Sketchiest Descent of my Life - Crosswinds in Death Valley

I count this one as the scariest descent to date. On paper and perhaps even on video this should not rank close to the descents down wild roads like Tuna Canyon or the traffic filled Mexico City rides. The reality however is that an invisible force is a lot harder to deal with than what you can see and what you are used to.
The worst part about the wind out in Death Valley is that it isn't consistent. For 20 minutes I gripped the bars waiting for an invisible force to suddenly shove me and the bike from the side. When those gusts hit it feels like you are in a vacuum as you're hit from one side but on the opposite side the air seems to have been sucked out amplifying the force.
There are also no plants above ankle height to give you a visual clue as to what the wind is doing.
If those jets hadn't flown over in the beginning I might have stepped off the bike before the bottom, but it was a once in a lifetime occurence and I wanted to finish it off.
Director of Pgotography: Alex Colorito
Driver:Rafael DaSilva
Music: Transcende, licensed by RoyaltyFreeMeditation.com
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Road bike: safa.link/Foil-RC
Full gear list: safa.link/GearList
STRAVA of this ride: / strava
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#DescentDisciples​ #PrayForSpeed​ #safa

[@rudySTi]

GOD DAMN. SAFA has fighter jets escorting him 💥

[@chadwells7562]

Only ones who can keep up with his deathwish having ass 😂

[@jacquesdemolay5171]

Unreal. Absolutely amazing coordination with that fly-over. That'll long be one of most epic moments ever captured during a ride. And what a gripping descent-in every meaning of the word. You never cease to amaze.

[@Flashback_Jack]

You don't even need to coordinate with the jets down there. That's where they train, so they're always there.

[@madyogi6164]

Like they knew!!! Right?! ;)

[@ghostdog6471]

​@@Ralf0815, du Experte, hast du das schon mal probiert?

[@akrobatapobyku]

Those jet flybys were insane!!!!

[@Part_121_Wannabe]

is it real ? lol

[@al-du6lb]

timestamp?

[@tinkelitong]

@@al-du6lb1:30

[@Timtimzi]

@@Part_121_Wannabe i wanna say no bc i doubt they had any reason to fly that low. idunno

[@biskix262]

@@Part_121_Wannabe Yes it's real. A lot of death valley is in a military-use airspace for the air force base nearby. Jets are a common sighting there

[@keithe.965]

3:36 my heart almost skipped at that slight skid

[@AndyPass1976]

Looked like the crosswind catching the deep rim at the front, but yep, not nice.

[@Bill-cy2cy]

💯

[@leo_the_beaver9966]

Same so Sketchy! 🙀

[@connorbaz5980]

Beautiful video. Watched without pausing once, and I could feel every bump in the road. Fantastic. Can't wait to get back in the saddle again.

[@antsmands]

The jets and the background music on that run was perfect, epic run in an epic location!

[@FlyingGravelMan]

First 20 seconds of the descent already 50MpH or 80km/h is just insane man! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jEsperesence]

Love the background music!!! Perfect for this ride! It's like your in Blade Runner movie! Keep doing it! 👍🏼

[@jessekagle1831]

The fighter jets were insane and unexpected

[@co6mo]

Perfect Road Amazing landscapes Endless descent Just few car met but 2 jets (a curtsy to safa?)! Love this

[@galen367]

There were at least 3 cars in the first 5 minutes

[@leewinter28]

Safa, you are literally one of the few things/people i think about when i am either exhausted and think i can't go anymore or when i'm doing something that is at the very edge of my skill level that makes me continue. Your inspiration is definitely real and your travels, journeys and experiences are what life is mostly about.

[@patrickprouty4415]

The fighters were awesome. The wind looked ridiculous. It’s that unexpected gust that will literally wreck your day. Glad you didn’t get blown into traffic or off the road. Excellent content SAFA.

[@LyleBeefelt]

I’m always in awe of your control in sketchy conditions. When the jets flew over, it gave a whole new meaning to, “Pray for Speed”! Still 50 mph is a pretty cool answer to prayer.

