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

[@frankyancy1347]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jfmmccoll9189]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@DeniseLookingOut]

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

[@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!

[@hectorpenicheperez]

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

[@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.

[@orkamunga]

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

[@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.

[@jcsrst]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@myraestrada9822]

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

[@Samthemancharles]

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

[@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.

[@JakeLuke308]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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 🤩🇺🇸

[@richardo.9954]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@sophiecassel5014]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@zer0kelvin212]

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

[@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.

[@bor4oborisov]

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

[@carltonbirds]

Awesome, hope I’m still cycling when I’m his age, a thumbs up to him and much respect.

[@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.

[@ha5mth]

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

[@rex758]

You are an inspiration, IM 62 I'm thinking about going backpacking and touring the USA. + Hiking, i came across your video, I so glad i watch it. thank you for sharing the video, Way to go! Great, Go Ron!!!!

[@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! 😊

[@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!

[@Bohonk212]

Old is Gold! 66 here looking to bikepack the Great Divide Trail soon. Hiked the AT at 63.

[@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!

[@cjohnson3836]

I really like this video. I'm not nearly as old as Ron. Probably not as old as many of the other viewers. But, I still find it inspirational. In a time when my generation in my country has been bludgeoned with 2 economic recessions (really, one should be elevated to depression), and fewer prospects in career choices in my specialty, it feels like a lot of the dreams I've had are now out of reach. Its nice to see that maybe someday I can do them, even if not as early as I'd like.

[@kathleenhart707]

So inspiring, will be 61 next spin around the planet. Still time!

[@eduadodeoliveira3463]

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

[@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.

[@secretdaisy6484]

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

[@vascoamaralgrilo]

Thanks, great inspiration!

[@michaelvikhman7926]

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

[@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.

[@VK5FR]

Mate, you are a gentleman and a scholar...well done on mentoring your senior. I hope you gained something as well...Brilliant!

[@Cyclingabout]

Thanks! Ron is a great role model for me. The next 40 years of my life will have been a roaring success if I'm anywhere near as kind, generous, playful and open to new experiences as Ron is at 71.

[@briantyhy4880]

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

[@farnorthpicker56]

Ron you’re awesome! I’ve just gotten into riding Bush trails with my mountain bike the last couple of years, in my 60’s. You are an inspiration 😊👍

[@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...

[@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.

[@cliveappleton5210]

Thanks Ali ; I remember meeting you at the bike shop in camberwell ( Vic Aust ) when I bought my first trek bike ( and my wife her pinarelleo ) now we have 2 trek gravel bikes. At 70 this year I plan to embark on longer trips in Aust ; love your videos ; we are younger as we embrace older age on bikes !!

[@Cyclingabout]

I'm really glad to hear you're doing well, Clive! 70 is a great age to embark on some longer trips. 💪🏼

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

I hope I am still doing that kinda stuff when I'm in my 70s. Rock On Ron!!!

[@salorjim1000]

Ron is an inspiration! I am 65 and have always loved bikes but never became a consistent rider. I have a recumbent trike which I am converting to e-assist which will allow me to get in shape faster. I have a Co Motion Americano I wanted to take cross country but thought it may be too late. I think Ron proves otherwise. I also just had a Co Motion Klatch gravel bike with pinion gear box made so I would like to do some bike packing too! Both my Co Motions frames break down to put in a suitcase so I could travel out of the US if I get that adventures. Thanks for making this video as it helps folks my age know that we can still get out and do these things. I see a lot of other comments by folks in their 60's and older.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Go Ron! I'm 68 and rode half the GDMBR summer 2021.

[@markfurnari]

An Inspiration Ron, your drive has always impressed me!

[@astarkdan]

what an inspiration! cycling can be for everyone.

[@dr.hasanhabiburrahaman1553]

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

[@daroilaurigue8796]

Good for both of you guys just take care and stay safe....god guide us always....

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@wimjansen7453]

Love it and it is never too late for anything! Keep riding you both!

[@ZacharyTarbell]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@mattabouttrails]

Nice one Ron 👍. Really enjoying watching these old dogs out there having adventures. Gives me hope, that I'll still be doing it myself. Just need to keep looking after the body, mind & soul.

[@felipericketts]

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

[@jmoir87]

A lovely inspiring video. Go Ron!

[@Eric-rt6tg]

What a really great and inspiring story. What a great guy💪🏻. Thanks for sharing this.👍

[@bartvangorp]

Very inspiring and a lot of respect for the both of you !!

[@andersonnelsoncardosovieir7564]

His willpower is liberator. Motivational content.

[@artcabrera4075]

Great job Ron ty for the motivation,really like your son's song great stuff keep it up!!

[@petiot11]

You are awesome guys. Ron, I want to age like you: strong, wise and happy!

[@keithdouglas9848]

This is awesome! Bravo to you sir!

[@IntrepidGlobalCitizen]

Very inspiring! Keep riding Ron!

[@HiGridD]

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

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

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

[@andyvu8513]

Cycling keeps the mind and body younger. Great video!

[@ridelikeawind3597]

Always enjoy of what ur doin....stay safe sir....keep pedalling.

[@Hephaaistos]

You (both) are so wonderful. Congrats, Ron! :)

[@mbiraside]

Good job Ron, keep doing what your doing.

[@willc9866]

Ron, "only" 15 years older than me, so I am inspired to get to his level eventually!

[@TheTrakker]

That's one extraordinary gentleman!

[@wonglipmeng3472]

RESPECT.... awesome video and inspirational to all. Tqs a million.

[@DouglasDeck]

IMPRESSIVE! Kickass Sir.

[@edwin_V]

Respect . Inspiring!

[@edhc2180]

❤️😊 never is too late ❤️😊

[@maidbloke]

Big respect for Ron!

[@garthmccarthy4572]

How incredible. Amazing video.

[@effyleven]

Oh gawd! I'll never see 71 again. I am too old!