Thanks to my Patrons for making these films come to life every month!! 🎥🍿⚡️ -----> Bryan Brown, Dave Cornog, Gil, Marc & Judy, Jim McGee, Miles Gibbons, Noel McFarlane, Ron Manganiello, Justin Elliott, Rafael De Giacomo, Tim, Tom Saleeba, Borja Duran Crespo, David Weiner, Dean Johnson, Iohan Gueorguiev, Jesse Bignell, Keith Gasser, Meredith Biberstein, Norman Schiele, Peter McColgan, Paul Drees, Alex Hsieh, Andre Boily, Andreas Skielboe, Andy Holmes, BigBenny, Bill Reals, Chris Smothers, Conor Bradley, Corrine Leistikow, Dan, Donovan Walker, Doug Feig, Drew Ringsmuth, Edward Overmann, Euan Ramsay, Felipe Ricketts, Gary Griffin, Henrik Rasmussen, Ian, Jan Trenson, Jason Boczar, Jeff Zanetto, Jenna Harper, Jesse Tamez, Jesús MDCS, Jim, Joakim Bergros, John Belknap, Jonathan Pizzato, Justin Klein, Kasparas Juška, Marc-Antoine Guy, Mark Widrick, Moritz Hardt, Nick Mackenzie, Patrick Harms, Rim Ivoškis, Robin Capper, Samuel Vaughan, Simon, Staff Howson, Stephen Bieda, Steven Bergosh, Thom Reynolds, Walfredo Cirne, Robert Rupp, Lukas Hartwig, joshua bryant, Philipp Griewank, Mark Nicholson, Philip Palmer, Sean Hanrahan, Mark Messer, Brendan, Rik Kov, Eric Bouwens, Erik van Roode, Brad Hess, Julian Heavyside, Jacob, Howard Pearlman, Graham Mcmillan, Étienne Raymond Desjardins, Barry, Garth Mramor, Eddie Monroy, Paul B. Rolen, Stefan Hackenthal, Hannah Zicarelli, Konke Radlow, Mathieu Vallée, Ravindra Kempaiah, Dennis De Block, Marius, David Carns, Blake Hunter, Mark Hagemann, Peter, Timothy O'Connell, Michael Bryant, Mike Williams, Niklas Lindgren, Josh Maynard, Fabien Chevaucher, Simone Paoli, Kieren Sheehan, Massimo Franceschini, Tim Lagas, Aharon Elston, Bruce, Jim Adams, Dale King, John Jones, Deborah Addy, Konstantin Fedorov, Connor Ellison, John Trombly, Teemu, Ard, Dion Owen, Juldie Bohmer, Niels Janse, Andrew Crabb, Peter M, Sietske Grijseels, Mark Howley, Drew Berzkalns, Michael J. Zerinskas, Stephen Sheppard, Dan, Ken Luke, Paul Ess and Gary. www.patreon.com/cyclingabout
You all prolly dont give a shit but does someone know a method to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me.
@Royce King I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Allee-I’ve enjoyed all of your trips & videos but your trip with Geraldo is my favorite. You were so gracious & obviously you allowed him to learn the joy of cycling. His enthusiasm was overwhelming. I’ve been struggling with depression & motivation and your videos have been extremely helpful especially seeing the effect you had on someone with no experience. It’s just wonderful! Thank you. Keep up the good pedaling & I will keep watching. And be safe. 👍☮️🌞🚲
@@VideoNOLA Keep in mind that the death and violence in Mexico is great part because of the power drug cartels have because of the great appetite the U.S. have for drugs. And the U.S. also have flooded the country with weapons. As long as the demand for drugs is there , there will be groups of criminals fighting to supply that market and make enormous profits. And that violence and its consequences makes some people flee their communities, sometimes all the way up north to the U.S.A.
36 years ago when I was biking across Europe alone someone explained to me why I wasn't bothered. He said that the thieves didn't see a guy on an expensive bike loaded with matching bags, equipment money, fancy camera and credit cards. They saw in their mind a mad that couldn't afford a car.
There is always a risk, travelling with a bike loaded with panniers and having a camera strapped to one's body, for sure. But I think there is a bigger risk in missing out on life and and adventures. Plus, statistically, being a couch potato is more dangerous 😉.
@@MrJx4000 Well considering that even regular people in relatively wealthy countries think 400 USD is expensive for a bike, it's no wonder these thieves would have no idea that that Koga is a multi-thousand dollar bike.
Thank you for putting this video together. I spent 12 years of my life in Oaxaca and seeing these these landscapes and people again brings back heart felt memories. Thrilled that you showed the hospitality of the local people in the small villages. As nutty and dangerous as Mexico can be there is also the exact opposite to be found in the small communities. I hope you get a chance to ride some of the coastal areas of Oaxaca.
Hi Mark! I was briefly with the Zapotec people in San Juan Jahile (sp? Yahile?) east of Guelatao de Juarez. I was on a field study through my university, however I wanted an altruistic purpose for being there so I worked cultivating and planting with the people, and in the end I would give them money and also some food. I was briefly with the Lacandones too. I was in a small village on the coast of Oaxaca too. I forgot the name of it, no roads or electricity there and all living in thatch huts. The population fluctuated with the currents in the ocean. That was all in 1982. That's amazing you were there 12 years. I was there only 6 months but a big part of my life!
Just watched all of the vids.. I’m gobsmacked. The views. The soundtracks, editing, the passion and incredible cycling skill shared with Eesh and Gerardo and by extension all of your followers.. the words are hard to come by. Thank you for bringing this to us.. to think I watched tv back in the day, can’t hold a candle to what you produce. Cheers
I've traveled Mexico for months at a time in the past and always people thought I was crazy. I traveled the West coast surfing on the small breaks in little villages and the people are so great. I love that country. Hurrah for Gerardo and his great attitude!
To avoid being seen at night from a distance, consider using flashlights with a red or green beam. Somebody with combat experience could give you good tips in this regard. Basically you are trying to not give away your position to the bad guys. Of coarse, you still want to do the opposite while on the roads and be seen by others.
