I can't even put into words how sorry ı am that you've encountered such an ugly incident. Things like this can be demoralizing for sure. I must say ı've just discovered your channel but even as short as 10 minutes of your video makes me think that you're a very powerful woman. As a Turkish citizen who's planning to bikepack around Turkey, your videos motivate me a lot. Thanks for keeping up the great work, being who you are, doing what you love. Greetings from Turkey ❤❤
I'm older and was having an extraordinary experience solo on the Pacific Crest Trail. A man my age caught up with me (he saw my name in a trail registry... and I now use initials only) and was worrisome ... adamant that we were going to hike together ...so I had a strong gut feeling about him. He wasnt taking 'no' well. Such a bummer when men selfishly impose themselves and completely change the outdoor experience. I had just been an around the clock carer for my elderly parents and was support for my older brothers emotionally acting out from grief. The very last thing I wanted to do was babysit a needy man. I stuck with other hikers around him until I didnt take a rest day and got comfortably ahead. ...but the wilderness experience was colored by this. I love Turkey for the incredible warmth of the culture... There are creeps everywhere but didnt happen to have this experience there. I was coastal Antalya to Istanbul for 3 months last year not on a bike. It turned out to be my favorite place in over a year of traveling in Europe and surrounds. In the US I do always hike with pepper spray or just have it when im out and about. In the US pepper spray is more regulated than guns in some states. Not a gun person but was once on the wrong end of one grocery shopping... and thats not freedom ... i digress. In Europe and NZ the next best thing was to carry a handy little bag of cheyenne powder.... Im a tiny person.
I'm a guy. I follow your channel. I subscribed because I love your adventures. You're traveling the world, doing things that most of us can't do for whatever reason. I get to see the world through your POV on two wheels, which would be something me and my girlfriend would do if we could. I hate that you have to fear men and not know if one will be good or not. Definitely put you and your safety first. I hope you carry something to defend yourself, be it a knife, animal deterrent spray, or something. As a guy, though, I'm sorry you have to go through that and have that fear - I wish I could say something to make you feel less scare, but fear is probably something that can save your life. Love your videos!
So sorry you had that unpleasant experience, Giant Cheerio. Sadly, there are individuals and micro cultures that are a negative force in our world. All of the women in my life, including my daughters, have had incidents, regardless of whether it was in a urban or rural environment. Thank you for sharing the story of your encounter(s) and how it impacted you. We need to hear it, to sympathize with that suffering, and be courageous agents of change. On your infection, sounds like a pressure-point sore that became an abscess, which often requires surgery. I agree with one of the other comments that managing bacteria is important; however, the underlying cause is likely more structural. A professional bike fitting is the first and crucial step, in my view, to achieving pain- and injury-free cycling. Supplement with a properly fitting saddle for the type of cycling, and never skimp on bike shorts-get the highest quality with a robust chamois. I offer these thoughts in hope of being some help. Please forgive if these are considerations you are already well aware of. I admire your courage and sense of adventure and wish you many wonderful experiences on your future bike tours.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I appreciate your honesty and sharing your experiences, both good and bad. I'm glad you were able to get away. Be safe. I hope you have many more adventures in the future.
My cousin was in turkey a few weeks ago and she got to see the balloons rise. I gotta say i was kinda jealous. It looked crazy awesome! I hope you and I both get to see them in person one day!
This is a great video. The harsh realities of travel, traveling alone, and traveling as a young woman are all important to express. And, you did it well. Thank you.
GC, the site you selected on your first night of camping was awesome. I had no idea Turkey was this beautiful, and I think maybe I need to add it to the bucket list. Sorry about your saddles sores, they are no fun at all. Heal and feel better.
I'm so sorry for you that you had such a horrible encounter. I travelled turkey from Istanbul to Van with the bicycle back in 2011. It was an amazing ride but even we as two boys had some "strange" situations besides the huge amount of incredibly friendly and supporting people. I wish you all the best for your remaining tour!
I'm sorry you had such a rough time. I certainly wish that basic human kindness and respect were more universal. I really admire the way that you've chosen to deal with and then present the bad things that have happened to you along the way. No sugar coating, no ignoring, but also not letting them limit your experiences and choices any more than they have to.
I have to say… as a LIFELONG cyclist and aficionado of all things cycling… your videos are truly special. I’ve been a cyclist for 40+ years and your videos are really wonderful! Keep it up! I’ll be here for you!
Sorry to hear of your bad encounter, but I'm glad that you include it for the awareness of others. I'm also glad it didn't turn out to be more serious. -- Take care and keep your head up. -- Saddle sores are potentially very dangerous things. It's good you got it taken care of.
That new saddle will do the job,i’ve ridden 1000’s kms using mostly Flite also the gel Flite which were ok combined with various padded bib shorts,but recently been using brooks b17 with regular clothing zero issues past couple years. Leave that saddle to wear in and don’t apply any tension until the bolt goes super slack it’ll be most comfortable 🙂👍🏻
I'm so sorry you had to go through all that shit, it makes me very sad, but you have an amazing outlook brilliant attitude. Best of luck on your travels! And congrats on the Brooks!!
I heard about your channel from a cyclist friend, such an interesting experience. I hope your get a more comfortable saddle for your bike, maybe something wider rather than that thin shaped seat wedged in sensitive area. I felt so sorry for you in a strange country having to deal with such a thing. May you keep on with these exciting experiences and in good health!
