RAGBRAI 2018-Luke's Inspirational Story-Ryan and Ali Bike Across America-Ep 23

RAGBRAI is without a doubt, the most fun bike event that I've ever participated in!
I'm excited to announce that Ali and I are riding across the USA! We're riding Trek's new gravel bikes, the Checkpoint, and the goal is to take the road less traveled in search of great people and inspiring stories. Besides profiling the wonderful people along the way, we'll be asking everyone for LOVE advice. Our route will take us from Oregon to New York and WE WANT YOU to help out. If you have any ideas of places to visit, friends to meet, or burritos to eat, find us on social media and point us in the right direction.
Help support my channel
Patreon: / ryanvanduzer
Paypal Tip Jar: bit.ly/RyanVanD...
SUBSCRIBE TO DUZERTV FOR ENDLESS ADVENTURE! ► tinyurl.com/jex...
This is the playlist for all the #LoveCycles videos tinyurl.com/yb...
Here's a map of our entire route:tinyurl.com/y7...
Info on RAGBRAI: ragbrai.com
Connect with me on Instagram
Ryan / duzer
*Welcome to DuzerTV* This channel is dedicated to inspiring viewers to get off their couches and explore this beautiful world (or even your backyard). You'll find videos about biking, running, trekking, traveling, do goodery, and anything that involves being outside and enjoying life. Join #TeamDuzer and let's have some fun!
Our Gear: *most of it
We're riding Trek's awesome new Checkpoint gravel bikes
Ryan's Bike (ALR 5): tinyurl.com/yb...
Ali's bike (SL5): tinyurl.com/y9...
Bike Stuff:
Ortlieb Back Roller Plus: tinyurl.com/y7...
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 PLus: tinyurl.com/yc...
Ortlieb Saddle Bag: tinyurl.com/jy...
Green Guru top tube bag 'Stasher': tinyurl.com/ya...
Schwalbe Marathon Plus 404 Tires: tinyurl.com/yc...
Bontrager Ion 800 front light and Flare R Rear Light: tinyurl.com/y7...
Clothes N Stuff:
Ryan's Smith Helmet 'Overtake': tinyurl.com/ya...
Ali's Smith Helmet 'Network't: tinyurl.com/y9...
Ryan's Smith Sunglasses 'Langley': tinyurl.com/yc...
Ali's Smith Sunglasses 'Westgate': tinyurl.com/ya...
Eleven Pine Convertible Shorts: www.elevenpine...
Keen Bike Sandals' Commuter': tinyurl.com/y9...
Showers Pass Apex tech shirt: tinyurl.com/yc...
Showers Pass Trailhead Merino Hoodie: tinyurl.com/y9...
Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell
Camp Stuff:
Thermarest Xlite Max SV-tinyurl.com/yc...
MSR Carbon Reflex 2 tent: tinyurl.com/y8...
Thermarest OHM 900 Fill Down Sleeping Bag
Thermarest Sleeping Pad Coupler
inflatable Solar Powered Luci Light: mpowerd.com
MSR-Water Filter: www.msrgear.co...
Camera And Tech Gear:
Sony A6500
Sony 4k Action Cam FDRX3000
Rode VideoMicPro Plus
DJI Mavic Air
JOBY Gorilla Pod
La Cie 4tb Rugged Thunderbolt Drive
Goal Zero PowerBank
Amazon Fire 7
Macbook Pro 13inch
Tools:
Lezyne Micro Floor Pump
2 Pedros Tire Irons
Crank Brothers Multi Tool
Tri Flo Chain Lube
Patch Kit
Contact: [e-mail]
www.duzertv.com

[@duzer]

Happy Friday everyone! I really hope you enjoy meeting our new friends Luke, Kevin and the wonderful couple at the end, Beverly and Glen (married 70 years!), They made day 2 so meaningful. Ok---back to editing :)

[@nicktisdell9673]

oh my god! we first meet Kevin from Minnesota! Finally watching the full series of this! Making me smile every episode, LOVE it! =-D Thx!