Such a lovely film to watch.....so much actual practical advice and wisdom. Your way of speaking is so refreshing and really conveys the quiet joy of bike packing
Once again - great video and really professional editing (for me as a non-professional). I like the way you document your journeys, the combination of scenery, movement and also the drone scenes matches perfect. As a not native english speaker the subtitles are great - thank you! Would be nice if you make a video some day about "behind the scenes" and your equipment.
Gerardo-you couldn't have picked a better cycling partner for your first adventure. I've watched all of Allee’s videos & he is the most intrepid biker I've ever seen. He goes over & through places that are not roads, paths or anything else conceivable as a way to elsewhere. I don't know how he does it. Good to hear you plan more trips. Cycling is great fun. 👍☮️🌞🚲🎃
I really enjoyed watching this as it reminds me of my adventures on a bike in Mexico in 2013 and 2007. Both trips combined I cycled the length of the country mostly on minor dirt roads. Cycle touring is a great way to see the world and Mexico is a fantastic country. I didn't have any real problems. I could honestly run into more trouble on a night out at the weekend in the UK! My experience is that wherever you go in the world most people are essentially good.
So much fun looking at you guys. You made me miss my bicycle trips so much! Beautiful videos and contents and thank you for the advice, it will be really really useful for the bicycle touring community worldwide ❤️🙏🏼
Such an inspiring account. With cable news and social media it’s so easy to develop the impression that everywhere in the world is a war zone. Thanks for giving us another, much needed perspective!
One of my main aims is to share how good the world really is! You wouldn't believe it when the news outlets and social media algorithms peddle this culture of fear...
I really appreciate you recognizing the real danger. Often travel creators characterize places as "actually very safe" when locals would warn you otherwise.
I absolutely loved this episode. I travelled a bit around in Mexico 24 years ago, but not by bike! I love this country. Incredible landscapes and generous people. I would have enjoyed just a mention of the states related to the different shots.
He did very well! I was initially worried he wasn't going to crash at all on our trip. But as soon as the heavens rained down on us, I knew I would get my light entertainment each day. 😁
Thank you guys ! Nice ride ,nice video and fantastic riders.I rolled Yucatan ,Campeche and Quintana roo 3 years ago ,any troubles just marvelous peoples,realy nice country .Grab any bike,learn a little spanish and enjoy life .
Great video with some wise words that can be applied not only to Mexico. There's nothing to add to that. Good list of questions to ask to decide if it's safe or not. And I enjoyed the funny mud moments. :) Stay safe!
That route is insanely difficult! But they somehow on camera are having a good time. Obviously you would need a level of spanish to be youthful and in good shape and not get discouraged easily. Amazing video...Mexico too is beautiful
Hello! I recently did my first bicycle tour by myself from Turin, Italy to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, it has been a dream of mine to do a trip like that and after I have done it I cannot stop thinking of the next adventures to come. I'm from monterrey Mexico, and after finishing college I want to embarc myself in a trip to cross all Mexico by bicycle. I would like to know if it was difficult to find water and food along the way, my biggest concern is the cars on the roads, I wanted to ask as well if you experience anything with that around the roads of mexico and what things I should have in mind before taking off. Thanks for the video!
More accurately is “How I cycle dangerous countries without dying so far” I certainly hope that God continues to protect you during these adventures. Your a brave soul who’s bicycle touring videos are the very best that RUclips has to offer. Bueno suerta Senor!
I don't like cycling as I am from Holland..so I walk with a walkingtrailer. But often look for interesting bicycle routes. Covered over 25000+ km recent years after many years kayaking and many other adventures. Mudeating is a favourite passtime as I see on your trip
Great video, putting things in relation! Risks are not evenly distributed and can be lowered by knowing and avoiding the high risk areas. Have you considered doing a video on non-human related risks, like floods, fires, animals, sheep-dogs, mosquitos, snakes or similar on the road and at the campsite?
What a wonderful ride with great company. Great pieces of advice here too. I grew up in Brazil and know that the violence is often in specific areas. Listen to the locals and don't be the stupid foreigner, you'll be ok. And Gerardo's furniture is amazing 👏
Thank you for this very informative video. One of my goals in my life is to bike from my home in california to my grandparents house in a small town in Jalisco Mx. Everyone in my family things mexico is too dangerous.
Great video, I plan on recumbent Triking from Vancouver Canada to San Diego, I probably won't cross their bc it's a dangerous city but soon as this Corona thing is over head down to Mexico City.
You beat me to it! I was going to cycle Mexico in 2020, but of a certain world pandemic I had to postpone; even this year I was going to do it, but I played it safe and decided to wait a little more. At the end of this year or the beginning of next, I plan on cycling all of the states of Mexico. I hope to create the next RAAM, but for Mexico; approximately a total of 10,756 (a little more).
"Very muddy and very good" - the motto of this trip ^^ Also I have a story of my friend, who is from Russia and whom I met in Istanbul, Turkey in the autumn of 2020. He flew to Mexico and he intended to spent a few weeks or maybe months there travelling around the country before heading further. But unlike you he got very unlucky from the beginning. He was detained by the airport border guards in Mexico City airport and after a few days he was freed and sent to fly back to Istanbul.
Amazing journey, nice to hear all your trip was safe, nevertheless you can not plan something similar riding a road bike and using paved roads. Congrats both of you guys
Inspiring video and beautiful vistas. However, for all the talk of "communicate with the locals, smile, ask about conditions, etc." there were very very few instances of such shown in the video. One time with police, once a local seemed to be sharing black beans, once or twice someone on the road smiled at them as they passed by. Since the title of the video says "is it REALLY too dangerous..." then I would think that it would be very beneficial to potential bike-trippers to see instances of these two guys interacting with locals. That being said, there were several very helpful tips about when to be on roads, when to set up camp, and how to research/think about your trip from a safety angle. So thanks for those! I would also be interested to see what sort of gear you carried...
@@Cyclingabout Fair enough. But might be something to think about adding to your future videos - the human angle (if you have good interactions with people you meet along the way) - as that adds so much to any type of touring. Anyway, looks like you and Geraldo had a great time and thanks for posting this video.
@@tomkinsky771 I would like to do that, but after eight years of making videos - I still feel uncomfortable filming people without a long discussion first (most interactions are quite short).
