What a pleasure it is to have discovered your channel today, Belle! This is the first film of yours that we've watched and subscribed straight away, along with a big fat thumbs up! Beautiful storytelling and considered cinematography. Excited to catch up on the rest of your adventures and support you along the way xx Tania
Thank you so much, and welcome! Tristan (@tristanbogaard on RUclips) is the one usually posting the videos of our trips when we travel together so perhaps you want to take a look there since I take my sweet time to post. Happy to connect! =)
Well I was going to say exactly this and someone beat me to it. What a lovely video. And 'yes' as a solo male bikepacker I still worry about my safety and struggle with staying in a tent.
Yes me too. I make biking video on RUclips and I always wanted to do a video like this but l was too scare. I’m always asking if… or if I… and if it… wondering the worst things it may happen to me. I would appreciate if you encourage me and give me advice… like how you charge your phone, camera battery and so on. Thanks.
Nice format. Good length, story and landscape. I've done a few overnighters, but I'll probably never sleep as relaxed alone as I do with company. But being alone on the road has its own special charm.
Totally! It's just a different (but cool) experience! I imagine the longer you do it for, the more comfortable you start feeling so... We just have to keep pushing ourselves out of the comfort zone so that it (one day), becomes part of our comfort zone! =)
Hi Belle Toscan, Beautiful story and vidéo. I loved the way you tell your adventure and your voice is so soft that it goes very well with your story. Bikepacking is really a great adventure even over two days and brings us many things that we don't see in our everyday life. Well done and thank you for sharing.
I think the first time alone for an overnighter is really special. I felt like you did, even though I am a man and living in Germany where the spots of loneliness an wilderness are rare. Meanwhile I feel secure on overnighters or bike journeys on my own. The fear of something bad might happen will get smaller as your confidence grows, the only thing you need is awareness and respect for everything you might come across ;-) Thank you so much for your footage, to say it in one word: WONDERFULL!!! I'am a bit jealous to see what a great and scenic landscape you can reach within a day :-) Keep on cycling and all the best!
Yeah... Kyrgyzstan makes it easy in terms of landscape. But hey, you have wonderful spots in Germany too! I'll keep on doing these small overnighters or trips to make sure I boost my confidence alone. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me!
My son is T1D. This is so great. Being a woman, and T1D, you have more to deal with in some ways. Your heightened awareness is no small thing. Way to go!
Wow! As if doing a trip isn't tiring enough, I can't describe how thankful we are that you give so much energy into documenting it and showing us the beautiful views! I imagine all the times having to ride back and forth! :O
Kinda did all the distance twice! Hahaha. I really love documenting but have never done it this intensity, and never relying fully on my own footage so… I was happy to know a that I was able to do that alone too! I barely had time to sit down and chill the whole time so… I think I owe it to myself to go out again and not share about it! =)
Ohhhh... Thank you so much! The hardest part for me on these videos is always to find the right words to convey the thoughts and message correctly. Happy this one came across well!
I enjoyed watching your video so much! I am looking forward to a solo trip as well and I am so scared of sleeping alone in the nature. I think it’s probably not necessary, but I can’t come over it. I hope I can wake up like you in the morning and everything’s just fine. I have a lot of respect how you handelt the situation with the guy on the horse, I don’t know if I could do this so well. Thanks for sharing, I loved watching you having your first overnighter. And the way you filmed it was awesome, like we were with you! Really loved it!☺️
What bothered me most was being "freaked" by everything cause it was shocking to me as I NEVER felt that before when traveling alongside my partner. I guess that when you are solo you just have to be extra careful with everything but I also imagine that this feeling softens the longer you go for and eventually, get used to traveling alone. The first nights will be scary for you, most probably, but I have a hunch you'll get the hang of it fast. Thank you for the compliments on the filming! I really enjoyed testing if I'd be capable of recording everything alone. =)
@@BelleToscan yeah, i imagine laying in my shelter in Denmark and just being hyper sensitive to all the different noises and can’t sleep at all. But that’s an experience as well 😄 and YES you’re absolutely capable of filming yourself, would be happy to do this half as good as you did 😅 looking forward to see more videos of you.
You go girl! People assume people far away from cities have bad intentions, but it tends to be the total opposite. The further you go into nature, the more people want to give out a helping hand.
It feel it's like that too! Most people want visitors to leave their country with good words, so they'll do as much as they can to help out. Let's see how different the experience will be when I ride at home (Spain). =)
Well done story!! For years I traveled with my boyfriend and he took care of a lot of things. After we broke up I stopped traveling for awhile and realized how much I missed it. Yes, it was scary at first being alone but you learn to be aware all while enjoying the trip. You nailed it perfectly that you miss the free flow of conversation with another but also enjoy the ability to do what you want when you want.
So cool to read that you went out again on your own! And I find it so fascinating how within many men/woman couples, it's the guys that end up cooking outside! I hope to try cooking myself on the next one. It's the follow-up challenge! Thanks for sharing your story!
As a male solo traveler with some (but not much) wild camping experience I can totally relate to this feeling of alertness as soon as I'm out there alone. But I too think this gets easier with experience. Kudos for how you handled the guy who was filming you! You turned an awkward and potentially unsafe moment into something that was probably a good experience for both of you!
