All of the stopping to film, going back and forth, and editing and everything else that most of us do not realize/consider does not go without appreciation. Thank you for what you do to share your adventures. Keep adventuring, even if you one day decide to end your channel. Also, the education that you provide is so worthwhile and valuable. Thank you from a fellow cyclist and adventure lover.
It was a real treat to watch your Smoke Season video. Especially since in Pennsylvania (where we are) there is snow on the ground, temperatures are in the mid twenties, and wind gusts are approaching 30mph. Your photography and video journaling skills are excellent. Thanks for giving us a vicarious vacation and sharing your adventure.
Very nice. We love coming out west to bike pack. It is getting hard to avoid heat and smoke. We came earlier last year trying to avoid it and ended up with black flies and mosquitoes.
Yeah, the best time is often May or early October lately, though late summer can be nice if you don’t get smoke. This summer smoke season was short, so it wasn’t too bad.
Lovely video! Very upbeat and positive, very INFORMATIVE, and excellent film-making all 'round. Thanks for making the effort, and giving us "mere mortals" the inspiration to get out there and ride our bikes.
@@slow_spokes Oh no, we understand that you too are mortal and don't care about the competitive aspect of cycling. My wife and I met on a "supported" bike tour across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. She was from Oz, I was from Colorado. A year later I had moved to Oz and we married shortly thereafter. That was 13 years ago and we've since done MANY unsupported bike tours (of the "credit card variety") and will do parts of N. Italy in a few months.
@@denverman6161963 haha yes! For some reason racing is not interesting to me (Hillary), though Chris is a little more open to it. I hope you enjoy your time in Italy!
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Smoke season is real, but not all destinations and routes are impacted equally. Camping on an app and deciding to tour a location based on algorithms is a smart first step for planning. But do your cabin-fever-afflicted, adventure-seeking self a big favor and check local intel on conditions, then get out there and ride! Thank you for showcasing the rugged beauty of our region. While riding a section of the GDMBR last summer I was struck by the beauty of some of the areas affected by fire in the past. It's all part of the wonderful experience. Thank you for all you do! We hope to see you in Mitchell again someday.
I found your channel a few weeks ago. You guys are great. You can tell you put a lot of work into these videos. Trying to talk my wife into some bike touring adventures…
Hillary’s suggestion for getting your wife into bikepacking: Don’t overdo the miles on the first trip and make somewhere with a tasty treat your destination! Good luck!
Just realized that thanks to the TH-cam algorithm I’ve completely missed your Alps trip. Even though I’m subscribed. Well at least now I can binge watch the whole trip.
Haha silver lining. And thanks! Apparently the subscribe button doesn’t mean people you subscribe to will show up in your feed anymore… I end up checking the “subscribed” tab in TH-cam so I can find my people.
@@slow_spokes I even have notifications turned on. But it seems these days half my notifications are for stuff I don’t even subscribe to. Just suggestions.
I was working the fires just north of you guys this summer. The smokey air certainly didn't make me want to be riding a bike! But that looked fun, i'm still jealous ;D
As always, great job & thank you for sharing 👌🏼‼️ Similar experiences and issues with massive seasonal fires out here near Clear Lake, California. It’s really hard on those who just get by. But fantastic video regardless, Thanks Again 👏
Thanks for this video. I travel often to the Canadian west coast and have seen the smoke impact. Back in 2018 the smoke was so dense from interior fires you couldn’t see Grouse Mountain from Kitsilano Beach Vancouver. I’m curious with new trees growing where you rode when did fire burn through that area? Btw as a real amateur TH-camr I know the effort it takes to produce videos. Thank you for posting your adventures. Very enjoyable.
Thank you! The place we rode through has burned multiple times, anywhere from a couple years ago to ten years ago. Also depending on how hot the fire was and what kind of trees grew there it will grow back at different rates.
Great video and thanks for the information about the fires and impact etc it was really interesting! I was under the misconception that the increase in fires would be all about global warming! Thankfully, it's not something we have to think about in the uk!
It definitely has a lot to do with it, but it isn’t the only cause. I’m glad it was interesting! We are always wondering if people will be as interested in the informational parts as we are, but this information was close to our heart and we wanted to share!
