How I Got My BEST EVER Gravel Race FINISH! (Rock Cobbler 2024)

[@TheVCAdventures]

The Rock Cobbler event is a must do gravel event in the year. Bakersfield in February looks UNBELIEVABLE with the endless green hills. Kinda wild that for years I tried SOOO HARD to stay lean and light and be as fit as possible going into events where the result was my MAIN focus. Then I finally let go of chasing weight, performance, and results, only to then have one of my best overall performances ever. Some questions I know that will come up: Q: How long did it take to add 30lbs and How tall are you? A: I go in depth about it here ( instagram.com/p/C4JcFKngAsE/ ) but I shifted my goals just over 2 years ago to add more mass and total power to my frame. This transformation has taken 24 months from the picture to picture. But Im 6'2 : 182cm and I put on weight really easy. I was NEVER supposed to be 155lbs, that is NOT me. Read the Instagram post for more on the mental side of that change. Q: Are you still Plant Based? A: Absolutely, I changed my channel name because diet is not my identity, but it is something I believe works great for my life. I have blood work done every 6 months and over the past 10 years of plants, never ONCE I have been deficient in anything. I wasn't a skinny boi because I ate plants, I was skinny because all I saw in the mirror was fat boi no matter how I looked. Strange how the mind can alter reality. Q: Why Not A MTB? A: This course, out of all the years of the cobbler, could have handled a MTB very well. Hard to say if it would have been much slower, might have been more stable and less risky but it would be equal at best slightly slower at worse. I believe my suspension fork and dropper post gravel bike was the right tool.

[@BoyMeetsMountain]

220lb (formerly 290lb) rider here with medium bodyfat who is (fairly, not compared to you) fast, and also lifts pretty heavily. Just remember the sturdier and stronger you get, the more you gain the advantage on rolling terrain and sharp punchy stuff under 500m at a time. You're not worse, just different (speaking only to your comments on the hill climbing and paying for the weight, not self image related nor do i mean to make it sound like a value judgement). This result proves that. I bet dollars to vegan donuts that your max 5-10 second power, despite getting older like the rest of us, has also gone up the last 12 months due to all this as well.

[@axuh382]

I feel you bro. I've been both end of the spectrum, very light with 5xbw FTP but weak as shit and big and strong squatting four plates for reps but wouldn't break 30 minutes running 5k. Oh and also suffering from sleep apnea for being too heavy for my frame. For average people happiness and how you feel best is somewhere in the middle. If you're a pro do whatever.

[@TheCyclesport]

RAGING out there to end that thing!

[@2rismo]

6'2" is 188cm, homie.

[@GCrider4226]

Tyler your race videos are the best out there, so well shot, so entertaining. Thanks for sacrificing your personal race goals to get this footage - so insane. Congrats on 4th too, monumental effort given everything else you were doing at the time!

[@BrightLight105]

This race is basically a Windows XP wallpaper

[@chloefourte3413]

man it's beautiful 😅

[@1980jamesm]

i thought it looked familiar

[@massimocaradonna3857]

Omg I came on to say every frame looks like my windows 95 wallpaper

[@Transsend_it]

😂😂😂

[@petermyers4409]

Everything about this vid is so retro. I love it.

[@dhengen]

galloping with the cattle... chefs kiss. perfection in a youtube video will never be replicated.

[@andrew_gardner]

"Like soaring with eagles..." oh man, I actually LOL'd on that one.

[@Aus10c]

Stuff like that is a sign of god

[@Krfifteen]

I was outlining a case study of how the rock cobbler went from 250 riders to 1000, and honestly, a key part of it was your videos of the event. GREAT WORK! Anybody with a unique high-level gravel event NEEDS you there to tell their story.

[@TheVCAdventures]

I’d be very interested to hear more about the analytics and if you were able to correlate the increase of registration to launch time of the videos. But to be fair, Rock Cobbler is a content GOLD MINE. So it’s very easy to tell a great story around this event.