Beautifully made video, first one I've seen of yours. I am also playing around with the idea of my first bikepacking/wild camping solo trip as a woman, and can absolutely understand how this must have felt - the constant vigilance, and also the challenges that might come with testing our own confidence and capabilities at times when we might have relied on our partner. I think everyone experiences it but I do think it's probably heightened for women. The fact you did it and shared your trip in such a vulnerable way is really awesome. I hope to get to this point soon :)
I just came across your channel. If this makes you feel better, I am a male, I love cycling but do it mostly on my own. My close friends are not interested in spending a day on a bike and bike groups in my area have different times that makes it difficult for me to ride with them. So I ride solo most of the time. Since I ride mostly gravel, I can go for miles without seeing another human being or a car. So yes, it is on the back of my mind all the time a “what if” scenario. And it goes through a whole array “what if I find wild life, what if I fall and break something, what if I find a nut head, what if my bike completely breaks down…” and so on. So yeah, you are not alone. Just enjoy your time and keep in touch with your love ones; let them know where you are. Carry sat communication if you are out of cel grids.
I know how it feels to not have anyone that shares your love for cycling and the outdoors. When I’m back home, I have exactly the same feeling and mom of my friends are into that. But hey, it’s awesome that you keep going out and doing what you like on your own! I hope to do the same now that I’m back home. Thanks for sharing!
Astonishing. Very impressive video. The story, camerawork, monologue, and the view are really amazing. Almost cried several times throughout the video. One of the best videos I’ve seen on RUclips. Keep up the great work!
Wow! Thanks for your supportive comment. I'm so happy you can relate to it so deeply. I'll try an go on a winter version in the coming months! Super scared of it too. =)
Very well done! It's obvious, you put a lot of effort into documenting your first solo trip. Great content, scenery, camera angles, and sharing of your thoughts. Thanks.
Great photo work. Yes people have worries, anticipation, anxiety turn that into Adventurous (Im Adventurous) and look forward to the journey, Like You Did! Great Job! Safe Travels and be carful.
Wow girl, you made a super relaxed Little video, your calming voice, relaxed Music, and nice video shots and story, it was like I was there my self, lol, greetzzz from The Netherlands✌.
Beautiful story telling on this! And really hope to see you taking more independent trips. Because traveling solo does come with it's own set of benefits and challenges that can truly be empowering. 😄 This year I've had so many social bikepacking trips (that were lovely and awesome), that when I was embarking on my longer summer trip solo, I really was looking forward for all of it. Riding on my own pace, changing the plans on a whim, stopping where I wanted, struggling and cursing my route choices, going back and forth while looking for a good campsite and being only frustrated at my self, and on and on. 😄 Regarding the safety, I do believe women have it on more overdrive due to the potential danger we men can pose. But what I've discussed and noticed from other discussions, I do also feel like that there's another layer of uncertainty towards camping outside, that may be coming from the lack of experience or lack of having that safe and positive space to be a beginner. To not be ridiculed or insulted or otherwise treated badly. And it can even show up on how women might feel about learning about the bike maintenance, doubting themself if they are even capable to learn it (they totally are!) or other possibilities that may come up. It's a good topic to keep going and something that we men need to really be able to be reflective about.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think you totally hit it when touching on the 'lack of experience' topic. It seems, in general, that women are less into the mechanics or technicalities of a bike trip. Perhaps because of the shortage of encouragement towards women getting into these topics, and the lack of knowledge can be scary. It definitely was for me! Which is why I didn't want to do more than a 24 hour trip as a my first time alone on the bike. Remote Kyrgyzstan is not the place to face a first time mechanical or gear issue! I'll definitely try and educate myself a little more on these subjects so that next time, I feel comfortable going on a longer trip on my own, perhaps closer to home. =)
Beautifully-told and powerful. I have been struggling with this exact same hurdle; I have been trying to muster up the courage to bike pack + camp outside alone as a woman. Seeing you get outside and do the scary thing is very empowering to watch and is giving me such a confidence boost! ❣Thank you for daring, creating, and sharing.
Thanks a lot for sharing. Honestly, the best is to just start small and somewhere you already know. By knowing the area, as well as your way out, you'll probably feel more confident! Hope you find the courage to try out on your own sometime soon. I've got to do the same again (but here in Spain!).
Woooow this is just amazing, editing, cuts, music … everything on Point. Your voice and story telling … so calm. This makes the video and the experience of watching this so relaxing. Keep the hard and good work up!! Cheers
Thank you so much for this. It made me quite emotional to watch and hear your words around solo travel - it is not something I have seen much content on - I relate to so much of what you say and it is so so so great that you are talking about it, with such beautiful videography and storytelling. Please keep on :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. For me, it was truly fascinating to see the transformation between travelling with Tristan vs traveling alone. I just hadn't imagined it'd make me feel so so different. I'm an experienced cyclist, which I think definitely helped as I knew what I was doing and getting myself into-so I was able to make the experience as smooth as possible-but still, I wasn't prepared for the emotional part. I want to keep on doing solo overnighters these next months to, in the future, feel comfortable going on a longer trip by myself. It's not necessary but I somehow feel it's a good thing to keep doing!
Breathtakingly beautiful and deeply inspirational video Belén!! Thank you for keeping it real by articulating your fears, yet facing them and overcoming them! This kind of video, like the feminine hygene one, dares to go to tough places and we are all the better for it!! I too have concerns for my safety when bikepacking solo, (my family is concerned for me too because I am a senior), but there are benefits, like calibrating the ride to your mood/energy/desire to take photos, facing fears, a sense of accomplishment, self reliance. Thank you too for adding (you did it almost as a side-note) the fact that you did this solo journey as a Type One Diabetic! This is a huge inspiration to others who have similar challenges! I eagerly await any future videos that you produce! Bishkek is so beautiful and you really were able to convey the complexity of that beauty with your stunning photography and editing!
