@@PatrickMckinnell open your eyes dude look how stupid the whole worlds become for people like you do not help your fellow human better themself humanity is lost when you just live for yourself, look around the world bill gates said fear a virus called covid thats all it took for the world to buy into what he said and everyone seems to forget all the bad he does since he has donated money to create death in a shot and sent to "third world countries" outright says he planned to kill as mny as he can on a ted talk about what he called climate change and thinks it more wise to reduce humans instead of carbon emissions dumby wake up.
If ever there was a modern mechanism for helping grown men reconnect with their emotions, it's the bicycle. There is joy, hope, fear, sadness, triumph and peace.... often all in a single rock-garden! Happy trails.
Immense respect for sharing such a personal experience. As a Paramedic and someone who has lost family and good friends in traumatic circumstances, I share your sentiment and could not express it better. It was so important that Dave's family had time with him at the hospital and no-one who is loved ever truly dies. Different sports remind me of different friends lost. But each time I do these sports, they remind me of all the good and sacred times we shared doing them. Long live Dave!
These sports!!! Yeah. Seemed like somebody died at the moto track every few months. But it was never my brother. It was a blessing to get him off the mountain and to the hospital.
Come for the biking lessons, stay for the life lessons. I’ve always seen people as chapters in our book of life. This may be a nondenominational channel, but brother you are blessed!
Thank you so much for finding the courage to share this story! I've found great healing and peace in my life though plant medicines, and I wish anyone reading this the same sense of love, joy, connection and peace that I have. Riding is my meditation, and more than ever, we need to share our stories and help each other out. Thank you for all that you do.
I never thought that I would find so much pain and joy and beauty and inspiration and peace from a TH-cam channel. Your content continues to WOW me. Thank you for sharing the story of your brother Dave. “Every ride is sacred”
Dave was, is and will always be. True he may be 'gone' and taken away, but all the cherished memories you have can not be taken away so easily. When I miss people that I've lost I try not to dwell on their passing, but remember all the good and JOY they have brought me. He's proud of you. Namastoke
Every time I hit rainmaker, there's a little voice in my head that says "all rides are sacred." And I just think that's the best association that anyone can ask for. Thanks for sharing!
my uncle died in a climbing accident while with his lifetime climbing buddy. all our family was glad that at least he went while doing what he liked the most
you got me choked....you keep bringing mountain biking to the highest level in any aspect, thank you for all the wisdom and knowledge, and support you give back to the MTB community
Love this. Thanks for your vulnerability, Alex. Thanks for being a positive role model, brother. There is sacredness all around us in every ride and every relationship, if we’ll just watch for it. Continue to do good and spread the joy!
Good one. It just occurred to me...the connection between our new VCP pump track and you, minutes before you mentioned it. I can’t say how much fun I and others have had on it. You saved my bacon on the trail (through your good tips and info), and gave me joy through the pump track. I’m getting closer to The End, but now I can go out pumping. Thanks, Alex!
Thank you for sharing such an incredible story Alex. Having peace in your life is like riding the best flow trail forever. Stay safe and be happy everyone.
Tragedy has a way of teaching like no other. Each moment is unique, as each person is unique. We share our moments and lives, sometimes in joy or tragedy or both. It's how we grow, for better or worse. It's both inevitable and humbling. It's what is after, what is left, be they memories, new directions or inspiration that's important. You shared a painful and inspirational moment that we may see your way of living, that we may also be better prepared. Bravery and optimism. Thankyou.
Beautiful. My Dad just died from somebody hitting him while he was on his motorcycle, and your message about your friend really resonated with me. It was something he absolutely loved doing and he rode off into the sky too. Thank you for your videos, mountain biking looks fun so I just ordered one.
FML, I shouldn't have watched this at 3AM, right after waking up. Your transparency and openness draw me more and more to your content. I'm gettin to be an old ass man and need to stop keepin ish inside, your story is inspiring and motivating. TYSVM for what you do.
Loved this one. Powerful message. There is way more than to this world than we can put in paper but at least for now we can feel it. Thank you for sharing your story about the brotherhood with Dave. Love how the bike can bond us.
you guys are great Iam 5 months out from the worst day of my life mental health took my wife and you videos and getting back on the my bike and kept me going thanks so much
I found your channel at the perfect time in my life. What awesome cathartic content. From the technical stuff, to the emotional, mental, and spiritual. I'm on board, bro! Imagine me behind you on all your future rides, because that's where I imagine myself.
This was deep, I never thought of mountain biking like this before. I ride with my dad on almost every ride and now that I think of it these rides have been sacred. Thank you.
Wow!! Alex - I chocked up listening to that. I have brothers who are really close to me but can only imagine what u went through. Full respect to you and glad ure at peace. Love your vids, please keep ‘em coming!
Dang Brother.... thank you for sharing your experience Alex. I have no words to express how grateful I am to know this part of your story and your meaning for sacred rides and I do totally agree w you... !
