Very nice video that I can relate to. I set yearly goals for cycling in 2023 after my Mom passed away as a way to deal with the grief and get focused on something to distract me. My goals were 10,000 miles and 1,000,000 feet of climbing. I achieved both goals in early December 2023. However, the euphoria was short-lived as I soon realized what you had stated in your video, i.e., why would anyone care about my mediocre goals. The reality is that they didn't. I got a brief "Yay Me" feel-good moment and that was about it. But working on those goals got me through a rough time in my life so I guess it was all worth it.
The numbers are good for measuring progress in a tangible way, but at some level it's just a matter of how much time you can spend doing it. 10,000 is a massive target, so congrats on hitting it. And condolences for your loss. The open road is usually good therapy, but I'm sure that one knocks everything off balance.
If you don't mind my saying ... Neal Walsh, of "Conversations with God", accomplished author and movie, once thought this too. No one interested? .......................... maybe watch the movie. Thank you for your share.
You somehow taught me a lesson I did not know I needed. 71 years old and have cycled fairly aggressively for my age for the last several years. Two months ago I just stopped, for no apparent reason. This video may have inspired me to get at it again. Thanks.
Quality text, editing, and a really fine soundtrack! Congratulations on the entire package, the rides, the chronicle. Being reflective is always a good thing. At 70, I did 7000 miles last year. I've been riding for forty years, covered maybe 180,000 miles. My best rides always happen in my head.
Thank you for sharing this. The algorithm pushed this into my recommended list at just the right time. I too enjoy cycling, but never really have goals associated with it. It is my 'get away' place, whether with friends or solo. Your video and the music, made me appreciate all the more what I have through cycling. Thanks. And well done on the 4,000 miles.
Nice story ! Real person with average goals, sharing real life experiences & struggles that as cyclists we all go through. Well done & thanks for sharing your story.
Well done. It's not always necessary to be something amazing, or to always keep doing something crazier. This was a good video, one I will definately be sharing out.
Just stumbled on your channel. I can’t believe how relevant your videos are to my life! I just turned 60 and I’m struggling with direction. I love riding bikes, it’s the only constant throughout my life. Thank you.
Struggling, why? Because you are bored with your mundane life or because of your damaging focus on a number 60? Do your self a big favor, forget your age and obey your soul, it is in charge of your attitude, good, bad or of seeking new adventure. Buy a new style bicycle, go hiking, get an active breed of dog for companionship on those back woods trails. Find a new and exciting challenge. Help others, it always helps to bring a smile.
You ground out all of these rides AND, IF THAT WERE NOT ENOUGH, you created the music and you produced this remarkable testament using Audacity and Shotcut on a Linux platform. Bravo!
I set out to ride at age 50 to avoid cholesterol meds. I'm a month way from 70 years old now and still riding. Conservative estimates put me at about 70,000 miles and counting. Almost three times around the earth. I now attempt to ride 50 miles per week. I plan to ride until I no longer can trust my balance. I've gone from racing bike to endurance bike to now a gravel bike for increased safety. I ride because I love it. I ride because I'm an athlete at heart and want to always be. It is not a personal challenge for me, albeit to remain consistent is, as what other sport can one feel fast at my age? Anyway, I commend you for taking on and completing the challenge even through sickness and other life situations. If I set out to run X miles, it would be a similar grind for me and I'd never make it. You did. Thanks for sharing this video journal on two wheels and for the musical compositions! Godspeed!
And then there's this retired German engineer who invented the "sollso" because of his balance problems. The TV clip showed a young lady suffering from MS who was about to stop cycling altogether because her nerve condition made it Harder and harder to put down her feet quickly enough. On a "sollso" the feet stay near the ground. "Sollso" is from the German ""Soll das so sein?" Is it supposed to be like that?" question asked by a young guy in the pensioner riding his prototype, a bike without pedals. Which in fact the origin of bikes. Love it.
Man, that ending was great, great video overall, congrats on the achievement, glad you learned something about yourself and that it gave you a new perspective
Great story about your journey. I started down the endurance goal path back in 1980 when I started running. I’m now 68 years old and still create new goals for each year. I’ve been fortunate to have finished an Ironman 140.6, a couple of Boston Marathons, and even managed to ride on a team that finished Race Across America in 2021. That year, I rode my bicycle 9,600 miles. My bike miles in 2023 was down to 5,300 miles and that’s ok. Oddly enough, my goals these days are more about perseverance and having more fun riding, running, or swimming with my kids. I’ve encountered so many challenges along my journey including a cancer battle which actually sharpened my focus even more to keep moving forward with faith, family, and friends as my companion. Even with six anchors after three surgeries on my right Achilles, I still run. So yep, keep setting those goals and keep moving forward to the next one you set. Cheers. Thank You.
I don't know why your video popped up as a recommended but I watched it as because the title sparked my curiosity. I do not bike other than some trail riding here and there but the last few years I was on a fitness kick at the gym setting goals and breaking them until I peaked and plateaued. You can say I throw in the towel and gave up 6 months ago and regretted it every day. The motivation is gone and I keep using my age as an excuse along with a sore body... This video, your words are inspiring.. especially how you say better then your normal... I like that.. thanks for that
Thanks for this video! This kind of expression is a great example of personal filmmaking. And your music was a nice bonus. Seems to me you don’t need to be so hard on yourself! (External validation is beyond our control. Measure with an internal ruler. I take heart in stoic thinking.) Had a lot of thoughts like these last year as I trained for the most populous ride, a 500 mile 1 week ride across Iowa called RAGBRAI that has spawned a lot of videos. Cheers
Thank you. I too fell into the rabbit hole of pushing myself harder and harder - David Goggins inspired go hard every day - only to end up feeling broken and sore. I'm in my 68th year and sometimes forget that my body can no longer meet the goals my brain sets for me. I'm trying to find a middle ground - a space where I can be appropriately fit for my advancing years - and where I can wake up in the mornings feeling strong and not wincing with aches and pains. Great video - I really enjoyed it - thank you.