Thanks Geoffrey! Indeed, I also thought this video followed, in some way, a similar line as the Hygiene one. It felt very personal for sure. I think that, as solo riders, we understand and respect the reality of the situation and the possible dangers involved when going out alone. This doesn't mean we should be scared, but yes conscious and prepared to defend ourselves. Feel free to share the video with your family members! Maybe they feel better after seeing it and start being a tiiiiiny less concerned from now own. =)
@BelleToscan I will do that for sure Belén, and I am going to share it with all my female riding friends, too! Thanks again for producing one of the most authentic, relevant and beautiful videos I've seen in a long time!
Well this is 100% my favorite bikepacking video! I love it. RE: feeling safe. When I was 22 (which was a long-ass time ago) I freight-hopped and hitch-hiked across North America. I ended up having a couple of sketchy encounters (some men are just creeps), and had both totally serene nights and those that I just couldn't relax. Very mixed experience on that end, but really this is a long way of saying it's not only solo women who experience these fears and stresses.
Totally. I think that by being a women, the fears perhaps heightens a little but I also believe that the more you do it, the less scary it gets are your confidence builds up. So cool you did all that on your own!
kinda caught myself being disappointed about it not being a 200k overnighter with a fast road bike, but truly enjoyed the process of slowing down. got some inspiration out of it, thank you! Loved it :)
Hahahaha, that's one tough overnighter! The distance I covered was a joke, but I can tell you I didn't have a single second to chill until I hopped into bed. I felt like I ended up running (to/from the camera) more than cycling after all! =)
This anxiety you feel is completely normal I think. I have the same feelings as a fit male, it's just the idea of being alone out there that is uncomfortable but you get used to it. I used to feel anxious riding alone but now I've come to not like riding with anyone anymore :D
You are so right! I think the pressure comes from: Am I able to get myself out of a problem? I think this is partly why I didn't want to cook on my first experience, cause I had never done it before! Next time I'll give it a go. I still rather cycle with my partner cause we've reached this level of understanding and our rhythms are now very much in tune but I must agree that this solo experience is quite charming!
very nice voice over. good story telling. and btw: i am a strong tall guy and i am always stressing when camping alone. super normal. and ... although not necessary... never really got rid of it
That's what I thought... That it's actually a being solo kind of feeling, in general as you know you just have yourself to get out of any "trouble". I am hoping that with more experience, or with a longer trip, I'll become slightly less paranoid!
One of the most beautiful YT videos hand down! I know what getting all the footage yourself meant - lots of back and forth pedaling and walking! Congrats on your solo trip. Job well done. 👏
Totally! I kind of did the whole trip twice with the back-and-forth runs. Also setting up the tripod for photos! I wouldn't do this for every trip or I'd never move forward but I did enjoy the experience. =)
Tu vídeo es como una película,tiene una enorme calidad,no sólo por las imágenes sino por la transferencia emocional del guión.He visto algunos vídeos vuestros,pero éste tuyo en particular es muy bueno. Enhorabuena Belén ,deberías de hacerlos en castellano también 💚
¡Muchas gracias! Mira que llevo tiempo pensando lo de grabar en español pero no sé muy bien porqué, a la hora de intentarlo, ¡no me convence! A la hora de transmitir el mensaje, me sale mejor en inglés. Es por ello que termino añadiendo subtítulos en español. A ver si consigo probar en el futuro! Gracias por tu comentario. =)
WOW ! just came across this video , well done on your editing and the whole story, I have a You Tube channel based around camping, I was really impressed with the way you filmed this I have taken notes , Thanks again , Pete Western Australia .
Really nice film. At first it started out slow and I thought what is she only going 14 km away, but later the story got interesting and there was really few beautiful shots, my favorite is at 7:05. Thanks and good winds for you.
Hey Belen, thanks for taking me into your world of thoughts. As a cyclist who also only has experience traveling with her partner, I can understand your many thoughts so well. and not only did you go on tour alone, but you also went to the trouble of recording it in the same quality that you and Tristan are used to. Hats off ☺️ a great documentation of your experiences, which will certainly be fun for you to watch in a few years 😀 thank you very much. I enjoyed watching the video. 🥰 greetings, moni
Thanks for such a beautiful, thoughtful and calming documentary. I enjoyed hearing your personal perspective along the way. I too enjoy riding at my own pace when solo riding (much slower!) - its been a while, time to think about doing a solo trip!
Brilliantly shared Belle. Really enjoyed it. Well done to you and thanks for sharing. I too worry about safety when camping alone. Think it’s normal for everyone. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure
Thanks for sharing! I guess that the more you do it, the easier it gets. I'll try to go on another one this winter! I've never camped close to snow so it'll be interesting to try!
👏¡Excelente video, Belén! Muchas gracias por compartir esta nueva experiencia. Sin duda una inspiración para toda persona que tiene las ganas de salir en solitario, pero le falta ese pequeño empujón para tomar la decisión y salir. 🏕
¡Muchas gracias, chicos! Siempre pasa lo mismo, y es que lo más duro es tomar la decisión de hacerlo. Una vez ya estás fuera, ¡todo rueda! Un abrazo muy grande. =)
Wow. You thought the shepherd would stalk you, but he didn't. That's most likely because he isn't a stalker. Amazing the things one can learn by taking that biggest first step in doing something for oneself.