Wow Alex, that's so sad and so beautiful all at the same time. The Joy of Bike is a perfect description of what my bike gives me. I have a friend I have discovered late in life and we are inseparable with regards to our bikes our aims and desires to improve, learn new skills and never grow up! Our wife's both have no understanding of what we can see in bikes and dirt, haha. I also have the blessing of having two boys 12 & 9 who are discovering the joy of bikes along with me. I have NEVER had a bad bike ride. Every ride is sacred.
Life is so bittersweet and your authenticity and open hearted ness has been a gift to us all. Much tears of both joy and sorrow, which as you know do coexist. So glad you have found peace at the end. Much gratitude, brother.
This is one of the most painful and beautiful things I've ever seen. First, I'm so sorry for the loss of your "brother" Dave. He sounds like a wonderful human and a great companion for your many adventures. The fact that you've not only shared this story but turned it into something positive for yourself is a testament to your love for Dave and everything you shared. Truly inspiring. And now I understand a little bit better where Alex Bogusky comes from and why you have such a positive and contagious joy for biking. Namastoke.
Goodness this hit me hard. For some reason I have avoided watching this video and I didn’t know why. Now I know why. Since I have gotten back into mtbing a lot is changing in my life. Thanks for the great videos!!!
If I could like this episode a million times it wouldn’t be enough likes! Thanks Alex for sharing your story. I won’t go into details but man oh man did this resonate. I made peace awhile ago but what a flood of memories and emotions as you told your story. Thanks again 👍🏻
Thanks. This was hard to make but I felt like it would do some good. I'm at peace too but every time I watched it as I made it I found something new that healed another little bit. Appreciate you!
I know this video is a year old, but I watched it for the first time today. What a story. Alex, you’re an awesome dude and you seem like an amazing human. Keep it up and I hope you get back to making videos for the world to enjoy.
I lost my riding buddy when I was 17. That has been left buried deep in there for 23 years and i never wanted to look at it. This opened me up... Bless you man.
That’s such a hard road brother. 17 is when I lost my grandfather who I learned in therapy was my father!! I didn’t have any tools to deal with it. My heart goes out to you Mark.
Thank you for sharing your story and your openness. Any pursuit like MTB, surfing, etc., that connects you with nature and to things bigger than you are spiritual (whatever your beliefs). It's hard to explain it to those that have never tried. MTB has got me through some tough times and I'll be forever in its debt. And I agree; give back to the sport where you can.
Dude that was some soul touching reflection and well done for sharing Yes riding has a deep individual meaning to all of us were we can forget our troubles & enjoy the smell, the wild life, the forests, laugh and encourage each other MTB is awesome
I messed that up but it was close enough. The universe actually said, "Alex is now" Probably not cool to misquote the universe. So consider this a correction. : )
This one hits home. I broke C1,C2 in 2017 after just getting back into it after decades not riding. Tragedy will occur in everyone's life eventually. As you said, life is fatal. What we do with that is what's important. Building those tracks can change people's perspectives of their lives and positions in society. I was a troubled youth in the 70s, and surfing changed that for me. It took me out of my situation, and put me on another trajectory. God bless you guys.
You will probably remember the Storm King Mtn fire of 1994. My best friend was a Hot Shot that died in there. I have consciously lived for the two of us ever since. Your video was beautiful. Thanks for being so authentic. It's so refreshing, ALL of your videos are. Big love from WA state.
So beautiful and devastating. Alex I don’t know quite how or why you came into my like but thank God for you! Thank you for this. So sacred to share yourself and this story. My deepest condolences. The power of grief and gratitude. We really do live in gratitude. I met my brother on the trail. I ride for the sacred. You told this so beautifully and helped me understand it all in a much deeper way. Thank you!
It made a big difference for me to hear this. Your channel have helped my rehab time(broken C5+6). And now you tell me this! Thank you so much. Very beautiful of you.
Thanks for sharing your story Alex. I watched a friend die skiing when I was 30 (also named Dave) and had to deal with the scene on my own until the heli arrived 45 minutes later. It took about 18 months until I could bring myself to think through the events of that day clearly and find peace with it, and the joy I found in biking that summer really helped me get there. My most sacred ride was a powder day with Dave and another friend in a local spot; big drops, a few crashes and all smiles. That’s how I will always remember him.
What an amazing video. Alex you have amazing chemistry in front of the camera. I can’t stop watching your videos. I am a road ride who wants to start experiencing the joy of mountain biking. Your videos are giving me great starting information that I believe will get me started on the right foot when I get on the trails. Thank you for sharing your skill and your philosophy. Both are lifting my soul.
I clicked on a mountain bike video and ended up taking a trip down existential exploration. It was both heavy and light. There are no physical boundaries when the mind can soar!
@@JoyOfBike no. Thank you. It was not a downer, but a very open and honest conversation, albeit a one sided one because we can't speak back lol. I have a greater appreciation for you and the thought process that went into naming your channel " joy of bike" and really appreciate that little bit of extra you bring. Keep up the good vibes my man.
