Discovering Forgotten America: Why The Best Truckers Avoid The Interstate

[@LeoBrookins]

I'm glad you are back. I like watching your videos.I like that you show some of the country you go through. Keep showing the trains when you can I used to work for them when I was younger. You got it going on. Have a good one and stay safe

[@jamesdixon2338]

You represent the best of truck drivers. And you remind us that the trucking industry is made of good people overall. As a trucker, thank you!

[@kaidenparker7747]

Always glad to see your posts. As a 29 year old OTR trucker with a GSD, all of what you say is so relatable 😄

[@ShelbyHBTM]

lol I love that. I enjoy hearing when others can relate.

[@patrickseals5746]

Love staying off the hiways. Im almost always on back roads and love it. So much better scenery and going through small towns. It doesn’t get better in our line of work. Stay safe.

[@MOTrav]

A bike is a great idea to have with you! A road bike is fine if you ride only on paved trails. If you ride dirt or gravel, then get a mountain bike. The mountain bike can be used on any type of trail. Enjoy! Bikes are a lot of fun. 🚴‍♀️

[@ladawnjones1605]

If u had a hip replacement what type of bike would u buy

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Leaning toward the mountain bike route due to the suggestions in the comments. You are so appreciated

[@MOTrav]

@@ladawnjones1605 Depends on the type of surface you’ll ride on. An e-bike will give you the extra power you may need.

[@flojo7144]

Also worth mentioning, don't buy department store bikes; they will fall apart in no time. Good bike shops where staff take the time to listen to your needs and wants will get you rolling all right. And lastly be prepared to splurge, bikes are unfortunately very expensive. Happy ride and drive!

[@alkennedy1124]

Electric, no more pain with those, lol thanks BigAl California.

[@wranglerastro596]

doors not shutting... my experience has been the leaning of the trailer making the opening out of square. I change the lean by moving to a level ground or jackknife the tractor left or right to lean the trailor.

[@josemaalvarez6954]

Spaniard trucker typing from the Netherlands. Impresive job that you do, not only behind the wheel but also sharing such an inspirational Life with others. Now I can't wait to cross América with a Cascadia...and I LOVE you for that. Take care on the road.

[@jasonlangston5659]

Table Rock Lake! Love it. Just spent Thanksgiving there at my brothers place!

[@petgranny194]

Good to see you again, Shelby, Dakota & camera man! The new drone got some great shots. It always brightens my ay to see a new Happiness by the Mile!

[@WilliamCooper-l6f]

I drove coast to coast and all over Canada and I just changed my CDL to a common DL and glad I got out of trucking. I was cautious, but I was also very "lucky" or more so protected by God's watchcare. I know you struggle with mental health issues, but prayer helps a lot. I used to listen to talk radio while I drove, because not only did it help me to stay alert and awake, but it reinforced my mind, that I wasn't crazy, that other people were seeing all this crazy stuff going on and they too thought it was wrong. A dog helps, but only so much.

[@dmwi1549]

Not a trucker. Grew up in the 70’s so I’ve idolized the job thanks to songs, movies and TV shows of the era. Wished I could have. I’m grateful for all that drive to keep this county moving. That said I’ve been remote employed since start of COVID. Glad that I don’t have a 100 mile round trip commute anymore. Commuters are getting more aggressive, distracted and discourteous every day. I actually enjoy the solitude now. I have my GSD by my side every day. No more kennel time for her and can more easily concentrate on my job. And instead of a windshield and a windowless room full of cubicles I look out a dozen windows to acres of wildlife visitors every day. I’ll never go back. But for some it’s not healthy. Try to recognize what you need to have the best life you can. We only get one.

[@robertcrosby9238]

What did you switch to

[@motorhead359]

So nice to see your videos again. Missed you and your puppy

[@kathyhennigan7807]

Always a nice day when you post a video. Happy to see you take the back roads when possible. 😊

[@samuelnewtonjr3198]

I must have missed this one, I just love listening to you Shelby, your so thorough, you truly are Professor Shelly The Great. I will watch your next video later and that was a month ago. I was checking and checking for your new videos, I can't believe I missed 2 of them. Give Dakota a big hug for me. Big love to you Professor Shelby, I'm catching up to be always with you. 10/27/2024 Thurs 3:07 pm. EST. . Blessed 1

[@kskull0072]

Hey Shelby how you doing haven't seen a video of you in a while . You look good. Always love seeing your beautiful smile...