Wow. 4000 miles in one year. To me, that is an achievement that ranks up there with hiking the whole Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking the whole Appalachian Trail. Hiking across America and back ( a lady just accomplished it). Living well until you are 100 years old. An achievement to be proud of, sir.
Wonderful series of videos, so well said, shot, and thought provoking. I throughly enjoyed them all, and hope to see more this year… thank you! Cycling clears my mind of the mundane and chaos of daily life and stimulates my thinking and creativity. Many happy miles to you in 2024 and beyond.
This is so good. THANK YOU for not saying that your accomplishment proves that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. I'm weary of that nonsense. But a lot IS possible with intention and consistent effort. Your suggestion of stretching and finding our limits seems much more authentic and deeply motivating than, "Anything is possible if you just believe."
Congratulations! This is awesome. Last year I finished a huge goal for myself. I can say that I have ridden a bicycle in all of the 50 United States (and Washington DC.) It took me 5 years, 8 months and 1 day. I have TONs of go-pro footage and still pictures to document the rides, and I know how overwhelming video editing can be. Eventually I will get a relatively short video put together.....
That's quite a task! I'm sure you have a lot of great stuff to share after that. I'd love to do some more travel-based riding. Maybe this year I'll pick some destinations to try out. What would you say your top five states were?
I’m 69 and I’ve done about 100 miles in the last week. Cycling is very low impact compared to running and it’s a great activity to get into when you retire. Recently joined a cycling group and surprised to find the average age of the mid week cyclists is mid 60s!
Thank you for the video and the great narration ! I logged 4000 miles on Dec 12th 2023. Started my log in march. So far for 2024 I have 300 miles logged thanks to the mild Michigan winter. Turning 70 this year. Shooting for 5 grand by years end. Keep it up!
My riding got a lot more enjoyable when I quit comparing myself to others. My goals are my goals, that’s all that matters. I enjoy riding with my friends for the ride and the friendship, not who’s the fastest. Thank you for posting.
Congratulations! The real meaning though isn’t in your destination but your perseverance and journey to get there. Hopefully you learned more about yourself in the process.
Understanding why we tend to set goals and pushing ourselves out of or daily comfort zones is a big thing. I found for myself, that my soul has a longing for it's blossoming and started to live in the moment only.
Thank you for your thoughts about setting and making a relatively modest goal. Many you tubers seem to be stretching to do things unobtainable by a normal rider. While interesting, beyond what most of us can do. Good luck in 2024 and hope you can simplify producing videos.
An impressive journey in search of yourself. And you have found yourself in many ways, moreover you have found more than expected. Although the actual result might not seem as heroic as expected in the beginning of your journey, I believe that you came out a better and wiser person which is worth so much more than the pure physical result. Thanks for sharing this.
Just came about your story. Can fully relate, 2 years ago from nothing to a 5k, 10k, HM and 1/8 Triathlon reached my plateau got injured…. ever since. That’s life we deal with it comeback stronger.
Excellent video; should enter it ro any bicycle film festival or conference. Producing for my channel, I too found that editing and arranging a video of the ride takes longer than the ride iyself, so relatable. "No story, no ending, just a thing I'm doing" indeed.
First, very impressive achievement. Second, I can relate to the disappointment of setting a difficult goal and reaching it. This video is well done and tells a story that SHOULD be told. Having done similar efforts, I empathize and validate your feelings. 20 years later, I now gain a small amount of personal satisfaction from accomplishing something I wasn't sure I could.
Nicely done, setting goals and achieving them builds character, confidence, self-worth and a knowing in your heart and mind that if you want it, you can go get it. I just got back on my road bike at 64 after a long hiatus. I had to delete the drop bars to put risers on to make the bike more comfortable. I don't ride as hard, fast or far, but getting out there is what it is about. Clears the mind and is good for the body and soul. Just yesterday I just pulled the MTB out of the dark corner of my shed it has been hiding in to bring it back to life too. A video like this is good inspiration for me to keep pedaling.
Nice video. I can relate. Goals are what drive us. I am 68 and try and ride at least 4 times a week. Goal setting for me is critical as it is a motivator for me. Without that goal, it would just be way way to boring and not really enjoyable. I also encourage those beginners or average riders like myself, to enter some charity events. Getting in better shape for those metric centuries or an actual century ride is great motivation as you then are actually riding to accomplish that goal not to mention you are supporting a good cause. A few years ago, at 60, I put in 1,600 miles in less than 4 months in preparation to ride the hardest century in the southeast, the Assaults on Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. It was crazy hard work, but I managed to complete it. But without that goal setting, I would never have attempted a 11k vertical century. Keep going. It doesn't matter who gives a crap except you. Ohh, if you do those charity rides/events, keep your ride number! I have made a wall in my man cave that is filled with my ride numbers along with my Assaults jersey and medal. Often when I am watching TV, I will glance over at that wall which brings back a lot of memories. It is a lonely trek for sure, but the memories are worth it.
For many years I diligently tracked my stats, especially mileage. For three years in a row I managed to top 11K, which I thought would make me happy and proud and - I dunno, really what I thought it would do. But it seemed like setting and ultimately meeting a goal WAS the goal. And oddly, I got little satisfaction from the knowledge of having done so. I enjoy riding, but in my case I had become so obsessed with the tracking of data that I wound up losing touch with that joyfulness of just being outdoors. In what I can only describe as a “wild hair moment,” I took the computers off all of my bikes and gave them away. Deleted Strava entirely. And for the past three or four years I couldn’t tell you within any degree of reason how far I’ve ridden. But what I CAN tell you is that I generally considered the time I was spending in the saddle. If I missed a day or shortened a ride, I realized I felt far more cheated than if I had missed a mileage goal. I’m riding for me, and enjoying it more than ever. Thanks for sharing your video - I really enjoyed it, and it definitely resonated with me.