I'll be honest, when I started watching this vid I had no idea what was coming. I have been through some ups and downs but nothing came close to the worst time. My best friend Marcel passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly 3 years ago. Just thinking about it makes me well up. I immigrated to NZ 16 years ago, and like most immigrant family we knew no one. One day we met and Marcel his family at school pick up, they were new immigrants, and just like that, before we knew it, they became like family to us. Marcel was like a brother to me. We used to go riding all the time, and we had a real passion for mtb and everything was great. We were bulletproof. Then it all changed. The first ride I did after Marcel passed, there was a falcon high in the sky tracking my movements and following me. Every time I stopped it would land in a tree close by and just look at me. It would take off again when I started back up and this went on for about 10 mins. I remember thinking that Marcel was up there and maybe this falcon was a sign that everything was going to be alright. Peace and overwhelming emotions together, they do co-exist. Thank you for sharing your life with me and your youtube family. You are helping many, I know that you are helping me.
To feel is to find peace, to fight any moment is to find pain. Your soul grounded my heart. Very willing intermit share of your love. Such great energy going out. Its hard to let go, it even harder to surrender, but then in that paradox comes serenity. All of which is in the heart, not in the head. Great Heart ! X
Thanks for sharing your story, brother. It is sad but beautiful. There are some hard life lessons on the trails. I’m glad that you have found some peace. This helped inspire me to go back to the trail where I broke my left ankle and had to be airlifted out for the first time since my accident in January of 2019. It was a huge victory for me and I feel like I owe your channel for my success in multiple ways. For giving me the skills and hinges through you and Lee’s instructional videos and teaching me to ride radder, and by sharing the stoke and joy in all of your videos. You help us all ride better and safer! Thanks for enriching the community.
To be honest, I skipped the vid multiple times. Now that I watched it I am really thankful that you shared the depth of your experience. Bless you brother.
Thank you for sharing. I have not felt your type of loss personally. Yet I can relate about the spirit, energy of passed loved ones, still being with us.
I must admit. It took me a day to watch this because I didn't see Lee! Boy was I a fool. This was your best video yet. Simply heartbraking story, I can only imagine time can heal that. Thanks for your honesty. And thanks for a great thing you're doing too. Everyone can relate to a story like this.
Thank you Alex. I think most can connect or relate in their own way. Also a reminder to enjoy each and every ride and to not underestimate what any given ride may mean those on the trail with you.
I am lost for words to say. We didnt know Dave, but watching your videos over and over again made us feel like Dave is a brother to us as well. So shocking really and cant believe how strong you are not only as a mountain biker but just as a person. Coz in your videos You and Lee have these genuine enthusiasm, couldnt believe you have something traumatic hiding from the past. If it was me; might have quit already. But YOU kept going and become meaningful to us.... because of DAVE. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! My friends where all worried I would quit riding. I never gave that much thought. I knew Dave would HATE that. But I felt like I might have to ride alone. What's happened is I really prefer to ride behind now so I can keep an eye on friends while we ride.
I've got a mate who I've known since I was 8. He gets me do dumb things, great things, anything. He was there when I woke up in a field to a voice asking "what's your name, what's your age... Oh your back... by the way your shoulders out of joint". 40+ years on from my mate appearing in the valley he's still here (appears in my videos). Every ride is sacred... so is every friend. You don't know how long they will last so enjoy them in the now, and make good memories.
@@JoyOfBike I have a cheeky grin on my face when I mention that I swapped places back n forth in a race with Isle of Man king Bruce Anstey. (We were on trail bikes and we both kept overshooting the goat tracks and ending up in the gorse). q8D
What a deeply personal tragic story to share with such honesty. It was deeply moving. Thank you. I came here for the MTB tips but I've gotten so so much more wisdom to face the challenges on my own life.
LOL. Yeah. I tried that as a young man. I've learned that feeling is like a volume knob. You can't turn down the pain without turning down the Joy. Keep it all turned up to 11!
Thank you for sharing Alex. You're a special man. Joy of Bike has a whole new meaning to me. I'll try to keep "All Rides Are Sacred" front of mind and substitute "rides" with whatever activity I'm into at the moment.
I didn't know Dave but have a a few of those same dudes in my life and as life progresses cherish every time we get to shred, share a coffee and a chat or whatever. Heavy stuff, thanks for sharing put tears in my eyes but also a smile. Rad stuff you are doing giving back! Respect.
Thank you Alex for sharing such a personal story and for giving back to your community. I always thought your channel was one of the most honest, sincere, genuine, and educational mountain biking channels. Now I see why... Dave would be proud.
Thank you so much for sharing, Alex. We have to remember when the ride's just not going how we thought or we're feeling the hurt grinding up that hill, every ride is sacred!
Life is beautyful, and life is painful. I think we all can relate to Your story in some way, thanks for sharing it. These things reminds us to enjoy life. Every day You live, is a great day.
Thank you for sharing that story Alex. I'm gonna spend the afternoon with my oldest son that I haven't seen once this year and he lives in the next city from me. My whole outlook on my life just changed in this one video, Thank you brother, you have another one from another mother out here in SoCal my friend..
