I’m a recovered alcoholic and bicycling daily is so incredibly important to me. Recently I bikepacked through a pass in the Rocky Mountains and it was the highlight of my life.
Me too dude. I was really really bad with drugs, then got myself into biking. I had a few set backs but goth there. Cycling I believe is the things that keeps me clean.
@@fellspoint9364just by leaving a comment means you want to try to stop using drugs and turn your life around if you choose to do this l won't lie to you it will be hard but in the end if you succeed it will be the best thing you could do for yourself the rewards will be immense kind regards David B
Saved my life. Was really into as a kid and then the late teens and partying became fun the got into trouble and my drug alcohol counselor asked me what I used to do as a kid and I had remembered the joys of cycling so I got another bike and haven’t looked back
Greetings from Austria. I was a homeless drug addict in the streets of vienna. This time lies 18 years behind. This year I became a catholic priest. My way out was different. I made my exams and studied theology, because prayer and faith helped me trough this times. We always search for the extremes. Found your video by searching for gravel content. 3 weeks ago I also bought a gravelbike - didn't own a bike for 29 years and I love it. Love to see others how they find back to life after such a crisis. God bless you
Wow that's amazing So you know full well how hard getting clean can be. I do believe when we clean up we do go to extremes. (my wife always reminds of that haha) I also like seeing another success story beyond the traditional (12 step) methods. I believe there are so many other means for people to discover to stay clean! thank you and I hope you enjoy your gravel bike! I have no doubt you will!
Thanks for encouraging others to pick up a bicycle instead of a needle, and save themselves from a sure slow death,I ride a bike myself all the time,I love it, keep staying active, that's a good way to deal with depression and all those other things that affect our wellness, thanks.👍
Terrific story, really encouraging. I’m on a different track, overcoming depression & anxiety. Similar discovery, that the bike is a great antidote to the poisonous nature of modern western life. Pedal on!
Wow, that's awesome i'm glad you found the bike, same for myself is why i became addicted in the first place... the drugs were just a remedy to self medicate from deeper traumas, depression, social anxiety etc so I understand how important cycling (or other non pharaceutical remedies) is to help in those times of anxiety and depression and get away from the world for a bit.
Community, connection with others is so important in recovery. People find it where it works for them; in churches, 12 step meetings, in their own families, even in rehabs. Several of my former clients in a long term rehab are now the best of sober friends and support each! Hallelujah!!
Beautiful story. Glad you are out of the old cycle and riding the healthy cycle now. I will be 17 years sober in December. I feel the pain you have been through.
What a story! Getting clean and sober is the most important thing you can ever do! Without that NOTHING else is possible!! I've been clean and sober for 32 years now and it's been amazing! Bicycling has been one of the most important parts of my life.
Just a wonderful film on cyclings impact on the human condition. I'm using cycling to connect with my son who is autistic. It's a great vehicle for him to connect with the outdoors, and it's such a positive time for us together. Man, there's just something about a bike.
That's incredible!! wow!! amazing what a bike can do heh!? it is inspiring to hear that you are using the bike to help him. There is a book i read awhile back called 'The Horse Boy' it is very similar to your story about a Dad who uses a horse to help his autistic son connect with animals the outdoors and people and is a story of his journey with that horse through amazing places and meeting people. very good book. I hope he continues with the bike another example of how they change lives
@@owenvermeulen1231 Thanks for the kind reply. Your story was moving and I couldn't stop watching. There are many out here wishing you continued success. I hope one day to be able to tell a similar story of my journey with my son. Last year he rode in an event with me. It was short route, but a huge step for him (unPAved in PA). One of my goals is to start a cycling club for fathers to get out on a bike with their autistic children and help them make that same connection. A bike, fresh air and a time to connect with you child. Why not? Happy riding! Lastly, if you're on Strava id like to follow your efforts.
Thank you for sharing your story. We have a family friend who fell into addiction on the streets of East Vancouver and passed away recently. So glad you got out and have found a channel for your exceptional talents.
Thank you, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunatly it is far to common and something I really hope to try to help change. TOO MANY great people are loosing their life to addiction so I hope that this can help even one person and try to save lives ❤❤🩹
Well done to Owen as it cannot be easy. Our son has been through a tough time and he along with his Higher Power are now coping. Its like a bad dream at the moment because we are seeing signs that our youngest grandson maybe having issues with alcohol as well. These are tough times for youngsters giving the pressures they have in todays society. If you too are suffering please talk to someone to get help.
My sister lost her life to her addictions. I heard that same story again and again in Al Anon meetings. What you've done is incredibly special and I hope you will continue to be an inspiration to many others. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Keep on pedaling.
I am so sorry for your loss. WAY TOO many people have lost and are loosing their life to addiction. I hope to at least try to save one life through this! thank you!
Because of the PANDEMIC, I saw the big problem of many people who choose to be "UNHEALTHY". Also, there's no mode of transportation except bicycles. That's why I do cycling for almost 2 years and a half now, bike to work and recreational cycling. I mean, seeing beautiful places and appreciate life. I also lost many pounds of fat that I gained during the PANDEMIC. Now, I'm lighter and I'm doing great for my health.
I too am in recovery, back in 2007 I got hey racing my dirt bike and of coarse the dr prescribed me pain meds, and before I knew it I wasn’t racing anymore and I was fully addicted to the pills. Fast forward to present day, I’m completely off the meds and back in m 2 wheels! Thanks for this edit! It will help many people in the same situation! God bless from Tennessee
Mountain biking has been a big part of my recovery program. Yours is an inspiring story, and it takes a lot of guys to post it for the world to see. Thanks for sharing, and stay strong!
