Why I CAN'T quit mountain biking - Reacting to Paul the Punter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ย. 2022
- Paul the Punter quitting mountain biking has been a huge topic of conversation lately, so I wanted to weigh in on the trials and tribulations of being a TH-cam mountain biker. • Why I've Quit Mountain...
- กีฬา
I ride solo on my local trails; no jumps, no unnecessary risk-taking and I enjoy it. Mountain biking doesn't have to be more than that.
I'm same. 48 and not as fearless as I once was. I just can't persuade myself to do them now unless my 9 yr old wants to try them... thankfully he doesn't want to do much yet :)
💯
Hear! Hear! 62 years old with several joint replacements and planning on riding as long as I enjoy it! Easy does it has become my motto. No shame anymore in not being able to make that big climb!
Totally agree with you, in two weeks I turn 56 and just don't take the risks I once did when I first started riding mtn bikes 30 yrs ago.
My mantra is an old Dirty Harry saying, "A man's got to know his limitations". I ride black diamonds, but they're the technical type, not jump lines or drops. The consequences of making mistakes is much higher the older I get. I have had plenty of injuries from cycling, 6 concussions w/ two of those being knocked unconscious. I just don't bounce like I use to, so I have no problem walking something and saving it for another day if I am just not feeling "it".
Well said
Paul has had a very different path with MTB than I have, and I think very different from many who enjoy the passtime as a way to experience the outdoors, adventure and get some fitness. He started and finished with being embedded in the relative extreme and competitive end of things with working at pinbike to trying to run enduro etc. It sounds like he had a heck of a journey, and mad respect for what he accomplished. But for me, I love mountain biking and I spend zero time worrying about the fact I don't take jumps.
So he basically never did it for just the fun. He competed and then made it into a job right after that, with minimal care for the personal aspect. I am not shocked he's no longer biking when you treat it that way.
@@DavidMaruca_ I think he worked in media covering competitive mountain biking first? I think that's the essence of it. I think he did it for the challenge and I respect that, and I can't say I know that he never did it for the fun, but he started embedded on the more "competition focused" and the more commercial end of the culture by working at pinbike which might be guilty of sometimes projecting a distorted view of sorts. And then he LITERALLY MADE PROGRESSION AN OBLIGATION.
This! I think Paul is free to make his own choices and I wish him the best, but watching his farewell video I couldn't help but think "So just dial it back and ride where and how you want to ride." But that's easy for me to say because I've only ever ridden for fun - I don't do it to complete with anyone. His struggle to reframe biking on his terms likely has more to do with a lack of self esteem and mental health struggles (I can relate). I hope Paul finds happiness and I wish him the best.
Maybe another way to put it is that you can view mountain biking as a sport, or as an activity.
Exactly. One of things I love best about BKXC is that he spends almost zero time worrying about jumping off things. He doesn't care at all about it. And truthfully, I don't either. Jumping is not why I got into the sport and I don't do any jumping myself. BKXC is out there for the incredible trails and the ride, not for extreme thrills. It's exactly what I want to watch.
You and sampler always get me excited even to just ride my local trails (99%) of my rides.
It's crazy that you're able to talk about concepts like identity and still remain so relatable. You're a great presenter.
Thanks Zak! It's something I think a lot about, and hopefully it helps other people, too.
@@bkxc dude the first video I saw of you on the Bronson got me into mountain biking and got me from a dark place, personally that’s my story but I guess everyone is different, my job is an engineer which is ok but mountain biking is in my soul so for me, the MAIN THING IS if it makes you feel good out on the trails then that ok 👍
@@bkxc Just remember to enjoy the ride man, you're just lucky to be out there. 😂
Definitely
Well said buddy! Nothing quite as heartbreaking as publishing a video you’re stoked on, and it tanks with the views. #thestruggleisreal
hold my beer!!!
Most definitely!
At least BKXC did not go for the pineapple tattoo 😮😅😊, oh yes, I went there. Hahaha!
Brian, I agree with you 100% about entertainment. I will never be a “good” MTBer and I’m wrapped to ride slow and green trail and whatever, but I don’t want to see that when I’m watching a video. I want to see the best trails (that I would aspire to but most probably never ride), I want to see the best scenery and I most definitely want to see great riding.