We used to own some mountain property that had been burned (the whole mountain) in a wildfire. The first year we lived on the property, we had three raging wildfires that we could watch. One became the largest in the country. My work was in the evacuate zone but we still had to go to work because of the nature of our work so the cops would move their road block for us as we drove. It was pretty scary that summer. Thankfully, it hasn’t been the same since. Q
My favorite parts: "I don't know, man. Maybe we can find something better." - Hillary as she rolls up to a perfect flat campsite. "It's all down then back up then down then back up then downhill from here." - Chris :)
Hi..it is a shame the forests along the west coast of America from Southern California to Alaska are being destroyed by fires and White Beetles, what will it look like in years to come, is it climate change?.. here in Australia the wild fires in 2020 burnt the whole of the East Coast, but unlike the Pines you have the Gums Trees here mostly recover from fires, we do have Mountain Ash trees at higher altitudes that don’t survive and now the mountains have white dead trunks through them, however the new grow below will eventually renew the forests…..really enjoy your videos, you need to come to Australia Bikepacking you would love it.
Thanks! Where we were was particularly affected by fires, but most land isn’t actually burned. So it’s not everywhere, but it is a lot of places. We actually spent some time in Australia years ago, but without bikes. We definitely want to return!
This video was great and I’m glad I found your channel. As a first time viewer, it appears that both your bike saddles may be too high. If you watch the video back, at the bottom of the pedal stroke, both of your toes point towards the ground. Also both of your hips rock side to side as you pedal. These are usual signs that your saddles are too high. Since you spend so much time cycling, it might be worth getting a bike fit and see if a professional can offer some advice. Depending on your height, you might also benefit from shorter cranks, if you don’t already have them. Just a passing observation. Keep up the great work.
I was trying to find a way to store the camera more securely. Unfortunately the bag for the hole in the crazy bars isn’t big enough. But I’ve actually put it in a feedbag, which seems to work well, except I wish the bag was a little bigger.
@@slow_spokes Yes. I've toured a few times in Europe but have opted to "credit card" it due to the limited camping options. While I love Europe, you can't beat the camping options in the US, particularly in the western states.
I have question for my future bike camping . - if a trip cost u 2 day to finish , why not make it 4 day . And do my hobbies - read book 15 to 30 min - Watch anime 2 hour - exercise my whole body = 1 hour - eben pagan 30 to 1 hour - I wish keep reading = Encyclopedia Of Taekwondo 15 Volume , and progress to other martial art book = 1 hour -------- Is the problem u need then extra water to shower or needing toilet . --------- Thanks ------ bec I think doing these little think will make the difference , and excite the journey . - It's like playing game and stoping everything else ?
@slow_spokes for me actually if I get back to work fast I will not do any then time to cycle fast ? . - I must do everyday the hobby I want , - for me u seem creating long trip , but doing less other hobby while away from work , and I don't know what u do at work . - and when u get back to work what to expect when u are overwhelmed , - nice , but for me work they may kick me out when they want ? - For food , yes I am used to stuffing my abdomen - for bicycle trip , yes there's a lot to learn . - but there's more to life ..... Like exercise , and few small hobby I wish to do I've learnt . Anime , eben pagan , reading martial book ?
All of the stopping to film, going back and forth, and editing and everything else that most of us do not realize/consider does not go without appreciation. Thank you for what you do to share your adventures. Keep adventuring, even if you one day decide to end your channel. Also, the education that you provide is so worthwhile and valuable. Thank you from a fellow cyclist and adventure lover.
Thank you tons! It is a lot of work, but we really like it (usually… when we stop enjoying it, we put the camera away!)
Glad you liked it!
Great vid!
Hey thanks! That means a lot.
It was a real treat to watch your Smoke Season video. Especially since in Pennsylvania (where we are) there is snow on the ground, temperatures are in the mid twenties, and wind gusts are approaching 30mph. Your photography and video journaling skills are excellent. Thanks for giving us a vicarious vacation and sharing your adventure.
Thank you! We so appreciate the kind comment :)
Excellent video. Great content and thoughtful perspective on the area. Thanks for including the history as well.
Thank you so much!
Very nice. We love coming out west to bike pack. It is getting hard to avoid heat and smoke. We came earlier last year trying to avoid it and ended up with black flies and mosquitoes.