I'm hearing this a lot, and I think it's a fair observation. I am probably more caught up in the numbers than I should be, but I don't think tracking rides is necessarily unhealthy. I keep my logs and stats in a spreadsheet on my local computer and don't use Strava or any other competitive apps. I've tried to keep away from comparing what I'm doing to what anyone else in the sport is doing. I mean, the world record for annual cycling distance is something like 86,000 miles so I think it's fair to say I have nothing to brag about. For the most part, I'd say I use my stats to inform/plan the rides for the next week. Many times last year, all it took was going an extra mile or two over what I was normally going to do in order to get a weekly personal best. I think that subtle motivation was helpful more than harmful. There were only maybe a handful of weeks where I pushed significantly harder or spent more time than I wanted simply in order to keep a streak going. But there were also weeks where I smashed my previous best simply because I felt good and the conditions were suitable. I expected and intended to go through the highs and lows of this, and I think as far as the challenges on the bike go, it was all within reason. For what it's worth, I haven't entered any logs so far this year. I've done some rides and tracked them via GPS, but I don't know my actual total yet. I took almost the whole month of January off, and I haven't decided on any particular goals for this year. I may just see how it goes. My feeling is that the only way I would ever try to top what I did last year is if I can get considerably faster on the bike. I currently just don't feel like I have additional time to commit to riding without further impacting my ability to recover, which was one obvious issue last year that made everything harder than it needed to be. Thanks for the thoughtful discussion!
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. I set cycling goals at the start of each year and break these goals down by week and by month so I know how I'm tracking. These goals are personal to me, not shared, but they keep me motivated to get out there and enjoy the freedom of cycling most days of the year.
great vid - so many times you have a goal and it doesn't seem to matter to anyone else in the world. it makes it seem small and unimportant, especially when it's not going to make you money or move the 'success' needle. Accepting that it only matters and it doesn't matter if anyone else even sees it kinda makes it almost spiritual.
Congrats on meeting your goal. As others have noted, excellent production value on the video. I also record many of my rides with a handle bar mounted action camera, but I never turn the footage into a video. I was a runner, but age and bad knees pushed me to ever slower, more painful running. When covid hit 3 years ago and running events were cancelled, I turned to biking. I live in a flat part of the upper midwest (MN) and don't do much climbing on the bike. Except for a small group of yearly bike tours, most all of my biking is on paved bike trails. I don't want to ride on busy roads. I had a good friend and colleague die in a bike-truck accident about 12 years ago. I don't trust drivers. I did over 6500+ miles this year, a year in which I turned 70, and over the past four years I have averaged about 5800 miles/year. I can't say I ride as long as some of your rides, but I am consistent and usually top 200 miles a week. It is not for everyone, but it is nice to be outside and see the world changing each day.
I bought a new bike in late Feb of 2023 and eventually made a goal of 4k miles after doing 100+ miles/week during the summer. I had never really biked seriously before that. I only made it to 2,600 miles and ended up taking a 3-4 month break at the end of the year when the weather got bad. All that to say, I can understand how difficult this achievement is, so congrats. I am going for it again this year!
I walk/exercise 60+ miles per week. If done end on end I have walked across the USA several times. BTW, DoB, 6/2/1952. It is personal and private. I talk about it, but tell others to try the same at their own pace. You are showing to all. Congrats.
As a fellow cyclist, I can relate. I ramped up hard early in 2023. But I went in too hard and did some good things, but by mid-summer, my legs were in full revolt - knee problems, sore muscles, and general depletion took me off the bike for a month of well needed rest. Then a crash in August took me off the bike for a couple more weeks. I got to 4,100 miles and had a great year over all. But I learned lessons. Cross training, resting (so hard when you are on a roll), 'listening to my body'. 2024 is a new year. Best of luck to you. It will be a good one, I suspect.
I am lucky to get 1,000 miles a year in. Even that is a lot of work for an old guy who still has a job. Congratulations on finishing what you started. Even hollow seeming victories are victories. You don't have the regret of not completing the task.
Self fulfillment is very important. I used to do the same thing when I was working. And commuting to work. A 13 mile round trip. Going to work was 85% uphill grade. When I first did the commute it took me 41 minutes. To cycle 6.5 miles. I was so unfit and overweight. Even a granny on her shopping bike passed me. 6 months later I had brought my time down to an average off 26 minutes and lost 29lbs. Coming home I was averaging 18mph. And 20 minutes. Pressing for better times. Until I reached the peak my 60 year old body could deliver. 23.56 to work. 18.08 coming back. Didn't mean anything to anyone else. But it meant alot to me. I had achieved some goals I set myself. And got into good shape and saved money on transport at the same time.
Good video. 50 years ago I met Johnny who held the cross-Canada record for years. Wayne who broke that record. Gerry who used to do big touring events. And you are correct. Nothing miraculous happens from heroic athleticism. But if you like being outdoors with the scenery rolling by, don't hesitate to ride more, especially with friends.
For what its worth: I regularly break down at the end of September, early October. Don't understand why. Well done for getting the job done in the colder and darker autumn months.
Well done... thank you for sharing this part of your journey. I particularly appreciate your concluding insightful message (starting at 7:40). I'm 66, and have pushed myself in so many ways throughout my life. With your words, you've encapsulated some of the wisdom I believe I've accumulated over that time. I am continually improving, often in small and incremental ways (I like to call this process "titrating" because it sounds scientific). And, most importantly, I'm learning to let go of the notion that I am building toward some great payoff... other than experiencing the joy that exists right here, with this breath, in this moment. 😇 🙏
Good on you! As I look around in this troubled world, I’d come to think values like self-reliance and independence had died off with Emerson in the 19th Century. Glad to see they’re still alive.
I really enjoyed watching this; the music and the videography were both beautiful, very moving. And your musings largely mirror my own thoughts. It’s truly amazing what we can endure if we resolve to persevere. Many thanks from a fellow cyclist in York UK. PS Stay away from chiropractors, just sayin’!
Thanks! It was a bit of an emergency measure as I had been dealing with a sharp pain in my right lower back (SI maybe) and general inflammation for almost two straight months despite constant efforts to mitigate it. The chiropractor did loosen things up enough that I could move that weekend but of course it all came back after a couple of weeks. I have rested and regrouped and started a new strength and mobility program that seems to help, but time will tell.
