G'day Mark. That was a really heartfelt expression to camera, which is tough so I understand why you have been putting this off. Thanks for letting us know how things are going. Pick a nice sunny day, fire up Max, and let the bike be your therapy. It's the best prescription for tough times I can think of. The content obligations can be stuffed for now. Just ride and have fun, and you'll find your way back to video production when and if the time is right. Peace and love from Tori & Lisa
Hey Mark, Listen up. I'm 70, lost everything at 62. The business, the house, the holiday home up the coast, no more overseas holidays, friends the lot - except my wife. She held me up & together we left it all behind. New life now with nothing but except each other. Oh and my RE Classic 500. When we ride nothing else matters. Get out there on your're bike.
Mark: You've got an enormous amount of credibility banked from everything you've been and done...over many years. Whatever you find you can do I'm sure it will be honest and interesting and well worth waiting for, and watching. Whatever you choose to do, nothing can take away the value of what you have given us, from "talking shit", to organizing rides, to all the how to videos, thanks...I've enjoyed the lot and also acted upon quite a bit of it--I own a Himmy because your giveaway series videos and many of the accessories on my bike where chosen and installed as per you're thoughts and advice. The only thing I wouldn't do is ride a Boulevarde in the mud around Pooncarie--my backyard 😂...that was epic.
HI Mark, Sorry to hear your sad news. You do so much for men all over the world with your fun jolly videos, please don't feel bad when you not up to it, that's just life mate. Even this video reminds us all that life is not good sometimes but things will improve and you'll be back to your jolly self soon enough, you will just get fed up feeling bad I reckon and will pull yourself out of it. Go for a few spins on Charlie, don't even take the cameras, just do them for yourself. Keep on keeping on Mark, ye bloody legend.
Mark, I think you probably have an idea of how much good you do with a video like this. That degree of straight-up honesty is your trademark, and it really expresses a feeling of shared experience in the community you have brought together over the years with your channel. Bikers of our generation have a lot of things in common, even in different countries around the world. You have a long reach mate, take it easy. M.
Thanks for sharing Mark. I've been through the same life shit as you, loss of my dad and reflecting on the past. ( Even that f'n platers flascifoot shit) and all I can say as hang in there. I started following you when you were just starting out and appreciateated your down to earth honesty. I know it didn't make you alot of money back then but it got you alot of followers who identified with you and followed as a friend and truely caring companion of your journies. All the best from Canada!!
Hi Mark, from reading all the comments so far, there is a lot of love from your RU-vid family and probably hard for you to read right now. Sorry for your loss mate. With time you will get back on the iron horse. I’ve watched your channel from when we both had no grey hair. I’ve had plantar fasciitis and it sux but you will recover from it. Thanks for the update take your time getting back on your feet mate.
Mark, we appreciate your honesty and frankness. As a crew member I am not at all concerned about the lack of videos and especially not now we’re aware of the circumstances surrounding it. Most importantly look after yourself and your family. The rest will follow. ❤
Hugs to you Mark and sorry for your loss. I had a little chuckle when the dog growled when you mentioned the possibility to adding some spirits to your coffee. Vapes suck. Smoking sucks (I smoke) but vapes are way worse. Everyone I spoken with has described the same breathing coughing problems you described. For anyone wanting to kick smokes I highly recommend the book by Allen Carr - The easy way to give up smoking. Take care and please look after yourself.
Hi Mark. I lost my beautiful partner of 22 years to Cancer at age 60 just 10 weeks ago, so I understand how you are feeling. Give yourself time & don't feel guilty or ashamed of how you are feeling... everybody handles it differently. Let Nay and your friends give you strength, and when the time is right you'll hop back on your bike. 'Wind therapy' has been great for me, so hopefully it'll be the same for you.
Mate vapes get rid of that crap , smoke and be happy , the loss of your dad will take months to recover in fact you never do. It becomes Eseyer to deal with but that takes time , Remember the good times you had and keep his memory alive in your heart. We all grieve in different ways , try not to let the black dog take control mate , it can when you have a lot of shit on your mind. Ask for help get on the bike and ride , don't cut people out , you will get through this .
