Cycling The Wild Bolivian Landscapes // CyclingAbout The Americas [EP.6]

This month I rode across the largest salt flat in the world and pedalled into the Yungas Mountains. I discovered a road with 52 hairpin turns, I may have found my favourite sealed road in the world, I found out about cocaine production, I was gifted lots of food and I cycled up "the world's most dangerous road"! 😮
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[@jackseph03]

I am a History and Geography teacher at a high school in northern NSW, Australia. I always try to inspire my students to see more of, and gain a better appreciation of the world. My year 7 class will be watching your video tomorrow. Amazing stuff.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you! It's probably no surprise, but geography was my favourite subject at school. It'd have to be a significant factor as to why I'm still so curious about the world, passionate about the environment and keen not to harm its inhabitants.

[@highwaytohealth3211]

That's what we should consider as real education... congratulations!

[@ronr.53400]

exactlyyy 😎 👌

[@cwalter54]

Thank you for caring about, and commenting on, the rational, compassionate, common sense of not slaughtering other animals for our consumption.

[@arturog7820]

One of the best cycling videos I've ever seen! Thank you.

[@Cyclingabout]

That's a huge compliment! Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@TitusLivy777]

Totally with you on the plant based diet! Thank you for raising this issue and for framing it so beautifully!

[@TwoWanderYonder]

What an awesome landscape! Thanks for taking the extra time and effort to set up the camera and take those shots of you riding. I know how much more effort that is! Well done!

[@felipericketts]

Espresso is soooo good when you are out in the sticks! Eating is best when hungry. Resting after a long day on the bike is a delight. These are some of the simple enjoyable things one can only find with the kind of effort you are doing. Thanks for sharing. It is a good reminder. :-)

[@amirmd]

Sad to see that your video viewership is underrated. In April 2020 after 2 years its only at 20k when some others has millions with its contents having little value compared to yours. Thanks for making great videos and continuing to make them and sharing. I find great pleasure watching all your videos. KZbin c'mon!!! make Cyclingabout videos viral.....

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks, but bicycle touring is a very niche subject! I'm happy with 20,000 views, that's like half a football stadium. ⚡️

[@rene78]

8:10 He seems to be the kindest guy on earth! And his English is amazing! And again, Alee - those videos are simply outstanding and put a big smile on my face on an otherwise dull office day.

[@Cyclingabout]

It was cool stumbling across Javier's place. He's a character!

[@0905ash]

Super inspiring! You are doing so well mate. Great compassionate message in there too 🌱😍⛰ keep going hard!!

[@MichaelKalmanovitch]

Thank you for your very sincere and thoughtful words about the animals and the choices we can make regarding our chosen diets. I am a vegan and it does stress me out when I travel. I feel it puts a bit of a barrier between myself and the generosity of people I meet - especially if there is a language barrier. You are really taking the time to check out many places that most of us would pass by. Next year, (Hah - it will be this year now) I am starting from Edmonton to cycle. I tentatively have the plan to cycle to Ushuaia. I then plan to travel to Africa and cycle south to north. But we will see. I am 67 this year and not in great shape but we will find out whether that will work out. Have a great time cycling and stay beautiful.

[@cuspid001]

Your work is remarkably inspiring. Happy Trails.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you kindly!

[@trailrunr5717]

Thanks for the Espresso tip. Great views!

[@Peter-gn8pj]

Fantastic video and riding.

[@sempi8159]

Great explanation/showcasing of the importance of being vegan/plant basey!

[@hoser7706]

What was that Espresso machine!!?? Incrediblly beautiful scenery. Route looks epic. Heartbreaking seeing those pigs. Imagine what they were thinking!

[@Twinstarrider]

I’m new to your party here - catching up on your old vids.. 7:20 hit me hard on this and I totally agree. We need more of that thinking. Epic reports and video mate

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@silviosuarez495]

always amazed, thank you

[@hispaniacicloturismo8578]

52 corners!!!! WOW!!!

[@pstolee]

Thanking your feeding us on your thoughts regarding the pig slaughter. I am still a meat eater but eating a whole lot less...and learning more and more about the cost of our industrial food system.

