Reflections on Failure: My Tour Divide Experience
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- In this video, I talk about my experience during the 2024 Tour Divide. In short, it did not go as planned.
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Can anyone recommend a prostate friendly bike seat?
Have you tried the Selle SMP saddles? Massive selection for levels of width, cushion, cutouts, etc. Weird looking in some cases, but if it works for you, it works.
Try a 3D printed saddle. I have the fizik argon and Antares and they are ok. I wanted a specialize mirror, but it was double the price. Coming from over hundred of 💰 spent on saddles from Fabric to Selle to PRO, brooks even resorting to the heavy stock saddles I would still suffer saddle sores with or without bib shorts. At one point, I liked these saddles but with age I think 3D is the way for me now. And I hope you find a new saddle soon
Brooks cambium! Ass hammock. I did the CT 4 years in a row on it w no discomfort. And no chamois! BTW at age 55-58 so don’t despair yet. You can write a book and go on the motivational speaker tour with your many stories when you are older. What I’d give to have my 45 year old body back!
Leather / brooks saddle… cant go wrong with
I've used Spongy Wonder for long long tours (with prostatitis). Works for me.
For first week or so it feels really unstable without the nose between your thighs, but you'll get used to it . Really zero touch in the perineum area.
I use a Selle SMP (more traditional saddle with huge cutout) for shorter road rides.
Ryan, I don’t think you understand. I watch your videos for YOU…not just for all the amazing adventures and experiences, but for the real, honest, and challenging moments-even those that end early. There is no need to curate a persona of solely success and there is no need to pretend everything is easy. It is more than ok to be done early. Thank you for being so real with all of us.
I couldn't have said it better myself
Perfect. What a great comment!!
That ⬆️💕
Totally agree.
Ryan, thank you for being Real!!! 🏔️🏃♀️☀️
Ryan, I think I speak for many. I don’t care about your completing a race, I care about you and your health. I watch your videos to experience your journey. You didn’t fail anyone. Life is about the journey not the destination. Hearing you sing Ole and say no crashies, no flaties, no whammies. Sending you love, hugs and support.
I'm not a bike packer but I am a roadie. At 58 years old now, I don't ride the 75 and 100 mile rides that I used to. I lost a friend to cardiac arrest who was racing in his mid fifties. My rides are more laid back and enjoyable now. I stop and smell the roses. Honestly, your posts where you stop and meet people and see places are my favorites. I also love the video where you go for groceries and shop at that zero waste grocery store. Racing is hard and riding shouldn't be hard. Thanks for being such a great representative of someone who enjoys life! In no way have you let us down. Thanks
Similar here. For me, my body is just less tolerant of long distances than when I was younger. I've come to realize that to be successful at endurance riding is more about being able to maintain comfort than it is about fitness or persistence. Once the back, butt, knee or whatever starts to hurt, it's game-over.
@@LVQ-so5th The people who do nothing but live for ultra hard endurance races, are great people Im sure!
But they are characters to put it mildly. The more they suffer, I think the better they feel.
Im talking hard, hard, painful long term suffering.
Maybe damaging bodies permanently. A very small % of people want their life to be about ultimate suffering. But some do.
I too used to do the century rides, but I had a heart attack, now with 3 stents and laminectomy for spine issues, my bike rides are just for relaxation. I ride my bike to physical therapy :) my races are with myself now.
@@bradsanders6954 This is actually true. Clara Hughes in her book Open Heart, Open Mind actually wrote about how the pain from training actually fueled her to push as hard as she could.
@@neilsenior4975 Its in some people's make-up. To go beyond, well beyond what makes sense. The endorphin high is a thing, some just need to push limits a long ways.......it can leave permanent issues for some.
The first guy to take me backcountry skiing gave me some pretty sage advice: "Don't ever be afraid to bail. No matter how hard you worked to get to the top, if it looks sketchy or if something isn't right, you've got to turn around."
He was talking about gambling with avalanches, but that's a great mindset to bring into most of life's adventures.
Just hit my 2 year anniversary since my stroke at 53 years old. My brain wants to continue the bike adventures I’ve been doing the past 10 years but my body is not ready yet. I ride everyday (to work) and I want to do the multi-day bike trips in the American West where I live. I had to re-learn to walk, ride a bike and swallow. Making slow progress and have a multi-day family trip planned for August ~30 miles a day. My wife is encouraging and reminds me to be patient. I’m working on it.