Mark, now we have 4 things in common: A DR650, our age, plantar fasciitis, and I just lost my mother a few weeks ago. I think I know what you are going through, and things will get better. My sincere condolences about your loss. As for Plantar, two things help me. Proper Arch Supports. I can get Sketchers Arch Fit here in the USA and they are fantastic for PF. Also, try a foot roller, and while you are sitting at the computer, roll your arches back and forth other the rollers. Cold therapy helps too, a roller that you can put in the freezer helps. I'm in a slump also, but I have a weekend camping/ride coming up in two weeks and that should help.
Hi Mark, I have been a viewer from 2013 after doing the Simpson badly on the stock DR650. I became a crew member in 2015 and attended the 2018 August Ramble. I also am going through a low point in my life as you are. May this year I started my bucket list solo ride on my very modified DR650 to go to scientific places around South Aust, NT and Western Aust. I got to Henbury Meteor craters spent 4 days to finally find a 50.5-gram meteorite and then spent 5 days at Alice Springs trying to heal. I had whip lash from the constant head wind and the wake from the road trains. This caused me to have electric shock feelings across my left shoulder and left arm. I tried physiotherapy 2 times and finally gave up and road back to Cooma NSW. After seeing doctors and hospitals an MRI showed that I have arthritis in my lower neck which was pinching a nerve from bone spurs. Also, The spurs are growing towards the spinal cord with one touching it, taking up all of the fluid space that surrounds the cord. I have spent the time since (2.5 months) on my back drugged out of my mind with pain killers. I will be needing an operation and have the vertebrae fused with metal plates and screws. Not likely to finish healing until the end of the year at the earliest. Like you I am very depressed and laying around watching the world go nuts on RU-vid hasn't helped. I hope you find your way back to BikerBits even if you keep it recreational rather than give it up completely. I will miss ya too much and although I have only spent one weekend with you and Alista, I feel like I have got to know you both as mates even though you would not remember me. I was the short guy that had to dance each side while getting the stand up to start riding. Keep on Keeping on Mate Regards SmittyK
You're very giving Mark ( part of who You're, I suspect ) This is your time to take what YOU NEED .. whatever that is ! See you on the backroads , Mark .. hopefully around September when im down your way. Nath.
Yeah Mark it's tough mate. I lost my dad recently too after being his full time carer for 13 months. I couldn't go for a big ride over that time or do anything other than shopping for food. And now I have all the time but can't get in the headspace to go riding or do much at all. It's all temporary mate, things will swing back our way. Like you say, keep on keeping on, and thanks for the update (I didn't see it in the crew member part I don't go there much). Cheers Mark.
Hi mate, sometimes curveballs get in the way mate, sorry for your loss. I’m glad you put up this heartfelt video, was wondering what was up but guessed you had other priorities, we all do sometimes. Take your time mate, the way I see it is that as a crew member we support you through the highs and lows, particularly after everything you gave back to us, it’s really normal and it’s not about money but about camaraderie in the best possible Aussie spirit, and supporting each other when we most need it. So take your time, go get distracted by a great ride out, even if you don’t film it. All the best mate, anything you need, just shout. Cheers, Tony
G'day Mark... I'm just a listener of the podcast, which is a great listen, by the way. I unfortunately can't offer anything to help with the loss of your Dad, other than offer condolences. But, I had plantar fasciitis awhile ago and solved the problem remarkably quickly using arch support insoles from the Athletes Foot. I tried a bunch of pharmacy and supermarket ones, but they didn't have enough arch support to make a difference. I now have the athletes foot ones in all my shoes/boots, and haven't had a problem for a couple years now. It's not much, but maybe it's a worth a shot and might mean one less thing to worry about.
First, Mark ,my deepest sympathies on the passing of your Dad. When I used to run a lot, I got plantar fasciitis. I still remember the first time my foot hit the floor in the morning. I cured mine by wearing only shoes with flexible soles. It eventually went away.