I hope your story reaches and helps many other's Owen . You made it brother !!! So happy for you ! .I couldn't imagine not having cycling in my life . ❤
Great job Owen your awesome I'm also recovering from addiction, meth and heroin junkie, cycling changed my Life and gave me purpose! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! Keep crushing it!❤
That's awesome!! Me too. Street junkie all the way, yeah all the treatment centers, recovery houses, AA, NA "traditional" forms of recovery didn't work. Cycling is the one that did. My hope is to show that cycling does have the power to end addiction as you and I are proof of that
Yo it's wild I stumbled upon this. I'm in Colombia myself, currently at an apartment in Santa Elena editing my own bikepacking journey. My journeys have been less a race and more living out in the sticks for months on end. Just me, the bike and the open world. I totally resonate with cycling saving your life. Aswell as hugely appreciating the work that went into making this video. Incredible drone shots, heartfelt authentic narration and the spirit of everything you'd want in an inspiring biking story. Legend video man!
Well done on every level, and so inspiring. Watching this made me think that you may enjoy this race - The Evolution Gravel Race is a unique 850-kilometer gravel stage race with a mandatory 12-hour stop in the middle. Running from the Ngorongoro Crater to the Swahili Coast in Tanzania, the route features long and flat stages over smooth, fast gravel as well as mountainous stages with steep climbs.
Never give UP "NEVER" that's what the enemy likes you to do. A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at. Bruce Lee Knowledge earns you power, character earns you respect. Bruce Lee How much RESPECT do you think I have for you :)))) Good to see again Laurens ten Dam the dutch rider from the old days in the TOUR Johan van der Velde Dutch ride from the old past days in the tour: search for him. Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one Bruce Lee Good day to you Owen, Charlesm Amsterdam Netherlands
@@owenvermeulen1231 I know that! I raced mountain bikes through out the ‘90’s. I tried to help my brother many times. He went through three rehabs until we got him in Dawn Farm in Ann Arbor MI. He lived there for a couple of years. He is clean with a great job, a cool wife, and two kids. I applaud you for sticking with cycling. One addiction to another though? 😉
@@bobwilson7384 That's amazing I love to hear stories from people about successes from addiction. I am so happy your brother is doing well. I wish him all the best and continued happiness. and PS if you raced MTB in the 90's thats basically gravel racing now haha. maybe just a few miles/KMs longer haha.
@@owenvermeulen1231 thanks Owen! Yes, I will share this with my brother. We used to train on road bikes and if we saw a trail we were on it! Remember, I we were on 26” wheels, I preferred full rigid. I also rode my Bike on Gravel roads often. They often had less traffic. But hey, two wheels powered by your legs, no matter what you ride is better than most anything else. Stay on the path!
cycling helped me too Owen! Started smoking weed at 17 years old and by 18 i had grown an addiction and i was smoking every single day when i reached 19 years i decided that i dont want to live like this i felt miserable and so i contacted a friend of mine and he told me, the reason you are addicted is because weed releases huge amounts of dopamine, so stopping is gonna be hard since you are gonna feel very sad once ur not under the influence of weed, but then he told me that exercise also releases dopamine and that by doing exercise i could feel happy while not under the influence and thats when i began cycling.
Great job and thanks for sharing, I spent a long long time from dusk till dawn at the end of a lonely jetty fishing to avoid the night world I had become an addicted part of, funny thing is I was a vegetarian and still am, now decades later I am attempting a car free life for mental and physical health with my bike.
Thank you for sharing your life, I relate with you on many levels. Be proud! You are a living example of inspiring perseverance, it was great learning about your story!
Cycling is especially good for recovery. Great way to reteach your body to produce the endorphins and dopamine that it forgot how to make on its own . My story is similar. Good luck Owen and stay strong.
Crazy, same story sorta but i went full blown down that rabbit hole, i hope one day i can tell my story like This 🤟 crazy to go from drugg addict to elite cyclist Myself… but the astonoushing thing was i had to detox alone by myself an started running alot which turned into hours on the feet to a massive directional change into hours on the bike, i truly get how it feels once you have been in such a dark place you dont fear the pain the heart racing the astounding thing. It is painful it is massive in suffering. I enjoy it it but after suffering off my face i know suffering in the mtb scene is amazing an racing in the upper class in elite men is fun. To be honest
That awesome man!! my sister was an olympic runner and I very well could have gone down the running route if not for major knee surgeries, cycling is low impact and thankfully for that reason we can ride until were old as dirt! haha. but exactly right once you have experience that dark place of suffering in addiction and also the detox... phew. everything else feels pretty easy!!
Am amazed by both your achievements and getting clean. I envy you, and kick myself after watching ur video several times. I ride a lot, but I also smoke a lot. Can't get rid of tge habit. Trying a lot. But still unsuccessful. Kudos to u. I hope one day, after watching ur video over and over again, something will click in my brain, ur right at 3:00 NO ONE LIKES ANY ADDICTION.
Yup, very true the addict brain is wired a bit different where we have lost the ability to choose. NOBODY wants to be addicted to anything and that is where it is hard to explain to the non addicted brain where they say "why don't you just stop?" It is so much deeper on a neurological and emotional level, but you're right sometimes something, timing, people, places, support "cycling" whatever it just clicks and we are able to end the cycle.
Owen, You said at the end of the video that you did nothing special. I disagree, You got out of addiction and became an Elite cyclist. Inspiration for everyone to get up and do whatever you want. That is Special.