Best of luck with your recovery
Having turned 60 this past year I find it difficult to deal with the fact that I'm still young in spirit but my body is getting old. The two don't really match up like they used to. I think that part of the solution to reconciling this is to redefine exactly what "adventure" means to me. Adventure doesn't have to mean physically challenging. I think that my future will become more about the exploration of mind and spirit and maybe a bit less of the physical. I'll still go bike packing and touring but tempering those trips to ensure that the enjoyment is coming from the joy of exploration and not just testing the boundaries of my physical capabilities. Having followed you for years I know that you will ultimately navigate this grief and disappointment and find new and exciting avenues to push yourself in other ways and continue to inspire this community.
Interesting to read this since I’m 56 and as I’ve only just started bike packing a bit in the past year or two, it’s starting to occur to me that I may not potentially be able to do the trips that go on beyond four or five days.
Definitely has zero interest in racing, although I appreciate those that do.the exploration and adventure, the place, the people, and especially the magic and beauty of the moment is really all that matters.
Enjoy and much love
Had to cancel a tour to North Cape this summer on account of a kidney stone, then Covid. Gonna finally finish reading Joyce's Ulysses instead. For me, that's equal to any accomplishment I've ever had on tour.
@JeffRevell Yep, 70 year old here. Rode half of the Divide at 68, and at 50 miles per day. Was going to start the route again this week until a hernia surgery stopped me. Slow and easy, touring pace, have fun with the route if you ever try it. It is a beautiful, challenging route, and every day is different. ☮
Ditto, I’m 62. Let’s roll with it!
Me too man! 64...where did it go? We still have some future to explore though.
We bikepackers are built differently than those who are built to race. The nervousness comes when you ride with others. It is a different kind of anxious feeling. There’s no failure in my book; the experience is what matters most. You’re 100% right about everything.
It is the experience. I always go by ‘it’s the journey, not the destination.’
No more beating yourself up. Your butt took enough beating. Thanks for being genuine with us. Most men are trained to hide their emotions, especially in a public format. You are the exception. It’s very healthy. Sounds like you will get to feel the love as you pied piper 200+ people at Ragbrai this year. Wish I could be there.
First, thank you for all the supportive comments. You are all AMAZING! Second, I’m raising funds to get kids on bikes. Chip in some $ and get entered to win a Priority 600adx ($3500 value). go.rallyup.com/kidsonbikes2024/Campaign/Details
Love all your videos, been watching for years but as a prostate cancer survivor, to hear you say you don't recommend a prostate check is very sad. I know you were talking about the uncomfortable feeling but that check can save lives, it did mine. You have older men watching your every move and some of them need to be checked. Love you dude but this time you screwed up. Heal up and I'll keep watching, you are important to all of us but every man is important, and we can't lose a life because they heard someone doesn't recommend a check up. Safe travels my friend.
@@scootmandooI think you took that comment a little too seriously. It sounded like it was made in jest, as in folks generally don’t look forward to prostate exams (I work in urology)
Ryan, it was really good meeting you and chatting a bit on day one out on one of those sunny gravel stretches in Canada (I had the little fox figurine on my front bag). I also had some saddle sore issues that I was able to get through with some careful maintenance, and ended up finishing a couple days ago (July 5th). But I also came quite close to pulling the plug outside of Butte, MT because of them
Really enjoyed catching the end of the Off Road Runner series while sitting in a hotel recuperating. You and Jabba are a riot. I think my next bikepack adventure will probably be at a more relaxed pace as well
Much love!
@@scottpetrie1607I gotta say it… outside of Butte… I presume Butte is a place… rather ironic considering the conversation… no offence meant… just lightening the mood 😂
Ryan, you are an inspiration for us, and when you decide to quit a challenge that turns up impossible to finish, you're actually showing us that it is a pretty normal situation. We all have saddle sores, we have bike problems, camping problems, and nervous situations. You're not "selling" a perfect bikepacking experience where nothing goes wrong, it doesn't exist, you're "selling" us experiences and emotions, and that's why we love Duzer TV and you. Don't change a thing about it, and never feel bad, you're disappointing no one!