Hi Mark condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dad. I now the feeling it comes and goes and is part of the grieving process,it just takes time ( as they say time heals all wounds 💔) My mother passed on Friday so I am just starting the process you are already going through. 👍👍👍👍 On the Plantar fasciitis I have had this and your feet just cramp up. When you stand up to walk it's like you have arthritis in your feet and it takes a minute or two to walk normally . Try the Kinesio tape on your feet ...it's not instant but does make a difference. DONT VAPE MARK ITS WORSE THAN CIGARETTES FOR YOUR LUNGS. Stay strong your content is solid and reasonable people understand where you are at the moment ❤❤❤
Mark, if you need to get out of that dark place, dont hesitate to get help. Help is out there. A lot of us have been there and come out of it. Keep the rubber side down, shiny side up and keep riding & talking to us.
Good to see ya back ,if you want instant relief from planta fasciatis,put a pen on the carpet and try to pick it up between your toes and ball of your foot for a couple of minutes it helps big time.Then you can go for a ride. For a good laugh i suggest watching million dollar bogans latest vlogs. Keep on keeping on Mark.
Sorry to hear that you are in such a dark place. I can relate to all your gloom, with a helping of Winter blues. Health issues that prevents you (and me) from enjoying adventure riding. I'm in the process of reimagining myself, sounds like you are too, but you don't know it yet. There's no guarantees in life, old age is a privilege, although getting old sucks! Celebrate what's good in your life, give your dog a good roughing up from me. Get well soon.
Mark: You've got an enormous amount of credibility banked from everything you've been and done...over many years. Whatever you find you can do I'm sure it will be honest and interesting and well worth waiting for, and watching. Whatever you choose to do, nothing can take away the value of what you have given us, from "talking shit", to organizing rides, to all the how to videos, thanks...I've enjoyed the lot and also acted upon quite a bit of it--I own a Himmy because your giveaway series videos and many of the accessories on my bike where chosen and installed as per you're thoughts and advice. The only thing I wouldn't do is ride a Boulevarde in the mud around Pooncarie--my backyard 😂...that was epic.
Gday Mark, thanks for your honesty and sharing your tough times with us all. Sorry to hear of your loss. Not sure who said it but “it doesn’t matter if you slow down, what matters is that you don’t stop”. Take your time buddy, go for a ride.. f$&k it go for many rides!
Hey Mark, Thanks for sharing, it does help with your mental health. I also had Plantar fasciitis and found that the bike was the only way to get around, couldn't drive a car or a forklift but could ride to and from work. We all understand it is hard to lose someone close, but with support all round from family and your channel, you will conquer and come back stronger and content within yourself. Take care and we will wait until you decide to return. Such a genuine man you are.👍
Very sorry for your loss mate! Time has a way of healing things. "The light shines through the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:5 Keep your chin up and cheers from Washington!
Hi Mark, its a shit time for sure mate. Having had similar shit times of late myself. Let yourself go through it, with the support of who ever wants to be there for you. We all enjoy your humour, smile, and friggin great way of delivering your videos. Part of life is being alive. Feeling joy, feeling pain. We take both at any time and keep looking ahead. You have our support. I would gladly tee up a ride with you as I am sure shit loads of people here would as well. You have a community of people who have your back mate.I lost my dad not too long ago. I miss him every day. I know he would want me to keep on living so here I am. If you need a chat. We are all here. Take care and I look forward to more in the future.
Hey mate Losing someone so close can make you question everything Take time to just do you for a bit and let things settle. Go for rides without thinking you need to do it for others Therapy You got this bro
So sorry to hear about your loss, grief is a very difficult process, it comes in waves and does take you to dark places but over time it does get better. I’ve been through it with both my parents and know what you are going through. Don’t worry about your crew we’re members because we like you, take as long as you need.
Feeling your pain. Been through similar situating with my dad recently. Love your your work. Missed you and your banging on 😂. Know your channel community are here for you. All the best mate.
Thanks Mark that is a great effort on your part to get in front of the camera and poured your heart out which I hope has helped to relieve some of the mental anguish. Take care of yourself and try to get out for a ride..
thanks mate. we all get visited by the black dog, and bad circumstances, from time to time. its being man enough to admit that you are struggling - thats where we need to get to. bike therapy is always the key for me - even if its just a 10 minute squirt to the shops and back. every km helps. keep fighting the good fight. we will wait for you.