I’m always curious how you deal with major equipment failures. You ride crazy trails snd roads , parts must break and replacement parts have to be scarce in such places
Thanks for the great video. I would like to share a personal note. When I returned from 4 years of living in Turkey I often had to answer the "where did you move from question." The response to my answer (Turkey) was often "Oh, wow, isn't it dangerous there?" The news reports sure do lead people to believe truly false things about the world.
I am glad you had such a positive experience. I have spent at least 5 years of my life in Mexico over my 50 years on the earth. I love it, love the people, the hospitality is outstanding. Unfortunately I have been robbed at gunpoint a few times, 1/2 the time by police officers. I have endured 2 kidnapping attempts. Use your best judgment and enjoy Mexico.
yep, been down to Baja quite a few times, day trips and camping, and i've been shaken down by a cop and have many friends with bad experiences. Would never try to dissuade people from traveling but going by the #s, in a country with that much violence and corruption, Im definitely not traveling down there exposed any more. Just point to point in safe areass
youtube in all honor but when will BBC hire you? :D love your videos!! woop woop! most of the information i have been looking for as a beginner bike tourer ive gotter from you. such an inspiration!
Wow! Both are great teamates! I'm from México and you have a lot of reason.... A little bit of carefullness in urbanized areas.... You're falling a lot jaja be carefull....
Lovely video as always. Great theme. I would agree 100% with what you said. I was left wondering if this would also apply to Brazil. I noticed that you left Brazil as soon as you could. One of the issues there is the lack of small roads and the aggressivity of the drivers. It would be interesting to hear more about your experience while you were there.
Thanks! I didn't plan to travel more in Brazil, I was only really there to see Iguazu Falls - before cycling back to the Andes mountains. But yeah, I didn't enjoy the roads in the south of Brazil. Hopefully, I'll be back one day to experience other areas - and yes, you can apply all this advice to Brazil!
This was a great video, man, really loved jt. Well done. I have often wondered about the safety aspects of riding through south and Central America. Also, just curious, what camera(s) do you use in your productions? Looks really good!!! Cheers from FL, USA 👍
Warnings about foreign countries are always exaggerated to some degree as they should be, to keep you from falling short of protecting yourself. But don’t become so cautious you start crossing entire parts of the world off your list. When I decided to go solo hiking in the Middle East near the Persian Gulf I was called crazy, reckless, even suicidal. I ended up having the greatest hiking experience of my life in one of the Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah. Next trip the following year was to Northern Iraq, the Kurdish region. This time I hiked with a guide due to recent conflicts in the area and still had an amazing time. Be sensible, take precautions and respect culture. Think of yourself as a humble guest, not a demanding tourist. I’ve heard of so many travelers who have gotten into trouble due to their arrogance.
Great adventure! Thanks for sharing. I find it truly amazing how fearful folks are with travel to foreign lands. As if tourists/travelers are getting robbed and killed on the daily. Travel is adventure it involves risk. Your risk of self induced bodily harm is so much higher than anything else on a trip like this. Statistically your risk is exponentially higher driving a car to work everyday in the city. I would much rather endure the risks of travel than the risks of driving to work 😉.
Friends of mine rode from Vietnam to Germany over 18 months without a single issue. Dirt poor people who had NOTHING, yet they were never stolen from. First few weeks in Mexico they were robbed. Tent slashed open and stuff stolen, so they were quickly targeted as "rich bike tourists" and were taken advantage of. This is also after spending two years in the Peace Corps, so they were by no means unseasoned travelers. Both had also traveled extensively in Europe and were multi-lingual prior to all these travels. Same friends were in Africa several years later. Knew all about the bad places. Nairobi was jokingly referred to as NaiRobbery. Sure enough, one of 'em was robbed in NaiRobbery. In hindsight, they should have avoided it. Then a family member was in Portugal and sure enough, fell victim to a pickpocket. And Portugal at the time was a known bad spot for pickpockets. Sorry, too many data points suggesting to avoid certain locations. Just like Colombia was to be avoided at all costs in the 90's. The world is large, pick a safer place to travel and you greatly reduce the odds of something going sideways. Don't be a scared American. But also don't be a stupid American! We are so rich by comparison, that many in the third world have no problem stealing from us. Plus, we collect insurance in many cases and hardly lose a beat in the overall picture.
I'm 69 and have a 26 inch 1998 Diamondback Mountain bike Cro-Mo 4130 rigid frame. There's no way I can cross Mexico like you do on such primitive roads and major bumps etc. Do you know other older bicyclists like me who take the paved roads? I will start in Minnesota and to all the way to the tip of South America and around the world through Asia and Africa and take several years. I don't have nice bikes like you guys. Am I a fool hoping I can do this safely? At least in Mexico it almost seems you have to break your back and travel in the most hidden way possible to make it across the country. Is this the reality I face? Thanks for your amazing videos and I like your camera work and sound tracks and great narration too!
I love Mexico. Always had a good time there. I'm just on the edge of being able to speak enough Spanish, so I like the places where tourists exist, but haven't overwhelmed the place. The closest I got to any crime was some guys trying to scam tourists, but they are pretty obvious. I think most of the danger there is either big stuff you can see from miles away, or petty crime that happens everywhere on earth.
Nice trip man! I was curious about how do you guys make those images of you both cycling. I mean, is there anybody traveling with you guys in charge of the images?
Another great video. I have a question for you. You mentionned breaking a leg in Guatamala. I have done some long bike rides so I am not afraid of the challenges of my future world bike tour. What I can't find an answer to is how can I get international health insurance after the first year. I am Canadian and year one is covered but the only answer I have found so far is that medical attention just isn't that expensive in most places of the world so ...cross your fingers. Can you refer me to any video or site that might cover this issue. Thanks again for great videos!!!!
Insurance varies a lot depending on your country. It took me a while, but I found a company that would cover me and my bike for three years. You really just have to go through the fine print.
Cool Video your friend should look into getting a bike-packing setup rather than Cycle touring set up specially for those trails ... looked like those big pannier bouncing around cause a few of his crashes
Aren’t you lucky, your wife keeps you coddled and safe from expending your non-existent motivation to go and explore the world by bicycle. Nighty nite!
