Slab City Sucked Me In-The SoCal Desert Ramble--Ep 5
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- I'm squeezing in one last adventure in 2022, and this one is a Duzey. The SoCal Desert Ramble! 500 miles of beautiful mountains, desert washes, the lawless and funky Slab City, and even a ski resort. This journey will take me from San Diego, into the Anza Borrego Desert, past the Salton Sea, up to Big Bear, and down into Los Angeles. In this episode, I spend the entire day in the artist haven of Slab City. Here's the route, bikepacking.co...
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It's often said that slab city is the land of misfits, I see it as a microcosm of everything. God is love, hugs and love sent from cali, praying for all. You got the magic ticket ride!
Thanks Ryan! Your videos pushed me to do my first self supported tour. I used to be an extreme alcoholic. Getting back into biking was huge for recovery. I loved the longer rides around Lake Dillon and knew I had to find a way to push the limits. I started looking into touring videos on CZcams and BAM, your genuine videos had me enthralled! Starting here in Breckenridge, I was going to take the Trans America to Yellow Stone and loop back. Holy Toledo, by day 4 I was hooked and already conjuring ways to make this longer that planned. By day 7 I was camping with other touring cyclist and the camaraderie was unparalleled! In total I went 1932 miles to end in Florence, OR. 4 days before I left I was having serious second thoughts and had to re-watch your videos to pump me back up!! Your awesome man!
Oh wow!! I’m so glad that you stuck with the plan and got on your bike. Sounds like you had an amazing adventure
The Dr. was amazing, one of your best interviews of all time..
It's films like this that make we want to spend winters in an off grid art community. Focusing on the simple act of creating.
Me too!! What a place to live and create
this beats anything you have ever done. the backstory for most of these people at the slab is not pretty and yet you embraced them as they embraced you. you see the value in these people on the fringes. you've got a good heart. thank you....
I try my best to always walk through life with an open mind and open heart. It allows me to meet people where they are
Dr Spencer if you read this message, you are an incredible human being who pulsates positive vibes.
I am so happy we got to see Slab City, thanks Ryan!
Didn't he pass away ?
Most folks that go there focus on the darker elements of that place to rack up the views you went there and found the true beauty that slab City has and this video will outdo all the dark ones
I’ve noticed that with other videos…shock factor always seems to pull in an audience…but you know me, I like showing the bright side of places/people
You can look at Slab City with pity or take the high road of positivity and, of course, that’s what Ryan did. Not sure what differentiates Slab City from the many other homeless encampments we have in Southern California but it surely is different. Ryan did a great job meeting with those folks and it was a fascinating video.
Most homeless encampments are not by choice. People in Slab City are there by choice.
Dude. You rock for spending so much time with Dr. Spencer! I love this vid.
Wow, I could learn a lot from him.
I LOVED meeting him!! What a character
Thank you so much for sharing. This was cool to see Slab City and your introduction of the community and the people that love living there. Keep pedaling Keep smiling!!😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
@ryanvanduzer I moved here to Imperial county, California from Berlin for a job offer and I have been following you for a really long time. It is a very awkward, sketchy/quirky and beautiful place the Desert here, but it is worth exploring. Not everyone here is outdoorsy by the set standards which initially bummed me out, but in a different way that means you get more alone time when exploring and offer you more time to be in your thoughts when out in the desert. I also enjoy BikePacking and bike touring. Keep doing what you do. You are the reason, I keep getting OUT THERE! And have also provided me with ideas and tried gear that works when escaping in nature on two wheels. Thank you!
Big Fan!
Hello my friend!! Imperial CA is an interesting place after living in Berlin 😂 I’m glad to hear that you’re embracing it, and the desert. Thanks for watching my videos
Ryan, Wow.. What an interesting visit this was. I'm glad that you met some friendly souls out there. I would love to check that place out one day. You're a great human being yourself. Keep up the amazing work and may Traveling Angels continue to ride wide with you. 🌎
Ryan’s new mantra “ showing up early, trying to be free”.
Amazing to meet Dr. Spencer, Michael and Dorothy.
