I fell off a cliff (30m/100ft) with my touring bike [EP.9]

NOT CLICKBAIT!! Enjoy my insane adventure over the highest section of the Andes, through Peru’s craziest canyons and along some wild mountain trails - before hearing the story and seeing the footage from my freak accident (skip to 15:07 for the fall).
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[@TWROC96]

The scenes through out this film are National Geographic worthy. Spectacular!!! Thank goodness you were able to save as much video as you did despite the damaged camera. Furthermore, to have the presence of mind to film your crash scene and the villagers coming to your aid- wow, just wow. Keep mending Alee and here's to stronger trails beneath your wheels from here on out. Sending positive energy your way from Taiwan.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words. I definitely wasn't in the mood to film straight after the accident, but I was thinking about how much I would regret it later if I didn't! 😊

[@ECsponger2]

The most important lesson I've learned about bicycle touring is that there are great people everywhere.

[@nisarathutinta8434]

@@svenlima So sad I'm Thai .

[@danhoang6335]

Be safe my friend, I was tensed watching the part of you cycling through the cliff edges.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@denverspin]

It made me a little nervous. Tricky enough without panniers and extra weight, never mind a bike fully laden

[@daver.2871]

Damn dude! It was intense how you have us all watching for the crash as you ride through the gnarliest terrain. I kept thinking "this bloke has lost his bloody mind". You have cajones muy grande my friend. I admire your stoicism through the pain and trauma. And that scenery... I don't know what to say. Just amazing.

[@willemniehorster9836]

cajones means drawers in Spanish, cojones means balls, big difference! 🤣🤣🤣

[@alysenmary3835]

I'm so astounded by your level-headedness throughout this whole ordeal. Even just watching your clips cycling on the edge of the canyon has my stomach in knots! Glad you're okay. Thanks for sharing the amazing scenery and story with us :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much! It's a calm exterior... the interior was going "shit, shit, shit, shit ^1000"!

[@thatguyonabicycleofconsurv3908]

Yeah I agree with you

[@smudgemax]

I think that's the most incredible bicycle touring video i've ever seen. Unbelievable video. Take care, I'm looking forward to your next one.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! The next film will probably be about the Trans Ecuador MTB route... coming soon to a device near you. 🙏🏼

[@davidevans9194]

I second that

[@GeezMuzick]

5:25 Super Sketchy. Sometime you gotta walk the bike..lol

[@Cyclingabout]

Too narrow to walk! 😝

[@antonoat]

That is an understatement, lol.

[@rondawalker6492]

This guy is a certifiable badass!

[@Cyclingabout]

😎

[@denverspin]

You are streets ahead of the cycle touring pro. Epic adventures in places people dont even backpack. Incredible photography too. I wish you all the best

[@alexjboros9544]

Thank you for creating this video and for sharing it. Beautiful scenery and footage! I'm glad you survived the fall off the cliff, and that the local population was kind, caring, and helpful to you

[@jcsrst]

Just found your channel and I am truly amazed! So beautifully filmed! It brought tears to my eyes seeing all that wonderful scenery. I am an avid cyclist but have never toured, it's another world of cycling adventure! Loved the music too! Thanks so much for taking the time to film.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@xenocampanoli815]

In mid-Summer of 1977, I toured the Pacific Northwest by bicycle, and one of my most perilous experiences was almost falling off a cliff on the side of highway 14 east of Home Valley somewhere, which since then has been improved and I've not been able to nail down the location again. The situation was a low area between two high-points on the rode. I was riding east, so I was on the cliff side. The road was only paved on the lanes, and the shoulder on the cliff side was narrow and sand. At the top of the West hill, I stopped to rest and calculated the segment. Before I proceeded I listened for any sounds of vehicles. There were none. I rode down the hill as fast as I could but halfway down a truck appeared in the on coming lane, and then another from behind me. The one behind me turned out to be one of those Oregon three trailer jobs which I think even back then was illegal in Washington state. Oh well. At the bottom of the segment, to avoid getting run over, I bunny hopped onto the sand shoulder, inches from the cliffside, and just rolled as the three-trailer combination passed me, and the oncoming passed it on the other side. I held the bike as stiff and straight as possible, and just as the truck finished passing, I skidded and fell into the lane. I hit my chin pretty bad, but at the time I had a decent but lopsided beard (I was just 18, and it was not coming in symmetric yet). I quickly got back up and got to the side. I looked down. I could have fallen hundreds of feet. But, I didn't.

