When I cycled to Iran - About fear and feeling displaced | Bikepacking documentary

🚲 Hey there, fellow travelers! 🌎
Welcome back to my channel! I'm Giant Cheerio, a bikepacking adventurer exploring the world on two wheels since 2021!
An unconventional bikepacking journey through Iran.
This cycling adventure is different than everything I have experienced before.
Stranded right before the border of Iran with a broken gear shifter we find ourselves relying on the kindness of strangers during the first 200 km of our bike trip into Iran.
The discomfort, fear and uncertainty that I feel reveals a profound lesson and unexpected connections.
This is not just a bike trip, it's a testament to the transformative power of unconventional travel experiences in Iran.
Lean back & enjoy watching!
Cheerio, Goodbye, Salut & Adios!
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0:00 Intro
00:56 HOLAFLY - Sponsor of this video
01:36 Cycling into Iran
04:10 ripped cable & hitchhiking
08:25 Iranian etiquette - TAROF
11:54 feeling displaced
14:39 Bikepacking Universe . THE plan
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[@MandyBrown-zv9hn]

Iranians are very hospitable and will share their food and anything they have with you. It's part of their culture.

[@Nomad962]

Hello... Fellow bikepacker here. I have been waiting for you to post this vlog about traveling through Iran. I am glad you and your partner made it through without a hitch. I admire your courage to go towards the unknown and genuinely try to understand the countries and cultures you travel through. I especially admire your ability to share your vulnerabilities to help others overcome theirs. I would like to offer you a possible explanation as to why you felt the way you did in your first week in Iran. This is solely based on the commentary you offered in the vlog. Prior to entering Iran, you had built in your mind a certain template on how you think the Iranian people would be. That template is based on preconceived notions seeded by what you had been reading, hearing, and watching on Iran and Islam in general. The negative template that you constructed in your mind over a long period of time (could be years) generated a lot of fear, pent-up negative energy that those of us who watch your videos of your ride to the Iranian border and once you entered the country could feel in your voice. The reality you encountered once you started interacting with the Iranian people did not match the template you had in your subconscious; the Iranians were helpful, kind, smiling. It didn't make sense. The fear you felt is real, the pent-up energy almost has a physical presence in your body, but you can not justify it; it is incongruous with your current experience of the Iranian people and it does not make sense. Consequently, you started feeling withdrawn. Because the fear is in you and you can not get rid of it, you get rid of the interaction with the Iranian people and instead, turn towards what is familiar, i.e. the group of European cyclists you met at the hostel. My recommendation to you, if I may, is to embrace the opportunities to interact with the Iranian people, especially women of your age, to try to understand the culture and the religion and to deconstruct your negative template you carried as you crossed the border. It is only then that the fear will dissipate and you will start feeling more in harmony with your environment. I look forward to your future vlogs biking through Iran. Good luck.

[@farzinnasiri1084]

welcome to our country, don't let what the media says take a hold on you. Iran is a beautiful country

[@chris_noswe]

I think the mass migration of Iranians since the 70's speaks louder than "what the media says", but sure, mr Islamist.

[@farzinnasiri1084]

@chris_noswe dude😂😂 I'm one of those immigrants, but Iran's government and economic conditions doesn't represent the 90 million Iranians inside the country. the fact that you think I'm Islamist speaks for itself :) we are easily one of the misunderstood people in the world

[@emanmoba]

​@@chris_nosweGet back to playing RDR 2. The reality is too complex for your brain

[@User184dkcbt62s]

​@@farzinnasiri1084I would love to visit Iran, but as a Brit it doesn't seem advisable at this time. I've travelled to over 40 countries as a solo female, and I'll be going on the Silk Road later this year. I have a few Iranian friends, some of the kindest and most generous people I know. Perhaps one day... 🤞

[@kr22100]

@@User184dkcbt62s Arrange your journey through Iran via official channels and you'd be absolutely fine. Ignore western media nonsense about the country. I can guarantee, whether you're a male or female, you'd be almost 100% safer in Tehran that you would ever be in London. Almost guaranteed ("almost" because nothing in life can be classed as guaranteed!) . "Perhaps one day" is neither here nor there. If you consider yourself as adventurous as you'd like us to believe then just go for it. What does " it doesn't seem advisable at this time" mean?!!