You are very brave to cycle alone . I’ve watched itchy boots since her start & if you like to tour on two wheels get a motorcycle . Best of luck with your travels . 👍
I like that you are honest. When i travel with my gf we will take caution of that. Your warnings are important and matter to save lives. Who knows what could happened. Stay safe.
You are so right. As a woman who loves tramping and cycling in the backcountry, it honestly sucks that I cannot go out by myself to enjoy nature but have to get my husband to come as those places do not have any cellphone reception and can be full of dodgy people. Margaret Atwood - 'Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.'
Hello, Lara!)) I always like it first and then watch the video)) Yes, the topic of security is not very simple, but I can give you a recommendation, which you probably thought about, about purchasing pepper spray or even a traumatic pistol. In most cases, just the sight of such things in the hands scares away! I only wish you a good road and pleasant adventures!))) Thanks!
Great vid, you are brave lady! I wish you safe journey, its tough for solo woman traveller, because you girls being so vulnereable. One of my woman friends i have is Turkish,and one time we hang out, talked and i asked her how is it to being single in her own country? She paused and said..well....i have limitations, have to live in Istanbul or another big city because if i wanna live and work( shes school teacher ) in smaller towns im not even able to rent room as a single woman...not saying things like that it can happen only in one country but Im very positive these unplesant encounters can happen in any place.
I travelled alone at age 49 to Italy and Greece..I too being a female was accosted daily and several times had really bad scary experiences with men, these experiences really does make you angry and feeling sick.
You have to try the Infinity seat if you can afford one. I have been using one for about five years and no issues whatsoever. Looks funny but really works.
this will never change, no matter how much work or urbanization is done. as a woman you enjoy a lot of advantages throughout your life, but this is one of the big and evil "disadvantages" that will always exist, sadly.
I'm curious to know if there's any way to buy pepper spray in these countries or if you can sneak a can onto your checked baggage. If I were a woman I'd want some form of self defense.
No and that is a very horrible idea. Breaking a country's laws, particularly around weapons, is a far faster way to having a bad situation than the chance of a random creep.
As a Turk, I can say that the use of pepper spray is illegal in Turkey, but it is very easy to buy. Legally, the police and the courts are very understanding about this, especially when a women use it. But in rural areas all over the world, hiking and cycling in the countryside, there is no chance of escape, so it only makes the creeps more aggressive. It should only be used as a last resort, in life and death situation.
Danke für das Video, und all die anderen. Schade, dass sich manche Männer so verhalten und du das erleben musst. Wünsche dir viel Kraft ✊ und hoffe auf schnelle Emanzipation der Gesellschaft 🤞
I wish I could say something to make you feel more safe. I totally understand the discomfort. I hope you understand that this has nothing to do with you or your behaviour, it is just the numbers game when you meet a lot of people good and bad things happen.
I know that pain. I've experienced it twice and each time took surgery and a month off the bike to remedy. That time off the bike hurts just as bad if you race competitively. But it had to be done. I don't think it was the saddle because I've used many different saddles. Now I always wear clean bib shorts and use Assos Chamois cream. I buy 2 new bibs every year even if they are not worn out the old ones get tossed. This has worked so far.
Hi Cheerio, so sorry that you were subjected to such a horrible person. I think it’s all about vulnerability, being on a bicycle and being a woman traveling solo. That said even mixed teams traveling in different places have had similar negative experiences, but it’s a lot less frequent. Thanks for sharing your experiences, we can all learn valuable lessons from this. My biggest problem cycling is angry drivers. I live in Los Angeles and there are people here who have zero tolerance of anyone on a bicycle.
Thank you for the Vlog! Was it the Br**ks that caused the problems? I had one myself and it was horrible and hurted no way to get long distance with it. I switched to a Prologo Dea (wide Bones) and did 15tkm without a problem and small or no polster in the trousers.
Cheerio I am sorry to hear and see your video about men harassing you. There is no doubt you are a pretty lady and men will be attracted to you but that does not give them the right to harass you. I had saddle sores in Thailand and while cycling in italy and I found that using cycling shorts under and normal set of shorts helped. So I was wearing two sets of shorts. The outer shorts slid on the cycling shorts and reduced friction. I also used cycling cream every day. When you cycle this happens. All the best and safe cycling. thanks for posting
Thank you so much for sharing. events like yours is terrible, but not limited to just women,I was stalked once. It is terrible mainly by the fear that it induces removing the beauty and peace from riding. Fortunately, this is rare. I hope you find peace from the beauty of cycling and for wish you safe travels.
We are living in dangerous days, allot of people are unloving and unkind, not all but it only takes one. As you can see they don’t care about animals there, sad and sickly looking dogs, that’s sad. We need to be on guard at all times, I wish you safety and happy travels, but going out of the country to strange places, well…, you take a big risk. Rethinking travel to far away places might be in your future, keep safe.