What happened to them? Were they traveling in areas that have a lot of traffic? Were they hit by cars, or attacked somehow? I plan to bike all over the world and start in Mexico.
@@mwj5368 you can Google their case. And it's not just them either. A group of Australians travelling through Mexico in a van were killed a few years ago. It happens more than we know
Thanks for your informal video, you give me some courage again for the coming two months through Mexico🚴♂️ Are there any specific websites and media you used for your planning? Actually I never worry about these things and I have been to many high crime countries. As long as you communicate with the local people it should come out fine. But right now I'm caught between great anticipation and fear, because in the city I'm living in right now, a huge amount of people are disappearing almost every week for no reason 🇲🇽
Nice! I am Brazilian and as Brazil is a continental country, we have very safe regions and very dangerous regions. There are techniques to avoid the danger, as described in the video, but the probability of suffering violence in some regions is very high, it is not worth cycling in these regions. Remember that luck will not always be in our favor. Take care!
@@willek1335 in México, dont go to remote rural dirt roads of Tamaulipas and Michoacan state...from time to time I watch in the tv news military found "narco-ranchos" where cartels train their new recruits
@@willek1335 as a tourist, you are not really a target for those pieces of sh.t. the problem is more for us, the locals. Especially for those of us who have small businesses... those pieces of shit force people to pay 2 fees" they send one of their parasites to collect the money, if you don't pay they threaten you with death, if you continue without paying they kill you or burn your business ..I know a lot of people who suffer from that and it's already generalized throughout this damn country. To be very honest.. I would not recommend anyone to come..it´s palying with fire.. as I said, you, as a tourist are not really a target, but even so, there is always the possibility that if you see them on some rural road they will do something to you... after all, they are criminal garbage and have no word. There are many areas of Mexico where large convoys of criminal vans drive around with total impunity and are heavily armed, drugged, etc. that is the tru of my country. I am Mexican living in Acapulco and have seen the worst things of my entire life in just the past 7 years
I have been to Mexico many times and have had almost no incidents. It is very helpful to speak Spanish and to not wear overly fancy or expensive-looking clothing. No jewelry or watch. Most people are nice and are very willing to help to the degree they are able. Flashing loads of cash is asking for trouble. Better to break bigger bills when in big cities or at large airports. Do not carry fat wallets, or Guichi bags. I have a good time and many of my relatives chose to return to Mexico rather than struggle here. It's our cost of living that tipped them over, especially in California.
![Our Incredible Experience Bikepacking The Baja Divide Off-Road Route // Full Documentary [EP.20]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KTASiq3ys4o/mqdefault.jpg)
![Our Incredible Experience Bikepacking The Baja Divide Off-Road Route // Full Documentary [EP.20]](/img/tr.png)
![Her FIRST Bikepacking Trip // Trans-Mexico 2000km Adventure Documentary [EP.17]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UMEYhoRJt-g/mqdefault.jpg)
![I fell off a cliff (30m/100ft) with my touring bike [EP.9]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OHssGSUQ42s/mqdefault.jpg)
![America's Hidden Bikepacking Paradise // Joshua Tree to LA [EP.21]](/img/1.gif)
Thanks to my Patrons for making these films come to life every month!! 🎥🍿⚡️ -----> Bryan Brown, Dave Cornog, Gil, Marc & Judy, Jim McGee, Miles Gibbons, Noel McFarlane, Ron Manganiello, Justin Elliott, Rafael De Giacomo, Tim, Tom Saleeba, Borja Duran Crespo, David Weiner, Dean Johnson, Iohan Gueorguiev, Jesse Bignell, Keith Gasser, Meredith Biberstein, Norman Schiele, Peter McColgan, Paul Drees, Alex Hsieh, Andre Boily, Andreas Skielboe, Andy Holmes, BigBenny, Bill Reals, Chris Smothers, Conor Bradley, Corrine Leistikow, Dan, Donovan Walker, Doug Feig, Drew Ringsmuth, Edward Overmann, Euan Ramsay, Felipe Ricketts, Gary Griffin, Henrik Rasmussen, Ian, Jan Trenson, Jason Boczar, Jeff Zanetto, Jenna Harper, Jesse Tamez, Jesús MDCS, Jim, Joakim Bergros, John Belknap, Jonathan Pizzato, Justin Klein, Kasparas Juška, Marc-Antoine Guy, Mark Widrick, Moritz Hardt, Nick Mackenzie, Patrick Harms, Rim Ivoškis, Robin Capper, Samuel Vaughan, Simon, Staff Howson, Stephen Bieda, Steven Bergosh, Thom Reynolds, Walfredo Cirne, Robert Rupp, Lukas Hartwig, joshua bryant, Philipp Griewank, Mark Nicholson, Philip Palmer, Sean Hanrahan, Mark Messer, Brendan, Rik Kov, Eric Bouwens, Erik van Roode, Brad Hess, Julian Heavyside, Jacob, Howard Pearlman, Graham Mcmillan, Étienne Raymond Desjardins, Barry, Garth Mramor, Eddie Monroy, Paul B. Rolen, Stefan Hackenthal, Hannah Zicarelli, Konke Radlow, Mathieu Vallée, Ravindra Kempaiah, Dennis De Block, Marius, David Carns, Blake Hunter, Mark Hagemann, Peter, Timothy O'Connell, Michael Bryant, Mike Williams, Niklas Lindgren, Josh Maynard, Fabien Chevaucher, Simone Paoli, Kieren Sheehan, Massimo Franceschini, Tim Lagas, Aharon Elston, Bruce, Jim Adams, Dale King, John Jones, Deborah Addy, Konstantin Fedorov, Connor Ellison, John Trombly, Teemu, Ard, Dion Owen, Juldie Bohmer, Niels Janse, Andrew Crabb, Peter M, Sietske Grijseels, Mark Howley, Drew Berzkalns, Michael J. Zerinskas, Stephen Sheppard, Dan, Ken Luke, Paul Ess and Gary. www.patreon.com/cyclingabout
You all prolly dont give a shit but does someone know a method to get back into an instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can offer me.
