Bike Racers Try Bike Packing (The Impossible Route Ep.2 - Cycling Documentary)

The Impossible Route: Trans Appalachia is a 3-day gravel bike-packing adventure that follows the first attempt of the Lost Roads Route.
In this expedition, The Vegan Cyclist, his 19-year-old protégé Travis Longfellow, and Jeremiah Bishop attempt to traverse the Appalachian Mountains on a route filled with legend.
Jeremiah used the Strava Route Builder to map the Lost Roads Route that he’d spent years researching. Beginning in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the route heads east traversing the Appalachian Mountains toward Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The route follows in reverse a once-vital lifeline for commerce, mail, and supplies for the American frontier. Spanning 462 miles with 38,000 feet of climbing between the Ohio River Valley and the James River in Richmond, Virginia.
Now overgrown and often abandoned, these mountain roads and abandoned rail lines once connected the first and only major route through the region’s rugged Appalachian wilderness.
As an added challenge, the riders will bring just $40 each, and the only additional supplies available to what they set out with will be what fans mail to the three U.S. Post Offices along the route.
For a bird’s eye overview of the adventure, they hatched a plan to fly in a small prop plane to the start. The journey began with a shakedown to the bare minimum in order to come under the maximum takeoff weight for the little aircraft.
Nervously they set off into the unknown, eagerly anticipating the adventure. Some things will go right and some things are bound to go sideways. Begging the question, will this route be possible?
This is episode 2 of 5, find all 5 episodes here: • THE IMPOSSIBLE ROUTE (...
Ep.0 - Hawaii ( • The Impossible Route -... )
Ep.1 - Death Valley ( • The Impossible Route: ... )
Ep.2 - Virginia ( • Bike Racers Try Bike P... )
Ep.3 - Montana ( • The Impossible Route E... )
Ep.4 - Colorado ( • The Telluride HELLRIDE... )
STRAVA
DAY 1 - / strava
Day 2 - / strava
Day 3 - / strava
SPONSOR SUPPORT BY:
BIKE SPONSOR - Canyon Bicycles (www.canyon.com/en-us/impossib...)
TIRE SPONSOR - IRC Tire (ircbike.com/)
FITNESS TRACKING - Whoop ( www.whoop.com/)
HYDRATION - Flow Formulas (flowformulas.com/)
PACKS & STORAGE - Apidura (www.apidura.com/shop/)
CLOTHING - Eliel Cycling (www.elielcycling.com/)
ROUTE PLANNING - Strava - (www.strava.com/)
WHEEL SUPPORT - DT Swiss (www.dtswiss.com/en)
DONATE : Look, these are tough to make. Even with sponsor support, the budget for each episode is crazy high. If you felt like this was worth a buck or 2, that would be amazing.
( www.paypal.com/paypalme/vegan... )
MUSIC BY:
Nothin' Left Blues Peter Crosby
Blue Notes John and the
Sick Man's Blues Peter Crosby
The Bayou Tigerblood Jewel
On the Bayou Chris Shards
I'm Indestructible Tigerblood Jewl
Virginia Highway Tigerblood Jewl
No Regrets Today Step Two!
Trouble Stay from My Door Roy Williams
Kid Arizona Tigerblood Jewl
The Mission J.F. Gloss
She Don't Like Me No Mo' Peter Crosby
Partners in Crime Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
0:00 Intro
3:42 Day one
16:51 End of the first day
16:52 Day two Morning
18:10 Start of day two ride
35:30 End of day two
35:31 Start of day three
37:28 Start of ride day three
55:45 End of ride day three
55:42 Closing chat with Tyler and Jeremiah

[@TheVCAdventures]

Its hard to put into words how amazing the support has been for this Impossible Route Project. These are NOT easy, I am always on the verge of quitting, but knowing I dont want to let you down keeps me chugging along. Now this video has ZERO mid roll ads, why? Because they ruin the story. I dont want an ad popping up in the middle of the video because thats lame. So IF, and only IF you finish this and think this was worth a small donation, it would go a LONG way. All the love, and onto the next one! ( www.paypal.com/paypalme/vegancyclist )

[@syrus3k]

Even better it goes direct to your wife lol.