You my man deliver that in spades. Thanks
Alcoholism, as sad as that is. That's my passion!
Awesome feedback, perspective and background on how you got started. I'm a super small time TH-camr and I often wondered how guys like you started off. I also can't imagine leaving mtb'ing behind. Been riding for 30+ years and will continue riding regardless of youtube or shooting videos.
Amen to that!
Brian,
One of your best videos…..and no bikes!😂 great insight. There is a huge disconnect with social media. I’m a swim coach, so I get very personal interaction daily. This is rewarding. It’s harder to see the impact with the disconnect from TH-cam. There must be ways to connect in person and I think that would be very rewarding to a TH-camr.
Never posted a youtube comment but here we go.
If it wasn't for a Seth Bike Hacks video that randomly popped up in my feed nearly a decade ago when he first started his channel I wouldn't be here today. Since then I have built my life around the sport, made countless friends, helped elevate my local community in order to give back to this awesome community. As of a year ago, I finally was able to make the move to a location where I can ride 5-6 days per week almost 365 days per year, and I am truly grateful everyday to be able to ride and be involved in this amazing community :)
I want to take this time to thank all of MTB content creators for saving my life and entertaining me over the years. To name a few off the top of my head, I would like to thank these individuals from the bottom of my heart: Seth, Alex, Brian, Yuka, Eric, Nick, Jordan, Dale, Dave and Christina
Wow! That is just so cool to hear, Ryan. I'm glad we were able to give you the spark to get started and you took it from there!!
Very insightful Brian. I've thought a lot the topic of hobbies and interests, and what keeps us... well... interested in them. For most people, interests come and go in your life. I've only been in this sport for a little over 3 years now... before that I had zero experience. I can honestly say mountain biking has changed my life for the better 🤠Other hobbies and interests I've had pale in comparison to the experiences provided by mountain biking. Living in and experiencing the outdoors, connection with creation, the fitness, the adrenaline, all the little wins every single ride, and the wonderful community!
Everyone in my family knows how passionate I am about biking, all of my friends know, my coworkers know. While it is part of who I am now... I agree to your point... it doesn't define my personal life.
With that said, mountain biking is still a hobby. It's an interest. Granted... for me, I think it's a permanent cornerstone of my persona. I don't see myself falling out of love with this hobby - but with that said - I have definitely put other hobbies on the sideline when mountain biking entered my life. As I mentioned earlier, I've had other hobbies, and at the time I had the belief that they would be permanent cornerstones of my persona. Mountain biking changed that.
Anywho... no man knows the future.
I subscribed to Paul's channel early on, but only kept it in my peripheral and never watched as routinely as I do yours (BKXC) and select others. As a 30+ year mtb'er my observation of a lot of mtb content creators on YT is that their goals aren't driven from within, but rather that hunger for validation of their work (content) through likes, shares, etc. Their goals and measurements for success then turn their content into noise (for me), as opposed to relatable rides and adventures that I can picture myself doing. I get how that can quickly happen with YT being your job or, at least, primary source of income...BUT it definitely changes the feel and soul of a channel. All that being said, I think we all extend our support to Paul and hope he finds what truly makes him fulfilled.
I always felt that the premise of Paul’s channel could lead to the kind of burnout you describe. So many of his videos were about progression, overcoming some big feature or trail, or building a new skill. That’s just not sustainable - you can only progress slowly, without forcing it, and only as a byproduct of the main goal of having fun. Certainly hanging around the “just send it” crowd isn’t going to help either. That being said, thank you to Paul for all the fun and inspiring videos along the way, and best of luck to him in the future.
That’s why I no longer watch the Vegan Cyclist. Content is just as you described and it got ridiculous
Wow, I see what you mean. I have tried to make a "getting good at jumps" video maybe five different times and it is a pointless endeavor. Trying to push hard over a weekend and hoping to come out the other side leveled up is just not possible for me.
@@jeremysweeten2792 yup and the whole "I'm just a normal guy" thing too he has a 370 watt ftp at 6 watts per kilo that's not normal.