[@DennisMurtha-eg7ld]

Always grateful😊 really enjoyed it🎉 have a wonderful weekend❤

[@shawnscott564]

I love your shirt! I live 15 miles from Table Rock Lake! Last time you was in Branson for the truck show I didn't realize you was in town! Hopefully I get to meet next times. Keep up with the great videos!

[@davidwaddell8758]

Hey Shelby and Dakota!👋 Nice 2 finally see who shoots the awesome scenery! Yall be safe out there and have fun in yalls travels!!❤👍👍

[@levirobertson4183]

God girl, you are the best. Someone like you deserves nothing short of the best. Always rooting for you so hard you don't even know.

[@davidkelly7314]

Thanks for take us the back routes as there are some very interesting places to see. A mountain bike would be your best bike to go with, you will had to make sure you lock it well to the back of the truck or it will get stolen when you parked. You can get bikes that disassemble and reassemble easy then you maybe able to store it inside your truck in pieces. You should look into a auxiliary power unit for your truck as it will not only keep you warm and cool but also keep your engine warm in winter and your batteries charged to for the inverter and your ups you just bought, when the main engine is shut down. Green APU seem like a good one to go with. Spare keys is always a good idea to. Stay safe out there.

[@cue881-yo7kz]

It's good tp see you again! Stay safe and God Bless!

[@mcrriowa]

Love your videos Shelby ! I was just in Casper last week then down through Medicine bow and stopped where you did as well - neat little old west exhibit, then on into Laramie on 287 and out of there continuing South on 287. Decent trip !

[@johncunningham4820]

I had forgotten how Good the quality of your videos are , Shelby . A little tip with Trailer Doors that aren't lining up well . Move the trailer and start a Turn and stop like that . The axle group puts some torsion into the chassis and therefore also the Body and can usually align the Dogs / Locks .

[@dmwi1549]

Agree. Racking. If you’ve ever have a movable cabinet in your house with unevenly closing doors you can see this same thing. Place a shim like a piece of folded cardboard under the low leg/corner and the doors will even out.

[@michaeldam7446]

It is so nice to see you have eyes for the small things in life and the past. I think many truck drivers only comes out of the truck when they must. Nice to have your back.

[@nataliegraham9552]

I'm late to the video, but as far as a bike, please consider a foldable e-bike. They are compact, ride well, and you always have the option of using the assist or not. They come in a wide range of prices and available options. Loved watching you get the job done while taking the time to enjoy the experience of the back roads! I used to live in the region so seeing those clips of the falling-down buildings, small town business districts, and the old hotel brought back a lot of memories - thanks! ❤🏞❤ Be safe and well, and lots of scratchin's in the sweet spot for Dakota. 😄 It was fun to catch a glimpse of the mystery man behind the camera!

[@dgarreis]

As many are saying so glad to see you posting vids. When I look at my Utube feed I watch tons of subs but only 3 or so are all I really Enjoy. Yours would be one. Stay safe and have a great day.

[@backwoodstransportllc2094]

Shelby I am in the heavy haul world so it's a little bit different but I truly admire you and your drive & beautiful smile you help me push forward and want to keep going. Thank you

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Completely understand. You are sooooo restricted with your routes. I appreciate you and will stay out of your way 😊

[@michaeldavies6580]

awesome shelby x cant wait for the next video

[@rogerrhoades5167]

I've ran 287 clear into Dallas, Tx before. One of my favorite routes.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I like a little town called Memphis there. Look it up next time you go through. They have a loves now that you can park at and walk through the desolate town

[@barriekeegan1426]

I have to be honest and that is the most best entertaining video I have seen in a long time absolutely brilliant weldom loving it

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Thank you so much!!! ☺️

[@briansumner6439]

I agree with you 100 percent when you said get out of the truck, learn and explore things that are hidden, get a bike 🚴 and ride it when you get a chance, but in my case I walk around truck stops mainly, company terminal facilities. This is one of the reasons why I always enjoy watching your videos. God bless you and Dakota take care.

