A Rookie's First Bikepacking Adventure: Arkansas High Country Race

[@ososdechengdu]

It's impressive to finish this race. It's awesome to win it. It's next level to do so while having the presence to document it all in detail!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Really well said!! Thanks!

[@tomsouthworth8343]

Agreed! Thanks for taking us along, Ted. Rookie no longer!

[@jvisscher]

News flash; Ted is still in hibernating sleep since returning home. Reports say he has been mumbling in his sleep about altitude per mile, oat meal and aero gains. Unbelievable again, much appreciation for filming this Mr King!

[@Lottahops]

Three years later and I have finally came across this video. I recently found your KZbin channel and have been watching so many of your wonderful videos. This one in particular really impresses me. You really make inspiring videos. Thank you for sharing so much of your cycling and other interests. Keep Em Rolling! :-)

[@alanoffer]

How nice of the kind person that left the little box of refreshments out on the road for trail riders ,,the world is full of kind people but you won’t hear about them on the news

[@davidarmitage6935]

Wow!!!. it was clear to see what an incredible toll that took on you physically. You looked totally wiped. Amazing effort. Big fan of all you are doing.

[@michaelcleveland98]

Awesome work Ted! It was a pleasure 'riding' the route with you. Congratulations.

[@larrythebicycleguy6615]

Enjoyed your video. As a life-long resident of Arkansas, I did have one comment. No doubt, you encountered turtles and snakes along the route. The big cat you seen, could have been a mountain lion, as there is a small population of those in the state. There are many bobcats. But a moose? Never heard of a moose in Arkansas. But the area you were in, does have an elk population.

[@jfspurlin1]

I grew up in Mt Ida, mentioned in the video. Spent 7 years in Fayetteville too and lots of outdoor time all over NW Ark. I never saw or heard of any moose in the state.

Well that's what has been brewing for the last few months, very few videos from the King lately, I was starting to miss him ! Glad to see you back in action and crushing it once again, big fan of the channel !

[@kevingoza]

Ted, I love your approach to riding a bike! You enjoy what you do, and help the rest of us have joy watching! Congratulations!

[@ianusna91]

Congratulations! AR glad to have you visit and “enjoy” your ride.

[@denishoule3385]

I am quickly becoming a bigger fan of the "retired" riders than of "active" riders...you and Gaimon are so fun to watch (Morton too, altho he is not formally retired)...awesome job!

[@ncbassmix]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@Greenleader1000]

Congratulations Ted and all other finishers of this ride/race. I enjoy seeing the changes in your energy and speaking as the days went on. Randonneurs who ride 1000 or 1200 km+ events know these symptoms well. Hard to train for it - just gotta try. The body and mind have some strange reactions to ultra-endurance events - sometimes quite mind expanding.

[@alexgrytsenko85]

Ive never seen him being so tired))) I guess I will never, never, EVER try this race!)))) Thx Ted.

[@durwoodhill2798]

Your passion around pushing your boundaries, trying different challenging rides, your pursuit of the exceptional, be it fitness, determination, human being---all of it--you're an inspiration Ted!

[@mchristian5217]

This is unbelievable. What a physical test. King you passed with flying colors.

[@Highnoonshred]

Those times on the bike late into the night are something!

[@malcolmmorrow4157]

First thought, while watching, is that Lachlan Morton would have (probably) eaten a handful of psylocibin and cycled right passed the community center to keep pushing through the night

[@adamnorton748]

If that's really a thing, I'm concerned about the influence that would be having on other less skilled cyclists.. Mainly on me!!

[@Joyzus]

whats the story with those psilocybin references? new to this channel

[@tacconelli]

@@Joyzus Yea, same. I don't get it. Was Lachlan eating shrooms on his long races? O_o

[@Joyzus]

@@tacconelli the thing is i did eat shrooms during endurance races but while running (in microdose area though). but i never heard about pro athletes doing that lol so i am quite interested. i just did it because it was more fun and it makes you endure a more pain than usual.

[@Moped_Moproblems]

I'm just saying I never raced on psylocibins but I will say I have road on them and had a great time climbing hills and the effort was literally effortless..

