North Shore Betty: You’re Never too Old to Send | Patagonia Films

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Ive gotta say…I’m a 57 year old long time outdoorsman mtn biker. And I have my eye on replacing my 13 year old mtn bike. But sometimes I’ve doubted this $5000 decision as the thought, “I’m getting too old” creeps in. This awesome little vid about Betty has blown away the clouds of doubt. Thanks Patagonia and Betty for sharing this inspiring story!! Im throwing down the $$, and ridin on. : )

[@brendaandstevenhillier8734]

I’m a Bad Biking Betty from the Pittsfield Vermont 1990’s group we started in our 30’s. Now at 61 we are still riding! Go Betty’s!!!!

[@BCpov]

Such an inspiration! I hope I'm still riding at her age! And on the shore no less!

[@joanneleyva4942]

As a 63 year old mountain biker, this is by far the most inspirational film about not accepting limits because of your age. Thanks so much for making this film!

[@CherDele]

Just needed to hear it......(paraphrased) you're thinking you're fast but you're no longer fast'.... I'm a 60yr old but feel like a teenager when I'm out on my bike. It's so liberating. GO BETTY. ❤

[@victoriaquinn5002]

As a 61 year old female mountain biker who started riding 3 years ago, Betty is my true inspiration! I'm not out to impress or challenge anyone but myself. I'd like to still be riding in my 90's too! lol

[@JAG-ALL-EGO]

WOW!! As a 58-year old mountain biking "old fart", I really loved this video. I am inspired to continue riding as often as I can and for as long as I can. Never Stop!!!

[@joysassoon9003]

I feel like I'm only 5 yrs behind you. I was pro windsurfing on Maui in waves, then moved to CA and became a mountain biker. I just recovered from a rotator tear and am back at it again~ Thank you for the inspiration for my almost 68th, birthday!

[@jglobe2001]

Such a great film. Betty is epic. And so inspiring to keep riding and having fun. And awesome to see Patagonia highlighting riders of different ages.

[@justinhays0827]

This was the most inspiring mountain biking video I have ever seen. As a 40 year old husband and father of 3 girls, I just returned to the sport since I was a kid. Riding bikes was my life as a kid, and now it has become a passion and hobby with a profoundly deeper meaning. I get to use the great outdoors to heal my soul and to stay physically healthy. Now, as I teach my daughters to ride, I get to spend quality time with them away from the distractions of life. I'm making life-long memories with my children and using the time to mentor them. Mountain biking provides a common interest among us and is a great analogy of life to teach them about decision making, balancing risk and reward and building self-confidence. Even at home they're learning to problem solve and use tools to repair and upgrade their bikes. My girls would rather get up early for school on the weekdays so we can ride our bikes there and home and show off their rides to their friends. I can only hope to be riding at Betty's age of 73. By the way, Betty, you look like you just turned 40. Keep up your amazing work, Patagonia. It's some the best mountain biking cinematography on KZbin. Happy riding everyone from Justin Hays in Huntsville, Alabama (The Rocket City)‼️

[@johncole3010]

At 56 and riding a full suspension MTB, I am amazed at the possibilities. The bikes of the past were hard on the joints, making riding a trade off. Now, I can see improvement while being able to function after a 20+ mile ride over previously difficult terrain. This was an amazing example of living life to the fullest.

[@VideoSchoolOnline]

Inspiring for all of us mountain bikers!

[@gfbrnby]

What a great video and inspirational story. I'm 73 and started mountain biking when I was 49 - 4 years after Betty. Sadly, after a friend had a serious mountain biking accident, our group turned to road riding when I was about 60 to allow him to continue riding with the group. I still recognize some of those trails but my mountain biking skills are no longer a match for most of them. This video brought back the exhilaration of flowing down a well-built trail with the bike moving under me - something road riding doesn't afford. Keep riding!