Thanks George!! I can feel the intensity of you going to see your son from here. I have a grown son and understand the complexities. Here’s the to you guys and your love.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Less than a year ago I too had my best friend die in my arms while we were mountain biking. I'm not sure that I am at peace with it yet, and I'm still looking for my journey. I will watch this many times while I try to figure it out. Thanks and peace to you.
Oh I’m so sorry. That’s really fresh. I don’t have any advice other than keep working on it. It only got worse for me by trying to ignore it. Sending love.
I lost my best friend a little over 5 years ago. This brought out all of that joy and pain. It was a great reminder that little pieces of him are always part of me. Thanks for opening up and being vulnerable.
Wow! You’re what we call down here ‘an effin champion.’ Thanks so much for sharing this. Just think for a minute about all the new connections being made (and yet to be made) at that pump track. What a fantastic idea. It goes to show that pushies (bikes) are awesome!
Alex, and Steve, thank you for your medicine. It came to me perfectly timed. Having just turned 50 and having just changed careers, I am just now at the start of my "Full Open and Honest" phase, within which you both are obviously well entrenched. So much heartache surrounds so much joy sometimes, and it takes time to really accept that, as you have shared. I hope that the people who watch this video and hear your story can walk away with that knowledge as a gift. Thank you so much.
Wow Alex, your channel has nailed me in the heart two weeks in row. First with Lee talking about his depression last week and now this. I am literally choked up. Biking takes us on a journey and we think we know where it's going to take us but in the end, it's always a surprise. Thank you for sharing that.
Thank you for sharing. I think it’s important for people to know they aren’t alone in going through a loss and you just helped people understand that talking about it helps you get through it.
Thank you for all the great videos on the channel. I never wanted to comment on any TH-cam video so much before. Amazing to share this part of your life, you are so brave, beautifully told. Peace and love Alex.
Alex, this is one of the toughest videos to create, not ‘cuz of the story telling but how you lay it all out there. Brother someway somehow we are all connected and believe me I am hugging your heart while I watch this video. Dave and his essence still lives on as we will some day...
You just made the best video on TH-cam. Sharing your pain, acceptance, and reckoning with transcension to wisdom.
Humbled. Much love Fred.
Alex your authenticity is jaw dropping. Joy of Bikes=Joy of Life. You have just made every Joy of Bikes video sacred.
Appreciate your kind words.
Making grown men cry. Thanks for letting us all in.
And you can be at peace and still emotional. They don't need to be separate.
Thanks for these words.
to deny a emotion by claiming men are not suposed to cry is truly harmfull to deny a emotion.
@@antlerr I know. I don't hold back tears.
No point. If someone judges you, it's on them and not you.
@@PatrickMckinnell open your eyes dude look how stupid the whole worlds become for people like you do not help your fellow human better themself humanity is lost when you just live for yourself, look around the world bill gates said fear a virus called covid thats all it took for the world to buy into what he said and everyone seems to forget all the bad he does since he has donated money to create death in a shot and sent to "third world countries" outright says he planned to kill as mny as he can on a ted talk about what he called climate change and thinks it more wise to reduce humans instead of carbon emissions dumby wake up.
If ever there was a modern mechanism for helping grown men reconnect with their emotions, it's the bicycle. There is joy, hope, fear, sadness, triumph and peace.... often all in a single rock-garden! Happy trails.
Immense respect for sharing such a personal experience.
As a Paramedic and someone who has lost family and good friends in traumatic circumstances, I share your sentiment and could not express it better. It was so important that Dave's family had time with him at the hospital and no-one who is loved ever truly dies.
Different sports remind me of different friends lost. But each time I do these sports, they remind me of all the good and sacred times we shared doing them.
Long live Dave!
These sports!!! Yeah. Seemed like somebody died at the moto track every few months. But it was never my brother. It was a blessing to get him off the mountain and to the hospital.
It’s so refreshjng to see a spirtitual video like this when the world keeps trying to convince itself it’s just logic and algorithms.
LOL. Where is the Strava for joy?!!!
Come for the biking lessons, stay for the life lessons. I’ve always seen people as chapters in our book of life. This may be a nondenominational channel, but brother you are blessed!
Thanks Matt!
Thank you so much for finding the courage to share this story! I've found great healing and peace in my life though plant medicines, and I wish anyone reading this the same sense of love, joy, connection and peace that I have. Riding is my meditation, and more than ever, we need to share our stories and help each other out. Thank you for all that you do.
I never thought that I would find so much pain and joy and beauty and inspiration and peace from a TH-cam channel. Your content continues to WOW me. Thank you for sharing the story of your brother Dave. “Every ride is sacred”
Whew. How about something on manuals next? LOL.
