Please do not support betterhelp! There are lots of ethical concerns with how patients are treated and the company selling peoples' personal information to ad agencies and social media companies. Appreciate the content! Always inspirational!
My brother was a spirited man. His last project was to rebuild a bike from the ground up, get his license, and learn to ride.. which he did. He died 3 years ago, and I've dreamt of learning to ride on that bike ever since. My Dad now owns it. For some strange reason, my brother doesn't have a grave or a memorial. I don't know why that is, but I see that bike as if it were his memorial. I sit with it. I put my hands on it. I try to envision him turning those tools as he meticulously gave that machine its second chance at life. I think it would be a tremendous honour to feel the way you speak about riding while on his bike. I think it's about time I got my motorcycle license. Thank you, Van.
Well said. Sometimes when people ask me what I like about riding I tell them, Imagine you could run as fast as you wanted for as long as you liked and never get tired.
I can’t get enough of these “love letters to motorcycles” type videos. I unfortunately had to sell mine years ago. Affording to feed my children became priority but I have the itch, the love and the magnetic draw to motorcycles to this day. My time will come to be back on two wheels and I will cherish every single second of those rides.
He best kept secret in the motorcycling world is Vietnam. Take a peaky, light bike with road tyres and ride from Phuong Nha to Khe Sanh. A Vitpilen 401 would not be ideal, but would be close. If you don't have a mystical experience doing that, you've got dramas.
At the age of 52, I began my riding journey two years ago on a whim to find a new hobby. I wish I had done it earlier in my life, but it’s like the saying goes “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now.” Riding washes everything out of my mind and thrusts me into the moment, the best therapy money can buy.
Rode over 100k miles and have had 20 road bikes. It all came to a end.. I miss it..I've shed tears over it...I've have yet to find some way to fill the void. TH-cam has become one way and spending time with family. My therapy has changed.
@@tamekyle A deer ran into the side of my bike and destroyed my left arm. It took 10 months to just get back to work and many hours of P.T. I'm able to work again in my trade witch was a blessing. At this point having a 5 year old at the time and my wife dealing with the fear of me riding. I decided they come first right now and have learned alot about coping and being a better me in the end.
I’ve been through so many hobbies. I started riding a little over a year ago and there’s nothing like it. Absolutely nothing. I’m totally in love with it and it’s helped me decompress and clear my mind every time I get on. I go through withdrawal if I don’t ride. I know the risks but for such a fulfilling experience I won’t live in fear of them.
I’ve had everything from a classic Vespa to an antique sidecar bike. Nothing was better for my mental health than riding a motorcycle. It makes me feel good. People who don’t understand, don’t understand.
I have an old DR 650 that I take out every week. Couldn't afford therapy anymore so I bought a cheap motorcycle at 42. I'm 45 now and I honestly don't know what I would do without my bike. Although I live in Canada and I can only ride it during the spring-fall, I try to make the best of it and remember the fun I had in the winter; It always puts a big grin on my face. I can't tell you the amount of rides I've taken that just cleared my head. Shes my ride or die, her name is Darlene.
I’m 54 in a couple of weeks and only started riding a couple of months ago. Also a DR650 (her name is Varla). While I wish I’d started 20 years ago, I kind of think it happened when it needed to happen, I’m much less of a hellraiser, I’m many years sober and rarely even smoke weed anymore. I’m not out to break speed records or pop wheelies and generally prefer riding under the posted limit when I can. And it’s absolute bliss. I recently nicknamed it “cheater’s zen” because of how arrested in the moment you become while riding.
I currently have a Triumph Speed Twin 900. Have been riding motorcycles for six years now. It’s my therapy. My outlet. Even the most mundane of rides - the commutes to work in the pouring rain, for example - can just be spectacular. I genuinely feel sometimes like a bird in flight, or a fighter pilot; it’s that nimble swinging and slicing of the bike through the streets, the traffic, the scenery. It’s just bliss.
Van, been watching on here since the very first day and upload. I was sent here by your brother. You, hands down have to be my favorite film maker and always leave feeling inspired to do something I love to do. Thanks for making content that has substance an redeems this space. Thanks for reminding me that I am a spirited man!
