Ron's First Bikepacking Trip at 71 (He's Amazing!)

[@jfmmccoll9189]

Thanks Ron, I am also 71 and continue to ride about 60 miles a week.

[@hectorpenicheperez]

You my friend are the inspiration I need to get out there. Thank you for taking Ron for his first bike packing trip.

[@tdnishio]

I too am a 71 y.o. and hiking has been my way to mingle with California nature. Due to the pandemic, I started mountain biking since the gyms and spin classes were closed. I soon realized that ascending steep craggy hills would be exhausting, so I have on order a beginner hardtail mid motor e-mtb, since full suspension e-mtb are very pricey. Thanks for posting.

[@buddyringo21]

I just turned 55 and I’m on the ketogenic diet and i recently bought a Specialized sequoia road bike and a Kona mountain bike and I am stepping up my cycling. I missed doing it so much ! The intimacy one shares with nature when cycling is just priceless! When I retire , I hope to do some nice long cycling tours in beautiful places . I’m very inspired by your video and I myself hope to inspire old farts to leave their recliner and get out cycling 🤩🇺🇸

[@zer0kelvin212]

Dear Ron, you are doing great. You look happy and healthy!

[@martinmorineau2181]

Ron you've inspired me to dust off my bike and train for a bike packing trip.Thanks man. Bye the way, my wife and I have been to Oaxaca, what a beautiful city. I would love to live there. Greetings from San Diego, California.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Super video! Lucky Ron to get to ride with Allee. Biking is for everyone who can spin the cranks! 👍☮️🌞🌟🏔🚵🏼‍♂️🏕

[@ZacharyTarbell]

As a fellow Vermonter, I'm inspired by your journey !

[@davidalderson7761]

My mum is 76 did her first bike journey across Spain last year 1000km. She only road 30km regularly prior to that. She now has 2 x QOM on STRAVA besting women 30 and 40 yrs younger. All on a standard mountain bike from Giant worth about £400. Changed the tyres of smooth ones of course.

[@vascoamaralgrilo]

Thanks, great inspiration!

[@briantyhy4880]

Ron inspiring to me. thanks for posting there is hope for me to reach my goals cheers

[@paperjourni8964]

wow wow wow I cannot believe how much inspiration this video gives me and how wholeheartedly better I feel after watching it. and that was before even listening to the music of Ron‘s adopted son. such amazing! thank you!

[@keithdouglas9848]

This is awesome! Bravo to you sir!

[@sunesnigel]

Wow! How inspiring. It's crazy that this is considered unusual! Anyhow it's still very inspiring. Thank you for putting him on your channel.

[@federicovelareyes6942]

Both of you... WELL DONE!

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

Thanks Ron!

[@edhc2180]

❤️😊 never is too late ❤️😊

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

Chapeau to the man (and to you, too, always). Kilometres! The man is clearly no hillbilly.

[@HiGridD]

What an inspiration! Great that he gained his focus between mexican hills!! :) Never saw a 71 year old riding faster :D

[@PaulFreeman1]

Inspirational character.

[@joycohen6310]

Wow. I am so inspired. Thank you!

[@RidingTheLongWayHome]

Nice story, thanks for sharing

[@sarreta01]

Awesome 😎

[@nanaksoriano5313]

good job bro

[@natkingcurrieiv1318]

🌟 GREAT VIDEO !!!... THANKS !! 🌟... 🏆 GREAT RIDER...FOR ANY AGE...BUT, A SEPTUAGENARIAN T'BOOT ..AWESOME !!!! 🏆 Subscribed...

[@879doogie]

Great video. Kudos to Ron! What was the name and model of the bike Ron was riding?

[@Cyclingabout]

2020 Giant Trance 29 3

[@879doogie]

@@Cyclingabout Thanks

[@somethingreal5042]

Bro im 15 and wanting to go on a solo bike ride from jakarta to bali should i wait a couple more years?