[@sbalak]

Thank you! Your cheerful, fun, positive personality made my day. Regards.

[@GazD-h2p]

Mate your awesome to watch, so positive and obviously know what your doing. It’s too easy to sit in the truck when ever we pull up or take the easy route all the time. What your saying is get out and see the places we’re lucky enough to drive through. This video gives us a kick in the ass, be happy about what we do and why we do it. Love it. Great attitude. Stay safe, from a UK Lorry Driver and former World Driver.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Thank you so much for you kind words ☺️

[@peggyudden8814]

Shelby.... I do like your new hair style... you are so beautiful and you are a great person in this world! You care about people and nature and that's important! You teach us all to remember to take time to breathe the air, look around and appreciate nature, have a pet that you love and care for. You also eat healthy, you can be smart and funny as you share your travels. I am happy to be along for the ride with you all! By the way, you are a great truck driver! I love the shots from above with the truck! Fantastic video work!!!! God bless all!!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I really really appreciate your comment. When you write something so heart warming it makes me excited to keep trying to create videos of my adventures

[@mooresheri]

I love the little details you put in your videos like the rode mic and the drone. I like the overview shots, makes it feel like a video game. Get excited about the small stuff, keep it up.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I really appreciate that :)

[@EnigmaticWhisper2u]

Your personality is really refreshing. You make truck driving look so easy. If I decide to get into trucking in the near future, I hope my trainer is like you. I have heard trucking is not easy. What makes it so difficult? From what I have seen in your videos, it doesn't seem very difficult. Thanks for your inspiring videos.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

It’s absolutely a drag through the mud I won’t lie. But it is what you make of it. Lots of bad days but there are many good ones you just have to make them happen.

[@garypierce7380]

Good to see you again, Happy. Keep making videos. Your cameraman is doing a great job as well.

[@kerrystennett3829]

Hi Shelby. Like the Table Rock Lake shirt. My neck of the woods. Safe travels 😊

[@3069mark]

Well, Shelby, I've got my "happiness fix" for the day now that I have watched another one of your videos. You are the best. I had like 9+ new video notifications and most of them were ahead of yours, but I skipped over the other ones to watch yours first. You always lighten my load and lift my spirit and thank you for that. I loved getting off the big road and running thru the woods when I was a trucker. The big road is BORING. I noticed you close your trailer doors one door at a time. I was taught to bring them together at the same time and then push them into the notches and lock the handles down all at the same time, because doing it that way insures that the knuckles at the top of the door will both be locked in. It always worked. If you are considering a bike what would you think of an e-bike or gas motor assisted bike? They would probably be more susceptible to theft though. Anyway, thank you another wonderful video and you take care out there and be safe!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I will try that! Also thank you so much for your kind words about my channel. I don’t really know what I’m doing most of the time making these videos but it’s good to know they at least make some people smile

[@rayclark9643]

Great scenery Shelby! So nice to see you happy, healthy looking & wearing that pretty smile again! 😋

[@carltondoorman9145]

Nice video! And you're right about keeping an extra key. I've always had an extra key in my wallet for the past few decades, and I've long ago lost track of how many times I've used it. Anyway, I hope you can make more of these exploration videos, they're great!

[@pl5bnsf]

That was such a nice video. Well shot, those drone shots were great. And your attitude is so refreshing.

[@MrWildfire4900]

Glad to see you're having fun and enjoying life out there! I'm unfortunately going through some challenges in my personal life but will likely be trucking again within a year!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you are doing well and things get better for you.

