The Santa Ana Winds Blasted Me! The SoCal Desert Ramble--Ep 2

I'm squeezing in one last adventure in 2022, and this one is a Duzey. The SoCal Desert Ramble! 500 miles of beautiful mountains, desert washes, the lawless and funky Slab City, and even a ski resort. This journey will take me from San Diego, into the Anza Borrego Desert, past the Salton Sea, up to Big Bear, and down into Los Angeles. In this episode, I get blasted by the Santa Ana winds while riding into the Anza Borrego Desert. Here's the route, bikepacking.co...
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[@duzer]

Why didn’t anyone warn me about the Santa Ana winds??? 😂😂😂

[@yellowcatgallery]

Santa "Nanna" winds! Loved this, thank you!

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Sorry for your loss Ryan

[@scraige3232]

Duuuuuuuuuzer! :) Windy times,... both on the road and in life. Big love and prayers to you. Thanks as always, for sharing!! :) You are an inspiration. If you ever want to travel further afield the wind around the Isle of Man would welcome you gratefully. :) Stay strong and keep pedalling!

[@LuisBecerra79]

Ups 🙈🙈😬. See, California is not always nice and sunny 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤣😂😆

[@HunterTravels]

It’s a special socal secret 😅

[@novacolonel5287]

Ah, nature healing us and help us get over loss. My dad passed away last winter, but I somehow know that he is still with me and will always be. Your Nana is watching you :)

[@kimkranz9764]

What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother! She will live on in your memory and how special that you hold her in such high regard, obviously she held you in her heart too. So sorry for your loss.

[@hordboy]

Those who have gone before us will always be with us, sometimes in our face and sometimes at our backs! Just like the wind.

[@duzer]

Love this!!

[@georgbrandt573]

“Even though it’s windy, it’s a good day - I’m on my bike. And all I have to do today is ride my bike - and that is a complete dream come true.” - Ryan Van Duzer You’re such an inspiration! One day I’d love to have a uplifting chat with you whilst rolling on our bikes together 🚴 Best regards brother!

[@bakhytgul4457]

This 👌 thought exactly the same thing as you

[@banyanstudio]

Love the tribute to your amazing grandmother. I lost my father last November, and just like you I see him and feel him in nature around me. The wind, the birds, and all that is beautiful Remind me of him. Thanks again!

[@LoriG75]

What a beautiful tribute to your dear grandmother💕Thanks for sharing her with all of us. Grandmothers are the best and it’s so hard to lose them 💗

[@duzer]

They are indeed the best!!

[@chopwood2995]

Ryan, I enjoy watching you while I work. It is the best combo of beautiful sites, trees, companions, and your enthusiastic stream of consciousness. Made me tear up when you talked about your Nana. So glad you were there for her. How powerful! Lost my Mom a year ago to Lewy Body dementia so I can relate to the devastation dementia causes. A cathartic bike ride just soothes the soul!

[@samuelbonacorsi2048]

That head wind was intense! I guess, sometimes you are the dog but sometimes you are the hydrant.

[@dukeloo]

Thanks for the video! I'm sorry about Nana! My dad had dementia and I took care of him for two years. We had fun and talked about the past. Kept him in his happy space. Nana is always with you! Thanks for the book recommendation.

[@w5glsgary919]

Amy’s beans are the best !

[@ogadlogadl490]

Never knew about ghost bikes,😢. Learn something new everyday day.

[@duzer]

They’re a sweet way to memorialize a riders death, but very sad reminders

[@severalothers]

Condolence of the loss of your Grandmother Ryan. I lost my mother a year ago to Covid and she also suffered from Dementia. Rest assure, she is with you on every single trip.

[@robdesbois]

Thanks you as always Ryan, for such a beautiful and honest video. I cry on most of my solo trips into the wild. Lots of emotions come up, and it gives me the time and space to feel them and work through them. Takes a few days to mentally shed all the crap of modern life, but once my brain is done the thinking just switches off. A couple of times I've been suddenly floored by tears and had to stop! Then sometimes, just the view over a summit, or round a bend in the track, is so stunningly beautiful I feel overwhelmed and cry at it. I love it though, it feels so raw and true to my feeling in that place at that moment.

[@duzer]

You sound like my kinda guy, Rob! I can relate to everything you said. Thank you for sharing

[@alanrose3843]

Dang that wind wore me out. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@atticusbond6618]

Greetings Ryan! I’m very sorry to hear about your grandmother. So sad. My condolences to you and your family. But glad to see yet another inspirational video that you have provided us. Your videos truly motivate me to get out there. And for that I thank you sir!