[@BMad-we6qf]

Just a shout out to the gentleman on his weight loss journey: congratulations and keep up the good work! YOU are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. And thank you to Ryan and Ali for connecting us with him.

[@duzer]

Luke is an amazing man, and so glad that he shared his story for us...I hope he inspires many more!

[@bradj7900]

Man enough to admit I’m 2 minutes into this video and already have watery eyes listening to Luke tell his story.

[@duzer]

I did too. Got a little choked up when I was filming him

[@andrewobrien2447]

Just stopped video at 5 minutes to write this, your having a very positive impact on people Ryan, keep up positive things you do Ryan, much respect mate

[@duzer]

Thanks Andrew, appreciate the kind words...I'm just trying to show the good things (and people) in this world. Been a fun ride

[@cali_weejock]

Luke Youngs story. Just amazing :-) So glad he found your channel, let alone meeting you in person. If you're reading the comments Luke, well done to you sir! Keep up the good work :-) Great so many modes of pedal power :-)

[@duzer]

bish2t Luke is a force! I talked to him today. He’s still going strong on the bike.

[@kimrice394]

I never would have understood RAGBRAI as well without your videos. Thanks.

[@duzer]

Kim Rice there’s more to come!

[@ScottStith]

Luke's story is beautiful, so happy you met and he shared. What a wonderful episode!

[@duzer]

Thanks, meeting Luke was a very impactful moment

[@markwhite4295]

Loved that. Especially the 70 year married couple. Ali, your quote is part of a quote from a famous football player, Deion Sanders; who used to say, "If you look good, you play good, If you play good, they pay good, and if they pay good, life is good."

[@AlisaGeiser]

Ha! Love it! I'm going to have to integrate :-)

[@E.R.Schnaben]

Been watching all your videos for this courageous bike journey. Thirty-six years ago, I made a somewhat similar cross country ride of 1500 miles. Your images are very reminiscent of that 1982 ride from California to Illinois. I still have that bicycle. However, now I ride an e-bike to make my current shorter tours up and down the Southern California coastline possible. There really is nothing like a self contained , no supporting vehicle, bike tour to get in touch with nature and yourself no matter how far the ride is. We do what we are able to endure. Beautiful ride, you two

[@duzer]

Michael Skopes bike travel is my favorite way to see the world!

[@nonoririko2056]

Don't underestimate your impact duzer! You've gotten a lot of us out and moving, like the original motivation of your tv short realized!

[@duzer]

Thanks my friend, it's an amazing feeling to actually meet someone in person that I've inspired...makes all this feel much more important.

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

I Love RAGBRAI.. there are a million moments in RAGBRAI.. And I get to experience a 1,000 of them... everyday.. " Wicked Awesome"...

[@duzer]

so true!

[@leewalling8667]

Luke is so inspirational!!!

[@duzer]

he really is!

[@atraildog]

Love the videos! After seeing negative news every day, it's good to toon in to see someone showing the simple but ever powerful things in life. Safe travels as you explore on, may God bless!

[@duzer]

I agree, news has been tough to swallow lately, glad that I can counter all that with some old fashioned goodness

[@idratherberiding3456]

Loved the older couple. Maybe they had never had this conversation before. They just live love, not knowing how to define it. What bliss.

[@duzer]

I agree, there was beauty in their simple answers, they just 'are.'

[@mvs3553]

Ryan you inpacted my life in a way as well your video on winter biking was the final push I needed to commute in the winters. I live in denver and I was like hey this guy bikes as welll in Colorado and so can I. Your videos on biking through cuba introduced me to Touring.

[@duzer]

My fellow Coloradan!! So cool that you're a winter rider, how bout today? brrrrrr. Thanks for watching my vids, stay tuned for more!

[@mvs3553]

@@duzer lol,Yeah it was a little rainy but it was good got a new winter riding jacket thats hig vis cause I was looking like a ninja last winter got some continental 4 season tires and headed out. I also order a bunch of those neck warmers like you suggested .