Dave was, is and will always be. True he may be 'gone' and taken away, but all the cherished memories you have can not be taken away so easily. When I miss people that I've lost I try not to dwell on their passing, but remember all the good and JOY they have brought me. He's proud of you. Namastoke
Every time I hit rainmaker, there's a little voice in my head that says "all rides are sacred." And I just think that's the best association that anyone can ask for. Thanks for sharing!
my uncle died in a climbing accident while with his lifetime climbing buddy. all our family was glad that at least he went while doing what he liked the most
you got me choked....you keep bringing mountain biking to the highest level in any aspect, thank you for all the wisdom and knowledge, and support you give back to the MTB community
Man it really means a lot for you to say this. Thanks!
Love this. Thanks for your vulnerability, Alex. Thanks for being a positive role model, brother. There is sacredness all around us in every ride and every relationship, if we’ll just watch for it. Continue to do good and spread the joy!
Good one. It just occurred to me...the connection between our new VCP pump track and you, minutes before you mentioned it. I can’t say how much fun I and others have had on it. You saved my bacon on the trail (through your good tips and info), and gave me joy through the pump track. I’m getting closer to The End, but now I can go out pumping. Thanks, Alex!
Thank you for sharing such an incredible story Alex. Having peace in your life is like riding the best flow trail forever. Stay safe and be happy everyone.
Tragedy has a way of teaching like no other. Each moment is unique, as each person is unique. We share our moments and lives, sometimes in joy or tragedy or both.
It's how we grow, for better or worse. It's both inevitable and humbling.
It's what is after, what is left, be they memories, new directions or inspiration that's important.
You shared a painful and inspirational moment that we may see your way of living, that we may also be better prepared.
Bravery and optimism.
Thankyou.
So true. We get better or we get worse. Big medicine.
Beautiful. My Dad just died from somebody hitting him while he was on his motorcycle, and your message about your friend really resonated with me. It was something he absolutely loved doing and he rode off into the sky too. Thank you for your videos, mountain biking looks fun so I just ordered one.
I found peace and joy and I wish the same for you. The bike has certainly helped me. So excited for your new MTB. Sending love from Colorado!!!
Beautiful, heartbreaking, thanks for sharing. You and your channel are inspirational
FML, I shouldn't have watched this at 3AM, right after waking up. Your transparency and openness draw me more and more to your content. I'm gettin to be an old ass man and need to stop keepin ish inside, your story is inspiring and motivating. TYSVM for what you do.
I rode Trestle for the first time this year and glad I got to share with Dave.
Loved this one. Powerful message. There is way more than to this world than we can put in paper but at least for now we can feel it. Thank you for sharing your story about the brotherhood with Dave. Love how the bike can bond us.
you guys are great Iam 5 months out from the worst day of my life mental health took my wife and you videos and getting back on the my bike and kept me going thanks so much
Feeling humbled and grateful to be a small part of keeping you going on the path of love brother.
Oh man so many tears. Sending you guys so much love from Australia, riding bikes and being alive is so fleeting.
Yeah brother. I'm trying to shake off the filters and FEEL. It is amazing and it sucks. BOTH!
I found your channel at the perfect time in my life. What awesome cathartic content. From the technical stuff, to the emotional, mental, and spiritual. I'm on board, bro! Imagine me behind you on all your future rides, because that's where I imagine myself.
This was deep, I never thought of mountain biking like this before. I ride with my dad on almost every ride and now that I think of it these rides have been sacred. Thank you.
Oh wow. You and your dad. As a dad I can say that for him that is the absolute ultimate ride.
Wow!! Alex - I chocked up listening to that. I have brothers who are really close to me but can only imagine what u went through. Full respect to you and glad ure at peace. Love your vids, please keep ‘em coming!
Dang Brother.... thank you for sharing your experience Alex. I have no words to express how grateful I am to know this part of your story and your meaning for sacred rides and I do totally agree w you... !
Thanks for these kind words brother!!!
You don't just shared your knowledge & skills for mountain biking you even teaches me to be more grateful...
Thanks Alex
Wow Alex, that's so sad and so beautiful all at the same time. The Joy of Bike is a perfect description of what my bike gives me. I have a friend I have discovered late in life and we are inseparable with regards to our bikes our aims and desires to improve, learn new skills and never grow up! Our wife's both have no understanding of what we can see in bikes and dirt, haha. I also have the blessing of having two boys 12 & 9 who are discovering the joy of bikes along with me. I have NEVER had a bad bike ride. Every ride is sacred.
Well said Russell and thank you Alex.
Take some bikes, some friends, and an obstacle and you have endless blessings!!
Life is so bittersweet and your authenticity and open hearted ness has been a gift to us all. Much tears of both joy and sorrow, which as you know do coexist. So glad you have found peace at the end. Much gratitude, brother.
Grateful for you as well.
Alex, Dave still is, in your heart and in your memories forever.
This is one of the most painful and beautiful things I've ever seen. First, I'm so sorry for the loss of your "brother" Dave. He sounds like a wonderful human and a great companion for your many adventures. The fact that you've not only shared this story but turned it into something positive for yourself is a testament to your love for Dave and everything you shared. Truly inspiring. And now I understand a little bit better where Alex Bogusky comes from and why you have such a positive and contagious joy for biking. Namastoke.