Yeah, the best time is often May or early October lately, though late summer can be nice if you don’t get smoke. This summer smoke season was short, so it wasn’t too bad.
Lovely video! Very upbeat and positive, very INFORMATIVE, and excellent film-making all 'round. Thanks for making the effort, and giving us "mere mortals" the inspiration to get out there and ride our bikes.
Haha hope you're not implying that we're anything other than mere mortals ourselves. :) And thank you! We appreciate it!
@@slow_spokes Oh no, we understand that you too are mortal and don't care about the competitive aspect of cycling. My wife and I met on a "supported" bike tour across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. She was from Oz, I was from Colorado. A year later I had moved to Oz and we married shortly thereafter. That was 13 years ago and we've since done MANY unsupported bike tours (of the "credit card variety") and will do parts of N. Italy in a few months.
@@denverman6161963 haha yes! For some reason racing is not interesting to me (Hillary), though Chris is a little more open to it. I hope you enjoy your time in Italy!
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Smoke season is real, but not all destinations and routes are impacted equally. Camping on an app and deciding to tour a location based on algorithms is a smart first step for planning. But do your cabin-fever-afflicted, adventure-seeking self a big favor and check local intel on conditions, then get out there and ride! Thank you for showcasing the rugged beauty of our region. While riding a section of the GDMBR last summer I was struck by the beauty of some of the areas affected by fire in the past. It's all part of the wonderful experience. Thank you for all you do! We hope to see you in Mitchell again someday.
Hi, Spoke'n Hostel friends! Oh my gosh, thank you for this comment. It's so nice to see your name on here! Hope you're having a good winter.
@slow_spokes longtime viewer, first time commenter... Jalét and I enjoy watching your videos and following your travels. Good work.
This is you guys best video yet. Brilliantly edited. Well done.
Thank you, we really love this one and glad you like it too!
@@slow_spokes What is the prayer to rim biddon / bike bottle called? I love it
@ it’s from Whisky Parts Co :)
@@slow_spokes Thanks, spending all my money hahah
🤣
I found your channel a few weeks ago. You guys are great. You can tell you put a lot of work into these videos. Trying to talk my wife into some bike touring adventures…
Hillary’s suggestion for getting your wife into bikepacking: Don’t overdo the miles on the first trip and make somewhere with a tasty treat your destination! Good luck!
Just realized that thanks to the TH-cam algorithm I’ve completely missed your Alps trip. Even though I’m subscribed. Well at least now I can binge watch the whole trip.
Haha silver lining. And thanks!
Apparently the subscribe button doesn’t mean people you subscribe to will show up in your feed anymore… I end up checking the “subscribed” tab in TH-cam so I can find my people.
@@slow_spokes I even have notifications turned on. But it seems these days half my notifications are for stuff I don’t even subscribe to. Just suggestions.
Haha, I also forgot my helmet on a weekend trip once!🤣🤣🤣 And that swimming hole was awesome!
I was working the fires just north of you guys this summer. The smokey air certainly didn't make me want to be riding a bike! But that looked fun, i'm still jealous ;D
Thanks for your work up there! Hope you got a good paycheck :)
As always, great job & thank you for sharing 👌🏼‼️ Similar experiences and issues with massive seasonal fires out here near Clear Lake, California. It’s really hard on those who just get by. But fantastic video regardless, Thanks Again 👏
Thanks! Glad you liked it and it resonated a little bit
Well done. Keep sharing the good vibes!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this video. I travel often to the Canadian west coast and have seen the smoke impact. Back in 2018 the smoke was so dense from interior fires you couldn’t see Grouse Mountain from Kitsilano Beach Vancouver. I’m curious with new trees growing where you rode when did fire burn through that area?
Btw as a real amateur TH-camr I know the effort it takes to produce videos. Thank you for posting your adventures. Very enjoyable.
Thank you! The place we rode through has burned multiple times, anywhere from a couple years ago to ten years ago. Also depending on how hot the fire was and what kind of trees grew there it will grow back at different rates.
Great video and thanks for the information about the fires and impact etc it was really interesting! I was under the misconception that the increase in fires would be all about global warming! Thankfully, it's not something we have to think about in the uk!
