'd say let your grandchildren take you in tow and enjoy..! 😊
Thank you so much for taking me on this adventure of yours. I have fond memories of my riding days. I started riding when I was a child where I rode to school every day. I miss it. I miss the freedom of setting your own pace and going where you want to go. Now with young kids and work I rarely have the freedom to do what I like. I look forward to the day when I'm free to be on my own and riding again. Your video gives me the courage to even contemplate such journey since it's been 25+ years since I rode regularly. When I lived in Taiwan, I remember skipping school to ride to the city for fun. Got in trouble with school and parents of course but the ride was what I remembered. When I moved to Texas, I would ride to my friend's house many miles away. I miss riding. I wish you good health and many happy/safe kilometers ahead. - Bothell, WA USA
Sometimes life presents us with different priorities for a while, doesn't it? I have known that as well in the past. But always it ended up somehow circling back to the bike. Might happen to you too. Maybe.... Thank you for watching...! 😊
I enjoyed watching your journey because there was a sense of serendipity. The way you narrated slowly was complementing the steady progression of the video being filmed which depicts symphony to people you met along the way and harmony with nature even in those stormy weather. You're right that everything passes: the pilgrim gains wisdom and experience from the journey, while tourist gains temporary relief and rejuvenation from their work and fast pace lifestyle. Well done.
Thank you ! 🙏
"they got no time to smell the flowers" that hit realllyy hard....as nowadays people always and like a must to rush into anything..and you as opposed to them, really slowin down and enjoying every single moment, the scent of a wood, morning first sunlight..i envy you my friend. Keep cycling, its inspiring. regards from Indonesia ☕
thank you brother ! 😊
Make me happy to be alive and excited for what the future holds. Thank you for sharing this with us.
No worries, just be happy and follow your passion ! 😊Thanks for watching ! 👍
Thank you so much for this documentary! I’ve watched many bike traveling films but this one really impressed me. Very honest, humble and full of wisdom we all can benefit from!
Thank you ! 🙏
Wonderful and inspiring video, Eddy. Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm sixty-four, and looking forward to my first cycling adventure pretty soon! 🙏
Thank you, Alberto. Go for it, man ! 👍
Well done. Thoroughly enjoyed this video. As an older cycler myself, i share many of your attitudes and philosophies of bike travel. To be away from the urban chaos and unplugged from the world is such a treat. Life from a bike is such a simpler life. Take care, stay safe. ... Ciao
Thank you Steve 😊
That was just beautiful- and inspiring. What a gift to make this video travelogue and share your journey and your thoughts. Just thank you!
You're very welcome, Sara. The pleasure of giving and sharing is a great joy in itself. Thanks for watching 😊
What a beautiful place to ride! And now what a beautiful video to watch during the times you’re recovering and planning the next journey. Bless you for sharing. We all need this in our lives, whether on a bike or just in our minds.
Thank you Belinda ! 🙏
That was beautiful Eddy. Now you've made me start searching for touring bikes for sale. Please make more videos, you have a natural talent.
Thanks Ian ! Planning for another film sometime after my coming summer trip. Stay tuned, and enjoy those future rides... 😊
Your video is one of my favorite discoveries on UA-cam. So much there. Thoughtful. Am looking forward to seeing more of these videos from you. Thank you so much.
Thank you ! More to come later this year, after my next trip in June/July. 😊
Thank you, Eddy - clearly, this video is the result of a lot of work. I loved it! Your words of wisdom at the very end are comforting.
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks Eddy, much respect and love from Fullerton, California.
Inspiring simplicity of simply enjoying the life the way You choose. Thank You for sharing it. 🥰
What an excellent video, really enjoyed it, great story telling and some nice guitar too! Thanks for taking the time and effort to share it.
Thanks for watching ! Looks like great stuff on your channel too ! 😊
Comment and "like" deleted .. I wonder why .. is YT screwing things up again as usual?🤔
I just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head when saying that the essence of a bicycle tour lies in two words - simplicity and freedom. On a bike you're absolutely free from the stress of high fuel prices, traffic jams and tight tour schedule which kills sometimes all the joy of being on the road. On a bike you can enjoy every moment of your journey .. every place you visit, coz you have now all the time in the World to live inside your adventure .. you're free to make decisions.