[@soccerchamp0511]

As someone who "just" started mountain biking a couple years ago when I was 31, Betty's story is very inspiring. Although I love MTB, I've also struggled sometimes with feeling like I started too late to ever be good. Stories like Betty's reminds me that isn't true at all. I hope that I'm still healthy enough in the future to keep doing this for 40+ more years!

[@justanotherbikedad2536]

Same here, started at 30. Better late than never.

[@Muskiehunter92]

Ahh you are in your prime still.... 30-40 is when many athletic disciplines hit their peak... I look at the fighters as a good reference to see how much abuse the body can take and most fighters hit their peak in their early 30's and often improve until about 40... and the good ones can go into their early 40's... and that is for pummeling each other as hard as you can with kicks and fists... so for MTB, I see us all riding into our 60's without to much issue as long as the desire remains. I will be 30 this year and still feel like I could ride bmx like when i was 15.... heck i may even get another bmx someday and try it again, but for now MTB is where my time on a bike will be spent. There's always road biking and gravel biking too as we age.... I think gravel biking is intriguing. My father started doing it this year and he's 62 and loves it, although he was a roadie his whole life so that makes sense. Anyways, You have well over a decade to continue improving before you plateau, keep riding! best of luck

[@raghuram2815]

Great story. Inspiring woman. Kudos to Travis Rummel (director), Nico Frank (Editor) and rest of the team. Also noteworthy how Patagonia as a brand is so magnanimous that it doesn't mind other folks wearing competitor brand's jackets and it was being shown clearly instead of being hidden or requesting them to wear leased Patagonia jackets, because all brands do that sort of thing when filming movies like these.

[@timothybrown2274]

Incredible. I just showed that to my 8 year old daughter and 11 year old son. Such an inspiration. We plan to keep shredding as a family for many many years to come.

[@puakane9285]

North Shore Betty you rocked my 60+ mind! I am not a biker but I still love to surf a longboard. Mahalo for sharing your story. When is part 2 coming out?

[@JahOhKay]

So inspiring! It’s wonderful for young people to have role models - they need them. But it’s equally as wonderful for those of us who are not so young anymore to have people to look up to. I had a realization the other day - in our society we tend to believe that we have about 20 years to “become” - between the ages of 15-35. And after that, we are “supposed” to settle and stagnate and leave all of the fun for the young folks. I don’t see why this has to be. I want to keep “becoming” as long as I have breath and I’m so grateful for examples like Betty.

[@laurasaling9464]

This 60 yr old needed to see that!! Keep riding Betty! You are amazing 🎉❤

[@matthewoneill5354]

Wow wow wow!!! Now THIS is an inspirational woman!! Not some shallow, social media influencer but an actual real woman who has achieved and is achieving real worthwhile life affirming goals. Props to you Betty. You have my respect!!

[@lwwaters]

Go Betty - loved the vid. I started mtnbkng when I was 50, 22 years ago - and like Betty, crashed a lot, and got hurt a lot - thankfully never as bad as some of Betty's injuries. And am still loving DH - (now at Mt. Bachelor) but cut my teeth on the Northshore (so grateful that I had the opportunity to experience the Northshore - what a magical place). Then started doing Whistler and didn't do NS as much. Go Betty!

[@pabliux57]

What as inspiration at my 46, just last year I learned how to unicycle and I used to be very consistent as a mountain biker. She is teaching me that I can go back to ride again!! Thanks Betty.

[@cabbynate]

I starter mountain biking at 53. Now at 56 I am nursing a ruptured patella tendon in my left knee that I got a year and a half ago. I also ruptured my supraspinatus in my right shoulder. You are an inspiration and I hope I can keep riding into my 70's... Keep it up!!!

[@CoachTammyLee]

I can’t connect anymore with this. OMGGG I feel like this is my story too. I’ll be 50 on May 16th and although I rode a bike all my life it is really only these past 10 years that I truly learned how to ride a mountain bike. I am still shredding and getting better and recently found a love for park riding over the last few years since I moved to Alberta. We did a park tour last summer in BC. Wild! I heart you, Betty. You are my hero. I AM gonna be just like you when I grow up.

