65... and back on the bike

September 2022. A film about the beauty and simplicity of bike travel, seen from the perspective of a pilgrim soul, and set against the backdrop of a 32-day roundtrip on the bike in September 2022 from Antwerp (Belgium) into Germany and back (2.350km). Although following more or less the chronological order of the journey it's not a travel journal as such, but focuses more on the inner experience of being on the road and on the interesting encounters with people along the way.
Intended to be the first in a series of more films to come, please subscribe if you wish to be notified of new releases in the future.

[KevinFoley]

At first I really thought I’d have to “tough it out” after seeing how long it was, but somehow the music, pace and simplicity of it all drew me in. I thought that me being 65 would be the common ingredient, but it wasn’t in my case. I thought maybe having been a cyclist for the last 25 years would be the thread that binds me to this video, but it wasn’t. It was the message that there is no message, no sponsors, no “advice” or recommendations, no fill-in-the-blank, no high-tech over-reach. It was the embrace of the simplicity that kept me watching, and somehow absorbing it all. Wonderful.

[nomadchad]

Make me happy to be alive and excited for what the future holds. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[kstoeb]

Wow, that was old-school, fantastically old-school. And slow, also in the best way. The storytelling, the cycling, the attitude — slow. The whole movie says: Breathe and ride and enjoy your ride! And as a bonus: your self-made music. Great. Thanks a lot — et bon voyage 🙏

[bawbtherevelator]

I'm 84 and I'll never ride a bike again or take a trip anywhere but your Vlog makes me know how fortunate I've been and continue to be. Thank you.

[dogandsnailbiketravels]

Very lovely ride and super narrative! I'm 56 - started bike touring in my late thirties with my little dog. We rolled about 20, 000 km together, wild camping everywhere we went. She died a year ago and I thought I'd never want to ride again without her perfect companionship, but the urge came back and it was too strong. I hopped on the old bike just before Christmas and did a little 5-day tour to see if it could still mean something to me. You are right; bike touring is addictive. It is a part of my life's fabric and necessary for evolving mindfulness and connection to all else. I will continue, as I hope you will too. Thank you for your story!

[pattyweinreich-g.]

Exactly.
The feeling of nomadic cycling.
I do it since 17 years.
Now I am 63.
Always in summer holidays with my bike and tent on my way.
Love it and it gives me so much energy for the next year of working.
I've done part of the routes, where you were cycling on this trip.
La meuse Maastricht to Namur, eurovelo 5.
It's really all this, you discriped. The wisdom of bicycle travelling. Simplicity and freedom.
Not planing to much.

[justanotherdiamondday]

Can't believe bike vlog narration can be this good. So beautifully written.

[JonathanCooper-tq]

Hello … what wisdom is encapsulated here. Approaching 67 and starting my evolution from full time work to retirement it is good to be reminded of simplicity.

10 years ago I rode from John O Groats to Lands End with 600 others and loved it.

Currently I am working 1 or 2 days a week in horticulture and it is my happy place. Keen to include more longer rides in my pilgrimage through life. Thanks for the inspiration !

[MustachMike]

One of the nicest touring vedios I have ever seen. I am still riding at 67 but not as far as I once did. I have ptsd. I got back on my bike at 57 after considering giving up on life. I he bike has saved my life and gives me meaning. Your gentle kind demeanor the upbuilds and is appreciated. Please continue. Why not start a patron account. I would send some money to help you. Thanks, Mike from Michigan USA

[Mike-vdqt]

Beautiful!!! As a bicycle tourist since 1983, I agree with all you said about bike touring. When crossing large open spaces across mountains, plains, and deserts, a bicycle tourist can feel the actual shape of the land as it makes a lasting impression on you. It is like making your own map, tucked away inside you. Hard to explain, but you develop a feel for what you have slowly crossed, and it stays with you for many years. Every once in a while those sweet visions from the front of your bike suddenly reappear. And that moment is worth the struggle against wind, rain, and cold. Great video, thank you.

[pedrsverge]

what a nice philosophical man Pierre is, you mad a wonderful pilgrimage good luck and thanks for taking me with you

[marlingschap]

Thank you so much for inspiring me to do some cycling on mainland Europe. From a UK based lover of our whole continent ! 🙌🏻

[wounce]

This was an inspirational story to watch. I am very thankful for you filming, editing and sharing this with us all. I hope we get to see more of you Eddy and your cycling adventures. Youtube needs more content like this! Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧

[davidsinclair]

Thank you so much for sharing your pilgrimage. A great documentary and very thought provoking. Hope you are keeping well!

[sanatandharma]

Beautifully done Eddy. I always found I was a better more relaxed person whilst travelling on my bike. I met lovely people, and was given shelter and food at the most random of places. My simple one man tent and basic needs, acceptance of wind, rain and sun all add up to making a better person.

[SloMo]

What a great video! Soon to be 67 and I love biking, hiking and long distance swimming. Such a simple and beautiful journey. As I've gotten older, I love the slow pace of riding and taking the time enjoy all that it has to offer.I biked Germany, Austria and Switzerland last September and the things I remember most was the interactions with people a long the way. Trying to buy grapes and apples from different farmers who would not take my money but did take my handshake. Seeing people in their 80's riding E-bikes with big smiles on their faces saying hello as they pass me by. Please post more videos as you go. You have a gift that other people enjoy! God Bless from Northern California USA

[derekdowns]

Your friend, Pierre, is amazing. A man of great intellect, reflection and spirituality. The best kind of friend and a treasure to find.

[davidpayne]

I agree Eddie @ 15:34 It's not about the destination it's the journey that matters!

[fearsomebunny]

Thank you so much for taking me on this adventure of yours. I have fond memories of my riding days. I started riding when I was a child where I rode to school every day. I miss it. I miss the freedom of setting your own pace and going where you want to go. Now with young kids and work I rarely have the freedom to do what I like. I look forward to the day when I'm free to be on my own and riding again. Your video gives me the courage to even contemplate such journey since it's been 25+ years since I rode regularly. When I lived in Taiwan, I remember skipping school to ride to the city for fun. Got in trouble with school and parents of course but the ride was what I remembered. When I moved to Texas, I would ride to my friend's house many miles away. I miss riding. I wish you good health and many happy/safe kilometers ahead. - Bothell, WA USA

[kevinegan]

Thank you for such an entertaining video. Love how you stop to capture the beauty all around you. Likewise, I must only visit the city for a short time as my senses are quickly overloaded. After many years of racing and training on the busy roads, my partner and I now enjoy the many quiet and nature filled rail trails here in Vermont, USA. Wishing you good health and safe riding.