[@KOMHuntTV]

Great idea!! 👍👍

[@tbrowniscool]

You deserve all the donations dude. Unfortunately I cannot afford to give you anything at this time but guys if you are in a position to please do ❤️

[@slackstation]

Dude, this is so good. The best adventure yet. Would love to see more of these. Figuring out the right level of challenge is key. This shows that it doesn't have to be as soul-grindingly hard as Death Valley for it to be interesting. It'd be fun to have different guests with you. Maybe like pros and ex-pros who want a taste of that Lachlan Morton styled adventure. Maybe one where you guys get decked out in vintage turn of the century gear. Something interesting. I really enjoyed the history that Jeremiah Bishop brought to the trip. It gives flavor to alternating between suffer-fest and road high and just bombing really fast.

[@dougfromsoanierana]

Is the route you took available publicly? If not I would pay for that.

[@kylecouture1917]

Tyler: "If you comp the room Ill say the absolute best things about your hotel." Also Tyler: "Your pillows objectively suck."

[@rogerc23]

They were super nice to him and the crew. I wouldn’t be looking a gift horse in the mouth.

[@andygayner9640]

...in terms of they were bike packing and had to stay in the hotel so they had failed on that objective....

[@Velodan1]

Next time I book a motel I’m booking Comfort Inn.

[@DanHAl-wc1bu]

You guys are rock man,....fantastics,...really enjoy watching yor video. Wish i could part of yor company. Great !!!!

[@joemastalski2506]

The look on the girls faces at the Comfort Inn is priceless. You have to give it up for the counter workers who have no doubt heard some stories.

[@stevemurray710]

I'm going there and ask to stay in the room Tyler slept in. Tyler slept here, who cares about George Washington.

[@csizmas392]

Even if I wasn’t a cyclist, I would watch these documentaries, it’s like a different kind of survival show

[@tbrowniscool]

I'm half way through showing my GF who isn't in to cycling and she's gripped! Yes Ive watched it allready it's so good I had to show her 😊😊

[@stephenmeadow9587]

I’m staying at a Comfort Inn next time. What a genuine great thing that woman did. TrueType amazing, and yea, the ride Ok awesome too!

[@stevent5050]

Amen! Got a bike trip to Chattanooga planned this September, and will be staying at a Comfort Inn after watching this.

[@Circletakesthejake]

YEP

[@peterm.7497]

Can I comp Comfort Inn. They do deserve a shout-out.

[@TheMontyMole]

Funniest comment was Bishop saying "I just want to finish a route with nobody on youtube giving us shit" .... that is the real Impossible Route 🤣 😂

[@bikeMalach]

You need to show Comfort some more love, imho. They didn't have to comp the room. They did, and saved the whole trip.

[@laydsimba]

Wholeheartedly agree. I was completely dumbfounded that they actually did it! Seriously bruh, return that favor!!!

[@Nahhnope]

Yeah, what town was it in?

[@themikecycle9886]

Awaiting 5 star review of comfort inn motel as well

[@MarkSmith-kc5wn]

Tyler. Never ever ever stop doing these KZbin videos. The production, footage and content is always the best out there.

[@laustudie]

Jerimiah: Euphoric, always mr. positive Travis: Depressed, but actually really strong Vegan cyclist: Whines and doubts and first, but end up being one of the toughest cookies.

[@Nicky-Stiles]

vegan cookies*

[@w4yland3r27]

Zero ads!? Well worth the donation for sure.

[@Intentsrig]

Really disappointed there was no cast iron skillet

[@veggiem0nster]

I was expecting two cast iron skillets to maintain balance. 😅

[@waynetice7908]

I came to make a cast iron skillet comment and you beat me to it. Curse you!

[@tima6585]

Honestly this documentary was insane. The cinematography combined with the storytelling just made this soooo epic to watch. I can’t say anything but please continue making these videos for time to come! Thanks for putting this up to KZbin for free

[@JasonDBike]

It's basically a canyon ad.

[@td_kdname5197]

@@JasonDBike So? They make a decent bike, and VC and Jeremiah wouldn't ride them or promote them if they were crap. If Canyon hands out a few bucks so VC can make an amazing video, I say "good on Canyon."

[@lexistential]

@@JasonDBike canyon paid so we don't have to 🤷

[@NanoDex]

Travis had every right to be pissed. Post office didn't do their job, pretty sure that shits not even legal turning away mail because "we don't have anyone named Travis around here". I thought I was narrow in view (bikesbikesbikesbikesbikes). Taking a mans bagels cause you don't recognize a name is literally insane.....

[@biglegcatluvr]

Welcome to small town think I guess

[@jeffreythree]

Definitely, I ship USPS to tiny towns in Alaska occasionally for General Delivery. The zip code with 9999 as the zip+4 is the code for it to be held for 30 (I think?) days before sending it back, for anyone wondering.

[@MichaelBoogerd]

Wouldn’t happen to that guy sitting at the gas station with his gun on his lap 😂😂

[@michaelrussell4894]

Not accusing, me thinks someone smelled some bagels and could not resist.

[@ultimatist]

Have you dealt with USPS before??

[@edwindeuning2922]

Ride to this Comfort Inn guys and gals.

[@JoeOlson2009]

One way to pay them back to leave positive reviews and 5 stars. I believe this is the Comfort Inn Raphine-Lexington outside of Vesuvius, VA. They didn’t have to do that at all - well done. Also, what a great ride. Looked gorgeous!

[@ncarrick783]

Tyler riding the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: "It's almost like you're on a ridgeline..." Fantastic video. Love all of these, keep up the excellent work!

[@rickhinson7365]

The blue ridge parkway is built on the ridgeline. I have rode the 469 miles in both ways it's a great ride.

[@ncarrick783]

@@rickhinson7365 yeah man, that's... that's why it's funny :-)

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

This is your best video yet, Tyler. Loved the Big Dad Energy coming from Jeremiah, way to hold the kids together! “Death is for many of us, the gate of hell; but we are inside on the way out, not outside on the way in.” -George Bernard Shaw

[@Sr89hot]

Travis is only 19, so in two days he will be almost completely recovered.

[@cjohnson913]

VC: goes to race "there are hitters everywhere!" Also VC: smashes impossible routes! Dude, you are a hitter and just don't know it! Keep up the good work, these are amazing!

[@jbruner182]

Agree. VC - HITTER!

[@kevinthomson6324]

Am I the only one who wants to watch the Death Valley ride again after finishing this? That quote is perfect for the impossible route series

[@jbruner182]

Yahoo!!!

[@24badabing]

Travis you are such a goofball. Awesome video dude.

[@colbywinters2835]

This one really got me excited! As an Appalachian, you went through a region I call home and it was really uplifting to see a place usually looked down on in an incredible light. Over the last year that I have been watching you, I really think I have fallen in love with the sport and I owe that in part to you and the incredible crew that makes these phenomenal documentaries. I hope you keep up the awesome work and keep inspiring many young adventures like myself. Thank you!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Colby, I’m super glad to hear that I was able to do your beautiful home justice. And also to know that these films help you dig the sport even more, basically makes me feel complete in a way. So thank you dude!

[@TooManyWilliams]

Omg, watching Travis hit the wall reminds me SOOO much of myself. We have ALL been there brother; inspirational to watch

[@v87splash]

Welcome to to the wild and beautiful WV and Virginia.

[@CautionBeforeCoffee]

Love these videos and still remain speechless with Jeremiahs perpetual positive attitude, not to mention he’s a beast of a rider.

[@priceandpride]

Much respect letting Travis bow out

[@cyclingchefglenn]

THIS IS THE BEST CYCLING DOCUFILM THAT I'VE SEEN... It's full of drama, emotion, action and inspiration! Congratulations, Travis, Jeremiah, VC.. 🤙🏽🔥😍

[@OUTDOORS55]

Having the team stick together is such an enjoyable dynamic. Definitely the best one you've done. A very enjoyable watch👍

[@drouleau]

This "Impossible Route" series is the best thing ever on bikes - please keep doing more than just 5 lol

[@velodor2267]

This is the perfect endurance cycling playlist. Balance between cycling footage and narrative is spot on.

[@1gnebz]

I’m totally addicted to your impossible route series. Right now this is my favorite show

[@cassandrafahey3745]

Same

[@jonathanmcclure2363]

Great to see a local rider (JB) and some almost local roads doing this great route. More people should see what Appalachia has to offer. Congrats to all three riders on an epic adventure!

[@editz26smithoni69]

"I didn't pull the trigger cuz I didn't wanna die out-there"- Tyler Pierce 2021

[@mattmcdowell5225]

GOOD EFFORT BOYS!! And a beautiful video too, of course. Travis, Nice nice job hanging tough brother.

[@patricktheattorney]

Best bike storytelling I have ever watched! Watch out Steven Spielberg.

[@Krooks44]

I know that knee pain all to well. Kudos on the effort Travis. What a champ.

[@katherinefrost5808]

I haven't read the other comments, so I hope that this is redundant. First of all, LOVED this content. Travis, you fought through your demons, and hopefully you were humbled by understanding that you can not rely on your youthfulness alone. You showed true grit and determination in face of adversity, and that is an incredible life lesson. And who better to learn from than your mentors. Well done, lads!!!

[@user-sc3on5ov3e]

Very inspirational ride! Way to stick it out young men, yes all of you! As for Comfort Inn and Suites, I have been a rewards member for more than ten years and they have always taken good care of us. Kudos guys

[@thomasgillespie5499]

shout out to the comfort inn. check out collinsville pa comfort inn on the GAP trail

[@Dominator00000]

Man, I'm a cyclist from Croatia and every time I see stuff like this, I wish one day I can come to America and ride some of those beautiful roads with you. Truly an inspiration!

[@GrinderMagee]

You guys say anyone can do it, but for real, no. Don’t ever take for granted your incredible talent, drive, and opportunity. We live vicariously through your adventures.

[@s1lvr977]

this series deserves way more attention!! love it

[@Nicuu98]

Such a great documentary, I loved every part of it. Hope there will be more content like this in future videos on this channel.

[@svenne27]

just came back from a 3-day bike trip with tent and sleeping bag. Nice to see how you guys have been handeling it. Having only $40 and "racing" to the post office added a nice punch to this challenge

[@aroncharest4212]

The quote in this video, and when you finished at the end of the Texas route and talked about how you were never supposed to finish really got to me. I took that straight to the heart and that got me through my personal impossible route in Canada. I never thought i could finish, I kept tellling my self that yes, I will finish and that I am meant to do this. That got ne right through the finish line. None of what I was doing made sense to most people or why I would ride a bicycle that far, but its because my heart whispered "give it a try". Thank you guys, you seriously rule.

[@timothyskattum950]

After following you from the beginning, I can only say IM SO F’ING PROUD OF YOU! Tyler, VC, I love you man. Thank you for making cycling more real and alive than ever before...

[@TheVCAdventures]

That’s some high praise Timothy, I appreciate it bro. This project was a ton of work and this is just the start.

[@DarrenPhillips]

I love these documentaries, you just make quality content I could only dream of making. I do hope I get the chance to make one in the future, but you’ve set the bar so high as always. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thank you for making it, I can only imagine the hard work involved producing and editing the film was probably as epic as the ride itself. Just brilliant!

[@dave4114]

This was a better film than the first one!

[@ericcoxtcu8037]

This one was incredible to watch. I used to live in Virginia and have ridden many of those roads. It really brought back memories. Though I must say the Death Valley one did not make me want to replicate any of the route. This one... I'd love to do the whole thing, but maybe over 5-6 days. But thanks - this was a beautiful film. And I think it is totally fair to get the comped room.

[@jeremiahbishopswheelhouse]

You’d love it. Totally amazing riding just do it in a week! 🤣 not 3 days.

[@hutchy_4297]

@@jeremiahbishopswheelhouse yea and I think I would bring more than $40 haha

[@azoharadonis9452]

I just keep rewatching these. They're so good, so high quality, and so motivating. I just got my first bike bout 5 weeks ago and have done 300 miles already.

[@ridewithwoody5808]

This was EPIC! Thank you for making this movie. The quality and storytelling combined with an impossible route inspire me (an so many others) to get out and push myself more!

[@bigbarrelbr]

Man, how this channel doesn't have a million subscribers... the quality and content are awesome...

[@icarame]

Hello guys ! I'm watching you from France and i got to say that you're a trully insiring trio ! Huge congrats for the ride and that movie. That end quote is fitting just right ! Thank you a lot for the emotions and time. Trully enjoyed it.

[@tdaubner]

You guys are great friends and co cyclist companions! Bravo to you! Bravo to comfort inn for that generous gift!

[@benanderson9551]

Enjoyed from start to finish. Hats off to you guys what a battle but what an adventure

[@fwschnaar3179]

Totally Awesome! Great Job to You and the Team 👍😃🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@MrBorgstr0m]

This was such a great story. You truely deserve to be on Netflix

[@lance3591]

These videos really inspire me to go out there and do some adventure races/rides that I would normally never do. I did one last year that for me was crazy hard and I couldn’t believe what I was riding my bike on and through. I had to cross a river up to my waist high and the more crazy thing was I couldn’t tell where the trail was on the other side until I was half way across. It ended up being the most memorable ride I’ve done. It changed how I think about bikes and biking with my friends. After that ride I just wanted more. Keep doing these they’re amazing.

[@MischkaSi]

Boy this content is so good. Kudos to all of it. The riding, the route, the pictures, the feelings and telling the story.

[@raullopezjaramillo8198]

Wow !!!! One of the best bike packing videos I’ve seen this year !!! Please keep it coming and thank you

[@extrospective]

Fantastic documentary yet again Tyler. Thoroughly enjoyed this

[@sveng5319]

Awesome route and great video 👍👍👍

[@vivekbalasubramanian611]

Tyler this is terrific dude. Kudos to you and Jeremiah. I think this is your best till date. Amazing. A big shoutout to the kid Travis. This is beautiful country and what better way to see it than in a bike.

[@townsendmoore2807]

The Colorado Trail would make an amazing impossible route documentary

[@DavidYerushalmi]

amazing! hats off to Travis for finishing. RESPECT

[@bikes_n_goodtimes]

Amazing! Best one yet, great story, cinematics, and music choices!!

[@MatthewCallier]

Just finished watching the first three Impossible Route documentaries back-to-back. This is your best work and perfectly captures my favorite part of cycling: the adventure.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks bro! I’ve tried to learn on every film I’ve made. So this one I feel like is more polished and flows well. There’s 2 more left in the series, hopefully I can keep making them better.

[@timcarnes3467]

yo man you are become masterful at putting together films that are really difficult to hit the pause button on. This was a top shelf production.

[@justinbrown471]

Great video, amazing energy and persistence by all the riders. 19 year old Travis did an amazing job!

[@jamonzonv]

There are 12 Douches who clicked into this video... THIS WAS FENOMENAL!!! I think its better than Ep. 1. Great job all of you!

[@terrysires1778]

Great adventure and amazing video! Thanks for taking us along.

[@MrZoo223]

Epic video, well shot, well ridden, well narrated. Minus the condescension towards Travis, absolutely loved it. Killer!

[@roborchard5691]

Yes lads, bloody awesome 👏

[@azmaier100]

awesome, keep it coming ...

[@billoneill6114]

Wow! I'm sore just watching that. That was such a good documentary. Thanks for taking us along, that was soo inspiring! Great music too 👌 Just awesome Guys!! Love how you said you don't have to be in the best shape if you take a few more days.

[@Bingowooby]

Incredible - like others mentioned, this one was different. The story telling really made it, even if I wasn’t into bikes I’d of been stoked to watch it!

[@johndorney7812]

I love the way Jeremiah actually considered not taking the free hotel room! Me, I wouldn't have hesitated for a second! The way I look at it, Tyler's got mad negotiating skills. Also beautiful video, great story, also loved the scenery after the harshness of Death Valley (and Kansas to a degree). Well done everyone.

[@krissantana4660]

These Impossible Route vids ROCK!!! Keep em coming!

[@laydsimba]

Travis pedaling up a whole mountain with one leg 🐐 💪🏾

[@kyleheron38]

The dog situation is no joke man. I had the same thing happen to me and a buddy on a ride in rural Indiana. The dogs will literally throw their whole bodies in front of your bike, and all you can do is lock the rear wheel, juke left/ right, then full gassss! Stay safe out there guys/ gals! Edit: Just realized as I was watching the credits that this was an hour long... cant believe a youtube video kept my attention this long. Solid doc you guys!

[@TheVCAdventures]

I appreciate the comment Kyle, I worked super hard to make this edit flow just right. So you watching the whole thing makes me super happy. And yeah, fuk those dogs 😂 Little fluffy almost ended my trip real quick.

[@USMCcharmer]

I am lucky enough to live in Birmingham, within driving distance of some of the most beautiful gravel forest roads and epic climbs in the country. Welcome to the blue ridge mountains. They don’t have this out west. I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@jfrancis]

Great flick!

[@BaguetteBot]

Omg, I have to stop everything I'm doing and chillax to this I'm-sure-in-advance masterpiece!!!! Thanks @The Vegan Cyclist, you make my day every time!!

[@jujuryan9632]

I just love your projects so much, VC! You always tell your stories beautifully and inspiring and honest. Thank you so much and well done to the whole crew!

[@nigelstanley3674]

You guys keep hitting it out the park. Great vid. Great adventure. Awesome scenery. Great roads. Just a wow all over. So……what next?? You’re spoiling us!!

[@4SeasonCycling]

Nice Work! Look forward to (living it through your lens) your next adventure. 🤘🏼😬🤘🏼

[@Kjwestfall3]

I’ve never done a century. I did 80 miles last week. These videos are showing me what is possible, to push further and that it’s the mental that cracks before anything else. Also that I should eat pineapple. Thanks to all of you for making this inspiration.

[@matteo1214]

I so love these. Hard work and much effort that you put into it. Truely inspiring.

[@adamsimpson5520]

I don't subscribe to many youtubes, but you fellahs do such a spectacular job of making these documentaries about so much more than just cycling that I can't wait to see what you decide to experience next. Thank you for making youtoob a better place.

[@NikkoalKantnerRealtor]

VC! It’s been so long since I’ve watched one of your videos and this was legit THE Best and the quality and content were spot on. I started watching you back when you had a couple thousand followers. So cool to hop on KZbin and see that you’re still killing it! And your fam is looks great too!

[@ruipterrinha]

I cannot put into words how much I love your videos. thank you so much for all the work you put into them

[@kevinshaw5813]

Tyler thank you for continuing to make great content. Jeremiah you are an inspiration. Really looking forward to the next film in the series that you guys are currently in the middle of in Montana.

[@ronhuffman7973]

Great video! Love the adventure, exploration, and the logistics of difficult rides. Thanks for producing this!

[@kensisti2761]

Thank you so much for the best trainer-tainment ever.

[@davidroquet8080]

Another great video to the core. Thank you Tyler for taking us along.

[@markjthomson]

Dogs chasing riders, that is genuine American Flyers training with Eddie! Thing with bike packing is you do what you got to do. Using the tools you had available comping the room was brilliant!

[@rodgonzalez4336]

The story, filming and editing were absolutely spot on. I literally about teared up at the end. Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@MartinMcShaneMScMSMRCGPMA]

This is so good. Inspirational, motivating, real and connected with me in so many ways. Congratulations and, if you can, keep doing the impossible. Thank you.

[@gjones5258]

Thank you for being such a great inspiration. All 3 of you!! Makes me want to just ride

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Love, love, love. Such passion. Great, vlog!