Virtual Riding Experience
A blog post used to more routinely be the place where I would share my riding experience. Whether on my Vespa scooter or some other two-wheeled machine that riding experience would likely appear here. When I bought the Himalayan in January of 2022 I made a decision to make a more deliberate use of video. I had about 50 subscribers on my YouTube channel then and have seen it increase to 2187 as I write this post.
Making videos unexpectedly piqued my creative interest and I’ve struggled to juggle the blog and a YouTube channel. Not because I don’t have the time but it’s unclear what my focus should be on the blog. Perhaps until it does become clear I will just flounder ahead and hope for the best.
Right now my mind seems focused on the style of video referred to as “silent vlogs” or ASMR videos. Those are the ones where there is no verbal narrative, just pictures and sound that provide the opportunity for the viewer to more easily immerse themselves in whatever experience is being documented. I’ve watched a few that were engaging and I thought I would give it a try. I recently produced my first silent vlog and I have to say it was technically the most difficult video I have yet to produce.
I’m curious if there’s much interest in this style of video. Or if viewers would rather listen to me share my ideas about some riding topic.
For now, I’m just following a path of interest to me. I’m just uncertain where it will lead.
Here’s the first of my ASMR style silent vlogs…
Let me know what you think about this style of video. And if you watch it on YouTube and want to see more videos in the future please subscribe to the channel.
Pretty much it probably doesn’t matter if people like the video unless subscription numbers or likes are important to you. Which they aren’t. So I’d say for me the dialogue-less video is better for me when I need calming or quieting of the mind.
I guess I’m not entirely sure what I’m after. That’s probably why I’m uncertain as to what direction I should be traveling.
Steve-
My vote is for the silent videos. Having said that, there are some videos that do require descriptive narration, I understand that. This video was a very relaxing ride along with you, the sounds of the birds and the breeze much nicer than the obnoxious background filler music that seems to dominate many videos made by others.
A pleasure to watch, hopefully more to come.
Richard In Blue Ridge
Thanks for sharing your comments about the video and the approach. As far as music goes, I did start out with it for this video but decided against it. Music can provide an emotional impetus to the images but it wasn’t necessary here. I guess it’s always story dependent.
I get more immersed in the riding portions whether you’re talking or not Steve. I hear the sound of your engine, the wind, the crunching of stones or any other sound that counts during a ride. I never turn my car radio on when I drive as the sound of the engine at work is music to my ears.
I’ve come to realize how important the sound is in a video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Enjoyed it Steve….and I’m listening 😉
Thanks Doug!
Being very critical, it’s interesting to me only because I know those roads. Otherwise I wouldn’t watch it, i.e. – if it were in a strange place by someone I do not know. Also, way too much editing, cutting scene to scene. But that’s just me, one voice in many. Follow your bliss and other opinions.
I understand and appreciate the comments. When I look at footage of guys riding down roads I need to either be interested in where they’re riding, or something is happening that I want to see.
The editing approach I took in this video makes it difficult to really see much of the landscape through which I was riding. I was more focused on creating an impression of riding than any sort of documentation. That required a lot of scenes but I can see your difficulty with it.
I think my response will be a little more nuanced in its nature. In general, as a personal preference, I do not like to see people in ASMR videos. I enjoy the sounds, the sights, the feel of ASMR if it’s done well, but for me, the ASMR experience is not about people. The minute you step into your own video, you become an actor. Also, in general, I am really not a fan of those “setup” shots where people walk /ride past or away from the camera (again, it’s acting). I get that the POV is supposed to give me the feel that “I am present,” but all I can think of is the time it took to set up the shot, shoot it (maybe two or three or more takes) and then the time it takes to walk back to the camera, break it down, and move on. It always makes me feel that the creator has gone to the location not to enjoy the activity or experience, but to make the content. I prefer when a content creator just gets behind the camera and lets me see what they are seeing. I do enjoy the rides with commentary, however. They seem far more genuine. Rest assured, though, that whatever you create, I will be there for it. I am especially looking forward to the Scooter in the Sticks coffee table book of photographs and commentary! 😉
I agree with your assessment of the video. I did become an actor. And I was creating a narrative story that I think had a weak premise.
Your reaction to seeing all the work that must have gone into getting the shots is the same one I have when I see these kinds of videos. I thought it was because I was considering making one. But reading your comments it may be that the technique trumps any kind of story or message. I’m not sure if it’s a failure on my part to produce something more powerful or it’s just not a good way to share an idea. My only thought is to keep trying for awhile to see what emerges.
That book….
I really do not like the typical cycle video where you see (a small part) of what the pilot sees, for some extraordinarily long time. I also do not like the cycle videos that only have (usually irritating) music dubbed over. I understand the effort required, but I think your premiere “silent” (really, non-verbal) video was quite good! I also like you videos with commentary, so I vote for both as you desire.
Thank you David. I’ll keep going back to the drawing table…
Hey Steve I’m gonna say Hollywood could take lessons from you.They would use 15 people to make what u do riding, filming,etc.Good to see such a nice piece of work from a real rider like you.Best part for me is the serenity of it all.. Keep on finding that slice of life and sharing ..Take care
Thank you for the kind words about the video. Hollywood would certainly do things differently but I suspect there are some productions that utilize elements of the “one man band” approach. I’ve had a video in mind for a couple of years but the only way it would ever be produced would be with a Hollywood approach. It requires actors, exquisite camera work far beyond anything I could do myself, drones, locations, and more. I have the story but that’s it. It will live on in my Hollywood fantasies!
Serenity, relaxation, escape, calm, and peace are all things I seek while riding. They are the reason why the machines I ride lean toward the docile side of the two-wheeled machine curve. It’s hard to find serenity with something that screams across a valley!