@@bkxchonestly, these are videos that actually are relatable to your audience. At least to me, anyway 😂
@@bkxc good point bro , like a jump that you can’t do it’s ok 👍 it’s all good ya there will always be other jumps 🙌🏼🙌🏼
That my friend my probably the best video you have ever put out. You are wise beyond your years. You are articulate in your thoughts. ThIs is coming from a 63 year old mt. Biker. Keep up the the great work and improving your skills.
Thanks for the kind words Brent!
Paul’s video has garnered several video responses and I appreciate them all along with his explaining why he’s getting out of the sport. I had a bad run of luck after a crash in May that’s resulted in 4 surgeries so far. Realizing the risk at 62 and watching your and other mountain biking TH-cam stars is what’s motivating me to heal and ride. I’m going to the gym 3 days a week and riding as often as possible. You do motivate people to get up and get outside. Thanks to you and Paul for making the videos. Hate to see him go.
Just wanted to mention real quick, you're the reason I even really tried MTB in any form, and I want to do more of it, and your videos are very inspiring for that. Thanks and long live the channel!
I appreciate you Brian. Your videos give me inspiration and entertainment . Your positivity and good nature give me faith in human nature. Thanks for all you do.
Thank YOU!
Brian, you're great. Your vids are great. Your attitude is great. We all hope it continues to be fun for you, and that you keep sharing the fun with us.
Thanks so much Kurt!
Thank you so much for this video, Been on my own journey of mountain biking and its nice to hear your perspective in contrast to pauls. Although we all can understand pauls view and whats best for him, for many of us bike lovers its a sad sight to behold. It's good to see how yes we might have troubles and doubts about stuff, but if we truely love it and want to persue it, we can and likely will progress.
I have loved MTB for several years now. I stopped about 17 years ago due to my kids being born but recently got back into the sport 3 or 4 years ago and have loved every minute of it. Brian, one of your videos was the first one I watched on YT and it fanned the flame inside me. For that I say Thank you! Since then I started watching others and, of course, subscribing to their channels as well. It has become a passion that I can enjoy with friends that at first I didn't even know were into MTB. The MTB community is a great one and most of the people I meet on the trails are super friendly and always willing to give advice, support, directions, etc. Thanks for the content you create, it is inspiring to more people than you will ever know. Keep doing it!!
This has to be one of the best speeches on TH-cam I'm on a path not of my own doing but I'm on it to be a life coach I'm also a mountain biker but been off the bike for 6 months due to long covid thank you so so much Brian #bkxc this has made me realise that normal is not for me and making a change is scary but a positive thing sending positive vibes to to and your family we are the same age and after 2 decades in the 🇬🇧 military its time for a leap of faith to change 😀 thank you for being a positive soul on this plane of existence
Duude, thanks for doing what you do. I discovered your vid.s when I was on medical recovery, off work four months in a c- collar as I crashed my mtn. bike and broke my neck. Bad!. 5 yr.s since, and still I'm still riding. You, Alex, Paul, Seth, and few others, you guys are my downtime and making it even more fun. I'm bummed about Paul, but he's gotta do what makes him happy. Thanks again for all your hard work and content. Happy Holidays!
Dropped a like just for the Thomas Sowell reference. Then you threw in Ben Harper as well! Great work as always
Damn, BK quoting Thomas Sowell, somehow you just earned even more of my respect!
Crazy that people will leave negative comments on your videos. I've never seen a bad one. You're a great presenter and the gold standard in my eyes.
The videos certainly do have an impact. Said it before in a live stream but the 50 State Shred vicariously kept me going during COVID while I sat in a room in my house and wrote my PhD dissertation. It really helped. Thanks a bunch to you both.
I stopped mountain biking a few years ago when I got really into climbing. But that didn’t stop me from continuing to enjoy your videos Brian. Your videos are so much bigger than biking! Thank you for being such a positive and passionate dude. You inspire me to keep pushing on some of my neglected passions.
Negative comments!? You have a fantastic personality and put out fun and exciting content. I can’t believe people could leave a negative comment. Keep doing what your doing because it’s great and very appreciated!
Paul is on to something, we are sad that he wanted to stop riding but there is so much truth into what he spoke about. I hope we will continue to see his work as many of us love and respect you guys that laid the ground work for us late bloomers in the game!