I enjoyed your video. I made a cycling goal to get me through a difficult time in my life. It gave me a positive healthy path to follow and focus on during a very challenging period. At the end completing my cycling goal I had the confidence and positive mindset to move on. Cycling is a wonderful.
Just scanned over a few other comments before starting to write this. Beautiful video, very lyrical and very cinematic. 💯 I'm not a roadie. I got into cycling more here in a mostly rural area of Ireland during the pandemic and for me it's riding my ordinary bike to commute, go places and get shit done instead of just riding on a sports bike in a big circle just to ride around in a big circle on a sports bike. I'm in my latter fifties and health has been a little problematic which limited me more than I would have wanted. I bike to leave my car at home. I've a large variety of racks, bags, panniers, baskets for carrying stuff and 3 trailers for everything from 70kg of shopping to bringing the lawnmower for repairs or picking up 50 litres of tractor diesel. And I love it. I'm not giving up my car because it's not practical but I love finding every opportunity I can not to take the car or if I am going somewhere, I stick the bike on the back of the car and use it for getting around locally when I'm there. My bike is just a pretty basic Merida Crossway hybrid but it's worth far more to me over the last few years than it's value could ever measure. I've been mistaken for someone bike touring on a few occasions. I'm a maximalist and not a minimalist about putting stuff on my bike. I'm not knocking your experience and reasons for setting and achieving your goal. Well done and I am delighted and proud for you. For me it's very different. I'm not chasing miles or fitness or Strava statistics. I gained additional fitness from riding my bike. I didn't start riding my bike to get fitter and I'm still not. One just tends to follow the other somewhat. I have no fixed goals to achieve but I do feel disappointed if I don't get to do my weekly household shopping by bike for some reason. And I am soon about to buy a similar electric workhorse to do more and go further without making it any harder. I'm not a purist. F&£k that. It's a very different perspective on life from a bike. It's a slower way of going through life but you see and experience so much more in so many different ways. I stop and talk to more people than I ever would driving. For me, I feel more connected to the older generation who used the old single gear high Nellie's to go everywhere on here before car's became entirely prevelent than anyone in lycra today. Of which I own none. I ride as I intend to arrive, for the destination. Going to work, going to the cinema, visiting friends, appointments....... I hope you continue and enjoy your time on your bike. I don't have any specific goals and it works for me. Just do it because you enjoy it. I'm putting an alternative view and reason to love cycling because I felt that your experience was ultimately a struggle to achieve a goal. My philosophy is to be much more flexible and vague about goals. And once again, beautiful video ❤️
I appreciate the comments, and I agree that cycling does not need to be one particular thing for anyone. It's a tool. Personally, I've used it for exercise, sightseeing, utility, and sport. These days, I enjoy it as a way to stay healthy (both physically and mentally) and to spend time with my dad. I get more caught up in the numbers than I probably should, but there is definitely something to the small sense of achievement each week when I enter my ride logs. And having a long-term target prompts me to get out and do it even when I may not feel like it. Usually, it's for the better. For what it's worth, I'm not much of a "roadie" in the typical sense either. I'm not on Strava and rarely if ever do any group rides. I don't have any advice for anyone looking to perform better. There are plenty of channels targeted at the sport of cycling. My purpose in starting this channel was to have a creative outlet for music, photography, and writing. Cycling provides the scenery and a subject matter around which to develop those skills, but my intent has always been to connect cycling to more generally relatable ideas. I'm still figuring out what that looks like for me going forward, but I'd like to think there can always be value in one more perspective.
@@BikeMath Thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful response. My lengthy and rambling comment was to also say that there are other ways and different perspectives to enjoy cycling (a term many roadies try to own) and life from a bicycle. On the internet and TH-cam the sports and performance only view of cycling tends to dominate. I wish you long years of enjoyment and safety on your bike for the future. Just keep putting one pedal in front of the other.
Very nice video that I can relate to. I set yearly goals for cycling in 2023 after my Mom passed away as a way to deal with the grief and get focused on something to distract me. My goals were 10,000 miles and 1,000,000 feet of climbing. I achieved both goals in early December 2023. However, the euphoria was short-lived as I soon realized what you had stated in your video, i.e., why would anyone care about my mediocre goals. The reality is that they didn't. I got a brief "Yay Me" feel-good moment and that was about it. But working on those goals got me through a rough time in my life so I guess it was all worth it.
The numbers are good for measuring progress in a tangible way, but at some level it's just a matter of how much time you can spend doing it. 10,000 is a massive target, so congrats on hitting it. And condolences for your loss. The open road is usually good therapy, but I'm sure that one knocks everything off balance.
I respect you. Losing mom is hard
Its still an accomplishment you can be proud of.
If you don't mind my saying ... Neal Walsh, of "Conversations with God", accomplished author and movie, once thought this too. No one interested? .......................... maybe watch the movie. Thank you for your share.
The last sentence nailed it.
You somehow taught me a lesson I did not know I needed. 71 years old and have cycled fairly aggressively for my age for the last several years. Two months ago I just stopped, for no apparent reason. This video may have inspired me to get at it again. Thanks.
Quality text, editing, and a really fine soundtrack! Congratulations on the entire package, the rides, the chronicle. Being reflective is always a good thing. At 70, I did 7000 miles last year. I've been riding for forty years, covered maybe 180,000 miles. My best rides always happen in my head.
I am not sure how this ended up on my feed, but it was a great use of time to watch. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this. The algorithm pushed this into my recommended list at just the right time. I too enjoy cycling, but never really have goals associated with it. It is my 'get away' place, whether with friends or solo. Your video and the music, made me appreciate all the more what I have through cycling. Thanks. And well done on the 4,000 miles.
Thanks for the video man. I appreciate the thoughts and beautiful vignettes. The music was a relaxing way to end my day.
Nice story !
Real person with average goals, sharing real life experiences & struggles that as cyclists we all go through. Well done & thanks for sharing your story.
It's refreshing for me to watch and hear your video. So thank you.
Well done. It's not always necessary to be something amazing, or to always keep doing something crazier. This was a good video, one I will definately be sharing out.