[@joangregg4378]

Just put RAGBRAI in my bucket list

[@duzer]

It's a good one to have on the list!

[@RedHeadAgent]

Wow! You have changed someone's life Ryan! There is no greater accomplishment. Luke's story brought tears to my eyes because of his joy in meeting you - his mentor. Well Done! Something a wise person once told me, "They are always watching you. You make an impression even when you don't know it." Congratulations on a job well done!

[@duzer]

Luke is an amazing guy, we still talk regularly.

[@pamelakay3895]

"I need to be like that guy." Your videos never fail to bring tears to my eyes (but not bawl, oh okay, sometimes I bawl my eyes out).

[@pamelakay3895]

Okay, I'm bawling again.

[@duzer]

awwww, we all need to be like Luke :)

[@rm709]

GO LUKE!!!!!! You are amazing man!!!!

[@duzer]

He's awesome!

[@FSEVENMAN]

Yet another awesome posting Ryan I got to tell you seeing you with that guy who flagged you down and lost all that weight was spectacular. I hope you know that's just one guy, you have inspired so many people with your positive attitude and your wonderful outlook on life. I love the fact that you don't drive dude, keep up the great work and good luck to you and Ali... please keep the videos coming...

[@duzer]

Thanks my friend, it was a very touching moment to meet Luke..his story is incredible.

[@marianlenehan9618]

Great to hear Luke’s story....wishing him and his family all the best. Well done Ryan for being such a positive inspiration

[@duzer]

Luke is an amazing man!

[@HOWBAZARY]

You guy's don't hold back, it is refreshing to hear real people talk truth. Makes me want to go for a ride! Is the is Heaven, No It's Iowa! Can't wait for when you get to the Davenport Iowa video. God be with you, Agape and phileo.

[@pdxtoworld]

My first day after a 26 day trek through the Everest region, and I’m dreaming of Iowa over a plate of Tibetan noodles! Love that i have a few episodes ti catch up on, and really powerful to hear Luke’s life shift. Best from Boudha, Nepal.

[@jimbeam1901]

Thanks for shinning a light on small town, middle america! Lots of fun to be had here

[@danaelizabethx]

I had a huge smile on my face for this whole video!!! Great stories from everyone you interviewed!!!!

[@duzer]

Thanks, it was one of our best days on the trip, so inspiring!

[@larrydaniels6532]

I am filled with nostalgia while viewing this trip across my home state.Very well done,thank you for your positivity.I don't remember a video with the number of views that yours have with so few "thumbs down",I am sure that the 2 that voted that way were slips of the keyboard.

[@stevesherman1871]

I smiled through the WHOLE video !! Keep the inspiration and positive vibes coming !!!!

[@duzer]

Thanks Steve!

[@keithatdti]

You have inspired me and my wife to push our biking farther. We have been talking about trying a small bike packing trip next summer, as we are starting to see snow already. Keep up the great work and can't wait to see the next video.

[@duzer]

Do it!!! I promise that you'll love it!

[@drewlucero3916]

🔴How COOL is Luke🥇. This Love Cycle Adventure was so awesome I had to watch 4 times👀😁📸🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴📸🙏

[@duzer]

Luke is the coolest!!! So glad you enjoyed hearing his story

[@amanekabbaj]

Awesome for that guy! So happy for him. You must also feel amazing

[@duzer]

I'm so happy for him too, just talked to him this morning, he's doing great!

[@trevorwild195]

Hi Ryan, where did you find all those cool acoustic guitar background music? Man, your videos are addictive!

[@duzer]

I get all my music from Epidemic Sounds, a website with a music library

[@NinthwaveThe]

I just shed a tear again when you interviewed this 70 years married couple.

[@duzer]

Yeah, they were so sweet!!