Goodness this hit me hard. For some reason I have avoided watching this video and I didn’t know why. Now I know why. Since I have gotten back into mtbing a lot is changing in my life. Thanks for the great videos!!!
If I could like this episode a million times it wouldn’t be enough likes! Thanks Alex for sharing your story. I won’t go into details but man oh man did this resonate. I made peace awhile ago but what a flood of memories and emotions as you told your story. Thanks again 👍🏻
Thanks. This was hard to make but I felt like it would do some good. I'm at peace too but every time I watched it as I made it I found something new that healed another little bit. Appreciate you!
A beautiful tragic story. And told in such a great way. I’m so glad you were able to find peace in this. Prayers for you, Dave and his family.
Thanks you sir!
Peace brother.
I know this video is a year old, but I watched it for the first time today. What a story. Alex, you’re an awesome dude and you seem like an amazing human. Keep it up and I hope you get back to making videos for the world to enjoy.
Ah man... nothing but love. Thanks for being vulnerable and putting all the work into this channel.
I lost my riding buddy when I was 17. That has been left buried deep in there for 23 years and i never wanted to look at it. This opened me up... Bless you man.
That’s such a hard road brother. 17 is when I lost my grandfather who I learned in therapy was my father!! I didn’t have any tools to deal with it. My heart goes out to you Mark.
Thank you for sharing your story and your openness. Any pursuit like MTB, surfing, etc., that connects you with nature and to things bigger than you are spiritual (whatever your beliefs). It's hard to explain it to those that have never tried. MTB has got me through some tough times and I'll be forever in its debt. And I agree; give back to the sport where you can.
Dude that was some soul touching reflection and well done for sharing
Yes riding has a deep individual meaning to all of us were we can forget our troubles & enjoy the smell, the wild life, the forests, laugh and encourage each other MTB is awesome
Alex still is! Thank you.
I messed that up but it was close enough. The universe actually said, "Alex is now" Probably not cool to misquote the universe. So consider this a correction. : )
This one hits home. I broke C1,C2 in 2017 after just getting back into it after decades not riding. Tragedy will occur in everyone's life eventually. As you said, life is fatal. What we do with that is what's important. Building those tracks can change people's perspectives of their lives and positions in society. I was a troubled youth in the 70s, and surfing changed that for me. It took me out of my situation, and put me on another trajectory. God bless you guys.
My son had a fusion at 14 of C1/C2. High priced real estate the doctors called it. I’m guessing your spinal cord is okay?
You will probably remember the Storm King Mtn fire of 1994. My best friend was a Hot Shot that died in there. I have consciously lived for the two of us ever since. Your video was beautiful. Thanks for being so authentic. It's so refreshing, ALL of your videos are. Big love from WA state.
My God. I know the feeling of living for two. And for honoring the memory by living as well as you can. Hugs from Colorado!!!
Wow.. I did not see that coming.
So beautiful and devastating. Alex I don’t know quite how or why you came into my like but thank God for you! Thank you for this. So sacred to share yourself and this story. My deepest condolences. The power of grief and gratitude. We really do live in gratitude. I met my brother on the trail. I ride for the sacred. You told this so beautifully and helped me understand it all in a much deeper way. Thank you!
So happy to be of service!
It made a big difference for me to hear this. Your channel have helped my rehab time(broken C5+6). And now you tell me this! Thank you so much. Very beautiful of you.
This makes my day. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your story Alex. I watched a friend die skiing when I was 30 (also named Dave) and had to deal with the scene on my own until the heli arrived 45 minutes later. It took about 18 months until I could bring myself to think through the events of that day clearly and find peace with it, and the joy I found in biking that summer really helped me get there. My most sacred ride was a powder day with Dave and another friend in a local spot; big drops, a few crashes and all smiles. That’s how I will always remember him.
What an amazing video. Alex you have amazing chemistry in front of the camera. I can’t stop watching your videos. I am a road ride who wants to start experiencing the joy of mountain biking. Your videos are giving me great starting information that I believe will get me started on the right foot when I get on the trails. Thank you for sharing your skill and your philosophy. Both are lifting my soul.
Thanks for sharing. Not just your story but your time with these videos and with the community. Thank you.
I clicked on a mountain bike video and ended up taking a trip down existential exploration. It was both heavy and light. There are no physical boundaries when the mind can soar!
Appreciate you. I sure didn't want to be a downer. Dave and I shared an incredible life!!!
@@JoyOfBike no. Thank you. It was not a downer, but a very open and honest conversation, albeit a one sided one because we can't speak back lol. I have a greater appreciation for you and the thought process that went into naming your channel " joy of bike" and really appreciate that little bit of extra you bring. Keep up the good vibes my man.
Joy of bike can also be die on bike. We all need vigilance, hope, and luck. We love a dangerous hobby. And each other.
❤️
I feel your pain. And your joy.
I'll be honest, when I started watching this vid I had no idea what was coming. I have been through some ups and downs but nothing came close to the worst time. My best friend Marcel passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly 3 years ago. Just thinking about it makes me well up.