Time to outsource the group rides/geocache etc? I know how you feel re videos. Sometimes we just need something a little inspirational to happen (which we cant force to happen) to kick us off again. I have a few projects im waiting for to kick me off ;)
Hi There Mark, and Nay. Condolences for your loss, from South Africa. You need time to grieve, so just relax and let time do the healing. Your viewers will still be here I'm sure and you have a global support base. All the Best from Jo'Burg
Thanks for the heartfelt video Mark. It must have been hard for you making it, but thank you. Not enough men admit being vulnerable in hard times because it’s hard but a huge thank you and I hope you gain strength from the amazing support you’re offered. It takes time, so take it and we look forward to your next ride when it happens. Cheers Damo
Sorry for your loss, keep ya chin up, yes I’ve suffered that plantar fasciitis and had gout at the same time, it’s very painful, “keep on keeping on” cheers Mark❤️
G’day Mark, I was thinking the same thing where the bloody hell has Mark been, good to see you up n about & thank you 🙏 for sharing your personal problems behind the scenes, My condolences to you and your families for the passing of your Dad, it definitely take time to process, but hopefully the sun shines on you soon & become the old Mark, speedy recovery on the foot, take care & look after yourself Nay & the family first then the rest will follow in time Cheers Mick 👍
Hi Mark, Great video, honest and heartfelt. Just know that you make a difference, and your videos have been enjoyable for a lot of people. Good on you for making them in the first place and making this one. Take care whatever you choose to do. And take your own advice and keep on keeping on . 😀👍
Gday mate . Ah good to hear from ya . Yea just take ya time mate . I lost my father over a year ago now and had other things going on aswell . But yea jump on max . Will do you the world of good . Jumping on my bike did wonders for upstairs 👍👍👍
I got into listening/watching biker bits because of how genuine you are. There are enough "influencers" out there, it's nice to see someone more home grown which makes it more relative. Keep on keepin on, much love from Canada.
Hi Mark, Sorry to hear of your father’s recent passing. Lost my Dad in 2017 and it’s hard to fathom for sometime after but he’s always there in your memories mate and nobody can take that away. I actually suffered from PF in both feet at different times over the years, however a well placed injection of Cortisone fixed both permanently and have been completely pain free for six years now.
Hi Mark, Sorry to hear the sad news. Take your time to get on top of things. A couple years ago the same happened to me with my dad. Different, but I think I can imagine what it must be like. Obviously, I love your videos and looking forward to you being back, but I don't mind waiting for them. Everyone will go through a rough period. I've been following you that long I can remember you thinking about putting up gazobos in the back yard for the couple bikes you had back then and doing that. Look at the situation now, lots more experience, work changed, family changed, own house, build garage, etc. I'll be sticking around for a lot longer, you take your time! Keep on keeping on!
Hi Mark, My condolences to yourself and family re your dad's passing. You mentioned many times over the years and you had him in some videos over the years and clearly you miss him very much mate, so your lack of wanting to do much of anything at this time especially put in an effort to be bouncing around, being chirpy and rambling etc on camera is perfectly understandable and just do what feels right to you, and when the bug bites for wanting to make videos other than the podcast again that is all good with everyone out there I'm sure. Been watching your vids for years and loved em. Again, whatever you decide to do video wise from now is entirely up to you and do not pressured to put out any vids for the sake of it. Cheers.
Hey Mark, Two wheel therapy works wonders my friend, just like ballistic therapy. Again so sorry for your loss, I lost my father in the middle Covid fiasco and I still have my bad days but they are getting less and less. On the day he died I went out and bought a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe, he always wanted one and never got one. I'm not get any younger so I did that for him and it was a good choice. So when I feel bad or down I take it for a ride and it all goes away. I need work on my DR650 and ride it more. Mark thanks for the video update, and you take all the time you need, and one more thing, don't get rid on my yearly subscription I have a hard enough time remembering to pay that when it comes due, monthly would drive me bananas! Cheers from Texas, USA.
Thanks for sharing some of the darkness that has found its way to you in recent times Mark.I have seen more than enough grief during my life and the one thing that I have learnt is that you need time to help realign yourself and rediscover the things that are important to you. Please allow yourself that time. As much as we love your work...we can wait. Any time spent on Max or Whiskey (love the sound!) will be therapeutic, so go for it. Best wishes for a brighter tomorrow. Stu.