[@ronr.53400]

dude, if i had the money i would join you ... i can make my own journeys here in state BUT, to be out there in the outdoors,, in other parts of the world would be awesome ... and how friendly the locals are is really a good thing

[@sawomirsliwicki5373]

I like your film Alee! All the best! Take care!

[@adilali7378]

Good luck nice beautiful 👍 well done

[@joelaut12]

More wonderful landscapes! Safe traveling on the treacherous mountain roads.

[@adriennewedel3692]

Best biking content out there! My partner and I love to watch this while decompressing over dinner. Makes me want to never stop riding my own bike!

[@Cyclingabout]

Stoked to hear that... thanks!

[@xabieraizpuruasalaberria9831]

I admire you. You must have seen so much beauty... I also keep wondering how you manage spending so much time on your own ...you must be mentally very strong.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you. I think the mental strength builds with time. It has been many years of small and big adventures with others that has allowed me to prepare for what I'm doing right now.

[@lazybuilder]

Just amazing you are a legend!

[@mickilkr]

Your videos are awesome

[@johng1857]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on being vegan!

[@lcctravlog9090]

I love the nature and all the gorgeous view, Thank you

[@bikehikesafari]

I know just how much effort went into the filming and editing of that video. Good work. Take care, might bump into each other in Ecuador/Peru.

[@andyzootie]

flipping awesome man..you inspire me to get out there and ride

[@Cyclingabout]

Please do. Exploring the world by bike is the best!

[@farukyavuz7368]

Difficult roads but amazing landscape. Good luck...

[@JimKJeffries]

It is not that we have eaten meat for thousands of years, it is far past that. 1 stomach vs numerous. Gall bladder for taking apart fats. Half the teeth in our head for cutting flesh. Your eyes are forward facing, rather than the side to eat meat. Being mindful of our impacts is responsible & mature. Pretending we can live without that which we were built for...not so much. If you can make sugar from sun light, great. If not we take life to exist. Be mindful of how you take it (plants have language) & be worth what it is your take. Thanks for another beautiful episode.

[@AndersonPagani]

Amazing shots you have! Congratulations Alee!

[@aleksandrsm2352]

I really enjoy your awesome short adventure movies. Greetings from Latvia :)

[@paulbritton7204]

thanks for sharding. how i envey you . Keep on keeping on. dylan

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Life is good. 🙏🏼

[@Cyclingabout]

Ah, and keep an eye out for my next film which will be out in the next week or two.

[@mirofisch940]

great video

[@traceman100]

Yet another amazing video, I’m on my way down from Alaska pretty exciting to see what awaits in S.America

[@florenciavillanueva5064]

¡¡Amazing landscapes!!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Just found your channel. The scenery is outstanding. Have to catch up on some more of your videos later. Off for a spin here in Vermont. Now that's a coffee maker.Take care, Al

[@gogotharyantharyant7629]

amazhiiiiinnnggg

[@swnorcraft7971]

Your argument against eating animals is sound.......another aspect is that animal flesh is unhealthy to us humans. Look at all the unhealthy people living in the US and other industrialized countries.......coincidence? Hardly. The tide can be turned by our wallets. What we choose to eat has a profound effect on our health and the well being of other living things. Truly stunning cinematography as usual. Thanks for another epic view of the world.

[@andyatkins9170]

Awesome rides! Some more food for thought. Plants have feelings too.

[@lcctravlog9090]

I just say wow lots of salt

[@brauljo]

7:04 Because those who switch from an omnivorous diet already enjoyed to eat non animal foods and didn't particularly enjoy the taste and texture of animals. Others can't ignore how much they enjoy eating animals or even how much more they do over non animal foods, or at least certain types of them.

[@orlandocoral5522]

Your Channel is amazing !!!! I really love your videos

[@TyStyckify]

Nice shots, thx. ...[[]]...

[@sisaktamas]

Ah the landscapes! Finally something really distinctly different to my European eyes. And about the animal slaughtering: I’ve never eaten much meat because I just don’t like the taste usually, yet I’m not a vegetarian. I’m not so convinced about animals feelings etc, yes I’ve read Konrad Lorenz and other zoologists, I really like ethology (a kind of animal psychology), however I’m afraid a lot of this animal protection rant is on the other side of the saddle and very regrettable anthropization. What I can say for a fact is I’ve seen ritual sacrificing in Nepal and the goats and chicken and buffalo were not upset one bit by what was happening to their peers a few steps away, there wasn’t any stress or hysteria, not of the smell of blood and definitely not by what they were seeing. They just didn’t seem to feel any empathy for the others or fear of their own life. Sorry, people.

