Riding Hardcore Bikepacking Trails On My Touring Bike [EP.11]

[@nickfurlongmd]

Thanks for all the work you do, I love your videos and how you show off the Earth we live on. Safe travels.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words, Nick!

[@MehmetCanBAYRAM]

im working in a small workshop all day when i watch your videos i feel free.

[@hamibanks]

Awesome Vid Alee. I recognise how much effort goes into not only editing these, but also capturing all that footage when you're all by yourself. Great stuff.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jackkennedy_1963]

I'm shocked -- but glad -- you're still alive. Just the opening shot nearly caused me a diaper change! How many times I've seen you riding the edge of a deadly precipice, only to make a quick turn and find yet ANOTHER man-killer on the other side of the "trail." Combine that with the fact that while you're at speed you never truly know whether the next blind turn actually has trail under it or is simply sky. The gods must truly be with you. I pray they remain there!

[@dilmurodavalbaev1392]

You've been editing/producing your videos in a way that they look like documentaries of different genres, not just a plain video sequence with voiceovers. I love that. Must be pretty difficult to do that while you are travelling

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm glad you're appreciating the variation! 🙏🏼

[@rosshunter9053]

Dude, you are inspirational and have an iron will, but when you fell, my heart was in my mouth. Thankfully you are ok. Loving the adventure. Perhaps one day.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Ross! You should definitely get out there on a bike adventure. Some of my best trips have been weekend overnighters around my home town of Melbourne, just sayin'.

[@warheit13]

I like this series because it doesnt just so all the fun, but the hardships. Its awesome :)

[@philh7892]

Great to see Koga got your bike back together. That is a great endorsement. Also really great to see you recovered from that tumble. Loving the journey and can't wait to start mine. What wonderful adventures you are having.

[@dans7630]

Your videos are some of the best on KZbin in general, but I think this one really stands out. Thank you for making them.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Dan. Stoked you like them!

[@dans7630]

@@Cyclingabout p.s. this episode isn't showing on patreon

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers - yeah, I uploaded them then hit the road for a few days. Will pop it up when I next have wifi!

[@simonjohnson2897]

I’ve just watch eleven episodes. I just can’t imagine how tough you must be to tackle endless hurdles; thick mud, cold, heat, wet, mad bulls, high altitudes, route-finding, feeding yourself, snow.... I’m inspired, but I think I need to start out with easier routes and distances first. Thanks for making these videos. I’m sure most of us can’t imagine how much work went into capturing the footage and editing.

[@TwoWanderYonder]

The last four videos including this one are next level Allee. Keep it up mate!

[@allanmarques6812]

Huge kudos for you! Can't imagine the stress of pushing your bike along those trails. Last weekend I hiked my bike for 10 kms on abandoned trails as night fell and it was so frustrating. I only hope this experience pays off someday. Anyway, safe travels, buddy!

[@davehoover8853]

Death! Either from a bull goring or just plain getting sucked under the surface of a muddy road or bog. Amazing riding and scenery - keep it coming!

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Pretty stoked I didn't get attacked by a raging bull. 😱

[@JohnMFlores]

What a wonderful piece of storytelling. Thank you.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@neilwalton4474]

Just watched your Ecuador video ! It's difficult to imagine how you keep going, obviously you are unbelievably tough.

[@alandjeffrey]

Very inspired watching your video and the can do attitude. Lovely filming, music and narrative across a harsh terrain. Look forward to the next adventure.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Should be in Colombia by the end of the next film. 👌🏼

[@wanderingsailor5503]

Absolutely beautiful and diverse place. Clear skies then suddenly intense thunderstorms :P

[@Cyclingabout]

I love the Andes mountains! It's been such a great year following them.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Any cycling I do after watching this is going to seem so so much easier. Thanks for posting great video.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Ted!

[@maarteneswart]

What a tremendous work you did, I see this video for the third time and it stays wonderful to see and feel

[@oilcanracer6388]

One of your best videos so far. I am like you wearing shimano sandals through most everything. I have switched to suspension fork though to save on wheel and tire damage. Great stuff, thanks for filming and keep up the good attitude.

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Glad you liked it. 🙏🏼

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

AWESOME! BREATHTAKING VIEWS! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! GOD BLESS & BE WITH YOU ALWAYS! ENJOYED!

[@ylospain]

Thank you so much! Definitely the best bike touring videos ever for motivation purposes. No regrets for paying for the Patreon subscription. The audio mixing could benefit from some work though. However everything else is so amazing that it really doesn’t matter at all.

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Are you referring to the audio sync with the GoPro footage? I'm having some trouble with the latest GoPro firmware update and my video editing software... I can't work out why it now won't co-operate! Hopefully, I've got a solution soon...