Brian thank for posting your thoughts on the subject, we really do draw inspiration from you pioneers.
I'm not giving up even though at times I ask my self "what are you doing?"
I'm glad that Paul has something else to use his skills on and that you are still loving MTB. I imagine it will be a relief to Paul to see this and know that someone he respects as much as you gets his decision 100% . Seeing other people's perspectives that don't match your own and being able to appreciate them nonetheless is a great ability to have. You and Paul are both top people.
Great relatable insight, and as always your honesty and candor are appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Have always liked your content over the years. You have done a great job on keeping things interesting.
Well done!
Love the attitude and perspective. Keep up the good work Brian. We all love your channel
I'm just stoked you quoted Thomas Sowell. Mountain biking is still cool to.
Brian I love this video. It connected with me so much. I really appreciate you genuinely sharing the emotional and introspective parts of your journey. And that I laughed at a few unexpected moments while having coffee lol. But seriously, thank you for sharing with us, and I look forward to more of the stories you share with us!
Brian! You are so real and so much fun to watch! Keep up the hard work!
Really enjoyed this video and the perspective you provided. Thanks man and keep bringing it!
Talk about a reaction!! Pretty amazing response and mad respect by speaking the truth! No wonder we enjoy you videos so much!
Hi Bryant, thanks for all the videos and the adverntures you share with us, I know it ain't easy, but at the end you achieve the goal to inspire us to keep riding with you on YT, I love this chanel and I'm super thankful it is still alive, keep safe and riding!!!! THANK U!!!
I tell you what… after watching Paul’s video I was like “maybe I don’t need to bike anymore either…” you know, “I don’t wanna contribute to the selfishness of the sport”, and all the other things he said. Two rides later I am back and strong on my bike…. Your words Brian, make a great impression on most of us followers. If you were to quit… a lot of us would, at least for one day, cheers mate!!
Your videos relax me a lot, your efforts go a long way to a lot of people. I'm the same with my teaching job. Take care dude
Haven't even made it through the video, but gotta say thanks for making biking so friendly and accessible for so many. Thanks to your inspiration and representation of the MTB community as an open, warm, and welcoming one, I got back on the bike after a 20+ year hiatus and have had amazing father-son time on the trails with my son, who now races MTB in college. (And, we bought two Ripmos. - you listening, Ibis?)
So, thanks for doing what you do. You are appreciated and an asset to the sport.
Thanks so much Gianni! I missed this comment somehow. So glad I was some part of getting you even more into the sport!
This is one of the best videos I have ever seen, not only on how to approach mountain biking, but life philosophy. Thanks! Good job!
This was such an uplifting, positive video. Growth mindset, being real, being self aware. I think being able to teach ourselves to always see and appreciate some of the small good things in our lives helps so much. Ride on!
This was an absolutely incredible video and you hit it right on the nail! Thank you for the Enlightening us as a community.
I enjoyed the reflection. Thank you for sharing! It’s always good to think about things like this. 👍
I subscribed after watching this video…love the candor and personal journey. Ultimately, everyone has to mitigate their own risks. Thank you for this video. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Your 50 state journey was one of my favorite youtube stories to follow
What an awesome response! Super encouraging and heartfelt. Nice job! I really enjoyed your videos of the BC Bike Race, where you and Paul had a little competitive thing going!
Been a fan of the channel for many years, please keep up the incredible work you do for us as subscribers. Thank you for your dedication, energy, passion and contribution to our sport. Including a quote from the legendary Thomas Sowell in this video was a form of pure genius imo.
You are getting way better and way faster!!! The Sampler couldn't keep up! I love the trail riding a lot but just to let you know I really love the other types of vids just as much or more. On your land building the trails and infrastructure and also when you and Sarah explore! You are a great host as much as any content you provide! You are just at the beginning of what you will become!!!
The whole thing has made me reflect myself. When I first found your channel, I think it was your Bronson unpacking video that had just been released. I had a cheap $600 hardtail, I rode a bit but wasn’t massively into it. In the following six years, I upgraded, I rode more, got more skilled, consumed a lot more mtb content. Can say I successfully was subscribed to and watched most of the ‘big’ mtb TH-camrs religiously for the better part of 4-5 years.