Have to admit these two videos have become quite inspiring to me :))) ✌
Thank you Grey Beard. Unfortunately not all cyclists understand the freedom that comes with touring, as many tend to bring a tight touring schedule with them with a fixed destination for the night, which doesn't always leave much room for unexpected experiences. Which to some degree is understandable as some people need 'certainties' in their life, but a shame for a freedom lover like me, and as you point out indeed killing off some of the joy. And the same for simplicity. I think it all comes down to confidence in the abundance of Life.
What a lovely film. I'd love to meet you, you have such a peaceful nature. Each year I follow one of the Caminos de Santiago de Compostela and I understand exactly what you mean by being a pilgrim and simply being in nature, feeling and living it, arriving is not important, just the passage through nature.
Thank you, fellow pilgrim ! May the pathways under your feet grant you a lot of joy and satisfaction in life ! Blessings ! 🙏
You Sir know how to live...a beautiful simple approach...to actually living a life on this planet..the treasure we seek is not gold or silver, but time enjoying our fellow humans...and the beauty in-between the unnecessary struggle modern men impose upon themselves.
Thank you, Joseph ! And well said ! 🙏
Thanks for your great video. I really liked the scenery, the pace, and your philosophy. I really want to try bikepacking, and dream of trying in Europe also. Merci beaucoup, c'est très inspirant. Salutations de Montréal, Canada.
Thanks for watching, Sebastien ! I'd say go for your dream, mate ! 😊
Wonderful ride, words and video editing! And you even supply your own music! Bedankt.
Cheers, Renee
Thank you Renee !! 😊
A beautiful remarkable film capturing the essence of cycle touring, the people you meet and places you see, the narrative you create. Cathartic and melancholic. Thank you for making and sharing your observations and thoughts.
Thank you, Alex ! 😊
C'etait merveilleux. Merci beaucoup.
Merci Scott ! 😊
Thank you for the messages of peace, simplicity and enduring love for the open road.
I love the experience and was happy to hear Pierre's view on pilgrims and the way we all move on. the way of our life. Keep enjoying the way as you are doing, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching, Isabelle. Glad that you liked it. 🙏
Thank you so much for this film, it was a joy to watch! You really captured what it means to travel (and to be alive) and Pierre is now my role model.
Thank you ! 🙏
Amazing footage and lovely narrative! greetings from Brazil! keep cycling!
Thank you, Victor ! 😊
Thank you for this piece of art, Sir.
Greetings from a little village east of Hamburg.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching ! 😊
Prachtige reportage Eddy! Meer van dat!
Dank je wel !! Ah, Vlaamse van reizigers... 👍 Naast fietsreizen is vanlife ook één van de vaste waarden in mijn leven. Mooi toch hé? Stay tuned, later dit jaar volgt er inderdaad nog een fietsfilm op dit kanaal 😊
Very inspiring and I love every conversation you have with the people you meet along the way. Your narration seems to merge with the whispering nature.
That's beautifully said ! Thank you very much ! 😊
I see you've biked all over the world. Were those trips taken at separated times or was it one long adventure?
I'm leaving March for an around-the-world ride. I don't plan on returning to 'home.' It holds no meaning for me any longer.
Love the casual way you approached riding off on your adventure. Stay safe!
I quite like your channel name, brother 😆Also read the description and was touched by it. I'm sure you will find a lot of consolation during your coming world trip as bike touring is so very healing and you come across so much love and generosity from people all over the world. If you ever come near the French Pyrenees you are very welcome here, that is if I'm not on the road myself. My earlier trips that you asked about were all separate journeys, mostly of around 3 months or so, except for the USA/Canada one, which was 7 months. Good luck my friend!
👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏 - Peace, beauty and freedom. That's what this vídeo shows!
Thank you, Bruno ! 😊
thanks for bringing this ride to me in English - I have ancestors who are French, German & Belgian yet sadly I speak only English
🙏
You have both nice paths to ride, and a population that uses them. This is a very different cycling experience than in the States, where it's all about speed, competition, battling traffic on the same busy road as cars. I used to mountain bike a fair amount in the 90s; but that's been turned into endless "hey man, you've got to SEND IT over that 10 meter gap!" assertions. This is more pure.