I immigrated to NZ 16 years ago, and like most immigrant family we knew no one. One day we met and Marcel his family at school pick up, they were new immigrants, and just like that, before we knew it, they became like family to us. Marcel was like a brother to me. We used to go riding all the time, and we had a real passion for mtb and everything was great. We were bulletproof. Then it all changed.
The first ride I did after Marcel passed, there was a falcon high in the sky tracking my movements and following me. Every time I stopped it would land in a tree close by and just look at me. It would take off again when I started back up and this went on for about 10 mins. I remember thinking that Marcel was up there and maybe this falcon was a sign that everything was going to be alright.
Peace and overwhelming emotions together, they do co-exist.
Thank you for sharing your life with me and your youtube family.
You are helping many, I know that you are helping me.
We've got a cool extended crew growing here. Even in NZ!!! Sending love and healing from CO.
To feel is to find peace, to fight any moment is to find pain. Your soul grounded my heart. Very willing intermit share of your love.
Such great energy going out. Its hard to let go, it even harder to surrender, but then in that paradox comes serenity. All of which is in the heart, not in the head.
Great Heart ! X
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for sharing your story, brother. It is sad but beautiful. There are some hard life lessons on the trails. I’m glad that you have found some peace. This helped inspire me to go back to the trail where I broke my left ankle and had to be airlifted out for the first time since my accident in January of 2019. It was a huge victory for me and I feel like I owe your channel for my success in multiple ways. For giving me the skills and hinges through you and Lee’s instructional videos and teaching me to ride radder, and by sharing the stoke and joy in all of your videos. You help us all ride better and safer! Thanks for enriching the community.
Whoa. Stoked to be a part of that comeback!!!
Wow man , started watching this with no idea where it was going,
Has to be the most meaningful mtb video on the internet. Peace .
To be honest, I skipped the vid multiple times. Now that I watched it I am really thankful that you shared the depth of your experience. Bless you brother.
Thank you for sharing. I have not felt your type of loss personally. Yet I can relate about the spirit, energy of passed loved ones, still being with us.
I must admit. It took me a day to watch this because I didn't see Lee! Boy was I a fool.
This was your best video yet. Simply heartbraking story, I can only imagine time can heal that. Thanks for your honesty. And thanks for a great thing you're doing too. Everyone can relate to a story like this.
Thank you. And... I'll add Lee to all the thumbnails. Even when he's not in it. : )
Thank you Alex. I think most can connect or relate in their own way. Also a reminder to enjoy each and every ride and to not underestimate what any given ride may mean those on the trail with you.
Absolutely!
Thanks for sharing that story. What a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a good friend.
I am lost for words to say. We didnt know Dave, but watching your videos over and over again made us feel like Dave is a brother to us as well. So shocking really and cant believe how strong you are not only as a mountain biker but just as a person. Coz in your videos You and Lee have these genuine enthusiasm, couldnt believe you have something traumatic hiding from the past. If it was me; might have quit already. But YOU kept going and become meaningful to us.... because of DAVE. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! My friends where all worried I would quit riding. I never gave that much thought. I knew Dave would HATE that. But I felt like I might have to ride alone. What's happened is I really prefer to ride behind now so I can keep an eye on friends while we ride.
I've got a mate who I've known since I was 8. He gets me do dumb things, great things, anything.
He was there when I woke up in a field to a voice asking "what's your name, what's your age... Oh your back... by the way your shoulders out of joint".
40+ years on from my mate appearing in the valley he's still here (appears in my videos).
Every ride is sacred... so is every friend. You don't know how long they will last so enjoy them in the now, and make good memories.
Well said. I have a crazy crash story with Dave I might tell some day. Making memories!!!
@@JoyOfBike I have a cheeky grin on my face when I mention that I swapped places back n forth in a race with Isle of Man king Bruce Anstey.
(We were on trail bikes and we both kept overshooting the goat tracks and ending up in the gorse).
q8D
wow, i didnt see this comming... it brought tears to my eyes. beatifully made video , thanks for sharing this story.
What a deeply personal tragic story to share with such honesty. It was deeply moving. Thank you. I came here for the MTB tips but I've gotten so so much more wisdom to face the challenges on my own life.
That’s what it’s all about. The bike is just a vehicle. Pardon the pun.
It‘s a heroes journey and you embody this. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
We've been lead to believe that emotions are to be avoided. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
LOL. Yeah. I tried that as a young man. I've learned that feeling is like a volume knob. You can't turn down the pain without turning down the Joy. Keep it all turned up to 11!
@@JoyOfBike Amen.
@@JoyOfBike why don't you just turn it up to ten and make ten the loudest?
@@funkytomtom This heart goes to 11!
Alex you're are truly amazing man!
Hey, Alex, I’ll ride for Dave this weekend. Thanks for sharing the joy and pain.
You’re the man!!! That’s beautiful!
Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Keep on going forward brother.
Forget the channel, forget the bike (yeah right), You are a good human. thank you for sharing this.
Thanks. You're right. Replace the bike with a surfboard, skiis or fishing pole.
