Not the ending I wanted!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

I thought it would be interesting to share how I made this decision in Across Andes. No one’s well-meaning advice is in any way at fault here, I made my own choices in that moment. But next time perhaps I’ll stick to my own plan

[@davidrahbany]

I've had a similar experience and truly appreciate your attitude in gaining wisdom while taking responsibility. Cheers to you.

[@wsbygt]

The whole setup held up to expectations, (Nutrition, equipment and Bike wise)?

[@edwardcromarty891]

Juliet, you are fine. Americans sometimes exaggerate (for safety and emotions). You do the ride for the pleasure, the touring aspect. The lovely scenery and life experience is what matters. You did great. You going to ride in North America? Enjoy the ride.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

That looked a toughy event in that weather, well done! hindsight a wonderful thing . The decision making is so much harder solo and the decisions made solo can magnify for better or worse super quick ! . In a group u can share clothes, food , decisions, morale boosts , so much easier 😅. I think u made the correct decision watching your vids 👍

[@ferruccio4531]

hi Juliet, hindsight is 20/20. sticking to you plan regardless can get you in serious trouble. everybody was telling you to get up at 3:00 for a reason and you were right to heed their advice. better be wrong and alive than right and dead. ciao

[@vincesalvino]

Thanks for sharing your story (and all your biking content in general). You're an absolute role model, and always inspire me to get out there and cycle. While I'm always rooting for you, I appreciate that you show the losses too because they are relatable and a reminder that we are all human. Total respect and admiration. Glad you made it out alive to fight another day! What an awesome adventure!!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

I absolutely agree with the people who said you make a call in the moment based on the information you’ve got. I don’t believe in fate, but like you say, who’s to say how it may have turned out, and at least you’re safe and well and can plan more adventures. I also love that you share how hard it is, how much you hurt, how cold and miserable you feel at times because I’ve certainly had events where I’ve felt I’ve been really suffering and wondering why I was finding it so tough. Good to know everyone’s struggling at times and it’s a part of any endurance event. Love this content, and love how honest you are. As someone quite anxious and a bit neurodivergent it’s good to see others getting in a faff, forgetting things, getting lost, but overcoming it and keeping going. ☺️ xx

[@hoochrussell3126]

I've been following you on strava and KZbin for a few years now...love your video's...they help me get through my ptsd...as for your strava uploads ,they keep me honest with my training....your a true champion mate no matter what people may say...as the old saying goes ,doesn't matter whether you win or lose ,its how good you look while your doing it...anyway as a fan I just wanted to say thankyou for always making me smile...cheers from Australia...

[@johncooke3353]

Hind sight is a wonderful thing Juliet, you could only work with the information you were getting, don’t beat yourself up. Crack on to the next adventure 👌🏻👍🏻

[@ancientfifer]

IYKYK! Anyone who has done any sort of ultra endurance event recognizes, understands and respects the factors influencing your decision at the moment of ultimate mental and physical stress and fatigue. We must be kind to ourselves during and after such moments and move on to the next success. In that, you are a role model and total Champion ‼️

[@Grandadgreyhair]

You always have to make a decision based on what info you have at the time, experience, a friend might influence that but ultimately it’s fine you live and learn. You will get confidence and learning from this, you kept yourself safe, and next time you have a useful reference for who should I consult, what actual evidence do I have , could I go so far before reappraising the next day etc. years ago I learned a lesson when canoeing waterfalls. I was with a group who wanted to know if I was going to run the final drop of the day. I said yes and the groups said great we will as well. When we got to the eddies above the falls I got out and they asked what are you doing and I said I have changed my mind I’m getting out. They then all proceeded to get out. I messed about a bit whilst the got their boats upto the road. I then jumped in and ran the falls. They said why did you do that and is explained if you were not willing to do it yourself you should never follow the crowd it will get you killed, learn to make your own decisions and live with them. Your decision might have made you a bit frustrated but it was right for you at the time. If everyone had set off and you had just followed it might not have turned out well and if it had you would have learned nothing so well done

[@CaptBongo]

Miss Juliet, Thank you for the post and update. Please don't second guess yourself. There will be next year, just train a little harder in crap weather and hopefully you can team up. Enjoy the ride. Awesome little gray fluff ball who bombed your picture.