Different parts of the world, different culture and attitudes... Yeah I'm very happy about the recent development of cyclist infrastructure in Europe over the last few decades. Hopefully that will be a contagious development in your part of the world eventually...
Excellent description of what one sees and feels when emarking on a bike trip into new landscapes.
Thanks Coen!
Nice Eddy! I feel your love for life and biketravelling. Thank you!
🙏
Very Inspiring thank you for this heartfelt and Wonderful video As I am aim to do my First Bikepacking adventure at my young at heart age of 60 in October 🚵🏼♀️🕊🌏🌞💖
Go for it, young lady ! 😊 And thanks for watching 👍
Thank you so much for this video, reminded me of when I toured on my bike when I was young and gives me hope I may do it again.
Never too late to do it again, Stephen... Thanks for watching ! 😊
I really enjoyed that, thanks.
Thank you for watching ! 😊
Simply wonderful.
Thank you Bryan ! 😀
I will visit Heinz Stücke this weekend. I hope he has time to watch your video.
Didn't know about Heinz Stücke, so looked him up and found a video on youtube about him. Absolutely legendary!! 🙏
enjoyed this very much, and i found myself toe tapping to your music. thank you.👍👍😃
Thanks Doug! I'll try to make you dancing to my next film... 😄👍
Absolutely fantastic video!!! Really enjoyed it. You have given me inspiration to go on a cycling trip (something I did a lot when I was younger - I'm not 70). Thanks for making it!!!
Thank you ! And I'd say go for it...! 😊
That was lovely Eddy, thank you!
Thanks ! 😊
So inspirational. Thanks
Felt lovely to share ur journey
Thank you ! 😊
Ride safe always!
Merci et bravo mon ami : )
Super Nice! I enjoyed so much your video! Love from Italy. Keep going Eddy!
Will do! Thank you, Simone!
Nice video. Thank u for shar🙏🙏e
Thanks !😊
love it ....following you ..🥰🥰🥰
Thanks again, brother 😊👍
Just want i needed tonight. Remembering when i rode, not so far but riding just the same.
Indeed it's the riding which is important, not the distance 🙏
An addendum to my post:
Last year I turned 80. This spring, summer, fall, I intend to get back on 9ne of three bicycles i own. Problem being, I was and still am 'a roadie' at heart. But, it was the cell phone that chased me from the roads I loved to wander along. Relegating me to cycling paths I'm afraid. So I will comply and try to find that freedom felt in my 50's and 60's. Not to much has cleared my thoughts, other than sailing. The Bike ! It was close and so easy to mount and ride. I'll look for that again for sure.
I totally enjoyed your video, well done, and thanks for sharing. I also am 65, and enjoy traveling on my bike, mostly in Scotland. But hopefully getting to the continent this year. It is difficult to video and record your trip whilst cycling, but you managed it just fine. My videos seem a bit more hectic, I like your easy going. Well done 👍
terrific story. looking forward to seeing more
Thank you Paul! Next one probably sometime in the autumn.. See you then. 😊
Hoi Eddy, ik heb er van genoten. Ik vind dat je heel mooi het gevoel van op reis met fiets hebt laten zien en hebt verwoord. Kan mij er helemaal in vinden, denk er net zo over. Groeten, Eric
Dank je wel, Eric.
Hallo I met you between Donaueschingen and Donauwört . We drove some Km together. We serparat ouer ways at a private Repairgarage. Do you remember ? Your Video is great thank you
Thanks Willy ! Of course I remember you, although I never caught your name. What a coincidence you came across my video ! Did you have a nice journey?
@@65andbackonthebike super that you remember me. I had a very good time thank you. I am dreaming of my next Trip.
The way back was with the bike and train not so easy but so I met many nice People witch helped me. I Abonieren so I do not miss your next Video.
I am a 68 year old bike rider.Please read Walden Pond by Henry David Thoreau if you haven't.A fellow kindred spirit! Great video!