@Zain Ayaan instablaster :)
@Royce King I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Royce King it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much you really help me out :D
@Zain Ayaan You are welcome =)
Geraldo positive outlook is infectious, no matter if he falls, it rains, he is in pain, or even a complete lack of a road to bike on.
He was a great travel companion!
Allee-I’ve enjoyed all of your trips & videos but your trip with Geraldo is my favorite. You were so gracious & obviously you allowed him to learn the joy of cycling. His enthusiasm was overwhelming. I’ve been struggling with depression & motivation and your videos have been extremely helpful especially seeing the effect you had on someone with no experience. It’s just wonderful! Thank you. Keep up the good pedaling & I will keep watching. And be safe. 👍☮️🌞🚲
I can see why people risk death to escape that hell hole. Scenic but not my cup of tea.
He seems to have the seat too high, no weight on the pedals.
@@VideoNOLA Keep in mind that the death and violence in Mexico is great part because of the power drug cartels have because of the great appetite the U.S. have for drugs. And the U.S. also have flooded the country with weapons.
As long as the demand for drugs is there , there will be groups of criminals fighting to supply that market and make enormous profits.
And that violence and its consequences makes some people flee their communities, sometimes all the way up north to the U.S.A.
36 years ago when I was biking across Europe alone someone explained to me why I wasn't bothered. He said that the thieves didn't see a guy on an expensive bike loaded with matching bags, equipment money, fancy camera and credit cards. They saw in their mind a mad that couldn't afford a car.
Yep, cyclists are usually the poorest people in most countries, so that automatically makes you much less of a target!
There is always a risk, travelling with a bike loaded with panniers and having a camera strapped to one's body, for sure. But I think there is a bigger risk in missing out on life and and adventures. Plus, statistically, being a couch potato is more dangerous 😉.
@@Terragea 100% agree! 💪🏼
@@MrJx4000 Well considering that even regular people in relatively wealthy countries think 400 USD is expensive for a bike, it's no wonder these thieves would have no idea that that Koga is a multi-thousand dollar bike.
@@MrJx4000 lol what kind of bikes are you talking about?
Thank you for putting this video together. I spent 12 years of my life in Oaxaca and seeing these these landscapes and people again brings back heart felt memories. Thrilled that you showed the hospitality of the local people in the small villages. As nutty and dangerous as Mexico can be there is also the exact opposite to be found in the small communities. I hope you get a chance to ride some of the coastal areas of Oaxaca.
Hi Mark! I was briefly with the Zapotec people in San Juan Jahile (sp? Yahile?) east of Guelatao de Juarez. I was on a field study through my university, however I wanted an altruistic purpose for being there so I worked cultivating and planting with the people, and in the end I would give them money and also some food. I was briefly with the Lacandones too. I was in a small village on the coast of Oaxaca too. I forgot the name of it, no roads or electricity there and all living in thatch huts. The population fluctuated with the currents in the ocean. That was all in 1982. That's amazing you were there 12 years. I was there only 6 months but a big part of my life!
Just watched all of the vids.. I’m gobsmacked. The views. The soundtracks, editing, the passion and incredible cycling skill shared with Eesh and Gerardo and by extension all of your followers.. the words are hard to come by. Thank you for bringing this to us.. to think I watched tv back in the day, can’t hold a candle to what you produce. Cheers
This is a very kind comment to read. Thanks so much!
Someone give this man his own netflix-series!!
yes!
I sometimes view these episodes with AirPlay to my AppleTV on the big Screen 📺. My wife loves them.
Wow, Gerardo makes some incredibly beautiful furniture!
FACT
Yes, I am impressed too.
I've traveled Mexico for months at a time in the past and always people thought I was crazy. I traveled the West coast surfing on the small breaks in little villages and the people are so great. I love that country. Hurrah for Gerardo and his great attitude!
To avoid being seen at night from a distance, consider using flashlights with a red or green beam. Somebody with combat experience could give you good tips in this regard. Basically you are trying to not give away your position to the bad guys. Of coarse, you still want to do the opposite while on the roads and be seen by others.
I use a red flashlight when I am camping in visible distance from houses and/or roads. A side benefit is that it attracts less bugs!
Thanks for another great episode! Gerardo has a good attitude for a first time cycling traveler.👍
Thanks! It's essential to have this attitude if you're going to ride with me. 😅
Such a lovely film to watch.....so much actual practical advice and wisdom. Your way of speaking is so refreshing and really conveys the quiet joy of bike packing
Once again - great video and really professional editing (for me as a non-professional). I like the way you document your journeys, the combination of scenery, movement and also the drone scenes matches perfect. As a not native english speaker the subtitles are great - thank you!
Would be nice if you make a video some day about "behind the scenes" and your equipment.
Geraldo is such a cool guy! Thank you for this great episode.
Gerardo-you couldn't have picked a better cycling partner for your first adventure. I've watched all of Allee’s videos & he is the most intrepid biker I've ever seen. He goes over & through places that are not roads, paths or anything else conceivable as a way to elsewhere. I don't know how he does it. Good to hear you plan more trips. Cycling is great fun. 👍☮️🌞🚲🎃
Alee's great but you need to google Iohan's channel "I want to see the world". different level of self sufficiency.
@@granddolph I did & I subscribed to his channel. He’s doing some kind of extreme cycling.🚴 Fascinating. 👍☮️🌞🚲
I really enjoyed watching this as it reminds me of my adventures on a bike in Mexico in 2013 and 2007. Both trips combined I cycled the length of the country mostly on minor dirt roads. Cycle touring is a great way to see the world and Mexico is a fantastic country. I didn't have any real problems. I could honestly run into more trouble on a night out at the weekend in the UK! My experience is that wherever you go in the world most people are essentially good.
So much fun looking at you guys. You made me miss my bicycle trips so much! Beautiful videos and contents and thank you for the advice, it will be really really useful for the bicycle touring community worldwide ❤️🙏🏼
Such an inspiring account. With cable news and social media it’s so easy to develop the impression that everywhere in the world is a war zone. Thanks for giving us another, much needed perspective!
One of my main aims is to share how good the world really is! You wouldn't believe it when the news outlets and social media algorithms peddle this culture of fear...