[@fademasterfade227]

Beautiful cinematography! Your perseverance on so many difficult sections is inspirational :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Glad to hear! Would be awesome to have more people out there, discovering the world in the best way possible. 🙏🏼

[@Nhu_Guzheng]

Amazing.....breathtaking .....You, bike, and the trail.....

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@nonchalantgarage]

Those trails look like a blast to ride down

[@Cyclingabout]

There were a lot of fun times this month. 🤙🏼

[@jamesporter5630]

Beautiful country, fascinating underlying story. The ambition to create a bike route in the clouds can only be conjured by someone who has ridden the trail and fallen in love.

[@Cyclingabout]

There's no doubt Michael loves Ecuador. ❤️

[@cycloergosum]

Always inspiring, man! Thank you for your hard work and your amazing shots!

[@Cyclingabout]

You're welcome! 🙏🏼

[@benwhitmore6970]

You have to be one of the calmest people on the planet.

[@Cyclingabout]

When I used to work in an office, my nickname was 'zen' because I controlled the things I could, and let everything else brush over. 😅

[@benwhitmore6970]

I need some tips hahaha great video mate.

[@rick_1968]

WOW!!!!! EPIC ride keep it going............!!

[@rejickmukherjee9154]

I've never seen some one riding such trails with all that cargo. Awesome job man .. your choice of handlebars customization is just like me

[@jackseph03]

If I could like this video twice I would. Amazing.

[@Cyclingabout]

One day KZbin will get that double-like button sorted. 👍🏻

[@mrbicycle7735]

Your Koga really seems to stand the test of nature & wear and tear👍🏻

[@Cyclingabout]

It's amazing I've only broken one spoke and had four punctures on this trip so far!

[@AniruddhaKu]

Bravo...Mr. Koga

[@jalalthompson5685]

Another great episode! Love the soundtrack too.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

Absolutely stunning!

[@jakestevens3788]

Im so glad you were not hurt when you fell.....stay safe buddy

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Luckily fell into thick mud.

[@brokenchopstickz]

Epic videos after another. Your world tour has been crazy from the start. Thanks for the videos you make. Safe trails

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much! Yeah, it's a lil crazy, but it has just become normality for me now! 😂

[@mikehenry7494]

Thanks for making yet another inspiring video!!! Keep it up!

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers Mike!

[@fbiker79]

That guy (sorry don’t know his name) at the end is a big dreamer (hoping that his dream come true), and you, you did some work through that section to get to where you wanted to go. Awesome work!

[@Cyclingabout]

Michael is definitely a dreamer, but the guy has achieved a lot in his life, so I have no doubt he will make something happen in the coming decades!

[@paulanderson388]

Now that is mountain biking!

[@wwpm1968]

Congrats you beat El Pàramo. On a CX bike!! Well done.

[@TheTravellingFoot]

Absolutely stunning views

[@cowymtber]

Look at that dude's pipes! Gun show! IMpressive!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Very nice video. Lucky with the bull, Love your editing technique. Take care, Al

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! 🍻

[@joelmicah7014]

I love this! keep safe

[@frankfahrtfahrrad]

Hi, you catched wunderful pictures. I'm impressed! 👍 Greetings from Berlin. Frank

[@rasheed2chemist]

It's an amazing visit!

[@myfrequencies1912]

6:49 - Props to the stuntman.

[@bikereduardherak8590]

Super hezké video držím palce při dalším oběvováni krás naši hezké planety 🌏👍👍👍🚴‍♂️🍀🍀🍀🌞🌞🌞přeje biker eda🇨🇿

[@courcheval]

Incredible skills and will. And you have to do the route twice since you need to place the go pro to film ahead of you each time. You are an example of resilience.

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers! Setting up the camera and filming myself isn't my favourite thing to do, but I think the results are worth it. 😎

[@courcheval]

@@Cyclingabout It is indeed. The quality of videos is exceptional. Thanks a lot for those moments of intense happiness, mate!

[@BugScuzzle]

Good shit man, really enjoyed this one.

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers!

[@pedromiranda5440]

Top notch videos mate!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Pedro!

[@sharkmentality9717]

Wow, outstanding!!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much!

[@jirijanecek8126]

great content, love it

[@randyjorgensen8363]

If that guy that is voicing over thinks that this rout is EVER going to be a popular bike rout, he must be smoking some fine Ecuadorian!

[@Cyclingabout]

If you aren't aware, there are two different versions of the Trans-Ecuador. One is more mellow, appropriately named the 'dirt road route'. The trail I'm following is the 'singletrack route', which is certainly not for everybody!