Thank you Joseph! I haven't read Walden Pond, but I have read 'Living at the End of Time' from John Hanson Mitchell about his one year life in a small self built cabin not far from Walden Pond, and of course he often refers to Thoreau in his book. From this I have gathered that kindred spirit link indeed. A bike, used in a certain way, can be just like a wooden cabin in the forest a great tool to contemplate life's mysteries, isn't it? Take care, brother! 🙏
Good 👍 job. Keep pushing 💪
Thanks Roy ! Will do so.. 😊
I’m going on a bike ride
Yeeee!
Very well done my friend it was a wonderful journey you took us on thank you
Thank you ! 🙏
At first I really thought I’d have to “tough it out” after seeing how long it was, but somehow the music, pace and simplicity of it all drew me in. I thought that me being 65 would be the common ingredient, but it wasn’t in my case. I thought maybe having been a cyclist for the last 25 years would be the thread that binds me to this video, but it wasn’t. It was the message that there is no message, no sponsors, no “advice” or recommendations, no fill-in-the-blank, no high-tech over-reach. It was the embrace of the simplicity that kept me watching, and somehow absorbing it all. Wonderful.
Thank you Kevin ! 😊
Very lovely ride and super narrative! I'm 56 - started bike touring in my late thirties with my little dog. We rolled about 20,000 km together, wild camping everywhere we went. She died a year ago and I thought I'd never want to ride again without her perfect companionship, but the urge came back and it was too strong. I hopped on the old bike just before Christmas and did a little 5-day tour to see if it could still mean something to me. You are right; bike touring is addictive. It is a part of my life's fabric and necessary for evolving mindfulness and connection to all else. I will continue, as I hope you will too. Thank you for your story!
Thanks! Once you've known the full experience, the meaning of bike travel never goes away, does it? As you say it has become part of your life's fabric. So let's continue the journey! 😀
Like you I rode with my doggie. Early last summer was her last trip (she died at age 15). Now I try to get used to ride without doggie companion ...
I hope that y'all might someday find another canine companion. But they loved you, so I'm sure they'd want you to keep rolling on.
P.S. I couldn't bear it after our last dog (and hiking companion) died, and thought I couldn't go through it again. By the time I decided it was possible, it didn't seem fair to our elderly cats.
So I thought "after they pass on..." then a friend suggested we rescue a cat who desperately needed a home. Turns out she hated every other creature with fur: our remaining cat had scabs for a year, but they actually lie down each other now, so maybe... meanwhile, it's been more than a decade.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your canine companion. I have a Jack Russell and I can't imagine being without her. It crosses my mind every day. Kudos for picking yourself up and going on without your little friend.
This was an inspirational story to watch. I am very thankful for you filming, editing and sharing this with us all. I hope we get to see more of you Eddy and your cycling adventures. UA-cam needs more content like this! Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧
Thank you!
I'm 84 and I'll never ride a bike again or take a trip anywhere but your Vlog makes me know how fortunate I've been and continue to be. Thank you.
🙏 Thank you
I'm 81 and my 7 year old grandson has gotten me back on the bike, and we travel our small city's alleyways, and roadways, and bike ways, always to a park and its playground, or to the town and its ice cream store, or to our friendly and generous community bike shop "The Pedal Factory." I hope to do a smallish bike packing journey. It would be great. This very personal journal of biking, camping, and meeting new friends is rich with the joy of the journey. Thank you. Keep riding! I intend to, as well. EF
@@drpulpit Thank you, Eric ! I hope I'll still be riding when I'll be your age. Respect! 🙏
@@drpulpit Have you heard of the S24O, or Sub 24hour Overnighter? You pack up in the afternoon, usually with friends but not always, ride to your camping spot, eat, chat, admire the night sky, sleep, get up in the morning, maybe have breakfast (or find it on the way), pack, and ride home.
I think you should buy an electric bike and keep on peddling!!!❤😊
Excellent video, I enjoy every minute of it. You are an inspiration for me at this time. Last week I dug my 1991 touring bike out of the cellar with a crazy idea that perhaps this 60+ old boy might be able to have a few more tours. It needs a lot of work, but hopefully this time next year I’ll be on the roads again. I look forward to hearing about your next adventure. And I wish for you as I do for myself that in 20 years time, God willing, we’ll still find ways of having little adventures. Stay safe.