[@hoff482]

Wow, what an inspiration. I now have a new hero. Thank you, Patagonia, for sharing Betty's story. At 49 I just got back into mountain biking last year, after a 25-year absence.

[@aliakseinikulin8369]

What a beautiful and powerful soul! Thank you guys for this film, I'm smiling right now!

[@markmontgomery2562]

WOW watched the whole video with a big smile on my face. Being an ex bmxer , cross country motorcycle racer, and circle track car racer at 59 I found mountain biking. Betty is such a bad ass. She has been there and done that. Thanks for the inspiration young lady.

[@chrisgravel7157]

Knowing Betty still rides and seeing faces like hers, Digger and Peter Moran around the Shore keeps me inspired and pushing at 51. Diggers ending was priceless, such a reminder of what it was like at the time. Most will think he's kidding but there was real stigma around riding things Digger and Dangerous Dan built. Check out the North Shore Extreme video series or clips for a taste of the Shores glorry yrs.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have been bike riding since 1953.. currently have 6 bikes. Backed off these last 2 years because of relocation and business responsibilities. Last evening my wife and I had a BBQ and a conversation with a neighbor couple, the topic... now is the time to dump it all and do only what you want. My list had cycling at the top. Talk about timely.. this video of Betty confirmed and validated my decision. I have believed for decades that life is like riding a bike, slow down, fall off. Don't slow down. Thanks Patagonia and Betty for the inspiration.

[@andrewgreenwood8727]

Fantastic!! Wow can you do another but longer video of "North shore Betty part 2 & friends ; wow wow !!! Brilliant what an inspiring lady, you can see how proud her son is of her & rightly so !!

[@kalingtamut8008]

Dear Patagonia ,your documentaries inspire us to Live more.

[@filacaamspeter8810]

So inspiring! I'm a road cyclist all my life and have tried mtb a few years ago in my fifties and get addicted to it. I love her quote, "...but old people you just need to know that you can keep going".

[@MelissaBackwoods]

33 year old here 😊 I ride with a lot of super shredders in their 50s and 60s and it’s so inspiring to see. Love seeing different age groups represented in riding films! More of this please!

[@EdwardKeefe]

I am 50 and my wife is 51, we have been mountain biking together since 2006, i started in 1995. We have been considering hanging it up and just sticking with Road bikes, but dam this is inspiring. We went about 2 weeks ago and had a great time as always, we simply skilled some of the more crazy parts of the trail.

[@brianyee2387]

Great film. Thank you Patagonia for sponsoring this film and putting a spotlight on an inspirational woman. Thank you Betty for your can do spirit and being a great mom.

[@bradgantt1818]

Bravo! Such an inspiring portrait. I've been mounting biking for over 30 years and have no plans of stopping. Slowing down a bit, yeah ;)

[@jassyjanjua2103]

Glad your getting the recognition for being a OG Colab with Patagonia let’s gooooo Bettyyy

[@gofras]

This is the content I love KZbin for. Mad respect.

[@flourbvoy1269]

What a beautiful story. Thanks for producing and sharing this.

[@Malcolm-d1g]

Betty Birel is more than a legend is an inspiration source!! Thanks Betty 💯🔥🤘🤙

[@patrickbarrett5790]

absolute LEGEND. you damn right she's an inspiration! seeing this.... i'm 52 and i have no plans to stop riding either! Cheers to you, Betty!

[@riverdog6875]

This is awesome! So inspiring. I'm soon to be 70 and love riding the trails around Crested Butte & Gunnison where I live. So grateful to still be out there. Rock on Betty!

[@Ibanesastian]

What an inspiring person! Total legend and great for her story to be shared.

[@aeronduskauthor]

This made me smile so much. I'd buy her book if she wrote one.

[@TheCapixClan]

Hats off to you miss betty! Love your spirit. I’m 26 & just purchased my first real mountain bike a few weeks back, couldn’t be happier to join the mtb community.

[@alexli9097]

I started MTB 3 years before, when I was almost 47, love it so much. I feel that I am still young when I peddling in woods!