[@butikitoo6403]

Hey Ryan, I stumbled across your love ride videos when you first started the trip. Since then i have watched many of your adventures. I know you hear this a lot and i hope it still sinks in, you are a true inspiration! Watching your video have placed a more than a few item on my bucket list. At the top would be RAGBRAI, and Caballo Blanco! Thanks for keeping it positive.

[@duzer]

Thanks my friend! RAGBRAI and Caballo Blanco are both near and dear to my heart, so fortunate to be able to participate in these events. Thanks for watching my channel and stay tuned for more!

[@rosariolobo7192]

Ryan seriously when you entered the picture at 2:55 I started smiling cuz I 'm not joking you do have that effect in people. You make people smile and even laugh. Do you think you're a bike angel? hahaha. I'm not kidding! I get what Luke said about the "funk" he felt at one point and I did what he did. Fast foward here cuz this is not about my experience but his. Then you gave him the signature hug. Awwww.. you just gotta love that moment! Love it love it love it! The encouragement he got from you he's passing it on to everyone. Then there's Kevin who's bold and courageous about his faith in GOD. I appreciate that very much! Good thing I didn't cry in this episode cuz I'm running out of tissue but nevertheless it left a joy in my heart. I'm so in love with life right now. I'll let you know when I find the right words for all of what I feel. Thank you, Ryan!

[@duzer]

Rosario!! Your comments always fill my heart with joy, seriously. This day was one of our best, met so many incredible people...who will now be friends forever

[@rosariolobo7192]

Back at ya Ryan! We only give back what we receive from you, Ali and this channel! Happy people likes to be around happy people. Thank you for creating friendships along your adventures and valuing each one of them. That's what makes this channel different from the rest out there :)

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Luke's story is incredible, good luck Luke, you're epic!

[@duzer]

He sure is epic! So glad we ran into him!

[@marybachmann]

I'm either cryin' or laughin'! Your segments just get better and better!

[@duzer]

awwww, thanks!

[@jannoabz]

very inspiring, ryan, hope to see more people saying they're staying positive because of committing their life to cycling.

[@duzer]

Abe Cerojano me too! Or running, or hiking or anything that makes them push their limits and be outside

[@alexharris5985]

I’ve got a cramp in both my cheeks from smiling through this video😯; didn’t know my cheeks could cramp up but it’s well worth the discomfort =Thanks you 2

[@duzer]

alex harris cramped cheeks is a sure sign of a life well lived:) thanks for watching!

[@bking0220]

I love each episode a little more than the one before! Nice.

[@damon123jones]

I love the fellows story about his heart 😊❤

[@duzer]

Luke is incredible!

[@jeffkelley4055]

Hoping these episodes continue for the rest of the year. Quality man

[@duzer]

I'm editing like crazy, there will be A LOT more :)

[@5Placas]

Fantastic series of videos! And, Luke is my hero!

[@0622michaelhorne]

I love Luke's positivity! Well done, mate! :-)

[@tonycastro6805]

It’s true you and Ali are inspirational and I want a picture too!!!

[@duzer]

awwww, come find us, we'd love a selfie with you :)

[@ianmatlock1]

Plowing my way through you video playlist. Great videos. Different from other bike channels. Really enjoying.

[@duzer]

Glad you like them! I try my best to show the human side of bike travel

[@johnnydoe66]

You gotta love the words of wisdom from the episode. Love doesn't have to be complicated and overdone, but it does take a commitment and a willingness to make it work. I agree, nowadays too many couples already look at marriage as fleeting, if it doesn't work, they get divorced and try another relationship. Society has made divorce as the norm which is sad. I know in some cases it's needed (My sister for one, was in a abusive relationship), but like at the beginning, it's not all about the physical, it's what on the inside.

[@duzer]

I totally agree, when you commit, you follow through, communicate, problem solve, and ride the waves of the ups and downs. That goes for work, relationships and finishing a place of beans :)

[@jcjc7783]

Watching your ride through Iowa when I do my ride I think I’ll have to plan to go!