Sacred words 🙏🏼😊
I really appreciate you recognizing the real danger. Often travel creators characterize places as "actually very safe" when locals would warn you otherwise.
Beautifully shot and great soundtrack! Y’all did a great job on this.
Many thanks!
Amazing footage! And without a film crew!! In my oPINION world class !
I absolutely loved this episode. I travelled a bit around in Mexico 24 years ago, but not by bike! I love this country. Incredible landscapes and generous people. I would have enjoyed just a mention of the states related to the different shots.
This is a mix of Guerrero and Oaxaca. You can see the route in the video description.
Very gnarly ride, and great for Gerardo for not going insane and hating life. You answered and shown to the world that it is possible. Stay strong!
I love how happy you both are no matter what the road or weather throws at you! Uplifting seeing positive people enjoying life!
Thanks alot Alee for sharing, very inspiring and funny friend u got. Happy you both had great time. Massive 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Gerardo has great form off-roading on a bike...when he stays upright. 😁 Beautifully filmed and edited.
He did very well! I was initially worried he wasn't going to crash at all on our trip. But as soon as the heavens rained down on us, I knew I would get my light entertainment each day. 😁
You are two of the bravest men I know!
Brilliant as usual, and love Gerardo's humour/attitude
Thank you guys ! Nice ride ,nice video and fantastic riders.I rolled Yucatan ,Campeche and Quintana roo 3 years ago ,any troubles just marvelous peoples,realy nice country .Grab any bike,learn a little spanish and enjoy life .
Right on!
Great video with some wise words that can be applied not only to Mexico. There's nothing to add to that.
Good list of questions to ask to decide if it's safe or not. And I enjoyed the funny mud moments. :)
Stay safe!
Great advice. Your partner on this one is a funny guy.
Glad you got some laughs out of this one! 😊
That route is insanely difficult! But they somehow on camera are having a good time. Obviously you would need a level of spanish to be youthful and in good shape and not get discouraged easily. Amazing video...Mexico too is beautiful
Geraldo is the perfect bike companion, his positive outlook is contagious.
Hello! I recently did my first bicycle tour by myself from Turin, Italy to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, it has been a dream of mine to do a trip like that and after I have done it I cannot stop thinking of the next adventures to come. I'm from monterrey Mexico, and after finishing college I want to embarc myself in a trip to cross all Mexico by bicycle. I would like to know if it was difficult to find water and food along the way, my biggest concern is the cars on the roads, I wanted to ask as well if you experience anything with that around the roads of mexico and what things I should have in mind before taking off. Thanks for the video!
Ya hiciste tu viaje?? saludos!!
Stay safe... and thank you for sharing
Thank you, I will!
Gerardo jajaja te conozco we, ni te has de acordar. Rifado brother, un abrazo desde cdmx!!
More accurately is “How I cycle dangerous countries without dying so far” I certainly hope that God continues to protect you during these adventures. Your a brave soul who’s bicycle touring videos are the very best that RUclips has to offer.
Bueno suerta Senor!
hopefully god doesn't cancel that patreon sub
Wow, mexico is a beautiful country!😃
I don't like cycling as I am from Holland..so I walk with a walkingtrailer. But often look for interesting bicycle routes. Covered over 25000+ km recent years after many years kayaking and many other adventures.
Mudeating is a favourite passtime as I see on your trip
Great video, putting things in relation! Risks are not evenly distributed and can be lowered by knowing and avoiding the high risk areas.
Have you considered doing a video on non-human related risks, like floods, fires, animals, sheep-dogs, mosquitos, snakes or similar on the road and at the campsite?
I will definitely consider that for future video topics. Thanks!
One of your best yet 👍
Such wonderful attitudes
Nice adventure and entertaining...keep it up guys...stay safe
Really good advice, Thanks for the information.
What a wonderful ride with great company. Great pieces of advice here too. I grew up in Brazil and know that the violence is often in specific areas. Listen to the locals and don't be the stupid foreigner, you'll be ok. And Gerardo's furniture is amazing 👏
Wow what a great video!
Beautiful country.
Awesome shirt Gerardo!! Love all the riding you guys did! Saludos!!
Looks like an awesome route!
Thank you for this very informative video. One of my goals in my life is to bike from my home in california to my grandparents house in a small town in Jalisco Mx. Everyone in my family things mexico is too dangerous.
Thanks for having us along.
A really good and informative video, thanks.
Greetings Thomas
Heartwarming, this. Thank you.
Great video, I plan on recumbent Triking from Vancouver Canada to San Diego, I probably won't cross their bc it's a dangerous city but soon as this Corona thing is over head down to Mexico City.
Definitely a positive in being fluent in the language. ++++++++++++
it was a great journey.. tough mental & physics.. respect for you guys 👍
You beat me to it! I was going to cycle Mexico in 2020, but of a certain world pandemic I had to postpone; even this year I was going to do it, but I played it safe and decided to wait a little more.
At the end of this year or the beginning of next, I plan on cycling all of the states of Mexico. I hope to create the next RAAM, but for Mexico; approximately a total of 10,756 (a little more).
This is awesome Alee! Gives me anxiety not being able to ride with you guys.
Lots of respect bro ✊
"Very muddy and very good" - the motto of this trip ^^
Also I have a story of my friend, who is from Russia and whom I met in Istanbul, Turkey in the autumn of 2020. He flew to Mexico and he intended to spent a few weeks or maybe months there travelling around the country before heading further. But unlike you he got very unlucky from the beginning. He was detained by the airport border guards in Mexico City airport and after a few days he was freed and sent to fly back to Istanbul.
Amazing journey, nice to hear all your trip was safe, nevertheless you can not plan something similar riding a road bike and using paved roads.
Congrats both of you guys
Geraldo is really a hero.
No bicycle skills and traveling with a veteran. He has no fear!
Hope he cycles a bit better now.