[@MP-wt1lh]

This is one of the coolest videos you've ever posted. What a treat. Thank you!

[@SAFABrian]

thank you!

One of your BEST EVER !! I lived and rode Las Vegas, The wind does what it wants with you. Much respect. The fly overs were awesome.

[@JStockinger]

Absolutely epic when the Jets fly over! Gave me goosebumps. Beautiful looking descent.

[@cahal]

When Safa says it is 'scary as hell' you know it's a tough one. Those twitches and, holy shit - the jets. Incredible!

[@JohnClowes724]

jets! unreal to have that happen and so happy that you got down safely. i shared in your anxiousness with the wind, watching the rear wheel skate around. Fantastic!

[@Flashback_Jack]

Pretty wild how he drops his chain at 9:59 and it immediately picks itself back up a few seconds later. Are groupsets that good these days?

[@ultimatist]

They're so good actually, that if you set them up according to the manual, they essentially never drop a chain.

[@julianpaulaseneta6104]

​@@ultimatistnot really. Any chain/groupset combo that you spin fast then when you suddenly stop pedalling especially in descents (cause the gradient downhill helps the whiplash to derail the chain) causes a whiplash so strong that most of the time it actually chain drops

[@ultimatist]

@@julianpaulaseneta6104 I ride very hilly and fast terrain (Cat 1 Mts and descents 50mph+) and this has never happened to me. I set my groupset up to the millimeter specced in the guide.

[@julianpaulaseneta6104]

@@ultimatist try suddenly stop spinning your cranks it will whiplash so hard it derails.

[@infosecschool]

Okay that double flyover was EPIC. Great vid

[@skinthekat0530]

I've done this descent 5 times, in the dark, on the Furnace Creek 508. But I coasted as much as possible.

[@ultimatist]

Must have been trippy!

[@skinthekat0530]

@@ultimatist after riding 220 miles from the start to the top of Townes Pass, it was a trippy relief.

[@anony-ic3pz]

Brian's videos are always mesmerizing....absolute gorgeousness!

[@kurrling]

Wow amazing, and sketch. Thanks for keeping some of us sane while on the winter trainers

[@ramzanaltemirov9235]

I always watch your ride, it's just amazing!

[@sagarubharecreativity]

always my fav channel to watch

[@ms-pn]

This one is beautiful guys. Great effort all around.

[@x3posse]

Awesome vid Brian. Will never forget the fighter jet flyover when we visited this place years ago (by car). Great ride and love the background sound…

[@cleverlyretarded]

Love the videos with the ambient music. Intense yet somehow soothing. Reminds of your The Birth of a KOM video

[@steviej3256]

This video was insane. Safa, you are the man!!! Really making me want a Scott Foil

[@rogereheadbyrne4790]

🙏Nice Save on the Chain Dude! I thought that was it! This was an Awesome ride SAFA! Mesmerising and your back wheel was like a Stylus cursing side to side along the smooth tarmac! COOL ASF!🚴‍♂️🔥🔥🔥🤘😎🤘

[@gregpirtle1109]

Was that just luck or is there some sort of technique for getting it to pop back on like that?

[@TheSocialSoul2.0]

reverse pedaling mostly @@gregpirtle1109

[@gregpirtle1109]

@@TheSocialSoul2.0 so it’s basically part calculated reverse pedaling and part luck to get it to jump back on…

[@TheSocialSoul2.0]

@@gregpirtle1109 honestly skill, because at higher rpms, knowing something is wrong, and reversing it immediately is TOUGH. If he had gone a little further he would have had to stop, if nothing worse

[@sinnaru6286]

What a joy to watch this, I bet you had an amazing time there.

