BADLANDS 2023: The Untold Story of an Ultra Distance Bikepacking Race

[@outdoorlife25]

Best video on Badlands out there. Instead of a bunch of disconnected clips without context (like most people post), you made it feel like I was going through the event with you. Great job!

[@chrisbrodroy1183]

You stepped up another level. After Atlas i thought "How is this guy able to ride such extreme races and still manage to tell this story while doing it" and this videos just topped the previous videos. As a bike rider and photographer who simply can't do both at the same time, you are pure inspiration - big time!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much Chris. I can’t deny it takes quite a bit of focus and I often wonder what I could do if I weren’t trying to film at the same time, but the challenge is enjoyable and if people enjoy the end result it’s all worthwhile. So glad to be of some inspiration mate! 🙏🏼

[@Sven-fq3bb]

A truly exceptional video - thank you!!!

[@Mathieucros31]

Surreal to watch Tristan . My anxiety comes from being sick and not being strong enough to be a good dad for my 3 kids . I certainly don’t do efforts like yours but I did find strength in a modest 2 or 3 hours “ efforts “ . Watching you fighting sickness on an effort out of your comfort zone absolutely shock me and where I currently have my mental limits on . If you had any doubts on combining filming but racing please be assured you have done the job ❤

[@adelejennings2412]

Absolutely brilliant. Super ride, super video.

[@monsters8730]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@estevetortosa4268]

Congrat!, amazing history and fantastic video, good job !

[@_________4292]

Thank you for your dedication and effort put into preparing this video

[@Yocambio]

Loved it. Could not have been better, both as a film and as a story. Thank you very much for creating so much enjoyment for so many of us.

[@enriqueortiz5670]

Wow i salute you sir. Having a stomach ache in badlands is unimaginable. Good job for finishing it

[@andrewgalea5920]

Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and experiences. ❤

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Andrew 🙏🏼

[@chrikim67]

Epic storytelling and editing 👍 One of, if not the best, account of Badlands, that I have seen so far... Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate..that’s a huge compliment. 🙏🏼

[@DennisGonzalez101]

Wow just wow. Amazing. Great job Tristan I think what really sets you apart is your way of being able to tell a story and your skill to also make it vivid with your video editing skills. Amazing. As a new cyclist and KZbinr there is so much I can learn from you. It would be nice if one day you can make a video about how such a skill is learned and developed. Cheers on a huge accomplishment like this was 🫶🏼👏🏼.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Dennis 🤜🏼🤛🏼 Lots and lots of practice, but there are some other things I’d love to teach somehow - either through a video, online course or in-person workshop. Really cool you’ve enjoyed my videos so much. Good luck with the riding and KZbin journey mate.

[@DennisGonzalez101]

@@tristantakevideo thanks. That would be awesome 👏🏼. Would definitely love to see something like that in the future.

[@rusty9501]

Tristan, WoW! I don’t know what else to say! WOW!

[@sethrossinow8492]

Tristan, having watched all your videos , this was by far the best. Your vulnerability during that climb was so real. Just an awesome ride and video. Thank you for sharing . “Crack on” is my favorite Aussie saying.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate. Have appreciated your support since the start. 🙏

[@thomaskuhn6541]

Wow, what an awesome achievement, not only completing the race in under your target time, but also to document it in a way that made me feel the emotions you were experiencing. Great job.

[@georgeperantinos4157]

Undoubtly one of the best long-distance video I've ever seen. Better than many videos that were shot by chase cars. Well done Tristan!!!!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much..really appreciate the kind words. 🙏🏼

[@iainedgar4076]

I’m in awe ! Can’t find the words to describe how I feel about your experience, the quality of the blog says more than words.

[@maxmcaleese2071]

That was brilliant, mate. Inspirational stuff that brought a tear to my eye. Chapeau 👏👏👏

[@kostaspapazoglou2851]

The transcending battle between your inner "goodlands" journey vs the outer Badlands journey, succinctly narrated and vividly documented! Cheers from Melbourne.

