An EPIC Gravel Adventure Ride in the Ozarks | THE RAPHA PRESTIGE OZARKS STORY

Rapha puts on these special events called Prestige rides. There once a year and located in some of the craziest places on earth. This once was in the Arkansa Ozarks and OH MY IT WAS AMAZING!
Endless gravel roads made for this cycling adventure to be the best bike trip I have ever taken. Riding gravel bikes on gravel roads with gravel people and gravel gravel gravel, is that good youtube? Will you recommend my gravel ride video to people who like Rapha clothing and gravel bikes and thin mustaches and flavored soda water that tastes like nothing? Thanks, that would be sweet.
How it works is you have a 4 man team and there is a staggered start so everyone doesnt start at once. The route is announced the night before and there really isnt any support. So there is some navigation aspects to it as well.
Allied cycle works got me dialed in on the best gravel bike I have ever ridden. Just for the weekend though, I didnt get to keep it. We rode around the town on Friday and then the big day on Saturday and then a tour of Walmart on Sunday.
I want to go back so bad, this part of the world was insane! A HUGE thank you ZACHARY PIÑA! This dude made this happen!
Also, I havent posted a video in a while because I have been hyper focused on work and family. 2019 is gonna be big for cycling and I need to put in the time with the day job and fam to allow for me to accomplish what I want to do in 2019.
////FREE go pro some where on this route
/ strava
/////Hella sick Shirts n stuff
www.ridebikesbro.com
/////Get on the Spurlina Train
sp2life.com/pages/vegan-cyclist - code Vegan for 30%off
/////Hydration
www.Crankednaturals.com - code vegan for 25% off
/////Diamondback deal
Create an account and use crop code VEGAN for INSANE deals
www.diamondback.com/partner
follow me bruh
/ thevegancyclist
/ strava
/ the_vegan_cyclist

[@zXToThaFaceXz]

Wouldn't be a VC video without GoPro troubles would it

[@matthewcrouch4594]

Making my way through your archive which I love. Your cultish comments about Bentonville were so accurate even 5 years ago, and now it's even more enhanced. I was born and raised in a town just south. From birth to age 32ish, I had no reason to ever visit that town until the Walton brothers started pumping money into the town to enhance the cycling infrastructure, bars, restaurants and museums. It's like a really cool town just sprang up in a decade, and they are not stopping any time soon. I utilize their facilities all the time, but I prefer living in Fayetteville which has a more organic business community, and more of a locals vibe. We still definitely benefit from being close to Bentonville as the charitable arms of Waltons donate millions for a variety of public projects all over the region. The main negatives of such rapid growth has been affordable housing is non-existent, and everything is an AirBnB. The cycling tourism is pretty amazing in the area, but that has also led to really crowded trails and a race every weekend.

[@ALLIEDCYCLEWORKS]

Glad you enjoyed your visit and our bike! Arkansas is a special place. Awesome that you got to experience it.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Yo! Your bike was the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. It was an absolute pleasure to ride some of the greatest roads on your beast of a machine.

[@SkeetSystem]

Whatever you were paying Facebook went to good use because I used to get ads for you guys all the time. Some nice looking stuff.

[@rayacosta3510]

I love my allied alfa

[@bfeltovi]

Great bikes.

[@bikerbud3903]

I hear Bill and Hillary think its a special place. They've been to other "special places also, such as "Epstein Island". They are going to a new "special place" soon called GITMO. Sorry, couldn't resist. You'll see what I'm saying soon. WWG1WGA.

[@budershank]

The Ozarks in rural Arkansas is low key one of my favorite places to cycle. The drivers are surprisingly courteous. I suspect it is because they are used to farm equipment and atvs along the roads.

[@crbondur]

As someone who lives in Arkansas, I'm glad you got to show off our state. Arkansas has some amazing roads and trails. :)

[@kyletabor636]

NWA is dope. It’s not fake, but I can see how you’d think that lol 🤣 Walmart puts A LOT of money in the community. The trails have gotten a lot better recently too, and that cute little town was Eureka Spring btw, which wasn’t built on Walmart money.