I felt for those poor dogs too. My wife, an ex-nurse told me that saddle sores can be just like bedsores that old folk get if they lay still all the time. Pressure cuts off the circulation to soft tissues. Since I had one just after a hard 4 day trip recently, I have tried standing up in the saddle more to let the blood flow a bit more.
so common , but A f off approach can help. To try and not let it in , dont be polite while not getting in trouble learning self defense and traveling with self defense tools can help. Most of this guys wont touch u just annoy, also project a strong body language and even look in your ayes can many times stop them right away
As someone who likes to go on solo hiking and wild camp trips and is often scared to actually wild camp by myself, this incident makes me so mad. Men have no idea how free they are to do whatever and how it takes just 1 scary incident to ruin your whole trip as a woman. Men know they´ll always be the stronger ones compared to most women and thus have all the power.
Salut Cheerico ! It’s crazy how a bad encounter can drain our energy. I think for men, just one look can cost you a stab. - What absurdity, to suffer so much because of a bad bowel movement! I am also super sensitive and as a result, on my 2 travel bikes, I have the shock absorber + a gel type saddle with a slot in the middle for ventilation. I always take fairly wide saddles. It is worth testing for a long time. I had wrapped the shock absorber and the bolts with the famous fiber tape which sticks very strongly, because thieves do not waste all this time stealing the stem + saddle. It's crazy to think that what seems like a comfort detail can generate a big problem that becomes an injury. You really need to learn how to use plants to heal yourself and also use herbal teas for pain because medications have side effects. Now I hope that all is well and that you are already on your way to the rest of your journey! May your instinct guide you^^
In order to avoid problems, it is recommended to behave according to the customs of the country. Islamic countries are male-centered societies. In Islamic countries, women are recommended to cover their hair with a scarf and wear closed clothing. Great video !
@@1esk192 He's not victim blaming, what he says is common sense. The simple truth is that in some cultures you stick out like a sore thumb as a solo woman traveller - and not only that, you stick out by looking different, by dressing different. People are going to take note of you, and that includes men with bad intentions. It's not about blame or responsibility, that falls always on the creep or predator. It's about making yourself less conspicuous.
Oh Cheerio. I’m so sorry about your bum and more importantly the creepy incident you encountered. It’s a shame that women cannot travel alone without the risk of being assaulted. This is the world we live in. I pray that you recharge your batteries and find the motivation to keep riding. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Much love ❤
Good choice to get a Brookes saddle. I cycled 3000km last year on my first bike tour (53 year solo woman) on a Brookes and only experienced minor soreness for the first few days when the saddle was still very stiff and new. After that, I a have found it extremely comfortable and getting better and better as the saddle has moulded to my butt.
Sorry to hear of the unpleasant incident. In the UK we have sticky ice cream sauce, a 1 brown one and a 1 red one. This stuff sticks to glass and smears dreadfully if an attempt is made to wipe it off with a rag or, even better, windscreen wipers. With practice, a squeezy bottle filled with the stuff can be accurate up to 5m.
Happens everywhere indeed! Solo traveling is a risky undertaking. But it has nothing to do with Turkey, I cycled from Amsterdam to Istanbul this year and I had the best interactions there. And I remember 4 years ago in Berlin I was having breakfast in a giant park nearby Unter Den Linden when an old man set next to me. We had a friendly conversation about my journey and out of the blue, while I was chewing a nutbar, he started touching my naked leg. I had never experienced anything like it but instantly I understood how terrible that intrusion is. Can't imagine how it must feel like to have to deal with those type of situations more often. Sad the journey didn't work out the way you planned it to!
He stopped you in the middle of the road and then what? Maybe he's just a bicycle hater or something it's not always because you're a woman.. Don't let your ego inflate too much, happens to everyone, there's plenty of annoying people out there. Will also add that I'm a man and I've had encounters with very very angry woman assuming the worst intentions out of me even if I stop to ask directions or other innocent things, it's a tough world for men too not just you
I really enjoy your videos, and I am so sorry that you had to deal with that scary situation. I'm a man, and it saddens and angers me when I hear about these things. I wish you safe travels and all the best.
Привет 👋 Мне очень нравятся твои видео, я сама путешествую на велосипеде в одиночку, понимаю тебя как никто другой, верю, что когда-нибудь у женщин появится возможность путешествовать безопасно 🌍
Well! Quite an ordeal my dear. I am so sad when men can't control their urges and start acting like brutes. Hope your forced pause did not throw you off too much. You have all my admiration and respect for the courage you have shown so far. Take care.
I just want to say that it's not an inability to control urges - sorry I just find that idea is a cop out. Men are exactly as capable as women of acting properly toward other humans. These interactions are complex but are not a "failure" on mens part, they are intentional acts of intimidation, dominance, and threats of violence, and do not stem from some natural urge. They stem from the way boys and men are raised and taught to view and treat women. I know you didn't mean anything negative by your comment, but I wanted to respond to clarify, since this "urge" reasoning gets thrown around and it perpetuates the cycle of making excuses for men, which in turn continues the cycle of women having to "watch out" for men. Instead of teaching daughters to be afraid, we should teach sons to act right. I write all of this in kindness, I just felt it needed to be part of the discussion. Michelle.