It definitely has a lot to do with it, but it isn’t the only cause. I’m glad it was interesting! We are always wondering if people will be as interested in the informational parts as we are, but this information was close to our heart and we wanted to share!
We used to own some mountain property that had been burned (the whole mountain) in a wildfire. The first year we lived on the property, we had three raging wildfires that we could watch. One became the largest in the country. My work was in the evacuate zone but we still had to go to work because of the nature of our work so the cops would move their road block for us as we drove. It was pretty scary that summer. Thankfully, it hasn’t been the same since. Q
Best wishes for 2025!
To you as well!
My favorite parts:
"I don't know, man. Maybe we can find something better." - Hillary as she rolls up to a perfect flat campsite.
"It's all down then back up then down then back up then downhill from here." - Chris
:)
Hi Greg!
Little opportunities for wild camping in the Northeast. Our Fifth Season in Vermont is "Mud". A real cycling challenge.
We're familiar with mud season too! Though I heard y'all have Stick Season out there! :)
Hi..it is a shame the forests along the west coast of America from Southern California to Alaska are being destroyed by fires and White Beetles, what will it look like in years to come, is it climate change?.. here in Australia the wild fires in 2020 burnt the whole of the East Coast, but unlike the Pines you have the Gums Trees here mostly recover from fires, we do have Mountain Ash trees at higher altitudes that don’t survive and now the mountains have white dead trunks through them, however the new grow below will eventually renew the forests…..really enjoy your videos, you need to come to Australia Bikepacking you would love it.
Thanks! Where we were was particularly affected by fires, but most land isn’t actually burned. So it’s not everywhere, but it is a lot of places. We actually spent some time in Australia years ago, but without bikes. We definitely want to return!
This video was great and I’m glad I found your channel.
As a first time viewer, it appears that both your bike saddles may be too high. If you watch the video back, at the bottom of the pedal stroke, both of your toes point towards the ground. Also both of your hips rock side to side as you pedal. These are usual signs that your saddles are too high. Since you spend so much time cycling, it might be worth getting a bike fit and see if a professional can offer some advice. Depending on your height, you might also benefit from shorter cranks, if you don’t already have them.
Just a passing observation. Keep up the great work.
Thanks! We’ve both gotten a bike fit and Hillary has the shortest cranks she could find… but might be worth revisiting the bike fit!
Love your videos!
Thanks!
Hillary what made you change your handlebar bag?
I was trying to find a way to store the camera more securely. Unfortunately the bag for the hole in the crazy bars isn’t big enough. But I’ve actually put it in a feedbag, which seems to work well, except I wish the bag was a little bigger.
Public Lands. A-Fricken-Men.
Gotta love em
@@slow_spokes Yes. I've toured a few times in Europe but have opted to "credit card" it due to the limited camping options. While I love Europe, you can't beat the camping options in the US, particularly in the western states.
I have question for my future bike camping .
- if a trip cost u 2 day to finish , why not make it 4 day . And do my hobbies
- read book 15 to 30 min
- Watch anime 2 hour
- exercise my whole body = 1 hour
- eben pagan 30 to 1 hour
- I wish keep reading = Encyclopedia Of Taekwondo 15 Volume , and progress to other martial art book
= 1 hour
--------
Is the problem u need then extra water to shower or needing toilet .
---------
Thanks
------
bec I think doing these little think will make the difference , and excite the journey .
- It's like playing game and stoping everything else ?
Mostly it’s because that’s all the time we have, and we have to get back to work. We wish we could cycle forever!
@slow_spokes for me actually if I get back to work fast I will not do any then time to cycle fast ? .
- I must do everyday the hobby I want ,
- for me u seem creating long trip , but doing less other hobby while away from work , and I don't know what u do at work .
- and when u get back to work what to expect when u are overwhelmed ,
- nice , but for me work they may kick me out when they want ?
- For food , yes I am used to stuffing my abdomen
- for bicycle trip , yes there's a lot to learn .
- but there's more to life ..... Like exercise , and few small hobby I wish to do I've learnt . Anime , eben pagan , reading martial book ?
Great perspective of traveling and living in the west, I hang out in west Texas and New Mexico, some fires and smoke, can relate. SJ
Thanks!