Cycling Across The USA With My Dad - A Bikepacking Adventure Film

The bikepacking adventure of a father and son who set out from New York City with the aim to cycle across the USA in support of injured veterans. An epic journey of discovery, endurance and relationships across the vast landscapes of North America. A bike ride that would challenge a father and son mentally and physically, testing and forging their relationship over a life changing journey.
My instagram: @joshpkohler ( / joshpkohler )
My email: [e-mail]
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[@MRALEX401971]

As a father and a cyclist I watched this movie on my son’s birthday he passed away this year of heart failure . This was an extra special video for me we loved each other but had unfinished business as some fathers and sons do, I wished my son and a could have done taken on such an epic adventure god bless you both I wish you both the best

[@consciouslove]

I’m so sorry for your grief 🙏

[@muddydog6605]

Much love to you Alex

[@ianmcminn8127]

My thoughts are with you also Alex. I’m so sorry Mate.

[@user-gf3lw5pi4t]

Sorry for your loss , my son died at 37 , I think of him many times a day ❤

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Really sorry to read of your loss.My condolences to you & your family.

[@klyyoung2728]

Let me tell ya... If you have a dad willing to this with you, you are a lucky son. If you have a son willing to do this with you, you are a lucky dad.

[@johnrobertd748]

Very lucky

[@tonypaddler]

Indeed! 👌

[@anthonymitchell9337]

Yes, you're indeed lucky to have a father who is "willing" and "able" to do this. You'll never forget this experience. PEACE

[@dumbassery4208]

well said

[@tracyturner-browne4012]

My dad did this with my brother back in the 80's across Wisconsin. One night as they were in their tent trying to sleep, the hell's angels set up camp next to them. It was a very, very long night for them!!!

[@martincederblad4206]

I hardly ever comment on KZbin, but this blew me away. Being 53 and and a father of a 19-year-old, I could completely identify. What a wonderful experience to share with your son, I am utterly envious. And Josh, your video- and storytelling skills is stunning at your young age. At any age, frankly. This made my day.

[@GeorgeKohler]

This journey was truly life changing. I am so privileged to have shared it with Josh. Through such adventures are bonds really strengthened. Our relationship is on another level as a result, with huge mutual respect, trust and love. We hope the film inspires others to take that leap of faith into the unknown and reap the rewards of adventure. This could be a simple weekend camping in the wild that may lead to other journeys. Our first day on the bikes when we started training was painful; we managed 10 miles and couldn’t walk afterwards!

[@al_humphreys]

What a lovely comment

[@davidmacpherson8710]

I am so looking forward to watching this. Our home is just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and we host bike travelers at our home via the online resource Warmshowers. Some of our most impressive guests have been families. Cheers. @@GeorgeKohler

[@tonypaddler]

​@@davidmacpherson8710 you are a very kind and generous person 👍

[@mikesutube4]

In 2007, my Dad and I biked across the US. We took the Northern Tier route with some modifications. Started at the Pacific Ocean at Cape Flattery, WA, and ended at the Atlantic at Eastport, ME. Like you, there was a significant fitness gap (I was 27 coming off an Ironman; he was 57 and hadn't cycled in years since I was a kid). And also like you, a mental toughness gap (I got beaten down more easily; he trudged on without saying much). My Dad was not a cyclist before or after the trip, but somehow he found the strength and fortitude to push on. We took 58 days to complete the 4350 miles (with 5 days off in the middle for a wedding), and on the days we rode, we averaged 90+ miles. We were fortunate to go west to east as the hills, while shorter, are much steeper on the east coast. My Dad initially struggled with the 5 mountain passes in WA state as they had long, steady climbs typically around 6% grade. But 6 weeks later, he was able to climb the 12%, 14%, and 20% hills found in VT, NH, and ME - though he did push the bike just a little on the 22% hill in ME!. My Dad had no idea what he had signed up for when he agreed to my idea. He had just overcome prostate cancer and I was feeling an urge to connect with him. In the years that followed our trip, I encouraged him to join me on an easier one down the Pacific Coast, but it wasn't to be. Our bike trip sapped the drive out of him. I think had I known more going into the trip, it would have helped prepare us better (less gear, more time) and perhaps that would have allowed him to enjoy it more. I was also immature and very fitness driven at that point in life, so I had sadly little empathy for whatever struggles my elder was having. Notwithstanding, my trip with him was for sure a pinnacle event of my life, and his too. He talked about the trip non-stop with friends and family for a decade. I have stared at pictures from our trip for more time than I can imagine, and long for those days again. My Dad passed away in January 2023 and my biggest regret was not finding a way to get him to do another trip with me. Cherish what you can, when you can. We both pulled a lot of strings to get time off of work and we certainly had hard times on the trip. But like you, we found not only immense beauty on our trip, and great and welcoming people along the way, but a true sense of connection when all was said and done. There is a lot to be said about going through a tough mental and physical battle with someone and how that can really connect you in ways traditional relationships cannot.