Ok. I agree. The one thing my own father constantly told me when I was a young boy was to never never abuse a woman in any way, verbally or physically. Take care. @@michellelaurendina
This comment is bs fella, as a man I dont have an urge that "I need to control" to not harrass and make women feel uncomfortable. I dont know what kind of urges you have but thats a pretty fuked up way of looking at a fellow human
@@michellelaurendina With some people it's definitely an inability to impulse control, but most often it's not, as you say. But yeah there are some guys with f***ed up or underdeveloped prefrontal cortex
3 месяца назад
The vast majority of men have respect and impulse control. Some of them don't, that's why laws and harsh consequences exist. The majority of women are honest and don't lie. Some of them do lie, abuse the system and make false accusations about men, even about their partners, causing lasting harm to them and often to their own children. Not enough legal consequences for that behavior in many countries. Both men and women want what they want, they just use different ways to get it. And there are honest people and criminals in both genders, obviously this is more clear in Western countries when women are not oppressed.
Hello Laura It sometimes difficult to know what to say when you hear such incidents happening to young women. I have commented to you before when you had some man come onto you in a cafe. It happens again and this time your upset and anger is all too apparent. Quite rightly so. This terrible behaviour will never change completely. One just hopes it gets less and less but sadly it will always be there with the ignorance of some men. The other thing you describe pertaining to saddle soreness I wholeheartedly empathise with you. I have as a youngster many many years ago suffered a similar experience. I couldn’t believe the excruciating discomfort so I do understand to a certain extent what you have had to endure. However these amazing videos are top of my viewing list. Take care wherever you are now Fondest regards to you Anthony
You need a Brooks saddle, preferably broken in before a long trip. Also, something I learned watching the Tour De France (way more than 4-5 hours on the bike per day), saddle sores come from bacterial infections and one of the teams went as far as having a custom built trailer, as big a tour bus filled with washing machines so that the team's clothes can be properly washed every day after races. They found that a lot of small towns did not have the capacity to wash all the cyclist's clothes properly and cyclists would have to wash their stuff by putting it all in a net bag that really didn't do the job. Saddle sores fell to zero or close to it. Something to consider when traveling like you do. Stay healthy.
I have two brooks saddle and they didn't work for me. Only the SQLab. Brooks is just a Legend but not the Truth. But yes, it is a problem with tempeartures and the bacterial infections.
@@r0ll1ng3r A legend but not the truth? Almost poetic. Hah, okay. I have them on all of my bikes and here in Chicago riding long along the lake, temperatures go from very hot and humid to winters with arctic like blasts of wind. Saddles I guess are really a personal thing.
Thousands of kilometers on my 2 bikes, both with Brooks saddle. Half a dozen testimonies from fellow cyclists for whom Brooks did not work. Most of the cyclists in the Trans. Continental races use Brooks. I guess it all depends on individual anatomy.
Hi, I saw you on the ferry to La Gomera and stumbled across your vlog. I think you are very brave and inspirational. Look after yourself. I wish you Good times and good people. Cheers, Simon
I deeply apologize to you on behalf of the Turkish people and especially our men. I hope you will not encounter any unpleasant events in your future adventures. Enjoy Türkiye.
I'm so sorry for your bad experience. Unfortunately Türkiye is dangerous for bikepacking. We have beautiful country but people are not. Saying this as a Turkish citizen and a bikepacker. Good luck.
Do you carry pepper spray? I've had to use it at least on 2 occasions when some idio** tried to steal my bike while I was on it 🙂 not touring, just returning home at night, in the city. I try not to ride alone, but anyway once a group of as*** kicked my partner in the leg trying to make him fall, fortunately they couldn't do so and we kept riding and dodging rocks they were throwing at us... again... in the city... take care, and be safe!! Happy cycling!!
I am a 57 year old Irish who has tears in his eyes because of your bad experience, big cuddles .keep going
Your courage, kindness and candor are a breath of fresh air in this world, Salute !🙏
I can't even put into words how sorry ı am that you've encountered such an ugly incident. Things like this can be demoralizing for sure. I must say ı've just discovered your channel but even as short as 10 minutes of your video makes me think that you're a very powerful woman. As a Turkish citizen who's planning to bikepack around Turkey, your videos motivate me a lot. Thanks for keeping up the great work, being who you are, doing what you love. Greetings from Turkey ❤❤
I'm older and was having an extraordinary experience solo on the Pacific Crest Trail. A man my age caught up with me (he saw my name in a trail registry... and I now use initials only) and was worrisome ... adamant that we were going to hike together ...so I had a strong gut feeling about him. He wasnt taking 'no' well. Such a bummer when men selfishly impose themselves and completely change the outdoor experience.
I had just been an around the clock carer for my elderly parents and was support for my older brothers emotionally acting out from grief. The very last thing I wanted to do was babysit a needy man. I stuck with other hikers around him until I didnt take a rest day and got comfortably ahead. ...but the wilderness experience was colored by this.
I love Turkey for the incredible warmth of the culture... There are creeps everywhere but didnt happen to have this experience there. I was coastal Antalya to Istanbul for 3 months last year not on a bike. It turned out to be my favorite place in over a year of traveling in Europe and surrounds. In the US I do always hike with pepper spray or just have it when im out and about. In the US pepper spray is more regulated than guns in some states. Not a gun person but was once on the wrong end of one grocery shopping... and thats not freedom ... i digress. In Europe and NZ the next best thing was to carry a handy little bag of cheyenne powder.... Im a tiny person.