[@norriscj]

Arkansas is a gorgeous state. Significantly underrated!

[@gabechavez6898]

T U R T L E ! ! ! 🐢

[@Evan-zj5mt]

Maaan, respect for staying positive, I would have been gutted to lose the go pro but end a 122 mile ride when you've burned thousands of calories and not to even have some fries, or veggies or salads or anything to eat would have been the catalyst for me losing it.

[@GenuinePluko]

23:17 "what do I do?" "SEND IT. WE SEND IT. SEND EVERYTHING" hahahahahahah legendary!

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

That's my tribe. ☺

[@claymcclendon]

I just moved here because of the cycling industry. A year ago I felt the same vibes of the cultish feel but has shed off about now with a better complete feel. Hope they continue to add to the greenway. As a roadie and a gravel enthusiast it is definitely scenic in these parts compared to Oklahoma where I am from.

[@talkshow5100]

The best cycling video's on the NET!

[@GeekonaBike]

Marital advice from a guy who knows how to screw one up. If UR already borderline dog house, don't say "I wanna go to that strip club" on camera,

[@JensDueOhlsen]

solid advice

[@EdWilliamstech]

Lies, I never had any problems doing stuff like that back before she left me.

[@GeekonaBike]

@@EdWilliamstech Did I forget to add "Your results may vary"? 😉

[@crazypaulinquebec]

toooo funny ;-)

[@christopherhyatt6785]

Glad you enjoyed your time in my hometown! Northwest Arkansas has some pretty incredible riding.

[@CloudiaNgaming]

I just wanted to tell you that you gave me inspiration and motivation to start training more serious. I'm now doing my first race soon as a fifteen years old !

[@davidtam1518]

Dude.. rapha rides are so fun!

[@piedmontwildlifeandoutdoors]

You should really see if you could work out how to do the "Assault on Mount Mitchell" in May in North Carolina. That's an episode everybody would love to see. You can join George Hincapie, and NASCAR legends Jimmy Johnson, Jamie McMurray, Matt kenseth and others on an epic ride. The full ride to the summit of Mount Mitchell is 102 miles and gains over 10,500 ft.

[@valuableblu]

That little town looked like Eureka Springs. Great weekend getaway

[@cehlers41]

You gotta run tubeless in these parts! :)

[@sgalenchapmanjr7456]

NW Arkansas has really blown up for cycling over the last several years. I have family down there that rides, mountain and gravel regularly. For such a relatively poor socioeconomic state, it truly is beautiful. Except in the summer when it's 110 with 90% humidity... keep up the good work!

[@asianyangster916]

Sounds like a ride of a lifetime. Just sick!

[@kylecoley9738]

Glad you enjoyed your time here! If you ever want to come back and do some racing, we have the Joe Martin Stage Race which is one of the premier stage races on the race calendar. Also you should come out with your mountain bike and check out some of the mountain bike trails around here, it will blow your mind!

[@makemebadfan95]

Being part of the Wal-mart/BMC team myself, glad you enjoyed our neck of the woods!

[@ianusna91]

Glad you had a great time in AR. We do have some great cycling of all kinds. Come on back!

[@prehall]

Glad you came and experienced our neck of the woods, Tyler! You should definitely get a mountain bike next time you come through and experience our awesome trails--there is something for all kinds of skill levels.

[@TheSunshinetripper]

It's a pretty amazing and special place. We just moved here from NorCal and love it. Best decision ever. Thanks for sharing.

[@bluskydreamr1]

I've been wanting to check out the Ozarks for a while now. I watched some show that took place there and it was so pretty... now it's on my bucket list of places to see.

[@ScottWhite12]

Yo man..... Really great video... One of your best

[@tymac277]

Bentonville definitely feels like the Stepford Wives, but its all legit, I love that place! The fords great, the atmosphere it fantastic, cycling is out of this world.

[@urby1720]

LA & George are legends. Pretty cool they were there. Great video! Love the Allied bike too.