[@duzer]

jc jc do it!

[@lynnjeppesen4311]

Love your video's, especially the ones on Ragbrai. Would like to see you do video's on Midwest rail trails. Lots of really long trails in MN, WI, and IA.

[@duzer]

I'll try to get to those sometime!

[@benulfers6861]

Man you killed it with this video! That first interview was great. You seem to be able to find a lot of interesting people on these trips, or maybe you’re just really good at finding what’s interesting in everyone. Can’t wait to see the next video. Also really curious what you are going to do after you wrap up with all the videos from this trip. What’s next for Duzer?

[@duzer]

Thanks, running into Luke was incredible. Not sure about my next adventure...still in dream mode :)

[@mrunner7671]

That is Awesome! Keep it going!

[@duzer]

Thanks!!

[@quitodbq]

Really love your videos Ryan! I just signed up for Ragbrai 2019 and can’t wait! Also would love to do the Cuba trip some day to. I agree with Luke, thanks for being an inspiration!

[@duzer]

Luke is THE MAN! You are gonna LOVE RAGBRAI

[@rocbola]

What, you guys timed it right so you could do RAGBRAI!? I was watching one of your videos while i was in one of the overnight towns on RAGBRAI this year and you guys were in Oregon or something. I thought "well at least he is missing RAGBRAI for something cool". Glad to see you made it.

[@duzer]

the videos are a bit delayed...and I'm so glad that we timed it right for RAGBRAI! BEst week ever

[@barrylafleur6220]

Wow Ryan and Ali. RAGBRAI looks awesome. I found you about six months ago and have watched a lot of your previous posts. I find myself waiting excitedly for each new episode. My current bike fixation is road biking, but this Touring looks awesome. Maybe I'll add RAGBRAI to my bucket list. Thanks again. no flatties, no whammies! Have fun.

[@duzer]

RAGBRAI is INCREDIBLE! Thanks for following the adventures, I love sharing them with the world.

[@robertbotta6536]

Dude? How do you make every one of these better than the last? You two are AWESOME! Would either of you consider running for POTUS? Please.

[@duzer]

Hmmmm, Ryan and Ali 2020...that would make a pretty solid team :)

[@robertbotta6536]

You both have my vote for sure.

[@erniecoil8375]

Another two thumbs up. Great stuff!

[@duzer]

Ernie Coil thanks Ernie!

[@kevinlooney8200]

There is something to be said about being a good tractor driver 😂 Fun video

[@duzer]

haha! It's an important skill!

[@skat3stepvirgo]

Thought I saw you two in Colorado today!!!

[@duzer]

You probably did, we're back home!

[@SnCroadster]

Wow!!! So nice

[@sapinva]

Keep it up Luke!

[@duzer]

YESSS!! Go Luke Go!

[@Sunny_B4]

Loving the videos!

[@duzer]

Thanks!

[@davidzuk]

So awesome!!! This was my first year doing RAGBRAI and this video really brings back memories of all the stops. I watched your previous videos getting ready for the trip. I have a question though. So I took some video at RAGBRAI, as well as burning man, and a bunch of skydiving videos; the problem I have is that I feel I'm taking away from the moment by recording what's going on, but I love watching and editing the videos later on to remind me of the experiences. Do you have any suggestions on the proper amount to take video or when to just live in the moment?

[@duzer]

That is the million dollar question, and it's something that I struggle with a lot. I always say that the adventure comes first, filming second. Do I always do that? No, but I try. I've gotten pretty comfortable with doing both at once, and enjoying both equally. Not sure if that helps, but as long as you're loving the moment, you're doing it right.

[@michaelp1109]

Wow! I have got to do this sometime. Im trying to figure out how all your gear gets moved, etc. Seems thats the most complicated part.

[@johnnydoe66]

They usually have semi trucks to haul your bags on these cross state rides. On Oklahoma Freewheel they do it that way.

[@michaelp1109]

@@johnnydoe66 thanks. I'll have to check into this.

