Road to Istanbul - Together we are strangers

🚲 🌎 I am Giant Cheerio, a bicycle traveler, exploring the world by bike since 2021!
I have always been a solo traveler, but as being a solo traveller doesn’t mean to be alone all the time.
Let me share the story of how strangers can turn into friends while bikepacking to Istanbul
We're talking about making unexpected bonds, finding joy in the little things, tackling tough days, and powering through challenges together.
Its about joy and happiness as well as challenging days and facing difficulties. Its about group conflicts as well as being strong when being together.
Lean back & enjoy watching!
Cheerio, Goodbye, Salut & Adios!
🙌 Do you want to support my journey?
🏕 Kofi: ko-fi.com/giant_cheerio
🏕 Patreon: / giant_cheerio
0:00 Intro
01:06 Meeting strangers
03:30 This is us
08:40 You must decide
10:11 Change is necessary
14:47 We need to talk
17:57 The destination in reach
21:45 Outro
Music: www.epidemicsound.com/music/f...
🪴Below horizon / Luwaks: www.epidemicsound.com/track/D...
🪴Calm the storm/ View Points
www.epidemicsound.com/track/g...
🪴Prescient / Howard Harper-Barnes
www.epidemicsound.com/track/0...
🪴Like Shadows / Geminii
www.epidemicsound.com/track/6...
🪴Wannabe/ OTE
www.epidemicsound.com/track/n...
🪴Beating hearts / Ethan Martin
www.epidemicsound.com/track/X...
🪴Back Around / Isola James
www.epidemicsound.com/track/V...
🪴Downstreams / Roots and Recognition
www.epidemicsound.com/track/m...
🪴Northern Courage/Crystal Shards
www.epidemicsound.com/track/P...

[@user-nh4xm7le1x]

I don't comment on RUclips videos.. I want you to know this from my heart. I am an addict in recovery from addiction, going on 5 months sober. The longest in 25 years. YOU inspired me to get up and go, so I did. In 2 months, I have bike packed solo, and have travelled over 3,315km. I am from Ottawa Ontario Canada, and my rig is my baby. My load out is dialed in, I've lost 25lbs in post addiction weight, my mental health is fierce, and my body feels better then it has in, well.. I dont know how long. I have myself to be proud of, but I have you to thank. Prior to setting out, I watched your videos as a form of mental prep. I have you to thank, and the time you take to explain the ups and downs of bikepacking is more then appreciated xox

[@JovitaSutherland]

Congrats. Keep going!

[@felipeprenholato2301]

Congratulations :). Hope you don't stop travelling.

[@russcott5129]

Respect ❤

[@riverunner9978]

Amazing!

[@redheathen9580]

This is a real step up in your editing and story telling.

[@reymondvtoscano]

"The moment Cheerio and Timo become one, the rest is now part of history."

[@brautgangster]

I've watched all of your stuff on YT so far, but this one is really on a higher level. Great camera work (close-ups 😊), great cutting work, great story telling + so authentical and emotional. Looking forward to see more clips like this, ride on and stay safe - in whatever part of the world that may be👍

[@stefanrutishauser7673]

Cheerio, i love your honest story telling. The Route to Istanbul woke some fond memories. We rode the same route, more than 25years ago, no mobile, no Internet that time. Incredible warm and hospital people, and even more later in central Anatolia, you will see. You do the right thing, experience and impressions for Life, stay save!

[@klausmusterfau3087]

A famous philosopher once said: NICE!
Vielen Dank!

[@kahramanarslan594]

bu güne kadar sıkılmadan izlediğim ve bir çok şey öğrendiğim videolardan biriydi teşekkürler. Bu arada türk insanı gerçek bir misafirperverdir.

[@c_steve_j]

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this video! I've enjoyed many of your videos, but this video really drew me in to your story and this particular adventure. For me, the style of editing you did on this video really got me engaged with you and the group. A really good job! Looking forward to your next video. Stay safe! .... Ciao

[@traveleractivist]

by chance, I coincided with your channel and how challenging solo cycling is as a woman and you are also recording. Your storytelling and editing are also amazing. I am a solo traveler myself, I wish in very soon ı can be on roads too

[@Nowvember]

i feel like i was sharing your journey with you guys! feeling emotional after watching. congrats on the 2 years travelling!! you are an inspiration :)

[@leedenton870]

I got the same feeling.

[@davidalderson7761]

I think this is one of your very best videos. About the right length about the right content and some nice shots of the environment too. Nice gang of guys to be with too.

[@robjordan63]

Your commentary is very poetic! Thanks.

[@RAFAELLO077]

I was emotional when u talked about turkish people, amazing, we are all people of this world, all one, all wanting the GOOD LIFE, LOVE.

[@user-fd6bj7lc7t]

It does'nt get any better than this. Thank You !