[@YukiTsunoda7]

*i lost my grandpa very recently too, to dementia as well, and our stories are so so similar, and man when you yelled out to your nanna, man tears is an understatement* *God Bless and God Speed Ryan*

[@duzer]

Awe, I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. I’m sending you a big hug from Colorado

[@kathywimble4740]

My sympathies on your grandmother’s passing. Her transition sounds so like my mother’s, a gentle passing surrounded by loving family. My mother who died on this December 1 also had dementia. I miss her terribly.

[@peterhehn9511]

Ryan, a more inspirational person, I have not met.Even though we never met, I watch your videos as therapy. I ride alone but always think of my missing loved ones. When things go bad on my rides, I say "What would Ryan do?" Then I just carry on. Thank you. 🙏❤️🌮

[@boog_gamezandplayz1570]

Ryan. Your adventures have inspired me and my dad. We ride everyday now and we are planning full day ride together. We watch you for ideas and inspiration Thank you for sharing Eddie

[@martinschwartz7342]

My condolences on losing your grandmother. You are a kind, caring, optimistic, and cheerful person. That is a true tribute to your grandmother. You obviously came from good stock.

[@recrevs963]

that video of the little boy 11 years ago and now and yelling miss you nana into the wind put this trip more in perspective of things. good luck on your adventures!!!

[@duzer]

This trip was about a lot more than pedaling, that’s for sure :)

[@katzsteel]

I was with my mom during her final breaths. She also had dementia but knew me and a few others to almost the end. Take care. It’s so hard to lose loved ones to that disease. Unfortunately, I’m glad I was there with her, but I relive the experience in my head occasionally.

[@kevinkrayna3097]

Uphill AND into the wind! Now THAT'S a GRIND. Way to push it through (once again) Ryan. Thank you for the video.

[@duzer]

So fun to see you last night!! Thanks for coming out.

[@aubrey2047]

Those yucca plants cut me up while on the PCT, the winds pushed me into them. Gotta love the desert!

[@duzer]

I really do love the desert, even when it bites me :)

[@nesredep1]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother Ryan. My Mom passed away November 23. She lived the last fours years in a care home due to dementia. She had lost the ability to speak or otherwise communicate by then so I feel I have been grieving her for a long time. The dementia came on a long before that. She had a nice day the day before she passed. My Dad, sister, brother in law and myself were all present at the end. It was peaceful and I was so grateful we were all able to be there to support each other.

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

Impressive 😮.. Winds were relentless.. Touching about your Nana.. I called my Grandma Nana also.. Love that Positive Attitude.. 😀🚴

[@Raveler1]

Great video, Ryan! I appreciate that you show us when you walk your bike as well as when you're riding - it's like it's given me permission to get off and walk if I need to, too. And may your Nana's memory be a blessing. Being present at the last moments of someone's life is a challenging gift - it can feel both painful and beautiful all at the same time.

[@duzer]

It’s always ok to walk! I like slowing down from time to time, helps to calm me down after so much physical output

[@outbackwack368]

Thank you for sharing your adventures and your connection with your grandmother. I was with my brother when he had his last breath at only 38 years-old. It was devastating, to say the least. Be safe and contemplative out there!

[@timgriffinau]

Ryan, you're such a positive soul, despite your recent loss. Heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your grandma.

[@duzer]

Thank you, I appreciate that

[@rneillmojo]

Thanks brother for sharing her precious spirit and I’m Grateful for you and your spirit - yee haw !!!

[@MrWhitesite]

I remember when I was a young child these were called the "Santanas", the Devil Winds. Somewhere along the way it transitioned to the Santa Ana winds.

[@shawnaustin1803]

Beautiful dialogue regarding your grandmother. Lost my Dad to a stroke a few years ago and reflect on him a lot during rides. Best wishes and awesome vibes to you! ❤

[@Stretch1931]

Ryan, thanks for the positive attitude and the inspiration. I haven't ridden a bike since 2009-ish, and really miss it. Covid slowed me down a lot and I need to keep on moving. So I'm going to start off nice and easy and get back out there. But maybe one day, I'll be at a decent level (not as intense as yours any day), but to the point where I can ride for a long time with little to no effort around my state. I really give you props for following your passion when you were younger and sticking with it. Like most people, I was misdirected and just really need to get it back. There's so much enjoyment to being away from all the hustle and bustle of our world, and having the peace and quiet in your own space to enjoy the world around you and get to take it all in at a more leisure pace than highway speeds. Great time to disconnect, and just listen to your heart and breath as the rhythm to keep you moving forward.

