I’m a recovered alcoholic and bicycling daily is so incredibly important to me. Recently I bikepacked through a pass in the Rocky Mountains and it was the highlight of my life.

cycling also helped me beat addiction a few years back now lam 66 years old and fitter than lve ever been in my life cycling is my addiction now 🚴🚴

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That's amazing to hear! I am so happy for you man!! i hope i feel the fittest at 66 yo 🤞👍

@paulmurden7621

8 ай бұрын

Me too dude. I was really really bad with drugs, then got myself into biking. I had a few set backs but goth there. Cycling I believe is the things that keeps me clean.

@fellspoint9364

8 ай бұрын

Man, I’m in deep… if I could only find the will to change.

@davidbrougham-hl7tt

8 ай бұрын

​@@fellspoint9364just by leaving a comment means you want to try to stop using drugs and turn your life around if you choose to do this l won't lie to you it will be hard but in the end if you succeed it will be the best thing you could do for yourself the rewards will be immense kind regards David B

@Bolie420

8 ай бұрын

Saved my life. Was really into as a kid and then the late teens and partying became fun the got into trouble and my drug alcohol counselor asked me what I used to do as a kid and I had remembered the joys of cycling so I got another bike and haven’t looked back

Beautiful story. Glad you are out of the old cycle and riding the healthy cycle now. I will be 17 years sober in December. I feel the pain you have been through.

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Congrats keep it up, I know it's not easy

Some addictions are better than others. Cycling is one of the better ones.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

100% agree

Thanks for encouraging others to pick up a bicycle instead of a needle, and save themselves from a sure slow death,I ride a bike myself all the time,I love it, keep staying active, that's a good way to deal with depression and all those other things that affect our wellness, thanks.👍

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, I am happy to hear that you believe that choosing a bike instead of a "rig" does work for mental health and addiction

You give me hope for my homeless daughter. Thanks be to GOD for saving you! ...and so glad you are so happy!!! Praise be to God!!

Bikes are magical machines. Well done Owen!

Greetings from Austria. I was a homeless drug addict in the streets of vienna. This time lies 18 years behind. This year I became a catholic priest. My way out was different. I made my exams and studied theology, because prayer and faith helped me trough this times. We always search for the extremes. Found your video by searching for gravel content. 3 weeks ago I also bought a gravelbike - didn't own a bike for 29 years and I love it. Love to see others how they find back to life after such a crisis. God bless you

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Wow that's amazing So you know full well how hard getting clean can be. I do believe when we clean up we do go to extremes. (my wife always reminds of that haha) I also like seeing another success story beyond the traditional (12 step) methods. I believe there are so many other means for people to discover to stay clean! thank you and I hope you enjoy your gravel bike! I have no doubt you will!

@RicardoRocha-lg1xo

8 ай бұрын

Praised be Jesus Christ, father.

Sober Ober 35 years. Triathlon was my saviour. I'm 68 now and a touring manic. I traded 1 addiction for another. No turning back.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Amazing! congratulations 35 years is huge!! and keep touring!!

Terrific story, really encouraging. I’m on a different track, overcoming depression & anxiety. Similar discovery, that the bike is a great antidote to the poisonous nature of modern western life. Pedal on!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Wow, that's awesome i'm glad you found the bike, same for myself is why i became addicted in the first place... the drugs were just a remedy to self medicate from deeper traumas, depression, social anxiety etc so I understand how important cycling (or other non pharaceutical remedies) is to help in those times of anxiety and depression and get away from the world for a bit.

@TheOnlyKontrol

8 ай бұрын

Modern western life lol

@stevenbaker7025

8 ай бұрын

​@@TheOnlyKontrol And what would you call it? 'lol'

I forgot to mention that I am a fellow recovering artists... Enjoy your riding. You deserve it. !

Community, connection with others is so important in recovery. People find it where it works for them; in churches, 12 step meetings, in their own families, even in rehabs. Several of my former clients in a long term rehab are now the best of sober friends and support each! Hallelujah!!

What a story! Getting clean and sober is the most important thing you can ever do! Without that NOTHING else is possible!! I've been clean and sober for 32 years now and it's been amazing! Bicycling has been one of the most important parts of my life.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

100% congrats on 32 y

I will forward this in so that others can find this glimmer of hope.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Way to go Owen! To everyone else reading this, you are worth it. There is a life you will love to live.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you John, That's my view too... As long as there is life there is hope for a great one!