[@keirinmaster]

Tyler, I just want to say that, I'm a 50 year old guy who's had a lot of health issues that have nudged me to give up on my passion of cycling. Your videos are so inspiring and reignite the passion I have. Sometimes it gets me a tad emotional (to be quite honest). Thanks for just being you and doing what you do. It has meaning.

[@TheVCAdventures]

I really appreciate the comment. I put a lot of work into the videos so hearing amazing things like this means so much 🙏

[@atlancon]

Tyler, thank you for posting your videos and your adventures, they helped save my life. I was overweight, it gradually crept up on me, then got results of pre-diabetes , liver numbers related to that that weren't good just all around concerning stuff. So I decided I didn't want to live like that anymore and got to work. I was inspired by your motto of "Ride Bikes" Put my road bike on a trainer in the living room (its freezing here in VT in the winter) and started laying down miles everyday, got my diet right and several days a week are vegan now. Dropped 30 pounds in 3 months, lab numbers are better, blood sugar is great, quality of life is so much improved. So thank you and if you're ever feeling down, remember what your doing is really helping people, it helped me.

[@markdeane8385]

You saved your own life my friend....keep the faith ❤

[@CvoreAthlete]

Glad your feeling better on vegan. Next step to feeling optimal is to go carnivore and get optimal nutrition to keep you healthy. Veganism will malnourish you with non bioavailable nutrients and plant toxins. Recommend Watching Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Anthony Chaffey.

[@se7encureton]

This dude got me back into road biking Been sober off drinking a month and a half and it’s nice to have a get away

[@TheVCAdventures]

Made my day bro! So glad to hear and I’m proud of you! The social engorgement to drink is slowly fading. With all the new research showing just how bad even light drinking can be, I anticipate alcohol will go the way of cigarettes in the next 10 years.

[@xXSgtJackXx]

Thats sick man! Great job and great riding!

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

Nice man, keep at it

[@2rismo]

Way to go, mate!

[@MrBikebros]

Sobriety is a high all by its self, good on you! life is good being sober. Stay Blessed

[@JibbaJabber]

12:42 'Do not fear the cow, be the cow'. Huge Heffer.

[@ceazy1861]

Embrace the cow

[@ruiloureiro3167]

That VO sounded like Chris Miller 😏

[@dizzzy69]

Can’t believe you don’t have a 10 part series with one of the major streaming channels. The fact that we get to watch the stuff for free is insane. The quality and versatility you bring to the table is unmatched in any cycling venue I’ve ever come across. Congrats on your new efforts and for sure putting on the weight was a great idea. BTW, I’ve got an idea that I was speaking with Jeremiah about to pass to you but I’d rather tell you myself. Hit me up when you can.

[@MartinPaghLudvigsen]

As one of the two people in the vid you shouted encouragements to while passing us, I thank you; it helped a lot.

[@DickSpencer1954]

I'm was relieved to watch a true Tyler production in which the good guy had a great time. VC you make wonderful, inspiring, and humorous films. Your self deprecating ways are truly entertaining. Please stay in this vein, it's so much healthier imo. Please continue to put out the fine art that you have developed. You're one of a kind!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Wow, thank you! Appreciate that my dude!

[@davidbrayton1143]

Ive been watching this channel for years now. It is very satisfying to see your consistent progress. In your first Rock Cobbler, you were a young spaz, carrying way too much self-induced stress. Often you were your own worst enemy. Now you can reach that state of mind where you can chase cows, not just in your fatigue-addled delusions, but in real life. (I had no idea cow could run like that!). Congratulations. I’m proud of you.

[@gally7890]

It blows my mind that you can race this hard and film it.. and well too. Kudos Tyler. Well deserved 👍

[@flynn11703]

Bruh, You look sooo much healthier with the weight you have put on and you carry it really well!! Excellent footage as always!!