[@stuartmcgill5065]

Greetings VC, from the middle of a full-on Bavarian winter! Dude, I think that was one of your best videos. Super spontaneous, with cool people, awesome trails and beautiful places! Even the loss of your GoPro (nightmare!!) couldn't dampen your spirits! Great to see you getting these cool offers; you've worked hard for them! Enjoy and keep the cool footage coming!

[@THESWPLACE]

Very cool adventure! 👍🏻

[@adamgriss2025]

Great video, as always. The scenery on that ride reminded me sooo much of where I used to ride on summer vacations growing up in Sutton, Quebec. The rolling hills and greenery, not to mention the smell of nature! This video really made me homesick missing those rides with my sisters, cousins, and uncle. Thanks for bringing back those cherished memories for me. I’ll be thinking of that scenery as I ride in tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 🤙🏻

[@mikececil6179]

Oh yes. A true visionary. Dude.

[@overlandtowater]

Eureka springs that where my wife and I stayed for our honeymoon. LOL great video! Bentonville has spent so much on MTB riding its crazy. I think I seen they have a pump track along the side walks for the kids to rid to school on....Like REALY!!!!!!!!!!

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

Looks like fun times. Props to the wife for the full send on holding the family camp bruh🤙🏽🤙🏽. That bike looks so rad too.

[@kchall5]

Man, I hope you got Mrs. VC something very shiny and sparkly for her birthday.

[@InvestorAcademyPodca]

Signed picture of him riding.

[@TheVCAdventures]

She got a brand new gopro, she has really been wanting one ;)

[@kchall5]

I await your new video series: "Living in My Van With My Wife's New GoPro".

[@benanderson9551]

An I ride bikes tee

[@MrSicksidrappe]

Bentonville is a full on mountain bike mecca. Go back and ride some of the area trails and you will see why a lot of people are moving there for the biking.

[@TheVCAdventures]

We road past some trails that looked INSANELY PERFECT. We actually tried to arrange MTBs on the 3rd day but it fell through

[@baseballfurlife8204]

VC you are so inspiring to watch it is so amazing

[@Ibanez3x]

Invites VC to Rapha Prestige Doesnt provide vegan food for the vegan they invited

[@brendavane9148]

Nice ride. Interesting observations.

[@aimeeoconnor8327]

Just a quick note to say I'm training for my first sprint triathlon and I just love your vids!! The swimming for 30 days straight lol..I feel ya!! Ugh.

[@GlennMunlawin]

Love it Tyler! sporting #Eliel in the Rapha store!

[@Dutchandstuff]

I was just thinking when the next VC vid is coming... WOOO!

[@zXToThaFaceXz]

me too haha I just checked his channel earlier wondering if he had posted anything

[@ncbassmix]

3 minutes in and I'm stoked. Sick edit as usual.

[@Greesonmonkey44]

grew up in NW Arkansas! haven't been back since childhood. makes me want to go back!

[@l0gjammin]

Thanks for coming to Bentonville and great video as always. Also I appreciate you pointing out our hipster infestation 😂

[@DylanJohnsonCycling]

Got a chance to visit the allied hq on the way to marathon nationals last year. Awesome bikes!

[@Hubertalcala]

New subscriber from Chicago. I love riding gravel and I love your videos. Keep on creating these contents, bro😎

[@alphacharlie65ms]

I am from Joplin. About an hour from Bentonville. Sam Walton started Walmart there. Hope you enjoyed the Ozarks.

[@zacharysmiles1308]

My favorite VC video. So Funny!

[@juanosorio7151]

Rider from Bentonville here! I do both road and MTB and it is awesome! You get the very best of both worlds here

[@Megaboyd]

One of my favorites.

[@Swr88]

*Calls out hipsters* Also *plays most hipster montage song ever* Still love you VC. Bring back that trap ish though!

[@cycologist7069]

Ha ha yeah I agree with the irony. It's always interesting how those who are most critical of hipsters fit the very definition of hipster in many ways. Still he's a good dude and hipster isn't necessarily bad thing.