Thank you so very much! I appreciate you saying that. I wanted to convey that I am nothing special in that if I can do it anyone who may be suffering can do it, My hope is to show that it IS possible to end end that cycle
My story isn’t exactly the same....I have been given everything I ever needed, starting with Love .... My first addiction was a Road bike....then it was the peace and warmth of self medicating....and they lived side by side for a time, until the drugs took over completely....then the drugs ceased to deliver what riding ALWAYS gave to me....silence in my mind, and the added pleasure of appreciating the gift of my body ...and so I’m back for years already
exact opposite here. when I was racing 10yrs ago I was drinking a full bottle of liquor every other day over a long time average. yes, a 750ml of Jameson or vodka every 48hrs. week in and week out. never made the same power numbers again. im 33 now sober and vegan and still look back to then about my peak performance. no real job either I ride 5days a week still cant achieve the alcoholic performance
Thats crazy, you chose less power but healthier lifestyle than more power and booze which i think is the right choice. but I know full well how hard it is to see such good power numbers and be able to reach them anymore
I dont believe it is a 10yr testosterone reduction causing it either. not many people can do 330watts for an hour, now days best I can do is barely 290. @@owenvermeulen1231
This is not to belittle any of Owen's accomplishments. It's great that he overcame his addiction and notably through athleticism. Keep up the good work. I think it's wonderful that he has turned his life around. He found something that worked for him. That's wonderful and I applaud him. I truly do. We are not all cut from the same mold. Question: What defines someone as an 'elite' cyclist? "From Addict to Elite Cyclist" is the title on the video. Is this a lie? Is he truly an elite cyclist or are people failing to see what his accomplishments truly are? If he isn't truly an 'elite' athlete why not focus on his accomplishment of leaving a life of addiction which is an accomplishment to be applauded on it's own merits. Just competing in an event certainly doesn't make you elite. The title of 'elite' must have some exceptional accomplishment or ability tied to it. Overcoming an addiction certainly doesn't qualify you as an elite athlete. If you overcome an addiction and get your degree are you now an 'elite' graduate? If you now counsel other addicts are an 'elite' counselor? If the title of 'elite' is tied to anyone who competes or achieves any type of accomplishment, what does that say about those who are truly elite? I would expect some type of professional standing or ranking by racing in UCI sanctioned events as the minimum requirements to wearing the title of elite. And we know that not everyone who competes in UCI events are truly elite. Most are better than your average athlete, but probably not elite. Look at the current UCI standings and what percentages of all of the riders occupy the top ten spots in all UCI sanctioned races. It's something like the same top 5% of racers. It's just a fact. I would consider these top 5-8% of all riders elite. They consistently perform in the highest tiers of professional races. And then as they get older they begin to drop in their performances and eventually retire. It's a sad fact, but it's true. Let's be truthful about Owen and applaud him for the truth of what he has accomplished and not make him out to be more than what he is as an athlete. When we make someone into something they aren't, we only set them up for failure and eventually they go back to their unhealthy coping behaviors. Owen has left his life of addiction for a healthy alternative life style of riding bicycles and competing in grueling gravel bicycle competitions. He lives a life that can now inspire others who have addictions and other disabilities to seek healthy coping mechanisms. He can now give back to society which is what we all should be trying to do. Be inspired by the truth of Owen's accomplishments. I applaud you Owen for what you've done in leaving your addictive life. Pass on your new 'addiction' to others so they will also grasp the life you have found. Never quit. I wish I had your perseverance and drive. Congratulations.
Hi Gene, Owen didn't simply participate in an event. He is lucky enough to be able to be a fully sponsored rider by a recognized team and ride/race in nearly a full time capacity. Being fully supported to race and having the performance that he has shown at races over the years is what puts him at the Elite level.
Hello, this is Owen, First off. I agree with you 100% just because someone does a few races at an elite level does not make them an elite athlete. I come from a family of professional athletes. My dad played pro hockey in the and was a track star, My sister was a pro runner who was also an Olympian, my cousin rode pro in the world tour for Lotto Jumbo, My Uncle was a pro cyclist in Europe. So trust me, I know the difference in what makes an elite athlete. I myself am a professional gravel racer but I actually did not want to say PRO in the title as I thought it would sound pretentious. I have been racing bikes for a long time now. I am a Category 1 racer on the road, which by many standards is considered elite. I have raced many races on the road sanctioned and non sanctioned, I have had some half decent results which are considered elite level races and results. I am not sure if you use Training Peaks for cycling training but on there which is the training app all cyclists use at every level from Wout van Aert to weekend warrior, on there it will show your power numbers and rate your numbers in a category and thankfully my numbers still stack up as elite level. I switched from racing the road to racing gravel full time in 2019-ish which suit my abilities much better than road racing nowadays. BUT This story is about my past as an addict, from a very difficult upbringing addiction, to pro skateboarder, to street addict and how I overcame an intense addiction once and for all and my transition from using drugs full time to riding and racing bikes. My intention for the film is show that the bike is an amazing tool for recovery from addiction and mental health, hoping to inspire others to get on a bike, get outside and ride and find happiness as I did. I want to show the power the bike/cycling has and try my best to help other people who may be suffering from addiction. It is NOT to prove my worth as an elite cyclist! It is NOT about proving wether I deserve the title as elite or not. I know my capabilities on a bike although i'm older now but I can still rub elbows with the best dudes of gravel at the pointy end of a race on a good day. That being said I really appreciate your kind words and support. I truly do agree with you 100% just because someone races a bike at a decent level does not them an elite. Not many cyclists are truly elite athletes I fully agree. But please take this film in the context it was meant for. To potentially help other addicts end cycle of addiction and find happiness by means of cycling. I truly believe that the bike can be used as source for recovery from addiction, many people trying to recover are looking for other means for treatment outside traditional 12 step methods, I believe the bike fits that mould. I thank you very much again for watching the film and your kind words I really hope you liked it and I appreciate all the support
I was racing for 15 years and got addicted when i stopped-addiction lasted a decade for me until I realized that i had to return to my roots. I will go out riding bikes til the day i drop off that machine.There’s no better morphine than that produced by our own body when you exercise really hard 🤙. 🚴♂️💦
Thats awesome man! I am so happy you found your love for the bike again and that you are happy and healthy, and I agree 100% I will try to ride till the day I die haha
@@owenvermeulen1231 So instead of filling my veins i bought 2 titanium frames and built a light summer bike and a winter bike with power hub & led lights. These bikes kinda remember me every time i ride them of the dark place i was coming from,they are my trophy for saving my life. I wouldn’t have made it more than 6 month in my condition with hepatitis b & c. It’s hard to believe what our bodies can cope with. Coming from the street and the track i’m keen on experiencing gravel racing next season! 🤙
Cycling is an amazing sport but the industry have destroyed it with plastic garabage, crap from Taiwan. Lets keep cycling real and simple. It saved this mans life. God bless him.