I got really good, could ride a pro level trail at race pace. Spent 5 figures on a dream bike…
But here I am now, without a mountain bike, not riding, hardly watching any of those creators, maybe 2-3 at best moreso out of loyalty than anything.
I think that change is good, and normal. I think where I draw the line differently from Paul is that I genuinely love riding still, I just don’t do it, and I’m happy to leave it as a fond memory and period of my life, for the moment at least.
Thanks for 6 incredible and inspiring years Brian.
Super well-articulated, Brian ... really appreciate your perspective. And thanks for all you do!
This was a really great video, I really enjoyed your perspective on what you do , why, and some of the bigger picture topics too. Keep it up, be safe, have fun!
Thank u for ur contribution to Mtb community, exploring new trails/areas and sharing details with us, is very much appreciated. See u on the trail
Love your videos man!! Ive probably dam near watched every single one. Your great inspiration. Keep up the awesome work.
Cheers from Brazil, man! I'm currently in the process of finishing university and IT SUCKS! The pandemic blew it all up, I had a major fall back with tons of procrastination... Slowly I found the energy and motivation to focus on what I needed to do and cycling helped me A LOT. Recently I discovered your channel and it helped me big time visualize how much fun I could have once I had the time to invest exploring the outdoors with my bike. Thanks for helping me visualize it! Very nice to hear one more perspective at "the art of making"! Keep up the great work man!
I have always enjoyed the videos you make. I also have no idea what it truly takes to make these videos and the demanding lifestyle that comes with it. I’m sure you have herd this a ton of times but several of your videos motivated me to go ride in other states and trails other then just my backyard, places like Sedona and Santa Cruz.
Seeing what you have done with Everstoke is something I wish I could do.
All the hard work you have put into the channel really shows and I hope it continues to pay off and then some!
Appreciate all you do and you positivity. Your an inspiration. Keep it up!!
I shared this video as there is much wisdom for happiness in it. Thanks for the clarity.
Thank you for sharing! I think this is one of the best videos of yours that I’ve seen so far. 🖖🏼😊👍🏼
Couldn't have said it any better myself. Paul is great and his videos were wonderful to watch just as yours are. You, Sampler, Paul, Tonka and several others have driven me to keep riding and I absolutely love it. Thank you to all of you for being who you are and being the influencers you've become.
Hey Brian, hearing that the negative comments hurt you sometimes made me think I should say something positive. I have watched many hours of your videos for years now. Quietly enjoying your journey and humour. I've never posted a comment to say how much I appreciate your work so I hope this makes up for at least one negative comment. Would love to see you back on the Scottish trails one day! Peace
Thanks for discussing Paul's departure from MTB. I appreciate the kind approach and the giving of love to Paul. I wish him success and joy in where ever his journey takes him next.
I found your channel earlier this spring after buying a hard tail, having not been on a bike in 30 years. I was amazed at what you were able to ride on the Ripmo. I quickly realized that I wanted a full suspension bike. After a 90 day crash course in modern mountain bike components, suspension, and geometry, I had narrowed my quest to four bikes. Two were unavailable, but two were. A Giant Trance X 27.5, and the Ripmo AF. I rode the Trance X first, it was really nice, with a good build kit for the money.
Two days later I demoed a Ripmo AF on a little piece of single-track behind the shop in Golden, CO. S-O-L-D!!! I bought one on the spot. I couldn't be happier with it. If it hadn't been for your channel I'd have never known about Ibis and the Ripmo. So thanks Brian!!!
Fantastic video Brian, and spot on. That’s exactly what I was thinking also. I will miss Paul greatly, but can understand his pain. I wish him the best of luck, and you also! Mountain bike on Brian, mountain bike on!
Bravo Brian! Great vid. Always love the content. May God keep blessing you with good fortune. You're doing awesome bro.
Entertaining, inspiring, and very authentic as always!
Totally agree with everything you mentioned. That's why I don't record my rides and attempt to TH-cam. Trying to keep my passion stress free and enjoy nature. Also, if I remember correctly your MTB passion led you and your wife to have the relationship you two currently have together. Thanks for all that you do!