@grnd-atk

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

From drug addiction to then heading to Colombia! Bold move 😅 Great story and even better turnaround, respect! 💪🏼

What a story, what a stud ❤❤❤❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thanks 😀😀

You've traded one addiction for another, mate! 🚴 Welcome to the world of cycling! 😄

@georgefuentes6659

8 ай бұрын

Love everything cycling 🚴‍♀️

@otakumonkey

8 ай бұрын

But cycling is better

Thanks for sharing and congratulations. I’ve been a cyclist pretty much for my whole life. I have a 40 year old son who’s in recovery. I just forwarded your video to him. Thanks again!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Awesome Thank you. I hope he is well

Just a wonderful film on cyclings impact on the human condition. I'm using cycling to connect with my son who is autistic. It's a great vehicle for him to connect with the outdoors, and it's such a positive time for us together. Man, there's just something about a bike.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That's incredible!! wow!! amazing what a bike can do heh!? it is inspiring to hear that you are using the bike to help him. There is a book i read awhile back called 'The Horse Boy' it is very similar to your story about a Dad who uses a horse to help his autistic son connect with animals the outdoors and people and is a story of his journey with that horse through amazing places and meeting people. very good book. I hope he continues with the bike another example of how they change lives

@Jeff.Slavich

8 ай бұрын

@@owenvermeulen1231 Thanks for the kind reply. Your story was moving and I couldn't stop watching. There are many out here wishing you continued success. I hope one day to be able to tell a similar story of my journey with my son. Last year he rode in an event with me. It was short route, but a huge step for him (unPAved in PA). One of my goals is to start a cycling club for fathers to get out on a bike with their autistic children and help them make that same connection. A bike, fresh air and a time to connect with you child. Why not? Happy riding! Lastly, if you're on Strava id like to follow your efforts.

ONE WORD, “INSPIRATIONAL”🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

Because of the PANDEMIC, I saw the big problem of many people who choose to be "UNHEALTHY". Also, there's no mode of transportation except bicycles. That's why I do cycling for almost 2 years and a half now, bike to work and recreational cycling. I mean, seeing beautiful places and appreciate life. I also lost many pounds of fat that I gained during the PANDEMIC. Now, I'm lighter and I'm doing great for my health.

Thank you for sharing your story. We have a family friend who fell into addiction on the streets of East Vancouver and passed away recently. So glad you got out and have found a channel for your exceptional talents.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunatly it is far to common and something I really hope to try to help change. TOO MANY great people are loosing their life to addiction so I hope that this can help even one person and try to save lives ❤❤‍🩹

3 years sober this month…lifetime cyclist. Never been happier and healthier than I am since getting alcohol out of my life. Cheers man!!!

My last relapse was in 2007 and I have to say without mountain biking and cycling in general I so would have gone back I believe. Well done Owen.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That's amazing congrats.

My sister lost her life to her addictions. I heard that same story again and again in Al Anon meetings. What you've done is incredibly special and I hope you will continue to be an inspiration to many others. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. Keep on pedaling.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

I am so sorry for your loss. WAY TOO many people have lost and are loosing their life to addiction. I hope to at least try to save one life through this! thank you!

cycling helped me too Owen! Started smoking weed at 17 years old and by 18 i had grown an addiction and i was smoking every single day when i reached 19 years i decided that i dont want to live like this i felt miserable and so i contacted a friend of mine and he told me, the reason you are addicted is because weed releases huge amounts of dopamine, so stopping is gonna be hard since you are gonna feel very sad once ur not under the influence of weed, but then he told me that exercise also releases dopamine and that by doing exercise i could feel happy while not under the influence and thats when i began cycling.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Yup so very true, adreniline and excercise releases similar dopamine and is such a great form of recovery I just wish everyone knew that!

Powerful, a lot of people need to see this and know they can escape the cycle!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Jeremiah. If you want to share it go ahead i know it will help! thank you you are an inspiration my man!!