[@joelabreu5497]

finaly, the dude behind the camera...ahahah. nice to see you mate. happy to see you back in the road pink hair, lol. have fun, stay safe, hugs for dakota and keep on trucking...from one driver to another. PS: from Portugal

[@brian407-l7d]

Just did the 395 from Reno to San Diego yesterday..beautiful ❤ scenary

[@chriswatchingponies9877]

I always wonder, does a trucker ever go on long roadtrips for vacation ? Or does that feel too much like work ? Would you just rather chill in the yard or at the beach ? That's so awesome that you were able to Medicine Bow. I've been there too. Fun to see it back in your video. I can highly recommend as a nosey Euro. You can touch a lot of real History of the Wild West there. Wyoming, northern Idaho and Montana are very cool. I.m.h.o. often underrated States. And not just for Yellowstone. Awesome, diverse sceneries. So much American History. I want to go back now. Great, real vid. And the new drone is doing great. Much Love !

[@mikeservais888]

Thanks Shelby I used to take different routes when I could. Be safe out there!

[@Nomad59696]

Hey you probably know this but just in case: When those swing doors don’t want to line up, sometimes if you can find a different stretch of ground to park on it will level the doors better, instead of fighting them with a hammer or pry bars. Used to drive a yard truck and got shown all sorts of weird little tricks of the trade. Also the splash of pink in your hair is awesome!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

That was my fifth move to slope it and it just kept failing. Brute force became the only option. A few people said this so I'm hoping other drivers see these comments and know that they have that option and it works almost every time. Except this one situation lol

[@Nomad59696]

⁠@@ShelbyHBTMGotcha yeah hopefully it helps someone else out. Gotta love stubborn equipment. And yeah also like you said containers are absolutely THE WORST

[@mattstosh6960]

Love your videos because I've been through most of the roads /places you've been through. * As you enter Green River there is a wonderful cafe / small business on the right side of the road. It is directly across from very large bluff and the Green River is flowing past the bluff. They have THE Best blueberry pancakes you will ever eat. Good truck parking on the road-side too.

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Shelby and Dakota

[@davidsprius]

I love your videos, Shelby! You are so entertaining, kind, and fun to watch. The video editing is incredible! I think a mountain bike would be very beneficial for you!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Thank you so much. You are so kind.

[@scottmiller4745]

I used a zip tie to hold my key under the hood. I have a Cascadia as well. Those flat spots on top of the bumper (under the hood) is a razor blade thats simply under a piece of duct tape. That way i have something to cut the zip tie with.

[@NEyankee]

I think what you got is a battery back up surge protector. Smart! Great video!!! I love when you drive through Wyoming. We cut most of the rumble strips in WY 🦺 so it takes me right back. Windy Wyoming ❤ (in my top 3 states SO Peaceful) Funny seeing a sweatshirt on I miss that and it's beautiful how green it is this year! Love the hair the cameraman Dakota your new drone. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks Shelby!!! 😊

[@jafun941]

Am glad you are back making content, keep up the awesome trucking videos

[@bobmartin6055]

So great to see you again! I really enjoyed this video, so cool to see places off the interstate! Stay safe!

[@cbrrob1000]

I really enjoy your content, love that you show us places we may never otherwise get to see, it’s crazy how a thirty four minute video seems to be over in less than ten minutes. Thanks for sharing❣️

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I am so glad to hear you say that. originally I was worried about the length but I was pleased how the editing kept the flow going so I didn't opt to shorten it this time. I really appreciate this feedback :)

[@jeffereysampier6139]

Nice to hear from you again, love your content

[@MoosemanR]

Wow you seem genuinely happy, 😊 so happy for you. I just been kinda rough bitter energy lately but I try my best to discipline myself. Awesome video was peaceful thanks❤

[@ShelbyHBTM]

No need to feel bad about that. I have my fair share of rough days and moments too

[@raymondroest]

You are so inspiring. It so interesting what you’re doing. Keep it up ❤️❤❤

[@josephalexander3884]

I just realized,I’m going to start calling your channel ,United States Gold,in honor of Huell Howser and California Gold. Your cinematography is stunning. Thank you.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I appreciate that. Gregory works hard at trying to get some good shots. It doesn’t always work out but when it does it’s absolutely amazing 😊

[@trevorcooke8129]

Hey Shelby, nice to see you, look forward to seeing 👀 your videos 📹,❤❤❤❤❤

[@fearless7424]

I always love the ghost towns. Have you gone by 1880 town off 90 over by midland South Dakota? Great video good to see you.✌🏽

[@dwaynefradd85]

I always considered myself a "professional tourist" instead of an OTR driver, took the backroads more than the interstates when possible. I even stopped at the Medicine Bow Museum a couple times - closed both times, still cool to look around the area! Be Safe, Be Happy!