[@rydinorwin]

Always tricky. Any least you are in one piece. Daughter went sailing the other week and was recused by the RNLI, boat was wrecked but her and her crew were OK. Well done, looked mental. And bloody cold.

[@gregsettle9725]

You went to Patagonia, had some adventure, second-guessed yourself, and didn't finish the race. You went to PATAGONIA! Trust your gut next time and keep riding. Love your content.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you

[@DaemonViews]

I have not done ultras but hiked long distance in Nordic countries in the cold. Hindsight is 20/20 and it's often difficult to oversee what might have happened. On a multiday canoe trip we debated a large lake crossing on which people had drowned in bad weather conditions as it turns into a sea. Having the tent up waiting for the weather to turn, decided turning back. Regretted a few times but seeing how the conditions were on the smaller lakes, we could have been in serious trouble. You make a decision based on the info you have. Given that you don't want to quit, your mind telling not to do it is most often the best idea. Enough people have been carries down mountains.

[@djduffy1000]

Well done anyhow. Your process of your decision making is spot on and it`s all this experience which will help you determine future choices. I love your vlogs documenting all your adventures. Thank you.

[@peterhearnden7634]

Juliet, thanks for sharing your thought process behind your early departure from the cross andes ultra. As you have learned in this instance sounds like you should have stuck with your original plan, but circumstances change.0I agree with @aventuradeados, that only you 'on the ground' at the time can make the decision to continue or not. I'm just relieved that you didn't have to leave due to illness or injury, just watching your 'dot' we have no idea what it's like out there on the road. Hope Juliana can make it to the next ultra with you.

[@Straitjacket808]

Great video . Tough call. Looked an amazing country. Dreadful weather lol. Reminds me of several trips I've made to Norway. I always try and tell myself that it doesn't have to be fun to be fun 😅

[@waytoomuchcoffee]

So true, taking on the info in the moment and I bet you wrestled with your mind all night!! Patagonia looked amazing, great vids.

[@moobaz8675]

Life is a journey of learning. If we don't learn, we aren't trying, doing or being inquisitive enough. Keep on rolling and enjoying what you do and don't let the naysayers get to you. We're all capable of more than we think. You keep showing us that.

[@MaartenRobijn]

Keep doing this! It's a learning experience and we do aswell. I felt for you, the suffering seemed real. Good to see you in good spirit at home again.

[@micheandmikey]

I love following your material Juliet! You've always been so fun to watch and do the fun shit! I totally agree with your decision to now only listen to yourself, you know you the best! I'm 50 and I'm currently doing my third 365 day riding challenge! Don't bother looking for in on Strava or anything, it doesn't exist, I'm just nuts enough to do it! I live in the PNW and believe me there are MANY days I wish I didn't have to go outside and do at least my 3 mile minimum ride, but I do, and you know what?! I typically extend those rides because once I'm out there I have so much fun I realize the shit weather really isn't that bad, it's better than sitting and watching TV! LOL I get what you're saying, just know tomorrow is another day that you could (if you choose to) get out and do what you love doing, riding your bike! 🙌

[@stevekirk6399]

i'm getting a black English blue on the 19th, my two toms will enjoy there new friend :) great effort.

[@aventuradeados]

Thank you for your story, you have to be there to understand everything that was happening and you did it very well. We will be happy to see the first female duo in the history of across andes

[@bjmullan]

I'll walk a mile in your shoes. And now I'm a mile away, and I've got your shoes - Kings of Leon. Well done, keep up the great videos, and I can see you are a great mum!

[@johnmccarten7515]

Hey Juliet, I thoroughly enjoy all of the content you bring to us. I am glad to see your smile and your hair looks great. I look forward to the next video.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you so much!

[@eamar98]

looking to travel on my bike and I discovering all kinds of endurance ride out there you inspired me with your documentary on this epic ride

[@bnfan1189]

Aww, we didnt see the kittens! :(

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

ha, yeah I realised that when I was editing. Sorry! Next time

[@Sr.lanita]

5:30 :$

[@JohnMFlores]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's easy to doubt yourself. Keep at it

[@Francesco_M.]