@@owenvermeulen1231 Steel was the only material in cycling for well over 100 years. It was a fantastic product, strong relatively light, and it lasted for decades it you looked after it. It could also be recycled over and over again. Great for the planet wouldn't you think? Until of course carbon fiber came along and everything changed. Carbon is light but if you crack or snap it or damage it in anyway it's finished and you cannot recycle it, also it takes over 100 years to decompose or naturally breakdown. So the next tiime you meet an eco nut telling you he or she is riding their carbon bike to save the world tell them they are full of crap.
I’m a recovered alcoholic and bicycling daily is so incredibly important to me. Recently I bikepacked through a pass in the Rocky Mountains and it was the highlight of my life.
cycling also helped me beat addiction a few years back now lam 66 years old and fitter than lve ever been in my life cycling is my addiction now 🚴🚴
That's amazing to hear! I am so happy for you man!! i hope i feel the fittest at 66 yo 🤞👍
Me too dude. I was really really bad with drugs, then got myself into biking. I had a few set backs but goth there. Cycling I believe is the things that keeps me clean.
Man, I’m in deep… if I could only find the will to change.
@@fellspoint9364just by leaving a comment means you want to try to stop using drugs and turn your life around if you choose to do this l won't lie to you it will be hard but in the end if you succeed it will be the best thing you could do for yourself the rewards will be immense kind regards David B
Saved my life. Was really into as a kid and then the late teens and partying became fun the got into trouble and my drug alcohol counselor asked me what I used to do as a kid and I had remembered the joys of cycling so I got another bike and haven’t looked back
Greetings from Austria. I was a homeless drug addict in the streets of vienna. This time lies 18 years behind. This year I became a catholic priest. My way out was different. I made my exams and studied theology, because prayer and faith helped me trough this times. We always search for the extremes. Found your video by searching for gravel content. 3 weeks ago I also bought a gravelbike - didn't own a bike for 29 years and I love it. Love to see others how they find back to life after such a crisis. God bless you
Wow that's amazing So you know full well how hard getting clean can be. I do believe when we clean up we do go to extremes. (my wife always reminds of that haha) I also like seeing another success story beyond the traditional (12 step) methods. I believe there are so many other means for people to discover to stay clean! thank you and I hope you enjoy your gravel bike! I have no doubt you will!
Praised be Jesus Christ, father.
You give me hope for my homeless daughter. Thanks be to GOD for saving you! ...and so glad you are so happy!!! Praise be to God!!
Bikes are magical machines. Well done Owen!
Thanks for encouraging others to pick up a bicycle instead of a needle, and save themselves from a sure slow death,I ride a bike myself all the time,I love it, keep staying active, that's a good way to deal with depression and all those other things that affect our wellness, thanks.👍
Thank you for the kind words, I am happy to hear that you believe that choosing a bike instead of a "rig" does work for mental health and addiction
@@owenvermeulen1231 Saved me in 2007, and again in 2016. With a few bumps in the road, have been cff it since. Thanks for the Film bro💪Keep it up
Terrific story, really encouraging. I’m on a different track, overcoming depression & anxiety. Similar discovery, that the bike is a great antidote to the poisonous nature of modern western life. Pedal on!
Wow, that's awesome i'm glad you found the bike, same for myself is why i became addicted in the first place... the drugs were just a remedy to self medicate from deeper traumas, depression, social anxiety etc so I understand how important cycling (or other non pharaceutical remedies) is to help in those times of anxiety and depression and get away from the world for a bit.
Modern western life lol
@@TheOnlyKontrol And what would you call it? 'lol'
Community, connection with others is so important in recovery. People find it where it works for them; in churches, 12 step meetings, in their own families, even in rehabs. Several of my former clients in a long term rehab are now the best of sober friends and support each! Hallelujah!!
Beautiful story. Glad you are out of the old cycle and riding the healthy cycle now. I will be 17 years sober in December. I feel the pain you have been through.
Congrats keep it up, I know it's not easy
Way to go Owen! To everyone else reading this, you are worth it. There is a life you will love to live.
Thank you John, That's my view too... As long as there is life there is hope for a great one!
Thank you
So happy for u, May God keep u at peace and have a great life.
What a story! Getting clean and sober is the most important thing you can ever do! Without that NOTHING else is possible!! I've been clean and sober for 32 years now and it's been amazing! Bicycling has been one of the most important parts of my life.