Just stumbled on your channel. I can’t believe how relevant your videos are to my life! I just turned 60 and I’m struggling with direction. I love riding bikes, it’s the only constant throughout my life. Thank you.
You described me perfectly. I just turned 72 and ride every day. But other than the bike riding, I am, as they say, "without purpose".
@@msnoonan Don't say that.
I’m 63 and riding around 2,500 to 3,000mi per year. Keeps me young!
Struggling, why?
Because you are bored with your mundane life or because of your damaging focus on a number 60?
Do your self a big favor, forget your age and obey your soul, it is in charge of your attitude, good, bad or of seeking new adventure.
Buy a new style bicycle, go hiking, get an active breed of dog for companionship on those back woods trails.
Find a new and exciting challenge.
Help others, it always helps to bring a smile.
@@ellerybice3787 This.
"Regardless of the magnitude, a personal achievement is worth celebrating"
Exactly.
The calm I felt after watching and listening to the video, thanks and congrats on your achievement
You ground out all of these rides AND, IF THAT WERE NOT ENOUGH, you created the music and you produced this remarkable testament using Audacity and Shotcut on a Linux platform. Bravo!
I set out to ride at age 50 to avoid cholesterol meds. I'm a month way from 70 years old now and still riding. Conservative estimates put me at about 70,000 miles and counting. Almost three times around the earth. I now attempt to ride 50 miles per week. I plan to ride until I no longer can trust my balance. I've gone from racing bike to endurance bike to now a gravel bike for increased safety. I ride because I love it. I ride because I'm an athlete at heart and want to always be. It is not a personal challenge for me, albeit to remain consistent is, as what other sport can one feel fast at my age? Anyway, I commend you for taking on and completing the challenge even through sickness and other life situations. If I set out to run X miles, it would be a similar grind for me and I'd never make it. You did. Thanks for sharing this video journal on two wheels and for the musical compositions! Godspeed!
And then there's this retired German engineer who invented the "sollso" because of his balance problems. The TV clip showed a young lady suffering from MS who was about to stop cycling altogether because her nerve condition made it Harder and harder to put down her feet quickly enough. On a "sollso" the feet stay near the ground. "Sollso" is from the German ""Soll das so sein?" Is it supposed to be like that?" question asked by a young guy in the pensioner riding his prototype, a bike without pedals. Which in fact the origin of bikes. Love it.
Inspiring, beautiful piece. So glad to have stumbled into it.
Thanks for posting this. I'm sure there are lots of folks out there like me that love the bike, and needed a little nudge to get back out on it.
Extremely good. This is what the Internet is for. Love for you from a cycling friend you've never met
Ditto from me…
Man, that ending was great, great video overall, congrats on the achievement, glad you learned something about yourself and that it gave you a new perspective
Awesome and very inspirational! Congrats on achieving your personal goal!
This is a beautiful video, keep on riding!
Great story about your journey. I started down the endurance goal path back in 1980 when I started running. I’m now 68 years old and still create new goals for each year. I’ve been fortunate to have finished an Ironman 140.6, a couple of Boston Marathons, and even managed to ride on a team that finished Race Across America in 2021. That year, I rode my bicycle 9,600 miles. My bike miles in 2023 was down to 5,300 miles and that’s ok. Oddly enough, my goals these days are more about perseverance and having more fun riding, running, or swimming with my kids. I’ve encountered so many challenges along my journey including a cancer battle which actually sharpened my focus even more to keep moving forward with faith, family, and friends as my companion. Even with six anchors after three surgeries on my right Achilles, I still run. So yep, keep setting those goals and keep moving forward to the next one you set. Cheers. Thank You.
Congratulations on reaching your goal especially in light of the setbacks you overcame. Thanks for making this video.
I don't know why your video popped up as a recommended but I watched it as because the title sparked my curiosity. I do not bike other than some trail riding here and there but the last few years I was on a fitness kick at the gym setting goals and breaking them until I peaked and plateaued. You can say I throw in the towel and gave up 6 months ago and regretted it every day. The motivation is gone and I keep using my age as an excuse along with a sore body... This video, your words are inspiring.. especially how you say better then your normal... I like that.. thanks for that
Excellent video … and congratulations. You should be proud of both your accomplishment and the video/message you shared. Thank You.
Thanks for this video!
This kind of expression is a great example of personal filmmaking. And your music was a nice bonus.
Seems to me you don’t need to be so hard on yourself!
(External validation is beyond our control. Measure with an internal ruler. I take heart in stoic thinking.)
Had a lot of thoughts like these last year as I trained for the most populous ride, a 500 mile 1 week ride across Iowa called RAGBRAI that has spawned a lot of videos.
Cheers
Thank you. I too fell into the rabbit hole of pushing myself harder and harder - David Goggins inspired go hard every day - only to end up feeling broken and sore. I'm in my 68th year and sometimes forget that my body can no longer meet the goals my brain sets for me. I'm trying to find a middle ground - a space where I can be appropriately fit for my advancing years - and where I can wake up in the mornings feeling strong and not wincing with aches and pains. Great video - I really enjoyed it - thank you.
Thank you for your efforts - physical, emotional and philosophical - the insights are valued.
I need to see this video! Great music and words.
Wow. 4000 miles in one year. To me, that is an achievement that ranks up there with hiking the whole Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking the whole Appalachian Trail. Hiking across America and back ( a lady just accomplished it). Living well until you are 100 years old.
An achievement to be proud of, sir.
Wonderful series of videos, so well said, shot, and thought provoking. I throughly enjoyed them all, and hope to see more this year… thank you!
Cycling clears my mind of the mundane and chaos of daily life and stimulates my thinking and creativity.
Many happy miles to you in 2024 and beyond.
Well done for pushing on and getting to your target. Nicely done video too and an especially good commentary. Sounded great. All the best.
Thanks for sharing your journey! Congratulations on your persistence and accomplishment. And I loved the video, great job!
Thank you, I lived this video, it’s compelling and inspiring in equal measure! Great work on hitting your target
Great motivational video. Reassures myself to keep chasing my cycling goals. Thank you 🙏
Congratulations on hitting your goals! Thanks for the very relatable video!