[@parf2665]

👏👏👏

[@panchoxbrr301]

Thanks a lot Alee, don't just tell me about the 71 year old that can drop me..........show him to me.

[@WatchJapan]

Can we all just stop the ageist comments whether explicit or implicit, now, please? You wouldn't dare make those same comments about women or people of a different skin colour, sexual identity, race or religion... Why assume anything just because someone is relatively young or old? That's as bad as assuming that someone's gender or ethnic background limits them, surely?

[@ksktest187]

Great Ron..excellent example for those who are C O A C H P O T A T O E S...

[@sheshachalamsriram3545]

😲😰😞😔

[@frankyancy1347]

Five years ago for my 70th I did 70 miles with 7,000 feet elevation gain. Hats off to us OLD GUYS

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Great video. There are a lot of us Baby Boomers out there cycling. We must keep moving to prevent rust. In November I finished an 800 mile bikepacking trip at 68. Use it or loose it. Every year we put off we'll be another year older!

[@joshuabrown9398]

I'm 27 and can't touch that mileage yet. Use it or lose it applies to so much in life

[@steveretiredandcycling]

@@joshuabrown9398 Thanks Joshua, love the video on your channel from The Onion. Best news source ever! Thanks and all the best, Steve

[@alchemist.3]

We must keep moving to prevent rust. Thank you for this quote. Will be the mantra for life.

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Age can be a huge constraint on cycling: I think you have to be at least 3 years old to start, haha. Ron has got it all together. Lean, fit, alert and most important, enjoying what he’s doing. Great video, Alee. One of your best.

[@DeniseLookingOut]

This is wonderful. I sent that to my dad. I would love to go bikepacking with him!

[@gonperes]

Ron is so agile! Thank you for this inspirational video. It's good to know that life can still be good in your 70s 👍

[@Cyclingabout]

Absolutely!

[@olewintermann6475]

I am deeply impressed. He is a role model for other older people because he shows us all what is still possible at a higher age. Thanks for sharing that experience.

[@mcgaillard]

What an inspiration from this 63 year old just when I was second guessing myself. It's never is too late. Thank you and love your travel videos and IG posts.

[@Nerudah]

Go for it! Let us know how it went please!

[@jcsrst]

Another great video!!! Way to go Ron! It is so inspiring to see older people out killing it!

[@BrianKurzweil]

I am speechless! This is what the world needs to see right now. I watched it 3 times and it hits me in the feels every time. What a wonderful video

[@Grosmeo]

Wow! that is great. I am 60 from Canada. You are living the dream I taught I was getting too old for. A source of inspiration you are. Go for it. Enjoy life, the real life.

[@richardo.9954]

Great video Alee. You never disappoint with your content and congratulations for featuring inspirational riders like Ron. He's amazing!

[@vukans595]

Grandpa is smart! He prefer to stay in Mexico enjoy life and ride a bike than to be locked up at home ''for his safety'''! ''Life is good''!

[@SaugotChowdhury]

At 38, and going through a divorce, I thought my life has ended. Silly me

[@richdome1]

63 started biking in the 60's. Started MTB 63 love the grind ,I've been teaching MMA and have played bball all my life. Cycling and bjj has prolonged having hip replacement! I wanna be like you sir when I grow up! Luckily I have students 75 and 74 that don't allow me to retire from teaching.Life is good,thank you Lord!

[@myraestrada9822]

I'm definitely enjoying cycling at 51 years old...Stay safe and healthy Ron...

[@RMJ1984]

People like this is really an inspiration. They remind the rest of us, that very rarely is it ever to late to do something. Better late than never.

[@orkamunga9466]

Big respect for Ron. Greeting from Germany. You are an inspiration to every cyclist of all ages around the world.

[@PumpkinVillage]

What a great video and what an achievement. Being a fellow Vermonter and waiting on a second big storm I could see the advantage of living in Mexico. Ron was amazing and good on him for it. Take care and thanks for sharing your sleeping pad, Al

[@eduadodeoliveira3463]

Gives me a lot of hope for my future! Thanks!