[@wallysworkin823]

God gave us control of plants and animals to sustain and nourish our bodies. Both are equally important.

[@blacksunapocalypse]

Man it must have been a pain to get some of those shots, only to have to go back and get the camera after. Worth it, though :D

[@Cyclingabout]

Definitely worth it! 👌🏼

[@jngarr]

Inspirational rides thru Latin America! How about a series on north America or Japan or ?? (BTW, Coca Cola hasn't had coca leaf in it since like the 1920s, definitely not in use when video made. FYI.)

[@topsetjewellery]

Death Road! I love it. Your tyres must be amazing to cope with some of those tracks. Enjoy the journey!

[@Cyclingabout]

I use tyres designed for paved roads (Schwalbe Almotion)... but have found they're more than capable elsewhere!

[@mailinboppe702]

Other than these great compelling videos, thank you for mentioning the atrocious killing of animals. To be in great shape and strong no need of meat. Well said!!!!

[@nabilghafar9150]

wahahaha. sure

[@rohansully584]

8:59 - too funy

[@GuitarLogicLessons]

That is Armin Mueller-Stahl at the beginning!!

[@meghanfitz-james49]

Awesome video. I love cycle touring! Am wondering what kind of handlebars you are using? They look comfy!

[@Cyclingabout]

These are Velo Orange Crazy Bars but I'm using KOGA Denham Bars nowadays.

[@kankan4316]

I went cycling in Bolivia after I watched this video two years ago, and of course I cycled death road.

[@misaelramos83]

Espressoooooo 😩

[@onelove8062]

0:42 gangsta lean

[@rohank9292]

Ladakh is beckoning

[@Cyclingabout]

One day definitely!

[@rohank9292]

@@Cyclingabout you would find yet another Star Wars kind of extraterrestrial land overthere.

[@johnnylam4878]

Can I have more information about your coffee setup??

[@Cyclingabout]

Sure! www.cyclingabout.com/review-airspresso-espresso-maker/

[@Tethysmeer]

Your travels and vids are absolutely awesome. One question: where do you get your protein from in countries which rely heavily on meat?

[@Cyclingabout]

Oats, peanut butter, beans, lentils, almonds, bread, peas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.

[@krishvasavada4108]

How did you record those far long shots. Did you manually place the camera and cycle ahead and then do the bit and then retrieve the camera or I hope it was a drone

[@AnonymousPhucker]

so how was it chewing the leaves ?

[@tiagoleal1916]

Inspiring videos mate. Anywhere i can download your routes? Have you talked about the costs of a trip like this? Thanks and have a nice trip

[@Cyclingabout]

The route found in the description of each video which you can download. I don't keep tabs on expenses, I made sure to load up the bank account before leaving so it wasn't a stress. 👍🏻

[@tiagoleal1916]

@@Cyclingabout ups, didn´t see it ;). ahah nice plan. thanks. i wish you all the best

[@lupus7194]

The boiling point of water at 3,700m altitude drops to about 87 degrees. On the other hand, pressurizing the air used to push the water through the grounds would cause it to heat up. I'm confused. Was your coffee hot ?

[@Cyclingabout]

Given it was sub-zero outside when I extracted the shot, it was probably cooler than 87 degrees. I normally add hot water for a long black when I'm in the cooler temps for this reason. Not ideal conditions, but where else was I going to get espresso on the salt flat! 😂

[@vascoamaralgrilo]

Inspiring!

[@Cyclingabout]

Vasco Grilo Thanks!

[@tiger_powers]

This is incredible footage amazing, informative video...love it! Keep it up cheers from a fellow Vegan biker 🌶️

[@gillonblank]

What is the make and model of the phone mount that you are using? You probably answered this before, if so sorry. Great videos you are a true world class adventurer!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! It's never a stress answering questions so that you can find the best gear. It's a Quadlock bike mount and case and I've been using it since 2013.

[@the34thStudent]

How you attach the two bags on the front wheel? Is there any special structure or hook available for this purpose?