[@sharkmentality9717]

Iranian people do an incredible job keeping love with nomadic cyclist

[@irfangultekin45]

I am Turkish. I live in Turkey. I have a friend of Iranian origin. I even want to think about the possibility of leaving Turkey. I love him and his family very much. Turks are also very hospitable, but we are very pleased with Iranian people. They are all friendly and trustworthy people.

[@paymanmehrabi]

Welcome to Iran 🇮🇷💚🤍❤️

[@jeffdible8171]

The people of Iran are incredibly generous and beautiful humans. The government on the other hand.... Thank you for showing us your experience.

[@lawlietl-6836]

It's such amazing how 100% of the videos about Iran, everyone get impressed with the kindness of the people. Regardless our midia make them look like monsters I prefere believe on normal people from KZbin

[@3niknicholson]

I think it's just the crazy governments that are monsters, Iranian people are warm and open.

[@_rakkim]

Iran is magnificent country and people of Iran are one of the most hospitable people on this planet! I have cycled nore than 3000km through Iran and made many friends and had a great time. I also loved the like on Mars landscape and enjoyed beautiful coast. If you go to Pakistan you are just about to see the next level of hospitality! And start drinking probiotics at least 7 days before Karachi 👌🫣😉😎🚵‍♂️

[@ema-b1h]

why probaiotics?

[@user-xl7eu9vp8u]

@@ema-b1h to strengthen your stomach!

[@_rakkim]

@@ema-b1h yo fight food poisoning= stomach viruses

[@hsoderberg6505]

Do you think nationality makes a difference or does it not matter?

[@_rakkim]

@@hsoderberg6505 it makes a world difference

[@pereirarfc]

The way you share your feelings with us is really special. Thanks!

[@kuyaburdickdimayuga576]

Iran is a good place for adventure environment,culture,and people. I went there before but it is a job related and I enjoy my job assignment there food and environment. Stay safe in cycling cheers from Isla Filipinas.

[@raykleiner3151]

Der Wahnsinn!! The hospitality of the Iranian people is legendary, I've wanted to bike in Iran for years, so following you guys and enjoying your experiences. Very real documentary you created. Viele Grūße!

[@karinkoch8443]

Your capability to tell a good story in words and pictures is outstanding.

[@goldenstardust]

Now that was special, and magical too. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@klausmusterfau3087]

Vielen Dank! Ich finde es ist eine grosse Bereicherung so entfernte Länder und deren Menschen so ungekünstelt zu sehen.

[@Dampflanze]

Meinen Opa Oma und meine Tanten hab ich als Kind so erlebt. Damals fand ich es unangenehm und aufdringlich wenn sie mir immer wieder Essen anboten und uns das Auto mit Essen vollluden. Mich hat dein Bericht aufgewühlt und mir kamen die Tränen. We fckn lost it. Wir haben keine Erzählung mehr die uns gemeinsam ist, wissen nicht was uns als Menschen ausmacht. Ach keine Ahnung. Das Fremde und Widersprüchliche zu erleben dürfte sich als wertvolle Erfahrung zeigen. Gute Reise weiterhin

[@user-uu1qc2du9b]

You are so incredibly brave and adventurous! Thank you for showing us this beautifull country. Kudo's for actually care about the dog and taking him, he is one lucky canine.

[@user-xl7eu9vp8u]

I just love your videos and i think your reaction to being there is very human, and I get it - you name awkwardly magical perfectly. And I saw another video of a couple who cycled through Iran, and their approach was different, they just embraced the difference and went with it, ending up at wedding parties and being taken on tours of the country. There is something about completely letting go of judgement and strangeness, of others and yourself. But hey, I'm in Ireland and the furthest I got to was Spain! Go well, with love.

[@essi85360]

Thanks for the great video.✨

[@HarryFenton6124]

Every time I see Oscar I want to cry. I`m only 64.