This is one of my favorite videos on youtube, and such a great summary of the motorcycling experience. I've bought and sold many bikes over the years, but my beat-up, high mile XR650L will forever live in my garage, cost be damned.
Marie Kondo asks people "does this bring joy to your life" but she never asks: "how would you feel, if this was no longer in your life, and you would never be able to see it or touch it anymore?" She doesn't ask what loss you will feel at the absence of something.. or the potential future loss you will feel in its absence. which is just as important I think.
Right. Love it! How about this one? Would you replace it if it was stolen or lost? When I got my bike stolen, I almost immediately went and bought another one. It's a structural piece in my life.
I went 5 years without a bike. It was never far from my thoughts. I don't think I will go another span of time without riding as long as I am able to do so.
@@redmond9653 I mean, I have some boxes that I haven't seen in many years, haven't even thought of for a number of years, but then when you go back to your parent's place, see a box of stuff from your childhood in the garage, and suddenly all the memories come flooding back. At the time, a box of toys are just toys, fast forward 20 years later and it's a treasure chest. As someone else mentioned, a good metric about how important something is, is how quick you would replace it if it was gone.
That is the coolest map animation ever! Keeping something (worth keeping) in shape is rewarding in itself, even if it does not feel like that while swearing over an issue .. Thank you for this video.
One of your best videos. I love pouring over maps and planning routes and trips. Following you on the map board and seeing the locations as you encountered them was amazing. Meditative and sublime soundtrack. Thank you for sharing your ride.
There’s just something about being deep in these sandy Michigan trails, and being on my 1996 cr250r and hearing that engine just singing. I went through the whole motor and did the top end, feels good knowing I did it right and it runs good now because of what I did last summer. I ride with my 67 year old dad believe it or not. He’s on a 95 KTM 300. he has a 73 Yamaha DT3 250, the bike I learned how to ride, but it’s not good in these sandy trails. I told him I would find him a 125 2 stroke and came home with the KTM 300. It’s a blast
I am a new rider. Started just half a year ago. I started going on adventure/Enduro trips with my dad. I new it would be fun and a great bonding opportunity with my dad but I've never expected it to be so therapeutic. I am a narrator thinker with adhd so riding is truly the only time my brain is clear and quiet. Truly the best and most consistent meditation ive had.
Southern California is warm most of the year and it very rarely rains. On top of this, Malibu has wonderful topography and great roads for riding. You are in such a great place for motorcycling and it is so much fun watching you take advantage of it. Thanks for making this video and keep dancing along the back roads.
This video has come to me at a strange time, a cross roads of my very own. My beloved birth year 97 Harley softail has started the riding season yet again with a new major leak, which makes me resentful at it. But every time I start it up and not only hear, but feel it to my souls core ,that feeling melts away. When I sit on it and twist the throttle it’s akin to talking to a best friend whose personality fits me like a glove. I’ve almost died on the bike countless times, weather it be from deer or drivers to busy looking at their phones to pay attention to the fact that they are driving a 2 ton metal bull down the road and I’m only a pony, but it’s a bike I’d be fine dying on. I feel guilty when I think of selling it to get a newer bike that would give me less problems and I know I’d regret doing so but I can’t keep putting money into something I can’t actually use and don’t make enough money to have more than one. Like you said it’s therapy. This is not something I ever wanted to think about, but life has its way of throwing things at you when you least want them but need them most…
I recently got into riding. This will be my 4th season. For this season I am riding from Hollywood MD to Anchorage AK. You pretty much nailed the reason why I ride and why this year i will put on 10K miles to get from Home to Coast to Coast to Home. Thank you for your content, creativity, and your soulful words. P.S. the GS series is still the best series :)
Good luck on your trip. When I moved to California I took all backroads, no interstates. I HIGHLY recommend this way of motorcycling across the country. Never far from civilization but just far enough to really experience the vastness and beauty of the country.
I create and watch a lot of motorcycle content. This is top tier man. Great video. Your bro Casey inspired me to start my TH-cam channel. I found you through him. Keep up the great MC content.
Thanks for this. Not only is your work insightful but this channel feels like the next frontier of what youtube could be. It all feels so tastefully done in contrast to the quirky youtube culture that we usually see.