[@Calatriste54]

Good for you, bud! At 67, I'm impressed. Just can't seem to get away from a nightly Bi-Pap machine at night..

[@sfdint]

I use an oral device that fits over my tongue holding it pulled out of my mouth. You can't snore with your tongue out!

[@rogeriosq]

@@sfdint I am in the same predicament and got very interested on your device. What device is that?

[@sfdint]

@@rogeriosq There are a lot of different brands but here is one of them. You stick your tongue in it forcing the air out and creating suction that holds your tongue out. It's weird but it works and I got used to it immediately. www.walmart.com/ip/Spencer-2Pack-Anti-Snoring-Tongue-Device-Silicone-Sleep-Anti-Snore-Device-Apnea-Aid-Snore-Stopper-Tongue-Retainer-Blue/790675121?athcpid=790675121&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=30b2baf3-007-177b56bb3a0dd9&athancid=null&athena=true

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

@@sfdint that is for people who suffer from OSA but won't work for someone who need bilevel ventilation.

[@charliesimar7541]

Ron, thank you for helping me redefine what aging can be. I started karate when I turned 70, 3 years ago. Now, I am a brown belt working toward black, and I ride my bike to and from the dojo. And you come along to give me ideas about bikepacking. Well done, sir!

[@jcoterhals]

In my opinion this is the most inspirational video you've posted so far. Although I'm a couple of decades younger than Ron, his fitness level on the bicycle sure beats mine. But that makes me want to go out and improve (although a little difficult in the full Norwegian winter we have here now). So thanks to both you and Ron for giving me a gentle push.

[@jedibusiness789]

I'm almost 60 and have ridden bikes off and on for all my life. Stumbled on Ali video's and dusted off and tuned my Xtracycle, Frankenbike, and Trek 1000. Doing 14 miles a day and yesterday did 28, all slow rolling flat with the goal of working my way to the Sierra's. I'll let Ali do heavy lift and cycle the world. For me I'll work a patch on the left coast.

[@Honyakker]

I met Ron on the Lake Champlain causeway outside of Burlington VT a few years ago. He was welcoming riders to use the ferry that crosses the opening in the causeway, first day of operation for the summer season. (Possibly the shortest ferry route in the world: just a couple of hundred feet!) In a way, Ron changed my cycling life: he was wearing a large rearview mirror on his helmet, and he swore by it. Later that day, I got one of my own at the big bike-and-ski shop in downtown Burlington. I thought, What a cool guy. So good to see him here! All the best, Ron! Safe travels.

[@sfdint]

I started riding and then bikepacking at age 68, but I'm too old to get into mountain biking. That is some challenging looking terrain!

[@Cyclingabout]

Ron gained a lot of confidence just this year by upgrading to a full-suspension bike! Perhaps, it's not too late?

[@sfdint]

@@Cyclingabout Biking for me is about finding the right balance between challenge and comfort. I just don't enjoy the rough surfaces, slow climbs and terrifying descents of mountain biking. I ride about 5000 miles a year on roads and gravel trails. For my 70th birthday celebration I plan to ride the GAP C&O rail trail from Pittsburgh to DC. That's the right kind of challenge for me!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@sfdint You will love the GAP-C&O trails, I rode them when I retired, very nice, gentle grade mostly, beautiful scenery. Rail trails are great: Katy Trail, Mickelson, Lakes Region in MN. Happy trails!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Alee in yourself you are very inspiring but being 70 myself and thinking it was too late to start Ron is especially inspiring as well. I should add as David in the comments mum is too. Seems its not too late then. All I need now is to get through this pandemic. Stay safe. Ted

[@ha5mth]

What a legend! Hope I’m able to ride like him in my 70s. 👍🏼

[@sklivello]

No politics. Just escape from real world deep into the nature. Very sorry that you do not see, do not show how people, how nature suffers from capitalism...