[@billweberx]

@@Cyclingabout I think.. certainly not for anybody...

[@MrJackDaniels28]

As always, awesome and inspiring video! Thanks for that! And, man, do you ever think about giving up? All the places you go through are absolutely breathtaking however it surely seems like it's no walk in the park. Cheers from Brazil!

[@Cyclingabout]

I've turned around many times on this trip, so I guess that's kind of giving up. But in general, I try to stick to my plans. Normally if I push through the hardship to the next section of trail, I'm rewarded 10x over (my videos show that I think) - there are only a few places where I've regretted my decisions, and that's normally due to having bad weather.

[@air_preep]

Beautifully edited as always! Those panoramic views are great. I’ve been planning my first long bike trek of my own (nowhere near as long as yours) in a triangle from my home in Belgium, to Luxembourg, Germany, and back. I plan to stay in small hotels so no tent, but I still must bring ALL of my food for the six days. If you have any tips, that would be very helpful.

[@Cyclingabout]

I guess it depends on how much space you have. Foods that can be rehydrated with water are perfect for multi-day sections, curry sauces, pastas, high-calorie snacks (dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter muesli bars), flatbreads, lentils, beans...

[@wainoxkatz1195]

you can for sure buy a lot in the supermarkets on the way, germanys food there is pretty cheaply priced

[@Marek953]

The struggle is real!

[@weirdshibainu]

Man, great ride, great landscape

[@christofs-a1834]

Hot diggity that into!

[@jetli626]

Very cool! Can you explain your video production method? Just sitting in a tent with some video editing program? :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Hah... nah, I normally stay at hotels/hostels for a week per month to edit all my photos and videos. I use Premiere Pro editing software and spend about 4-5 days selecting the music and clips I want to use for each film. 😊

[@ad-biking]

Haha awesome riding! You need an enduro bike over there!

[@Cyclingabout]

I reckon something with 130-150mm would do the trick for the descents here. Missing my mountain bikes, but doing my best with the tools I got! 🔥

[@jimddg]

I don't know how you can do it. I have been there on a bicycle, with the altitude, rain, cold, fog. It was the most difficult ride in my life but I was on pavement and you are on the dirt. Incredible. How can you stand the cold with sandals?

[@Cyclingabout]

I guess my feet are just used to it!

[@eduardherak8599]

Krásné video ráj na bike super 👍👍👍🚵‍♂️🏕🌞❤️

[@Bunny-Power]

Awesome. Did you ever think about getting a fat tire bike? Those are my favorites for (offroad) bike touring.

[@Cyclingabout]

Sometimes it'd be nice to have more rubber, but I still do lots of riding on smooth roads while I'm crossing continents!

[@ruchit22]

Come to India please! Love your videos man!

[@Cyclingabout]

I'll be back one day soon - I love travelling in India! The last time I visited was 2009, so my return is overdue. 👌🏼

[@Wallaby1961]

I love these videos, but can’t help thinking 🤔 if a bike packing setup would be better on this type of terrain?

[@Cyclingabout]

Of course, it would! However, the majority of the time I'm not actually cycling on terrain like this on my multi-year bike tour.

[@Wallaby1961]

CyclingAbout I was just gobsmacked with how you rode some serious mountain bike terrain! How’s the Santos holding up? Any issues re spokes etc? Keep the fantastic videos coming😎😉👍🏻

[@Cyclingabout]

@@Wallaby1961 Just a broken spoke and four punctures on the Koga since Patagonia. 💪🏼

[@Wallaby1961]

CyclingAbout my mistake! & that’s really great durability on the rough stuff😎👍🏻 Koga looks a great bike

[@saidsaadat5645]

I must say you’re a tough dude

[@Mark5ive5]

Amazing trip and great video. What a beautiful part of the world. I know your an equipment expert so your bike is probably perfectly dialed. As a novice though I couldn’t help thinking that plus sized tires might’ve helped out on some of this terrain. How come that isn’t the better choice?

[@Cyclingabout]

When I arrived in South America, I was expecting to spend about 10 months riding on roads. The first 10,000km or so was 95%+ paved, but as I got further north I found myself doing more off-road. I ended up switching to 27.5" wheels in mid-2019 and currently use a 2.8" front and 2.6" rear tyre.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

You should design sandals with spikes in them.

[@Cyclingabout]

They would've been so damn sweet for the last few months in Ecuador!

[@oscarejdonovan]

another banger :)

[@Cyclingabout]

🤙🏼

[@Fedroswkij]

that bike is worth every penny of its price

[@alancalvitti]

nice scenery - would it be more efficient w a 1-wheel trailer vs panniers?