100% congrats on 32 y
Sober Ober 35 years. Triathlon was my saviour. I'm 68 now and a touring manic. I traded 1 addiction for another. No turning back.
Amazing! congratulations 35 years is huge!! and keep touring!!
Mtb ing for 8 years now. Great for mental and physical health no doubt!
👍👍👍👍👍👍YES IT CAN👍👍👍👍👍👍 and now i'm addicted to cycling , living my best life !! In a truck Thankyou for sharing , keep trudging the path♥ ~peace~
🤟🤟
Just a wonderful film on cyclings impact on the human condition. I'm using cycling to connect with my son who is autistic. It's a great vehicle for him to connect with the outdoors, and it's such a positive time for us together. Man, there's just something about a bike.
That's incredible!! wow!! amazing what a bike can do heh!? it is inspiring to hear that you are using the bike to help him. There is a book i read awhile back called 'The Horse Boy' it is very similar to your story about a Dad who uses a horse to help his autistic son connect with animals the outdoors and people and is a story of his journey with that horse through amazing places and meeting people. very good book. I hope he continues with the bike another example of how they change lives
@@owenvermeulen1231 Thanks for the kind reply. Your story was moving and I couldn't stop watching. There are many out here wishing you continued success. I hope one day to be able to tell a similar story of my journey with my son. Last year he rode in an event with me. It was short route, but a huge step for him (unPAved in PA). One of my goals is to start a cycling club for fathers to get out on a bike with their autistic children and help them make that same connection. A bike, fresh air and a time to connect with you child. Why not? Happy riding! Lastly, if you're on Strava id like to follow your efforts.
What a story, what a stud ❤❤❤❤
Thanks 😀😀
I have a company called Bike2Freedom because the bike was also how I got clean.. good for you my friend!! Keep on pedalin!
Awesome man!! sounds cool. i'll check it out, cycling is our way out! congrats!
From drug addiction to then heading to Colombia! Bold move 😅
Great story and even better turnaround, respect! 💪🏼
I will forward this in so that others can find this glimmer of hope.
Thank you
I forgot to mention that I am a fellow recovering artists... Enjoy your riding. You deserve it. !
I don't know you, and I will never meet you, but I sure am proud of you. Great story, brother!!
Thank you so much!!
Powerful, a lot of people need to see this and know they can escape the cycle!
Thanks so much Jeremiah. If you want to share it go ahead i know it will help! thank you you are an inspiration my man!!
Thank you for sharing your story. We have a family friend who fell into addiction on the streets of East Vancouver and passed away recently. So glad you got out and have found a channel for your exceptional talents.
Thank you, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunatly it is far to common and something I really hope to try to help change. TOO MANY great people are loosing their life to addiction so I hope that this can help even one person and try to save lives ❤❤🩹
Well done to Owen as it cannot be easy. Our son has been through a tough time and he along with his Higher Power are now coping. Its like a bad dream at the moment because we are seeing signs that our youngest grandson maybe having issues with alcohol as well. These are tough times for youngsters giving the pressures they have in todays society. If you too are suffering please talk to someone to get help.
Thank you, I congrats to your son, and I hope your grandson gets better.
ONE WORD, “INSPIRATIONAL”🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️
This video quality is unbelievable
My sister lost her life to her addictions. I heard that same story again and again in Al Anon meetings. What you've done is incredibly special and I hope you will continue to be an inspiration to many others. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Keep on pedaling.
I am so sorry for your loss. WAY TOO many people have lost and are loosing their life to addiction. I hope to at least try to save one life through this! thank you!
Because of the PANDEMIC, I saw the big problem of many people who choose to be "UNHEALTHY". Also, there's no mode of transportation except bicycles. That's why I do cycling for almost 2 years and a half now, bike to work and recreational cycling. I mean, seeing beautiful places and appreciate life. I also lost many pounds of fat that I gained during the PANDEMIC. Now, I'm lighter and I'm doing great for my health.
I too am in recovery, back in 2007 I got hey racing my dirt bike and of coarse the dr prescribed me pain meds, and before I knew it I wasn’t racing anymore and I was fully addicted to the pills. Fast forward to present day, I’m completely off the meds and back in m 2 wheels! Thanks for this edit! It will help many people in the same situation!
God bless from Tennessee
That's awesome man!! Keep it up!!
@@owenvermeulen1231 thank you! Somedays are Bette than others, but my bad days sober are much better than my best days high.
#StreetMulisha
Thanks Owen & all the best for the future.
Perseverance! You are a huge inspiration for many people! You can always achieve your goals, never quit just keep walking…
Yup... just keep moving forward
Thanks for sharing. Keep going strong.
Cycling is also an addiction too, in a good way. I am now addicted to cycling 😁
Thanks Owen.
Mountain biking has been a big part of my recovery program. Yours is an inspiring story, and it takes a lot of guys to post it for the world to see. Thanks for sharing, and stay strong!
I hope your story reaches and helps many other's Owen . You made it brother !!! So happy for you ! .I couldn't imagine not having cycling in my life . ❤
🙏🙏🙏
You've traded one addiction for another, mate! 🚴 Welcome to the world of cycling! 😄
Love everything cycling 🚴♀️
But cycling is better
Great job Owen your awesome I'm also recovering from addiction, meth and heroin junkie, cycling changed my Life and gave me purpose! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! Keep crushing it!❤
That's awesome!! Me too. Street junkie all the way, yeah all the treatment centers, recovery houses, AA, NA "traditional" forms of recovery didn't work. Cycling is the one that did. My hope is to show that cycling does have the power to end addiction as you and I are proof of that
My last relapse was in 2007 and I have to say without mountain biking and cycling in general I so would have gone back I believe. Well done Owen.