On May 6th, 2024, two days before my 50th birthday I had a really bad accident while riding my mountain bike. Two broken bones (ulna and radius). I have not been able to ride since then. I went into kind of depression for a while after the accident; watching this video today brought me lots of peace and serenity. "everything will be ok"... I do believe in that. Thank you Ryan for ALL of your videos; believe when I say that You make a difference in so many people lives. Keep going! You are not alone. Thank you!!!
You will be back on your bike before you know it! In 2018 aged 62 I had an mtb accident and smashed my wrist into splinters of bone ( comminuted fracture) 10 weeks in a cast, nerve damage, 2 months of physiotherapy and I returned to work, and biking. Keep yourself active, walking, lift weights with your good arm. Ryan is so inspirational.
@@resurgem thank you! Hope you still riding!
There is life after an upright bike. Getting bent (recumBENT) will get you back faster. If you are worried about falls there are some great trikes.
As a 3 year follower of your channel I think it’s not about how big of an athlete your are or a ‘winner’. It’s just about you; my favorite positive and inspiring cyclist riding his bike somewhere in the world. Keep on keeping on no matter how old or what shape you’re in. Nothing but love ❤ 🚴
Well done, Ryan! For making the right decision at the time and telling so openly about it. To me, this is high quality content, and it increases the value of the other "success" stories. Life and bike packing consist of highs and lows, peaks and valleys, and we simply do not get one without the other - even though social media wants us to believe otherwise.
Dear Mr Ryan Van Duzer, your choice to end this adventure is NOT a failure, but as I see it simply a great example of GOOD decision making! 💪 I wish you a speedy recovery try your best to be kind yourself as you seem so kind to the world around you.
nothing but love, bro.
It's not failure if your body hurts and you aren't feeling the love. I think racing in any format makes one feel anxious and very self-centered. Ryan, that definitely is not you. I like your self paced rides. Take it easy.
I met you when I was 18, and cycling across the US.
Before my trip I went to a pro bike shop, and they measured my butt bones, and they sold me the “best” saddle for me. My absolute biggest pain for my 69 day ride, was the fact that I had endless saddle sores. No one understands the pain and misery that they can bring to you. At the end of the day, you gave it your shot, and you lived and learned. Much love my friend 🤟
Since 2019, after watching Love Cycles, I've done three 3000+ mile tours in 7 countries. Since January this year I'd been in the hardest training of my 62 year old life, preparing for a bikepacking tour from Stockholm to North Cape and back home again along the Norwegian coast. One week before departure I got a kidney stone. Delayed for 3, now 4 weeks. Then I caught Covid for the first time. So now I've missed my window.
So what! Every time I feel some self-pity I think what it wouldnhave been like getting a kidney stone alone in a tent in the wilderness of Lappland.
It's interesting hearing your process for making the only correct decision you had left. Had you not made it and that prostate infection gotten worse, anything could've happened, including death.
So far I've been lucky on tour, never had to break. But it's gonna happen. We're human. All our experience provides the wisdom to make that hard decision.
Be well Ryan. Missed you in here in Sweden last summer but maybe I'll hit you up when I come to do the GDMBR.
I’ve always felt that bikepack racing is a young persons game. Racing on a fully loaded bike is so hard on the body and spirit. God bless those riders age 40 and older who do it, but think of the sights, people and places you miss out on just because you want to race a heavy-ass bike. I’ve been bikepacking for over 10 years now and know better than to try and prove something to myself that would only bring me misery and pain rather than joy and peace.,
Honesty like this, in a world of fake social media personalities is very refreshing.
Ryan, you know how you factor love into every decision you make? Please accept the immense love we are mirroring back to you. Disappointment is hard. Very hard. It's the human experience that usually redirects our focus. Virtual hug to you. Huge love and respect!
I'm in awe of how you've blended creativity and emotion. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in its purest form.
Ryan, been watching for a couple years and this is my first time I am compelled to make a comment. Your spirit and attitude is always inspiring not because you do everything perfectly but because you do it with the right attitude. I'm sure the decision to stop and to even film this video must have taken an extraordinary amount of soul searching reflection and vulnerability. You always show up as a courageous person to your audience because you are always an authentic person😊❤
You did the right thing. You don’t know how much you actually influence people. By doing what you did, you show others that may experience similar situations in life that there is no shame in not completing a task to take care of your body. You could have very well saved someone’s life. You gotta realize you can’t only be an influencer for winning. You also need to be an influencer in doing the right thing.