Great and fun little trip! 😃 I hope you had fun and it's good to see you were safe all along, that's the most important for all solo travellers, not just women. Cheers from Croatia!
You are totally right! I think the thought of being alone and knowing you only have yourself to get out of a challenge/issue is quite daring for anyone! Croatia sounds like an amazing place to ride by bike!
Beautifully filmed and narrated. So glad that you did this solo trip, and want to do more. I hope that you will comment on how it alters your travel with Tristan as you discover the changes. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
I'll definitely keep on experimenting and sharing about the differences/similitudes. Ultimately, I'd love to do a couple week-long trip on my own! Let's see!
Thanks for sharing this nice movie. It’s a good learning and motivation. I am just before my taking off, to the same journey. Keeping following up with you.😊
Beautiful video and storytelling, Belén! Thank you for sharing your first solo bike adventure with us, looking forward to seeing where this takes you next :) Also - great choice for a lunch spot, haha!
Beautiful inspiring story! I started solo camping from the car earlier this year with a view to moving to overnight bikepacking. Likely to do my first soon so some great tips re water etc. Interesting comments on the anxiety of being solo and all female. I’ve been heartened to see a few solo women in the campgrounds I’ve been to and a camaraderie between the campers there. Well done and keep it going.
Thanks a lot! So nice to see that you are also transitioning into it. I'd actually love to try solo camping from the car too one day! And yeah! Hope to try some campgrounds in the future too. Just nothing of that in Kyrygzstan. =)
@@BelleToscan yes good luck. Campgrounds in Australia are beautiful even if sometimes you have to share with these little ones. Lovely creatures and absolutely harmless if you just let them do their thing. drive.google.com/file/d/1Mf86V-t6tr2nVQRqdwKoZTkNRUIqXuwW/view?usp=drivesdk
Very nice Video! Its cool to follow your Bikepackingstory! Few weeks ago i have had my own first Bikepacking Trip. From Frankfurt to the Netherlands rigt to the Ocean. What an epic expereiance. I am also about to make a video from my story.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment on the silence too. I feel like lately, we are all sucked into this quick format, loud music videos so... I sometimes do appreciate finding the right moment to enjoy something slower. Both on real life and on RUclips! =)
What a pleasure it is to have discovered your channel today, Belle! This is the first film of yours that we've watched and subscribed straight away, along with a big fat thumbs up! Beautiful storytelling and considered cinematography. Excited to catch up on the rest of your adventures and support you along the way xx Tania
Thank you so much, and welcome! Tristan (@tristanbogaard on RUclips) is the one usually posting the videos of our trips when we travel together so perhaps you want to take a look there since I take my sweet time to post. Happy to connect! =)
Well I was going to say exactly this and someone beat me to it. What a lovely video. And 'yes' as a solo male bikepacker I still worry about my safety and struggle with staying in a tent.
Yes me too. I make biking video on RUclips and I always wanted to do a video like this but l was too scare. I’m always asking if… or if I… and if it… wondering the worst things it may happen to me. I would appreciate if you encourage me and give me advice… like how you charge your phone, camera battery and so on. Thanks.
Nice that you let the pictures speak. Thank you for taking me on your journey. I look forward to seeing more of you.
Well done. The first solo is a big thing, for everyone. Keep it up. It'll change your life. 🙏
It's really not.
Nice format. Good length, story and landscape. I've done a few overnighters, but I'll probably never sleep as relaxed alone as I do with company. But being alone on the road has its own special charm.
Totally! It's just a different (but cool) experience! I imagine the longer you do it for, the more comfortable you start feeling so... We just have to keep pushing ourselves out of the comfort zone so that it (one day), becomes part of our comfort zone! =)
@@BelleToscanyes. I've only done single nights but I think on the second night one would be far less anxious.
Hi Belle Toscan,
Beautiful story and vidéo. I loved the way you tell your adventure and your voice is so soft that it goes very well with your story.
Bikepacking is really a great adventure even over two days and brings us many things that we don't see in our everyday life.
Well done and thank you for sharing.
I think the first time alone for an overnighter is really special. I felt like you did, even though I am a man and living in Germany where the spots of loneliness an wilderness are rare.
Meanwhile I feel secure on overnighters or bike journeys on my own.
The fear of something bad might happen will get smaller as your confidence grows, the only thing you need is awareness and respect for everything you might come across ;-)
Thank you so much for your footage, to say it in one word: WONDERFULL!!!
I'am a bit jealous to see what a great and scenic landscape you can reach within a day :-)
Keep on cycling and all the best!
Yeah... Kyrgyzstan makes it easy in terms of landscape. But hey, you have wonderful spots in Germany too! I'll keep on doing these small overnighters or trips to make sure I boost my confidence alone. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me!
My son is T1D. This is so great. Being a woman, and T1D, you have more to deal with in some ways. Your heightened awareness is no small thing. Way to go!
Thank you! Hope your son is managing with his T1D. I've had it since I'm a child so it's just part of my day-to-day life. I've fully normalized it. =)
WOW! I can only imagine how tough it would have been to document and film this whole journey and you did it so beautifully!! More power to you!!