[@Armanizadpanah]

Hope you all have great time in iran , my people are kind and generous and land is very beautifull , but our goverment and rules are awfull , anyway hope make great memory in iran and hope you can see Shiraz (my city ) ❤

[@mariocouture1596]

Wow! So amazing!! What a great episode!! 🤩👏🙏

[@sabzsazanarchitecturegroup3269]

Alternative title: "I traveled to a country and everyone has been nice to me so far but it is not exactly like my own country and I'm brainwashed by media so I feel blue"

[@Mark8v29]

My understanding of this culture is that it has very much retained the ethos that The Guest is a higher rank than a king and equal to God or angels. Such an ethos might be unbelievable to some cultures. I would love to visit Iran just as I very much enjoyed visiting Russia. It is difficult to visit countries that are the focus of the media and governments for the wrong reasons. I also would be very much afraid even though I would know my fear is based entirely on lack of direct experience and completely on the reports of media and governments. I hope I always transcend my fears.

[@ogamawab]

love this...

[@tomsitzman3952]

When losing your rear derailer, put the chain in the middle chain ring on the rear cluster and use the two or three front chain rings. Now you have a three speed bike. Over the years done it several times. If there are a lot of hills put the chain in a larger chain ring on the rear cluster.

[@amir_aj2974]

thanks a ton for showing iran

[@necroGiant1001]

You don’t need to worry, be yourself and be sure you not gonna have any issues, film what ever you like to, feel home, If you need something just stop someone and ask for it, welcome to Iran ❤

[@Swat-ed5bt]

Beautiful video. Love you guys and love Iran! ♥️🙏

[@23Gears]

I'm not crying - you're crying! ❤❤

[@onemorecyclist]

What a fantastic watch and such a well-edited and put together video too! Experiencing the kindness and hospitality of strangers, far from home and familiar surroundings, is a life-experience to treasure (and to 'pay forward' with others whenever you can). Look forward to the next instalments and happy cycling!

[@nghiamedia]

Thanks!

[@stevenwilliams7845]

Your photos look incredible hard work pays off way to go. I’ve been watching your video since the beginning you look fantastic.

[@audreytaylor2298]

Magical. You are a wonderful story teller . 👏👏

[@danepalla8854]

I love the way these videos evolve...

[@K114LED]

Brilliant video and much love to the people of Iran

[@SudeshKusumsiri]

I will come to Iran one day to go cycling.

[@nicolasmillo]

a lot of feelings. i will be cycling from switzerland to japan in more then a year. And i share your toughts about the feelings you mentionned in the video. Keep pedaling, cheers

[@AlexandraR26]

I LOVE your videos and I ADMIRE YOU! Thank your for sharing your journey 💜

[@accbecky]

I was waiting for this video ,thank you , watching right now!

[@RAMCAL1000]

Thanks for visiting Iran. Can't wait to watch your next video❤

[@DAZLIN6]

I love this series and can't wait for the next installment

[@SaeiGholami]

مردم ایران مهمان‌ پذیرترین مردم دنیا هستند welcome to iran

[@Semi884]

Merci sehr Interessant, sehr schön erzählt 🐕 alles Liebe !!!

[@alexanderberr2520]

Your videos are getting so much better from a filmmaking point of view. Good luck with your travel.

[@fredsmith601]

A truly beautiful story 🙂

[@enricodeocampo9108]

Love your story❤❤❤

[@johnvanderhulst4778]

Thanks guys, greetz. from NL.

[@rossfishy]

Amazing as always. What are journey to have traveled so far to suddenly feel so foreign. Thanks for sharing.

[@Constantine.1980]

Willkommen im historischen Land Iran 👌👍

[@antonpastor7963]

Wow nice video i always waiting your blog my friend ❤❤❤💪👍

[@xF22Raptorx]

sehr spannendes Video, lieber Hund! Freu mich auf die Fortsetzung!

[@ema-b1h]

you should enjoy the irenian hospitality its very honest and ecxseptable. no shame andguilt needed - Germans tend to feel that. the government is horibale but the people and the culture is amazing ang goes way back

[@jjsoledad8553]

Sometimes you'll meet the most amazing people in the most unexpected places. ❤

[@ardetag]

Just relax and enjoy your time in the most amazing country in the world. Also, they love Germans.