[@azuanzin6823]

Waiting for HD..maybe my connection sucks...nope connection is fine..I'll wait..its only 360p now

[@Cyclingabout]

Definitely wait for HD or 4K! There are some really nice views to take in, so you'll want ALL the resolution!

[@Cyclingabout]

1080p is good to go!

[@YIO777]

Maybe the lesson about crossing unknown paddocks is to stay close to a fence so you can quickly scale and chuck your bike over to avoid bulls or other beasts that might want to turn you into a rag doll.

[@peymannorouzi4165]

IMHO, that bike might survive terrains like these, but for sure there are other bikes that both can handle these terrains with ease, and give you less pain. Riding a signature bike is great but it won’t do magic.

[@Cyclingabout]

Peyman Norouzi For the mix of riding I do (pavement, dirt roads, off-road), I think my setup is perfect. 👌🏼 Some sections of Ecuador would’ve been better on another bike, but that country was by far the exception in terms of percentage off-road!!

[@peymannorouzi4165]

CyclingAbout OK, cool 👍

[@joelhenderson4450]

Has gravel not been discovered there yet?

[@xaviae888]

Wow I want to do it!!

[@SamBebz]

I would love to see a video of you talking about you eat when your away from civilization. Also, what gear you've found to be essential... and non-essential. I imagine over time you've needed less and less?

[@Cyclingabout]

I actually carry way more! These days I'm lugging around all kinds of camera equipment, a laptop and other electronic things. I have an article on my website regarding what I eat: www.cyclingabout.com/guide-bicycle-touring-vegan-travel/

[@sporo2000]

Look on the bright side of your fall, at least it wasn't a Wahoo Kickr. You WERE tired.

[@PlanetaCicloviajero]

Amigo, how you hold the smartphone on your handlebar? Link to item to buy? I like tus videos, gracias

[@Cyclingabout]

The product is called Quadlock, and it comes highly recommended. www.quadlockcase.com/

[@MrVodKanocker]

you are funny in sad way. beautiful video

[@Cyclingabout]

Can't quite tell if that's a compliment... but thanks!

[@robertborowski9662]

👌👌👌

[@TravelsByTrike]

Love your videos! I'm thinking of using your camera same setup for my next tour. G9 + GoPro Hero 7 Black. The G9 os an amazing camera. My only reservation is the size - how do you find it while cycling? Smaller cameras require a lot of feature sacrifices. Many, many thanks!!

[@Cyclingabout]

Good choices! I don't find the G9 form factor to be a problem at all - I use the GoPro for all my onboard stuff, so the G9 is only out when I'm stopped, and its size doesn't really matter then. The G9 fits neatly into my handlebar bag with the camera insert/padding.

[@TravelsByTrike]

@@Cyclingabout Cool! I'm really excited to get my hands on this camera. Thanks for the reply and I'm enjoying your videos very much.

[@Cyclingabout]

@@TravelsByTrike Glad to hear. All the best!

[@jakobw135]

Is there a reason you chose KOGA as opposed to other makes - like STANFORTH or PATRIA?

[@Cyclingabout]

I wanted to put a modern aluminium touring frame through the Alee D stress test. 💪🏼

[@malefox64]

Es que está época para Sus América, es la peor, para viajar, porque llueve todos los días Y en Argentina, tendrás eso también y peor...porque los cerros se derrumban, y no hay calles ya que son ríos. Así que si vienes tienes que tener mucho cuidado Besos y suerte.

[@Cyclingabout]

I don't mind the rain. It's all part of the travel experience!

[@FutureMark809]

I was going to say it looked more like a mountain bike track then I saw a guy on a horse! Either way I'm not sure you had the ideal bike or setup for that trip!

[@Cyclingabout]

I definitely would have benefitted from a mountain bike and ultralight kit for Ecuador!

[@willek1335]

11:58 Leonidas would say that was Sparta.

[@trivegguy]

Another great video but far too short. More, more, more....please.

[@Cyclingabout]

More isn't necessarily better! Trying to make my films as engaging as possible while also capturing the mood and showing the series of events. 😊

[@jakobw135]

How did you attach the front handlebar bag? Who makes it? Is your Koga RUSTPROOFED?

[@Cyclingabout]

There is a handlebar bag mount connected to the handlebars. The bag is an Ortlieb Ultimate 6. My Koga is made from aluminium, so yes, it's rustproof.

[@MaNi-cn7to]

Love your journys! what brand are those panniers front and back? l safe future journy. M

[@Cyclingabout]

They are KOGA-branded Ortlieb Sportroller Plus and Backroller Plus panniers.