Wow! As if doing a trip isn't tiring enough, I can't describe how thankful we are that you give so much energy into documenting it and showing us the beautiful views! I imagine all the times having to ride back and forth! :O
Kinda did all the distance twice! Hahaha. I really love documenting but have never done it this intensity, and never relying fully on my own footage so… I was happy to know a that I was able to do that alone too! I barely had time to sit down and chill the whole time so… I think I owe it to myself to go out again and not share about it! =)
Fair play to you, Belén for such an honest exploration of dependence and security. And your video is, as usual, top notch! Bien hecho! 👏
Ohhhh... Thank you so much! The hardest part for me on these videos is always to find the right words to convey the thoughts and message correctly. Happy this one came across well!
@@BelleToscan It certainly di! Keep up the great work! 💪
Did
As a diabetic also on the sensor and insulin, you have inspired me to go bikecamp as well..great video, thx!
Start short/small. It's totally possible! =)
Love this! Beautiful movie from beautiful soul -- can't wait for part 2!
I enjoyed watching your video so much! I am looking forward to a solo trip as well and I am so scared of sleeping alone in the nature. I think it’s probably not necessary, but I can’t come over it. I hope I can wake up like you in the morning and everything’s just fine. I have a lot of respect how you handelt the situation with the guy on the horse, I don’t know if I could do this so well. Thanks for sharing, I loved watching you having your first overnighter. And the way you filmed it was awesome, like we were with you! Really loved it!☺️
What bothered me most was being "freaked" by everything cause it was shocking to me as I NEVER felt that before when traveling alongside my partner. I guess that when you are solo you just have to be extra careful with everything but I also imagine that this feeling softens the longer you go for and eventually, get used to traveling alone. The first nights will be scary for you, most probably, but I have a hunch you'll get the hang of it fast. Thank you for the compliments on the filming! I really enjoyed testing if I'd be capable of recording everything alone. =)
@@BelleToscan yeah, i imagine laying in my shelter in Denmark and just being hyper sensitive to all the different noises and can’t sleep at all. But that’s an experience as well 😄 and YES you’re absolutely capable of filming yourself, would be happy to do this half as good as you did 😅 looking forward to see more videos of you.
You go girl! People assume people far away from cities have bad intentions, but it tends to be the total opposite. The further you go into nature, the more people want to give out a helping hand.
It feel it's like that too! Most people want visitors to leave their country with good words, so they'll do as much as they can to help out. Let's see how different the experience will be when I ride at home (Spain). =)
Wonderful ❤thank you 🙏 my home town 🥰 beautiful filming and editing🎥
I wish my daughter had your bravery. I’ve made the “water mistake” myself; completely depleted halfway into a 50 mile dirt ride. Never again.
Well done story!! For years I traveled with my boyfriend and he took care of a lot of things. After we broke up I stopped traveling for awhile and realized how much I missed it. Yes, it was scary at first being alone but you learn to be aware all while enjoying the trip. You nailed it perfectly that you miss the free flow of conversation with another but also enjoy the ability to do what you want when you want.
So cool to read that you went out again on your own! And I find it so fascinating how within many men/woman couples, it's the guys that end up cooking outside! I hope to try cooking myself on the next one. It's the follow-up challenge! Thanks for sharing your story!
As a male solo traveler with some (but not much) wild camping experience I can totally relate to this feeling of alertness as soon as I'm out there alone. But I too think this gets easier with experience.
Kudos for how you handled the guy who was filming you! You turned an awkward and potentially unsafe moment into something that was probably a good experience for both of you!
Beautifully made video, first one I've seen of yours. I am also playing around with the idea of my first bikepacking/wild camping solo trip as a woman, and can absolutely understand how this must have felt - the constant vigilance, and also the challenges that might come with testing our own confidence and capabilities at times when we might have relied on our partner. I think everyone experiences it but I do think it's probably heightened for women.
The fact you did it and shared your trip in such a vulnerable way is really awesome. I hope to get to this point soon :)
Been cycling toruing for 30 years, yet this is the most beautful and engaging documentation of the process, experience and feelings, chapeau !
Thanks a lot! So amazing you've been pedaling for so long. Hope I can say the same one day!
solo bike rides are so rewarding! love your point of riding in different countries that I didn't know cycling would be embraced! great job!
I just came across your channel. If this makes you feel better, I am a male, I love cycling but do it mostly on my own. My close friends are not interested in spending a day on a bike and bike groups in my area have different times that makes it difficult for me to ride with them. So I ride solo most of the time. Since I ride mostly gravel, I can go for miles without seeing another human being or a car. So yes, it is on the back of my mind all the time a “what if” scenario. And it goes through a whole array “what if I find wild life, what if I fall and break something, what if I find a nut head, what if my bike completely breaks down…” and so on. So yeah, you are not alone. Just enjoy your time and keep in touch with your love ones; let them know where you are. Carry sat communication if you are out of cel grids.
I know how it feels to not have anyone that shares your love for cycling and the outdoors. When I’m back home, I have exactly the same feeling and mom of my friends are into that. But hey, it’s awesome that you keep going out and doing what you like on your own! I hope to do the same now that I’m back home. Thanks for sharing!
We are in Colorado, USA, and love bikepacking! Your videography and story were great! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! You live in bikepacking paradise from what I’ve heard!
@BelleToscan yes, we love it here. I hope you can make it to this area sometime!
Colorado here too 🎉
Astonishing. Very impressive video. The story, camerawork, monologue, and the view are really amazing. Almost cried several times throughout the video. One of the best videos I’ve seen on RUclips. Keep up the great work!
Wow! Thanks for your supportive comment. I'm so happy you can relate to it so deeply. I'll try an go on a winter version in the coming months! Super scared of it too. =)
Excited to see your upcoming journey and I'm sure you will overcome your fear :D
10:31 never seen such a beautiful tooth brushing scene!