This video spoke to me. Summarised in such an articulate/gentlemanly/relatable manner how I feel about the many facets of being a motorcycle rider. Love your work. Fix the Beemer.
Brilliant video. I’m in tears brother. I’ve lived in 5 countries and never owed a car with hundreds of thousands of Moto-miles under my belt and still never feel right without two wheels. It’s who I am, part of my soul, part of my humanity. Your words and the quotes you used, perfectly captures every emotion and reasoning behind this shared passion. People ask me why…all the time. I’m now just going to show these folks your video. Thank you 🙏🏻. We should ride together sometime.
Love the video! a colleague is thinking about selling his R nine T. He put 600 miles on it. He’s not cut out motorcycle riding wood it seems. You should get it.
That buildup all the way to the reveal of the ocean... absolutely outstanding. I'm from Michigan, seeing bodies of water isn't anything new, but seeing the ocean is far up on my list of simple things I need to do. This was lovely.
When you risk your life you are not always met with death. My dad was just in a motorcycle accident and was left with permanent brain damage and a feeding tube. Wear your helmet and obey all traffic laws. Remember, you are not invincible, and there are fates worse than death.
I grew up on these roads, I live in Central Oregon now miss that place like the Dickens. Thanks for taking your freinds up there its important for people to understand what California and those mountains have to offer.
I used to regularly go for scenic drives in a car along that same route. Such beautiful scenery. I imagine it's even better on a motorcycle. Thanks for sharing.
6:01 - Reminds me of the intro from Matthew Crawfords ‘Why We Drive’ - "Riding a dirt bike on a narrow, meandering trail that is rocky and muddy, with protruding roots and fallen limbs, creek crossings, steep descents, and tight switchbacks, at a mere fifteen miles per hour, I might be taxed to the very limit of my mental ability. Picking lines, making imperceptible decisions of throttle, clutch, steering, braking, and body English, revising them on the fly as surprises arrive at my front wheel-all this demands total concentration. ... the heightened feeling of exposure one has on a dirt bike recalls one to a basic truth: we are fragile, embodied beings. There is a certain risk that is inherent in moving around, by whatever means."
And this is why I still have VW Golf mk4 GTI sat on my parent's driveway two years after it initially failed an MOT. Each time I've been round to fix one problem, another has come up and every time in between it gets covered in mould inside from the wet British weather but I'm still determined to finally get it sorted. And then no doubt go back to complaining about how the seats aren't that comfortable and the windscreen could do with replacing because it's so scratched, and...
I use to ride street bikes and had one accident which left me scared every time I would ride. I switched to dirt bikes and loved it. It was like being in control of your own roller coaster. I just have to go to the emergency room one time, but at least when you are riding dirt bikes, usually if you mess up, it is on you and not some idiot driver who cuts you off or cuts in front of you.
I doubt you read the comments on videos this old but I want you to know I am about to buy my first bike so I can ride with my dad and for my adventurous self. This video brought that happiest tear to my eye I have experienced in a while. I’m ready to fly.
I didn't realize you rode! Makes sense given you live in motorcycle nirvana. That section of mullholland off Malibu canyon is one of my favorites. I made a somewhat related video a long time ago about how the scariest part of riding is when you are not riding, but rather in bed thinking about riding. But yes it's my therapy as well. See you up there!
My friend died 2 days ago on his Ducati 848. Went through a green light at the speed limit, while someone ran the red at full speed and t bonded him. It happened 2 days after my first track day of the year and I was already scared of traffic. This was just icing on the cake for me not wanting to ride on the street anymore. But there’s no way I can turn my back on it. I can’t go to the track every day and I’m not going to drive my lame ass car on a beautiful day. Just be aware and be extra cautious around intersections. Most of the time it’s cross traffic that kills us
you are my favorite poet. Your my favorite poet, but read the beginning of the Yogi Berra quote. "Keep trying, stay humble, Trust your instincts, and most importantly act! (Keep making these videos)"
I learned 4 very important things from this video: 1. I need to ride again 2. Van has an amazing backyard in which to ride 3. Van is an amazing storyteller 4. Kona Big Wave is a great beer Thanks Van!
5:28 why would you put a STOP sign on the main road? Specially in this particular case - when you are leaving main road making a right turn. Those STOP signs are overused - most of them are being used as Yield sign.