[@danb4542]

Great video!! Well done on all parts!!!

[@maciejr.9677]

Very inspiring and that what I was looking for. Congrats from Poland and hope to CU on trail. :)

[@TheNWaite]

Did Badlands 2021… hot as hell (51C) … watched countless vids in preparation and have watched countless since. Your honesty and genuinely open humility make this short film the best of the lot. Congrats on the achievement of the race and the effort you put into producing this film. Both Outstanding .

[@pfunknoondawg]

That final outro gave me goosebumps, you really summed it up the appeal of ultras - to push yourself to the limit and enter that 'altered state' where both the highs and lows are amplified and you really feel ALIVE! BTW, I discovered you because I, too, participated in El Piri (7th day finisher and first ultra for me - I'm hooked). Can't wait to see the video for that one:!

[@Florian_Uszok]

Every once in a while I comeback to watch some of yours masterpieces. Best cycling content creator imo

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much man 🙏🏼 Truly that means a lot.

[@justinrooimans3546]

Goose bumps! What a beautiful story and achievement. You nailed it in all ways.

[@guillermomunoz5531]

Congrats! It was awesome to meet you at registration - I don’t presume you recall. Really happy to see you do so well. Keep these awesome and inspirational videos coming. Cheers from Boston!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate! I do. Great to meet you there and hope to see you again at one in future 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@simong17]

OMG Could not agree more with the other comments. Just brilliant. I have watched other Badlands video and whilst many are enjoyable yours is just a step above. Similar to previous Ultra you did you capture the essence of the route and race but also your personal story with the associate challenges. Documentary film making is your calling. All the best. Aussie old boy from Subiaco (like Ben) now living in St Pol de Mar.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Simon..really appreciate the kind words and the fact you enjoyed it so much. Both ultras were such journeys in their own way, so I’m glad to have been able to share them 🙏🏼

[@paulround4691]

I lived there for some years and you could ride and get lost for 100 kms in any direction, deadly in July and August if you run out of water! Amazing riding! Nearly all at 1000 metres plus.

[@marshallmoussavi9843]

Just insane. Super inspiring, Tristan.

[@waiakalulu7544]

Amazing story! Amazing video! Amazing tunes! Thanks for taking time to make this gem of documentary. The Almeria climb entry was some choice words. I ride 8K to and from work daily, so this is a REAL eye opener.

[@JJuarezMAgsMx]

What a great adventure, I have followed your videos and photos for a long time and the truth is they are very good, especially the photos, they are spectacular, greetings from Aguascalientes , México

[@torbenfrlund5964]

What a great video and a big accomplishment with the race, thanks for sharing it!

[@cupidstunt1975]

Bloody brilliant video...edited like a pro.

Superb video, Thank you!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate!

[@derekcravenPT]

Wow, I enjoyed every minute of your doco on your journey thro Bad Lands. Chapeau 👍

[@jamesridley401]

Superb 👌 I thought I remembered so much more from the race, some parts of your film i barely recognised. Thank you for bringing it all back in such an honest and humble way. My Badlands journey began long before the start line and finished way past the finish line. Its in my blood now. A fab account of an iconic race.

[@paulwhitfeld4858]

OMG poetry! In motion.... Your best work yet. So good. Awesome effort too. Wow... 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@andreasantorum77]

Such a pleasure to watch! Amazing piece of content… I got so inspired by this video! Thanks so much, keep it up!! 🤩

[@KFc-pm1rz]

Absolutely amazing video and ride. Amazing you performed well and recorded along the way. Awesome images and a very well- made video. You should be proud of yourself. Top, top, top job!!! And thank you for sharing this experience.

[@DavidK140]

Fantastic effort mate , a great story teller and can see where you get your sense of adventure ! What a production, a pleasure to watch.

[@MrSaintgall]

My biggest respect for that journey mate! Gave me goosebumps and inspiration. Undoubt a story for your grandkids one day. Ride on!