[@Moped_Moproblems]

I lived here in Arkansas only a couple years moved from Los Angeles I got to say Arkansas has some hardcore rider's..crazy you stopped by my little town of Russellville maybe I'll see you next year 💪👍

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

What a great DIY vid Ted! Such an intimate view into your crazy tough experiences. Love your attitude and perspectives. Thanks for helping us stay sane and maintain perspective on what’s most important during this dark COVID time! After watching this, I can’t wait to ride some more gravel...in any weather and any time of day! Your efforts and vision are most appreciated! Onward!

[@BThorRev]

Inspiring ride Ted I am eyeing the event this year and as a resurrection event for my body. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to the race. Ben

[@bosanderspublictheology]

Searched for this after finding a podcast you did with Payson. Goodness that took quite a toll on you but it gave you SO much cred in every corner of the Bikepacking sub-culture and I am so glad that you did it. The high profile one day races are great but this was next level game you brought to put out that effort. Much respect.

[@PumpkinVillage]

That's a ride. Congrats. Take care and looking forward to your next video., Al

[@TysRides]

SO good to watch so far. But I'm 8:50 in and had to ask, you saw a moose in Arkansas?! 😯

[@TedKing1]

No one believes me. This was way too early in the race to be hallucinating.

[@bunniH0P404]

@@TedKing1 We definitely have some huge elk in a couple of spots, but I can't say I've ever seen a moose here! lol Not ruling out one of our friendly mountain folk hiding one away somewhere, though... so, I believe you.

[@lauraking7754]

@@bunniH0P404 Note that his wife was the first to question that he saw a moose. I'm glad the internet backs me up. ;)

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

Holy cow, Ted. Nicely done.

[@karlstine2065]

Wow. Endurance racing is very glamorous.

[@george8214]

Stud! This guy’s a freak! I think he was delirious for much of the comp. Makes me want to sell my bike! This was like watching a Morgan Spurlock documentary.

[@milanb.6022]

If your neck and wrists hurt, it might be time to consider an endurance oriented position on your bike. You're still riding like a world tour pro, which doesn't necessarily translate to ultra long distance events. Thanks for the video, all the best in the new year!

[@robertbotta6536]

You truly are the King. Nicely done.

[@pumaprints916]

The puffy eyes and neck pain are part of it. Watched a guy try and ride Kansas on trans America with Shermer neck. Hope you recover well. Loved spot tracking you.

[@TheWdouillet]

Rugged and raw -- Best video ever from the best in the game!

[@mauriciorosales1259]

Like other local Vermont riders, watched the race on a map, but never imagined how brutal it was. Nice job Mr King!

[@jessetamez7362]

Ted , thanks and congrats. I think you have the potential to be an ultra endurance powerhouse.

[@walcottav]

Dang. Amazing. Astonishing presence of mind throughout. I don't know how you kept filming. Don't know if you're thinking about it, but would be interesting to learn what did and did not work for you. Enjoy your recovery.

[@lauraking7754]

Download the King of the Ride podcast where Ted talks through all the details!

[@jarenbooks5371]

Hello from Arkansas! Way to go!

[@thegenuflector5791]

Impressive ride Ted, even more impressive you kept filming.... thanks you did it. Peace and love to you too.

[@jonjanzen3206]

Amazing! As you get older your nerve ends will be shot. You'll be able to withstand more pain. You'll just keep on blowing others apart. Congratulations. Keep on rollin.

[@alanatkins3769]

Awesome video Ted! Thanks for sharing.

[@NewGenAV]

Fing love this content millions of drops on KZbin and this is at my top of the list!

[@baldpacker11]

when a King calls himself a Rookie... :D amazing, congrats!!!

[@giorginonaval7300]

Insane. Thanks for inspiring us all to ride better. Hoping for your full recovery soon!

[@GrumpyOldMan70]

Kinda cool to see Fayetteville since I grew up there. Thanks for the video

[@dan.p.8060]

You might not ever see a mountain lion in your lifetime but they will definitely see you

[@chadpendy7346]

Peace and Love back at ya Ted!! Great job!!! Very Inspirational, grateful to watch you do your thing man!!!!!

[@Apidurabikepacking]

Congratulations! What a heroic race.

[@davidwebb2337]

Nice work. That was the real deal. Wow.

[@johnpayne2465]

Well done Ted! You're a mad man.