[@Arthalot]

"The toughest part is still ahead" with those INCREDIBLE views 🤩

[@kayasper6081]

Very interesting that despite you felt so united, in the end you all prefered to continue solo.
Only a few years ago I started to travel solo and I always supposed that would be a sad thing. But now I tasted it, I enjoy it very much.
Nice video again, thanks.

[@sedatozen9823]

hello from turkey bursa welcome have a good trip turkey for travel very nice place 👋

[@charlesdgrinstead2114]

I really enjoyed this segment of your journey. I have occasionally travelled with friends or people I've met along the way. It always was fun and interesting, but it always ended with stress over what to eat, ... when to stop, ... left or right, ..... you name it. I must say, I most enjoy travelling alone. I like meeting people along the way, and I think I would really enjoy riding with someone else for a longer time. But, there has to be the right chemistry and understanding. Without that, cycling alone is better. I have also found that you're much more approachable as a cyclist alone than you are in a group. At least in the western world.

[@chelladugg]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@DS1150]

This was great. I really enjoyed the story and watching you all.

[@bicweld]

A bicycle is a filter! I am convinced that a bicycle filters out people, removing the bad and negative ones, leaving only those who are able to think well and make complex decisions with a clear mind. This is a very cool video! I look forward to new videos from Iran and Asia.🙂🙂🙂

[@mariocouture1596]

Wow double wow!! Another amazing chapter! Love it!!! 👏

[@adamwoolman339]

Absolutely brilliant, so inspiring! Keep going, ride on and enjoy the experience you create.

[@williamwyn]

What an incredible journey! Your story telling on this was on point, a real pleasure to watch.

[@pavlosioannides9316]

Very inspiring video! Excellent editing and narration! I really enjoy your videos because you are not showing always the nice moments of bikepacking but all the difficulties as well without loosing your positive energy!! Thanks!

[@stevebradfield5939]

Great video , lovely story and editing .I wish you all the best on your future adventures and look forward to seeing your next video 😊

[@magdalena669]

Wieder mal ein tolles Video ❤

[@Bluew23]

Really liked this episode, thank you. Keep well, enjoy your ride.

[@matt281075]

Always love you're videos this one was fantastic take care Life is a journey not a destination 👌👍

[@msz-adventures1971]

Great story, thanks for sharing !

[@rickyrocket6441]

Another incredible journey shot from the heart.

[@jameswatson5380]

Turkey is a wonderful place and the Turkish people are the makers of that. And Thankyou for letting us join you and watch your honesty. Great video.

[@SimonMartin-tz5ii]

Another awesome video...thanks Lara

[@ryandaines4640]

Great video and story! Best of luck

[@edgray8305]

Really enjoyed your great video, thank you for sharing.

[@albertlee9238]

Excellent video, thanks !

[@otosfotosf]

Thanks so much for taking us with you. The scene with the turkish guy offering tea and you inviting him warmed my heart so much. Love equals love.

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Great video Lara, I'm glad you arrived safely in Turkey and I hope the next part of your journey will be an inspiration for you. Take care on your own and enjoy. ❤

[@evanlouis8853]

awesome video....you keep getting better and better...I am envious of your ability to travel in such a way...you have already had the adventure of a lifetime compared to most people...thanks for sharing and the best of luck to you

[@uk_prepper6775]

You're back, thanks for your videos, I enjoy watching them. I'm also pleased that you now have some friends, it's much safer that way

[@paerts9511]

Love this short film. real emotions and difficluties. (y)
U are doing a great job

[@mikecalver1]

Very interesting, the dynamics of group and solo, you have managed to package all those thoughts and considerations into a wonderful story. :)

[@MartenBrosch]

Eines, wenn nicht das stärkste Video, das ich bisher von dir gesehen habe. On point 🤙

[@danfedder1]

Great edit job. I know how hard it is to tell a journey of several months in a few minutes. I also loved the music choices.

[@CoffeandTea1]

This is amazing I enjoyed all way new subscriber from London ❤

[@Alex-mn8pw]

God, I love this video!!! Definitely encouraging me.

[@carlthomas4959]

This is the first video of yours I have seen. Just amazing editing.

[@tonnyimmink1617]

yes you did it a tear ran down my cheek when i watched this. can't describe the emotion. I think above all that I am very happy for you that you have ever taken this bold step in your life. so happy for you that you took this step years ago. be proud of yourself for making this move. I could clap my hands cheering you on all day long. well done. Have an adventurous but above all a safe journey wherever it may take you.

[@stevekyhon]

Great content. Really enjoyed all your videos and adventures! It really motivates me to do backpacking/touring. Hope you'll travel to North America someday.

[@mirandahoggendobber7167]

Ein sehr emotionales, wertvolles Video, super geschnitten, perfekte Musik. Ganz große Klasse. Ich feier dich!