A really big hug from all of the NZ riders you touch the heart of. Thank you. Your decision was the correct one. No race is worth permanent injury or dying for.
No one escapes from the lessons of life, do the thing you love Ryan.
Being a man and open with your feelings and how you deal with what you perceive as a disappointing outcome is all the inspiration we need. In some ways, better than finishing the CDT. We already know you can physically do it. We’re proud of you.
As a fellow rpcv, traveler, nature lover, and a 58 year old, I share with you the idea that this life is many lives, in its different segmentations. Transitions are marked with emotional turbulence, but new vistas arise. The inner life looms larger. The explorations redefine their horizons. Age brings into focus the brevity of our existence. All pressure is for speed, but slow is its own journey with its own rewards.
Thanks for this. Quite profound! I am 44, and noticing the segmentations in life too. It’s like a roller coaster.
At 64 i planned and dreamed up a bike tour for a year and blew my achilles on day 2. Spent another year planning and went back and rode the route. We all take what comes at us and go from there. Don,t look back,look forward. Love your attitude Duzer. You inspire many.
Love that you got back out there!
Much love to you, dear friend! I am also a fellow Bike packer from Northern New Mexico and totally understand how you’re feeling around the not following through with the goal to finish the tour of us.
I love bike packing, but not racing at all! Racing is deeply intriguing as humans, we love the high bar in the goal to challenge ourselves and that’s great.
But for me, it seems completely contradictory to most backpacking adventures. The most amazing gift that we experienced in backpacking is the grace and subtle moments of quiet, beauty, sunrises and Sunset, resting when exhausted but relishing in where we are. When you’re racing, it’s hard to appreciate deeply, these things because your goal is always the clock and the distance. No thanks!
You’re an amazing person, an amazing Rider, and you bring the giftof your exuberance to everyone.
Love to meet up with you on the trail sometime. Much love.
Ryan love your authenticity and your videos. Don’t stress we watch for you not for crazy events. I live in Colorado and would love a Colorado only series highlighting all the gravel trails. Take care of you. You inspire us in strength and what you see as weakness but we see as reinforcing why we watch you. Thank you for this amazing video
Quitting is highly underrated. Knowing when to quit is a valuable life skill. Lots of people in hospitals and cemeteries who didn't know when to quit.
You’ve been a big inspiration for my wife and I to start bikepacking now that our kids are older. We love you and your channel!
Most important is getting healthy again and being able to get back out there.
Not completing this ride is not failure, it just shows you are human and also brings you closer to the audience you broadcast to. I am currently suffering from saddle sores after a week of riding and understand your pain. Onwards to the next adventure. Love your videos!
This is part of your amazing story. Don’t ever doubt that you are the being the best version of Ryan Van Duzer there is. You rock. Just be you don’t worry what we think unless it’s good. Because it’s always good.
Ryan, we all love you so much. You are a great inspiration. I am riding RAGBRAI this year at 66 years old because I started biking and following you. What you showed here is strength and wisdom. I am proud of you for making a great and necessary decision. We are all with you. Get back to RIDING, NO RACING bikes. It is where you excel. Mark Fowler
Like others have said, we don't care about a race. We watch you because you make us feel good about ourselves and life, and encourage us to get out and move! Keep it up, Ryan! You are a life changer. More than you'll ever know.
Buddy I’ve been watching you since your discovery channel show. You are not a “quitter” it’s an injury, that’s all. Recover and get back out there. Love your adventures and how you video them. Stick with what you love my man. Life is very short
I love how real you are and you have to show all sides of these adventures. Sometimes things don’t go as planned but you always seem to make the best of it! ❤
From my perspective you're just showing that sometimes it doesn't work out, which has real value. "Failure" is part of the game, and knowing when to quit is important. In Norway we have a saying "ingen skam å snu". Keep at it buddy. Maybe I'll see you out there one day.
Don't beat yourself up. Even in "failure" (emphasis on quotation marks), you're an inspiration. I doubt any of of your viewers/fans think of it as a a failure anyway. They, like me, are probably disappointed for you, not with you. You keep it real and have allowed many to vicariously experience these adventures
Thankyou an update, been worried along with everyone else.