They’re all so cool
I spent a few hours in Slab City in 2023. I met the bmx crew at the skate park and toured East Jesus. I took lots of photos of the TV wall. I was not chased out of Salvation Mountain and enjoyed my hike around. I got some sideways looks with the fancy camera but most everyone was cool. They get a tons of lookie loos and gapers so please be respectful. They're people like the rest of us. Thanks for introducing us to some of the locals and the tour Ryan.
Omg! Dr Spencer was the cutest, coolest most interesting man. I love him and this video so much!! ❤️
I'm sure those people enjoyed your boundless energy just as much as you enjoyed them. Very nice video.
I like that you’re giving yourself a day off to be happy.
Your videos keep getting better and better. Every new "series" you do is the best one you've done, and this is no exception. The pacing is just perfect throughout the 5 episodes so far. The people you show and interview, you talking to the camera and the scenes you show just blend in perfectly. There's always a more or less defined storyline, and this is just getting better and better. Your storytelling is great. You don't even need to do riding to make it interesting when you just do it the way you know how to do it the best - the Ryan way.
Thank you for everything you've done over the years, and for giving me the unscratchable itch to get out there. I don't think it will ever leave my body.
2:47 "It's closed. Not the friendliest of welcomes" as RVD walks passed a sign that says "KEEP OUT"
LOL I noticed that too
I was walking in because I could see him standing there and wanted to ask when it opened.
Also funny that a place can be “closed” in the “last free Place” 😂
It was so cool your visit to that talkative old man. It's funny how we learn from uncommon people like him. Hehehe.
What's more! All that art from junk is so interesting.
I'd like to ride in SoCal as well. It must be awesome.
I loved meeting Dr. Spencer!!
Oh my goodness! We lived in Borrego Springs for a long time and loved to go to Slab City. It's been about 15 years though and none of those artists were there the last time we saw it. There were of course artists but not to that extreme! I'm sorry the grouchy guy was your first impression. If Leonard was still there - he's the one that built Salvation Mountain as you probably now by now - he would have welcomed you and talked all day! Dr.Spencer was so interesting as was Dot and the others you met. We had a small RV and stayed overnight the first time we were there. But now it looks like most people are permanent. So glad you had a good experience. There is a video available about Salvation Mountain and it's beginnings you should look for it.
Good choice to enjoy Slab City for the day. Dr. Spencer is quite the character. Whether he is genius or just has a hyperactive imagination the world needs more people like him.
Like a permanent burning man! Whose purpose is to raise consciousness. Love it. Love to live live to love
I would love to see the uncut 6 hour video of your time with Dr. Spencer!
I was thinking the same as you that Slab City is like a permanent Burning Man. I am glad you were able to experience this place and meet the people behind these creative art pieces and sculptures.
It really is...love to see how people make a life out there
@@duzer It's really fascinating and it's cool to see the different camps. People call it lawless and a bad place to be, but it doesn't like that ruthless to me
What a cool place! I'm glad you stayed so you could show it to us.
Well done....
Absolutely loved the time you gave yourself and us to slow down and enjoy the great creativity by these beautiful people as yourself and the amazing artists.
I’m so glad that I stayed longer than anticipated
Slab City- how you kept a straight face throughout that was amazing 😂
😂😂😂 I like to keep an open mind, it makes life more fun
I spend time in Anza Borrego every winter. I'm def checking out the Slab this year! Maybe I'll stay forever! Who knows? 😂
You’re gonna love the slabs!
Hi Ryan, Thanks for another great documentary. Too bad about the cold reception at Salvation Mountain. I met the creator, Leonard Knight, and he was such a kind, welcoming and inspirational person. You two would have had an epic time, as he would have shown you how he used adobe to build his monument. He gave a very detailed and interesting tour. Sean Penn's movie, "Into the Wild" has some great on-location scenes with Leonard and also Slab City.
I’ve read about him and wish that I could have met him. His new caretaker is NOT friendly 😂
@@duzer I think you and Leonard share a trait to roll through adversity and negative situations with positivity. He lived in a hostile environment and transformed it into something great. Your Ramble seemed to have many challenges that you handled quite well. Keep up the good work!