[@horaciodedona3912]

I'm with you Ron, I'm also almost 71 and planning my trip to Argentina from Canada (east side ) to Banff and down to south America. Salud

[@Samthemancharles]

At 62, I cycle 4-5 days a week, commuting, recreation and everything. This is the inspiration to go on a trip, thanks.

[@bor4oborisov]

Great guys. That’s amazing. Keep biking and have great time with friends

[@JakeLuke308]

You're never over the hill if you can still get up the hill. Thanks for introducing us to Ron.

[@larrywebber2971]

Total respect for both of you. Beautiful scenery and a great video!. My ride is a olding a folding bike whenever and wherever I can. p.s. I'm Ron's age.

[@felipericketts]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to some bike packing in my future. :-)

[@Janssen76]

Thank you Alee for sharing, Ron is truly an inspiration for a lot of us. I can only hope to have such a good spirit and shape when I reach his age. Ride on safely!

[@easterlake]

I ride RAGBRAI every year (annual 450 miles across Iowa) a couple years ago I met a lady who rode her first Ragbrai at the age if 60 and she was on her 23rd. Also, a 91 year old gentleman completed it in 2019.

[@edwardhasiak7961]

What is the RAGBRAI?

[@rogeriosq]

@@edwardhasiak7961 Its the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. Occurs every summer

[@edwardhasiak7961]

@@rogeriosq Thank you.

[@silcas]

I was 79 yesterday. Just waiting for the lockdown to ease, before I will go on my 1st bikepacking to the mountain province here in the Philippines.

[@Cyclingabout]

That's so great to hear! Good luck!

[@valentin3142]

WOW, what a role model Ron is! And do not even get me started on how incredibly good your videos are... You posses the talent of a whole Hollywood filming and editing crew.

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm really glad you like my films!

[@ProfeBenjamin]

What is the sleeping pad that you like that Ron enjoyed so much? Great video, I’m 62 and riding a ton

[@Cyclingabout]

Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated

[@hardhang]

and i am doubting myself at 59 ...

[@Average-J-O-E-]

I wait eagerly for your next video each and every month. You are by far my favorite cycling KZbinr not to mention the best

[@Cyclingabout]

Wow, thanks! 😊

[@edenbreckhouse]

I got my first proper MTB last year. Thinking of doing the Transamerica trail next year (5000km). I'll be 58 then. The only time when you're too old Is when you're dead.

[@michaeltillman886]

Sir, this is very inspirational. You see, I'm 69, and I us to ride seriously back in the early 1980s, and man do I ever miss my machine, "A Raleigh Composition GS." A really great bike.I love watching this video, and you stay with it. Peace my friend!!!!

[@kssrider6766]

This is my goal. Multiday (more than 1 week) bikepacking and bike touring is out for me at the moment. Need to see my kids through college before I can even think about taking bike trips. Earliest I can start is at 64 so this video is right up my alley. Thanks for posting. And keep enjoying your bike packing trips, Ron!!!

[@jmoir87]

A lovely inspiring video. Go Ron!

[@Bunny-Power]

Yeah, why returning to the SF Bay Area ever when you can do such amazing stuff? When I am done working, my wife and I will leave the SF Bay Area on a bicycle for good, too!

[@edwin_V]

Respect . Inspiring!

[@macktv8192]

Watching from the Philippines looking good ser. ❤️💙💜💚🖤💛🚴‍♀️

[@bikenbeers]

Great video. Inspiring stuff from Ron. Although I'm a 61-year-old cyclist and I have been cycling consistently for over 20 years now, I've never done bike packing. But it's on my bucket list once we get more free from Covid. Cheers.

[@DouglasDeck]

IMPRESSIVE! Kickass Sir.