This is so good. THANK YOU for not saying that your accomplishment proves that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. I'm weary of that nonsense. But a lot IS possible with intention and consistent effort. Your suggestion of stretching and finding our limits seems much more authentic and deeply motivating than, "Anything is possible if you just believe."
You set a hard goal and achieved it. Congratulations. Be proud!
Congratulations. Great Ride and excellent video.
Congratulations! This is awesome. Last year I finished a huge goal for myself. I can say that I have ridden a bicycle in all of the 50 United States (and Washington DC.) It took me 5 years, 8 months and 1 day. I have TONs of go-pro footage and still pictures to document the rides, and I know how overwhelming video editing can be. Eventually I will get a relatively short video put together.....
That's quite a task! I'm sure you have a lot of great stuff to share after that. I'd love to do some more travel-based riding. Maybe this year I'll pick some destinations to try out. What would you say your top five states were?
The best is yet to come. At 54 I feel I am better at cycling than 20 years ago.
I’m 69 and I’ve done about 100 miles in the last week. Cycling is very low impact compared to running and it’s a great activity to get into when you retire. Recently joined a cycling group and surprised to find the average age of the mid week cyclists is mid 60s!
Love your honesty!!! Thank you for sharing your story! Loved it.
Thank you for the video and the great narration ! I logged 4000 miles on Dec 12th 2023. Started my log in march. So far for 2024 I have 300 miles logged thanks to the mild Michigan winter. Turning 70 this year. Shooting for 5 grand by years end. Keep it up!
Very inspiring video. Thank you for sharing your goals. 👍🏻
Nicely done! Hopefully you'll surpass your 2024 goal as well. Thanks for sharing your experience 👍😁
My riding got a lot more enjoyable when I quit comparing myself to others. My goals are my goals, that’s all that matters. I enjoy riding with my friends for the ride and the friendship, not who’s the fastest. Thank you for posting.
well done bro. sometimes it's better not to think too much. you will have this memory forever.
Bro! this video is seriously awesome and you're critically underrated. I hope the algorithm pushes you out more!
Really nice video, and congratulations on hitting the goal!
Excellent stuff. Inspirational. Thank you.
“Go find out.”
Bingo.
Really well done. Thank you for a thoughtful and inspiring ten minutes.
Congratulations! The real meaning though isn’t in your destination but your perseverance and journey to get there. Hopefully you learned more about yourself in the process.
The number and variety of accomplishments chronicled in this video are impressive.
Understanding why we tend to set goals and pushing ourselves out of or daily comfort zones is a big thing. I found for myself, that my soul has a longing for it's blossoming and started to live in the moment only.
Great video and a terrific achievement with everything, the riding, the music etc. Very talented.
Thank you for the insight and inspiration, great music. For me, mindset is key to reaching your ultimate self and thriving.
love your video!!! thank you for sharing
Thank you for your thoughts about setting and making a relatively modest goal. Many you tubers seem to be stretching to do things unobtainable by a normal rider. While interesting, beyond what most of us can do. Good luck in 2024 and hope you can simplify producing videos.
Great stuff, great stuff, great advice. And now that reminds me that I feel great when I get enough sleep. Thanks for sharing.
Good video, great job getting to 4,000 for the year. I like the music too. Hope you have a good year going for this one as well.
Cool vibes and great video , filming does take up so much time, I started filming last year and don't even keep track of the miles anymore 😊
Congratulations on earning your goal. I am 57 and rode 3500 miles last year and am thinking of doing 4000 this year. This was motivational! Thanks.
An impressive journey in search of yourself. And you have found yourself in many ways, moreover you have found more than expected. Although the actual result might not seem as heroic as expected in the beginning of your journey, I believe that you came out a better and wiser person which is worth so much more than the pure physical result. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for the fantastic, inspiring TH-cam with great music. It has certainly inspired me to be my best.
Wow really refreshing to hear a balanced personal growth video with a calm voice and some nice insights.
Just came about your story. Can fully relate, 2 years ago from nothing to a 5k, 10k, HM and 1/8 Triathlon reached my plateau got injured…. ever since.
That’s life we deal with it comeback stronger.
Excellent video; should enter it ro any bicycle film festival or conference. Producing for my channel, I too found that editing and arranging a video of the ride takes longer than the ride iyself, so relatable. "No story, no ending, just a thing I'm doing" indeed.
First, very impressive achievement. Second, I can relate to the disappointment of setting a difficult goal and reaching it. This video is well done and tells a story that SHOULD be told. Having done similar efforts, I empathize and validate your feelings. 20 years later, I now gain a small amount of personal satisfaction from accomplishing something I wasn't sure I could.
Nicely done, setting goals and achieving them builds character, confidence, self-worth and a knowing in your heart and mind that if you want it, you can go get it. I just got back on my road bike at 64 after a long hiatus. I had to delete the drop bars to put risers on to make the bike more comfortable. I don't ride as hard, fast or far, but getting out there is what it is about. Clears the mind and is good for the body and soul. Just yesterday I just pulled the MTB out of the dark corner of my shed it has been hiding in to bring it back to life too. A video like this is good inspiration for me to keep pedaling.
Nice video. I can relate. Goals are what drive us. I am 68 and try and ride at least 4 times a week. Goal setting for me is critical as it is a motivator for me. Without that goal, it would just be way way to boring and not really enjoyable. I also encourage those beginners or average riders like myself, to enter some charity events. Getting in better shape for those metric centuries or an actual century ride is great motivation as you then are actually riding to accomplish that goal not to mention you are supporting a good cause. A few years ago, at 60, I put in 1,600 miles in less than 4 months in preparation to ride the hardest century in the southeast, the Assaults on Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. It was crazy hard work, but I managed to complete it. But without that goal setting, I would never have attempted a 11k vertical century. Keep going. It doesn't matter who gives a crap except you. Ohh, if you do those charity rides/events, keep your ride number! I have made a wall in my man cave that is filled with my ride numbers along with my Assaults jersey and medal. Often when I am watching TV, I will glance over at that wall which brings back a lot of memories. It is a lonely trek for sure, but the memories are worth it.