With love and gratitude Ryan
☮️🦘🚴
Ryan, I am not let down. Can't wait to see your next adventure! Thanks for the inspiration throughout the years.
Everyone falls down sometimes. But then you have to make a conscious decision to stay lying down or get up again. In each of your videos you give us something. You are so insightful and honest and always present. You have your heart in the right place. You are making a difference! We love you!!!
Ryan, You can keep on adventuring. Just take more time at the cafe, bring a cooler to the swimmin’ hole etc… Your positivity is your superpower!
Ryan, this is Mark Erickson, your health insurance agent, long time fan and friend!! I wanted to send you some love and to tell you that I believe in you and support your decision 100%. Life is all about making as many good decisions as we can. Given your situation, leaving the race was absolutely the right decision. Sometimes our bodies are warning us of a bigger concern and in your case, that's exactly what happened. This is just a temporary set back and I look forward to sharing your next adventures with you on RUclips. Peace and love!!
Feel your pain! Go back, pick up where you left off and just do you, your way. That’s what we, your audience, want and need! We get to live your adventures but you don’t need to push, remember we’re all aging with you. I’m not the cyclist I used to be, but I’m still a dreamer and we get to share your dreams. Just do you, your way, just be you! ❤
Brothaman, knowing when to stop for not only your body but also your mind -- and heart -- is a courageous act and NOT a failure. Keep the faith and speedy and full recovery 🙏🏽
Ryan, remember that bike packing is a journey, not a race! It's about exploring, finding enlightenment, and enjoying the ride with happiness, not hardship and pain. We can't stress enough how important it is to prioritize your health and well-being. We've been inspired by your incredible bike packing adventures and the joy they bring you - and us! We're looking forward to seeing more of the same, not a race against time, but a journey of self-discovery and happiness. Remember, biking is about freedom and joy, not competition!. Ryan, we're incredibly proud of you! Prioritizing your health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Quitting isn't losing - it's actually a huge gain for your well-being. We've been amazed by your incredible bike tours and adventures, and we're excited to see what the future holds for you. Keep shining and taking care of yourself! . TC Ryan.
When a passion stops being fun, it's not worth it. I'm glad you know the limits of your body, I'm 45 and nowhere near the shape you are in. You are an inspiration to so many, the reason I watch is because you make being on a bike fun and enjoyable. Heal up and continue sharing your adventures, jump in streams and eat more bean burritos buddy. Cheers!
Hi from here in the capital of Honduras! 😁 I saw you roll into Helena while on a break from my office. Hoped you'd stop the tour here because (a) NOBODY would think that continuing with terrible sores was the right thing to do, and (b) the fact that you got that far at all was damned impressive. Stopping actually sets a good example for others who might embark on such crazy adventures. Glad to hear this update. Way to go!!
I feel like I just went on that emotional journey with you and I also feel like I learned from it. Thank you so much for sharing, being open, and being vulnerable.
Don't be sad Ryan, you did sooo much for the people who follow you from around the world.
I accidentally stumbled on your old great divide videos while i was stuck at home during pandemic and i said to myself "OMG what the hell is this guy doing? Is he really travelling by bike?"
It's been 3 years since then and I'm hitting the road on bikepacking adventures every time I can. That's litterally what your work is about, being out there and be grateful for everything.
Thank you!
We have all been there…Glad you listened to your body. There is something special about getting back on a bike after being off it for a little bit! Looking forward to your next adventure, whatever that may be. Thanks for sharing!
Ryan, you are still my adventure hero!!! Don't beat yourself up over this. Love you!! Disco Stu from Houston.
You still have many years of adventuring ahead of you! I didn’t even start bike touring until I was the age you are now. I’m 62 now, and still getting out there! I do feel the pressure to do the epic adventures sooner rather than later, but I’m still planning on doing them.
Ryan, you are always such an inspiration to all of us! You listen to your body and heart so you can continue to do what you do for all of us! I see this as not quitting but listening to your body. You only have one body and need to know when rest. Well done Ryan! Keep smiling, the world keeps smiling back at you! Hugs from Canada.
Thank you for sharing your story. The way you handle a tough decision to retreat is inspiring others with how to handle their own failures. Anyone can handle victories. But very few can lose with grace. God bless.