[@JoeCuro]

Firstly, I agree with all the other comments about how awesome and inspirational she is, but did anyone else see that sandwich!? That looked delicious!

[@jimm244]

Excellent and inspiring film! I’m mid 50’s and have done many of the same things as Betty, though not quite to her level. The years, miles, and responsibilities of life have been weighing on me, not to mention the lengthening time to heal from injuries. It’s inspirational to see ‘varsity’ aged folks still sending it! It gives me hope.

[@ejhayes76]

Keep going as long as you can. I am a 45 year old rider (mountain bikes and snowboards). I always think my wife and I are at the old end of the spectrum, then I see this video and comments like yours. If I am riding at 73, not much more I can ask for.

[@MTSE-Citizen-Franger]

a beautiful poem to the best sport in the world, chapeau to betty - truly inspiring

[@dominicanenduroseries4555]

Thank you Betty, your story inspired me to the point that my tears flowed while I watched the video and listened to you tell your life story, if one day you decide that you would like to come and meet and ride in the Dominican Republic, let me know to make the arrangements, It would be an honor to have you here.

[@Derberber3]

This is the mountainbike-spirit we all had in those times. Thank you for the video. To be hurt was part of the game.

[@Hybrid330i]

My dad started when he was 65 (now 70) and got me (45) into it .. Im in the middle of getting my 6 year old into it, absolutely love it and we travel around our country as much as possible to head out and about. Such agreat sport and community world wide.

[@mariopresi8649]

Betty is the living proof that age is a “number limit” society has imposed on us. “By that age your life should be like this and that..”! Total BS. Thank you Betty for showing us all that life IS A PLAYGROUND. Thanks Patagonia for making this movie 🙏🏻.

[@SeitxiS]

she is 73!!!! can you believe that? This human being is an inspiration for everybody! :)

[@Angela-uo4ur]

Thank you for this video. I needed this as an inspiration to know that age is not a barrier, and that it’s how you take care of yourself, your mental attitude and passion for life that matters. I see many people in their 50’s who have a hard time even walking because of their health due to society’s stress, conventional food choices, and lack of exercise, many times of no fault of their own, but due to ignorance of what is presented to them through mainstream grocery food choices, having to work excessive hours to make ends meet or the workaholic culture, leaving less time and energy to exercise, enjoy nature and socialize. The way society is structured, it is increasing our mortality and decreasing our ability to thrive. Thank you, North Shore Betty, for showing us how to thrive!

[@westwindsailer]

Wow great story! As a Canadian windsurfer since the early days, mountain biker , runner, etc etc love your story!!

[@ztomek3154]

What an inspiration! Betty/Patagonia thank you for making this awesome movie. I am myself going through a bit of a doubtful time. Going on sixty-one and riding for about thirty-five years just lately started riding by myself. Two of my buds about my age got themself e-bikes, this is no way I can keep up with them. I don't think I'm ready for "E" in my bike yet, but because I'm riding by myself most of the time I'm not riding as often as before. Somehow Betty's story may give me a kick in the behind and l will start riding more again I might even meet some older rascals to ride with.

[@adamrussell9117]

Such a great story - one of the things I love about mountain biking is how it really is a multi-generational sport. Modern trail builders are making things that are for everyone...and IMO that's a great thing.

[@hanxor]

What a beautiful story - shared it with my dad who's 71 and still loves riding!

[@sedonamtbtrails]

Thanks Betty & Patagonia for creating a visually stunning & inspirational edit. I picked up MTB @ 62 & 4 years later I still have 7 years until I catch up to Betty. Go go go Betty!!!

[@cliffnelson5940]

Thanks Betty! I think I will go ride with my friends tonight:) When I am on my Mt bike I am 66 going on 16. Here's to many more years of joy!

[@oregonziggy2391]

This is so awesome. I am 53 and bought my first mountain bike in 1990. I am looking at getting my first dual suspension bike this year. This is just another reason why I like Patagonia.