Both of you are so funny! 🤣 What a journey! Thanks for the advices! 😊
you both have a great attitudes
Inspiring video and beautiful vistas. However, for all the talk of "communicate with the locals, smile, ask about conditions, etc." there were very very few instances of such shown in the video. One time with police, once a local seemed to be sharing black beans, once or twice someone on the road smiled at them as they passed by. Since the title of the video says "is it REALLY too dangerous..." then I would think that it would be very beneficial to potential bike-trippers to see instances of these two guys interacting with locals. That being said, there were several very helpful tips about when to be on roads, when to set up camp, and how to research/think about your trip from a safety angle. So thanks for those! I would also be interested to see what sort of gear you carried...
As a general rule, I am not one to spend much time filming people I don't know. I just don't feel that comfortable doing it.
@@Cyclingabout Fair enough. But might be something to think about adding to your future videos - the human angle (if you have good interactions with people you meet along the way) - as that adds so much to any type of touring. Anyway, looks like you and Geraldo had a great time and thanks for posting this video.
@@tomkinsky771 I would like to do that, but after eight years of making videos - I still feel uncomfortable filming people without a long discussion first (most interactions are quite short).
@@Cyclingabout Understood! Well, anyway, I do look forward to checking out some more of your videos. Happy trails. :)
Very informative, thank you for for video and advice. I am looking at ways to cycle on lesser travelled roads yet be safe & enjoyable.
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant. Thank you.
really really enjoy your videos!!!
I’m always curious how you deal with major equipment failures. You ride crazy trails snd roads , parts must break and replacement parts have to be scarce in such places
Brilliant video, really enjoyed it
You were very lucky to get to hang out with your friend like that . 👍
Maintaining that derailleur in those kinds of conditions has got to be a pain in the ass.
My Rohloff/belt drivetrain on the other hand... worked perfectly!
Rohloff Speedhub for the win
Great journey, thanks!
Thanks for the great video. I would like to share a personal note.
When I returned from 4 years of living in Turkey I often had to answer the "where did you move from question." The response to my answer (Turkey) was often "Oh, wow, isn't it dangerous there?" The news reports sure do lead people to believe truly false things about the world.
Thank's for sharing the video.
I am glad you had such a positive experience. I have spent at least 5 years of my life in Mexico over my 50 years on the earth. I love it, love the people, the hospitality is outstanding. Unfortunately I have been robbed at gunpoint a few times, 1/2 the time by police officers. I have endured 2 kidnapping attempts. Use your best judgment and enjoy Mexico.
yep, been down to Baja quite a few times, day trips and camping, and i've been shaken down by a cop and have many friends with bad experiences. Would never try to dissuade people from traveling but going by the #s, in a country with that much violence and corruption, Im definitely not traveling down there exposed any more. Just point to point in safe areass
youtube in all honor but when will BBC hire you? :D love your videos!! woop woop! most of the information i have been looking for as a beginner bike tourer ive gotter from you. such an inspiration!
Maybe one day! But that said, I really enjoy being independent as it's the freest I can possibly feel right now. 😊
Wow! Both are great teamates!
I'm from México and you have a lot of reason.... A little bit of carefullness in urbanized areas....
You're falling a lot jaja be carefull....
Lovely video as always. Great theme.
I would agree 100% with what you said. I was left wondering if this would also apply to Brazil. I noticed that you left Brazil as soon as you could. One of the issues there is the lack of small roads and the aggressivity of the drivers. It would be interesting to hear more about your experience while you were there.
Thanks! I didn't plan to travel more in Brazil, I was only really there to see Iguazu Falls - before cycling back to the Andes mountains. But yeah, I didn't enjoy the roads in the south of Brazil. Hopefully, I'll be back one day to experience other areas - and yes, you can apply all this advice to Brazil!
@@Cyclingabout thanks. There are mountains near são Paulo and Rio that are gorgeous but not so isolated
This was a great video, man, really loved jt. Well done. I have often wondered about the safety aspects of riding through south and Central America. Also, just curious, what camera(s) do you use in your productions? Looks really good!!! Cheers from FL, USA 👍
My camera gear is listed in the video description. 👍🏻
Warnings about foreign countries are always exaggerated to some degree as they should be, to keep you from falling short of protecting yourself. But don’t become so cautious you start crossing entire parts of the world off your list. When I decided to go solo hiking in the Middle East near the Persian Gulf I was called crazy, reckless, even suicidal. I ended up having the greatest hiking experience of my life in one of the Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah. Next trip the following year was to Northern Iraq, the Kurdish region. This time I hiked with a guide due to recent conflicts in the area and still had an amazing time. Be sensible, take precautions and respect culture. Think of yourself as a humble guest, not a demanding tourist. I’ve heard of so many travelers who have gotten into trouble due to their arrogance.
Great adventure! Thanks for sharing. I find it truly amazing how fearful folks are with travel to foreign lands. As if tourists/travelers are getting robbed and killed on the daily. Travel is adventure it involves risk. Your risk of self induced bodily harm is so much higher than anything else on a trip like this. Statistically your risk is exponentially higher driving a car to work everyday in the city. I would much rather endure the risks of travel than the risks of driving to work 😉.
Totally agree! We have studied human behaviour for a long time, and people have always had a very warped sense of risk.
Friends of mine rode from Vietnam to Germany over 18 months without a single issue. Dirt poor people who had NOTHING, yet they were never stolen from. First few weeks in Mexico they were robbed. Tent slashed open and stuff stolen, so they were quickly targeted as "rich bike tourists" and were taken advantage of. This is also after spending two years in the Peace Corps, so they were by no means unseasoned travelers. Both had also traveled extensively in Europe and were multi-lingual prior to all these travels.
Same friends were in Africa several years later. Knew all about the bad places. Nairobi was jokingly referred to as NaiRobbery. Sure enough, one of 'em was robbed in NaiRobbery. In hindsight, they should have avoided it.
Then a family member was in Portugal and sure enough, fell victim to a pickpocket. And Portugal at the time was a known bad spot for pickpockets.
Sorry, too many data points suggesting to avoid certain locations. Just like Colombia was to be avoided at all costs in the 90's.
The world is large, pick a safer place to travel and you greatly reduce the odds of something going sideways.
Don't be a scared American. But also don't be a stupid American! We are so rich by comparison, that many in the third world have no problem stealing from us. Plus, we collect insurance in many cases and hardly lose a beat in the overall picture.