I really admire your focus,or at least what appears to be focus. I've been thinking about getting a road bike. Had dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. I'm finally at a point where I think I could ride one responsibly. Might not die right away anyway.
Hey Van, fun fact. I just got my first motorbike and it’s a 95’ TW200. I realised you planted that idea in my head a couple years ago. Also I daily drive my 1985 Nissan Patrol. Starting to feel like a distant Australian relative of yours. Love your content brother, stay safe -
My motorcycle was stolen out of my yard a couple of weeks ago despite having locked the column and kickstand! That 49 cc Honda metropolitan WITH 110 MPG WAS my car, and it literally happened 2 weeks before moving back to the city. I'm so bummed and will have to make due with my ebike until i can get another....
Outstanding. Love the route. Love the vibe. Yeah, don't sell the Beamer. Fix it. Keep it 'a 'la Eric Bana. But, you may want to check out a Ducati Scrambler 1100 or the Triumph Scrambler (next bikes). This was excellent. Like you, riding is my therapy. And, I'm a trained mental health therapist currently working in special education. I'll see you on the roads, my friend. Ride safe.
The most inspirational part of this was realizing that Dr. Phil has actually said something worthy of the title "Dr". before... I wanna float so bad but I'd rather live a life achieving other dreams than become a pavement stain at the hand of another after achieving this one enticing dream
Visit our sponsor betterhelp.com/vanneistat for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.
Please do not support betterhelp! There are lots of ethical concerns with how patients are treated and the company selling peoples' personal information to ad agencies and social media companies. Appreciate the content! Always inspirational!
@@oceancaroline332 Second this. Do not support betterhelp
Do you have a curated playlist you can share?
My brother was a spirited man. His last project was to rebuild a bike from the ground up, get his license, and learn to ride.. which he did. He died 3 years ago, and I've dreamt of learning to ride on that bike ever since. My Dad now owns it. For some strange reason, my brother doesn't have a grave or a memorial. I don't know why that is, but I see that bike as if it were his memorial. I sit with it. I put my hands on it. I try to envision him turning those tools as he meticulously gave that machine its second chance at life. I think it would be a tremendous honour to feel the way you speak about riding while on his bike. I think it's about time I got my motorcycle license. Thank you, Van.
Get the license, you won't regret it.
Do it for honour brother. It will be the best choice you can make.❤
Well said. Sometimes when people ask me what I like about riding I tell them, Imagine you could run as fast as you wanted for as long as you liked and never get tired.
I can’t get enough of these “love letters to motorcycles” type videos. I unfortunately had to sell mine years ago. Affording to feed my children became priority but I have the itch, the love and the magnetic draw to motorcycles to this day. My time will come to be back on two wheels and I will cherish every single second of those rides.
hi! can you suggest me some other videos like this :)
He best kept secret in the motorcycling world is Vietnam.
Take a peaky, light bike with road tyres and ride from Phuong Nha to Khe Sanh. A Vitpilen 401 would not be ideal, but would be close.
If you don't have a mystical experience doing that, you've got dramas.
At the age of 52, I began my riding journey two years ago on a whim to find a new hobby. I wish I had done it earlier in my life, but it’s like the saying goes “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now.” Riding washes everything out of my mind and thrusts me into the moment, the best therapy money can buy.
"you bet your ass Miranda"
Haha. So well written. Such a great video.
Best channel on youtube.
moving the light on the route is so cool clip
How did he do the light thjng
@@slax4884 The light is not moving.
@@samcosgrave3342 the map is moving?
Rode over 100k miles and have had 20 road bikes. It all came to a end.. I miss it..I've shed tears over it...I've have yet to find some way to fill the void. TH-cam has become one way and spending time with family. My therapy has changed.
What led you to the decision to stop riding?
Why stop?
@@tamekyle A deer ran into the side of my bike and destroyed my left arm. It took 10 months to just get back to work and many hours of P.T. I'm able to work again in my trade witch was a blessing. At this point having a 5 year old at the time and my wife dealing with the fear of me riding. I decided they come first right now and have learned alot about coping and being a better me in the end.
Pls. cry again and find something better that you can appreciate even more and suits you better than tubes. Family though is a strong win.