[@3232groundhog]

Ron’s got the right attitude. Life is good (no matter what life throws at you and it’s never too late to do something for the first time). For anyone thinking about doing this, just ask yourself “when was the last time I did something for the first time?”. You don’t need all the gear. Just do it! Absolutely love the song too.

[@8paolo96]

i've met people at 50 that look way older than him, please tell me what's his secret to arrive at 71 like that!

[@Cyclingabout]

A low-stress lifestyle, mental health management, healthy food, lots of exercise!

[@8paolo96]

@@Cyclingabout ok, i've really to work on the first two

[@countyphotographer]

Great personal story. Great footage. Do you mount a GoPro frontwards and backwards views on your helmet? Did the GoPro ever corrupt all of the video you made on that micro SD card? Happened to me twice and now I’m afraid to use it till I see if it’s something about the cards and/or formatting.

[@sophiecassel5014]

YES Ron! Sending love from snowy Burlington. Sharing this with all my 70+ cycling family.

[@xaxaxa1974]

At 71, people become wise and understand that it is necessary to travel by bicycle ))) 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jamesquigley8628]

Thanks for this. I have 2.5 years to get there. But the temps in the minus zero degrees F. slow me down. I live vicariously in your videos until I can get out again. Be Well.

[@Andres_Suarez]

What happened to the rest of the trip up in the states and Canada? Did you completed it? I’m looking forward to make a tour around my province British Colombia Canada, I need inspiration, and you are for sure, but I want to see you in action in Canada!

[@curtvaughan2836]

Will be turning 70 in about 7 weeks. I'm bicycling again on my old Klein mtb (got overhauled during the pandemic) and Rans Cruz crank-forward. Might invest in a modern mountain bike soon, after watching this video. Likely won't do anything this epic, but would like to expand my cycling horizons a little while a still can. Great video!

[@michaljambor7772]

Beautiful content. I imagine (or fear) at that age my cycling habbits will get more gravel-ish, rather than mountain dirt road-y. Unless we're all on 'battery support' at that point. Although the right MTB setup might comfort older bones, I see.

[@frankw8171]

Absolutely awsome Ron, what a beautiful place to live, hey and remember for every uphill struggle, there has to be a downhill reward lol, take care you guys.

[@CauliflowerEars1]

The lovely singing in the background 5:49 says "I'm an ugly fart that knows how to love!" Can a native Spanish speaker please correct me. Please!

[@S161064]

Hello from UK i am 56 years old and will be starting to ride again this year when weather picks up . i have 2 bikes at the moment which i picked up .one is a gt avalanche mountain bike .the other is a retro road bike a Peugeot roadbike. can you give me any tips as i have not ridden a bike in years. great video wish we in the UK had weather like you have over there .

[@hamhamhamhamify]

Really love this Alee, hope I'm still on my bike trying new things at 71! Thanks for your video, I came to this a bit late...

[@annemariekekelders8120]

Nice inspirational video we my wife and me are 76 and still making Bike trips for about 10 days Fo by car to a nice surounding and than fo of. By the way Ron your posision on the bike is a bit low is their a reson for? Maybe to get your feet easier to the ground? But lots of compliments keep on going Theo The Netherlands

[@basa5333]

This is fun to watch adventure. With the basic gear to be prepared and not to be overwhelmed with unnecessary weight. Ron I have been cycling and camping on and off every other year and I am 64 so have fun by exercising that's health for your mind and body.

[@dr.hasanhabiburrahaman1553]

Both Alee and Ron secured in Cycling lovers heart permanently for their enormous inspiration!, Almighty bless them !

[@michaelvikhman7926]

What a bloody fantastic video. Thank you for making it, we'll done.

[@phillipstonehouse1381]

Agree this is inspirational, although older riders need to be extra careful as their bodies don’t recover so well from falls, which are par for the course with mountain biking, bike packing and cycle touring. Younger riders just bounce, but old bodies break easily and don’t mend well. Nevertheless, it is great to see so many older riders giving it a go.