I'm a guy. I follow your channel. I subscribed because I love your adventures. You're traveling the world, doing things that most of us can't do for whatever reason. I get to see the world through your POV on two wheels, which would be something me and my girlfriend would do if we could. I hate that you have to fear men and not know if one will be good or not. Definitely put you and your safety first. I hope you carry something to defend yourself, be it a knife, animal deterrent spray, or something. As a guy, though, I'm sorry you have to go through that and have that fear - I wish I could say something to make you feel less scare, but fear is probably something that can save your life. Love your videos!
So sorry you had that unpleasant experience, Giant Cheerio. Sadly, there are individuals and micro cultures that are a negative force in our world. All of the women in my life, including my daughters, have had incidents, regardless of whether it was in a urban or rural environment. Thank you for sharing the story of your encounter(s) and how it impacted you. We need to hear it, to sympathize with that suffering, and be courageous agents of change. On your infection, sounds like a pressure-point sore that became an abscess, which often requires surgery. I agree with one of the other comments that managing bacteria is important; however, the underlying cause is likely more structural. A professional bike fitting is the first and crucial step, in my view, to achieving pain- and injury-free cycling. Supplement with a properly fitting saddle for the type of cycling, and never skimp on bike shorts-get the highest quality with a robust chamois. I offer these thoughts in hope of being some help. Please forgive if these are considerations you are already well aware of. I admire your courage and sense of adventure and wish you many wonderful experiences on your future bike tours.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I appreciate your honesty and sharing your experiences, both good and bad. I'm glad you were able to get away. Be safe. I hope you have many more adventures in the future.
My cousin was in turkey a few weeks ago and she got to see the balloons rise. I gotta say i was kinda jealous. It looked crazy awesome! I hope you and I both get to see them in person one day!
This is a great video. The harsh realities of travel, traveling alone, and traveling as a young woman are all important to express. And, you did it well. Thank you.
GC, the site you selected on your first night of camping was awesome. I had no idea Turkey was this beautiful, and I think maybe I need to add it to the bucket list. Sorry about your saddles sores, they are no fun at all. Heal and feel better.
I'm so sorry for you that you had such a horrible encounter. I travelled turkey from Istanbul to Van with the bicycle back in 2011. It was an amazing ride but even we as two boys had some "strange" situations besides the huge amount of incredibly friendly and supporting people. I wish you all the best for your remaining tour!
Sorry that things were not going well. I hope that the enforced rest has improved your spirits and you are able to continue as strongly as before.
I'm sorry you had such a rough time. I certainly wish that basic human kindness and respect were more universal. I really admire the way that you've chosen to deal with and then present the bad things that have happened to you along the way. No sugar coating, no ignoring, but also not letting them limit your experiences and choices any more than they have to.
I have to say… as a LIFELONG cyclist and aficionado of all things cycling… your videos are truly special. I’ve been a cyclist for 40+ years and your videos are really wonderful! Keep it up! I’ll be here for you!
Sorry to hear of your bad encounter, but I'm glad that you include it for the awareness of others. I'm also glad it didn't turn out to be more serious. -- Take care and keep your head up. -- Saddle sores are potentially very dangerous things. It's good you got it taken care of.
Hey cheerio it's really good to see you. You are brave & more power to you
Thank you. You make me proud to be human. Get well. Be safe. It is indeed a sad and beautiful world.
Sorry to hear of your testing times stay safe take care👌👍
That new saddle will do the job,i’ve ridden 1000’s kms using mostly Flite also the gel Flite which were ok combined with various padded bib shorts,but recently been using brooks b17 with regular clothing zero issues past couple years.
Leave that saddle to wear in and don’t apply any tension until the bolt goes super slack it’ll be most comfortable 🙂👍🏻
I'm so sorry you had to go through all that shit, it makes me very sad, but you have an amazing outlook brilliant attitude. Best of luck on your travels! And congrats on the Brooks!!
Real reality tv. Thankyou for sharing the ups and the downs. X
So happy for you now you're travelling with Timo, stay safe Lara
I heard about your channel from a cyclist friend, such an interesting experience. I hope your get a more comfortable saddle for your bike, maybe something wider rather than that thin shaped seat wedged in sensitive area. I felt so sorry for you in a strange country having to deal with such a thing. May you keep on with these exciting experiences and in good health!
All the best! You are facing the life so brave!
You are very brave to cycle alone .
I’ve watched itchy boots since her start & if you like to tour on two wheels get a motorcycle .
Best of luck with your travels . 👍
Thank you for your honesty
I am in awe of your courage!
i hope you get better soon! take care, enjoy your staying, have fun.
Love your videos. Very inspiring to get out there. Best wishes.
I like that you are honest. When i travel with my gf we will take caution of that. Your warnings are important and matter to save lives. Who knows what could happened. Stay safe.
You are brave! Never forget that you can do anything! Forget these idiots, and go for your life.
God will take care of you.
You are so right. As a woman who loves tramping and cycling in the backcountry, it honestly sucks that I cannot go out by myself to enjoy nature but have to get my husband to come as those places do not have any cellphone reception and can be full of dodgy people.
Margaret Atwood - 'Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.'
il migliore vlog di viaggio, in bicicletta o in qualsiasi altro modo...brava
Great personal video, take care and stay safe.