[@the.magnus]

What nice people, to help you carry all your heavy gear up those mountains

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Wow what a great find for me on YT brilliant. Total respect for you in taking this adventure on and for those lovely caring villagers that helped you. It really is heart warming to learn what they did for you given you were a total stranger to them. This is without a doubt the most adventurous video I have ever watched on YT given the terrain you are either cycling or walking over. I am certainly going to have to subscribe and find the beginning. Best wishes from me in the UK for your further travels. Oh I should of added I broke my wrist this year and I know how painful and debilitating it is so thank God you never broke yours.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Ted!

[@rcourtney205]

A great adventure, I couldnt believe how close to the edge you rode sometimes! You were well looked after in the village when you needed it. Ride safe.

[@dk9526]

I had a similar accident this summer while crossing the Alps with my mountainbike. Luckily I was able to grab something after sliding down for 10 meters. Just before I was about to drop off a cliff, 20-30m above the ground. I got away with just some scratches, but I still wonder how bad it would have been falling down the cliff. Seeing this gives me anxiety, so it's good that you survived and recover quite well. I wish you all the luck for you future rides! Stay safe and keep pedaling :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Wow, sounds like you dodged a bullet there! I've not heard of this kind of thing happening to any other riders, but I'm sure everyone is going to come out of the woodwork shortly to share their story too.

[@indrekpoiss]

The quality of your footage is simply outstanding, it's like 'Planet Earth' bicycle version. Keep it up, man.

[@zluful]

Yup. Absolutely agree !

[@WeLeaf]

Great work Alee, again! Stunning footage and to bad you lost some of it. Good luck with the rest of the recovery! A big hug, Zoë and Olivier

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks guys!

[@shimanoshimano1828]

I am a touring cyclist myself from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia...used 2 follow ur cycling videos....u r the best & got guts 2 cycle where no cyclist willing 2 veture...keep it up...

[@clark7662]

I’m so glad you’re okay. I will only experience this trail through your eyes though. You’re a wonderful storyteller and a brave human to ride such sketchy terrain at elevation. Wow!

[@smartwave9]

Only a bike that can takes you to these roads, adds up and first a guarding eye, courage, and some luck. Hats up.

[@Cyclingabout]

Bikes are the best!

[@EduardoBettoni]

Pas posible! Incroyable! You're just great Alee, the best of our days.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you! 😊

[@leftymadrid]

Just INCREDIBLE!! I am so happy you are ok, and healing from that accident. You deserve sooo many more views, and subscribers! Your bike touring adventures are much more than just touring, they are epic!! You go where others would not even set foot. I can't believe the scenery, I can't even begin to imagine the cold and harshness you go through... Thanks to that family that helped you out. You made it out. Could have been much much worse. Luck has accompanied you there. I pray for your well being on these adventures. And yes, this is National Geographic material for sure. Your bike has taken a beating I do hope you can fix it, take real good care :-) people forget as well the shape one must be in to do what you do!! My hat goes off to you my friend.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's a positive feedback loop! Ride harder trails -> get fitter -> ride harder trails. Thanks for the kind words!

[@francoispaquin8043]

Thank you very much to allowing me to see beautiful landscapes you see. I appreciate it a lot. Please, be careful...

[@Cyclingabout]

You're most welcome. 😊

[@no_Ray_bang]

Cheers to a speedy recovery and a continuation of this amazing journey.

[@Cyclingabout]

🙏🏼

[@allenkirkwood9088]

The footage is breathtaking. Glad that you are almost healed up and will soon be back on the road.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Will be back riding shortly. 😊

[@ComradeSpear]

I literally woke up and I see the KZbin notification of your video and the title. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I read correctly. Mate, epic ride, amazing scenery, cool under pressure and Superman when it comes to Falls down ravines. Speedy recovery and take care👍

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! The title is a bit clickbaity... until you realise it's something that actually happened! 😨

[@420cm]

Glad you're ok, thank you for this amazing shot, i hope you safe!

[@jirijanecek8126]

love the handlebar, and everything else, great footage, thanks for sharing. one of the channels to go to when on the indoor trainer, dreaming of travelling and exploring like you do

[@Sheety33]

Amazing video and story. Glad your OK!

[@hansmaxx2215]

Good to see you are doing well after the fall. It’s also very nice to see how many friendly and helpful people you meet along the way!

[@Cyclingabout]

The Peruvians are unbelievably kind!

[@WichaiPhutyaem]

This is the most exciting bike adventure I've ever seen. It's unbelievable to me indeed. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@Cyclingabout]

It's a little crazy... 😝

[@bnorberg988]

I am very glad you are okay. That could have been much much worse. Thanks for the video and keep riding.