[@GrovelandJohn]

Great video Shelby. I always enjoy your adventures.

[@chenamee9584]

I noticed the background music is just wonderful and matches well. How did you pick those ? Again great series. Like the scene and vibe.

[@thewatchmen4920]

Hey MS Shelby ❤. All truckers needs sometimes away from that steering wheel. Heavy traffic. Time schedule. All 🚛 needs a break and not just a couple of hours. Great video. Camera person doing a great job. Safe Travels 🐕‍🦺. 🚛💨💨💨💨

[@kozmo925]

Loved the tour of Virginian, always wanted to stop there. Some times Id have to pull the trailer on to a different angle and then the doors shut. Used that pay for park at Snowville, walked Fritzi into town, good history at the park and couple Mom and Pop restaurants. Thanks 👍

[@ShelbyHBTM]

I fortunately didn’t film every hill and incline and flat spot I pulled into to try and shut this door. That would have been such a bore lol. I gave it about 5 tries and then settled on brute force 😅 The Virginian was really neat. I hope you have time to stop one day

[@BrandonG048]

Thank you for sharing your trucking adventures with all of us Shelby! Stay safe driving and keep smiling love!!! ❤💖❤

[@davidlipski863]

Thanks for posting again always enjoy your trips and showing America away from the citys.

[@janebeuten6071]

Awesome video Shelby! I love the cool places that you take us - places a lot of us will never have the opportunity to visit. You’re rockin’ the bangs and pink hair 👍 Safe travels!!! 🌅

[@phantomxter]

Cool stop, that hotel. Thanks for sharing. I drive too and am looking for more places to explore. ✌️

[@charlesrobinson2423]

Missed you Shelby & Dakota. great seeing you again. Love your video. Take care okay ❤U.

[@garywilson12]

i love your videos, such great content and the beautiful sights, schwinn makes a great mountain bike at a decent price. should work well for your off road biking

[@gdsstudio974]

The first dock you backed into, I like how they placed the lines. Drivers side line, aligns you to bump the dock at the right location by steering the trailer wheel along side it.

[@danielforcher8123]

Its nice to see you Shelby 🥰❤

[@deantait8326]

In Expedited Trucking to really be profitable, it really requires’Team’ driving. Good luck, Safe travels and good health to you all!

[@JCannon-mk1ug]

Wonderful video. Thanks for letting us come with you. I love seeing the country. I have never been to that part of the country. And you are looking beautiful.

[@andreasbobzin2687]

Nice video, thx 👌😎 have a nice weekend 🇩🇪

[@DaveRagtop6.2]

love the drone shots. very much appreciated what you do for us to see, thank you!⛰🏨amazing weekend to you 3🌠

[@alexgriggs9023]

A trick to your trailer door closing problem, level ground. The driver side door was down to far, if you parked on the side of like a hill where the passenger side of the trailer was on higher ground and the driver side was on lower ground it would of lined up. I’ve dealt with many unsquared trailers before. Just a trick from one trucker to another. Love your videos!

[@lazeppelin1]

Best trucking KZbinr ever!!!

[@ShelbyHBTM]

You are kind thank you 🙃

[@michaelrocker9000]

Nice to see you Shelby. Love your nails. Nice to know you can also do that a good deal of truckers your age don't do is reading a map. I bet half the truckers out there don't have the truckers version of the Rand McNally road atlas for trucks despite every trucks stop sells them. LOL. BTW did you talk to my guy Patrick about the entertainment hauling gig? Stay safe and be good.

[@kendrickkx]

Great video. Always a joy to watch your video. Take care and stay safe out there.

[@lawrencerinaldo9635]

Hey missed ya, glad to see you. Great adventures are on the off beaten path for sure. If your gonna get a bike consider an electric folding bike, it’ll help when your pooped and has a smaller footprint for stowage.

