**Article Originally Posted February 13th, 2017**
Ah the internet. Sometimes it’s a great resource for information and entertainment but more often than not it’s simply a great time waster. I have a love/hate relationship with the internet and trust me, I’ve spent my fair share of time watching cat videos and Russian drivers beat each other up. I also turn to the internet as a resource for trips and a source of inspiration and motivation. It seems a little selfish to keep these great videos to myself so I thought that I would share some of my favourite viewing experiences.
Now fire up your computer, grab your mouse and login as we look at what the internet has to offer us.
The Ridge: This is a mountain biking video that features the great Danny MacAskill. If you’re not familiar with Mr. MacAskill’s work, this video is a great introduction. His skill and control of his mountain bike is difficult to fathom, but after watching this video you will be a believer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ_IQS3VKjA
One Shot: Brandon Semenuk’s unReal Segment: Keeping with the theme of mountain biking, this video is as masterfully crafted as the course is ridden by Branon Semenuk. This 4 minute video is done in a single take and for the curious filmmakers out there, link through to the behind the scenes video to see how it was done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ud5T5I4XcA
Rendezvous: In 1976, French filmmaker Claude Lelouch made one of the most raw and daring videos of the time. He attached a 35mm camera loaded with 1000’ of film to the bumper of his Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9. He then proceeded to drive through the streets of Paris, reaching reported speeds of up to 230km/h. I don’t condone this, but damn is it fun to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvDXlDxMnb4
Around The World in 360 degrees: The concept of this video is so simple but the music, coupled with the exotic locations and the interactions with locals makes this a favourite of mine. It’s hard not to feel good after watching this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTlXttQL_Yk
Waterwalker (Bill Mason): Those that know me, know that I am a very big fan of Bill Mason. I grew up watching his movies and reading his books. Waterwalker is likely Bill Mason’s most personal work and provides some great insights into why Mason enjoys the outdoors so much. If you can’t invest the full 90minutes in this video, skip ahead to the 70minute mark and see what it is exactly that makes Bill Mason so special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq7CqhbzPUs
Imaginate: Just in case you weren’t convinced of Danny MacAskill’s tremendous talent, here is some more proof. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv3xVOs7_No
55 Hours In Mexico: This is the ultimate weekend warrior video. A group of friends fly into Mexico for a weekend trip that will see them climbing and skiing one of North American’s highest peaks; Mount Orizaba. The trip was hastily put together and thus we get all sorts of drama. Regardless of the outcome it’s impossible to deny their adventurous spirit. https://vimeo.com/138548519
If Only Every Mountain Biking Video Was Shot Like This: Four friends from British Columbia Canada build out and ride an incredible mountain bike track. The title of this video may set a slightly unreal expectations, but regardless it’s a fun 4 minute time waster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zLuqKNKOqs
The Bus: A Journey Up North: I would have killed to do a trip like this between high school and university. Hell I would probably kill to do a trip like this right now. As with Joey Schusler’s other film on this list, 55 Hours In Mexico, the spirit of this story is enough to get any couch potato in gear and off on their own adventures. https://vimeo.com/72680200
Brandon Semenuk Shreds a Pristine Slopestyle MTB Trail – Raw100: Mountain biking videos have dominated this list but I’m not going to apologize because they are all awesome! Enjoy one last video of Brandon Semenuk. It’s only 100seconds long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7o77ZMinRY
Do you have any great internet videos that you want to share? Post the links in the comments below.
Quick Escapes 
Leave a Reply