@@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan Glad you're putting them first. Riding is fun but a family without a father is devastating.
I’ve been through so many hobbies. I started riding a little over a year ago and there’s nothing like it. Absolutely nothing. I’m totally in love with it and it’s helped me decompress and clear my mind every time I get on. I go through withdrawal if I don’t ride. I know the risks but for such a fulfilling experience I won’t live in fear of them.
I’ve had everything from a classic Vespa to an antique sidecar bike. Nothing was better for my mental health than riding a motorcycle. It makes me feel good.
People who don’t understand, don’t understand.
I have an old DR 650 that I take out every week. Couldn't afford therapy anymore so I bought a cheap motorcycle at 42. I'm 45 now and I honestly don't know what I would do without my bike. Although I live in Canada and I can only ride it during the spring-fall, I try to make the best of it and remember the fun I had in the winter; It always puts a big grin on my face. I can't tell you the amount of rides I've taken that just cleared my head. Shes my ride or die, her name is Darlene.
I’m 54 in a couple of weeks and only started riding a couple of months ago. Also a DR650 (her name is Varla). While I wish I’d started 20 years ago, I kind of think it happened when it needed to happen, I’m much less of a hellraiser, I’m many years sober and rarely even smoke weed anymore. I’m not out to break speed records or pop wheelies and generally prefer riding under the posted limit when I can. And it’s absolute bliss. I recently nicknamed it “cheater’s zen” because of how arrested in the moment you become while riding.
I currently have a Triumph Speed Twin 900. Have been riding motorcycles for six years now.
It’s my therapy. My outlet.
Even the most mundane of rides - the commutes to work in the pouring rain, for example - can just be spectacular. I genuinely feel sometimes like a bird in flight, or a fighter pilot; it’s that nimble swinging and slicing of the bike through the streets, the traffic, the scenery. It’s just bliss.
Van, been watching on here since the very first day and upload. I was sent here by your brother. You, hands down have to be my favorite film maker and always leave feeling inspired to do something I love to do. Thanks for making content that has substance an redeems this space. Thanks for reminding me that I am a spirited man!
Van, this is art. I know you know that, and I know that's what you are intending to make but it's probably good to hear that others know it too.
This is one of my favorite videos on youtube, and such a great summary of the motorcycling experience. I've bought and sold many bikes over the years, but my beat-up, high mile XR650L will forever live in my garage, cost be damned.
Thank you for making this short. It spoke to my soul. I appreciate you.
Marie Kondo asks people "does this bring joy to your life" but she never asks:
"how would you feel, if this was no longer in your life, and you would never be able to see it or touch it anymore?"
She doesn't ask what loss you will feel at the absence of something.. or the potential future loss you will feel in its absence.
which is just as important I think.
Right. Love it! How about this one? Would you replace it if it was stolen or lost? When I got my bike stolen, I almost immediately went and bought another one. It's a structural piece in my life.
I went 5 years without a bike. It was never far from my thoughts. I don't think I will go another span of time without riding as long as I am able to do so.
I threw out a lot of stuff that I really regret now because of her.
@@redmond9653 I mean, I have some boxes that I haven't seen in many years, haven't even thought of for a number of years, but then when you go back to your parent's place, see a box of stuff from your childhood in the garage, and suddenly all the memories come flooding back. At the time, a box of toys are just toys, fast forward 20 years later and it's a treasure chest.
As someone else mentioned, a good metric about how important something is, is how quick you would replace it if it was gone.
That is the coolest map animation ever! Keeping something (worth keeping) in shape is rewarding in itself, even if it does not feel like that while swearing over an issue .. Thank you for this video.
Zen and the art of motorcycle repair. wonderful video
One of your best videos. I love pouring over maps and planning routes and trips. Following you on the map board and seeing the locations as you encountered them was amazing. Meditative and sublime soundtrack. Thank you for sharing your ride.