[@duzer]

I really hope that you can get back onto a bike soon! Like you said, nice and easy to start...and go from there. The peace and quiet is so nice. Happy Trails

[@yves78]

Ryan, so sorry for you loss. Ah yes, the Santi Ani’s as many SoCal locals call it. The winds can be felt all the way up into the LA Basin when they are strong. They can even uproot old growth when bad and even worse fuel forest fires.

[@KasamangKadyo]

good day mga Kadyo!! Now watching na si KAdyo sa blog mo.. maniwala ka! walang skip skip ito! full watch talaga!! bura bura! gagaling gagaling!! hehehehe

[@Hobomountainwander]

My condolences to you and I lost my grandma to dementia, over COVID-19. She didn't have COVID, but had other health issues. I was able to be on the trail and process the loss of her. Thanks for inspiring us all, Ryan.

[@wykydgt]

My condolences for the loss of your Nanna. I was with my father, holding his hand, when he passed last year. As heart breaking as the moment was, it was also a moment of clarity and closure. Thank you for another inspirational video about the beauty of life and the enjoyment of exploring the wonders around us.

[@irawhitlock1084]

We love you Ryan!

[@duzer]

Awe thanks!!!

[@briandineen7857]

Beautiful tribute to your Nana. Winds are the worst. I was a firefighter for 30 years. Wines were always the worst element. I know we are all suppose to embrace the wind like John Muir, and climb a 🌳. Whatever. Hey man, u got a beautiful soul. Don't go changing. Thanks again

[@harrygrimley4352]

As always a great attitude and inspirational thoughts from our friend the dooz. Very sorry to hear about your nana. My condolences to you and your family. She is the winds she is the earth she is the sky. She is free and always with you 🌹

[@duzer]

She is indeed free! Thank you for your wonderful words

[@andrifsig]

Your Nana clearly meant a lot to you Ryan. Sad to hear of her passing. Cherish the memory of her, hold her in your heart and she will always be with you. Those Santa Ana winds will be a good preparation for the icelandic winds when you get the opportunity to go on a bike ride here on my little island... ;) Honestly thought that people from Colorado, with the idea of having the Rockies at your doorstep that they would not call those hills anything else but hills...certainly not mountains... ;) that term would be reserved for real mountains, like the Rockies, Andes and the Himalayas... :)

[@nick45135]

Sorry about your Nan Ryan, condolences to you and all the family . Take care buddy.

[@michaelganshirt8795]

Inspirational, as always, Duzer. You have me thinking of adventures for the coming season.

[@luisv7117]

It nice to see you again and athank for sharing

[@KenAndersonMD]

What's up, player? Looks like you're doing great! Love the vids. Keep up the good work! Very inspiring. Have a happy holiday season, my man. I'll be at Burning Man 2023; hope to see you there again.

[@duzer]

My man!!! I really hope to bump into you again at Burningman!!

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

Gracias señor for explaining the meaning of why some bicycles are paint white I didn't know that... sorry for the loss of your grandmother

[@FiftiesForward]

When my sister died I felt her in the wind also especially the rain same with my parents and my nephew and others. Ugh I've lost a lot of people and I'm only 53!. But life continues and we get closer to seeing them again with each day 🥹

[@katjasendmayr1342]

Yeah totally agree... wind, sund, rain, heat or cold... when all you gotta do is ridin' your bike, ecerything is finest...

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Sorry to hear of your grandmother, this kind of explains your light schedule this summer. Hug your mom for us.

[@dotjohnson231]

You were so blessed to be with your Nana in the end!

[@duzer]

I was :)

[@PumpkinVillage]

Wow!!! That trail and headwinds looked some tough. Good for the mind and body thou. Thanks for sharing with us about your Nana. Loss of a loved one is so hard but they are always with us. Take care, Al

[@KeithPage]

I grew up in Santee which is right down the road from Alpine and I know all about the Santa Anna winds. I envy your life .. 😃

[@robrobinson420]

Great vid mate. Rip to grandmother. 🚴🚴

[@tjmcdonald4747]

Thanks for inspiring me to keep a positive mental attitude in windy conditions. Next time I encounter them they'll be my own Nana saying "Hi"! (I was kind of wimpy about them in Wyoming).