Hahaha, sunset vibes!
Very well done! It's obvious, you put a lot of effort into documenting your first solo trip. Great content, scenery, camera angles, and sharing of your thoughts. Thanks.
Great photo work. Yes people have worries, anticipation, anxiety turn that into Adventurous (Im Adventurous) and look forward to the journey, Like You Did! Great Job! Safe Travels and be carful.
Wow girl, you made a super relaxed Little video, your calming voice, relaxed Music, and nice video shots and story, it was like I was there my self, lol, greetzzz from The Netherlands✌.
Ohhh! I mean... It was a full 24 hours alone with my tripod, so you all kind of were there with me too! Thanks for the kind words!
Beautiful story telling on this! And really hope to see you taking more independent trips. Because traveling solo does come with it's own set of benefits and challenges that can truly be empowering. 😄 This year I've had so many social bikepacking trips (that were lovely and awesome), that when I was embarking on my longer summer trip solo, I really was looking forward for all of it. Riding on my own pace, changing the plans on a whim, stopping where I wanted, struggling and cursing my route choices, going back and forth while looking for a good campsite and being only frustrated at my self, and on and on. 😄
Regarding the safety, I do believe women have it on more overdrive due to the potential danger we men can pose. But what I've discussed and noticed from other discussions, I do also feel like that there's another layer of uncertainty towards camping outside, that may be coming from the lack of experience or lack of having that safe and positive space to be a beginner. To not be ridiculed or insulted or otherwise treated badly.
And it can even show up on how women might feel about learning about the bike maintenance, doubting themself if they are even capable to learn it (they totally are!) or other possibilities that may come up.
It's a good topic to keep going and something that we men need to really be able to be reflective about.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think you totally hit it when touching on the 'lack of experience' topic. It seems, in general, that women are less into the mechanics or technicalities of a bike trip. Perhaps because of the shortage of encouragement towards women getting into these topics, and the lack of knowledge can be scary. It definitely was for me! Which is why I didn't want to do more than a 24 hour trip as a my first time alone on the bike. Remote Kyrgyzstan is not the place to face a first time mechanical or gear issue! I'll definitely try and educate myself a little more on these subjects so that next time, I feel comfortable going on a longer trip on my own, perhaps closer to home. =)
Beautifully-told and powerful. I have been struggling with this exact same hurdle; I have been trying to muster up the courage to bike pack + camp outside alone as a woman. Seeing you get outside and do the scary thing is very empowering to watch and is giving me such a confidence boost! ❣Thank you for daring, creating, and sharing.
Thanks a lot for sharing. Honestly, the best is to just start small and somewhere you already know. By knowing the area, as well as your way out, you'll probably feel more confident! Hope you find the courage to try out on your own sometime soon. I've got to do the same again (but here in Spain!).
Woooow this is just amazing, editing, cuts, music … everything on Point. Your voice and story telling … so calm. This makes the video and the experience of watching this so relaxing. Keep the hard and good work up!! Cheers
Thank you so much for this. It made me quite emotional to watch and hear your words around solo travel - it is not something I have seen much content on - I relate to so much of what you say and it is so so so great that you are talking about it, with such beautiful videography and storytelling. Please keep on :)
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. For me, it was truly fascinating to see the transformation between travelling with Tristan vs traveling alone. I just hadn't imagined it'd make me feel so so different. I'm an experienced cyclist, which I think definitely helped as I knew what I was doing and getting myself into-so I was able to make the experience as smooth as possible-but still, I wasn't prepared for the emotional part. I want to keep on doing solo overnighters these next months to, in the future, feel comfortable going on a longer trip by myself. It's not necessary but I somehow feel it's a good thing to keep doing!
Breathtakingly beautiful and deeply inspirational video Belén!! Thank you for keeping it real by articulating your fears, yet facing them and overcoming them! This kind of video, like the feminine hygene one, dares to go to tough places and we are all the better for it!! I too have concerns for my safety when bikepacking solo, (my family is concerned for me too because I am a senior), but there are benefits, like calibrating the ride to your mood/energy/desire to take photos, facing fears, a sense of accomplishment, self reliance. Thank you too for adding (you did it almost as a side-note) the fact that you did this solo journey as a Type One Diabetic! This is a huge inspiration to others who have similar challenges! I eagerly await any future videos that you produce! Bishkek is so beautiful and you really were able to convey the complexity of that beauty with your stunning photography and editing!
Thanks Geoffrey! Indeed, I also thought this video followed, in some way, a similar line as the Hygiene one. It felt very personal for sure. I think that, as solo riders, we understand and respect the reality of the situation and the possible dangers involved when going out alone. This doesn't mean we should be scared, but yes conscious and prepared to defend ourselves. Feel free to share the video with your family members! Maybe they feel better after seeing it and start being a tiiiiiny less concerned from now own. =)
@BelleToscan I will do that for sure Belén, and I am going to share it with all my female riding friends, too! Thanks again for producing one of the most authentic, relevant and beautiful videos I've seen in a long time!
Well this is 100% my favorite bikepacking video! I love it.
RE: feeling safe. When I was 22 (which was a long-ass time ago) I freight-hopped and hitch-hiked across North America. I ended up having a couple of sketchy encounters (some men are just creeps), and had both totally serene nights and those that I just couldn't relax. Very mixed experience on that end, but really this is a long way of saying it's not only solo women who experience these fears and stresses.