Here’s a different strategy, in case competing isn’t working for you, do a tour of the race route. It’s a beautiful route and many of us would like to see it. Also, it can be a scouting trip for the many who might be considering a stab at the race. Show us what the racers go through. You don’t have to win. Jut go at your own pace, take rest days in hotels, and enjoy.
While typing wishes for a speedy recovery, you are already riding your bike again! Showing that it is okay to not succeed is just as important. Not everything can be a succes. On to the next adventure 😊
It's never failure when you make the effort to 'get out there', thanks for taking us along with you!
You're an inspiration to so many people. You inspired me to get a bike and start riding. I'm also 45 and seem to be going through similar mental struggles as you. Being so honest and vulnerable publicly must be hard but it has been a huge help to me to know I am not alone. Thanks Ryan. Keep spreading love and positivity.
One of your best videos. Please don't beat yourself up. Remember the content of adventure creation is an open palate; savor your intellect and zest for adventure. Age is a number. All adventures have tough moments and even failure. You are a winner and do not forget that. I love the bikepacking videos. Your perspective on life is very healthy. Ride your bike and make videos and be gentle to your spirit.
Great to see you are doing Ok Duzer you are inspiration for lots of people. I turned 60 last year and my lungs aint what they used to be. but my legs are in good shape. Hills are a challenge so I stop a few times to catch my breath but I eventually make it to the top and look back and say, oh yeah. Biking gives you lots of time to think and helps me mentally dealing with issues but it releases a lot of stress and in the mountains I feal like a different person, more relaxed and easy going. Take care Duzer.
Of all the capacities you have, the number one is to articulate the challenges and worries that comes with being a human being. Whenever your body tells you it's time to stop going on adventures, you can have a very succesful, rewarding and important new career in that field, helping other people to get through their challenges. Tnx a million for a great video!
You're a legend Ryan. Love that you bring the highs and the lows to 'adventure life' content. See a lot of folks highlighting the glorious moments, but it's the full spectrum that makes it so rewarding for me. Lots of love brother, keep at it.
Great video providing us with a peek into all you've gone through: the good, the bad, and the ugly. As I said before, you made the right decision though it was really hard to come to terms with. You've not let any of us down. We are with you. Things always have a way of working out. With your positive attitude, you will continue strong in this journey we call life. Blessings!
It’s good to reflect. Failing is part of learning to adapt and overcome other life challenges. 2.7 or 2700 miles, just get out there and ride! Thanks for inspiring us all!
You are not sad, nor disappointed; you are always the best in your territory and we followers believe in you flawlessly.
I am almost 60 and you gave me the hope and passion to start and continue long distance cycling in spite of the cancer I have had.!
No matter if you race or not again, you are the champion and we love you as our mentor .. 👍
We love you Ryan, whatever your next adventure is! Sending hugs from rainy old London 🥰🥰
We so appreciate you and your inspiration. No failures for you just learning what is important. And it is you my friend.
I admire you so much for giving the tour divide race a go. Listening to and respecting your body is the way to go. You made the right decision to end things when you did. You're a legend, and the reason why I love bikepacking and long distance cycling. Live to fight another day.
Great to hear you are accepting change. I am 64 and I feel all the things you do when I want to ride and run like I did 40 years ago, but know this, there is a great deal of satisfaction in doing your best, at whatever age, but also that the competitive nature never truly goes away. Wishing you all the best going forward. P.S. I am taking great satisfaction in doing shorter mtb and trail running races but just going faster vs. longer. Good luck.
I am glad you shared this. I know you try and keep your videos upbeat and positive. But showing vulnerability and defeat and the grace you handled it with is just as inspiring. Even on the lovecycle videos, there were a lot of tough things that were not included. It is a part of life and seeing the struggle and how you mentally turn yourself around is super important and is great content. We love you and are always super proud of you!