[@brianmessemer2973]

6:41 Casual George Hincapie! Wow!

[@TysRides]

That whole area is insanely beautiful. The MTBing is prime down there but it's good to know there are some sweet areas for a road ride as well. Your videos rock.

[@jamcguire100]

Your gravel bike appears to be around the $7,000 mark on the Allied website. Another great video.

[@52daytripper]

lance and george will always have the dark mark from going over to the dark side, you are better than that, so is your video; and your dinner looked awesome, even though I had just eaten dinner!

[@jon4739]

4:25 your vocals are dead center and then BAM!!!! the music comes on Panned hard right and left... Made me smile. Dude. I just love your videos. One day gonna get you in the deep south to try out some of the Appalachian foothills.

[@toddbz]

I feel like there’s a story behind the pink wrist wrap #birthdayrevenge

[@sophie02222]

Just the best vid “vaig” 👍

[@ianmcdonald6788]

Live in St. Louis and have been contemplating heading to Bentonville for a guys weekend to ride. This just sealed it.

[@borisb.5024]

Is Kristin going to get a new gopro for her birthday? ;)

[@mmike1274]

Allied bikes are phenomenal!! The All Road is badass!! Gotta go tubeless bro!

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

He does ride tubeless. This was a borrowed bike.

[@codyc2913]

Keep up the good work man. Your an inspiration even to is carnivores

[@cupdrums]

Rumour has it VC had a special invite to The Ozark's from Marty Byrd

[@sirces9]

You have to revisit this ride! I would love to a hear Part 2......

[@zachcollier117]

Huge fan!!! I’m a trail builder for rock solid trails and we are building the new under 11 trails in bella vista 10 min north of bentonville, let me know when you come back this way!!!!

[@Megaboyd]

Dude. Been waiting for this.

[@marcusking4365]

I am not originally from NWA and really did not want to move here but fate brought me here and now that I live here I love it. It is a great place to live and this area is just BOOMING. The bike scene is unreal here. Yes, Wal-Mart can get a little freakish with itself; we just let them have their time and space and we enjoy the benefits. There is also JB Hunt and Tyson's here as well. Vegan is a new concept here as people love their meat here but it is starting to catch on though. Hope you come back sometime to check out more of what this area has in both mountain bike riding and some good road biking with the Joe Martin stage race being awesome!

[@timothytopor4362]

those green jerseys are fire

[@bryanrobinson6891]

Bentonville AK is a must ride destination.

[@Advcrazy]

“This is such a sic route...TURTLE TURTLE!!” Haha this made me laugh!!

[@samwarren7377]

Super psyched that you loved the Ozarks, I'm from fayetteville. If/ when you come back go south for the pine trees closer to Ft. Smith. Theres some amazing gravel rides. ( come ride the joe martin stage race its legit)

[@TheJJvon]

i live in SO MO and visit ARKANSAS a lot. at 16:28 when he started talking about a "magical town" i was thinking, i wonder if he's talking about Eureka springs. then i started recognizing the buildings and signs. soooo right that place is magical. super well known for romantic get-aways. multtiple B&B and wedding chapels. you should DEFINITELY bring you wife for a little r&r. super rich history. healing springs, hauted hotels, foot paths and mountain bike paths galore. gotta put it on your list

[@jcar2412]

Was up all around backpacking in that area. Was really amazed at how cool the ozarks are. Dont go to branson. It's a synthetic place

[@rich3318]

Dope. Vid and music

[@TheRoamingLimey]

Your wife is freakin awesome dude! The turtle part and the bouncing go pro were the best parts..

[@gregsandifer2398]

Great video ! I'm going to visit a friend and ride in that area this year. Yes I think there are three vegans in the south and we all know each other😎

[@heathermachelle]

There are a lot of vegans here. :))

[@gregsandifer2398]

Heather Smith that's good to hear! I'm in south Ms and very few . We are going to Pensacola soon for a vegan event . Looking g forward!

[@justthepip]

Shit man, that looked like such a good day. Really fantastic music choices too.