Thank you James! And I hope you will make that 'crazy' idea of yours become reality, so we might meet somewhere on the road sometime in those 20 next years 😀
Howdy, yes! Get on your old bike and do some tours. Try Rail to Trail routes here in U.S.. I am almost 70, and crossed the U.S. twice since retiring. Also bikepacked half of the Great Divide (GDMBR) route two years ago. Go slow and easy. Make new memories. Happy trails!
what a nice philosophical man Pierre is, you mad a wonderful pilgrimage good luck and thanks for taking me with you
10 minutes into this video, I subscribed and gave it a thumbs up. This is exactly what I want to do. I'm 55 this year and planning to retire to start bike touring. Unlike you though, I've little experience in cycling (I'm still doing sanity check of my intention). And being based in South East Asia, touring by bicycle in this part of the world is going to be a very challenging adventure to say the least. I just hope that I have the strength and will like you. At least watching your video has given me hope. 😅
Thank you! And go for it! Might be not so laid back cycling as it is over here in Western Europe, but you will surely encounter some nice surprises along the way. Good luck!
Hi, I just did my first tour (at age 50) , and it was around Taiwan. I started with a supported tour, as I had no experience, but I loved it and would like to do more trips. I recommend Taiwan as a destination with a good bike culture. Good luck to you ❤
Back on a bike myself almost your age. Tour Cycling would be nice if I wasn't afraid of drivers .. good luck stay safe 😊
What a wonderful video! I'm a few years older than you and because of family responsibilities I'll probably never get to do what you just did. But when I'm on my bike I ride with the same joy! Unfortunately here in New Jersey we don't have the cycling paths you have in Europe and it gets tiresome dealing with cars but I still ride because that's when I'm happiest. Thank you again for such a great video!
Thanks Doug ! Continue to be happy on your bike ! 😊
One of the nicest touring vedios I have ever seen. I am still riding at 67 but not as far as I once did. I have ptsd. I got back on my bike at 57 after considering giving up on life. I he bike has saved my life and gives me meaning. Your gentle kind demeanor the upbuilds and is appreciated. Please continue. Why not start a patron account. I would send some money to help you. Thanks, Mike from Michigan USA
Thank you Mike ! Keep on riding...
Beautifully done Eddy. I always found I was a better more relaxed person whilst travelling on my bike. I met lovely people, and was given shelter and food at the most random of places. My simple one man tent and basic needs, acceptance of wind, rain and sun all add up to making a better person.
Indeed so... Thank you 🙏
Super interesting. I enjoy the narrative very much. 👍🏻 I can relate to many of the feelings you share 🤘🏻
Thanks Jo!
Thank you for such a beautiful presentation of your journey. Simplicity and Sobriety says it all. I am also a long distance bicycle rider that finds the simple things in life are a breath of fresh air. Thanks again, remain awesome always, Steve
Thank you Steve! 🙏
Glad I found this film! I'm a cyclist too (about the same age). Not considering myself a pilgrim, nor a tourist, just a cyclist. Pedaling the bicycle and camping, that's the way to see the fine details of the land. Always starting right from home now for six years I am still busy 'exploring' the Netherlands.
Goed bezig, Inge. Geniet ervan! 👍
So good! I put myself looking at the world through your eyes at places I’ve always wanted to see. I am 66 so we share much in common in our stage of life and love for seeing the world by bike. As an American USAF serviceman I had a chance as a younger man to glimpse the beauty found in Germany, both of humanity and geography seen there. Now living in Alaska I find myself at a crossroads, looking for new ground. My love for cycling has taken me over mountain passes throughout the mountain west back in my 30s. Your video has inspired me to both look and go farther. Thanks so much!
Thank you Bob! Keep on riding!
Hey Bob, I'm almost 70, and bikepacked half of the GDMBR at a slow touring pace two years ago. Go for it! Happy trails!
Beautiful tour and beautifully narrated. So gentle and relaxed. An easy pace.
My last dog died three years ago and I thought I would get cycling, having dabbled through my adult life.