That's amazing congrats.
🙏🏾 ❤ thanks for sharing yr journey
Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your story.
Yo it's wild I stumbled upon this. I'm in Colombia myself, currently at an apartment in Santa Elena editing my own bikepacking journey. My journeys have been less a race and more living out in the sticks for months on end. Just me, the bike and the open world. I totally resonate with cycling saving your life. Aswell as hugely appreciating the work that went into making this video. Incredible drone shots, heartfelt authentic narration and the spirit of everything you'd want in an inspiring biking story. Legend video man!
Thats amazing man, i would love to see your video when it comes out. I stayed in Santa Elena for about 10 days great place!!
Well done !
You r such a inspiration 😊
Thank you
I can certainly relate to this. Cycling is my saving grace. Thank you for this documentary!!
Glad to hear 😀
Well done on every level, and so inspiring. Watching this made me think that you may enjoy this race - The Evolution Gravel Race is a unique 850-kilometer gravel stage race with a mandatory 12-hour stop in the middle. Running from the Ngorongoro Crater to the Swahili Coast in Tanzania, the route features long and flat stages over smooth, fast gravel as well as mountainous stages with steep climbs.
I have actually heard of that race. I would LOVE to go, but funding is tough. It looks amazing and bucket list type of race!!
Never give UP "NEVER" that's what the enemy likes you to do.
A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.
Bruce Lee
Knowledge earns you power, character earns you respect.
Bruce Lee
How much RESPECT do you think I have for you :))))
Good to see again Laurens ten Dam the dutch rider from the old days in the TOUR
Johan van der Velde Dutch ride from the old past days in the tour: search for him.
Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one
Bruce Lee
Good day to you Owen,
Charlesm Amsterdam Netherlands
Incredible story and so well captured!
Congratulations! My brother was an addict. I know how hard it is to get over this. As a hard core cyclist, this is a much better “addiction”
So you know first hand how hard it can be... Cycling is hard, but feels easy after that!!
@@owenvermeulen1231 I know that! I raced mountain bikes through out the ‘90’s. I tried to help my brother many times. He went through three rehabs until we got him in Dawn Farm in Ann Arbor MI. He lived there for a couple of years. He is clean with a great job, a cool wife, and two kids.
I applaud you for sticking with cycling. One addiction to another though? 😉
@@bobwilson7384 That's amazing I love to hear stories from people about successes from addiction. I am so happy your brother is doing well. I wish him all the best and continued happiness.
and PS if you raced MTB in the 90's thats basically gravel racing now haha. maybe just a few miles/KMs longer haha.
@@owenvermeulen1231 thanks Owen! Yes, I will share this with my brother. We used to train on road bikes and if we saw a trail we were on it! Remember, I we were on 26” wheels, I preferred full rigid. I also rode my Bike on Gravel roads often. They often had less traffic. But hey, two wheels powered by your legs, no matter what you ride is better than most anything else. Stay on the path!
It’s never too late to turn life around. Well done fella 👏🏼👏🏼
cycling helped me too Owen! Started smoking weed at 17 years old and by 18 i had grown an addiction and i was smoking every single day when i reached 19 years i decided that i dont want to live like this i felt miserable and so i contacted a friend of mine and he told me, the reason you are addicted is because weed releases huge amounts of dopamine, so stopping is gonna be hard since you are gonna feel very sad once ur not under the influence of weed, but then he told me that exercise also releases dopamine and that by doing exercise i could feel happy while not under the influence and thats when i began cycling.
Yup so very true, adreniline and excercise releases similar dopamine and is such a great form of recovery I just wish everyone knew that!
Beautiful Owen. So proud of you! ❤
Thank you, it means alot
Thanks for sharing your story, Owen. I'm glad you made it!
🙏🙏
Tear dripped at some point
Wow what a story! Great to hear what the bike has brought you! I like cycling myself and I´m really inspired by your story. All the best!
Thank you
I am truly happy for you. Great work. Keep on keeping on. ! You Rock!
🙏🙏
3 years sober this month…lifetime cyclist. Never been happier and healthier than I am since getting alcohol out of my life. Cheers man!!!
You are amazing Owen! I was in that race, but a little far behind. I wish you a great Transcordilleras 2024 ✨🙌🏽
So proud of this guy… can’t wait to watch the debut! ❤
This is the full movie here ❤
@@fistbumpfilmworks ohhh, haha… watched it. So good!
Thanks Ty, Miss ya buddy!
Proud of the turnaround and well done documentary
Thank you ❤
Thank you, This turnaround in my life i hope to share and prove that anyone can make such changes in life.
Inspirational! Massive respect to you Owen! Fair play to ya!
Cycling definitely changed my life ❤
Good to hear!! it has that effect haha!
Keep goin my friend
This is great! WOW
Respect
🙏
I'M A DRUG ADDICT TOO 😢SHABBU MARIJUANA SOLVENT😢 NOW IM PRO CYCLIST THANKS TO PANDEMIC 🎉
Damn! What a fantastic video! Nice to see what cycling can do the human race.
When the mind is lost, turn to the body! Just get moving!
Yes thank you, and far too many humans are loosing the battle to addiction so lets try to get the message of hope out there to save some lives
Great job and thanks for sharing, I spent a long long time from dusk till dawn at the end of a lonely jetty fishing to avoid the night world I had become an addicted part of, funny thing is I was a vegetarian and still am, now decades later I am attempting a car free life for mental and physical health with my bike.