Totally. I think that by being a women, the fears perhaps heightens a little but I also believe that the more you do it, the less scary it gets are your confidence builds up. So cool you did all that on your own!
Absolutely. That weird-ass and often uncomfortable trip opened up a vast range of possibilities for me. Keep making videos! @@BelleToscan
kinda caught myself being disappointed about it not being a 200k overnighter with a fast road bike, but truly enjoyed the process of slowing down. got some inspiration out of it, thank you! Loved it :)
Hahahaha, that's one tough overnighter! The distance I covered was a joke, but I can tell you I didn't have a single second to chill until I hopped into bed. I felt like I ended up running (to/from the camera) more than cycling after all! =)
Excellent film and very inspirational, I'm also getting ready for my first solo overnight adventure :)
This anxiety you feel is completely normal I think. I have the same feelings as a fit male, it's just the idea of being alone out there that is uncomfortable but you get used to it. I used to feel anxious riding alone but now I've come to not like riding with anyone anymore :D
You are so right! I think the pressure comes from: Am I able to get myself out of a problem? I think this is partly why I didn't want to cook on my first experience, cause I had never done it before! Next time I'll give it a go. I still rather cycle with my partner cause we've reached this level of understanding and our rhythms are now very much in tune but I must agree that this solo experience is quite charming!
My soul is your soul.... Continue being courageous and empowering 💪
Very well filmed video. Thank you for sharing!! Amazing landscapes!
Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your first solo overnighter.
very nice voice over. good story telling. and btw: i am a strong tall guy and i am always stressing when camping alone. super normal. and ... although not necessary... never really got rid of it
That's what I thought... That it's actually a being solo kind of feeling, in general as you know you just have yourself to get out of any "trouble". I am hoping that with more experience, or with a longer trip, I'll become slightly less paranoid!
as the famous saying goes: thinking does not overcome fear, action does. so i think "we" can only keep doing solo trips... it will get better i assume
Beautiful scenary, top equipment - thank you for showing us this wonderful trip
One of the most beautiful YT videos hand down! I know what getting all the footage yourself meant - lots of back and forth pedaling and walking! Congrats on your solo trip. Job well done. 👏
Totally! I kind of did the whole trip twice with the back-and-forth runs. Also setting up the tripod for photos! I wouldn't do this for every trip or I'd never move forward but I did enjoy the experience. =)
Tu vídeo es como una película,tiene una enorme calidad,no sólo por las imágenes sino por la transferencia emocional del guión.He visto algunos vídeos vuestros,pero éste tuyo en particular es muy bueno.
Enhorabuena Belén ,deberías de hacerlos en castellano también 💚
¡Muchas gracias! Mira que llevo tiempo pensando lo de grabar en español pero no sé muy bien porqué, a la hora de intentarlo, ¡no me convence! A la hora de transmitir el mensaje, me sale mejor en inglés. Es por ello que termino añadiendo subtítulos en español. A ver si consigo probar en el futuro! Gracias por tu comentario. =)
Omg…I loved everything about this. Please don’t make us wait too long for another adventure video. Thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks a lot! Already planning the next story but it'll still take a little while. Hope you can wait! It'll be worth it, I think. =)
Way to go…..what a great way to build your confidence.
Thank you for sharing this.
Awesome! Well done from one T1D to another!
Beautiful! Felt original and honest. Good luck with everything ahead! 👏🏾
WOW ! just came across this video , well done on your editing and the whole story, I have a You Tube channel based around camping, I was really impressed with the way you filmed this I have taken notes , Thanks again , Pete Western Australia .
Really nice film. At first it started out slow and I thought what is she only going 14 km away, but later the story got interesting and there was really few beautiful shots, my favorite is at 7:05. Thanks and good winds for you.
An awesome documentary for a 1st overnighter. Chapeau.
Thank you! Let's see if I find the courage to go on a second one! =)
Some really honest and insightful thoughts on solo bike packing, thank you
Great 1st lone trip, you can never be too careful. I look forward watching your chanel
Hey Belen, thanks for taking me into your world of thoughts. As a cyclist who also only has experience traveling with her partner, I can understand your many thoughts so well. and not only did you go on tour alone, but you also went to the trouble of recording it in the same quality that you and Tristan are used to. Hats off ☺️ a great documentation of your experiences, which will certainly be fun for you to watch in a few years 😀 thank you very much. I enjoyed watching the video. 🥰 greetings, moni
Thanks for the sweet comment! Very excited to see what your first experience alone will feel like too! Hope to see you again some time soon. =)
Hope so too 🤗
Thanks for such a beautiful, thoughtful and calming documentary. I enjoyed hearing your personal perspective along the way. I too enjoy riding at my own pace when solo riding (much slower!) - its been a while, time to think about doing a solo trip!
I hope you get to go on a little overnighter soon! I'll try not to get too comfortable again and keep going out on short trips on my own. =)
It's so great to have the mountains right outside your window... Thank you for video.
Our friend has a GOLDEN apartment. It’s all about the view at her place. Loved being able to stay there for a while.
I'm lucky also here in U S
Brilliantly shared Belle. Really enjoyed it. Well done to you and thanks for sharing.
I too worry about safety when camping alone. Think it’s normal for everyone.
Looking forward to seeing your next adventure
Thanks for sharing! I guess that the more you do it, the easier it gets. I'll try to go on another one this winter! I've never camped close to snow so it'll be interesting to try!