[@SebCam]

Wowwwwzers!! That was like a ride on a rollercoaster of entertainment and information.... I would love to have your style of info-tainment appearing in my daily vlogs, Im uploading everyday!!

[@laytonwilson9516]

VC, you’ve officially made me comment for the first time on ANY KZbin video. I love you channel and this video really hits home for me. I’m from NW Arkansas, about an hour SE of Bentonville. That little magical town you went through is Eureka Springs, and is a fantastic little “tourist” spot. If you’re ever back, a must see is the Crescent Hotel, supposedly haunted... I’ve ran MANY 5 and 10k’s through the hills of Eureka. Hope you enjoyed your trip

[@TheVCAdventures]

I am honored to be the receiver of your first comment. I too never comment, so thank you bro. And man, that area was so amazing. I really want to go back for a longer time and really explore the area.

[@bobbymcflare57]

You should come to Maryland in october to do the Seagull century it it really fun, scenic, and great after party

[@scottjoyce85]

LOL at "people in that part of the world aren't eating plants"

[@edwardo123]

Bentonville and northwest arkansas is quickly becoming a mountain biking hub. They have hundreds of miles of mountain bike specific trails, and they seem to be opening new ones daily. Everything from green flow trails all the way to dh level tech

[@scocassovegetus]

Hope someone finds your go-pro and returns it, that'd be pretty cool.

[@jamesd5241]

Press F to pay respec to Mr Yosemites GoPro....

[@jamesd5241]

F

[@jorenbrook8433]

F

[@Timtimzi]

F

[@kmac720]

F

[@mikespringer7894]

The stoke is pretty high man.. send it bro

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

While I totally respect your diet, I just couldn't look at that plate of broccoli after a long ride and be like, "mmm that looks good". Takes dedication.

[@TheVCAdventures]

I get it, I ate strictly meat and cheese till I was 25. But once your gut biome changes, you actually crave the veggies. Plus, I cook the fuck out of some broccoli. I make my shit amazing.

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

@@TheVCAdventures I can see that. I've made some adjustments, like quitting sugar, where your body starts craving other thing.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Bentonville is a pretty interesting town. Don't know if you made it to Onyx , but they make some awesome coffee! Also nice Rodeo Labs your teammate was riding.

[@phoneindustrydesign]

bro I love your videos, see if you can upload more ♥

[@cynicalcyclist963]

Sat watching and when you picked up the bike I heard a Garmin bleep and I'm thinking is my Garmin on then DOH its on the video.......

[@michigandogman3060]

My friend and I did a ride on roads like that, it was early in the day and we saw a cow that had just given birth to a calf and we saw the biggest snapping turtle I have ever seen in a small pond. Some rides are just epic, for the most unexpected reasons 😊

[@shaunwiegert]

Thank you for the story VC. Love it! I live near KC and would love to experience that. Its only 3 hours away and I plan to take my soon to arrive new Niner RLT RDO there. Any chance to get a map of your ride? Maybe Ill find your 2 year old GoPro...lol. Been watching a few of your videos. I gotta give props. Recording and editing video is time consuming work. Keep the content coming.

[@garybonham6048]

Allied Fan boy here. What did you think? I think the front is a little stiff, but the bike is so sweet. And as far as the Vegan, LOL, welcome to the South!

[@MBdrummer3288]

Dude, I’m so sorry that GoPro incident happened to you. What a major bummer. But what an EPIC ride!

[@antoniosoprano3652]

The Rapha Prestige that I rode also didn't have much vegan food at the finish (literally only salad), but I was prepared and brought some ClifBars as post-ride snacks.

[@earthbiker]

F'ing love it man

[@Scohen415]

Awesome video even without that footage. I have an Allied All road. Its got the same paint job as the one you rode. Allied I heard is owned by one of the waltons. Making it the blingest walmart bike around.

[@fleshrocker]

Grew up 10 miles from here. Never saw a cyclist. Waiting to see something I remembered.

[@brianmcguffee8780]

Go Gamecocks! Great Video!