So interesting that people go to the middle of nowhere and can’t wait to talk to someone And share their story.
Fascinating to meet Olias of Sunhil..., err, Dr Spencer. Freedom. What a radical and terrifying idea.
So cool. I have been by 1000 times and never had the courage. Maybe next time. Thanks.
Just lovin' it!
Glad to hear it!
Doc Spencer deserves a video of his own.
I think he just got one!! DD
Very cool always wanted to go to slab city
It’s worth a stop
We had the opposite experience at Salvation Mountain. There is a caretaker that lives on-site and he was extremely friendly and knowledgable. The area is unique to say the least, but interesting and entertaining!
It's difficult not to be inspired by the people in your videos through their art and spirit for life. Thanks again Ryan, stay groovy muchacho.
I agree!! There’s so many interesting people on this planet, all doing their thing. Inspiring!
I think everyone should visit Slab City and Salvation mountain at least once in their lifetime. It’s truly such an incredible place with some really neat people. The Range is always a great time if you’re there on the right night too! I really wish you could have walked around Salvation mountain.. but something tells me this isn’t the last time you’ll be there.
I really wanna go back and check out Salvation Mountain...but the guy who runs it now is not the nicest human
Love your spirit...slab cities residents are cool
I agree, they're awesome!
Nice spin. Be forewarned, SC is not all roses and periwinkles. I was disappointed, too many wind blown torn plastic tarps for me.
There are so many videos about Slab City, but only a few gems like this one. Thanks for sharing your experiences there.
Being honest.......I'm not fond of the desert and though I like the art, I find (never having been there) Slab City a touch creepy and a little bit sad (post apocalyptic is an apt description). What I do love is Ryan stopping to check things out, telling a story, talking to strangers and introducing us to Dr. Spenser. These are the reasons I will always follow this channel with joy!! DD
I hear you, I always learn the most when I approach people or places with an open mind…helps me to understand where they’re coming from.
Beautiful
I drove through this years ago. I recall similar first impressions, but I didn't stay long enough or explore enough to see the beauty that you found. This makes me feel a need to return and check it out now.
It takes a little digging to get to the good stuff..hope you make it back someday
When that dragonfly thing flaps it’s wings 20x per second I wouldn’t want to be within sight of it😉
Fantastic as always. Your personality allows others to put their guards down and give all of us a beautiful insight into their lives. Thank you!
I loved meeting these people!
I love your channel. You managed to make slab city, which I can't stand, an interesting place. You are able to bring out the best in people.
Hey thanks!! Dr Spencer is certainly a cool character. He made the day special
@@duzer Definitely my favorite resident. I loved his attempts at gardening in a dry, and desolate land. He brought the place to life. You guys hit it off for sure.
I’m not too confident about that dragon fly device but he’s got a decent solar plant.
Lol Dr.
Strong "The Hills Have Eyes" vibes
Haha!! Maybe so 😂
I always wanted to go to Slab City, but I was actually kinda worried that it had become quite unsafe... Guess I was wrong!
Will have to make it there one day. It still looks like such a unique place.
It seemed safe to me…hope you make it someday
Slab City is Amazing
The Ingenuity of The DR
Is Awesome..
Nice Of you Ryan for Spending the Day there and sharing this with us…
Last Thing .. Hope Amelia did well
You 2 are an awesome couple
haha interesting and weird at the same time. I am pretty sure that you won´t find such a "funny-crazy" place here in germany. Loved it and totally unexpected ^^
Crazy and cool place. Been there a couple of times. Great interview with that guy!
Yeah, slab city is a Meth_City in the desert! The good Doctor is an interesting individual.
The appeal of Slab City eludes me.
Super awesome video...wow...Slab City is really wild and intense..a lot of awesome and eccentric people...love it!!! thanks for sharing and bringing us along for the ride!!
Spencer's Corner of a different sort and I'll have some of what hes having.