Cycling is also an addiction too, in a good way. I am now addicted to cycling 😁

Well done on every level, and so inspiring. Watching this made me think that you may enjoy this race - The Evolution Gravel Race is a unique 850-kilometer gravel stage race with a mandatory 12-hour stop in the middle. Running from the Ngorongoro Crater to the Swahili Coast in Tanzania, the route features long and flat stages over smooth, fast gravel as well as mountainous stages with steep climbs.

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

I have actually heard of that race. I would LOVE to go, but funding is tough. It looks amazing and bucket list type of race!!

Mtb ing for 8 years now. Great for mental and physical health no doubt!

👍👍👍👍👍👍YES IT CAN👍👍👍👍👍👍 and now i'm addicted to cycling , living my best life !! In a truck Thankyou for sharing , keep trudging the path♥ ~peace~

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

🤟🤟

Well done to Owen as it cannot be easy. Our son has been through a tough time and he along with his Higher Power are now coping. Its like a bad dream at the moment because we are seeing signs that our youngest grandson maybe having issues with alcohol as well. These are tough times for youngsters giving the pressures they have in todays society. If you too are suffering please talk to someone to get help.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you, I congrats to your son, and I hope your grandson gets better.

So happy for u, May God keep u at peace and have a great life.

Great job Owen your awesome I'm also recovering from addiction, meth and heroin junkie, cycling changed my Life and gave me purpose! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! Keep crushing it!❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That's awesome!! Me too. Street junkie all the way, yeah all the treatment centers, recovery houses, AA, NA "traditional" forms of recovery didn't work. Cycling is the one that did. My hope is to show that cycling does have the power to end addiction as you and I are proof of that

Tear dripped at some point

I hope your story reaches and helps many other's Owen . You made it brother !!! So happy for you ! .I couldn't imagine not having cycling in my life . ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

I too am in recovery, back in 2007 I got hey racing my dirt bike and of coarse the dr prescribed me pain meds, and before I knew it I wasn’t racing anymore and I was fully addicted to the pills. Fast forward to present day, I’m completely off the meds and back in m 2 wheels! Thanks for this edit! It will help many people in the same situation! God bless from Tennessee

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That's awesome man!! Keep it up!!

@astreet339

8 ай бұрын

@@owenvermeulen1231 thank you! Somedays are Bette than others, but my bad days sober are much better than my best days high. #StreetMulisha

I have a company called Bike2Freedom because the bike was also how I got clean.. good for you my friend!! Keep on pedalin!

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Awesome man!! sounds cool. i'll check it out, cycling is our way out! congrats!

Yo it's wild I stumbled upon this. I'm in Colombia myself, currently at an apartment in Santa Elena editing my own bikepacking journey. My journeys have been less a race and more living out in the sticks for months on end. Just me, the bike and the open world. I totally resonate with cycling saving your life. Aswell as hugely appreciating the work that went into making this video. Incredible drone shots, heartfelt authentic narration and the spirit of everything you'd want in an inspiring biking story. Legend video man!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thats amazing man, i would love to see your video when it comes out. I stayed in Santa Elena for about 10 days great place!!

Mountain biking has been a big part of my recovery program. Yours is an inspiring story, and it takes a lot of guys to post it for the world to see. Thanks for sharing, and stay strong!

Power to you mate. Go well dude.

I don't know you, and I will never meet you, but I sure am proud of you. Great story, brother!!

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

I can certainly relate to this. Cycling is my saving grace. Thank you for this documentary!!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Glad to hear 😀

It’s never too late to turn life around. Well done fella 👏🏼👏🏼

Incredible story and so well captured!

Perseverance! You are a huge inspiration for many people! You can always achieve your goals, never quit just keep walking…

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Yup... just keep moving forward

You are amazing Owen! I was in that race, but a little far behind. I wish you a great Transcordilleras 2024 ✨🙌🏽

Thanks for sharing your story, Owen. I'm glad you made it!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏🙏

Owen, You said at the end of the video that you did nothing special. I disagree, You got out of addiction and became an Elite cyclist. Inspiration for everyone to get up and do whatever you want. That is Special.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so very much! I appreciate you saying that. I wanted to convey that I am nothing special in that if I can do it anyone who may be suffering can do it, My hope is to show that it IS possible to end end that cycle

Beautiful Owen. So proud of you! ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you, it means alot

There's no going back. You know that now. It's moving forward.

Cycling definitely changed my life ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Good to hear!! it has that effect haha!