There’s just something about being deep in these sandy Michigan trails, and being on my 1996 cr250r and hearing that engine just singing. I went through the whole motor and did the top end, feels good knowing I did it right and it runs good now because of what I did last summer. I ride with my 67 year old dad believe it or not. He’s on a 95 KTM 300. he has a 73 Yamaha DT3 250, the bike I learned how to ride, but it’s not good in these sandy trails. I told him I would find him a 125 2 stroke and came home with the KTM 300. It’s a blast
I am a new rider. Started just half a year ago. I started going on adventure/Enduro trips with my dad. I new it would be fun and a great bonding opportunity with my dad but I've never expected it to be so therapeutic. I am a narrator thinker with adhd so riding is truly the only time my brain is clear and quiet. Truly the best and most consistent meditation ive had.
I love that each of your videos is a unique meditation
Southern California is warm most of the year and it very rarely rains. On top of this, Malibu has wonderful topography and great roads for riding. You are in such a great place for motorcycling and it is so much fun watching you take advantage of it. Thanks for making this video and keep dancing along the back roads.
This is your best video on TH-cam yet. Incredible storytelling
This video has come to me at a strange time, a cross roads of my very own. My beloved birth year 97 Harley softail has started the riding season yet again with a new major leak, which makes me resentful at it. But every time I start it up and not only hear, but feel it to my souls core ,that feeling melts away. When I sit on it and twist the throttle it’s akin to talking to a best friend whose personality fits me like a glove. I’ve almost died on the bike countless times, weather it be from deer or drivers to busy looking at their phones to pay attention to the fact that they are driving a 2 ton metal bull down the road and I’m only a pony, but it’s a bike I’d be fine dying on. I feel guilty when I think of selling it to get a newer bike that would give me less problems and I know I’d regret doing so but I can’t keep putting money into something I can’t actually use and don’t make enough money to have more than one. Like you said it’s therapy. This is not something I ever wanted to think about, but life has its way of throwing things at you when you least want them but need them most…
I recently got into riding. This will be my 4th season. For this season I am riding from Hollywood MD to Anchorage AK. You pretty much nailed the reason why I ride and why this year i will put on 10K miles to get from Home to Coast to Coast to Home. Thank you for your content, creativity, and your soulful words. P.S. the GS series is still the best series :)
Good luck on your trip. When I moved to California I took all backroads, no interstates. I HIGHLY recommend this way of motorcycling across the country. Never far from civilization but just far enough to really experience the vastness and beauty of the country.
Hollywood Maryland! I'm from Calvert small world reading comments.
@@SeanDonnellyFromSpace That's pretty awesome. I plan on passing by that way on the leg down.
I create and watch a lot of motorcycle content. This is top tier man. Great video. Your bro Casey inspired me to start my TH-cam channel. I found you through him. Keep up the great MC content.
Nice to see you here.
Thanks for this. Not only is your work insightful but this channel feels like the next frontier of what youtube could be. It all feels so tastefully done in contrast to the quirky youtube culture that we usually see.
What a therapy to listen/watch this as I fix my 2009 BMW 1200GS!!! Maybe one day to ride with you in CA!!!! Cheers from FL.
Love the vid, Van. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful film, van. Thank you for creating this.
Beautiful ride! Thanks for taking us along.
I'm glad this showed up in my recommendation feed. I'm glad I remembered you. I'm glad I remembered who a spirited man is. Thank you
This video spoke to me. Summarised in such an articulate/gentlemanly/relatable manner how I feel about the many facets of being a motorcycle rider. Love your work. Fix the Beemer.
You never see a motorcycle outside a therapist's office, unless it's the therapist's.
Good one
I ride my bike to my therapists office all the time...
I used to ride my Honda 350 Scrambler (1971) to the therapists office all the time
There could be many reasons for this…
Brilliant video. I’m in tears brother. I’ve lived in 5 countries and never owed a car with hundreds of thousands of Moto-miles under my belt and still never feel right without two wheels. It’s who I am, part of my soul, part of my humanity. Your words and the quotes you used, perfectly captures every emotion and reasoning behind this shared passion. People ask me why…all the time. I’m now just going to show these folks your video. Thank you 🙏🏻. We should ride together sometime.
Love the video! a colleague is thinking about selling his R nine T. He put 600 miles on it. He’s not cut out motorcycle riding wood it seems. You should get it.
That buildup all the way to the reveal of the ocean... absolutely outstanding.
I'm from Michigan, seeing bodies of water isn't anything new, but seeing the ocean is far up on my list of simple things I need to do.