Congratulations! What an awesome accomplishment. 👏🏼
Damn, I didn't expect to be deeply moved
For many years I diligently tracked my stats, especially mileage. For three years in a row I managed to top 11K, which I thought would make me happy and proud and - I dunno, really what I thought it would do. But it seemed like setting and ultimately meeting a goal WAS the goal. And oddly, I got little satisfaction from the knowledge of having done so. I enjoy riding, but in my case I had become so obsessed with the tracking of data that I wound up losing touch with that joyfulness of just being outdoors. In what I can only describe as a “wild hair moment,” I took the computers off all of my bikes and gave them away. Deleted Strava entirely. And for the past three or four years I couldn’t tell you within any degree of reason how far I’ve ridden. But what I CAN tell you is that I generally considered the time I was spending in the saddle. If I missed a day or shortened a ride, I realized I felt far more cheated than if I had missed a mileage goal. I’m riding for me, and enjoying it more than ever. Thanks for sharing your video - I really enjoyed it, and it definitely resonated with me.
I'm hearing this a lot, and I think it's a fair observation. I am probably more caught up in the numbers than I should be, but I don't think tracking rides is necessarily unhealthy. I keep my logs and stats in a spreadsheet on my local computer and don't use Strava or any other competitive apps. I've tried to keep away from comparing what I'm doing to what anyone else in the sport is doing. I mean, the world record for annual cycling distance is something like 86,000 miles so I think it's fair to say I have nothing to brag about.
For the most part, I'd say I use my stats to inform/plan the rides for the next week. Many times last year, all it took was going an extra mile or two over what I was normally going to do in order to get a weekly personal best. I think that subtle motivation was helpful more than harmful. There were only maybe a handful of weeks where I pushed significantly harder or spent more time than I wanted simply in order to keep a streak going. But there were also weeks where I smashed my previous best simply because I felt good and the conditions were suitable. I expected and intended to go through the highs and lows of this, and I think as far as the challenges on the bike go, it was all within reason.
For what it's worth, I haven't entered any logs so far this year. I've done some rides and tracked them via GPS, but I don't know my actual total yet. I took almost the whole month of January off, and I haven't decided on any particular goals for this year. I may just see how it goes. My feeling is that the only way I would ever try to top what I did last year is if I can get considerably faster on the bike. I currently just don't feel like I have additional time to commit to riding without further impacting my ability to recover, which was one obvious issue last year that made everything harder than it needed to be.
Thanks for the thoughtful discussion!
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. I set cycling goals at the start of each year and break these goals down by week and by month so I know how I'm tracking. These goals are personal to me, not shared, but they keep me motivated to get out there and enjoy the freedom of cycling most days of the year.
Absolutely wonderful and honest. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and all of humanity, that takes big brass ones. Pedal on, brother 👍🏼👊🏼
Valuable advice and a worthwhile achievement!
Well done. We are our own worst critic. You are an inspiration. Thank you.
great vid - so many times you have a goal and it doesn't seem to matter to anyone else in the world. it makes it seem small and unimportant, especially when it's not going to make you money or move the 'success' needle. Accepting that it only matters and it doesn't matter if anyone else even sees it kinda makes it almost spiritual.
Wonderful life advice...
Just well done on every level!
Congrats on meeting your goal. As others have noted, excellent production value on the video. I also record many of my rides with a handle bar mounted action camera, but I never turn the footage into a video. I was a runner, but age and bad knees pushed me to ever slower, more painful running. When covid hit 3 years ago and running events were cancelled, I turned to biking. I live in a flat part of the upper midwest (MN) and don't do much climbing on the bike. Except for a small group of yearly bike tours, most all of my biking is on paved bike trails. I don't want to ride on busy roads. I had a good friend and colleague die in a bike-truck accident about 12 years ago. I don't trust drivers. I did over 6500+ miles this year, a year in which I turned 70, and over the past four years I have averaged about 5800 miles/year. I can't say I ride as long as some of your rides, but I am consistent and usually top 200 miles a week. It is not for everyone, but it is nice to be outside and see the world changing each day.
I bought a new bike in late Feb of 2023 and eventually made a goal of 4k miles after doing 100+ miles/week during the summer. I had never really biked seriously before that. I only made it to 2,600 miles and ended up taking a 3-4 month break at the end of the year when the weather got bad.
All that to say, I can understand how difficult this achievement is, so congrats. I am going for it again this year!
I walk/exercise 60+ miles per week. If done end on end I have walked across the USA several times. BTW, DoB, 6/2/1952. It is personal and private. I talk about it, but tell others to try the same at their own pace. You are showing to all. Congrats.
As a fellow cyclist, I can relate. I ramped up hard early in 2023. But I went in too hard and did some good things, but by mid-summer, my legs were in full revolt - knee problems, sore muscles, and general depletion took me off the bike for a month of well needed rest. Then a crash in August took me off the bike for a couple more weeks. I got to 4,100 miles and had a great year over all. But I learned lessons. Cross training, resting (so hard when you are on a roll), 'listening to my body'. 2024 is a new year. Best of luck to you. It will be a good one, I suspect.
Touché! You hit on the key point...dare to be greater than your normal...if only we could all do that routinely..what a world it could be. 😊
I am lucky to get 1,000 miles a year in. Even that is a lot of work for an old guy who still has a job. Congratulations on finishing what you started. Even hollow seeming victories are victories. You don't have the regret of not completing the task.
I loved this. Thanks.
Self fulfillment is very important. I used to do the same thing when I was working. And commuting to work. A 13 mile round trip. Going to work was 85% uphill grade. When I first did the commute it took me 41 minutes. To cycle 6.5 miles. I was so unfit and overweight. Even a granny on her shopping bike passed me. 6 months later I had brought my time down to an average off 26 minutes and lost 29lbs. Coming home I was averaging 18mph. And 20 minutes. Pressing for better times. Until I reached the peak my 60 year old body could deliver. 23.56 to work. 18.08 coming back. Didn't mean anything to anyone else. But it meant alot to me. I had achieved some goals I set myself. And got into good shape and saved money on transport at the same time.