[@danseb1975]

Amazing storytelling and great footage. Totally entertaining video! Watching it already for a second time

[@tristantakevideo]

Amazing..hope you spot some of the smaller details the second time round. Thanks so much. 🫶🏼

[@chrisd3105]

Some video that Tristan 🙌

[@CGA22]

Great job Tristan! Really very impressive. And great video. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@cameronjohnhayes]

Wow! That was awesome, especially your words at the end about your last 50km.

[@ctouzelet]

GREAT video! Thx

[@marksmithWLC]

❤

[@l0ner1der]

Amazing video Tristan, one of your best! We visit Andalusia each year and I've never heard of Badlands so this was a real eye opener for the area and the race. Huge congratulations for carrying on when you were obviously feeling pretty rough, well done 👍

[@Amundsen.A]

Goosebumps!

[@juanf.l.8211]

Awesome. BEST video of badlands experience.

[@ruiteixeira1594]

Amazing documentary with impressive quality, thanks for all the work you did to share your experince.

[@Balintrebeka]

What an unbelievable effort and achievement! (made me want to experience such a state of mind, to be honest :) ). Special thanks for filming and sharing!!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much Rebeka 🙏🏼 As Rob said, it’s a pretty special place to be in. But takes a lot of hard work to get there…😂 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Balintrebeka]

Well, you earned that special place, for sure...

[@graemehobson3787]

Mate thanks so much for making this , it was amazing 👍

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Hey man that was a truly great telling of your experience during Badlands. Perfect timing of course as the closing date for Badlands 2024 has just passed as we (I) await to see if our application has been successful. Of course it goes without saying well done on finishing Badlands and meeting your sub 48h goal; for an off-road event that is quite an undertaking. I enjoyed your ending too, trying to explain your sleep deprivation and hallucinations, I've been through that a number of years ago at PBP in 2019, see shapes in the trees, riding the white line through the middle of the night away from the edge of the road surrounded by the rustle of someone hiding away in their emergency blanket and it seems like every second of time passing is an eternity until you reach that point when your wide awake again... that or you've managed to somehow dismount safely and get your head down for a short while.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate. It’s a crazy feeling isn’t it? I don’t know whether I loved or hated it, but I did get what I came for, which was a unique experience. Obviously glad to arrive safe but I can see how it would be very easy not to in those circumstances.

[@hvanriesen]

Well told!

[@pellereauolivier3509]

Among your best videos so far; you managed to describe and make us "experience" your feelings really well, like you did in Morocco, though this time you were obviously "one step beyond" in terms of physical and mental fatigue. My congrats; it is so inspiring and think like other viewers that it is probably the best video on Badlands. Thanks a lot for all your job👍

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much mate. It was both an incredible and incredibly tough event, but like Atlas it’s been so good to be able to look back on and share it with people who enjoy watching. Really appreciate your support. 🙏🏼

[@newbarker523]

Captivating and inspiring. Well done 🎉 Great filming and cycling. I wanna ride now!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate! That’s the best compliment I could receive. 🙏🏼

[@Ravi-fh1wy]

Incredible ride, wonderful video! Thanks Tristan!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much mate! 🙏🏼

[@MsBruso]

Great video!!! Mega kudos for getting through all the issues and keep recording and pedaling.

[@designerlover1985]

I hope this video gets the views it deserves, this was such a journey and an amazing production, you can totally be proud of yourself 💪🏼

[@tristantakevideo]

Thank you so much!

[@deniswyrwoll8950]

Amazing documentary. Can’t believe you produce this on your own. Congratulations!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much Denis! 🙏🏼

[@nelmax07]

Thank you for sharing this personal piece with us! What an achievement - and as others said before: really an outstanding video. Greets from Germany 😊

[@aoifeodonnell4929]

Wow Tristan, this was amazing to watch! To be able to capture and tell such a compelling story while truly inside the pain cave is remarkable. I only know ultra racing from a running point of view but I could really feel and empathise with your struggles when you felt you were at your physical and emotional limit. But how insane is it that when the tank appears empty we have so much more left to give. What a beautiful metaphor for life. Congratulations on your achievement🌟🌟🌟. Oh and it wouldn't be ultra racing without "Tom Dumoulin" knocking at the door. 😅

[@jameshoey303]

thanks for posting....really enjoyed the video...never make your standard...but did cycle London to Paris to Geneva to nice...me 65 with 21 year old son....great bonding....

[@markooivo]

Well done! Amazing result and achieving your goal, and the video was really really well made. The physical and emotional struggles really came through, but still it was beautiful and inspiring :) 11/10 points

[@robbie6638]

I very much enjoyed this documentary! Well done.

[@dxbdean]

Love your story telling as always Tristan, you have a gift. And as for the story itself, wow, just wow. Congratulations that was a superman effort considering your early ‘challenges’. And while you were in Sydney, I was in Melbourne where I managed to break my leg ! So this video is much needed inspiration to get back on the bike and back up to speed. Literally. Well done and congratulations once again.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much man. Hope you heal up alright and are back on the bike soon! 🙏🏼

[@blakefx]

Well done on both the ride and the video. I think you have some of the best cycling stories on KZbin.

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much man 🙏🏼

[@nickbryant9182]

Wicked mate, thank you!!!

[@brickstotrips]

What a beast! This is an epic doc

[@Ravi-fh1wy]

That was an incredible ride, Tristan!! And kudos on the brilliant capture on video as we could really feel the effort. That ending had me stunned and speechless! I am a big, big fan now!! 👍🏻🙏💥!!

[@Thorsten89342]

Well done Tristan, this was an excellent video to watch, and 11th place on an epic ride like Badlands is something to be very proud of. I can echo others here and say that I think this is the best video produced so far about the race, so well put together and very honest. It definitely makes me want to try the event! You wanted to test yourself and boy you sure did… lots to take away and learn from about how to acclimatise better, how to pace better and what to do about sleeping. What a great experience for you. Thanks again.

[@saskhiker3935]

Respect and thank you for sharing your journey. I would love to do an ultra one day, but the sleep deprivation things seems like the hardest part.

[@illnatured55]

Unreal effort and movie. Chapeau, sir, chapeau

[@JoeCincotta307]

Impressive experience, and video. You have gained a new subscriber here

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks Joe. Good to have you on board! 🙏🏼

[@mickross4352]

Epic, Pnut! :)

[@tristantakevideo]

Hahaha legendary. You are one of 3 people on here who would remember that era of my life. 🥲

[@rosssanelli]

Thanks for taking us along . Much respect 🙏

[@mrcycling7007]

Congratulations Tristan. Awesome achievement told spectacularly! 👊🏼

[@jdsgotninelives]

Another high quality vlog, trans Atlas. I felt your pain. I felt your grit. I felt your achievement. Congrats on 11th place. And the interview with Rob Britton; priceless. Thanks!

[@craigjok]

A great video of this amazing event. I’ve done long events like Ironman 140.6, race teams for the 3,000 mile Race Across America and the 900 mile Race Across the West where I’ve touched those moments of delirium but fortunately wasn’t alone. Congratulations on your accomplishment.

[@DiabloMiles]

You crazy son of a god! Goosebumps

[@camstarx]

Hey Tristan , I only just found your videos after following you on instagram for years . The videos are AWESOME !! Great work thanks for putting the effort in to make them . Love the part about your parents and what inspires you. Cheers Campbell

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks mate! Super stoked you’ve enjoyed them so much 🙏🏼

[@nlimb6214]

Amazing you managed to finish at all never mind 11th after feeling so awful so early on! Massive congrats and excellent film.

[@camilgreule1140]

Insane video mate! Best one about badlands ive seen so far!

[@aoe76]

40:56 it was a hard ride for Josh Reid as well one can see 😂 you are all savages. Great filmning 👌😊

[@tristantakevideo]

Haha it was good to share a few k’s with Josh. And good to know I wasn’t the only one having a hard time out there..😂 Thanks mate

[@simenns]

Awesome work, enjoyed reliving this crazy "race" 👏 We had quick chat along the way after 100k+ when it was pouring down. The climb after Almeria is the worst thing I have ever experienced on a bike 🤣

[@tristantakevideo]

Haha that moment at km100 was one of my lowest, followed quickly by that climb..😂 Congrats for getting it done though mate!

[@janvandegaer9628]

Great video and massive respect!

[@m1les7]

Absolutely awesome Tristan. Wow you did amazing, what a gladiator. Such a fantastic video.

[@donball370]

Tristan, great video. Very evident at the end how much that took out of you. You must have been half the person who started 47 hrs earlier. Well done. Do hope you manage to keep to the right side of the obsession line. Enjoy the "off" season. Congratulations on another excellent year on KZbin, cheers and all the very best, Don

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much Don. 🙏🏼

[@toobers65]

Fantastic ride, chapeau! Plus another great video, absolutely amazing. I just don’t know how you managed to do both. Keep up the good work!

[@darrelduke]

definately a well thought out video. the editing, fades and timed cuts with the audio are very good. the music placement for setting the emotional "vibe" of a particular scene is very good as well. as you said about your anxiety racing and filming at the same time, only if you have done this yourself can you make a comment on the job tristan is doing. which by the way is excellent.

[@leroy_who]

Incredible. 👊🏽

[@flemminglindhj3162]

Such a great job with this video and soooo nice to relive Badlands through your story 🙌

[@joost__de__wolf]

Nice edit!

[@Kermitonwheels]

That was great man, you told your story as only you do, with so much humility. And awesome ride, well done, super inspiring. It’s interesting to watch your development too in this discipline, what you’re learning along the way. I wonder how you’ll approach the next one with pacing and sleep strategies. Also I did say you’d be doing another after Atlas! Ha!

[@tristantakevideo]

Haha I honestly never thought I’d do another after Atlas but you and a few others said I would, and you were right..it’s super addictive. Hopefully there are some things to be used from this one for the next. Glad you enjoyed it mate!

[@Moseley_Engineering]

Absolutely awesome mate. Well done on such a good time with all the shitting problems. I loved robs comments and yours on the hallucinatory moments and how they should be celebrated and embraced - i've been there myself and if you can do that you can push fucking hard.

[@BMMB450]

This is brutal Tristan. My best long distance ride is 6 hours then one week rest😢. No way I can do this on any level of preparation I make. You are an iron balls fella. Big respect and appreciation for sharing this vlog❤ massive 👍🏻

[@tristantakevideo]

Thank you 🙏🏼 Give it time. Rides like this don’t happen easily..I’ve been training for 10 years and more specifically the last 5 to be able to ride long distances without needing to stop too much..it’ll come if you stick at it.

[@bikeinmotion]

I couldn't agree more with all the other guys here. By far the best Badlands video out there! Coming from a ultrarunning I can definately relate to your experience. The second night is a tough one. Running through the trails I saw and heard things too 🫣. Doing some longer bike events this year too I wonder if you could make a short behind the scenes video. How did you capture all the clips? Some were handheld mobile ok but the downhill scenes? I didnt spot a gopro chesty on you?

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much. Yeah that second night really was something unique. I can’t say I loved it but it was different, and that’s what I wanted, so it was cool to experience. For all of this video (other than the final 3 minute studio monologue) I used my iPhone 13 Pro and then also used an Insta360 X3 with a mouth mount from Pro Standard for those handful of descending shots. I made a bikepacking breakdown video a couple of episodes before this one, from a different trip, but where I speak a little bit about my camera and battery setup. Thanks again mate. 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@Bellerophon17]

Great storytelling as always. And interesting to see where that adventurous streak comes from. Let us know if your parents start live-streaming from the boat on Twitch or something!

[@tristantakevideo]

Thanks so much. They post occasionally on Instagram at @sailingparoo if you’d like to see where they are. 👌🏼