U seem such a lovely rounded person posting a great vlog so dont let this get u down.😊
Hello, Lara!)) I always like it first and then watch the video)) Yes, the topic of security is not very simple, but I can give you a recommendation, which you probably thought about, about purchasing pepper spray or even a traumatic pistol. In most cases, just the sight of such things in the hands scares away! I only wish you a good road and pleasant adventures!))) Thanks!
Great vid, you are brave lady! I wish you safe journey, its tough for solo woman traveller, because you girls being so vulnereable.
One of my woman friends i have is Turkish,and one time we hang out, talked and i asked her how is it to being single in her own country? She paused and said..well....i have limitations, have to live in Istanbul or another big city because if i wanna live and work( shes school teacher ) in smaller towns im not even able to rent room as a single woman...not saying things like that it can happen only in one country but
Im very positive these unplesant encounters can happen in any place.
A good reminder that no matter how bad things get you can always make good from a bad situtuation.
Hola Cheerio. Please be careful and keep your eyes wide open. I mean wiiiide open . Good luck and I love following you on RUclips.
I travelled alone at age 49 to Italy and Greece..I too being a female was accosted daily and several times had really bad scary experiences with men, these experiences really does make you angry and feeling sick.
You have to try the Infinity seat if you can afford one. I have been using one for about five years and no issues whatsoever. Looks funny but really works.
this will never change, no matter how much work or urbanization is done. as a woman you enjoy a lot of advantages throughout your life, but this is one of the big and evil "disadvantages" that will always exist, sadly.
I'm curious to know if there's any way to buy pepper spray in these countries or if you can sneak a can onto your checked baggage. If I were a woman I'd want some form of self defense.
No and that is a very horrible idea. Breaking a country's laws, particularly around weapons, is a far faster way to having a bad situation than the chance of a random creep.
As a Turk, I can say that the use of pepper spray is illegal in Turkey, but it is very easy to buy. Legally, the police and the courts are very understanding about this, especially when a women use it. But in rural areas all over the world, hiking and cycling in the countryside, there is no chance of escape, so it only makes the creeps more aggressive. It should only be used as a last resort, in life and death situation.
Wounderful brave heart
You are amazing! Well done taking all this in stride.
You look fabulous you look fit 🎉 keep up the good work 😮love your blogs
Get well soon.. 🇵🇭
Hallo und Guten Morgen. Ich ziehe den Hut, ich verneige mich, ich zolle Dir Respekt, pass auf Dich auf!!!
Danke für das Video, und all die anderen. Schade, dass sich manche Männer so verhalten und du das erleben musst. Wünsche dir viel Kraft ✊ und hoffe auf schnelle Emanzipation der Gesellschaft 🤞
Sorry to hear this.
What brand is your waist pack? Great content!
I wish I could say something to make you feel more safe. I totally understand the discomfort. I hope you understand that this has nothing to do with you or your behaviour, it is just the numbers game when you meet a lot of people good and bad things happen.
You rock! ❤❤❤🚲💪
I know that pain. I've experienced it twice and each time took surgery and a month off the bike to remedy. That time off the bike hurts just as bad if you race competitively. But it had to be done. I don't think it was the saddle because I've used many different saddles. Now I always wear clean bib shorts and use Assos Chamois cream. I buy 2 new bibs every year even if they are not worn out the old ones get tossed. This has worked so far.
Hi Cheerio, so sorry that you were subjected to such a horrible person. I think it’s all about vulnerability, being on a bicycle and being a woman traveling solo. That said even mixed teams traveling in different places have had similar negative experiences, but it’s a lot less frequent. Thanks for sharing your experiences, we can all learn valuable lessons from this. My biggest problem cycling is angry drivers. I live in Los Angeles and there are people here who have zero tolerance of anyone on a bicycle.
Thanks
Do you still like your aerobars, or is it worth giving up these ~500 g?
Hi, looks like at the end of this video you did get a Brooks seat , Brooks seat is definitely the way to go.
❤❤
Damn! Must have been painful. I must say that saddles are mostly not well-designed for bike travellers. I'm still to find one that is comfortable.
Thank you for the Vlog!
Was it the Br**ks that caused the problems? I had one myself and it was horrible and hurted no way to get long distance with it. I switched to a Prologo Dea (wide Bones) and did 15tkm without a problem and small or no polster in the trousers.
Knowing ju jitsu does not prevent such encounters but makes them more manageable.
Cheerio I am sorry to hear and see your video about men harassing you. There is no doubt you are a pretty lady and men will be attracted to you but that does not give them the right to harass you. I had saddle sores in Thailand and while cycling in italy and I found that using cycling shorts under and normal set of shorts helped. So I was wearing two sets of shorts. The outer shorts slid on the cycling shorts and reduced friction. I also used cycling cream every day. When you cycle this happens. All the best and safe cycling. thanks for posting
So sorry to hear that. Hope you carry pepper spray all the time.
Bummer! ☮️ GC
You are one impressive young woman 👍👍👍
Men experience plenty of weirdo encounters too. The anecdotal data is where it gets interesting.
Ciao cherrio.come to visit Sweden is next sommer🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉stockholm.huggs
Hi sorry to hear your terrible encounter! Did you try to report to police?
Thank you so much for sharing. events like yours is terrible, but not limited to just women,I was stalked once. It is terrible mainly by the fear that it induces removing the beauty and peace from riding. Fortunately, this is rare. I hope you find peace from the beauty of cycling and for wish you safe travels.