[@RealSpaceHobo]

First off, Allee - my deepest apologies for ROFL at 6:51......I can't help it - it's like watching your puppy trying to negotiate a ladder downstep - or your teenage kid doing something warned against doing 1001 times to no avail - which reminds me - what have we said repeatedly about cliff edge biking?! - Not listening are we, Allee?......couldn't you at least get a base jump parachute and wear it at all times?.....:-)....so amazed at your off-road on a loaded touring bike sprees though...:-)...but get that parachute, mate....asap......okay?!....:-) - PS - An interview with family/school-mates etc about what you were like growing up, could be fun....:-)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks. I'll see what I can do about getting family/friend insights!

[@Bikepacking]

Your nuts love ir by next year you be riding a fatbike with full bikepacking setup

[@Cyclingabout]

I'll be back to cycle Bolivia/Argentina/Chile with a fatbike/bikepacking setup next time. There's heaps of stuff I need to investigate down that way with a different bike. 👍🏻

[@Bikepacking]

I been riding fat bike for 6 years with bike packing setup .. what I love about it is you can go anywhere any season .. if you need advice on setup ask away @@Cyclingabout

[@Cyclingabout]

@@Bikepacking Cheers! I've actually never travelled with more than 3.0" rubber... looking forward to it.

[@rdkuless]

nescient question: Will Lightning stike a cyclist if they are riding.? Don't the rubber tires prevent the electrical connection..?

[@Cyclingabout]

It's almost all to do with the elevation of the object, not the material. So just make sure there is something taller nearby, but don't stand too close. ⚡️

[@rdkuless]

@@Cyclingabout It is also true that you don't have to ride your bike faster than the bear can run..you just have to ride faster than your friend.. :) I love your vids... Some of them are cliff hangers.. I get dizzy just looking at the narrow path that is on the edge of a cliff.. That is when my vertigo kicks in.. LOL Thanks for all the advice..

[@riosatrio3108]

Are you have a crue or something for shooting you journey? Or all about you record by your self? Hello from bandung city indonesia. You must try riding bcycle in here

[@Cyclingabout]

I film everything myself. 👌🏼

[@imanfrancisco]

amazing adventure! Have you encountered any supernatural experience or weird stuff in your journey?

[@Cyclingabout]

In Argentina, I cycled all night through a desert in the middle of nowhere. There was a bright light on the horizon which would move up, stop, and then go down again. I rode for about five hours and it never got bigger or smaller. Freaked me the hell out every time I looked over my shoulder!

[@imanfrancisco]

@@Cyclingabout Interesting story. You should make a separate video about your unusual encounters. :-) Cheers!

[@gonperes]

Like you haven't been hardcore bikepacking since the start of your trip... I was just watching your video and hoping the next shot would be a nice and smooth easy road... but no sir! You have to push it to the limit, don't you? 😉

[@Cyclingabout]

Ha... it's not intentional! The best places to be in Ecuador are, undoubtedly, the hardest ones to access. It'd be nice if there were smooth dirt roads to get there sometimes.

[@weirdshibainu]

Can you ride a motorcycle on these trails? Or bikes only?

[@Cyclingabout]

It's definitely for bicycles only. There are some sections that required carrying my bike over very tall fences or down small cliffs.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@Cyclingabout Thank you. Other than those obstacles, are motorcycles banned from using the trail?

[@Cyclingabout]

Not that I know of. Check out the Trans Ecuador Dirt Road option though; that route is 100% motorbike-able.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@Cyclingabout Thank you

[@tdawg713]

99% of cyclists would look at this "trail" and say, no friggin way. Which is the way it should be.

[@Cyclingabout]

As Michael explained in the film, there's a big reward on offer to those who dare take on a route like this.

[@jimddg]

I’m excited because I’ll go there this summer 😁

[@rene78]

Allee, I wouldn't mind helping you to create transcriptions for your video in my native language. I am sure others would help as well. You need to allow "community interactions" - or whatever KZbin calls this - though.

[@Cyclingabout]

That'd be amazing! What's your native language? Let me look into allowing that feature right now...

[@rene78]

@@Cyclingabout I speak German, but once we have a proper English version the translation to many other languages should be quite straight forward.

[@Cyclingabout]

@@rene78 Cool - so interactions are turned on, and I also have a link you can use to access the translations here! kzbin.info_video?ref=share&v=LE9wGCNCQ7A Many thanks for this!

[@rene78]

@@Cyclingabout Hi Allee, was just checking whether people can activate the English transcript, but somehow it is still the automatic one ("Welcome to Kill it oh!" ;) ). Maybe you have to approve it in a way? I first did the English one since the automatic translation to other languages works extremely well from English.