@10:07 Gerardo looking so cool on the bike only to thumble down 2 seconds later :D
Good job bro.Excellent video.Some youtubers like to show their faces more then the contents.
I have thought about getting a rain poncho for a while does anyone have a recommendation on what brand I should buy and thanks for the great video 👍
@@_daniels Thanks for the recommendation I'll check them out😃
thank you for sharing
Can’t wait to get there!
I'm 69 and have a 26 inch 1998 Diamondback Mountain bike Cro-Mo 4130 rigid frame. There's no way I can cross Mexico like you do on such primitive roads and major bumps etc. Do you know other older bicyclists like me who take the paved roads? I will start in Minnesota and to all the way to the tip of South America and around the world through Asia and Africa and take several years. I don't have nice bikes like you guys. Am I a fool hoping I can do this safely? At least in Mexico it almost seems you have to break your back and travel in the most hidden way possible to make it across the country. Is this the reality I face? Thanks for your amazing videos and I like your camera work and sound tracks and great narration too!
Filter that water! Ghirardia out there would be no fun. Great video.
It was straight from the side of a mountain. Icy cold and fresh as can be!
@@Cyclingabout id still put some silver or cloro in it since animals can get sick too and they drink from there
I love Mexico. Always had a good time there. I'm just on the edge of being able to speak enough Spanish, so I like the places where tourists exist, but haven't overwhelmed the place. The closest I got to any crime was some guys trying to scam tourists, but they are pretty obvious. I think most of the danger there is either big stuff you can see from miles away, or petty crime that happens everywhere on earth.
Nice trip man! I was curious about how do you guys make those images of you both cycling. I mean, is there anybody traveling with you guys in charge of the images?
I wish! I self-film everything on a tripod.
Another great video. I have a question for you. You mentionned breaking a leg in Guatamala. I have done some long bike rides so I am not afraid of the challenges of my future world bike tour. What I can't find an answer to is how can I get international health insurance after the first year. I am Canadian and year one is covered but the only answer I have found so far is that medical attention just isn't that expensive in most places of the world so ...cross your fingers. Can you refer me to any video or site that might cover this issue. Thanks again for great videos!!!!
Insurance varies a lot depending on your country. It took me a while, but I found a company that would cover me and my bike for three years. You really just have to go through the fine print.
What an adventure! Would really love try bikepacking!
I really hope you get the chance to try it soon. ⚡️
Cool Video your friend should look into getting a bike-packing setup rather than Cycle touring set up specially for those trails ... looked like those big pannier bouncing around cause a few of his crashes
The panniers were a very cheap solution and they protected his laptop well. We kept them locked down with some rope. 💪🏼
Great storytelling
There is no way my wife would let me do this. I'll have to just watch your awesome videos instead. If you're ever in Parramatta I'll shout you a beer.
That's a shame, Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for bike travel! Perhaps a way to get around that is to go on an organised tour? 💪🏼
Aren’t you lucky, your wife keeps you coddled and safe from expending your non-existent motivation to go and explore the world by bicycle. Nighty nite!
@@ellerybice3787 wow, i bet you couldn't say that to my face.
More importantly is your own decisions and not how I judge your self stated wifely imposed restrictions, so you say.
@@ellerybice3787 Your trolling is pathetic and your English is terrible.
In memory of Holger Hagenbusch of Germany and Krzysztof Chmielewski of Poland. Both sadly killed while cycling in Mexico. RIP
What happened to them? Were they traveling in areas that have a lot of traffic? Were they hit by cars, or attacked somehow? I plan to bike all over the world and start in Mexico.
@@mwj5368 you can Google their case. And it's not just them either. A group of Australians travelling through Mexico in a van were killed a few years ago. It happens more than we know
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7255341/Theo-Hayez-twist-Claims-serial-killer-murdered-missing-backpacker-Byron-Bay.html
fantastic!
Thanks for your informal video, you give me some courage again for the coming two months through Mexico🚴♂️ Are there any specific websites and media you used for your planning?
Actually I never worry about these things and I have been to many high crime countries. As long as you communicate with the local people it should come out fine. But right now I'm caught between great anticipation and fear, because in the city I'm living in right now, a huge amount of people are disappearing almost every week for no reason 🇲🇽
Nice! I am Brazilian and as Brazil is a continental country, we have very safe regions and very dangerous regions. There are techniques to avoid the danger, as described in the video, but the probability of suffering violence in some regions is very high, it is not worth cycling in these regions. Remember that luck will not always be in our favor. Take care!
Which region would that be?
@@willek1335 in México, dont go to remote rural dirt roads of Tamaulipas and Michoacan state...from time to time I watch in the tv news military found "narco-ranchos" where cartels train their new recruits
@@shiroumxm2052 Ok, thank you. Next time I'm in México, I'll keep an eye out for that.
@@willek1335 as a tourist, you are not really a target for those pieces of sh.t.
the problem is more for us, the locals. Especially for those of us who have small businesses... those pieces of shit force people to pay 2 fees" they send one of their parasites to collect the money, if you don't pay they threaten you with death, if you continue without paying they kill you or burn your business ..I know a lot of people who suffer from that and it's already generalized throughout this damn country.
To be very honest.. I would not recommend anyone to come..it´s palying with fire.. as I said, you, as a tourist are not really a target, but even so, there is always the possibility that if you see them on some rural road they will do something to you... after all, they are criminal garbage and have no word.
There are many areas of Mexico where large convoys of criminal vans drive around with total impunity and are heavily armed, drugged, etc.
that is the tru of my country. I am Mexican living in Acapulco and have seen the worst things of my entire life in just the past 7 years
I have been to Mexico many times and have had almost no incidents. It is very helpful to speak Spanish and to not wear overly fancy or expensive-looking clothing. No jewelry or watch. Most people are nice and are very willing to help to the degree they are able. Flashing loads of cash is asking for trouble. Better to break bigger bills when in big cities or at large airports. Do not carry fat wallets, or Guichi bags. I have a good time and many of my relatives chose to return to Mexico rather than struggle here. It's our cost of living that tipped them over, especially in California.
I guess this kind of terrain is where a recumbent bike might fall short