[@hoser7706]

So fortunate you survived the fall. What a harrowing story!! Your filming of this entire story is some of the best I have seen on YT and rivals Hollywood! Every night I indulge in one episode for armchair adventure.

[@Foxr6]

Holy smokes! Stay safe man. Glad you are ok!!!

[@NeoFrontierTechnologies]

The fall you described was a deadly one. Things could have been much worse as you say... You are tuff as a rattlesnake. Awsome video with great footage and a touching story.

[@mykytajex2248]

Very laid back style. Loving it. Hope you heal well.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@MehmetCanBAYRAM]

what an adventure! you are living my dreams dude. keep it up.

[@Cyclingabout]

Awesome! Now it's time for you to live your dreams too. 😊

[@sfkonrad]

I'm a cyclist as well and can imagine how unpleasant that all was with being abroad and in real need of help...I can also imagine how amazing some of your experiences must have been when going through some of that amazing scenery before your fall. You're really blessed for having survived with relatively little injury cos that was a big fall! Get well and hope you enjoy your cycle in continuation.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much!

[@michaellupton1593]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and safe onward travels.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Michael. 👍🏻

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Massive anxiety attack at 5:25, with me yelling “get off the bike and walk!” Then I learn you were walking when the fall happened. Mixed emotions. What a spectacular video. To be honest, it inspired me .... to stay in bed all morning. 😂😂😂

[@Cyclingabout]

The lesson here is that walking is dangerous, and you should go out and ride your bike! 😅

[@mxmbulat]

Just watched the video. My contribution is on it's way or has already arrived. Safe travels!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much! I just purchased a new camera body today and am so excited to put it to good use. Time to step it up a notch. 😊

[@imdragonslayer]

Fantastic. Tense. Amazing scenery. Keep it up.

[@oilcanracer6388]

Glad you survived the fall. Keep videoing

[@jmstockholm]

Spectacular falls and ordeal to get back to civilization makes a much better stories than the too frequent hit by a truck touring accidents! Happy you are alright, in a good mood and got your gear sorted!

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm glad I spend most of my time away from cars! You're far more likely to get mowed down by a car than get taken out by a landslide on a trail. 😊

[@Adventure_Coffey]

Beautiful views!! So happy your survived the fall. It could have been Amir worst. Not to mention, the kindness and selflessness of the towns people to help you out. Adventure on, my friend.

[@Cyclingabout]

The mountain people are always the kindest and most friendly, no matter what country you travel! 😊

[@robertolou]

Spectacular film. So glad you didn't get hurt worse! Be well!

[@hike2fish]

crazy ride dude ! Some of those cliff side trails give me a full body shiver, especially that fall. thank goodness for locals.

[@scotchmist_]

Man, huge respect for these episodes from the trip. I know that when you in a long exhausting bike tour, shooting by yourself is the last thing you want to do :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! It's pretty crazy how much time I put into these, but I think the results always pay off. 😊

[@juanmapagan3947]

Thank you very much for this beautiful video. ¡Big hug from the Caribbean!

[@fambike9670]

This channel one of the best bike travel the clips are amazing the difficulty 🤣over the clouds biking ,new support here ride safe

[@icas80]

Dude....that was gnarly and so beautiful!

[@frannelk]

Beautiful video brother, I really the views, the way you expressed the feeling to be out there, even cooler was to know that local fully helped you, latin people are really, thumps up for those Peruvians. Keep biking :-)

[@dianayount2122]

Oooh, rib injuries are terribly painful. And on top of the rest of 'em, can not imagine. Love the images of the locals helping you with your belongings and your injuries. Amazing.

[@embeddedhenrik]

Am so glad for you that it went so well with the "accident"

[@richardcheatham9490]

So glad you had the good fortune to have the medical attention you needed at that very moment. As for the video, it's the most spectacular sequence of unforgettable vistas I'll likely ever see on KZbin. Be well, Alee, and as safe as an adventurous lifestyle like yours will allow. Richard in Atlanta.

[@kitloose7928]

Speechless (almost)! Magnificient footage, great adventure, stalwart optimistic attitude. Inspiring!

[@andrewlovell9930]

A spectacular film. Thanks! Look after yourself.

[@danmitchell3758]

An amazing video! Very well made. I had heard of your accident. Thanks for sharing that here. Good to see how the locals helped you. 😎

[@overthecrest5722]

Wow! That's a story for the ages, did well to survive that fall, be safe

[@pcranebmw]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing this. Take care of yourself. Good luck 👍.

[@Cyclingabout]

You're welcome! Thanks for the well wishes. 🙏🏼

[@peterelliston]

Glad you’re ok and the bike survived to live another adventure. Amazing content as usual. Thanks for putting all the effort in to make these fantastic films.