This guy is always a nice breath of aww.. he has a eye for beauty in all the stranges places that a normal person couldn't fathom to go . I'm glad I am a loyal fan of him
I really appreciate your loyalty!! Means so much to me
Wow. Awesome episode. Thought I was gonna watch some riding scenes, and came away with appreciation for humanity and raising consciousness.. Wtf
Been there multiple times off roading / the people are extremely different every time ive been. One time they can be very engaging and talkative , the next is like being in the movie the hills have eyes ! Alway an adventure there.
I can see that. I got a taste of both
I love this! Traveling by bike for me is about freedom and being happy, and this video is a perfect example of doing just that. Inspiring!
He gets a crazy check
Great video, thank you for introducing us to those people, they seem great, I'm really digging the female artist, I might have to go out there and meet her
You should! It’s a fascinating place
Very cool
Totally crazy
Just seeing the early morning sunshine makes me jealous….
Dr. Spencer is awesome. I love him!
He’s great!
Hey Ryan... I wish you a Happy New Year! Sending greetings and hugs from cold Germany / Cuxhaven/Bremerhaven
Always interesting to hear peoples reactions to slab city. Many years ago after I read the book into the wild I visited the slabs, I had mostly the same reaction as you have, there is alot to absorb there. My favorite part is the range where they have nightly performances in season!
WOW!!! You lucked up meeting Dr. Spencer and getting the other interviews. Was was awesome ✌
You gotta watch out for those Artsy-Fartsy types! hahaha!
The people you meet Ryan...WOW they are incredible!! I loved the art great vid thanks for stopping. :) :)
Interesting, thanks! 🤓👍
“It’s a belt driven bike, with a transmission. Pinion.”
“No sh*t! That’s amazing. They had those in VW busses. Look... over there.”
OH NO!!! I've wanted to visit Slab City for years, now it'll be overrun with all your fans before I get there. 😂
Haha!! Go in the middle of summer, nobody will be there :)
@@duzer Good point!!!
Very fascinating, great video 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
way better than Disney
Either you get it or you don’t. Getting away from civilization is very appealing. But isolation can also wear a person down. Might be fun for a little while. I’m glad those residents are happy.
Haven't you seen the Val Kilmer movie "The Salton Sea"? Tweakers everywhere and they are usually paranoid and armed. Be careful!
Fantastic video…and fantastic interesting people (Dr Spencer, Dot).
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice to see diff Influencer have diff encounter with diff locals there. Chicken Andy encounter here is so diff from Ryan.
Dr Spencer is one of the most interesting and important person i ever saw, i wish i could meet someone like this.
What an interesting video! I have heard of Slab City but I’ve never seen much of it until now. Truly some unique and interesting people hang out there. Thanks for taking a day off and letting us experience some of this place with you!
Give people the direction to visit, cool place the same...
Loved this video👍😊...
And your lady friend?
Stay safe...
People are just courious😂
My girlfriend has a 9-5 job…can’t take too much time for bike adventures
It is good to see things that are unusual. Art of course is always subjective to the viewer. I have always felt that one should view everything and everyone as having value (not monetary value). One can learn and benefit from interaction with any person or with any experience. It was great to see that you could spend a whole day in that spot. Thanks for sharing.
Mad Max Duzer Road
😂
Perfect timing. About to do a drive by today.
While you are in that area I hope you get to bike thru Box Canyon between I 10 and Mecca - it's gorgeous. People think the desert is 'brown' yes but so many shades of brown and geology is wonderful.
What a colorful individual
Thank you Ryan for showing is there are still some really cool and sane people left in California!
Consciousness raised, man.
I agree! That place really opened my eyes
One of your most amazing videos so far, thank you Ryan!
That's awesome Ryan! Really cool to see how some of the Slabs has changed and some is exactly how I remember it. Happy you got to see it man! Seeing it makes me miss the smell of the desert.
Dude, I'm thankful God created you. Your intellect and creativeness are awesome.
Awe!! Thank you…you’re making me blush ;)
NICE
Monica from Friends would freak out there 😆
Haha!! So true
Thanks for giving us the flavor. The value is astounding.