[@DiegoContreras_DG]

Best bikepacking content in yt! Seriously 🤘

[@kimi_kantagraphy]

Love from Malaysia special for all who love bike packing 🚵🏽🚵🏽‍♂️👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🇲🇾✌🏽👌🏽

[@Knufbergstravel]

Tolles Video, besonders dein Voice over Intro hat uns direkt gefesselt. Liebe Grüße aus Kalifornien ❤

[@thierrypohu5431]

The story telling was really good in this video I liked it!

[@claraoso]

Best video yet!

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Brilliantly done ❤

[@stiegerf]

What a lovely and great story about ups and downs. Hatss off for your journey. Looking forward for your next adventure.

[@giantcheerio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arcoulant87]

Great video ! Chapeau.

[@paulrhodes5931]

From a fellow LDC, respect, I live this life and I know that it isn't always easy. Loved your honesty. I'll be in Istanbul next week.

[@phillipcowan1444]

It's so good to see you traveling again. I kind of lost track of your channel after the aweful Italian job. Looks like you got your mojo back,eh.👍Interesting look at the group dynamic. I've never traveled with more than one other person. Excuse me now I have to go binge watch your other videos.😄

[@Gabriel.Mueller]

Richtig spannend gemacht. Ich bin letztes Jahr im Juli auch genau die selbe Strecke gefahren und hab soo viel wieder erkannt.

[@jameelawanvlogs]

Oh wow, Amazing solo travel, and i am starting it soon

[@mitjazelenc7526]

WOW respect !

[@BREAKMIXSERIES]

Amazing just amazing

[@avantgarde302]

what a beautiful video!

[@lifeinsideandoutside831]

Great to see such a commitment to yourself I too dream to go solo whole Europe oneday soon 🎉

[@Nomad_E-Bike]

​That's was amazing! 😜

[@MrRalphshin]

wow, great achievement.....well done

[@Murat-Explores]

Schön. Wirklich schön und Echt 🙏 Das hier brauchst du wahrscheinlich nicht von ner fremden erzählt bekommen aber wollte ich es trotzdem als eine positive Kompliment erwähnen, daß du mittlerweile in ner geschmeidige, tiefere Ebene zu sein wirkst 😌🧿 Viel Spaß noch!

[@MoselleMemories]

Excellent. Keep going!

[@sergeiivanis]

Привет) видео очень вдохновляет)) чувствую погружение в происходящее!

[@sharkmentality9717]

You are getting good at this!

[@thatsouthafrican]

Nice one, thank you!

[@barrydimelow822]

Amazing adventures, real quality story telling / videography- thanks for sharing 👍

[@giantcheerio]

Thank you:)

[@larakatharinaschilling9013]

Bin so glücklich für Euch, dass Ihr jetzt ne Gang seid!

[@user-iu9sh8tr8j]

I love your stories❤

[@Himalayan_mysteries]

wonderful story telling ❤ lots of love from mountains of HIMACHAL PRADESH in INDIA ❤

[@hotmail851]

Olá Cheerios Gigantes, que video incrível e assim como é descrito na narração , nossa vida é baseada em chegadas e partidas e assim estamos todos vajando a sós, boa viagem fique com Deus e congratulações do Brasil.

[@RAFAELLO077]

Amazing

[@Bikepacking]

Wow your fliming get much better and great story telling ..nice one

[@kenprice1047]

Great job.

[@alafenetre81]

Really nice video, thanks.

[@outandabout_74]

Meine letzte Bikepackingtour ist jetzt schon 4 Monate her - und dein Video berührt mich emotional sehr - würde gern auch zu so einer Tour aufbrechen - wenn die gesellschaftlichen Verpflichtungen nicht wären...Freu mich auf mehr von dir - egal ob Solo oder im Team

[@owydiu]

Exciting 😊

[@giantcheerio]

:))

[@user-qw6ht3nz9v]

Great video!

[@nghiamedia]

Thanks!

[@richardhall263]

Very good video thank you x

[@chrislinkin1518]

Love you Guys ❤

[@Vadimbarofficial2884]

Your movie is so touching and exiting... oh my godddd 😂😂😂
I must travel like this also 👌

[@user-hx6dg4ml5b]

i ❤this channel ❤ love this vidéo ❤

[@wanguiwendo]

Absolutely inspiring. I have been binge watching your tour all day today. Where are you now?

[@giantcheerio]

Oh what a compliment:) I am in India right now currently working on new videos :)

[@lemonbee6304]

great stuff

[@dropeipromundo]

amazing

[@Nomad_E-Bike]

Hey hi! I hope you're OK!
I can't wait! I can't wait! Can’t wait for 7 p.m., I miss your video adventures!

[@giantcheerio]

Im good! Getting my snacks ready for premiere :D

[@dandydon6049]

Poor Nomad😢. You’ve got to get a life.

[@riskyrax]

Hells yeah 🤘🏻

[@funkefuchs955]

tolles video laura

[@strangerhertz5687]

Lovely video

[@randyentes3792]

❤❤❤

[@bikeaway7603]

Great video. I am happy that I met you three together. Good luck for the upcoming journey

[@nacpasha]

very interesting trip