Good to hear from you again Mark. Health comes first. Get right and do what your mind tells you - it's usually right. If you feel like it, get on Max and just go somewhere. Don't think about it being content, just go with the flow. All the best.
Sorry for your loss, no one expects anything of you and what you’ve both given us over the years is priceless. Winter! It bloody sucks but the sun will return. Take care guys, we’ll see you when we see you & thanks 👍
Mate we have all been where your at !keep your chin up things will get better !when you feel ok head out on your bike and do a little cookup the ol nachos and just get back to enjoyin the simple shit ! 🍻
Thanks Mark. Naomi was spot on! Had been wondering what had become of you. It's never easy to tell people your problems. I hope it all works out for you.
Welcome back on the air mate. Can see the pain your feeling but take it one day at a time and eventually it will start to get better. Hope to see you back on to Max soon.
Hi Mark Sorry for your loss mate…great vid to help you expressing your health issues we have all been through it at some stage.. get back on Max ASAP we will all be watching 👍
Hi mark from the northeast of Scotland Feel you’re pain brother, lots dad 15 years ago but still miss his all knowing words A ride on max will do the trick I’m sure All the best from Bonny Scotland 🏴 keep on keeping on
Stop over thinking brother and just live we appreciate where your at and those that don’t aren’t your people anyways!! Keep being you that’s why we are all here 🤘🏼🤘🏼. All the best with family stuff mate we all deal with that stuff differently ❤
Mark, hang in there buddy. You don't know me but I've been following your stuff since around 2017. I got my DR largely because of your videos with Max. You're having a lot of positive impact on people's lives around the world (I'm evidence.) Thanks for always being genuine and honest. I hope someday I can hop over the ocean and join you on one of your rambles!
Hi Mark… I’m sorry for your loss. I wanna let you know that it is ok to feel this way. Your grief is the worst and no one can feel what you’re going thru… since you opened up about what you’re dealing with I thought I would share what I’m going through too. I lost my older brother when I was 16 he was a year older, this totally changed my life and I decided to stay and take care of my parents. I did become very successful with the help of my parents supporting me and decided to retire at the age of 38. I’m 44 right now… I lost my father four years ago and now about two months back I lost my mother. She was the queen of my heart and my father was my hero. And now they’re gone and I’m all alone. Just like you Mark I have not been able to get back on the motorcycle. I am a long time subscriber to your channel back when you brought home the DR650 and you even once read my comment on one of your videos… I was asking about how you deal with scratches on your bike. My username was different back then. I just wanna say the world and life will never be the same without your father, the only thing we can do as sons is to live a life that honours our parents. We’re caught in a storm mark! Don’t fight it… face it… it’ll knock you down but you pick yourself up and just like you always say KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!
Oh Mark, so you are human after all & that's what we love about you. You will get through this period and have good times again without feeling guilty about it. Your experiences resonate with most of us and talking to someone, even a screen is good therapy. Take your time, your audience will still be there and follow your mantra, keep on keeping on.
Mate, shite happens, pick yourself up and do what you want and what feels right, true about going for a ride. Condolences for your Dad. Throw the durrys away and the vape...miss your videos, they are an inspiration for myself and a lot of others to ride and camp out..👍👍
HI Mark, I have been following your channel as a crew member for many years, take your time, it does get better over time and don't rush it. we will be here for when you get back.
Dear Mark. I hope you continue to spread joy in the world with your fantastic videos, and not least just your personality and lovely family. I have followed you from the beginning, and you have been a huge inspiration for me when I had an accident at work. Your motto of never giving up made me get back on the bike today. Thank you so much for you and your family. Mark remember when everything looks black there is always light in the fridge. positive thoughts to you and your family. Brian from Denmark
Lost my dad a year ago. Went through the same things. Wouldn't call it depression, but life felt bland and it was hard to get motivated for anything. Made myself get on my bike told myself Dad was riding with me. Helped a ton and I'm starting to get on now. Takes time mate so take it easy and just do everything in steps.
Hey Mark thanks for the video, take care of yourself. Nothing like taking a break👌 hoping you will be back to your old self soon and then see if you continue vlogging👍 cheers