[@cameramansam3240]

Brought me to tears. Simply an incredible story, told through a very moving piece of art. Congratulations to all who created this. @Scott Secco amazing images! Always love watching your current work.

[@rsanoian]

Awesome video, I can't imagine my life without bicycles. I grew up in the 70's racing BMX and when MTB's came out in the 80's my life was changed forever. You are never to old to Send !

[@JackyLegs]

One of my first rides ever I was walking down a rock garden swearing to myself it wasn't possible to ride a bike down it, then a guy in his 60s (on a hardtail) ripped past me at full speed, it changed my whole perception of mountain biking and age!!

[@kramnik666]

Betty is such a class act! wonderfull woman that still shreds. huuge motivation thank you!

[@JAMESlock1911]

You go girl! It's a reminder to all of us to live life! Take chances. Riding my mountain bike gives me a thrill and challenge that keeps me young.

[@aidanclifford2164]

really good to see this. I started mtb at 28 during lockdown. I wanna keep sending way into my old age for sure!

[@zekct747]

Way to go, Mrs Birrell - I truly admire your outdoor and adventurous spirit, you are an inspiration to us!

[@scottsecco]

Betty rules! What a legend.

[@kayakutah]

Nice! A legend, for sure! My wife is about to turn 69. She started at age 58 and it's a passion!

[@andymorris15]

Such a rare and inspirational story. Beautiful film, I nearly cried twice - you can really feel the love for adventure and trail stoke!

[@audifivethousand7786]

This may be the first youtube video that actually captured me in a very long time. Infectiously positive.

[@datractor]

Wow, what an incredible story and a true inspiration. Huge respect from New Zealand, you would fit in well here 🙌

[@ChrisStenberg]

Great film! Makes me nostalgic for those early days on The Shore and in my old stomping grounds. Betty's an inspiration!

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

You go Betty … keep on rocking … keep on keeping on with your badass self … good for you … show them all whose still the boss. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@oldguyandayeti8599]

Hi Betty, saw your ride on Remy's video. You're amazing! I'm almost 79 and still riding advanced terrain, but we don't have anything in the Southeast that compares with your BC trails. My video close is always "you don't stop riding when you get old ... you get old when you stop riding!" Keep inspiring us "old" riders to keep on riding!

[@kikeilavemaqueira8293]

I began in MTB at 45 years old. Now I'm 47 .... And I can say: MTB is wonderful!!! What a great documentary!. Greetings from Peru! 🇵🇪

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

She is awesome! Patagonia you are not blurring other brand names, like others do! Respect!

[@MarkMatthewsMTB]

So good! Inspiring me to never stop.

[@dubijou]

Real inspiration, never say never, no boundaries, enjoy life, enjoy outdoors ... Thank you Betty, thank you Patagonia ...

[@ianschriefer1042]

Awesome you too, i live in the lower mainland and ride the shore often. I have seen Betty in passing such an inspiration, i just turned 50 and want to be just like her.

[@maansrovermann2246]

Patagonia put together a masterful motion picture highlighting an iconic and legendary North Shore sender. Keep on Sending Betty!

[@MTB_Rider_96]

Great Video! I'm over 60 and I still MTB, Whitewater Kayak, Downhill Ski, Water Ski, and Rock Climb. Age is just a number. Keep on shredding!

[@YahArmor]

Betty, I hope you get this message. You are such an inspiration! Your journey with your son and the timing line up with mine and at 48 , my son turning 9 …. I was always active both surf and bike but given up so much the last 9 years … 2 months ago when I saw this … you reignited the passion in fitness again and kicked my glutes into gear. I said to myself , she is what I imagine me to be as I advance into my later years. I’m weight lifting again and cleaned up areas of my diet that needs it (losing long hanging ‘baby weight’) … surfing… mountain biking and running… and now, my son is joining me in parts until he can in full (and kick my booty in it 😉) . Thank you for your openness and light. God Bless you and your ohana. LIVE LIFE! Health is wealth! With Aloha 💟 from Maui

[@richmck007]

True inspiration indeed. Been mtb’ing since 1985 and now 60. If anything I have learned is that when you fall off, you get back on and continue in this life. Biking is the same, You stop because you body tells you it’s time. A Bike can be replaced when destroyed. Bodies cannot! So to ride keeps me in my stride. True lady of inspiration indeed.