[@dropeipromundo]

amazing

[@abdelb.7551]

Thanks for this vidéo …

[@ZinSportsChannel]

Given the time you got there, you are right to be this scared entering the country. But, one thing i learned traveling is, either you don’t do it or when you start, you clear your mind, think positive and paddle through. Fearful life is not worth living. You are super brave going there at that time yet you didn’t give yourself the chance to enjoy it.

[@tk.1333]

Welcome to IRAN ❤❤

[@hadisjalilian3139]

Amazing video. I do hope that your experience in Iran would be nice. Looking forward to your next episodes. 🤞

[@Ashiki]

wow Iranians are really nice and hospitable

[@mahyar_mtr]

Glad to have u🇮🇷🫡😊🩵

[@bennyvanilly]

Iran bedeutet soviel wie "die Arier". Iran-shahr übersetzt heißt: "das Land der Arier".

[@clarabellaw707]

Da war doch Armin aus der Schweiz! Das ist ja witzig! Den haben wir letztes Jahr in Albanien getroffen....so klein ist die Community..

[@FB-mz8gq]

The people in Iran would love to meet you! In 2015 we (father and son) spent three weeks in Iran, just after Nowruz in March. The second day in Tehran we went to the Grand Bazar where we met an Iranian young man, Muhammad who invited us for lunch the other day. So we went there and it was fantastic: the whole family (father, mother, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews) were there, seated on beautiful rugs on the floor (but of course separated). On the wall portrets of Khomeini and Khamenei. Lunch was wonderful, visually attractive and very tasty. Later in Shiraz we had lunch with a more modern family, seated around a table. The ladies there did not wear a scarf (in house) until later that afternoon the grandmother and some aunts arrived. On the wall a panorama photo of the skyline of New York. Another time we were near the bazar and my son asked some youngsters where to buy telephone cards. They took us to a newsstand, talked to the salesman, got a card, payed for it and handed the card to my son. Both my son and I tried to pay them back but they kept refusing. They didn't speak English except for a few words but wanted to know where we came from: Ah, Ollanda! and spread their arms as if they were the Dutch soccer player van Persie who had shortly before made a remarkable goal (a header) against Spain. Later we went to mount Tochal, north of Tehran, by subway to Tajrish and further by taxi. But the last part to the cable car station went by bus. A very crowded bus so we entered through the back door like a lot of people and during the ride I tried to get to the front to be able to pay. I couldn't really get there so I asked a man standing in front of me how much for the fare, waving with a few banknotes. He turned round to the driver, handed him some money out of his own pocket and when he turned back to me he steadfastly refused my money, all the while saying: Your welcome! We have been to Shiraz, Persepolis, Kerman, Mahan, Yazd, Esfahan and some smaller places. But everywhere we went people were glad to meet us. With only one exception: a hotel manager who scolded a woman who wanted to give me (a man!) her phone number in case we were to visit the town where she lived. He reacted as if she were a prostitute offering her services ... The woman just looked at me, shrugged her shoulders and said: This is Iran! I surely hope you will be able to enjoy Iran and its people to the fullest.

[@AT-db4rn]

Really good vid. 👍

[@yaesew8441]

Sehr informative Videos, die du mit uns teilst. Super Arbeit! Am Montag gehts bei mir auch los. Schweiz -> Türkei und dann Richtung Osten, ebenfalls durch den Iran. Wünsch euch weiterhin alles Gute und viele schöne Erlebnisse auf eurem Weg.

[@Self_Proppelled]

You found some people. I'm happy for you. I was worried Iran would be dangerous for you.

[@farshid71]

I think the media really got to your head, although you were in Iran and treated with kindness, you still had doubts which is very sad.

[@petrolo72]

💯 the people of Iran love Germans, even the government which is totally different than the population, doesn’t look down on Germans. I’m convinced at the end of your journey through this historic country, you will be a changed woman forever.

[@ema-b1h]

🌏💚

[@mobiiii3238]

Tabriz is my city😄✨️welcome

[@evgeny7286]

hi. you have no desire to travel through Russia. we will be glad. Germans have always been part of Russia. I have been your subscriber since your first hundred. you are brave.