[@Cyclingabout]

Tubus Duo front rack.

[@tommieronen7424]

Another great video! I can't wait to spend our honeymoon riding tandem on Alps. :D I totally agree with you about food thoughts. Actually if people would have had the know how 1000 years ago about nutritions that we need, much less of them would have died in starvation. This is just because it's many times more efficient to eat and store the right plants by yourself directly.

[@Cyclingabout]

I miss riding my tandem! It'll be the first thing I do when I get home. All the best for your wedding, honeymoon and bike tour!

[@tommieronen7424]

Thanks a lot! =) And I wish you good times for rest of your tour!

[@chrinsapos]

Did u ever get flats or had to repair your bike?

[@tve1964]

Really fantastic landscapes!! Thanks! You really get out of your way to shoot nice images for sure. Well done! I've read that people are not as welcoming to tourists (or bike tourers) in Bolivia as some other people in Latin America. It doesn't look like that at all in your video. How's been the contacts with the locals on the whole in Bolivia? Seen other people on bikes during that leg?

[@Cyclingabout]

I heard that too. I think it might be the case in tourist areas, but as soon as you get off the beaten track, you meet very kind people in every country! I haven't seen another cyclist in a while now, but I tend to find the quiet roads wherever I go.

[@atropineman3541]

Sees a sign "Death Road" thinks oh man this is going to be great.

[@phirozepalkhivala4405]

Love your videos. Just a suggestion for all your videos: Is it possible to adjust the volume levels of the music to be somewhat the same as those of your voice? Having to adjust the volume repeatedly takes away from my enjoyment of the videos, but this may be a personal preference.

[@Cyclingabout]

I always adjusted the levels so that the speaking and music were the same volume, but for some reason, on some televisions, the speaking comes out low. I've been running the speaking at 5db higher recently and that seems to work. Maybe let me know whether the sound is good on my latest video about Mexico?

[@phirozepalkhivala4405]

I see your videos mainly on my phone. Went back to the video on Mexico, and I think the sound levels are definitely better co-ordinated in that one. Thanks.

[@Cyclingabout]

Ok, good to hear I'm onto something with sound levels!

[@reggi8820]

Love your videos man very inspiring, one question what's sleeping bag degrees do you have?

[@Cyclingabout]

It's a summer bag (0C/32F) that I stuff with insulation foam when it's sub-zero.

[@hardrada51]

Do you have a support vehicle? I wonder how you stay so clean and well shaven. You do not seem to have any mechanical issues on such rough terrain. Very strange are you the Bear Grylls of cycle touring? If not, show us some of the real stuff.

[@Cyclingabout]

I travel by myself 99% of the time, but sometimes I bump into other cyclists who are happy to share the road for a while!

[@PathfinderGregg]

Incredible scenery but that road looks damn tough. Worth it?

[@Cyclingabout]

Pathfinder.Gregg Absolutely!

[@skweektube1676]

Hi Alee, I never see that you use your USB dynamo charger during your rides. How do you charge your smartphone than?

[@Cyclingabout]

I use my USB charger when my speeds are high enough. You need to average over 10km/h, which is hard to do on steep, dirt roads in Bolivia. I use my laptop as a powerbank battery at night when 10km/h isn't doable.

[@skweektube1676]

@@Cyclingabout I have the same type but signed by Supernova. But it needs about 12km/h on 28'' wheeels. Thanks for your reply. Looking forward to your next movies. They are simply the best. Cheers!

[@michelemattetti3089]

In which period of the year were you there?

[@Cyclingabout]

Must have been late-May, early-June.

[@brokenchopstickz]

Those are some incredible views! Your food for thought, agreed. Envious, safe travels man!

[@danielviloria929]

Hi! Do you carry two helmets? Regards and thanks for your inspiring videos

[@Cyclingabout]

Just one.

[@jimgadsden2459]

I take my steak medium rare! Thank You! Ride Safe!

[@davehenderson5585]

I take mine suffering free. Time to evolve

[@jakobw135]

Won't all that SALT - RUST your bike? P.S. How did you film the scenes where you are FAR OFF in the distance?

[@maarteneswart]

Hi, I wonder how and where do you get your daily electricity to charge your devices? Its really amazing the footage you make on the altiplano. How do you do this?