[@taylorchinner2935]

Another amazing story. I’m going to show this to my wife and get her inspired to try mtbing. My two girls are already shredding two wheels at the age of 2 and 4 so can’t wait for the 4 of us to start mountain bike holidays! Awesome stuff Betty. Great inspiration

[@soccerchamp0511]

That's awesome you've gotten your girls on bikes at such a young age. I will encourage you, if you want your wife to ride, #1) don't push her to do things she's not comfortable doing and #2) be patient. When I first expressed interest in MTB my husband wasn't willing to be patient and help me learn, and he would belittle me for not being willing to do certain things. After trying a few times with him it just wasn't fun, so I stopped. A while later I decided to try again, but on my own. It was a much better experience, and now I love it! I actually ride way more than he does. Watching KZbin videos and having some friends to ride with who are either on my level or who aren't arrogant assholes has helped a lot. So keep it chill. Maybe try doing some mellow gravel riding with your wife first. That's one of the ways I helped myself become more comfortable and confident on the bike off a paved surface. (And honestly, a lot of times I still prefer gravel riding to singletrack because I'm not the greatest with technical stuff, and I love the sense of freedom I get zipping through the woods on a gravel road.) But if your wife tries gravel and likes it, then she might become more open to trying singletrack. Basically start with something that might feel more familiar, especially if she doesn't ride a bike at all, and help her work her way up to full-fledged MTB.

[@montechie]

A legend! Just what I needed nursing my mid-40s soreness contemplating another ride. Good motivation

[@GeorgeLoch]

So impressive. Her riding, her outlook, her choice to be there for her son. Truly, a remarkable human.

[@glenjo0]

This is just an awesome vid! Thanks! I get to ride (occasionally) with an older fellow that was (one year) the oldest rider on RAMROD. He's very strong, and an inspiration to all of us.

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

Never Stop. Great film& people. I whine, My better half says go work out& she is a para nordic cross country sit skier. Roaring @60. Thank you for more like this.

[@steveachter2208]

I agree, keep riding into your 90’s. Am 73 and have been mountain biking for 30 years. Have relatives that lived into their 100’s so have a lot of riding left in me.

[@AdventureMuse]

What a role model. Keep sending it Betty! Thanks Patagonia for bringing us these stories. ❤

[@williwolf7354]

Such an cool statement to mountain biking....thanks to Patagonia for making so nice Videos.

[@perrypasloski158]

Beautiful video about never stopping doing the things you love, and the world is a playground! Let's go play!

[@theaircooledcollective8600]

What a inspiration, mindset and legend!!! Deep respect!

[@kayk2148]

Wow, that is one of the most inspiring and positiv fueled Videos i seen in my life. This women is a rolemodell for all of those (us) who think that life stops after 50. If you just believe in yourself and take care on your mind and body this could happen to you. She rides in an age, where my dad starts to give up and spend his last 5 years without fun and mentalhealth. I am now nearly 46 and think that there still decades of fun and finding new trails. We got more decades of riding and naturreinere then they told us the past twenty years. So let´s rock it.

[@JubeProductions]

Right on Betty. I'm 52 and I've been riding bikes my whole life. I started riding mountain bikes in 1989. Now my wife and I both ride DH and XC trail. It's the best thing in the world to share your passion with your partner. The day I met my future wife she told me she rides mountain bikes and I asked her to marry me. That was 24 years ago and we still ride. This was a great inspirational video to show people that you can follow your passion no matter the obstacles. Looks like you have some great riding up there on the North Shore.

[@xmetal280]

That woman is fricken awesome. Keep rockin’ it!

[@juliensls]

Pure spirit 👌🏻 Keep it flowing !