[@tinkelitong]

5:12 That was way too close…

[@vincentlevalois]

Like WAY. Just a couple feet. Both vehicles on their own side of the road though. 😁

[@jmadjojo]

It feels great to enjoy the vast scenery with dynamic raiding. Your road bike are the perfect 💪💞✨✨✨✨✨🤩

[@JavierGonzalez-lp3ke]

Breathtaking. Epic! Amazing. Nerving to watch you go 'round the corners aa you did. One of the most captivating things I've seen on a bike 🚴. In fact, this was more compelling than ANY NFL game I've ever seen(!).

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

I’m calling it now, CYCLING VIDEO OF THE YEAR ✈️🚴💨🔥

[@manuelsilva6833]

Absolutely Amazing!!! Much RESPECT Safa! One Off a Kind!!!

[@fraserhocks7859]

Amazing stuff as always Safa!!!! It blows me away how you descend so well. No one else comes close. Oh and that Scott Foil Ultimate 😳. Unfortunately im too old, slow and inflexible to ride such an amazing steed.

[@brewed544]

Again a WILD RIDE!! The jets were awesome good work.

[@Mokhtartba]

82 km/h and you Lean right and left with this Speed Bro ! you made my day .

[@Kefmans]

Such a beautiful road and scenery!

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

I climbed Hawk Hill near the Golden Gate Bridge in my Giant Propel with 50 inch Hyper wheels. I hopped off when the wind almost threw me into parked cars. That was almost a fatal mistake, as the wind whipped so hard my bike lifted four feet in the air. If I wasn't holding it with a death grip it would've been gone. Luckily the descent side was calm and hit some nice speed. Wind is no joke when you're riding a sail boat.

[@AlexfromHollywood]

Thanks for sharing dude....that side wind was sketchy indeed...yikes! . It's beautiful out there nonetheless...glad you made it down safe!

[@CheeseyWotsit]

This was a bloody good watch. Chapeau!

[@selcukatalay]

wow, what a run! Watched it breathless.

[@RaYdMyth]

One of your best videos yet

[@mattylamb658]

You got buzzed by two fighter jets! Fantastic!

[@mrsunshine888]

You perfectly captured what it’s like to ride here! Well done, amigo!

[@DavidMichaelChen]

Amazing; even with a recovery of what appeared to be a chain drop. Thanks for sharing!

[@Doralex1708]

The chain drop made my hearth skiped a beat. Thanks for this insane vid SAFA

[@timothyskattum950]

Hart exploding with love watching this. Yes yes yes brother Safa!

[@cairebrittobarletta]

wonderful scenic views

[@bengt_axle]

Beautiful road. The rusted guard rails remind me of the Roadrunner cartoons. It was cool how you said hello to that driver at 5:12. You should definitely try and slide your hand along the window next time!

[@GNH-1812]

insanely awesome. most excellent

[@stihldavebergen3469]

Those flybys were wild, good job keeping the rubber side down. Was a wild run.

[@paulbradford6475]

Great run and loved the music. Nice touch with the flyover.

[@SAFABrian]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shrikantshinde1992]

Hello sir, Your all videos are inspired me. You are legend of cyclist.

[@-Bonobo-]

Haha those flybys were so cinematic I thought it was CGI. Very nice.

[@wowowowow233]

that jet fly by was like cinematic intro of video game! surreal!!!

[@DannyTheRealtor]

It's just insane seeing this bikers doing crazy gears in death valley n the sound of jets was just the whole epic of the tour😊

[@pauloportella_]

Woww the chain coming off on 10:16 as well :D Nice one dude

[@pawelodz8050]

I love this channel. I can at least imagine I do this descent myself 😍

[@wrcompositi]

Nice choice of ambient sound which is very meditative and trippy. 1:30 Feels like I'm watching the movie "ID4", the fighters fly into the strange cloud to investigate aliens!

[@zombie93]

You’re an absolute madman @SAFA Brian!! Insane run. Those jets tho. How could that video get any better? ❤

[@utbb2007]

That was great sportsmanship when you allowed the jets to pass.

[@SAFABrian]

😂

[@paulk8121]

Impressive. Well done.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Awesome ride dude!🔥Those jets help make this the best video to date

[@t.c.9838]

Mesmerizing video.