What a great encouragement. Thank you for sharing about yourself. Because of your vulnerability, others will feel less alone hearing your story.
i hope so, thats the plan. thank you
Thank you for sharing your life, I relate with you on many levels. Be proud! You are a living example of inspiring perseverance, it was great learning about your story!
Thank you
Cycling is especially good for recovery. Great way to reteach your body to produce the endorphins and dopamine that it forgot how to make on its own . My story is similar. Good luck Owen and stay strong.
Thank you
100% Thank you so much!!
Super inspiring! ❤
Thank you
Great work ! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story
Thanks
Crazy, same story sorta but i went full blown down that rabbit hole, i hope one day i can tell my story like
This 🤟 crazy to go from drugg addict to elite cyclist
Myself… but the astonoushing thing was i had to detox alone by myself an started running alot which turned into hours on the feet to a massive directional change into hours on the bike, i truly get how it feels once you have been in such a dark place you dont fear the pain the heart racing the astounding thing. It is painful it is massive in suffering. I enjoy it it but after suffering off my face i know suffering in the mtb scene is amazing an racing in the upper class in elite men is fun. To be honest
That awesome man!! my sister was an olympic runner and I very well could have gone down the running route if not for major knee surgeries, cycling is low impact and thankfully for that reason we can ride until were old as dirt! haha. but exactly right once you have experience that dark place of suffering in addiction and also the detox... phew. everything else feels pretty easy!!
100% man!!! Hopeful to have more sponsors an stuff from this thing! Its awesome an a pleasure riding!!! From thw ground up digging my dirt to freedom
Transformation
Well done, wishing you all the best.
Thank you
So good. Thank you.
Thank you!
Really inspiring!
Thank you
Am amazed by both your achievements and getting clean. I envy you, and kick myself after watching ur video several times. I ride a lot, but I also smoke a lot. Can't get rid of tge habit. Trying a lot. But still unsuccessful. Kudos to u. I hope one day, after watching ur video over and over again, something will click in my brain, ur right at 3:00 NO ONE LIKES ANY ADDICTION.
Yup, very true the addict brain is wired a bit different where we have lost the ability to choose. NOBODY wants to be addicted to anything and that is where it is hard to explain to the non addicted brain where they say "why don't you just stop?" It is so much deeper on a neurological and emotional level, but you're right sometimes something, timing, people, places, support "cycling" whatever it just clicks and we are able to end the cycle.
Wow
❤
Loved it!
Thank you
🔥🔥🔥
Owen, You said at the end of the video that you did nothing special. I disagree, You got out of addiction and became an Elite cyclist. Inspiration for everyone to get up and do whatever you want. That is Special.
Thank you so very much! I appreciate you saying that. I wanted to convey that I am nothing special in that if I can do it anyone who may be suffering can do it, My hope is to show that it IS possible to end end that cycle
Great history. The bike is the best thing that has happened to me too.
Love your story bro! The bike is my go-to escape...
Thank you mate!
Unbelievable stuff ❤
🙏✌🙏
Congrats mate..and thanks for sharing your story! ✌🏼
🙏🙏🙂🙂
i mean huge respect, terrific story, crazy accomplishment. still he swapped one addiction with another kinda? still best decision - no doubt.
Yup, I will always be an addict it's just what do I want to focus that addict brain towards haha. Cycling!
My story isn’t exactly the same....I have been given everything I ever needed, starting with Love ....
My first addiction was a Road bike....then it was the peace and warmth of self medicating....and they lived side by side for a time, until the drugs took over completely....then the drugs ceased to deliver what riding ALWAYS gave to me....silence in my mind, and the added pleasure of appreciating the gift of my body ...and so I’m back for years already
There's no going back. You know that now. It's moving forward.
exact opposite here. when I was racing 10yrs ago I was drinking a full bottle of liquor every other day over a long time average. yes, a 750ml of Jameson or vodka every 48hrs. week in and week out. never made the same power numbers again. im 33 now sober and vegan and still look back to then about my peak performance. no real job either I ride 5days a week still cant achieve the alcoholic performance
Thats crazy, you chose less power but healthier lifestyle than more power and booze which i think is the right choice. but I know full well how hard it is to see such good power numbers and be able to reach them anymore
I dont believe it is a 10yr testosterone reduction causing it either. not many people can do 330watts for an hour, now days best I can do is barely 290. @@owenvermeulen1231
Kudos to you my friend ! Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring others. Love the cycling community. Best people in the world in my opinion. Th
Damn just like me, keep on keeping on dude💪 chronic knee pain and Fetty to walking/biking 100s of kilometers per week and no pain 😎
Keep it man! thats awesome!!
This is not to belittle any of Owen's accomplishments. It's great that he overcame his addiction and notably through athleticism. Keep up the good work. I think it's wonderful that he has turned his life around. He found something that worked for him. That's wonderful and I applaud him. I truly do. We are not all cut from the same mold.
Question: What defines someone as an 'elite' cyclist? "From Addict to Elite Cyclist" is the title on the video. Is this a lie? Is he truly an elite cyclist or are people failing to see what his accomplishments truly are? If he isn't truly an 'elite' athlete why not focus on his accomplishment of leaving a life of addiction which is an accomplishment to be applauded on it's own merits.
Just competing in an event certainly doesn't make you elite. The title of 'elite' must have some exceptional accomplishment or ability tied to it. Overcoming an addiction certainly doesn't qualify you as an elite athlete. If you overcome an addiction and get your degree are you now an 'elite' graduate? If you now counsel other addicts are an 'elite' counselor?