This was lovely.
When you risk your life you are not always met with death. My dad was just in a motorcycle accident and was left with permanent brain damage and a feeding tube. Wear your helmet and obey all traffic laws. Remember, you are not invincible, and there are fates worse than death.
I grew up on these roads, I live in Central Oregon now miss that place like the Dickens. Thanks for taking your freinds up there its important for people to understand what California and those mountains have to offer.
I used to regularly go for scenic drives in a car along that same route. Such beautiful scenery. I imagine it's even better on a motorcycle. Thanks for sharing.
6:01 - Reminds me of the intro from Matthew Crawfords ‘Why We Drive’ - "Riding a dirt bike on a narrow, meandering trail that is rocky and muddy, with protruding roots and fallen limbs, creek crossings, steep descents, and tight switchbacks, at a mere fifteen miles per hour, I might be taxed to the very limit of my mental ability. Picking lines, making imperceptible decisions of throttle, clutch, steering, braking, and body English, revising them on the fly as surprises arrive at my front wheel-all this demands total concentration. ... the heightened feeling of exposure one has on a dirt bike recalls one to a basic truth: we are fragile, embodied beings. There is a certain risk that is inherent in moving around, by whatever means."
I felt the line from that book. I do think the sound of the engine brings you into a meditative state and helps you feel more alive!
I ride those exact same roads. Cool to see them here in nearly the order I took a week or two ago
There is an endless amount of awesomeness in this video. I'ma watch it again. Just learnt a lot from you today, sir.
Just took delivery of my first bike at 27, it’s only a 125 but I’m very excited to start riding! Stay safe out there
Perfect. You nailed it.
Such an nice effect following the route using a small light. I have a Triumph that feels like a glove after riding just 100 miles.
Definitely get that R Nine T!! Beautiful machine.
Great vid! Riding takes away all of my anxiety of death.
I love the map/light thing you did, very neat to combine it with bike footage
That was a nice ride, glad Van shared it with us.
Beautiful!
This video… I’ve delayed watching it as long as I could. It is as beautiful as expected, and made me miss riding more than I ever expected. Thanks Van
Had to comment. What a great film. The story, the editing, the animation, the music and the narrative. So concise. Not an ounce of fat on it.
And this is why I still have VW Golf mk4 GTI sat on my parent's driveway two years after it initially failed an MOT. Each time I've been round to fix one problem, another has come up and every time in between it gets covered in mould inside from the wet British weather but I'm still determined to finally get it sorted. And then no doubt go back to complaining about how the seats aren't that comfortable and the windscreen could do with replacing because it's so scratched, and...
makes me want to ride one
Im listening and thank you for taking your time to care enough about others and seeing the bigger picture without a filtering lens.
I use to ride street bikes and had one accident which left me scared every time I would ride. I switched to dirt bikes and loved it. It was like being in control of your own roller coaster. I just have to go to the emergency room one time, but at least when you are riding dirt bikes, usually if you mess up, it is on you and not some idiot driver who cuts you off or cuts in front of you.
that ocean view at the end.... i literally had goosebumps seconds before ocean revealed
I really like the cut between the map and your riding perspective; It gave me a sense of direction, and this video feels immersive.
I doubt you read the comments on videos this old but I want you to know I am about to buy my first bike so I can ride with my dad and for my adventurous self. This video brought that happiest tear to my eye I have experienced in a while. I’m ready to fly.
Strong similarities with bicycle riding, especially once you start the descent
I love your videos bro!
I was feeling overwhelmed today and watching your ride clips was soothing to the mind
I didn't realize you rode! Makes sense given you live in motorcycle nirvana. That section of mullholland off Malibu canyon is one of my favorites. I made a somewhat related video a long time ago about how the scariest part of riding is when you are not riding, but rather in bed thinking about riding. But yes it's my therapy as well. See you up there!
Great video as always.
Great video! I don't even ride but I feel like this when I fly small aircraft.
As someone who spent yesterday literally camped out at a rattlesnake den, we risk our lives because we used to have to.
