Two Videos To Remind You Life Is Precious

It’s all too easy to say ‘maybe tomorrow’. To look out the window at grey skies and turn on the TV instead of heading for the trails. To put off that meet up with old friends, or tell yourself you can’t justify that trip of a lifetime.

We’ve got a couple of videos for you here to remind you that sometimes you can run out of tomorrows. You might well shed a little tear watching these, but while they’re emotional, there’s a positive message here: live life to the full, fill your days with fun.

First up, we have This Way Up, from Stoked on MS/Andy McCandlish about Andy McKenna. You might well have been on one of Andy McKenna’s guided tours or, read about one of his adventures in Singletrack. We went along to a screening of his film ‘This Way Up’ at the weekend, which was a fundraiser for The Swank Foundation and Overcoming MS, two charities Andy is keen to support. You’ll have to settle for the trailer here, but if you want to see the whole film you can check out the Stoked On MS site for a list of screenings – or to get information on how to set up your own showing of the film.

‘Nothing can be taken for granted, and that’s a good state of mind to get to’ – Andy McKenna

Next up we have a short film by Nils Amelinckx. If you’ve done any bike packing there’s a very good chance he’s had a hand in bringing some of that product to you, via his role at Lyon Outdoor. You may well have met him handing out coffee or snacks at an event feed station, or talking bikes and bags at a event stand. He’s a very nice guy indeed – one of those people that will definitely perk you up as he hands you a snack and tells you there’s only another 60miles to go.

You don’t need to have met Nils to feel emotional at this film though. The description of the film says:

‘A story about 3 mountain bikers from the Lake District, UK who are connected by being part of a community they don’t want to be part of. This film showcases how bikes, nature and most importantly friends can help to build resilience. Whatever trail you are forced to ride – you never have to ride it alone.’

We’re out of words now. Love, hugs, and good vibes to all from the Singletrack crew. Whether you’re riding a difficult trail, or you’re just reminded how lucky you are, we wish you all the best, and many happy rides.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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