Get a infinity bike seat you love it .. i am sure they give you one for free
We are living in dangerous days, allot of people are unloving and unkind, not all but it only takes one. As you can see they don’t care about animals there, sad and sickly looking dogs, that’s sad. We need to be on guard at all times, I wish you safety and happy travels, but going out of the country to strange places, well…, you take a big risk. Rethinking travel to far away places might be in your future, keep safe.
I felt for those poor dogs too. My wife, an ex-nurse told me that saddle sores can be just like bedsores that old folk get if they lay still all the time. Pressure cuts off the circulation to soft tissues. Since I had one just after a hard 4 day trip recently, I have tried standing up in the saddle more to let the blood flow a bit more.
so common , but A f off approach can help. To try and not let it in , dont be polite while not getting in trouble learning self defense and traveling with self defense tools can help. Most of this guys wont touch u just annoy, also project a strong body language and even look in your ayes can many times stop them right away
Stay safe ,rubber side down.
As someone who likes to go on solo hiking and wild camp trips and is often scared to actually wild camp by myself, this incident makes me so mad. Men have no idea how free they are to do whatever and how it takes just 1 scary incident to ruin your whole trip as a woman. Men know they´ll always be the stronger ones compared to most women and thus have all the power.
Salut Cheerico ! It’s crazy how a bad encounter can drain our energy. I think for men, just one look can cost you a stab. - What absurdity, to suffer so much because of a bad bowel movement! I am also super sensitive and as a result, on my 2 travel bikes, I have the shock absorber + a gel type saddle with a slot in the middle for ventilation. I always take fairly wide saddles. It is worth testing for a long time. I had wrapped the shock absorber and the bolts with the famous fiber tape which sticks very strongly, because thieves do not waste all this time stealing the stem + saddle. It's crazy to think that what seems like a comfort detail can generate a big problem that becomes an injury. You really need to learn how to use plants to heal yourself and also use herbal teas for pain because medications have side effects. Now I hope that all is well and that you are already on your way to the rest of your journey! May your instinct guide you^^
5:12 you still didn't see Moroccans hospitality 😊
👍👍♥♥🇮🇳🇮🇳
Read Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy.
Hardcore cycling no matter how good your spandex is it requires raw alcohol on your parts and pieces every day to keep the machine going.
Sidearm 👌🏽
Nothing can or should stop you
In order to avoid problems, it is recommended to behave according to the customs of the country.
Islamic countries are male-centered societies. In Islamic countries, women are recommended to cover their hair with a scarf and wear closed clothing. Great video !
Choice of clothes has never stopped vile behavior. Stop victim blaming
Victim blaming
Turks don't wear head scarfs.
There are different cultural customs. Your trendy multiculturalism will get you nowhere if you're in a country where they don't think like that.
@@1esk192
He's not victim blaming, what he says is common sense. The simple truth is that in some cultures you stick out like a sore thumb as a solo woman traveller - and not only that, you stick out by looking different, by dressing different. People are going to take note of you, and that includes men with bad intentions. It's not about blame or responsibility, that falls always on the creep or predator. It's about making yourself less conspicuous.
You should wear laced shoes judt in case you need to run fast or defend yourself, instead of flip flops. First thing that struck me
Oh Cheerio. I’m so sorry about your bum and more importantly the creepy incident you encountered. It’s a shame that women cannot travel alone without the risk of being assaulted. This is the world we live in. I pray that you recharge your batteries and find the motivation to keep riding. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Much love ❤
You are powerful woman . Dont let others lose your path . Respect and prayers from Turkey.
Good choice to get a Brookes saddle. I cycled 3000km last year on my first bike tour (53 year solo woman) on a Brookes and only experienced minor soreness for the first few days when the saddle was still very stiff and new. After that, I a have found it extremely comfortable and getting better and better as the saddle has moulded to my butt.
Sorry to hear of the unpleasant incident. In the UK we have sticky ice cream sauce, a 1 brown one and a 1 red one. This stuff sticks to glass and smears dreadfully if an attempt is made to wipe it off with a rag or, even better, windscreen wipers. With practice, a squeezy bottle filled with the stuff can be accurate up to 5m.
Happens everywhere indeed! Solo traveling is a risky undertaking. But it has nothing to do with Turkey, I cycled from Amsterdam to Istanbul this year and I had the best interactions there. And I remember 4 years ago in Berlin I was having breakfast in a giant park nearby Unter Den Linden when an old man set next to me. We had a friendly conversation about my journey and out of the blue, while I was chewing a nutbar, he started touching my naked leg. I had never experienced anything like it but instantly I understood how terrible that intrusion is. Can't imagine how it must feel like to have to deal with those type of situations more often. Sad the journey didn't work out the way you planned it to!
Why were you naked in the park?
He stopped you in the middle of the road and then what? Maybe he's just a bicycle hater or something it's not always because you're a woman.. Don't let your ego inflate too much, happens to everyone, there's plenty of annoying people out there. Will also add that I'm a man and I've had encounters with very very angry woman assuming the worst intentions out of me even if I stop to ask directions or other innocent things, it's a tough world for men too not just you
I really enjoy your videos, and I am so sorry that you had to deal with that scary situation. I'm a man, and it saddens and angers me when I hear about these things. I wish you safe travels and all the best.