It’s always hard to quit a race. But you did the right thing my friend. I’m 57 now and still find it hard that I can’t do what I once could. But the saving grace is I’m still out there doing it. Just a little slower. Every pedal stroke is one more than sitting on the couch! Congratulations on your effort out there and I’m looking forward to seeing you get back in the saddle to create some epic content! Cheers. 👍🏻👊🏻
All the love to you man
Don’t be ashamed or feel you let down yourself or anyone
I think you figured this out by the end of the video
I live by the following saying: “Celebrate every win, no matter how small” and you have some pretty big wins to celebrate, the tour divide race is also one to celebrate
Happy to see you back on your bike
Can’t wait for your next video
Now get out there 😊
Ryan, this ride was not a failure, because it taught you what brings you joy. It’s okay to not like racing- I don’t either! Your RUclips fam is here for all the ups and downs, without judgement. I think showing your struggles makes you more relatable, and probably removes mental barriers for your viewers to JUST GET OUT THERE! Thank you for sharing. Here’s to more joyful rides ahead! 🚴🏻♂️
Ryan, you haven’t let me or any of us down! You’re a superhero to many of us, yet, you’re also human! You got out there and thank you for sharing the reality and realness of it all! Much love to you brother!
I’m glad that you have limits and you’re not just doing things for show you show the enjoyment that you have and you did not enjoy that trip and I respect that you said no I’m not doing this one. You know your battles and this was not one of them love your show, Ryan you’re a good person, peace
Ryan! You’ve been and still are a huge inspiration. You’re the reason I did my own GDMBR ITT. Saddle sores are no joke - it turns out you need your booty to ride bikes! Gets the best of us when the conditions are wet for days and days on end. You’ll be back out there!
We love your channel. You are a hero for doing what you love everyday, spreading love. Can't wait for the next video.
You normally do not define yourself by individual successes or failures. You own both and move on. I hope you understand what you represent to your fans. It is the experience of being part of your adventures. You have done a great service for all of us.
My father in the 1960's in rural Quebec province on the St- Laurence seaway was given his first job on a ship has a diesel mecanic. His first job that his father had arranged for him. But within the 2nd day he wanted to get off the ship in the next port...seasick🤢. And he had to ask his father for a ride home🥴. He tells, me to this day, that that was the best lesson he ever learned.
So Duzer long distance bike racin' is probably not your Thing.
But Man, your Bikadventures ❤🥳 I can not get enough of.♥️🤗🇨🇦
Longue vie a Duzer 🚲❤✌️
Huge respect to you for putting out this video. A friend who also follows you and I were cycling the Erie Canal Trail in NY in a heat wave, then rain and wind when we saw your Instagram post. We were surprised knowing the things that you have been through. I’m proud of you for recognizing when you need to stop. It takes courage to overpower ego for your well-being. You’re gonna be great no matter what happens.
Thank you, Ryan. I've been watching your videos, this has to be one of the best. And this is why I watch your videos-the honest love of cycling and people and life, no facade or fancy shiny packaging, just the raw honest love.
And what an ending for the video-it made it so happy to see you back on your bike. it's 9:40 PM where I am right now, but you made me want to go out and ride right now.
Just found your channel the other day and when I started watching I said this guy looks familiar and then when you said u were on that show out of the wild it all clicked. U were awesome on that show super positive and I remember you from it and so did my wife . We were hooked on those shows I think there was an Alaska one and an Africa one , so glad to see you all these yrs later my friend.
Ryan…. One of my favorites of your videos. Very raw and full of love. Thank you for sharing your energy in the world with all of us. I love you.
Ryan...we watch you for who you are and the inspiration you bring....(and a bit for the crazy circumstances you end up in. 😊)
Any true fan would never feel 'let down' if you didn't finish an adventure. At least you tried....(and got way further than most any human would ever be able to do).
Thanks for putting yourself out there....and for bringing us along. You're a true inspiration!!!!
I am here for you! There is no shame in taking care of yourself!! You are an inspiration to all of us. We need your videos as we all live vicariously through your content. 😊 Te mando un ABRAZO!!! Cuídese!!!
Dude, you have NEVER disappointed your viewers! I know you’ve heard it a lot but you really do inspire people. Just yesterday I did an 86 mile ride, and 2x 100’s before that. I never would have imagined that without seeing it done on channels like this. As far as age, you still have some great years ahead. I peaked around 50. Now 56, I’m slowing down a bit. And yeah, prostatitis SUCKS. Welcome to the club. 😂
Ryan - only recently found your channel, and started going through the backlog of your adventures, and absolutely gotta say that the best parts for me are the PEOPLE, the camaraderie you bring. It's all about the people. You are a spark, a beacon, a gem, and no matter what you do, I'm pretty certain your fans (myself included) are gonna be right there with you.