My friend died 2 days ago on his Ducati 848. Went through a green light at the speed limit, while someone ran the red at full speed and t bonded him. It happened 2 days after my first track day of the year and I was already scared of traffic. This was just icing on the cake for me not wanting to ride on the street anymore. But there’s no way I can turn my back on it. I can’t go to the track every day and I’m not going to drive my lame ass car on a beautiful day. Just be aware and be extra cautious around intersections. Most of the time it’s cross traffic that kills us
Van keep up the great work
On the track, open road, in the woods or just waiting in the garage. Motorcycles can awaken ones soul..
you are my favorite poet. Your my favorite poet, but read the beginning of the Yogi Berra quote. "Keep trying, stay humble, Trust your instincts, and most importantly act! (Keep making these videos)"
I learned 4 very important things from this video:
1. I need to ride again
2. Van has an amazing backyard in which to ride
3. Van is an amazing storyteller
4. Kona Big Wave is a great beer
Thanks Van!
your storytelling keeps surprising me, pls dont stop
My dad has 2000 toyota tundra bought in 1999. With 475,000 miles on it. And yes we’re keeping her going as long as we can.
My dad and I share the same setup as you Van, a yellow 650 and a husq!
5:28 why would you put a STOP sign on the main road? Specially in this particular case - when you are leaving main road making a right turn. Those STOP signs are overused - most of them are being used as Yield sign.
Just a simple word to describe this video: AMAZING !
sighhhhhh.. you got with this one van.. the coast.. the ride.. the spirit.. this is one of the all time greats videos online.
A little wide on the left turns there Neistat! Lol. Ride safe brotha. I just started riding last year. Love it. Nice vid
I bought myself a 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero with a 302 engine. When I got my first post-college job. That was an amazing car... so bummed I sold it.
the journey starts in NYC with casey and all the caos... and goes along with van in cali, and it becomes an smooth ride.
I'm really glad you mentioned that book, The First Bad Man. What a really fun book. I'm doing the audiobook and it's even more fun.
I rode those roads for 2 years. Miss it tragically. Moving back before not too long. See you at the Rock Store mate.
Just got my 72 Cb350 out of winter storage. Not much else in the world like riding a motorcycle… even slow ones like mine.
Love the light thru the map jigsaw thing.
I love that in a video about risk, you put in a clip of you blowing a stop sign at 2:07.
Clearly you’ve never ridden or driven in the Malibu hills
Or passing the blue pickup in a no passing lane 🫨
@@mouseandelephant THAT DOESN'T APPLY TO MOTORCYCLES IN CALIFORNIA
I have a svartpilen 401 as well...
But unfortunately not these kinds of roads and views outside my house. Damn.
Champion of TH-cam as a platform for movies - On the money as always. Cheers for the inspiration Van
This video is Van's artistic style at its best
I feel other videos were for us, and thanks. This one feels like it was for you and was all the better for it.
Thanks Van, needed this.
I really admire your focus,or at least what appears to be focus.
I've been thinking about getting a road bike. Had dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. I'm finally at a point where I think I could ride one responsibly. Might not die right away anyway.
Hey Van, fun fact. I just got my first motorbike and it’s a 95’ TW200. I realised you planted that idea in my head a couple years ago. Also I daily drive my 1985 Nissan Patrol. Starting to feel like a distant Australian relative of yours. Love your content brother, stay safe -
4:21 what's the name of the song? did Van produce it or where can I listen to it?
My motorcycle was stolen out of my yard a couple of weeks ago despite having locked the column and kickstand! That 49 cc Honda metropolitan WITH 110 MPG WAS my car, and it literally happened 2 weeks before moving back to the city. I'm so bummed and will have to make due with my ebike until i can get another....
Riding to the Deer Creek overlook is one of the things I miss the most about living in LA... I'll be back someday
Outstanding. Love the route. Love the vibe. Yeah, don't sell the Beamer. Fix it. Keep it 'a 'la Eric Bana. But, you may want to check out a Ducati Scrambler 1100 or the Triumph Scrambler (next bikes). This was excellent. Like you, riding is my therapy. And, I'm a trained mental health therapist currently working in special education. I'll see you on the roads, my friend. Ride safe.
The most inspirational part of this was realizing that Dr. Phil has actually said something worthy of the title "Dr". before... I wanna float so bad but I'd rather live a life achieving other dreams than become a pavement stain at the hand of another after achieving this one enticing dream