[@alesiabock9305]

You’re a super trooper Ryan! ❤

[@MonoLake02]

I was traveling in Guatemala many years ago, and while hiking a volcano when the winds started to blow hard enough that standing up was difficult. When I finished the hike, I noticed that my sunglass lenses were pitted. As a cyclist, I usually stay home when it if very windy, but on a tour you get what you get…

[@duzer]

Wind is my least favorite weather pattern, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do :)

[@castle228]

So sorry to hear about your Nana, Beans, grandmothers are truly special people. I'm shocked TSA took your other stuff but left your Cholula, so strange. Amy's refried beans....my favorite!! I just had some for lunch today myself!! What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?? Those winds ain't got nothing on you!

[@duzer]

Grandmothers are indeed the best!

[@robjackson4597]

Ryan. Thank you for sharing this awesome adventure. You make my hardest days seem easy. Love the tribute to your nana who had such a positive impact on your life. You were so fortunate to have her in your life. Keep it coming!

[@rabh6746]

So sorry about your grandma Ryan, I lost my mom to dementia 14 years ago and know how truly awful it is! She is watching over you always buddy! Those winds were her way of slowing you down to prevent an accident🤣Awesome video Ryan, hard going for sure but always worth the effort👍I bet Amelia was glad she didn't join you for that ride😜What a beautiful photo of you and your nana👌

[@Eric_Tennant]

Ride on

[@abstraddic0442]

I'm am so sorry to hear about your Grand mother, She most have been extra special because she helped raise a great person. Don't worry you will most definitely see her again, Most definitely. Our loved one are just waiting on us but take your time. We never die Ryan. Cherish the moments.

[@kikonyc68]

I remember that windy day. I was riding down south of death valley toward the Mojave desert and there was a massive sandstorm in the area. It was my first time experiencing a sandstorm ( I'm a northeastern city boy) it was hell for me.

[@dennisdownes9319]

Ryan...so sorry to hear about your Nana! Congratulation on finishing a tough day. If that was me, I would be thinking all day how I wish TSA had stolen my WHOLE bike!! DD

[@duzer]

Haha!! Good one.

[@denniskazimer2284]

Ryan, So sorry to hear about your Nana, my condolences to you and your family. I am sure your Nana is with you always. Absolutely love your videos such an inspiration.

[@Backcountryhiker]

Viewed the first video and started the second. Just have to comment. You are one positive person. Kudos to you and your great, great attitude. You're one person that someone would want to go adventuring with. Keep the peace and enjoy everything! (Oh, I'm from San Diego and LOVE our Santa Ana winds! Warm, dry and wonderful---but a pain to bike against) Onward!

[@duzer]

You live in a beautiful area, wow!! And thank you for watching these videos, many more to come.

[@danielheideman576]

Ryan You are a Warrior

[@TravelRunner]

Great video, Ryan. Thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear about your grandmother but it sounds like she was an integral part of you being the person you are today. And I'm sure she's proud of the person you've become. Keep up the great work, never stop seeking out adventure. Cheers.

[@claytman75]

Rest In Power, Nana.

[@stickybee2]

Ryan, sorry to hear about you grandma. Sounds like she was a special person in your life. On an another note, I think seeing that PCT marker is a sign (literally) of your next adventure. Love to see you do a video series backpacking the PCT.

[@welshbikepackingadventures]

Hallelujah, my day is now complete 🙌 🙏

[@duzer]

Yay!! Glad to be part of your Sunday

[@AlexLee-or6er]

Sorry for your family's lose live on for u now

[@thrivingnow7843]

Southern California has so much to offer. Thanks for the nice video.🌵🥰

[@HunterTravels]

Shh 😅

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Thanks for sharing. I love Alpine, CA.

[@duzer]

It’s such a beautiful area!

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

Epic ride views and always amazing charisma

[@ianmatlock1]

Sorry to hear about your Grandma's passing. Love the positive way you see everything, including the wind.

[@fishing_fam_wa]

I love your videos so much Ryan. Thank you.

[@dan_outside]

Wonderful story about your grandmother. Also, enjoyed seeing your take on our famous SoCal Santa Ana’s; always an adventure

[@duzer]

Those winds are FIERCE!!!