So that's how it has gone! Even if you had decided to give it a go something might have gone wrong anyway, you just never know! The weather by the way looked atrocious through the screen, I wonder what that must have felt like! And the gear itself might have let you down any moment going forward. It is all good Juliet as long as you are back healthy; I gather that you booked the next ultra already so the inner fire is intact 🔥 That's all I wanted to hear 😁😊 👋

[@larsh8560]

Came for the kittens. Stayed for the cycling content 🤣 (understand your disappointment - but wished I had the courage and skill the bike that you have. I'm impressed)

[@ks2567]

Safety comes first, and like you said toward the end, you make the best decision you can with the information you have at the time. Though disappointing to not finish, I don't think you should second guess yourself. You also don't want to be the person that requires SAR or puts undue burden on local resources like you mentioned in the previous video by riding overdepleted into remote areas. I'm all for pushing yourself and finding your limits, but I also have respect for people who make the difficult calls for safety.

[@davemcginnis1568]

A large key to life is how well a person deals with adversity.

[@stephenrice9497]

Great learning and good to build on for next time . Go back next year and nail it 👍

[@Cycle_life_passion]

I do the way back from Laguna verde to la junta by night in the rain. It was so terrible, rain, cold hard. My hardest part of the race. Thanks to the police in la junta for the heater and the bed.

[@pbr2424]

You look marvelous. The hair style work well for you. Thanks for posting such positive posts and keep up the good work.

[@wilfwilliams]

Was a win getting to the start line !

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

In the opening shots those cheese look amazing and if they are smoked cheese they taste like glory.

[@timporter8886]

Oh well these things happen! Just getting there and participating in the event is better than 90% of cyclists..well done! Love ur posts! Take care Juliet 😊

[@martinschwartz7342]

Thank you for the great advice. Stick to the original plan in a moment of weakness when you are not thinking optimally. I will remember that. Tell you things I do like. Sure. I really like the way you style your hair. You look very beautiful.

[@SoorAurora]

Ah it's so tricky to decide whether to go with what appears to be the prevailing 'wisdom' or stick with your own plan. Do you know of the ultra runner Sally McRae of the Choose Strong podcast (and has a yt channel). She talks about planning and has pacers with her whose role is partly to help her stay on her plan and focused on her goal when fatigue creeps in and clouds her own judgement. Her stuff is well worth a listen. Keep up the good work.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

I don’t know her but I’ll definitely check that out. Thank for the recommendation

[@masterful7574]

Very nice hair style.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

thank you. I'd just been to the hairdresser when I recorded this. No way I could do it myself!

[@janotran]

Que gran experiencia...🤟🤟🤟...saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@markyboyclark]

I just had to tune in to know what you did! I thought you went for it! Man, cycling in near freezing wet conditions and not looking forward to the downhill is just wrong. You probably did make the right decision. #firstworldproblems 😬

[@mbrider56]

Hey at last you got to go see Patagonia, right? Onwards and upwards. And more cycling videos please, that's what id like to see.

[@stevepowell-thomas5918]

Hi Juliet well done on latest amazing 👍🚴

[@tuplawee313]

Would have been more interesting to hear what went wrong in the preparation since the real reason for quitting was that you didn't want to suffer through the night. For example had the other cyclists made better decisions regarding clothing, bike etc.?

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

No, not really. It’s more to do with people’s mental and physical strength and stamina. A HELL of a lot of people quit this particular race due to the weather, it was just particularly savage

[@edstorey4675]

You are still awesome, thx

[@BikepackingAdventures]

When you tried your best to pronounce granguanche I thought here we go I get to meet juliette... then you said "road". Hope you enjoy the canaries by bike - I signed up for the gravel edition at the end of March! It does look awesome. 👍

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

I can’t make that one so I signed up for the roadie version. Have fun!

[@neilmoyes408]

Would have done the same. Would say that your gut feel and experience did not work this time. Anyhow, amazing film, loved your story, always like your energy. More experience now… will help your next trip. Looking forward. Maim thing your back safe. You forgot to introduce your cats…..

[@thehairs1970]

Nice place to make a mistake! Don’t fret.

[@cyclingdiabetic9573]

Lesson learned for next time! Russian Blue! Love that cat!

[@jimdunlop1404]

I was watching Vegan Cyclist's Unbound video where he was shattered after the bad mud section thinking "No no, it's only the hypoglycemia talking, keep going" but then had to consider that I was far away in a lounge chair holding a chocolate drink...