[@jlk7107]

Cracking effort that pal 🚴🚴

[@paulgibbs4936]

Definitely a wild ride. Was patiently waiting for the video. Congrats.

[@alan77645]

Insane! Great job! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@bradshearman3993]

Just found this. Thank you for documenting your adventure to share with us and congratulations on the accomplishment of completing such an epic event.

[@elizabethloper1870]

This race reminds me of Trans Minnesota and NSBR (Northstar bike race). These are both long multi day races in MN.

[@kimwalton2873]

Well done!

[@gfunk0677]

Superb Ted. Nice one fella. Keep it up. Very inspiring 🥳👍

[@xaviermelendez2639]

Nice job Ted!

[@joanneleyva4942]

Ted, you look worked dude! What a monster effort. I would have loved to have seen Lachy do this race!

[@jasonbehringer743]

Your a Savage TK....Nice ride!

[@theantichrome9842]

Welcome to Arkansas, retroactively.

[@mads205]

Great video! Thank you for lettings us in on your rides.

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Wow, Ted. Amazing effort.

[@stevenlee2805]

Awesome Ted, thanks for the Great Effort!!!

[@kw9000]

If it involves pedaling on 2 wheels, I would never call Ted King a rookie at it.

[@terrysires1778]

FKT and Bobby wrenching for you? Amazing performance and great video. Hope to see you at the Midsouth!

[@mickfaragher7897]

Beyond awesome dude💪👍🚴

[@bonn1771]

great job! and it was nice to track everyone during the race!

[@stanislaogerman3743]

Wow ... well done.

[@dba4a6d76]

Thanks for the great video...I feel inspired after watching you!

[@johnmelanson3209]

Awesome ride Ted!

[@rosscads]

Mega ride Ted! Congratulations on an epic performance! 👏🏻

[@TheCamb0910]

Awesome effort mate!

[@unchewable1]

Epicly epic my friend great show of effort thanks for sharing

[@mikeriot2196]

Wow....freaking amazing!!!

[@paeden5431]

Oh hey, I bought my bike from Bobby's Shop! Awesome crew he has there down at District !

[@tkbuz]

Huge motivation! Thanks for sharing

[@zippin1]

Monumental effort!

[@marcberman5642]

Awesome effort sir. Love watching you get it done.

[@frankkottwitz6279]

Wow Ted that’s awesomeness

[@terryjordon8429]

Damn Ted. That was brutal.

[@johnmanuel7561]

Amazing effort! Congratulations on such a demanding accomplishment

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Congrats Bro

[@SpeedyChix]

Amazing ride and great video n edit. Inspiring for sure.

[@CentristRN]

Love this format.

[@miguelcordeiro8905]

Respect!

[@zacharysmiles1308]

Great video

[@jeffbrimhall8119]

I could have watched this for much longer. That seemed beyond savage

[@EmileGlorieux]

This looks crazy!

[@J3SSEB]

Nice! This is the one I’ve been waiting for.

[@JPort64]

Great effort! Congrats!

[@samjenkins9346]

Mate great effort!! Would love to hear a 2 week or month after update, once the aches and pains are gone, to see what you think about it then!

[@richardharker2775]

Late to the party again and great live documentary. Looking at your face after the ride I don't think facial recognition software would work.

[@marcpauly8699]

Congrats! Hope your recovery is going okay. You could tell you were wrecked!

[@whatsuptimmy4166]

Ah I wish you did a little intro to explain the race. Congrats on winning!

[@lauraking7754]

check out the full podcast on this event where Ted details everything: open.spotify.com/show/54XDhfKBmSxuP6Vb9ILm89

[@troye5555]

Peace and Love Dude ✌

[@s-ultracycling]

Congrats. Massive stuff

[@timothyskattum950]

Wow... just wow...

[@cb6866]

Wow....you are one tough hombre. Be safe bud

[@markouellette788]

Congrats on that Ted. Just Amazing. How you look at the end is like you aged to 55.

[@lauraking7754]

I said the same thing! He aged a couple decades in a week.

[@waynebutler970]

Epic.

[@marcus_bowling]

Way to go dude! Amazing effort, and such an inspiration!

[@bennetthasty7886]

Looked brutal