Brian, your Moab Rocks videos were inspirational and ultimately hugely helpful as I prepared to race it myself without being able to get there early and pre-ride. Your Redemption series has me excited to ride the front range on my next trip to CO. So yeah, your videos matter and have an impact. Thank you for making them!
Super interesting video bro, cheers to you! and best of luck heading down the trail of life ❤thanks for sharing the journey 🙏🏼
Great video. Very nice to see you honestly describe things. I am always amazed that people like you make the effort to live off of TH-cam income. Also amazed at just how much content is out there and how hard it must be to accrue subscribers and likes. Kudos to all of you that do that! I love the sport of mountain biking but can definitely understand Paul's point of view. Glad he made the decision to go another direction. Seems best for him.
Really insightful comments. I very much enjoyed your opinions on Paul, mtbing, TH-cam and the risks of riding. You're one of the OG's of mountain bike TH-cam and there's good reason! Keep shredding!
I've been watching your videos (a lot anyway) from the start. I would recommend your channel to anybody wanting to explore MTB riding around the world. You are the wild world of mountain biking, covering the four corners of the globe. I hadn't heard about your marriage, congratulations.
Glad you've enjoyed them!!
You nailed it Brian. I 've watched Paul's videos for a long time and I was sad that mtn biking was no longer a passion. Paul's explanation made perfect sense and his sincerity shined through the screen. Thanks for your effort to make great content. Hope to see you on a trail someday!
I've been following you for a few years now. I love your positive energy and your upbeat personality. I obviously don't know you, but you seem like the kind of guy I want as a friend. Kudos to you on your successful journey, and for being vulnerable and authentic!
😍 this is spot on. I too have missed biking the last two months due to working 16 hours a day, shooting and editing. Of course if we don't do this, we don't have the richness of time to bike other times of the year.
This was especially relatable and touched on few very very familiar topics I end up thinking through every time Christmas approaches. Greetings from a fellow mtb youtuber from the dark and cold Finland.
In 2016 I was 95 lbs (I'm a 5'7 guy) on a hospital half dead and addicted to pain meds. Had my lower intestine removed, and lying in bed, I came across a Skills with Phil video. That was the seed. Bought a hardtail, and rode local trails solo for a year. I'm in the Northeast, so I don't ride a ton in the winter. In 2017 I went to Mountain Creek Bike Park, and that day I replaced a healthy addiction for one that wouldn't surely killed me. MTB is my identity and what I live for. My son got into it too, and pretty much every weekend we go to the bike park, and we're pretty good (he's more than pretty good, but he's also 16 so). I couldn't imagine life without my bike, and I often think about what I'd do without it. My Instagram feed is nothing but bikes, all my TH-cam recommends are MTB, and every free second I have that's all I want to do.
Paul You can into my life because I follow 6 mountain bike YOU TUBERS, I draw from everyones effort, advice video. I am sure you will be successful in your journey. You are straight forward, believable and entertaining. Follow your heart, GOOD Luck.
If you choose a job you love, you never work a day in your life. Too each their own, but burnout can occur in any job. Brian’s upbeat and fun presentation of mountain biking always gets me excited to go out and ride! BKXC sometimes stops abruptly to smell the roses, poison ivy, or dirt and rocks on occasion like the rest of us too😮
This is the most valuable video on your channel, NO CLUE!! You have been a big inspiration for me since the begging of your videos and now listening to you talking about identity, life lessons, etc, is like WOOW, you are showing THE REAL VALUES, and that for me adds an extra something to my fanaticism for MTB and this channel.
Brian, great videos. You are so transparent about your growth and riding and all things related. Appreciate this channel so much. A great inspiration to me and us weekend adventure riders out there. Keep it up dude. Re the injury thing, yes every ride is a risk but like you said - you have to strike the balance between growth and safety. Same is true of most things in life.
Brilliant video Brian. Very insightful.
Brian, thank you for this video and the insights. Your advice on risk assessment is well taken and should be followed by all. I, like many, really enjoyed Paul’s videos and he will be missed! Your positive attitude always picks me up and I can’t think of one video of yours I haven’t enjoyed. Haters gonna hate! That’s their problem. Keep up the great work, you’ve certainly made your mark on the community and I’m sure you’re appreciated by many! Again, thanks 🙏
The being tired of mountainbiking is one thing. The vitriol Paul talked about, that he got for being a youtuber, was especially jarring to me. That vitriol is not limited to the MTB or youtube world, but it is a shame that this exists and it is being ignored, or skipped over, or treated like a silly joke or a one time thing. And that attitude comes together with that weird idea of bigger and more dangerous is better, and everything else is chickenshit. Why do so many people fall for that toxic narrative? So huge thank you to you for being such a countersound to that.