I’ve knocked out 2,500 miles on my ebike and a lot less on my non assisted bikes. I’ve learned to slow down and savour my bike, the weather, the people, and surroundings. Your sentiments are so true.
So, I’m just about to turn 68 and feel ready for my first small tour. Thank you. One of the very best videos. 🥳
Thank you, Paul !! Enjoy your tour and keep riding mate..! 😊
I rarely comment on UA-cam or watch content as long as yours…yet I was transfixed by your film. Beautifully done. I felt so relaxed watching your journey unfold and you had such a gentle way of telling your story. May the road continue to stretch out far before you.
Thank you very much for your rare comment then, Tanja ! You probably might be a person who uses words wisely 😊As an eternal pilgrim I'm thrilled to see the road indeed stretching out endlessly far before me.... 🤩🙏
I subscribed because this is the most simplest video I've seen from a bikepacker. Looking forward on your next video.
Thank you.
Thanks Eddy for this beautiful low pace footage and your storytelling.
I really enjoyed it.
Thank you...! 😊
Your friend, Pierre, is amazing. A man of great intellect, reflection and spirituality. The best kind of friend and a treasure to find.
Indeed he is. I couldn't have explained it all better than he did. 🙏
What a delightful film ... thank you! As it happens I am 65 as well although I retired from a lifelong career 8 years ago. Three years ago I "rediscovered" bicycling and this has changed my life. It's winter in Canada now so I'm riding my bicycle virtually on Zwift but soon enough spring will come and I will be back out on the roads enjoying nature. The harpist at the end was a wonderful surprise because my mother was a classical harpist. I will think of you and your adventures Eddy this summer on my bicycle. Merci!! PS: Maybe you've heard this before but if I didn't know any better I'd say you were related to fellow traveler Michael Palin!! Good luck on your next adventure! 🚴♀🙂
I got a gravel bike during Covid @65. Last year I did the first 1,000 miles of the Tour Divide starting in Banff. Most incredible adventure for this aging athlete, really a profound sense of freedom. I too am a Zwifter in the winter. A bike really is the fountain of youth. Peace
Thank you brother! And no, nobody ever referred to Michael Palin. You're the first! 😃Enjoy your bike rides over there.. 👍
Must be nice.
I’m not going to get to retire probably.
I’m going to be writing fucking computer code till I drop.
Yes - This guy was inspiring. No fancy aerodynamic carbon fiber bike. His was a 30+ year old bike like mine and seemed to work just fine as he pedaled through that beautiful European countryside. As I watched him cycle, I thought he could pass for a much younger man. I'm thinking cycling is good for longevity. If not, cycling makes the quality of remaining days much better. I'm 66 and live West of Canada in Michigan. If the Winter continues as mild as it is, I may be able to pull the bike out of the shed any day now. Good guitar work too. I do hope things go better for @TesterAnimal1.🙂
This has been such a great story and not just another touring video. You did such a wonderful job of conveying your ethics and I appreciate your effort. Thank you for sharing your history and adventure.✌
Thanks bro!
A very enjoyable video! 👍👍I used to cycle around the Highlands and islands of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland, so I can relate to much of what you said, I'm now 67, but I still have my bike and touring kit.
Thank you Laurence! 😊
This was a magical journey. Thank you for taking me along. I enjoyed it tremendously!
Thanks for watching 😊
A lovely film! Being just a year older than you, I share your joy of getting on my bike and the freedom it brings. Here’s to many more miles on the bike.
Thank you Graham ! Let's go for it hey !
What a beautiful journey - in several senses. Thank you. 👍🏼
Thanks!
The most beautiful story I have seen told in a long, long time. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and kindness.
Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
The sense of freedom will not come from just rushing from city to city or attraction to attraction with Instagram and Tiktok in mind. Your journey is an inspiring testimony to what matters. Simply great, a thousand thanks!
You nailed it there! Well said, Olli! Thank you!
Wonderful thank You! At 58 years old you may have inspired me to return to cycling! I have always enjoyed cycling but recently felt I am getting old, your superb video has reignited a spark. Thank you and regards from Lincolnshire.😊
Thank you! I'd say: go for it young man! :-)
As a 60+ yo cycling couple my wife and I really enjoyed your video. We even recognized several places we passed while's bicycle touring around Europe for the past 17 years or so.