Thank you for sharing Alex. You're a special man. Joy of Bike has a whole new meaning to me. I'll try to keep "All Rides Are Sacred" front of mind and substitute "rides" with whatever activity I'm into at the moment.
Gratitude brothers.... so much gratitude, thank you for reminding us about the gift of life we all have. Thanks again for sharing your story.
I didn't know Dave but have a a few of those same dudes in my life and as life progresses cherish every time we get to shred, share a coffee and a chat or whatever. Heavy stuff, thanks for sharing put tears in my eyes but also a smile. Rad stuff you are doing giving back! Respect.
I have a lot of friends and a lot named Dave. Crazy.
Appreciate your words.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you Alex for sharing such a personal story and for giving back to your community. I always thought your channel was one of the most honest, sincere, genuine, and educational mountain biking channels. Now I see why... Dave would be proud.
Beautiful......just bloody beautiful! Thank you for sharing Mate.
Thank you so much for sharing, Alex. We have to remember when the ride's just not going how we thought or we're feeling the hurt grinding up that hill, every ride is sacred!
Life is beautyful, and life is painful.
I think we all can relate to Your story in some way, thanks for sharing it. These things reminds us to enjoy life. Every day You live, is a great day.
This video was just amazing! Thanks for sharing your story, your experience, your pain and your love.
Thank you for sharing this story. Please continue to be you and keep making vids!!
Thankyou for introducing Dave to us so beautifully. He obviously is special to you and now he is to us as well.
Thank you for sharing that story Alex. I'm gonna spend the afternoon with my oldest son that I haven't seen once this year and he lives in the next city from me. My whole outlook on my life just changed in this one video, Thank you brother, you have another one from another mother out here in SoCal my friend..
Thanks George!! I can feel the intensity of you going to see your son from here. I have a grown son and understand the complexities. Here’s the to you guys and your love.
Best you tube channel period. Great work Alex. Keep it up
It's called the "Hero's Journey" you're on. God speed.
Real big man things that! Not gonna lie eyes were watering. Your message could not be more clear. Respect ✊.
I appreciate that
Peace man. Your words are helping me get thru a very difficult time. Thanks for sharing. That took a lot of guts.
Humbled to be even a little help. Much love.
So heavy....and so rad.....thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for sharing this. Less than a year ago I too had my best friend die in my arms while we were mountain biking. I'm not sure that I am at peace with it yet, and I'm still looking for my journey. I will watch this many times while I try to figure it out. Thanks and peace to you.
Oh I’m so sorry. That’s really fresh. I don’t have any advice other than keep working on it. It only got worse for me by trying to ignore it. Sending love.
I lost my best friend a little over 5 years ago. This brought out all of that joy and pain. It was a great reminder that little pieces of him are always part of me. Thanks for opening up and being vulnerable.
He is with you forever. Which is a pretty long time. : )
Wow! You’re what we call down here ‘an effin champion.’ Thanks so much for sharing this. Just think for a minute about all the new connections being made (and yet to be made) at that pump track. What a fantastic idea. It goes to show that pushies (bikes) are awesome!
Thank you for sharing. I just subscribed recently to your channel and I am so grateful for it. Currently on my healing journey and this hit home.
Keep at it. Healing isn't a passive experience. Sending love : )
Wow. Amazing, thanks for sharing vulnerably.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective. 💯
And now for a video on tire pressure. ; ) Please!!!
@@JoyOfBike I’d actually be very interested in seeing you guys nerd out on tire pressure 😂
Alex, and Steve, thank you for your medicine. It came to me perfectly timed. Having just turned 50 and having just changed careers, I am just now at the start of my "Full Open and Honest" phase, within which you both are obviously well entrenched.
So much heartache surrounds so much joy sometimes, and it takes time to really accept that, as you have shared. I hope that the people who watch this video and hear your story can walk away with that knowledge as a gift.
Thank you so much.
Wow Alex, your channel has nailed me in the heart two weeks in row. First with Lee talking about his depression last week and now this. I am literally choked up. Biking takes us on a journey and we think we know where it's going to take us but in the end, it's always a surprise. Thank you for sharing that.
How about a whip video or something on line choice next. : )
@@JoyOfBike Yeah, that'll be helpful. I'm running out of tissues...
Thank you for sharing. I think it’s important for people to know they aren’t alone in going through a loss and you just helped people understand that talking about it helps you get through it.
Thank you for all the great videos on the channel. I never wanted to comment on any TH-cam video so much before. Amazing to share this part of your life, you are so brave, beautifully told. Peace and love Alex.
You made me feel great knowing that you don't normally comment. Honored. Humbled. Stay awesome!!
Alex, this is one of the toughest videos to create, not ‘cuz of the story telling but how you lay it all out there. Brother someway somehow we are all connected and believe me I am hugging your heart while I watch this video. Dave and his essence still lives on as we will some day...
I appreciate the heart hug! Also.... How is that manual machine treating you??
@@JoyOfBike got it just last weekend, customs and import taxes were in the way, next week I’ll post a picture and share it bro, keep vibing high