[@Cyclingabout]

I have a Cinq Plug5 Plus dynamo charger which can create 2.5W of power @ 12kph, and 4.6W @ 20km/h. I use that a lot to charge my phone, GoPro etc. I use my laptop as a big powerbank when my touring speeds are under 12kph, as it is not being used while I'm cycling between cities.

[@maarteneswart]

@@Cyclingabout Thanks for your prompt reaction. Impressive what you manage to do and handle. Where did you get food during this month on the altiplano and during your 'insane' mountain trips un Peru? Amazing..

[@Cyclingabout]

@@maarteneswart I just guessed how many days it would be between towns and packed accordingly. In Peru, it's rarely more than three days, Bolivia was a bit more remote, especially in the south-west region.

[@batbawls]

An acre only produces 400g? That's astonishingly less than I imagined.

[@Cyclingabout]

National Geographic taught me that, I swear.

[@luismedeiros7139]

Amazing video and it shows how you can get fruit and corn and rice while you ride everywhere, being plant vbased is not a rich people thing, as it shows its a poor people thing too. Great travelings.

[@Cyclingabout]

I was a little concerned about food in the remote areas in South America, but you're right, finding fruit/veg/legumes/seeds/nuts/grains/pasta has been super easy because they're often the staple foods for the villagers.

[@outbackwack368]

You definitely could have left the pig slaughter aspect out :-(

[@sunpin13]

Espresso machine ?

[@Cyclingabout]

Made by Airspresso. Also check out the Handpresso and Minipresso for machines with an inbuilt pump.

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Why not a aeropress

[@Cyclingabout]

I like short espresso shots.

[@TyStyckify]

Tires?

[@Cyclingabout]

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion 700x50c / 29x2.0".

[@daniellopez9622]

When you get to Bogotá (Colombia), feel free to contact me.

[@Cyclingabout]

Daniel López Thanks Daniel. Keep tabs on where I am via Facebook/Instagram! Looking forward to visiting Colombia.

[@IonVladutu]

Let’s go vegan for the animals!

[@Cyclingabout]

Would be cool if more people were kinder to animals. 🙏🏼

[@thomascollin6267]

Eating meat supplements (for protein) such as soy beans, actually results in more death than raising and butchering an animal (pig, cow, chicken) due to all the pesticides used and the fact annual plants remove nutrients and biological matter from the soil, animals (when grazed correctly) add nutrients and biological matter. If your argument is that methane is released by cows them many you should know that 1 acre of grassland with more than 4% organic matter contains a bacteria called methozyte (or something to that effect - mentioned in an interview of Joel Saliton by Rob Greenfield ) will absorb and break down, more methane than is produced by 50 cows.

[@Zeben84]

RIP bike.

[@Cyclingabout]

I think you must've watched another video! The worst thing that's happened to my bike in the last six months is a broken spoke. That's the equivalent of breaking a nail. 😂

[@RaceJan]

that bike is flipping awesome! (and built about 4 km away from my home...)

[@Cyclingabout]

I picked it up from Heerenveen! ☺️

[@ActualGenius]

CyclingAbout bashing it through the fist-sized rock beds no problem. This is a testament to Koga's quality and durability. 👩‍💻 Might've just out-done the Marrakesh.

[@traceman100]

Do you take supplements being vegan?

[@Cyclingabout]

Bicycle Here Just vitamin B12 which I take as a sublingual spray. A small bottle lasts a year!

[@nabilghafar9150]

watching this while eating beef burger.

[@batbawls]

Thumbs up! Veganism is the future.

[@hittrewweuy7595]

So the future has 0 flavor and only bland cardboard tasting food ?

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

But I'd like to sit down with you and talk to you about your backstory and your current story and the story you plan on living out in the future yep I most certainly would I have a lot of questions and stuff note where are you from actually I mean when you're not traveling and how often do you travel that's what I want to know how often do you travel and when you're not traveling where do you call home

[@Cyclingabout]

- Melbourne, Australia - I've been travelling fulltime for four out of the last six years.

[@justincarlton4807]

GO VEGAN 👍

[@billshire2681]

He'll indulge in the known evils of coffee but not do a fat line of pure, un-adulterated coke ?