Привет 👋 Мне очень нравятся твои видео, я сама путешествую на велосипеде в одиночку, понимаю тебя как никто другой, верю, что когда-нибудь у женщин появится возможность путешествовать безопасно 🌍
Well! Quite an ordeal my dear. I am so sad when men can't control their urges and start acting like brutes. Hope your forced pause did not throw you off too much. You have all my admiration and respect for the courage you have shown so far. Take care.
I just want to say that it's not an inability to control urges - sorry I just find that idea is a cop out. Men are exactly as capable as women of acting properly toward other humans. These interactions are complex but are not a "failure" on mens part, they are intentional acts of intimidation, dominance, and threats of violence, and do not stem from some natural urge. They stem from the way boys and men are raised and taught to view and treat women. I know you didn't mean anything negative by your comment, but I wanted to respond to clarify, since this "urge" reasoning gets thrown around and it perpetuates the cycle of making excuses for men, which in turn continues the cycle of women having to "watch out" for men. Instead of teaching daughters to be afraid, we should teach sons to act right. I write all of this in kindness, I just felt it needed to be part of the discussion. Michelle.
Ok. I agree. The one thing my own father constantly told me when I was a young boy was to never never abuse a woman in any way, verbally or physically. Take care. @@michellelaurendina
This comment is bs fella, as a man I dont have an urge that "I need to control" to not harrass and make women feel uncomfortable. I dont know what kind of urges you have but thats a pretty fuked up way of looking at a fellow human
@@michellelaurendina
With some people it's definitely an inability to impulse control, but most often it's not, as you say. But yeah there are some guys with f***ed up or underdeveloped prefrontal cortex
The vast majority of men have respect and impulse control. Some of them don't, that's why laws and harsh consequences exist.
The majority of women are honest and don't lie. Some of them do lie, abuse the system and make false accusations about men, even about their partners, causing lasting harm to them and often to their own children. Not enough legal consequences for that behavior in many countries. Both men and women want what they want, they just use different ways to get it. And there are honest people and criminals in both genders, obviously this is more clear in Western countries when women are not oppressed.
Hello Laura
It sometimes difficult to know what to say when you hear such incidents happening to young women. I have commented to you before when you had some man come onto you in a cafe. It happens again and this time your upset and anger is all too apparent. Quite rightly so.
This terrible behaviour will never change completely. One just hopes it gets less and less but sadly it will always be there with the ignorance of some men.
The other thing you describe pertaining to saddle soreness I wholeheartedly empathise with you. I have as a youngster many many years ago suffered a similar experience. I couldn’t believe the excruciating discomfort so I do understand to a certain extent what you have had to endure.
However these amazing videos are top of my viewing list.
Take care wherever you are now
Fondest regards to you
Anthony
You need a Brooks saddle, preferably broken in before a long trip. Also, something I learned watching the Tour De France (way more than 4-5 hours on the bike per day), saddle sores come from bacterial infections and one of the teams went as far as having a custom built trailer, as big a tour bus filled with washing machines so that the team's clothes can be properly washed every day after races. They found that a lot of small towns did not have the capacity to wash all the cyclist's clothes properly and cyclists would have to wash their stuff by putting it all in a net bag that really didn't do the job. Saddle sores fell to zero or close to it. Something to consider when traveling like you do. Stay healthy.
I have two brooks saddle and they didn't work for me. Only the SQLab. Brooks is just a Legend but not the Truth.
But yes, it is a problem with tempeartures and the bacterial infections.
@@r0ll1ng3r A legend but not the truth? Almost poetic. Hah, okay. I have them on all of my bikes and here in Chicago riding long along the lake, temperatures go from very hot and humid to winters with arctic like blasts of wind. Saddles I guess are really a personal thing.
Brooks ain't for everyone..you don't break a brooks in it breaks you in
Thousands of kilometers on my 2 bikes, both with Brooks saddle. Half a dozen testimonies from fellow cyclists for whom Brooks did not work. Most of the cyclists in the Trans. Continental races use Brooks. I guess it all depends on individual anatomy.
I was thinking exactly the same thing , I have a B17 myself and then I noticed at the end she did indeed have a Brooke’s fitted.
Hi, I saw you on the ferry to La Gomera and stumbled across your vlog. I think you are very brave and inspirational. Look after yourself. I wish you Good times and good people. Cheers, Simon
I deeply apologize to you on behalf of the Turkish people and especially our men. I hope you will not encounter any unpleasant events in your future adventures. Enjoy Türkiye.
I'm so sorry for your bad experience. Unfortunately Türkiye is dangerous for bikepacking. We have beautiful country but people are not. Saying this as a Turkish citizen and a bikepacker. Good luck.
I'm Turkish and I felt so embarrassed about what you've experienced.
Do you carry pepper spray? I've had to use it at least on 2 occasions when some idio** tried to steal my bike while I was on it 🙂 not touring, just returning home at night, in the city. I try not to ride alone, but anyway once a group of as*** kicked my partner in the leg trying to make him fall, fortunately they couldn't do so and we kept riding and dodging rocks they were throwing at us... again... in the city... take care, and be safe!! Happy cycling!!