Thank you for sharing✌🤙
Thank you George. 👍
I loved your visit with Pierre. I wish I’d have known of him last summer when, at 70, I rode the Maas/Meuse bike route fro Maastricht to just west of Toul, FR. I was riding a loop from Aachen (where I live) via the Maas, Mosel, and Rhein then back to Aachen. An interesting evening with Pierre would’ve made the trip ever more interesting. I must’ve ridden right by him.
Yes, you 've ridden right by him indeed. He lives in Wépion just south of Namur.
We almost didn't continue watching after the first few minutes because of the less snappy editing that's typical of modern day, fast-paced social media content. But as we sat on the couch under a heated blanket in our cozy living room in January here in Fake London... We held off... And found ourselves embracing the quietness and peacefulness of this little documentary.
Now I'm here typing this comment and I feel like I've been in a meditative trance for the last hour. Great video. Watched 'til the end :)
If you ever need technical assistance with edits, cameras, etc. reach out to me!
Thank you for your comment, Ben. And I'm glad you did enjoyed it in the end. Which from an experienced editor (as I can see from your website) I take as a big compliment. This documentary was in fact one big experiment, something I had never done before and had no experience in, apart from having made 2 short experimental videos which was a whole different thing. Also it has been created with amateuristic equipment as I don't have much money to spend on expensive material. The most expensive thing has been the GoPro 8 which I offered myself for my 65th birthday to be able to shoot worthwile footage while moving on the bike. And the film has been edited on Shotcut, a free app. So now I'm just blown away by the number of views it has accumulated in such a short time, and by the many super positive comments from people all over the world. Never would have thought it possible that I would be able to convey my message in the form of a documentary that apparently is well worth watching according to so many people! I must say I do like very much the whole process, also the editing, but at the same time I know there is still so much to learn about it. So any tips and tricks would be very much appreciated, or some specific things in the documentary that could easily be improved next time... If you have the time for it.... Thanks in advance. 😊
Eddy - did you attach the camera at chest level?
@@cyclemad-e I experimented with it as I went, so sometimes I did, but sometimes I also just held it in one hand while steering with the other, which allows for sideways movements as well.
I love and agree with you & Pierre's definition of being pilgrims in life's journey. It's a wonderful metaphor, I especially enjoyed that part as well as meeting the rest of the people you saw. Looking forward to more in the series.
Thank you Warren ! More to come later this year 😊
What a lovely video, I really enjoyed it, your wealth of cycling experience and humanity shone through and you narration was perfect. As a 66 year old wanting to get back into cycling after a long period not even turning a wheel, I find you video inspiring. So one day I hope to pass you on your travels around Europe. All the Best, Big Dave Scotland
Hey Big Dave from Scotland, thanks for your nice comment, man! And go for it! Take it easy and you won't regret. 👍
I can recommend getting an e-bike as we did, to restart your bicycle life again after 8 yrs of not cycling - until your fitness returns
@@cyclemad-e My old bike has to do I'm afraid as I don't have the budget for an e-bike, but I'm glad you have got back into cycling, which ever way is possible.😁
Hello Eddy,
This is the first time I am watching 51-minute video non-stop on youtube.. This is just not a documentary but the way of life. The video making is perfectly depicting the way of life you are living.
Indeed it is. Thank you for watching the full 51 minutes! 🙏
And, I say "Wow!" also. I never expected to enjoy a self-made bike video this much. Excellent essay on biking and life. I particularly love the conversation with Pierre and his thoughts on the world..
Thank you Jim ! Well, for an experiment I must say it has turned out way far beyond my own expectations as well... 😄
Thanks Eddy. I loved your personal story and the adventure of it. Reminded me of many similar travels. Cycling puts us in touch with real things and is one of the pleasures of the slow nomadic life without too much planning and clock watching. It's been a pleasure for me watching your patient and peaceful journey. carpe diem et bon voyage mon ami.
Well said, Brian! Thank you!
Thoroughly enjoyed that - wouldn’t be out of place as a prime time tv documentary. Thanks..
Wow, that's a big compliment! Thanks! 😃