[@matt281075]

👌👍🙏

[@bobwhite4748]

Being who I am, person wise, you stand tall and face the winds of different, but I understand your dilemma. I hate that it curtailed your spirit and creativity and thusly a short film. Great vid Cheerio!

[@stevenwilliams7845]

What a fantastic experience much respect for you and your journey through life. What an experience.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@youtubesurfer1533]

به ایران خوش آمدی، همه جای دنیا تا قبل از سفر کردن بهش برامون یه کم مرموز به نظر میرسه! 👍🏼

[@kamransaeb1134]

Thank you so much for visiting Iran and sharing your video❤️❤️❤️

[@khmansour1]

دمعت عيني من طيبة الناس وكرمهم واخلاقهم العالية شعب ايران شعب طيب ومحترم. يا لطيف ماذا يفعل القلق والخوف بالإنسان. الناس طيبين والارض جميله لكن الخوف والقلق حبسك في الفندق. استغربت والله ان مش انتي بس في ايران الصدفة جمعتكم يعني الدنيا امان والشعب تمام.

[@Go3tt3rbot3]

Beautiful video! I hope you find the time to edit the next video soon!! Btw, the Instagram link does not work! Wish you all the best! Much love ❤

[@Veloasia]

Me, myself and I.

[@TheMaximumCool]

Lovely video. I'm wondering if you can advise when this travel took place? Political hostilities in the country seem high currently, so was wondering if this was recent or from some time ago.

[@emanmoba]

So you felt foreign in a foreign land? what a shocker!

[@gameofquantity96]

Welcome to my hometown

[@Mumbo_Jumbo_Kiwi.1]

No 1 utube channel. This is epic

[@bahadorghezelbash9649]

Erschlagen von Gastfreundschaft und Menschlichkeit, die man in Deutschland von den Deutschen nicht kennt leider eher das Gegenteil

[@grantcallaghan3277]

you are making some beautiful films.... i have to admit i am also looking for the next video to see what happens with Oscar and Timu. Safe travels.

[@The_Riddler21]

IRAN

[@akuljbaba5914]

based

[@hamid.r.salehi]

Ich habe auf die Fortsetzung gewartet 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@roddin9280]

As an Iranian who has lived in the US for over 30 years, am very proud of you for discovering Iran on a bike and with a group of like minded people however am also sad that you are so filled with fear because of the years of western propaganda about Iran. Yes the regime is terrible, I know, that’s why I left BUT hope you realize how hospitable and helpful and generous the average person there is unlike most Europeans who are generally not very nice to Middle Eastern visitors or immigrants.. please film freely and there are plenty of Iranian women who are not wearing the hijab despite being harassed by the regime agents… hope you show more of Iran and get over your internalized phobias 😢

[@emanmoba]

I don't think it is a western thing as she said she also got into argument with her travel mate as she is tense. Also the rest of them seem to be enjoying themselves. In general, cynical people have hard time believing people can be selfless.

[@hsoderberg6505]

​@emanmoba I wondered if as a man he felt more comfortable out & about. Noticed that she is the only woman in the group of cyclists they met at the hostel.

Switch to an e-bike and enjoy your ride.

[@yukon_deb6005]

I think this is one of your best videos so far! I loved it. I think it's because you're feeling vulnerable. It's very endearing. You are authentic and that makes people want to watch your journey. ❤

[@giantcheerio]

Thank you very much for your words. When I finished editing this one I also felt like this might be one of the best films up to now.

[@williammacqueen1418]

A lovely, honest and emotional chapter in your interesting journey. Thank you.

[@AmirMohammadG-mp4jv]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@gameofquantity96]

It’s a long time ago cause in the video its winter but now is summer

[@kai_lemke]

wieder mal ein sehr gelungenes video 👌🏻😎

[@joelaut12]

You really have a lot of personal issues; surprised you have gotten this far without a nervous breakdown! Good luck!

[@user-qb6ng7yr7s]

🤓🚴‍♀👍❤!

[@parvizazari6879]

Welcome to Great Persia iran. Ancient land of Cyrus the Great