[@koreyg7674]

Wonderful video. Can’t wait to see more of your amazing videos. Stay safe out there!!!

[@ToyotaPete]

@Happiness By The Mile, good to see you back 👍

[@dob1662]

It's really good to see the old Shelby we know and love, I was very impressed with Dakota's camera work until I saw your camera guy 😉 happy trails Shelby until next time 🤗❤

[@Jenna19861]

Another great video Shelby!! Thank you!! Stay safe and take care!!!😊

[@josephmirigliano8728]

Awesome always enjoy watching drive safe and enjoy

[@deejaystump]

A E bike be the best to buy lazy way to ride , but lots of fun. Another great blog really enjoyed it. A big hi from Hamilton New Zealand keep up the great work

[@shed66215]

Bike racks can be fitted to the rear of the truck cab. Properly fitted it should be fine, still give you enough room to get the head of the trailer. As for the bike, lots of options - full-on MTB front-rear suspension; MTB style frame with chunky tires but not for full downhill but enough for rough/gravel surfaces - can get f/r suspension but I have just a front on mine and it's more than suitable for me. Also e-bikes too which allow for a bit more range and terrain options with tyres to suit but have to remember being able to lift it up/down from the rack. Good to see and Dakota out again - and that smile, you're doing great and if you get the bike, even feel better for getting to more unknown places.

[@npvj5687]

Made my day with your awesome video yay !! You seems to be your old happy self again 🙌

[@saddlepants]

Lectric is what I have.. .thee best and most affordable ebike. Folds down to will fit in a 45 gallon husky tote. This bike is the bomb class 2 ebike but a few clicks on the thing and its a class one. 45 miles to a charge. I plan on figuring it into my truck.

[@gunnarhoaas]

Thank you Gregory for filming this great pictures of this cool woman. You are the best team.

[@shelbycooper5714]

Always happy to see you Shelby! Keep up the great content!

[@alsanderson4917]

Hi Shelby! Smart move on the battery backup. It's good to have a regulated buffer on your sensitive electronics. Especially PC's and expensive smart TV's.

[@LT.X380]

Very interesting video Shelby. Drive safely my friend. God bless you. 🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@riker1701D]

After watching this video in the middle of my sleepless night here in Northwest Germany, I realized once again that every minute I've stayed tuned to this channel in the long video-less time has been worth waiting and hoping for Shelby to be able to make videos again. What I would like to know is how old dakota is by now, am I wrong, or is she getting gray around the nose? Greetings from the old world! 🇪🇺🇩🇪👋

[@robertcarpenter5923]

I have for garlic coded in t. He hair and put it and your skin horses. The splinter out and has a reaction to skin to scan causes the movement of the splinter, so it will basically come out with a verb like the slice it in the air from the juices. Cause a reaction to your skin and it makes the splinter come out.

[@Gilespargiter]

A person after my own heart. I also used to take all sorts of less used routes all over Europe. Much more interesting, you also acumulate knowledge to get round traffic snarls and road closures more easily. I also used to carry a bicycle on the back of the cab or on the roof. Great for all those times when you get delayed waiting for factories or wkend breaks. I used to carry a touring type bike, because - good for carrying loads of stuff sometimes but also no disadvantage on the road whilst being able to also tackle mtb terrain. Keep on keepin on.

[@lakeside24-7]

I drove a truck OTR for thirty years. I don't remember trying to avoid the interstate unless it was jammed up. I drove a lot of back roads when it was applicable, but the interstate allows you to make better time. Also, the interstate allows for access to just about anything you might have a need for. Just saying. Be safe out there.

[@Hhllbb2476]

Mountain bike! I think you’d love the freedom and exercise. Battery powered is heavy and fire risk.

[@ShelbyHBTM]

Good advice. I think I agree. That’s where I am looking. Just a simple bike

[@Hhllbb2476]

@@ShelbyHBTMdefinitely. A good older Trek or the like that a good shop has gone through. Pretty bullet proof. Not flashy. Simple. Little tube repair kit and pump (which can be quite small) & you’re off. Feels so good to hop on a bike after being behind the wheel for a long time. ✌️❤️