[@Cyclingabout]

You're most welcome!

[@peterelliston]

CyclingAbout It’s all very inspirational stuff. You should do a video showing your daily routines and rituals after your days cycling, showing your camping gear, food etc

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm trying to integrate little bits into my films, but I'll consider doing more of a vlog style vid when I get the motivation! 😊

[@carldyson5092]

youre a very lucky guy to have the opportunity to do these incredible things, but thank you so much for sharing this journey.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for watching!

[@testing24dfas]

Stay safe. Watching your videos is therapeutic.

[@RobertOKruk]

Wow amazing episode!

[@jackseph03]

Another amazing video to show my (Geography) students. Thank you.

[@Cyclingabout]

If you want to get all geology on the students, I found out the blue/green rock is serpentinite.

[@Qeqoification]

By the end of the video i realized this is the only one on utube i watched where i would rather it WAS a clickbait. Badass dude

[@joelaut12]

What spectacular videos and remarkable escape from a most probable catastrophe! Glad you are recovering.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!

[@gsmith4679]

Alex, you are one tough Hombre! Heal fast and best of luck in your travels.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

I am so glad to hear you are well. I hope you heal soon.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@jimmykimchi1916]

So much inspiration. Love your work. Kia Kaha.

[@mikehenry7494]

Great videos as always!! Your Japan touring video inspired me to do my first cycle tour in Japan and now NZ!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Super stoked you're getting out there and seeing the world with a bike. Just be careful - it's addictive!

[@marcclarke8986]

Wow !! Hardcore Stuff ... Admire your Grit ... Great music selection .. Awesome filming and edits.

[@JeraCravoMyself]

WOW!!!! Incredible! Inspiring and scary at the same time! Excellent story telling! You just made my day! Thank you

[@Cyclingabout]

Wow, stoked to hear that!

[@JeraCravoMyself]

@@Cyclingabout and I hope you're feeling better!!! I'll chime in to help a bit via Patreon! Cheers

[@manohar.p7484]

Oh, dude! What an amazing adventure! Tears welled up my eyes when I saw you in that pathetic condition with wounds! Your bike!!! Oh, what a damage!!! I wish you all the best for your future rides!!

[@BikeTall]

Epic & beautifully shot 👍🏼

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers!

[@danielbernardo6637]

Incredible mate!

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Wow, simply incredible! What a very scary situation to be in, but you are so so lucky as you know. You knew you were signing up for all possibilities, good and bad, but to live another day is simply one to be thankful to be able to tell the story. Watching you ride that cliff with the rope on the wall was harrowing. I just kept thinking. Nononononono, is this where he falls off?!?! BTW, I read your posts about dynamo hubs and lights and they're very useful for me choosing a new front wheel build for the city bike! Stay safe!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Jay! I normally think of all the worst-case scenarios for riding the places that I do, but being tied up in a landslide has never been one of those scenarios. It will be from now on, as rare as it is - but won't at all stop me from trying to find unique ways to cross landscapes.

[@rene78]

This is how I learned of cyclingabout as well. Was googling things about the Rohloff and over and over again his website had the most useful information, thus had to bookmark it. That he is making BBC like documentaries about his bike trips is even more outstanding. Thanks for everything!

[@thomask837]

Beautiful how they cared for you!

[@raybeezs]

What an amazing traveler you are! I am watching your spectacular trips for some weeks now. I myself have done some bikepacking trips with a max of two weeks. Not comparable with your travelling of course. Thanks for showing the beauty of our earth. I almost forgot: take care! :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you can see the world through my lens.

[@mswarrior932]

Great video! Great views and I even enjoyed the music!! Two thumbs up bro!!! 🚴👍👍

[@joseareland]

Remarkable work Alee! get better to keep pedaling up to the north of Colombia and I may pedal the same road as you for a couple of hours to talk about any crazy thing.

[@Cyclingabout]

See you up there! My arrival will likely be sometime around May.

[@robertsevening5059]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing!

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@rhysrhysrhys]

I haven't got to the bit where you hurt yourself yet, but THAT ROAD!! WHOA!!! Sooo good!!

[@Cyclingabout]

The canyon? Or twisties? Or crazy dirt offering with river crossings? THEY ARE ALL WILD ROADS 😂

[@cujomtb250]

Glad you are ok. You are very lucky. Watching you ride down some of that stuff with a loaded touring bike put a knot in my stomach. There was some serious exposure! Anyhow, the scenery was breathtaking. You truly are living a dream. I would imagine your Bucket List to be very impressive. Be safe out there.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Yeah, some of those trails are pretty hairy, there's lots of stuff that I walk which you won't see in these films. I normally check steep trails very thoroughly before riding/filming too. The bucket list grows by the day!