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

Rest in peace Nana and condolences you all.. I also held my grandmother's hand as she passed.. was an inoperable aneurysm burst.. many years later she appeared, her face on the head of a Thunderbird Cloud on Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador. Years later I finally got around to posting a short video addressing the photograph of the cloud. In the glaring sunlight I didn't notice it was my grandmother's face , wasn't until I had the film developed and it was a mind blower .. we have to make earth a better place to return to.. and here we go

[@Larry93215]

Good night Ryan sweet dreams

[@duzer]

Thank you!

[@fraser-b3494]

A few things, first off, so sorry to hear about your Nana. I think it's safe to say she was probably so proud of all your achievements and how you inspire others to get out and about. Secondly, for your previous video with all those gates, in Scotland we have the right to roam. We have some limitations but not many. If you ever make it to Scotland I have a spare room for you. You could maybe do something like the North Coast 500 (500 miles around parts of Scotland that takes in some amazing scenery). Would be happy to drive you to your starting/finishing point from Edinburgh :)

[@duzer]

I REALLY want to ride in Scotland!!! I’m gonna make it happen someday

[@miked1102]

Great video as usual. That downhill section had me puckering up the you know what. It sure tested the Wren shocks. Which are great shocks by the way.

[@matthewk2725]

Thanks for putting out such beautiful, positive material! 🤙

[@scraige3232]

Duuuuuuuuuzer! :) Windy times,... both on the road and in life. Big love and prayers to you. Thanks as always, for sharing!! :) You are an inspiration. If you ever want to travel further afield the wind around the Isle of Man would welcome you gratefully. :) Stay strong and keep pedalling!

[@truth-Hurts375]

Nothing worst than a head wind...There is no summit like in the case of hills.But....when its up you poefoe valve!!! Man o man !! 8hrs of pure joy !!!😉😉

[@nfoxford]

Sorry for your loss

[@sonfehr]

Beautiful trail, a little windy though 🙄 Sorry about your grandma Ryan, May her soul have a peaceful transition!

[@elijahkraatz9700]

Wow, that was quite a ride! I appreciate that you share emotional stories in some of your videos. Ah Cholula, one of my favorites! Thanks for another great video. I hope you got some hot springs in the morning.

[@duzer]

Thanks. Elijah…but no morning hot springs, they opened too late :(

[@elijahkraatz9700]

@@duzer Bummer!

[@kenprice1047]

Sorry about your loss Ryan. It sounds like your Nana was an awesome lady! I know you were a great grandson to her. Keep peddling and thinking of her!

[@thrillbilly6147]

Rest In Peace to Nanna. It’s the good memories that make it so hard. Prayers for strength to you

[@LindyLooo99]

I'm so sorry about your Nana. But so glad you were there for her at the end!

[@kathleensullivan3926]

Yikes, that is a lot of wind Ryan. Thanks for your perspective--even on the windy days if we are doing what we love it is all good. :)

[@duzer]

Any day on a bike is a good day

[@champf1]

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. Had a friend pass this week. And a few others that lost love ones in the past few weeks too. :(

[@SandraMartinez-qx6hc]

Oh yes, Santa Ana winds can be torture, it gives your adventure a plus 👌🥴🤣

[@duzer]

It’s was an exciting day!!

[@stephaniekelley5839]

Hi Ryan! I am originally from a place that the wind blew all the time, but the wind you were in…. Crazy! So sorry for the loss of your Nana, cherish the memories you have and yes her spirit will always be with you!💕

[@LVang152]

I'm sorry about your lost.

[@nosegrindv4951]

we have lots of Ghost bikes here in Kelowna BC.

[@Butterdsausage]

Sorry to hear about your Nana. I lost my Grandma years ago to Alzheimer’s/Dementia. I understand the pain, it’s certainly not easy. What’s crazy is, the day she passed, we also had super high winds that evening. I was living in Denver at the time and don’t recall ever having winds that high in the city before. Important people in our lives may go gentle, but they have a way of showing they’re still with us. My condolences to you and your family.

[@milybanily]

Se sabe cuando acaba un puerto de montaña, pero nunca cuando acaba el viento.

[@djmalwitz]

Good stuff Ryan! Looks like you rode Viejas Grade, Merigan Fire Road, Cuyamaca, La Cima Trail at the start of Ep 2. This is part of the Great Western Reroute course that we did in June this year from Alpine. Great roads for gravel and MTB, you'll have to visit again when conditions aren't so windy!