Good video. 50 years ago I met Johnny who held the cross-Canada record for years. Wayne who broke that record. Gerry who used to do big touring events. And you are correct. Nothing miraculous happens from heroic athleticism. But if you like being outdoors with the scenery rolling by, don't hesitate to ride more, especially with friends.
Great job! My goal for 2023 was to hit 3000 miles pedaled at the age of 42. I think I'll try 4 this year. You have inspired me! Thank you for sharing.
For what its worth: I regularly break down at the end of September, early October. Don't understand why. Well done for getting the job done in the colder and darker autumn months.
Well done... thank you for sharing this part of your journey. I particularly appreciate your concluding insightful message (starting at 7:40). I'm 66, and have pushed myself in so many ways throughout my life. With your words, you've encapsulated some of the wisdom I believe I've accumulated over that time. I am continually improving, often in small and incremental ways (I like to call this process "titrating" because it sounds scientific). And, most importantly, I'm learning to let go of the notion that I am building toward some great payoff... other than experiencing the joy that exists right here, with this breath, in this moment.
😇
🙏
Great video full of the real elements of life and there effects.
Beautiful!
Good on you! As I look around in this troubled world, I’d come to think values like self-reliance and independence had died off with Emerson in the 19th Century. Glad to see they’re still alive.
I really enjoyed watching this; the music and the videography were both beautiful, very moving. And your musings largely mirror my own thoughts. It’s truly amazing what we can endure if we resolve to persevere.
Many thanks from a fellow cyclist in York UK.
PS Stay away from chiropractors, just sayin’!
Thanks! It was a bit of an emergency measure as I had been dealing with a sharp pain in my right lower back (SI maybe) and general inflammation for almost two straight months despite constant efforts to mitigate it. The chiropractor did loosen things up enough that I could move that weekend but of course it all came back after a couple of weeks. I have rested and regrouped and started a new strength and mobility program that seems to help, but time will tell.
Congratulations! You got it! Maybe 'they' didn't but you did. Great job!
I enjoyed your video. I made a cycling goal to get me through a difficult time in my life. It gave me a positive healthy path to follow and focus on during a very challenging period. At the end completing my cycling goal I had the confidence and positive mindset to move on. Cycling is a wonderful.
Beautiful.
Just scanned over a few other comments before starting to write this.
Beautiful video, very lyrical and very cinematic. 💯
I'm not a roadie. I got into cycling more here in a mostly rural area of Ireland during the pandemic and for me it's riding my ordinary bike to commute, go places and get shit done instead of just riding on a sports bike in a big circle just to ride around in a big circle on a sports bike.
I'm in my latter fifties and health has been a little problematic which limited me more than I would have wanted. I bike to leave my car at home. I've a large variety of racks, bags, panniers, baskets for carrying stuff and 3 trailers for everything from 70kg of shopping to bringing the lawnmower for repairs or picking up 50 litres of tractor diesel.
And I love it. I'm not giving up my car because it's not practical but I love finding every opportunity I can not to take the car or if I am going somewhere, I stick the bike on the back of the car and use it for getting around locally when I'm there.
My bike is just a pretty basic Merida Crossway hybrid but it's worth far more to me over the last few years than it's value could ever measure. I've been mistaken for someone bike touring on a few occasions. I'm a maximalist and not a minimalist about putting stuff on my bike.
I'm not knocking your experience and reasons for setting and achieving your goal. Well done and I am delighted and proud for you.
For me it's very different. I'm not chasing miles or fitness or Strava statistics. I gained additional fitness from riding my bike. I didn't start riding my bike to get fitter and I'm still not. One just tends to follow the other somewhat. I have no fixed goals to achieve but I do feel disappointed if I don't get to do my weekly household shopping by bike for some reason.
And I am soon about to buy a similar electric workhorse to do more and go further without making it any harder. I'm not a purist. F&£k that.
It's a very different perspective on life from a bike. It's a slower way of going through life but you see and experience so much more in so many different ways. I stop and talk to more people than I ever would driving.
For me, I feel more connected to the older generation who used the old single gear high Nellie's to go everywhere on here before car's became entirely prevelent than anyone in lycra today. Of which I own none. I ride as I intend to arrive, for the destination. Going to work, going to the cinema, visiting friends, appointments.......
I hope you continue and enjoy your time on your bike. I don't have any specific goals and it works for me. Just do it because you enjoy it.
I'm putting an alternative view and reason to love cycling because I felt that your experience was ultimately a struggle to achieve a goal.
My philosophy is to be much more flexible and vague about goals.
And once again, beautiful video ❤️
I appreciate the comments, and I agree that cycling does not need to be one particular thing for anyone. It's a tool. Personally, I've used it for exercise, sightseeing, utility, and sport. These days, I enjoy it as a way to stay healthy (both physically and mentally) and to spend time with my dad. I get more caught up in the numbers than I probably should, but there is definitely something to the small sense of achievement each week when I enter my ride logs. And having a long-term target prompts me to get out and do it even when I may not feel like it. Usually, it's for the better.
For what it's worth, I'm not much of a "roadie" in the typical sense either. I'm not on Strava and rarely if ever do any group rides. I don't have any advice for anyone looking to perform better. There are plenty of channels targeted at the sport of cycling. My purpose in starting this channel was to have a creative outlet for music, photography, and writing. Cycling provides the scenery and a subject matter around which to develop those skills, but my intent has always been to connect cycling to more generally relatable ideas. I'm still figuring out what that looks like for me going forward, but I'd like to think there can always be value in one more perspective.
@@BikeMath Thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful response.
My lengthy and rambling comment was to also say that there are other ways and different perspectives to enjoy cycling (a term many roadies try to own) and life from a bicycle.
On the internet and TH-cam the sports and performance only view of cycling tends to dominate.
I wish you long years of enjoyment and safety on your bike for the future.
Just keep putting one pedal in front of the other.