[@66spacemonkey66]

Keep the kittens away from that nice jumper 👍

[@carlashman4684]

that cat is wrecking you chair.

[@SingleTrackMined]

Your plan was made in ignorance - you didn't have all the info when you made it. You learned from others new info and made a decision. It's unfortunate but you made the right decisions in the moments. IMO. Can't wait for the next one! Cheers!

[@themoodyteam]

Your plan was to resume at 5am. The advice from 2 other groups of riders was to start at 3am. If you had done either, you would probably have made CP2. Instead you scratched overnight. Did the riders at the hostel who were intending to start at 3am, also scratch with you? The best advice was probably in the WhatsApp group. EDIT: Apologies if this sounds brusque.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Yes. They also scratched

[@LeeGreenldgphotos]

Doubt creeps in us all, these things happen. You made the decision you thought was right at the time.

[@wsbygt]

M o r n i n g !

[@clinlashway9147]

In hindsight, if you're chosing to drop out or not, perhaps you should have just given your plan (starting at 5-6 am) a try. Worst case, you can't make the checkpoint early enough and you turnaround before getting there and then drop out. This way you would have at least given it a try and it sounds like found out you could have made the checkpoint. Simply put, drop out when you have to, don't drop out simply because you think you might. This of course is not factoring real-world issues like health and safety.

[@k2dave1969]

Come ride in NY...you like it.......

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Whatever decision sits right in your mind, is the correct choice. I’ve always made decisions based on my head and removing my stubbornness and ego, and it’s kept me pretty safe over time. Always another day to tackle this. I think if it felt right you would’ve ignored those words. You were clearly fatigued, and the cold took its toll on your mind.

[@karengleason4791]

Well you hair is darling curled !

[@saskhiker3935]

How do you have 5 kittens and a Christmas Tree beautifully decorated?

[@Stvmac-h1f]

Epic,

[@peterknight7880]

AXS batteries. Why do derailleurs have batteries now?

[@garyboyle695]

Yes, if you have electronic wireless shifting.

[@joanneleyva4942]

What about the 5 kittens? You were going to show us the kittens!

[@angelicabrewer3711]

None of us were in your situation and therefore, anything someone says after the fact is NOT accurate.

[@ForkNLeans]

What Age Group are you?

[@richardharris8538]

Don't beat yourself up over this. I wouldn't even have entered this event, let alone start it.

[@AnimatedEnglish]

Only stayed till the end for the kittens? So disappointed! (not really) 😂

[@bubbaluv500]

Unfortunately your planning isn't always the best. This has now put you in a position where you don't trust yourself totally. This then let's the negativity creep in, and it's easy to get swayed by other people, who don't know you as well as you know yourself. If you can get your planning back up to scratch, it will make a huge benefit to your confidence. I have every confidence in you and your ability. Thanks for continuing to share your videos. 👍🏿

[@phoffen3829]

Yes, but fatigue is the bit that gets you into things you would not if you were not tired. I think we can all relate to that.

[@themoodyteam]

Well put 👍 Juliet replied to my earlier comment and the riders she had shared a hostel with (who, I am presuming, are the group that intended to set off at 3am) also scratched with her. It’s like a group malaise. Very difficult to carry on when others, in an apparent better position than you (they were intending to set off earlier) get the jitters.

[@themoodyteam]

@@phoffen3829tired, cold and wet. In a relatively warm and dry location which you have to leave to progress. Yes, we’ve all been there 😞

[@stuartdryer1352]

Oh well. You did the rational thing based on what you had to go on. Mountains can be dangerous.

[@alqubes]

you promised kittens !!!!

[@blotto3204]

What seems obvious afterwards is not obvious moving forward . Maybe you avoided a crash? Who knows.

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

Rides like this should be with someone for moral support.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

I like both. Riding as a pair with Juliana is always fun! But nice to challenge yourself solo too

[@marcel_frenchy]

I am so incredibly sorry but I didn’t catch a word you said. Your curls and that smile just distracted the hell outta me.

[@savagepro9060]

"Not the ending I wanted!" ---->> when you leave the cinema unsatisfied!

[@magalsis]

wow, I didnt know Jules. Well, there's always next time. See you around. @themagalway

[@huwleonard9261]

Don’t make the decision to scratch before you’ve had a good sleep.