[@michaelpark8564]

"I galloped with the cattle." VC found the perfect epitaph for his headstone.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Seriously, I’m jotting that down in my will 😜

[@proximityroars5149]

I sometimes loose motivation to train the bike sometimes. As I do triathlon so I do a lot of workouts. But whenever I see a video like this I always feel so much more motivated to train and be my best self. Love this videos been watching you for years.

[@Tomas.Giudici]

I watch your videos regularly and for some reason I do not know, the content, the edit, the way you narrate the stories or the way you present your self but, but, you are the motivation that I need to push myself further and further to become a better cyclist and a better person. Thank you so much. Cheers from Argentina. 🇦🇷

[@Two-StrokeLife]

Amazing footage and storytelling. Congrats VC thanks for bringing us along for the ride

[@JohnMikeBikes]

Loved the edit and the graphics. Thanks for this and especially last years vid. Got me to fly out for the Cobbler this year from Ohio and it refilled my soul.

[@RGCastro7]

Awesome attitude! I'm happy to hear that you chose Dylan's advice instead of Backwards Hat Dylan's advice! LOL. I loved the animations. Man, your storytelling is awesome! Super stoked on your great result, Tyler. Congratulations!

[@samanthakennedy4416]

Tyler, I’ve been following you for years. I have to say, you look INCREDIBLE with the added muscle. It was really eye opening for me to recognize that not all weight gain is detrimental. I have battled with body dysmorphia for years and gaining lean healthy weight is usually an internal struggle for me. Thank you for posting your results…it’s harder to deny the benefits of building lean body mass when I can see the positive difference in someone else.

[@CvoreAthlete]

Next step to feeling optimal is to go carnivore and get optimal nutrition to keep you healthy. Veganism will malnourish you with non bioavailable nutrients and plant toxins. Recommend Watching Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Anthony Chaffey.

[@ianb7645]

The day is saved yet again by another VC Adventure!!

[@teemukoo755]

I glanced and thought this message was from VCAdcentures. And they would've been correct :)

[@ianb7645]

hahaha yeah, just watched it through right now and can honestly say: the statement is even more true hahaha

[@mikeonagravelbike]

I rode the Boulder as well and can't thank you enough for putting together this video. I'll be rewatching every time I'm missing the race and Bakersfield. Nice work!

[@EJPalmer1]

Extra points for the Excitebike! references.

[@Milquetoast702]

I really appreciate all your efforts in filming these races . I am like a normal person and won’t ever be able to do this or see these places. So I am grateful I get to experience it through your lens

[@javierdescalzi2258]

Oh, I’ve been looking forward to this video. Your last video from the cobbler got me to come out and do it myself. Thanks for that. It’s was such a blast. Congrats on your finish!

[@Pratalax]

No joke, i legit teared up at the galloping with the cows bit man, god that looks like a nice ride!! Praise be the bovine divine!

[@stormeporm]

Duuuuude the music and shots/editing/colours on this one! Bobbing my head and smiling watching this.

[@d_weazel]

Getting home after a training, seeing a new VC upload. Awesome to end the day! Keep telling those stories, you are crushing it, and the race. Congrats! Also, those nice graphics and fun music, excellent choices!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks my guy! This was a fun story to tell.

[@Lalobe]

Super nice video Tyler. Maybe you could share in another one in more detail how you managed to gain muscle and cycle simultaneously, because that's really impressive progress. I always struggle with combining weight training and cycling, so would be super interesting

[@Simte]

This is so hype dude! Congratulations VC, nothing like seeing you succeed.

[@darylbrice]

The eyes began to water with the Cows moment, beautiful. Feeling stoked after watching this.

[@jameshallam6359]

Thanks Tyler, you are the best at this and your battery marathon is very much appreciated 👌😄👍

[@JibbaJabber]

Big time congrats. What a performance dude. You bulked up and channelled your inner Dylan Johnson - and it worked!! Now there's a lesson for all of us.