👏¡Excelente video, Belén! Muchas gracias por compartir esta nueva experiencia. Sin duda una inspiración para toda persona que tiene las ganas de salir en solitario, pero le falta ese pequeño empujón para tomar la decisión y salir. 🏕
¡Muchas gracias, chicos! Siempre pasa lo mismo, y es que lo más duro es tomar la decisión de hacerlo. Una vez ya estás fuera, ¡todo rueda! Un abrazo muy grande. =)
Wow. You thought the shepherd would stalk you, but he didn't. That's most likely because he isn't a stalker. Amazing the things one can learn by taking that biggest first step in doing something for oneself.
I am a physician and used to volunteer at diabetes camps. GOODONYA keep it up. Great work
Qué grande, Belén! Buenísimas las tomas y la historia. Gracias por compartir!
Beautiful little mini movie. Nicely done.
Hello Belle, very nice video! Thank you :)!
Absolutely incredible looking scenery. Brilliantly shot. Respect.
Stunning scenery, well done! Thank you for being so honest 😊
Great and fun little trip! 😃 I hope you had fun and it's good to see you were safe all along, that's the most important for all solo travellers, not just women. Cheers from Croatia!
You are totally right! I think the thought of being alone and knowing you only have yourself to get out of a challenge/issue is quite daring for anyone! Croatia sounds like an amazing place to ride by bike!
Una pasada de montaje y una historia muy interesante. Enhorabuena por atreverte y conseguir este reto sola! A por el siguiente! 🎉
El siguiente ya sabes cuál es and... it may or may not include you! =)
Inspirational, thank you
You've started me off on booking my first bikepacking adventure! I've got a location and transport sorted so far. Thank you! 😊👌🏽
Wonderful videography.
Inspiring & insightful commentary.
Beautifully filmed and narrated. So glad that you did this solo trip, and want to do more. I hope that you will comment on how it alters your travel with Tristan as you discover the changes. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
I'll definitely keep on experimenting and sharing about the differences/similitudes. Ultimately, I'd love to do a couple week-long trip on my own! Let's see!
Congrats! beautiful images. keep going !
Thanks for sharing this nice movie. It’s a good learning and motivation. I am just before my taking off, to the same journey. Keeping following up with you.😊
Thank you! I hope you have an amazing trip!
Wonderful story telling skill! Beautiful pictures and nice background music.
Really enjoyed watching this video.
Thanks a lot! Choosing the right music is always a task too! Very happy with my subscription to Artlist for this! =)
Very good story, nice perspectives and very well spoken.
You are truly an inspiration bella.keep going 💯
This was so nice to watch Belén! I know how tough it is to get all those tripod shots, but trust me, it was worth it! Hoping to see more of this soon!
Thanks a lot! You are definitely the pro here. Looking forward to crossing paths soon. Hopefully in Spain/Portugal!
The best recommended video in ages,great style of filming and story telling,subbed all the way,happy trails!
Thanks a lot! Happy trails to you too!
Wonderful video. dont stop!
Spectacular views.
so happy for you, well done.
Beautiful video and storytelling, Belén! Thank you for sharing your first solo bike adventure with us, looking forward to seeing where this takes you next :) Also - great choice for a lunch spot, haha!
Hahaha, you know that lunch spot! Wink Wink.
Beautiful film. I loved your choice of music.
Excellent video, really enjoyed it
Beautiful inspiring story! I started solo camping from the car earlier this year with a view to moving to overnight bikepacking. Likely to do my first soon so some great tips re water etc. Interesting comments on the anxiety of being solo and all female. I’ve been heartened to see a few solo women in the campgrounds I’ve been to and a camaraderie between the campers there. Well done and keep it going.
Thanks a lot! So nice to see that you are also transitioning into it. I'd actually love to try solo camping from the car too one day! And yeah! Hope to try some campgrounds in the future too. Just nothing of that in Kyrygzstan. =)
@@BelleToscan yes good luck. Campgrounds in Australia are beautiful even if sometimes you have to share with these little ones. Lovely creatures and absolutely harmless if you just let them do their thing.
drive.google.com/file/d/1Mf86V-t6tr2nVQRqdwKoZTkNRUIqXuwW/view?usp=drivesdk
Great storytelling, very inspiring!
Simple ,easy, i liked the video, good morning from.Morocco
Really enjoyed this story. Thank you. C
Beautiful Ladscape!!! 😍😍
Superb! Good going!
Nice curb for a first experience. Your glycemic looks perfect for an experience like this. Félicitations.
Great video and well done for going it alone! Look forward to many more 😁
What a beautiful country, I had no idea!
Soooo good! Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful! Well made video.
Beautifully filmed and narrated 👏
Nice work! A great trip and documentary execution.
What a lovely film!
Well done! Thanks for sharing! Cheers from sw ontario Canada
Very nice Video! Its cool to follow your Bikepackingstory! Few weeks ago i have had my own first Bikepacking Trip. From Frankfurt to the Netherlands rigt to the Ocean. What an epic expereiance. I am also about to make a video from my story.
So nice to read you also went for it! Sounds like a lovely journey. Love the bike lanes in the Netherlands. 😌
This is an nice Video and thanks for show us, the landscape is dry but beautiful. You Message is very good😊, i Love the silence. ❤🙋♂️
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment on the silence too. I feel like lately, we are all sucked into this quick format, loud music videos so... I sometimes do appreciate finding the right moment to enjoy something slower. Both on real life and on RUclips! =)