Most of all it's good to see you back on your bike so quickly Ryan! Regarding your other health problem I hope that fully resolves itself also. I have experience with health problems in that area as well as being off my bike for months at a time due to crashes and concussions. When I have a big setback or interruption to my plans I make every effort to find something completely different to do so that even if I'm feeling down about it I can say 'If such and such had not happened then I would never have done this!' I hope you get to do many more things that fully utilise the health and fitness you have. You rode to the limits of your health and pain endurance and more, which is all anyone can do! Well done. Wise to stop and even more so very fortunate you stopped given the other health problem so that even a major set back was a silver lining!
I experienced some saddle sores on my 2200+ mile trip, but fortunately I was able to quickly purchase some tea-tree cream and used that every night which kept the sores very mild. So tea-tree cream is an item on my pack list.
Honestly you inspire us so much! I think you are teaching people to listen to their intuition. This is something that everyone has to do and can save your life. No dream is worth your health or life. You listened to your intuition and what your body was telling you and you avoided getting really sick not just physically but also mentally. So many people don't do this in life and end up hurting their health in the long run. You can go back and do the route again on your own time with a good friend. I know it's hard because we put so much pressure on ourselves from society. But none of that matters! What matters is you have your health, and you can keep doing the work that truly makes you happy and alive! You inspire so many people to get outside and go on adventures. I know because you have inspired me! ThanK you for the work that you do and please keep the adventures coming!
Thank you, brother! Keep your head up, champ. I wanted to know you change my life. Because of you, I’m car free. The setbacks are the plans of the creator, for the come back
Don't be silly, it's your humanity that is the inspiration. Life isn't all instagram photos. You are an amazing story teller and part of anybodies story is great successes and also sometimes falling short. It is falling short sometimes that makes succeeding feel so good. Nobody knows more than you that it's all about the journey, it ain't the destination!
It sucked that you had to quit, and I don't have any advice to give you, but I can relate.
In my 30s, I planned a sea kayak expedition for over a year, trained, had sponsors, people were following the trip, and the day before I left I was teaching kayak rolling and hurt my shoulder. Twenty days into a six month trip, I couldn't hold a rudder on my left side in following waves. I had to redo my paddle stroke to avoid hurting my shoulder and that gave me tendonitis in my elbows. These injuries still bother me if I don't train to avoid inflaming them.
The day I quit was when I realized that I couldn't safely paddle anymore without putting myself at risk. It sucked. I was depressed for months and months. I did a shorter trip on a bike that helped to keep my mind off the failure, but it only helped when I was out on the trip.
I went through physical therapy for a year and decided to go to the start of the sea kayak trip and start again and see what happened. I didn't make it public. Only my family knew. I made it so that I'd have an easy bailout point if I decided to bail. Everything was going great, but I got to a point where it just didn't feel that important to me anymore to do that 6-month trip. At the bailout point for the trip, I bailed and completed a shorter trip instead.
Doing that changed my perspective, and the perspective change gave me an entirely new view on failure. It turned the failure into an important lesson for me - that lesson sticks with me on every trip I take.
I hope that you find your way out of this, learn what you need to learn if you need to learn anything, and that everything is okay with your health and that you can get back on a bike and enjoy adventures in the future.
So so glad to see you alive and well and as always, inspirational Ryan.
You can’t pedal if you don’t have pulse. Open sores , prostatitis, hypothermia can lead to sepsis.
One of my colleagues who worked in medicine had flesh eating bacterial infection in the same body area. Sadly, he passed away within a week of getting infected.
You made the right choice to pedal another day. Olé !
Been watching your videos since 2020. Your videos got me through a lot of tough times and you're one of my inspirations to take up biking again last November 2023. Get back stronger and hoping for a speedy healing!
Oh Ryan I love you so so much!❤ You have been such a inspiration for me since I discovered your channel in 2020... my first year on a bike, at 40! Now I'm finishing my first bike trip (6 days around Lac St-Jean, Quebec, Canada) and this adventure is because of your videos. You are a great motivator!! Thank you for everything and for being you! Please take care of yourself!
Barbara 🚵♀️😁🌞