[@hdmiRolling]

That cattle section looked like a video game and it is the best thing I have seen in a while. congrats dude that was awesome !

[@velomaniaromania]

Man... this is one of the most iconic views I have ever seen on your channel 😂 From far my favorite YT uber from US ❤ Greetings man from far far Transylvania Romania 🇷🇴🎉

[@makoch95]

I am stunned. Thank you very much for this experience! It’s really going threw my heart, every emotion you felt, it’s nice to experience this kinda like you did. beautiful landscape, unbelievable performance, that amount of km and hm. it motivates me a lot, keep going, I wish you the best luck! 😊

[@waynetice7908]

Been a huge fan of yours for yeaaaaars and I dont think ive ever been happier for someone than I was when you were riding with the cows. That must have been surreal!

[@bartolucci_]

Instant subscribe after this HEATER. Dude, you absolutely ripped through those hills. Could not be more stoked to go riding tomorrow.

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

The music, the scenery, the commentary, the, excitbike map, the strategy… all so perfect! Dude.. been following for a long time and I always love watching your uploads but this one hit so different. So solid. Inspired to travel west and hit this race now! 💪🏼💪🏼

[@SamHaddad]

The "adventures" content is the best you've ever created. Love it. Keep up the great work for as long as you're able to enjoy it.

[@louis_reith]

love your video’s tyler ! great footage, great narration (hey, we’re top ten wee), great editing, and (maybe most important of all) finally a cycling youtuber with original and cool music yes yes yes !

[@Blackjackjr92]

You are my GOAT and my inspiration buddy, started gravel a few month back! if you are ever in Barcelona let me know

[@clh85]

No one deserves this experience more than you. So awesome!

[@funiguy8779]

Wow, what a race, so beautiful! If there's one memory to take away from this, it has to be the best inspirational 60 secs from 12:41 🐄

[@Jennifer-w6g]

The muscle gains are just a byproduct of all your hard work, eating right and training hard, and I know you’d just like to be a humble dude but also dayum 🔥

[@beefeekeefee]

Like the old proverb says if you really want something let it go and if it is meant to be it will come back to you. I think your game has come back. Congrat's!

[@Nevermind-ol8cc]

Video was recommended through algorithm and I have to say, I enjoyed every second of the video. You have such a brilliant charisma, that you got me addicted to watch it through. Couldn't turn of the Video, even if I wanted to :D

[@EvanLindy]

Now this is my kind of course!! It's funny as a Canadian who hates winters I always find myself binging your channel in the spring to fire me up for the season!! Congrats on all the muscle gain, it's definitely for the better!

[@anthonyrodiger3793]

what a gold mine i have stumbled upon, all after viewing some of Dylan's videos! immediate subscription, etc...

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thank you! I’ve been at this for a long time and put a lot of effort into my stories.

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

You and Stetina are both great ambassadors for the sport. "we're 20 miles in" wtf, that was only the start of the course? Pretty sick course to get all that thrown at you. Big shouts to Tony for helping with the filming. Great job man, enjoyed this video a lot.

[@graciejohn2]

One of your best videos and edits ever. Congrats on your result!

[@aletheia3]

This kind of thing from you is what I learn from. Keep doing these. I feel like I'm there with you.

[@Thomas_2615]

This guy helped me get back on my bike, awesome shoutout to Tyler, super video! 🐄

[@richardlawes8893]

Good job! Cow section was epic!!!!!!!!

[@Souzaphotos]

Great race, you make some of the best videos while smashing the competition, it's mind-blowing.

[@DonCaramell0]

Huge shoutout to your mate dropping out but coming back to take some shots of you towards the end. Great sportman / friend to have around.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Man, Tony was CLUTCH on this trip. He saved the day for sure.