If the title of 'elite' is tied to anyone who competes or achieves any type of accomplishment, what does that say about those who are truly elite? I would expect some type of professional standing or ranking by racing in UCI sanctioned events as the minimum requirements to wearing the title of elite. And we know that not everyone who competes in UCI events are truly elite. Most are better than your average athlete, but probably not elite. Look at the current UCI standings and what percentages of all of the riders occupy the top ten spots in all UCI sanctioned races. It's something like the same top 5% of racers. It's just a fact. I would consider these top 5-8% of all riders elite. They consistently perform in the highest tiers of professional races. And then as they get older they begin to drop in their performances and eventually retire. It's a sad fact, but it's true.
Let's be truthful about Owen and applaud him for the truth of what he has accomplished and not make him out to be more than what he is as an athlete. When we make someone into something they aren't, we only set them up for failure and eventually they go back to their unhealthy coping behaviors.
Owen has left his life of addiction for a healthy alternative life style of riding bicycles and competing in grueling gravel bicycle competitions. He lives a life that can now inspire others who have addictions and other disabilities to seek healthy coping mechanisms. He can now give back to society which is what we all should be trying to do. Be inspired by the truth of Owen's accomplishments.
I applaud you Owen for what you've done in leaving your addictive life. Pass on your new 'addiction' to others so they will also grasp the life you have found. Never quit. I wish I had your perseverance and drive. Congratulations.
Hi Gene, Owen didn't simply participate in an event. He is lucky enough to be able to be a fully sponsored rider by a recognized team and ride/race in nearly a full time capacity. Being fully supported to race and having the performance that he has shown at races over the years is what puts him at the Elite level.
Hello, this is Owen, First off. I agree with you 100% just because someone does a few races at an elite level does not make them an elite athlete. I come from a family of professional athletes. My dad played pro hockey in the and was a track star, My sister was a pro runner who was also an Olympian, my cousin rode pro in the world tour for Lotto Jumbo, My Uncle was a pro cyclist in Europe. So trust me, I know the difference in what makes an elite athlete. I myself am a professional gravel racer but I actually did not want to say PRO in the title as I thought it would sound pretentious. I have been racing bikes for a long time now. I am a Category 1 racer on the road, which by many standards is considered elite. I have raced many races on the road sanctioned and non sanctioned, I have had some half decent results which are considered elite level races and results. I am not sure if you use Training Peaks for cycling training but on there which is the training app all cyclists use at every level from Wout van Aert to weekend warrior, on there it will show your power numbers and rate your numbers in a category and thankfully my numbers still stack up as elite level. I switched from racing the road to racing gravel full time in 2019-ish which suit my abilities much better than road racing nowadays. BUT This story is about my past as an addict, from a very difficult upbringing addiction, to pro skateboarder, to street addict and how I overcame an intense addiction once and for all and my transition from using drugs full time to riding and racing bikes. My intention for the film is show that the bike is an amazing tool for recovery from addiction and mental health, hoping to inspire others to get on a bike, get outside and ride and find happiness as I did. I want to show the power the bike/cycling has and try my best to help other people who may be suffering from addiction. It is NOT to prove my worth as an elite cyclist! It is NOT about proving wether I deserve the title as elite or not. I know my capabilities on a bike although i'm older now but I can still rub elbows with the best dudes of gravel at the pointy end of a race on a good day. That being said I really appreciate your kind words and support. I truly do agree with you 100% just because someone races a bike at a decent level does not them an elite. Not many cyclists are truly elite athletes I fully agree. But please take this film in the context it was meant for. To potentially help other addicts end cycle of addiction and find happiness by means of cycling. I truly believe that the bike can be used as source for recovery from addiction, many people trying to recover are looking for other means for treatment outside traditional 12 step methods, I believe the bike fits that mould. I thank you very much again for watching the film and your kind words I really hope you liked it and I appreciate all the support
@@fistbumpfilmworks thanks nate ❤
Congratulations Owen, good job! Did you hang out with the Vegan Cyclist at the race?
No he wasn't at this race but yes I have hung out with him at other races... great dude.
I disagree Owen, I think you absolutely ARE something special. Keep pedalling!
Thank you
I was racing for 15 years and got addicted when i stopped-addiction lasted a decade for me until I realized that i had to return to my roots.
I will go out riding bikes til the day i drop off that machine.There’s no better morphine than that produced by our own body when you exercise really hard 🤙. 🚴♂️💦
Thats awesome man! I am so happy you found your love for the bike again and that you are happy and healthy, and I agree 100% I will try to ride till the day I die haha
@@owenvermeulen1231 So instead of filling my veins i bought 2 titanium frames and built a light summer bike and a winter bike with power hub & led lights.
These bikes kinda remember me every time i ride them of the dark place i was coming from,they are my trophy for saving my life.
I wouldn’t have made it more than 6 month in my condition with hepatitis b & c.
It’s hard to believe what our bodies can cope with.
Coming from the street and the track i’m keen on experiencing gravel racing next season! 🤙
Cycling is an amazing sport but the industry have destroyed it with plastic garabage, crap from Taiwan. Lets keep cycling real and simple. It saved this mans life. God bless him.
I agree, I wish alot of people/brands would use more sustainable practices in their production. Thank you!
@@owenvermeulen1231 Steel was the only material in cycling for well over 100 years. It was a fantastic product, strong relatively light, and it lasted for decades it you looked after it. It could also be recycled over and over again. Great for the planet wouldn't you think? Until of course carbon fiber came along and everything changed. Carbon is light but if you crack or snap it or damage it in anyway it's finished and you cannot recycle it, also it takes over 100 years to decompose or naturally breakdown. So the next tiime you meet an eco nut telling you he or she is riding their carbon bike to save the world tell them they are full of crap.