Crazy, same story sorta but i went full blown down that rabbit hole, i hope one day i can tell my story like This 🤟 crazy to go from drugg addict to elite cyclist Myself… but the astonoushing thing was i had to detox alone by myself an started running alot which turned into hours on the feet to a massive directional change into hours on the bike, i truly get how it feels once you have been in such a dark place you dont fear the pain the heart racing the astounding thing. It is painful it is massive in suffering. I enjoy it it but after suffering off my face i know suffering in the mtb scene is amazing an racing in the upper class in elite men is fun. To be honest

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

That awesome man!! my sister was an olympic runner and I very well could have gone down the running route if not for major knee surgeries, cycling is low impact and thankfully for that reason we can ride until were old as dirt! haha. but exactly right once you have experience that dark place of suffering in addiction and also the detox... phew. everything else feels pretty easy!!

@sam2288ful

8 ай бұрын

100% man!!! Hopeful to have more sponsors an stuff from this thing! Its awesome an a pleasure riding!!! From thw ground up digging my dirt to freedom

Wow what a story! Great to hear what the bike has brought you! I like cycling myself and I´m really inspired by your story. All the best!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Congratulations! My brother was an addict. I know how hard it is to get over this. As a hard core cyclist, this is a much better “addiction”

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

So you know first hand how hard it can be... Cycling is hard, but feels easy after that!!

@bobwilson7384

8 ай бұрын

@@owenvermeulen1231 I know that! I raced mountain bikes through out the ‘90’s. I tried to help my brother many times. He went through three rehabs until we got him in Dawn Farm in Ann Arbor MI. He lived there for a couple of years. He is clean with a great job, a cool wife, and two kids. I applaud you for sticking with cycling. One addiction to another though? 😉

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

@@bobwilson7384 That's amazing I love to hear stories from people about successes from addiction. I am so happy your brother is doing well. I wish him all the best and continued happiness. and PS if you raced MTB in the 90's thats basically gravel racing now haha. maybe just a few miles/KMs longer haha.

@bobwilson7384

8 ай бұрын

@@owenvermeulen1231 thanks Owen! Yes, I will share this with my brother. We used to train on road bikes and if we saw a trail we were on it! Remember, I we were on 26” wheels, I preferred full rigid. I also rode my Bike on Gravel roads often. They often had less traffic. But hey, two wheels powered by your legs, no matter what you ride is better than most anything else. Stay on the path!

Thanks Owen & all the best for the future.

Respect

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏

Proud of the turnaround and well done documentary

@fistbumpfilmworks

8 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you, This turnaround in my life i hope to share and prove that anyone can make such changes in life.

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing your story.

My story isn’t exactly the same....I have been given everything I ever needed, starting with Love .... My first addiction was a Road bike....then it was the peace and warmth of self medicating....and they lived side by side for a time, until the drugs took over completely....then the drugs ceased to deliver what riding ALWAYS gave to me....silence in my mind, and the added pleasure of appreciating the gift of my body ...and so I’m back for years already

Cycling is especially good for recovery. Great way to reteach your body to produce the endorphins and dopamine that it forgot how to make on its own . My story is similar. Good luck Owen and stay strong.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

100% Thank you so much!!

I was racing for 15 years and got addicted when i stopped-addiction lasted a decade for me until I realized that i had to return to my roots. I will go out riding bikes til the day i drop off that machine.There’s no better morphine than that produced by our own body when you exercise really hard 🤙. 🚴‍♂️💦

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thats awesome man! I am so happy you found your love for the bike again and that you are happy and healthy, and I agree 100% I will try to ride till the day I die haha

@domestique3954

8 ай бұрын

@@owenvermeulen1231 So instead of filling my veins i bought 2 titanium frames and built a light summer bike and a winter bike with power hub & led lights. These bikes kinda remember me every time i ride them of the dark place i was coming from,they are my trophy for saving my life. I wouldn’t have made it more than 6 month in my condition with hepatitis b & c. It’s hard to believe what our bodies can cope with. Coming from the street and the track i’m keen on experiencing gravel racing next season! 🤙

🙏🏾 ❤ thanks for sharing yr journey

Thanks for sharing. Keep going strong.

This video quality is unbelievable

Thanks Owen.

🔥🔥🔥

This is the type of super inspiring, epic journey I can really support. Mate you are great at life!!!!

Inspirational! Massive respect to you Owen! Fair play to ya!

So proud of this guy… can’t wait to watch the debut! ❤

@fistbumpfilmworks

8 ай бұрын

This is the full movie here ❤

@TylerJSummers.education

8 ай бұрын

@@fistbumpfilmworks ohhh, haha… watched it. So good!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thanks Ty, Miss ya buddy!

Great job! 👏🏻

I am truly happy for you. Great work. Keep on keeping on. ! You Rock!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏🙏

Congratulations Owen, good job! Did you hang out with the Vegan Cyclist at the race?

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

No he wasn't at this race but yes I have hung out with him at other races... great dude.

Damn! What a fantastic video! Nice to see what cycling can do the human race.

@fistbumpfilmworks

8 ай бұрын

When the mind is lost, turn to the body! Just get moving!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Yes thank you, and far too many humans are loosing the battle to addiction so lets try to get the message of hope out there to save some lives

This is great! WOW

Great work ! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thanks

Well done !

What a great encouragement. Thank you for sharing about yourself. Because of your vulnerability, others will feel less alone hearing your story.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

i hope so, thats the plan. thank you

Well done, wishing you all the best.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Thank you for sharing your life, I relate with you on many levels. Be proud! You are a living example of inspiring perseverance, it was great learning about your story!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

So good. Thank you.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Damn just like me, keep on keeping on dude💪 chronic knee pain and Fetty to walking/biking 100s of kilometers per week and no pain 😎

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Keep it man! thats awesome!!

Never give UP "NEVER" that's what the enemy likes you to do. A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at. Bruce Lee Knowledge earns you power, character earns you respect. Bruce Lee How much RESPECT do you think I have for you :)))) Good to see again Laurens ten Dam the dutch rider from the old days in the TOUR Johan van der Velde Dutch ride from the old past days in the tour: search for him. Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one Bruce Lee Good day to you Owen, Charlesm Amsterdam Netherlands

Great history. The bike is the best thing that has happened to me too.

Can’t wait 4 this debut !!

Super inspiring! ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Congrats mate..and thanks for sharing your story! ✌🏼

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙂🙂

Keep goin my friend

You r such a inspiration 😊

@owenvermeulen1231

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

Loved it!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Really inspiring!

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you

Am amazed by both your achievements and getting clean. I envy you, and kick myself after watching ur video several times. I ride a lot, but I also smoke a lot. Can't get rid of tge habit. Trying a lot. But still unsuccessful. Kudos to u. I hope one day, after watching ur video over and over again, something will click in my brain, ur right at 3:00 NO ONE LIKES ANY ADDICTION.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Yup, very true the addict brain is wired a bit different where we have lost the ability to choose. NOBODY wants to be addicted to anything and that is where it is hard to explain to the non addicted brain where they say "why don't you just stop?" It is so much deeper on a neurological and emotional level, but you're right sometimes something, timing, people, places, support "cycling" whatever it just clicks and we are able to end the cycle.

Love your story bro! The bike is my go-to escape...

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thank you mate!

Unbelievable stuff ❤

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

🙏✌🙏

Bikes and accessories should be treated as medicine and sold free of tax.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Hahaha true

@n22pdf

8 ай бұрын

Spot on 😊😊 Pete

I'M A DRUG ADDICT TOO 😢SHABBU MARIJUANA SOLVENT😢 NOW IM PRO CYCLIST THANKS TO PANDEMIC 🎉

❤

This is not to belittle any of Owen's accomplishments. It's great that he overcame his addiction and notably through athleticism. Keep up the good work. I think it's wonderful that he has turned his life around. He found something that worked for him. That's wonderful and I applaud him. I truly do. We are not all cut from the same mold. Question: What defines someone as an 'elite' cyclist? "From Addict to Elite Cyclist" is the title on the video. Is this a lie? Is he truly an elite cyclist or are people failing to see what his accomplishments truly are? If he isn't truly an 'elite' athlete why not focus on his accomplishment of leaving a life of addiction which is an accomplishment to be applauded on it's own merits. Just competing in an event certainly doesn't make you elite. The title of 'elite' must have some exceptional accomplishment or ability tied to it. Overcoming an addiction certainly doesn't qualify you as an elite athlete. If you overcome an addiction and get your degree are you now an 'elite' graduate? If you now counsel other addicts are an 'elite' counselor? If the title of 'elite' is tied to anyone who competes or achieves any type of accomplishment, what does that say about those who are truly elite? I would expect some type of professional standing or ranking by racing in UCI sanctioned events as the minimum requirements to wearing the title of elite. And we know that not everyone who competes in UCI events are truly elite. Most are better than your average athlete, but probably not elite. Look at the current UCI standings and what percentages of all of the riders occupy the top ten spots in all UCI sanctioned races. It's something like the same top 5% of racers. It's just a fact. I would consider these top 5-8% of all riders elite. They consistently perform in the highest tiers of professional races. And then as they get older they begin to drop in their performances and eventually retire. It's a sad fact, but it's true. Let's be truthful about Owen and applaud him for the truth of what he has accomplished and not make him out to be more than what he is as an athlete. When we make someone into something they aren't, we only set them up for failure and eventually they go back to their unhealthy coping behaviors. Owen has left his life of addiction for a healthy alternative life style of riding bicycles and competing in grueling gravel bicycle competitions. He lives a life that can now inspire others who have addictions and other disabilities to seek healthy coping mechanisms. He can now give back to society which is what we all should be trying to do. Be inspired by the truth of Owen's accomplishments. I applaud you Owen for what you've done in leaving your addictive life. Pass on your new 'addiction' to others so they will also grasp the life you have found. Never quit. I wish I had your perseverance and drive. Congratulations.

@fistbumpfilmworks

8 ай бұрын

Hi Gene, Owen didn't simply participate in an event. He is lucky enough to be able to be a fully sponsored rider by a recognized team and ride/race in nearly a full time capacity. Being fully supported to race and having the performance that he has shown at races over the years is what puts him at the Elite level.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Hello, this is Owen, First off. I agree with you 100% just because someone does a few races at an elite level does not make them an elite athlete. I come from a family of professional athletes. My dad played pro hockey in the and was a track star, My sister was a pro runner who was also an Olympian, my cousin rode pro in the world tour for Lotto Jumbo, My Uncle was a pro cyclist in Europe. So trust me, I know the difference in what makes an elite athlete. I myself am a professional gravel racer but I actually did not want to say PRO in the title as I thought it would sound pretentious. I have been racing bikes for a long time now. I am a Category 1 racer on the road, which by many standards is considered elite. I have raced many races on the road sanctioned and non sanctioned, I have had some half decent results which are considered elite level races and results. I am not sure if you use Training Peaks for cycling training but on there which is the training app all cyclists use at every level from Wout van Aert to weekend warrior, on there it will show your power numbers and rate your numbers in a category and thankfully my numbers still stack up as elite level. I switched from racing the road to racing gravel full time in 2019-ish which suit my abilities much better than road racing nowadays. BUT This story is about my past as an addict, from a very difficult upbringing addiction, to pro skateboarder, to street addict and how I overcame an intense addiction once and for all and my transition from using drugs full time to riding and racing bikes. My intention for the film is show that the bike is an amazing tool for recovery from addiction and mental health, hoping to inspire others to get on a bike, get outside and ride and find happiness as I did. I want to show the power the bike/cycling has and try my best to help other people who may be suffering from addiction. It is NOT to prove my worth as an elite cyclist! It is NOT about proving wether I deserve the title as elite or not. I know my capabilities on a bike although i'm older now but I can still rub elbows with the best dudes of gravel at the pointy end of a race on a good day. That being said I really appreciate your kind words and support. I truly do agree with you 100% just because someone races a bike at a decent level does not them an elite. Not many cyclists are truly elite athletes I fully agree. But please take this film in the context it was meant for. To potentially help other addicts end cycle of addiction and find happiness by means of cycling. I truly believe that the bike can be used as source for recovery from addiction, many people trying to recover are looking for other means for treatment outside traditional 12 step methods, I believe the bike fits that mould. I thank you very much again for watching the film and your kind words I really hope you liked it and I appreciate all the support

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

@@fistbumpfilmworks thanks nate ❤

Owen you have found the most addictive drug on the planet-Cycling.

@owenvermeulen1231

8 ай бұрын

Thats for sure. Haha