[@ginbraiba]

Your talking thru is so cool ;) They is the kind of vids that makes sense take 30 minutes of your life. Cheers from Portugal

[@13chibears]

EVERY VIDEO SLAPS. Quality and passion is insane

[@john-mikaeljarvenkyla]

these videos are the best content in the world right now...youre an absolut genious film maker!

[@timandkristigeddes1997]

Had to comment on this one - I really dig the retro gaming graphics in your edits, and also when you use voice overs (Mostly in the impossible routes, not this one). Its amazing when you don't try for results they just come to you, contacts Tyler 🤙🤙 The cow footage gave me goosebumps 👌👌Hit me up if you ever consider a using an Aussie voice over ;)

[@robertm1552]

Quality story, quality production. Thanks for the ride!

[@felixbaisch5576]

Yooo this shot with the running cows is for real one of the best Ive ever seen! Its crazy how you get out there, ride like a beast and get all of these shots while riding and performing! So amazing to see! Keep on riding Tyler ❤🤙🏽

[@alexcochennec2870]

Dude you're so freaking good at making these videos, and also crushing the race!!

[@stuartbarber7784]

You do the best story telling content ever... mixed in with cinematography whilst riding / keeping race strategy etc. Love your work.

[@CBRMackie63]

Congrats on the 4th place finish. The opening visuals of the video were fantastic and the ride with the cows, awesome!!!

[@r.briquet1117]

The vibes of your videos are always golden/feel good. A lot of love from Taiwan (where I am now) and Belgium (where I am from) my dude

[@drewtietz2274]

What a pleasant surprise. I sit down for some evening chill and VC has a new video. Nice

[@aspenwagon04]

Congrats on the weight gain. Bodybuilder/hobby cyclist here - the extra weight of lots of muscle where it counts is far OUTweighed by the power, consistency, and mental boost extra strength provides. Good on you!

[@CvoreAthlete]

To put on muscle, carnivore is the best way. get optimal nutrition to keep you healthy. Veganism will malnourish you with non bioavailable nutrients and plant toxins. Recommend Watching Dr. Shawn Baker and Dr. Anthony Chaffey.

[@Jack13001]

Another stunning rock cobbler vid 👍 congrats on the 4th!

[@MikeHealey110]

Dude, I'm just dead. I don't even know what to say. The cow scene was amazing, your effort, and filming as much the same. I want to say I can only slightly relate. While I still lived in CA I surfed regularly. One day I dared go out on a huge day that was a surf warning with over head regular and sometimes double on set waves, which I didn't have the board for and had no business skill wise doing but hey I was 19. I got pummeled for 6 hours straight, caught maybe 3 waves. I decided on my next go out my body couldn't take it any more. I began to take the next wave in and realized I had no business dropping in, as it ended up being more of a double overhead set wave. It was the very first (and last) time I ever got fully barreled in a wave. While it happened it was about 4pm, and the sun started shining through the wave and 2 dolphins were inside it in front of me. I legit had a freak out not only from what I was doing but what was happening. You can't do anything in those moments but enjoy it, try to be grateful and feel connected to the world around you. The fact that you were able to capture your moment brought me right back. This was by far my favorite of your videos so far, and maybe one of my favorite KZbin watches ever. Regardless of what place, or what happens, your content is worth it.

[@meccanised]

appreciate your vids man, after all these years, you have come a long way. You seem comfortable in yourself more than ever.

[@JosefJoeJosef]

What a funny video. Loving it. Been following your work for a few years now. What a development in production and style. Please keep up the good work and if directions change, embrace it. Go with the flow. Sending love from Europe.

[@eamonn9882]

Fantastic result, after so many tough days for you in these events, you have nailed your pace & nutrition, and the body comp transformation is unreal, from Climber to Rouleur! Super camera work & audio, and enjoyed the glimpse behind the curtain with the equipment chat. 👏💯

[@_manny_soto__]

Very exhilarating stuff! I’m a competitive distance runner and have been following you for some time now. I hope to one day get into this sport when I’m done with running. 🏃🏽🚴🏽‍♂️

[@craigsmith5134]

Huge achievement, shows the training and dedication is paying off!!