[@michaelp1109]

@@johnnydoe66 thanks. I'll have to check into this.

[@duzer]

A lot of people come to ragbrai with a group of friends, and someone drives a van with all the gear (and they switch off). There's are also services that carry all your stuff...or you can be like us, and carry all your gear (we're called 'baggers').

[@michaelp1109]

@@duzer are you able to just pick a spot to sleep/camp or do you have to have something reaerved? Thanks again...love the videos.

[@jonandrus1648]

Love your videos!

[@duzer]

Thanks!!

[@kidgiven]

Can i ask how much your expenses were for that week? i see you stopped a lot at the vendors in what i watched. i woke up in the early darkness and was too the next overnight town by 9:30-10am. Its interesting to see the places i saw empty with thousands of bikes a long lines. Beakmans was barely even ready to serve when i saw them in the AM.

[@duzer]

I probably spent about 30-40 dollars a day on food...we took the slow route and stopped everywhere

[@gingerpinoadventures]

I think Team GingerPino will join Team Duzer on this event next year eh!

[@duzer]

Let's unite!!

[@gingerpinoadventures]

@@duzer it will be an epic ride. I'll keep biking during winter so I stay in shape eh?

[@petergeiser8727]

Another heart warming episode but what happened to the paniers?

[@duzer]

We gave them to our friend (in a car) for day 1 and 2

[@racingsponga]

Corn on the grill 👍🏽👍🏽

[@duzer]

Hardheaded Jarhead so tasty

[@charliehobson33]

great :-) I can't access RAGBRAI website from EU for some reason

[@duzer]

weird, it should work!

[@charliehobson33]

@@duzer yeah, I think there must be a new EU law, because some websites state they cannot be visible in EU, this one stated that.

[@jeffreywalker4133]

Dear Ali, some great almond flour pie crust recipes on the Internet, you just can't roll it out, you have to flatten the dough into the pie plate with your hands. It makes an incredible crust. And almond flour waffle recipes on the Net as well. Here is a great recipe for chocolate chocolate chip almond flour cookies of high nutrition: In the dry bowl- 2 cups of almond flour, 1/2 cup of dark chocolate powder, 1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder, mix all. In the wet bowl or glass 1/2 cup walnut oil, 2 Tbs. vanilla, 1/2 cup of maple syrup. Combine the two and add 2/3 cup chopped pecans, 2/3 cup of chocolate chips. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet, flatten with your hand. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

[@racingsponga]

Everyone was fine eating Gluten untill now

[@douglasherr4645]

Hardheaded Jarhead yes, what is all this about gluten? Never heard about it until the last couple years

[@stevewalther2293]

I know right? Just propaganda.

🚴

[@tarawalker7259]

Too u cute,make me want ice cream,lol

[@duzer]

me too

[@Durin_Son]

How did you know this was The woman for you? She lived around the corner...😔

[@DeterminedDIYer]

My husband still calls me his girlfriend to his friends lol. He thinks wife has bad connotations to the people he works with. One guy, when he said that, said "you mean your wife?" He said, "she's that too, but she's also my friend." I think it's sweet that he always emphasizes that our relationship is more than a chore or a title. He wears a wedding ring so when he says my girlfriend, it confuses people. It makes me laugh because I'll be right there and he'll say, "this is my girlfriend Beth." They think he's cheating on his wife haha.

[@duzer]

Beth Ann awwww, what a sweetie

[@itsallspent]

All that corn going to make alcohol

[@thomasallen4340]

NOPE some of goes into making canned corn for shipping to stores

[@itsallspent]

Number ten can of golden batom corn. Bob Prince refering to a outfield fly ball

[@coolercooler642]

The guy in the Iowa corn shirt is one of the reasons the planet is dying

[@mtbgo7860]

The girl Ali is not at all into this video. He the feeling she does not like being filmed.

[@coolercooler642]

I unsubscribed

[@duzer]

Cooler Cooler happy trails!