[@race-partners]

Dude the jets! Gave me chills

[@ashleygreen8576]

I thought u were gonna fall a couple times. This is amazing

[@estefanosoares8155]

Very very nice.❤

[@lukepowell1201]

Holy Hell. What a run. The jets blew my mind. At first I heard the sound and thought it had to be cheesy editing, then the plane actually showed up and I was like "no f****ing way!" . I have had a crosswind blow me clear into the wrong lane of a road at unpredictable times and I cannot imagine that at those speeds going through the turns with oncoming traffic. Then the chain drop! Just craziness.

[@Scuderia_Scappa]

Epic as always!

[@dwaynerandolph3565]

At 1:31 of the video, to see that fighter jet scream across your video was just simply “AWESOME” WOW WOW WOW ! @SAFA Brian 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@madplanet3351]

Wicked dude. We only go the other way 😂😂😂😂😂

[@obi_one467]

Amazing and ureal view!

[@DanielOliveiraViolao]

Amazing, man!

[@CyclingAlgarvePortugal]

Amazing !!!

[@balbibou]

I live in Bretagne (coast), Finistère and I do 99% of my commuting by bike. It's almost always windy, and sometimes there are small or large storms. Sometimes the wind blows so hard that I feel as if I've been teleported sideways along the road. Thank god I have a solid core. My coworkers don't understand how I do it but I just tell them It feels like freedom and adventure. Being able to witness sunrise and sunset on the coast (and obviously the other living species + the ocean) makes me feel alive and lucky. The good thing is, there are barely any cars because there are few inhabitants and most people are careful when they follow me The number of times I almost shit myself...especially when you add rain to the equation. But I feel fine once I reach my destination. I can't imagine big gusts at the same speed as Safa....impressive Thanks for the video 💌

[@randomlyshorts]

Too beautiful

[@ptsullivan13]

Love you Safa!

[@matthindman3866]

The jet flyby was insane!! Almost like you planned it :)

[@methylmike]

that steed is something else, man!!

[@al-du6lb]

This video is making me miss summer.

[@madyogi6164]

Lol, that flyover had to be ordered. :D If not by you, then by these mighty goblins!

[@TJ-uh5rh]

beautiful landscape and road. mental ride. would have loved to hear commentary from the crew in the follow car for this one!

[@connorbaz5980]

Fantastic video! That said, have you ever considered doing a video on the (very hazardous) Highway 74 between Pinyon Pines and Palm Desert? It's in the Mountain Center/Santa Rosa high desert area, North of the Anza Borego natuonal park. Edit: I remember now, it was featured in the 2013 AMGEN Tour of California, Stage 2 from Murietta to Palm Desert with the infamous Tramway climb.

[@robp.8807]

Red Rock canyon just outside of vegas is great too. Not as long. Incredible ride bro

[@arthursosajr.2031]

Maverick buzzing the Tower!

[@iamchrisbrewer]

Insane video! Loved everything about it from the jet flyover to the saves to the background music...hey what is that background music anyway? It was the perfect epic soundscape for the ride.

[@samuelknoll6098]

looks easy but it's defintely not - great job as usual and the quality of the footage is top notch !

[@nickhutchinson9068]

Yes, to those jets! Mega The sound of freedom

[@Owwee_immaB]

The flyover 🤩🤩

[@d0neall_]

Jet flyover @ 1:29

[@schultzmoeller2532]

Amazing view, really wanna riding on this hill

[@chivacetana]

That vid was 🔥 with that buzzing

[@martinkirilov4785]

Unreal, those jets flying over must've been one of the most epic things I've ever seen...

[@GeorgeD1]

That dropped chain at 9:56 was scary considering all other circumstances!

[@fraserherman8754]

Nothing like fighter jets to make you feel slow then that chain drop 🤯

[@j.i__w.o.o.n]

👑Great safa👑

[@MikeStarr1000]

dood, saw those deep dish in blustery conditions and kept yelling... "box rims man!"