[@cocogonzo1168]

Congratulations on a fantastic race! Thanks for the super footage and commentary. I laughed out loud at the end when you hit the bumpy sandy and didn’t want to fall! Hahaha! You look strong and healthy and happy…better than ever.

[@edot2541]

Proud of your weight journey you are carrying the muscle like a boss! It even reflects in your mentality/mindset riding or racing now. Happy for you bro!💪🏾

[@felixdieu]

Graphics, storytelling. Love this one!

[@laydsimba]

I had no idea cows could run that fast! 🤣 This whole thing looked like a movie. Amazing and congrats on 4th place. YUH! 🤙🏾

[@efraer]

My legs are cramping again from watching your video!! Really nicely done - both your finish placing and the content. Also...thanks for the free "Ride Bikes" sticker. Cheers!

[@AaronCorcoran1]

Insane dudes out here getting a top 4 finish and also spending so much effort filming all of this for us! You’re amazing VC!

[@NothingToSeeHere-mb3fw]

You had me at...My Inner Dylan Johnson! Congrats on your ride! Thanks for sharing!

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

Every video is better than the last. These videos are my favorite format on your channel. And your Rock Cobbler videos are the best of the best. This race brings out something inside you that shows through in the video. It was last years video that got me into gravel. I was going to make this race this year, but couldn't make it. See ya there next year.

[@TheVCAdventures]

There is something special about RC and the time of the year it is. Everyone is fresh and motivated, by August or September, it’s honestly hard to be super positive when you’re kinda drained from the year.

[@v0x256]

I can watch your videos forever!

[@velanrama]

Loved this video, learned that whether gravel or MTB, it's all up to each rider comfort and preference

[@seanh70]

Hoofin' it with the bovines was awesome! Besides you're best ever finish the cows were the best part.

[@thereeder5rs]

Awesome story and a 4th is just icing on the cake!

[@LifeTimeGrandPrix]

💕 Just gotta love those rolling green hills! 💕 Way to ride!

[@m1les7]

Absolutely awesome! Congratulations, you were haulin through those ruts! 💪💪🏁🏁🏁

[@thehungrytaurus]

Tyler, first off you are just an amazing dude. Congrats to the beautiful life and family man. Your videos rock and everytime i see one of your race documentaries i just can't stop smiling. Great content. This year i signed up for my first gravel race ever in Spain, super stoked to be there. A big part of my decision to go for it where your videos. Thanks for that little motivational push :) Hugs from Portugal

[@tkirby2911]

Thank you for all of the forethought and planning to get all of those incredible shots. Not only was the whole thing beautiful, but you seriously crushed it. So so stoked to see you finally get an ending you deserved. Keep up the great work 🙌

[@socacyclist]

I love all of your videos. You bring everything to life…I feel like I am there. Amazing narrations and excellent cycling skill. Please keep doing what you do. You NEED to be on Netflix.

[@FantaconeBoxWorksCBG]

One of your best videos! Great editing. The cows.... wow. Great finish.

[@dopamethyldopa]

You've also moved up another level with your last two vids. Nice job man

[@keelybradshaw1348]

Stellar job! Them weight gainz! I hope that look at the end was the start of a few tears of joy- well deserved.

[@mikeODVentures]

Freaking awesome video, commentating, photography and motivation! 🔥

[@adrianoconnor9608]

Loving the Excitebike music/jingles.

[@XavierHipolito]

13:00 AMAZING!

[@romankarabutin3781]

Awesome job, Tyler!!! Congrats🤙🏼 also the production is so cool! Keep it up bro💪🏻😃

[@SierraCreative]

Good stuff! It was nice meeting you at the Cobbler! 4th is beast!!!!