[@kingy002]

That made me cry Mike. A wonderful life story.

[@GeorgeKohler]

Mike, Thank you for sharing such a personal perspective. As the dad half of this trip it was an incredible privilege to share the journey with Josh. That you have experienced similar is gold dust that you will cherish forever. As Josh said, focus on the positive. Make the most of time with your family and help others wherever you can. As I head towards 60, my knees hurt and I need longer arms to read a book, I am again blessed to be planning another trip with Josh. This time next year we head around the world. Thank you again for sharing your humbling experience. Your dad will be hugely proud of you. G

[@bitchoflivingblah]

19:05 - the whole ride is encapsulated in that one sentence: "If I was on my own I'd be miles down the road". Our dads could have said that when we were kids and vice versa we could say that of ourselves now our dads are much older. The point is that's what ultimately makes you slow down, knowing what family means.

[@tonypaddler]

Spot on! 👌👍

[@midlifeadventures77]

Dam actually got quite emotional reading this comment 👍

[@honda0105]

Well done gentlemen, I thoroughly enjoyed this and thanks for sharing. I’m a long distance cyclist and the father of a wonderful son but sadly, my lad isn’t interested in such things and I respect that. Wishing you both all the very best for any future adventures you may encounter and by the way, the cinematography in this video was excellent! 👌

[@Michael_Mueller]

So happy we were able to host you guys in Greenville IL. We share the experience with everyone, people who ask about bicycle touring and those we host through Warmshowers. Great job on the video!

[@GeorgeKohler]

It was great to meet you all and enjoy such warmth and hospitality. We will never forget the amazing evening enjoying pizza, beer and the 1920s truck in Rodney’s workshop!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Well done Michael for opening your home up to fellow travellers.

[@bryantpackard1592]

Shared this with one of my 27 year old twins. We are going on a few overnight Gravel Bikepacking, I am considering minimum Rail to trail outings with my wife, and even a cross country. prefer with sons as wife has limits she is willing to do. Thank you both for sharing this.

[@scottmelons7341]

Wonderful video. Takes so much guts to make any journey like this in this country, most Americans wouldn't. Having to travel ON highways within inches of blazing fast traffic for so much of the country is just too much.

[@raleighbomb]

So many emotions. As a cyclist and a father of two young ones I hope to do this one. Your very lucky to have a father like this. Stay blessed

[@ktrmeadow]

Tears, just tears. My husband and I drove 10k miles in over 90 days this summer with our e-bikes on a rack. We rode together he 74 and myself 62 a total of 1000 miles over various trails in twenty two states. The highlight of our summer was the entire Katy Trail. We also live in Modesto, a town on your WarmShowers list. This movie was so touching and a true bonding of two loves. I saw your Mum was instrumental in the journey too. May the memories and the lifelong stories brings joy to yourselves and others. Awesome that Trek sponsored the ride. We found the various trek stores so helpful to us nationwide. Congratulations again on this huge achievement.

[@GeorgeKohler]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Amazing to hear that you and your husband share great adventures too. The Katy Trail is indeed a serene and beautiful stretch of cycling and for us a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the big cities earlier. Trek were phenomenal. Although we weren't sponsored by them, their support throughout the journey was incredible.

[@ktrmeadow]

@@GeorgeKohler Thanks for taking the time to respond. Yes, cycling has changed my outlook about the world and outdoors. I've put over 4K miles in the last two years of riding. We do not cycle on the roads due to the dangerous hazards. My grown son has been hit 3 times, many friends also run down and my cousin just passed away from a car/bike collision in November on the road you came out of Yosemite riding, CA 120/108. So very tragic. I thought with you leading logo, Trek was a video sponsor; sorry for my error; but they should be!!! The Katy was our summer highlight; along with the Pine Creek in PA; Niagara River in Canada, Chattanooga, Grand Teton, Capitol Trail VA, SandyHook NJ and so many more. We also met a Trans-America solo rider on the BitterRoot in Montana. He had just 10 days to go also traveling westbound in June. Again, all the best to your family and huge congrats!

[@yallaresheeps3440]

Bikepacking across the US alone is already a feat of its own but getting to do it with your dad is truly EPIC. You are both lucky to have each other. Those watching this, dont ever underestimate the days you spend with your parents and/or your children, how simple they may be, because at the end of the day, ALL YOU WILL HAVE BEFORE YOUR LIFE ENDS ARE MEMORIES. Say Hi to your dad for me Josh, will ya?

[@user-ff3wf8gu7c]

Brilliant you have inspired me to ride the length of the uk next year with my 10 yr old son. Can’t wait

[@vernonmontoya2449]

This hit home for me.I've done many cycling adventures with my son over the years. From local mountain bike trails to epic trips toe Moab, UT, 20 years apart and I have loved every minute of them. All fathers need to spend as much time as possible with their kids. This times are precious and will never come back. Thank you, Josh, for this amazing film.

[@sumosprojects]

You blokes are flaming mad but congratulations on conquering such an adventure 👌💪🍻

[@Stigwoodjohn]

Josh, I think everone would be interested in a longer version as you must have covered a lot more that this 36 minutes. How about a mini series on you tube.

[@TFvDijk]

This was absolutely amazing to watch. I got emotional because my dad is getting older together with limitations and we haven't done anything like this, maybe next year we can go on a motorcycle trip together. Feel blessed for having done this while both of you still could

[@ashurany]

Congratulations! Wonderful achievement and to see that you did it with your father is something you'll never forget or regret.

[@traveling...mohammedalreth9632]

ابطال تحملتم واصريتو على انجاز ما تسعون اليه ❤💪

[@zimmejoc]

There’s a reason most folks go east across the US-tailwinds are awesome. Your way ends with the best views though.

[@ashleyfrancis2903]

For me, this has got to be every dad's dream. A challenge with his son, side by side together facing adversity and really achieving something monumental, whilst creating many happy memories. A great film.

[@jgauth2]

Utahn here, glad you enjoyed our state! Byway 12 which i see you rode is the greatest road ever on a bike!

[@victormason153]

For being 'so' young you really nailed that dad joke "Cross traffic ahead" haha.

[@kaylaquaqualezzi711]

Keep peace, you only have one Dad... Love your video, keep safe...

[@canica99]

Hello, I want to say congratulations on accomplishing your crossing...tremendous feat in every way. I did this crossing in 2020 from Vancouver WA to Portland , Maine and I can understand all that goes into getting across...the monies, the routine, the perseverance the strength in physicality and the emotional roller coaster...so , what I am so jealous of your both and that you got to do this as father and son....my father has been gone 15 years and not a day did not go by in the 102 days and 4203 miles that took me to go across, I would had given the rest of my existence to had what you both had....I miss mine everyday and I will think of him until my last breath...so happy to see you both getting across...this collective journey is both of yours and only you both know it like no one and it will always be like that and young man, perhaps you will keep the tradition going if your son or daughter is to be convinced. Thank you for posting it , it brings so many amazing moments , from dipping my back wheel in the pacific in Tillamook Oregon , to riding through Tetons and looking at those spectacular peaks, to the Moose who ran across the road, stoped , looked at me and ran across, to meeting the cowboys in South Dakota who let me camp in their barn and let me stay for several days and took horse back riding in the Black Hills in Deadwood, to a man pulling me over and giving me two sandwiches , a bag of oranges and a couple of dollars and refused plead of no, to the fellow in Pennsylvania who let me stay in his home for several days and I got to go to work with him replacing windshields, to the total strangers in Lebanon Maine who let me stay in their home on a very cold autumn night...my father had mentioned many times to me to have faith in people and that humanity was more good than bad, I always took his advice and wisdom at heart and this crossing solidified his wisdom to me. Glad to witness your amazing journey, filming it is so much work and it is very much appreciate it. Cheers.

[@GeorgeKohler]

My wife Jane burst into tears at your comments. Such journeys involve many aspects but the one that shone through so brightly was the warmth, generosity and unconditional friendship of everyone we encountered on the way. With so much negativity being portrayed in the media, this journey restored our faith in humanity and our belief that people of any race or background are fundamentally good. I’m sure your father will be looking down on you with love and pride. We were all humbled to read of your own journey and encounters. Keep up the adventurous spirit!

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Congrats on Conquering the cross- America Bike ride! Bravo Zulu and Always Cherish each other! I hope to do this one day soon with my Son and Daughter! Semper Fi and Can Do OORAH

[@jannescape]

Christoper Nolan been real quiet since this dropped

[@robinchills]

😂

[@ShawNshawN]

LOL

[@jenniferyean7544]

oh wow...BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! its really amazing and the best part is Father & Son adventure where all the good, bad & ugly will come out but at the end...it's all worth it and treasured forever!!! Not forgetting the biggest and strongest supporter, the MUM!!!!!! U R simply the best and the BEST ever.....this cannot happen without U...Kudos to all the MUMs out there...like me, hehehehe....sending this to my 2 kids now (1 in Vancouver & 1 in US) and see whether they are game to do this with me when I go over 1 good day......after my recent half Ironman.....think I can do it ???? or maybe not...its look like being Ironman for 3 mths...hehehehe...well done again the Amazing Kohler Duo...wohoooooo

[@alexandresasak9348]

Father and son. Son and father! Perfect union. Exciting! Splendid! Wonderful! It brings tears to tears....

[@brucehobday392]

What a fantastic achievement George and Josh. Dad George was a classmate of my daughters, and I got to know George as an army cadet when I was an army recruiter, helping out at our local ACF detachment. I then saw him pass out of Welbeck College as a Commissioned officer in the REME., attended his wedding, and followed his career in awe of his achievements. George went on to serve a full career, ending up as a Lt Colonel. To take on a task such as this, 4,000 miles of cycling for four months is an outstanding achievement of which I feel sure will benefit the RBL immensely. Son Josh is a credit to his father and mother, thank you both for an enjoyable and thrilling share in your journey and adventure. Bruce.

[@GeorgeKohler]

Thank you for your kind words. It's amazing what you can achieve with vision, determination and great people!

[@attsealevel]

What a nice comment (and so impressive). Best to you - and George and Josh too.

[@JandoPrime]

beautiful video my dude

[@andywillis3723]

Just started this and will have to view the rest later. Looks like a great adventure

[@Avva2]

Well Done Dudes…I Hope there are more Videos are comming:-) Very Nice ❤

[@joshpkohler]

Thank you very much! There is certainly more videos and challenges on there way! Stay tuned!

[@pousserlaportedelaventure]

Merci pour ce partage exceptionnel , tres émouvant cette aventure , père et fils , une grande leçon de vie , et a vélo ;quoi de plus beau . Merci

[@geraldoniltondeoliveira9246]

Congratulation son and father. Well done! Thank you.

[@jllucci]

Watching this I miss my dad. He taught me to ride, but cycling wasn't his thing.

[@kyleheard8433]

I immediately felt as if I was part of the family when dad piss off was the first thing that came on.

[@stephenbrown5844]

Boys you will bond and become a lot closer than ever before😊❤👊👊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧good luck. I've always said America is one amazing country.. Well done guys

[@GeorgeKohler]

Simply life-changing.

[@davidmacmillan514]

Awsome from a fellow cyclist with a 12 year old boy

[@matthuzler]

AWESOME!

[@markfisher299]

Very Welldone boys🎉

[@trekfortruth2841]

I did this ride at 55 solo...would have soooo much better with my son (but that nutter hates cycling! 😉)

[@johnhhu2137]

I like your dad, "at least its sunny today"

[@Adovenca4786]

Lucky to have dad like yours

[@speckofdust272]

Great video , one that warms the heart , well done and congratulations on completing the journey , respect to you both , and mum for the final filming scenes 🙏👍🙌👏👏👏👏

[@LucasJohnsonFaustino]

Josh. This is simply incredible. An insane achievement and I think even more poignant that you did it alongside your dad. Time spent you’ll never forget! Congratulations and thank you for sharing it with us. ❤

[@KBThangavel]

Touched my mind, heart and soul. 🙏 The video quality is incredible.

[@bunterngkhemwong]

Nothing better than this father and son riding together in a long and incredible journey.Your edited is outstading thank for sharing every moment. Fr. Bkk. Thailand.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Epic is the only word for it

[@salimmeghjee769]

Wow..father and son.....Father....you have done what every dad dreams of doing. And you son,....you will only understand what your dad is feeling when one day you will do it with your son ..INSHALLAH..GOD WILLING. I ran 5 km with My son...and I was in tears... Bless you both xx

[@GeorgeKohler]

Thank you for your kind words. Very humbling. May you too enjoy such incredible experiences with your family.

[@marcusohlsson3130]

You are very lucky Josh to have such a cool dad! I wish every family could have such a special bond between father and son.

[@steveharris3653]

absolutely brilliant film and achievement guys… as a keen solo touring cyclist I can see the pain and highs and lows you went through and euphoria at the end…. amazing achievement

[@spotdBS]

You both are very fortunate!

[@brandrunway]

Appreciate what you have experienced together. Great story. It'll give you both plenty

[@just4b0li]

awesome 👏

[@valmirbrunharimicao7850]

Awesome. Thanks m8

[@davidodell4687]

Awesome

[@rainnysmth]

Such a wonderful father son relationship. Precious.

[@Hitchhiking2galaxy]

Brilliant ❤ what an incredible experience. Looking forward to seeing more of your content

[@ChaitanyaVarmaD]

I always feel my dad follows me from heaven ... RIP Dad.. 🥲. i do go on sub 100 milers around town. Hope to do a cross country one day. Love you dad ❤.

[@bertwolf]

What a great adventure of you both, you would not forget in this life for sure. Great .. 👍

[@mariannes466]

Well done! Inspiring. Great you showed highs and lows. Reality.

[@h.p.m.2549]

What for a amazing cycling adventure and what for a deep father son expirience , wow 👍😅🌪️🌧️🌨️🌦️🌞❤️

[@josephhaddakin7095]

16:53 welcome to America. Land of the Ghost Bikes. On a lighter note, you guys picked probably the best bike possible. I too ride a 2019 Trek 920. I changed my gearing to a triple front (44,33,22) & an 11-42 rear. Rode it up the Pacific coast & in 2021 rode from California to Missouri. I love my 920. It's the best do-it-all bike, hands down.

[@Eric-ug9nt]

watching this as a father of 2 boys who are young makes me really want to stay healthy and maybe 1 day make the same journey with my boys!

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very interesting experience friend

[@RPCAFF]

Aweome bud! Something you will both remember until the end of time...

[@DrewAddis]

Incredible video man! Truly embodies and represents our country so well. This is the definition of being alive. Something you and your dad will never forget and cherish the rest of your lives! Keep up the great work and cheers to the next adventure!!

[@midlifeadventures77]

That's so special to do that with your dad. What a memory to have 🤙

[@marcantonell]

What an amazing adventure, story, and editing masterpiece! Congrats on everything!

[@alexanderk.villach]

Fantastischer Bericht, super Kameraführung, tolle Musik, amüsante Kommentare - Respekt 👍👏✌️👌😀😀😀

[@vg5157]

Congratulations to both ,what a journey to remember the rest of your life,

[@vg5157]

Tough guy your Dad

[@PastorKwangle]

What an incredible video - thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!

[@prodeo2167]

Must be one of the best things to be doing along with your dad and with your son. Your son will remember it for the rest of his life. Wish I could be doing something like this with my son. Unfortunately he passed away too soon.

[@ssylwester]

So sorry to hear 🙏 A good reminder for me to treasure every moment with the boys

[@DianaSBakke]

So much courage and love you both have among each other.. enjoy your time together.. it’s just an amazing adventure you both shared with us.. thank you

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Lovely Video... Excellent effort at Photography. Great Job. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@stephenszalay]

This is absolutely amazing. What an adventure. Give George and Jane all our love. You must be soooooooo proud. Incredible. Loved the video. Steve & Ali.

[@GeorgeKohler]

Steve (and Ali!) we are humbled by your words. Thank you.

[@stephenszalay]

@@GeorgeKohler mate that was epic. Proper legend level stuff.

[@georgeburns7251]

Very nicely presented…photography, editing, music, content all 👍🏻.

[@nmjazz09]

My gosh, I love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! God bless you both!❤

[@azmaier100]

Wow, you can really see your fitness as time goes on!

[@pedallinraw]

That’s some ride! You made it! 🙂👊🏻

[@OneTrueScotsman]

Well done, lads. That must have been an incredible experience. Equally daunting and rewarding.

[@dimrub]

What an incredible journey. Me and my son are riding together, a week, a couple of weeks at a time, and it's always an amazing experience for both of us, but this is on a different level. I wish we could do something as epic one day!

[@GeorgeKohler]

Thank you. Sharing time with your son on any adventure is worth its weight in gold. You are only limited by your imagination as it is surprising what can happen when you take a leap into the unknown. This was Josh’s idea, expressed before either of us started cycling. Enjoy the Adventure Revolution!

[@TheUpl8te]

Wonderful Journey!

[@LVang152]

Thanks for the video, this is a great way to catch up.

[@richardgate1571]

What a wonderful trip! My son and I completed the Transcontinental Race in 2022. It was an intense two weeks and an amazing experience. Any future trips would be more relaxed and touring focused and your route looks great!

[@HeadPack]

How beautiful, and how beautifully documented. Wish I could do this with my dad, but that is not possible anymore.

[@adrienariel245]

Congratulations to both of you ! What a journey to remember the rest of your life…

[@pinkandreas]

Great! Reminds me of a Motorbike-Week with my lovely father, at Lake Como. It was so special. Now he is dead, died too early. So, go and write memories❤, things can change fast.

[@GeorgeKohler]

We have but one run at this life. Embrace it with all your heart, sharing the joy with your loved ones for you never know what may happen. Josh nearly died 6 months later.

[@SimonMartin-tz5ii]

Great video, congrats to the both of you

[@Joelfriend]

EPIC journey! The way you've documented this mate is unreal! inspiring stuff! The next journey awaits!

[@fraser-b3494]

What an adventure, and to have those special memories on this amazing trip with your dad, that's really special. Only thing I didn't like about this is it was only 36 minutes and 33 seconds long. I could have watched a lot more :)

[@HerreraCam]

Wow! Just Wow!

[@mborski8721]

So happy for the both of you. Well done gents!

[@kevinchrist1411]

Honestly just excited that you got off the ferry in my backyard in Jersey.

[@alecrijks]

Mate yes!!!! Cant wait to see this blow up. Proud of you bro 🙏🏽🤝🏽

[@joshpkohler]

Ayyyy my guy, thanks bro

[@douglasmurphy5343]

#Trek! Bring back the 920!

[@akactors]

Fantastic. Names of roads would be a nice plus.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Just started watching and boy I am already looking forward to the journey. Well that didn't disappoint me. The cinematography was great as was your narration. I expected it to be longer but it was just the right length to maintain my interest. Congratulations to you both and as you said your have those memories of being together and later with Mum forever. Somehow think there will be many more to come as well.

[@TheCoopsvids]

Well done guys so pleased for you something to cherish forever