[@brendanford4850]

So thankful that you are ok and this clip was off the chain. Thanks digger and I will flick you some coin in patron soon. Everyone is going through hard times ATM but if everyone shares we will make it. Thanks for the excellent adventures so great full for your work.

[@alphagoat2035]

clicked for the title but stayed for your content, absolutely stunning views, glad you are still alive XD

[@Cyclingabout]

Cheers. I'm pretty stoked I made it out of that one without serious injuries, I could still be in that ravine right now with a broken back!

[@Bike-Junkie]

My dear cycling friend, thank you very very much for this mountains riding adventures video. Since I got back into cycling again after laying off for 20 years, this time round, I get into Bikepacking n Touring. I been watching videos of bicycles n related stuff and seen most of you bicycle reviews but this is the first time I caught your cycling adventures. I just did a Bikepacking adventure on Thailand Highest Mountains couple weeks ago and what got me was not the cycling on my *One Speed Wander* bicycle..... but the 70% of pushing it uphill! Your video reminds me of the tiredness you had to go thru, which is worst than mine....RESPECT!!! Lastly, I hope you won’t mind me sharing this video on my Facebook page.... thank you =)

[@UrThysis]

As a Peruvian myself I've always wanted to cycle there but I've never been able to because every bike that would hold up to it are just too expensive for most peruvians to afford :(

[@Cyclingabout]

There's a way around this, you'll just need to pack super light! Bring only what you need for sleeping: an emergency bivvy, a foam mat and a sleeping bag. Wear just one set of clothes. Don't bring any cooking gear, instead just eat uncooked food (bread, avocado, cereal, biscuits, snacks etc). Stay in hostels and eat in restaurants when you can. If you can get your gear under 10kg (very doable with a small budget), even cheap mountain bikes will be fine for these adventures!

[@benwhitmore6970]

Brings a tear to the eye. Can't tell you how many times I've been in third world countries or more primitive and remote parts of the world and under similar circumstances, have been helped immediately by hordes of locals who spend their time, give you food, water, medical products and drive you to where you need to be then hang around to translate and ensure you're ok at the end of it all. Then at home in Australia I feel like the general response is for someone to hold out a phone and film you before finally making a phone call and setting off on their way. These are people who you'll never forget as long as you live and truly connect to as human beings. Glad you got out ok mate.

[@benwhitmore6970]

P.S We filled a similar wound with some kind of chewed up leaf in the the Philippines! Did a great job while it lasted!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks Ben! The mountain people all over the world are always the most generous. It's one of the reasons why I spend so much time up there. 🙏🏼

[@felixhaa]

Wow, so good that you are alright! I hope your wounds are healing fast so that you can continue this awesome and amazing adventure! You are an inspiration. All the best and love from Germany.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! I've already covered 900km from Peru into Ecuador and am feeling great. 😊

[@felixhaa]

@@Cyclingabout Awesome. Take Care on these shady roads :-)

[@jorgelmartinez2637]

Alee you are incredibly brave . I mean serious courage man ! Holly crap!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@positiivi_teme]

Knowing about your fall from IG, I just was waiting on every dpdgy part of the road to be the One. 😅 Glad you're doing fine! Also such amazing footage! Also Also, you conveyed the crash very well into the video.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much!

[@12345Mandar]

Hope you make a speedy recovery! I am sure what you are doing is all worth the pain :)

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! It's totally worth it - I can't wait to get back into these incredible mountains! Ok, maybe not that trail... 😂

[@aliasghar3265]

Amazing views bro. Great

[@horaciodedona3912]

I'm sad and happy about your accident. Hope to see you back on the saddle, greetings from horacio, an argentinian living in canada

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks so much. I'm sad but happy too! 😊

[@PathfinderGregg]

Sorry about your fall but glad you are ok. Awesome video. The roads/trails that you are taking (if you can call them trails) are damn rough. It is a testimant to you koga that it has not failed until your fall; and, even then, the damage was not as severe as one might expect from that kind of fall.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm honestly surprised how little damage there was to the bike. The front wheel and handlebars took almost all of the force!

[@7times7seas]

Love it! Keep it up mate! :)

[@BenLubin]

Incredible video. Glad you're ok.

[@Cyclingabout]

Thank you!

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Amazing views thank you and glad you’re on the mend. Wonderful people no question, just help. 🤙

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks!