Video: Are You Thankful For All That Your Bike Does For You?

Mar 4, 2015
by Lars Veenstra  
Views: 101,022    Faves: 1,702    Comments: 81


A few months ago I was asked to do a keynote presentation about filmmaking and storytelling at the Dutch Mountain Film Festival, an annual outdoor sports festival in the Netherlands. The festival took place last weekend and had a mountain bike theme day for the first time this year, which - as an avid mountain biker - is right up my alley. It was a great experience to tell about my work and passion to a group of people that were not only interested in the sport but also in the filmmaking process.

To introduce myself and my work I wanted to put together something special, something that would really link filmmaking and the sport that brought me so much in life: riding bikes. I’ve been wanting to create this video for some time now and this seemed like the perfect moment. Coincidentally my company is celebrating it's three year anniversary this week (HURRAY!), so it’s also a great moment to look back on the past years and go back to my roots if you like.

I'm sure many of you recognize yourself in the video and have a similar relationship with the simple yet amazing thing we've all come to love: mountain biking. Please enjoy my latest video: 'Thank You, Bicycle'.

Created by Lars Veenstra @larsveenstra

Alpi Bike Park ridge lines are the best


Posted In:
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Author Info:
larsveenstra avatar

Member since Sep 24, 2006
6 articles

116 Comments
  • 131 3
 Wow 5 years of footage! Nice job with the narration. It wasn't so cheesy as it seems to be so common in action sports edits these days.
  • 60 2
 so stoked for being stoked right now wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooyeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  • 29 1
 you meet the best people through riding bikes! my best memories of my life have been experience because of bikes!
  • 26 1
 Me and my bike are best friends.
  • 16 0
 This warms my heart
  • 4 0
 Great work. You must have spent an enormous amount of time for searching and editing to break the material down to these 186 seconds.
  • 19 0
 Wow, thanks guys! I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of reactions this video is getting. Thanks so much for all the cool, positive and funny comments.
@kerberos actually it's not as bad as you'd think. I had this project in my head for a long time and knew which moments / clips would fit which part of the story. Once I had written down the story, all the editing from recording the voice over to exporting took me about 2 days.
  • 2 0
 @ibisshreddin that's my feature so stoked on it
  • 3 0
 I watched notbad and rad company back to back last night and was so stoked I couldn't sleep for many hours. I can now understand the dangers of stokage XD
  • 7 0
 stokage isn't funny its a serious condition that's shouldn't be taken lightly
  • 3 1
 Thank you, bikes! Wink
  • 41 1
 There's not a single day I don't think about my bike & just shredding! Mountain biking is the perfect getaway from all the bullsh*t that goes on around our beautiful globe. Let's not let our falls break us because without them we wouldn't be who we truly are destined to be.
  • 6 2
 I started biking as a getaway from all the BS...as you mentioned. But i found out that if i face that BS at the moment and properly rather than avoid it while riding, i would have a better life balance....therefore my bikeskills would improve. Life balance is the best way to improve riding, it is what i have learned.
  • 3 0
 Very true my friend. No doubt I've fallen under those situations more than once.
  • 3 0
 Well said
  • 33 2
 I just want to apologize for what I've put my rear wheel through... So. Many. Sharp. Rocks.
  • 30 0
 I just went out and gave both my bikes a hug and kiss
  • 24 1
 I have jumped from the heavens, swam out of submarines and felt the exilharation of conquering death. Yet I have not felt such fulfillment of the senses as I have from riding my mountain bike with friends or alone. It is THE conduit to so many positives in life. I still find myself drawn every weekend to push two pedals in sequence whether rain or shine. If I cannot then I and filled with angst, looking to the next moment I can. I giggle like the kids half my age, every summer spent hucking at the mtn bike parks. This year I will be 51 and will try not to crash as much as I did last year. I will continue to pedal on every path possbile until the final path towards my maker, whichever of my bikes I am on. I am thankful for all the things my BIKES have done for me!
  • 13 1
 What a phenomenal and inspirational video, thank you so much for making this and making may day!!!!!
  • 8 1
 Thanks dude! It's comments like yours that make my day too Wink
  • 2 1
 If you ever come down to Cape Town, South Africa, drop me a mail and we can set up some riding and people for you to meet!
  • 1 1
 Haha thanks! SA is on the bucket list so I might hold you up on that in a year or two, haha. Cheers!
  • 8 1
 great video, Really shows the crux of the sport. I just wish I had more buddies that supported me in the sport..instead of judging for having a very expensive piece of metal that you pedal....
  • 22 0
 Get new friends. If they judge you, screw em. Hell, I'll be your friend. I think it's cool that you ride. Pals?
  • 4 0
 Either get new friends, or get a second bike so you can really show them the sport... Maybe you'll make a believer out of some.
  • 4 1
 I guess we all had similar feelings towards our bikes, but nobody ever came out and made a inspirational movie about it, I'm so glad i started riding bikes again (after childhood, i mean) It's just a great feeling of freedom that you get from the seat of your bike and where it can take you.
  • 1 0
 I'm with you! Over the last year or so I've really started to pick up riding again after about 8 years away from it. I had all but forgotten how amazing it was, but now I'm back and not going anywhere! Thank you so much to OP for making this video, as it helps some of us explain our passion for bicycling to those who don't understand when we can't find our own words.
  • 7 1
 My bike is a blessing. An absolute stellar narrative that captures my own emotional connection with mtn biking.
  • 6 1
 Even when I crash, I'm thankful for what my bike has done for me.. Like a lot of addicts in pb land when I crash, regardless of how hurt I may be, I check my bike first.
  • 7 1
 Me: walks downstairs and starts hugging my two bikes
  • 6 1
 Well done Lars ! Really shows what we love !
  • 5 0
 I really liked that, He has a great outlook on the sport Smile
  • 6 1
 Almost cried watching this !
  • 3 1
 I did cry watching this.
  • 3 1
 That was great. I'm 67 yrs old and love MTB'ing, the rough stuff, bit of a nutter, ex-commercial diver. Doing small jumps now up to 1-1.5m. People like him give me confidence. Super stuff.
  • 1 2
 cool im an 82 year old mtb er and im really shite at it !!
  • 2 1
 So many true words here!! Today I woke up in a decent mood but after this video I feel great and it reminded me of why I ride my bike! I work in the Bicycle Industry and times can be tough and days don't always go well but at the end of the day you have your bike and the positive it can bring you far succeeds the negativity of everyday life! Hope everyone is able to get out and ride today! Cheers mates!
  • 2 1
 Its so nice to see a video like this. I watched it while about 6 inches of snow was falling, it might not be that much snow but it is enough to get you pissed off that you can't ride. It has been a long winter here in the states, so long in fact, that it seemed as though doing a cross country ride with 160mm of travel was nothing but a distant memory of summer. But this video made me realize that no matter what time of year it is, its always riding season. No matter if you can ride or not riding is a part of my life all year round
  • 6 2
 I've seen it 3 times this hour, gonna watch it for the fourth I think!
  • 5 1
 I'd like to make a public apology- To my rear rim...
  • 3 1
 Well said. I love my bike everyday for what it brings me. I wish everyone could experience the same which is why I love to get people onto the trails. I love my bike.
  • 2 1
 thank you~~
I love it,and also what it brings to me.
  • 2 0
 Glad I watched that whilst fit and about to go ride later in the day :-)
Very glad I didnt see that from a hospital bed otherwise I would have been in tears!
  • 2 0
 absolutely beatiful video, I think someone is cutting onions in my office right now
  • 1 0
 If video embodies everything about the final stages of mountain biking... I'm so pumped about my current stage... Learning and Loving!!! Great Video!!!
  • 1 0
 Geweldige video. Echt super cool te om te zien. Wil gelijk weer rollen! En ben m'n Alu schatje ook weer dankbaar voor de ontelbare keren dat ze min heeft gered!!
  • 1 0
 Amazing vid.... Went home after watching it and gave my bike some well deserved TLC. It never ceases to amaze me how much better my life is with my bike in it!
  • 1 0
 Nailed it. Now if I could just send my cross country bike to work for me and ride my DH rig all day long, Then my bike would really be doing something for me.
  • 4 1
 Amen brother! Amen!
  • 3 2
 I did not see your post until I typed mine and hit send! Smile
  • 3 2
 hahaha its all cool!
  • 2 0
 i cry on it thank you bike Smile
  • 1 0
 Me too,
  • 2 0
 I thank my day job for all the damn bike skilla.
  • 1 0
 to me my bike is much more than a machine, its my best friend, my buddy, my family. Love you bike !
  • 2 0
 Had goosebumps! Great Video!
  • 2 0
 Yeah! i´m stoked...... nice video!
  • 1 0
 Thanks for almost making me cry... Very very beautiful! Awesome job and beautiful narrating.
  • 1 0
 Such an excellent video. It reminds me why I like to bike, the community I'm so fortunate to be a part of. Great stuff.
  • 2 0
 Nice view of a single man. #freedom #nokids
  • 1 0
 Absolutely epic summary of mountainbikers life! To be frank... I cried myself..
  • 1 0
 The best video I've seen on PB in a while Big Grin Thanks and many happy trails! Wink
  • 1 0
 Love this video. So much to be grateful for. Looking forward to another great year in biking..... and life itself
  • 1 0
 "I know what it feels like to experience total madness and absolute solitude." That was spot on.
  • 1 0
 Now I know what I lost :-( Any way beautiful and powerful video , Thank you.
  • 2 1
 I couldn't have said it better myself. Great video Big Grin
  • 3 1
 Amen my friend, Amen!
  • 2 1
 Great movie bro. show the the love for this great sport
  • 3 1
 Thanks bike.
  • 2 1
 No, my bike got a crack and I don't want it Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I love bikes so much. I just love em
  • 1 0
 Thanks bike, my trusty steed. Thx for saving my ass time and again.
  • 1 0
 nice..... it is the simple things in life that are the best!
  • 1 0
 my 2010 giant faith 0 kills it still
  • 1 0
 Id be more thanfull if I could sell my sweet santacruz nomad! Smile
  • 1 0
 my bikes never let me down, thanks bikes !!
  • 2 0
 Thank you Lars !
  • 1 0
 Looks like a great video...and I`m only 56secs in (i`m at work)
  • 1 0
 "For most people bikes are just two wheels. For me bike is Life."
  • 1 0
 only a mountain-biker knows the feeling.I love my bikes..
  • 1 0
 It makes me cry knowing that I won't be having my bike built soon Frown
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't chose better words!
  • 1 0
 Epic! Sums up biking perfectly, great vid!
  • 1 0
 Thank's Lars! It was amazing!
  • 1 0
 Couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks lars
  • 1 0
 Thank you for such a wonderful video!
  • 1 0
 Best article on Pb, truly inspiring
  • 1 0
 A truly inspirational film. I only wish I could be as positive as you.
  • 2 1
 Moresome. Lars, thanks for the reminder.
  • 2 1
 YEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWW!!!!!!! great vid man!!
  • 2 0
 Bikes are life
  • 1 0
 Best video on Pinkbike in a while.
  • 1 0
 I agree 100%
Thanks for taking the time to make this!
  • 2 1
 Inspirational.
  • 2 1
 AMAZING! THEM FEELS!
  • 3 0
 This video brought tears to my eyes. All these words are absolutely true Congrats, this should be the video of the month.
  • 2 1
 +100
  • 1 0
 Great video.
  • 1 0
 Spot on!
  • 1 0
 great!
  • 1 0
 Amen......
  • 1 0
 feels
  • 1 0
 Love it!! Great vid!
  • 1 0
 that was beautiful
  • 1 0
 yeah willingen
  • 1 0
 Awesome video mate
  • 1 0
 the best!
  • 2 1
 Yes
  • 1 0
 Hell Ya. Amazing
  • 1 0
 awesomeness
  • 1 0
 Nice. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 Priceless .
  • 1 0
 Added to favorites!
  • 1 0
 Awesome video
  • 1 3
 It changed my life..... Not!
Author would be a great spokesman for TVShops :]







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