Very good point. I would imagine there is a perceived pecking order in ANY line of business, and when someone comes along that doesn’t fit the mold it breaks people’s brains.
And then you add on the fact that financially surviving in the MTB world used to be completely tied to race results and being bigger and badder then everyone else.
It’s a paradigm shift that is very hard to comprehend.
It’s like thinking there are surfer vloggers out there that aren’t good at surfing. It’s even hard for me to wrap my head around that!
AMAZING speech Brian. Like you were saying how he inspired so many people, you too have done that to me and inspired me to get up off my couch and get more active and healthier. So thank you. Keep up the good work.
I was really struggling during college when I bought my first mountain bike, and was at the same time than watching your videos, back in april 2016, is a pleasure to hear you and keep receiving your energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for everything Brian, keep the great work and see you on the trail!
Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸 ❤
You've never been to Sunrise Bike Park in AZ. Being in one of your videos for a second would be the highlight of my riding for years to come.
BK - Thanks for the video. I truly appreciate your content. A lot of your points hit home in terms of where MTB fits inside your overall life definitely resonates with me. At age 54 (last year) I suffered a serious spinal injury after two back to back crashes on the MTB. A year later, PT 2x a week and daily rehab work, I am finally at a place where I can venture out on the MTB, albeit in a greatly diminished capacity (for now). I have reflected a lot on what you said here in this video on how MTB defines me and its role in my life. At this start of this journey watching your videos was difficult as I didn’t know if that would be me again. However, as I progressed, they turned to hope and inspiration and helped me immensely in sustaining this passion for this lifestyle we call MTB. Thank you for all that you do and thank you for being an inspiration in my recovery. Cheers!
I make outdoor videos, camping, hiking, kayaking etc.... I love making the videos but even with my small channel, I still enjoy just camping without making the videos! I can see how burnout happens though! I enjoy all types of outdoor videos (like yours) , I also really enjoy the process as well though! Some hit and some don't! I appreciate this video Brian, I'm glad you're still all in brother!!!! Thanks
Thanks Brian. What you and others have done on TH-cam for MTBing has changed everything. In my small circle of friends in MTB, all off them have heard of you (some Paul as well) and watched your videos. As I've said before, if it wasn't for you and other MTB youtubers I would still be riding on the road. Thanks Guys.
Brian, I’m longer time viewer. First time poster. You’re definitely a inspiration. Well spoken, easy going, and not pretentious. Enjoy all of your vids. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
NICE...and of all you have just stated is why I still follow and enjoy your videos and dialogue. Keep shreddin' and being the honest person you are. KUDOS on all you do...
Love it ! Such a positive response, no criticism of Paul's views. The respect of Paul's decision, and love for him. Very well made
Still watching efter 6,5 years so you are doing something right 😬
Keep up the good work, you do get us out to ride!
Love to hear it Peter!
Great introspection. You've got a great entertaining style and you're a huge benefit to the sport. On the 'danger' side of things, I'd love to see you use your platform more to talk about what safe and meaningful skill progression really means. I worry that with so many channels out there showing the biggest and meanest challenges you can find that it's encouraging people to try things they shouldn't. I don't think people realize how much hard work, and especially time, it takes to be able to master the skills needed to be fast and successful on things like double-blacks.
Keep up the great work and can't wait to see what you hit up next!
I don’t know you Brian. But you seem to be a good man. You spread joy and fun while doing what you love. Keep it real!
Thank you. Needed this today!
If you quit biking it would hurt. I always enjoy your videos they bring so much joy. Shred on brother!!
Love you videos in general and this one in particular. Well said BK!
Like you said, fun makes good vids. So glad I got to ride with you, and hope to again one of these days. Glad you're here to put out entertainment for us to consume. Here for it! (still)
Love to hear that!!