My First ULTRA Bike Race (Unbound XL - 350mi / 563km)

[@TheVCAdventures]

There’s so much story to a bike race like this, and I’m gonna do a “what I learned” type video that goes more in-depth, but here’s a few FAQs. Q: What did you eat? A: So much Flow, around 2,000 calories in just drink mix. A couple sodas, 4 bags of nuts, and shit ton of Delta G ketones Q: How long did you stop? A: I averaged around 3-5 min a stop, stopped every 60 miles ish, 6 total stops Q: How did the Wahoo last? A: I had a battery bank and charged it twice. Ended with 1% left. 😬 Q: Any mechanicals? A: None, only a loose cleat at mile 260 Q: What would you do different? A: TBH, probably no hydro pack. There was plenty of opportunities to fill bottles. 3 bottles on the bike and maybe one in the pocket would be fine. I carried way too much shit.

[@noet5329]

Awesome video brother!

[@digitalenglish3620]

Nuff love and RAS-pect VC, you are a truly inspiration human being. We all know it takes effort, time and creativity to make the quality content you do, and it is greatly appreciated. We all look forward to your next adventure.

[@dansugardude2655]

Where did you end up finding your fannypack?

[@backpackerx]

Maybe add to the FAQ if the Grizl with suspension was still the best choice or would you go no suspension or even Grail for speed?

[@TheVCAdventures]

I left it in Dylan Johnson’s van 🤡

[@andyisraggedy]

Super stoked that the $40 got you as far as it did. It was great riding with you out there.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Homie, you saved the day! I will pay that forward one day.

[@robertosantander5236]

Both of you are amazing. Proud of you. The best

[@leslie7922]

$40 in new zealand would be a couple bags of nuts and gatorade 😂

[@seancleary9127]

Andy that was awesome that you did that!

[@brianmessemer2973]

Kudos on you, Andy 🙌

[@SmokeEater509]

"We caught this guy Anton" just casually bumping into Anton Krupicka who is like one of the all time greats of ultramarathon. Legendary

[@anthonydantonio8762]

Had to comment. Just watched this video. I'm 62. Still ride everyday but short rides. 🤷🏻‍♂️. Rode across the US in 1982 so I've got a soft spot in my heart for bikers. Your video is amazing. Your spirit is AMAZING!!! I love this video. My favorite part, although it was all great, is when you talked about the connection you get with folks you meet on the road. I just looked up and called a couple I met on my cross country trip 40 years ago. We rode together for a couple of weeks and when they answered the phone it was like all the great memories came flooding back. I was tearing up talking with them. Keep riding. Keep up your tremendous spirit. It makes a difference. ❤️ Tony

[@markvandekamp4126]

Fellow Unbound XL rider, Mark, here. I'm briefly shown at 16:54 and 18:46. Saw the armadillo with you (that's not a euphemism). Had my own "just keep pedaling" issue when I caught my front wheel in a rut and crashed at 5:45 AM. Unfortunately I didn't manage to negative split the race by over an hour like you did! Still broke 26 hours and felt really good about my effort. Great ride and great video. I can point people here who want to get a visual sense of what it was like.

[@kevinfink9181]

Anton Krupicka from Boulder, CO. Was pretty much a legend in the pro ultra running scene about ten to eight years ago often training 200 mile weeks. Winning everything in America. He then became injured and started climbing and cycling. He then returned to running the Leadville 100 mile race last year. The dude is a beast

[@justinofboulder]

Lots of overtraining injuries for that guy.....

[@stuartrooney6707]

He's a living legend. Ask any runner. So cool to see him rip it in the gravel scene too.

[@justinofboulder]

@@stuartrooney6707 As an "any runner", I would say that the media has certainly made him in to a "legend". As far as actual results, he has had had far more defeats than successes.

[@Cheese-dq6dm]

@@justinofboulder I feel like that’s how it goes for any professional athlete in an endurance sport. Most pro cyclists and runners have far fewer wins than “defeats” it’s the nature of the sport, and part of makes it both so beautiful, and the wins so magical!

[@stuartrooney6707]

@@justinofboulder As "any runner" who followed his races and training at the time I can assure you, he inspired a lot of people to take up the sport and simply get outside. Much more important than media deemed success.

[@jays.2965]

*frustration intensifies (at 13:10) is a brilliant shot with a perfectly blue sky, jet flies into view, and Vegan rambling in the back lol. Absolutely brilliant. There are too many videos of things going right and not enough instruction on how to keep going when everything seemingly goes wrong. Great job my dude, keep it up!

[@SuperJohnnyO]

Agreed. That plane was serendipitous.

[@ferruccio4531]

my life stopped and I was you for the duration of the video. I can't find the words to tell you how much I liked this story, truly amazing, inspirational, awsome. subscribed. ciao from Venice (Italy)

[@ChristianNorling]

I did a 315km event on tarmac here in Sweden two weeks ago, doing 350 miles on gravel is just so epic! Absolutely killing it, the video, editing, everything!

[@rosscads]

The Vatternrunden? That’s a great event. It’s hard to imagine doing 2x it like these guys! 🤯

[@ChristianNorling]

@@rosscads Yeah Vätternrundan and I totally agree, I can't even imagine doing it at the speed they are. Very very impressive 😊

[@redwoodJB]

Bro, your humility, your blunt honesty is so inspiring. You make me want to get on my bike and suffer every day.

[@btp98w]

Humility?? !!!!!! 🤣 🤣

[@eltonmuller2978]

This was truly inspirational, your story telling ability had me hanging on the edge of my seat every minute of the ride and the part where you said "I'm a poet" had me on the floor. Anyway I've been following your blogs for a while and have seen your grow mentality ,emotionally and became a real athlete. Stay at it!!!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks for the kind words. The story telling side of things takes A LOT of tedious work, it’s why these take so long to get out.

[@eltonmuller2978]

@@TheVCAdventures I can only imagine the amount of work you've put into this and all the hours of planning and thought process again man stick to your passion. Good content.

[@Cyclonut96]

@@TheVCAdventures it would be also good to tell us how all the clips were filmed. Thanks.

[@bingoberra18]

@@TheVCAdventures It´s what makes your videos great to watch and learn from

[@PatrickSTAR666666]

I felt like the camera work took a big leap for the better in this video - the cut scenes and b roll were baddass. You are an amazing creator thanks so much for this video.

[@paulgibbs4936]

I am 1 week out from my first gravel race and have all the negatives running through my head. You have no idea how much I needed this video. Thanks VC. You will always be the champ.

[@Mrube50]

Casey’s gas station is the GOAT of cycling.

[@devbober.youtube8336]

This video is the reason I have really pushed my self to train for this race and do it with my buddy (me 17) (him 18) to do it next year and I have no expectations of placing well but just to finish the race. So thank you for the inspiration and keep up the amazing work!

[@chasingbirds3073]

Been waiting for this to come out. Awesome job! I did Unbound 100 this year and I was probably one of the people you flew by late in the race. I'll be on the start line of the XL next year for sure. The hell with the 200. UPDATE: I got picked in the lottery to race in the Unbound XL 2023. Training scared now. Also, I rewatched this video and saw that you did, in fact, pass me during the very muddy stretch. At 33:05 mark in this video you pass me (I am walking with the red jersey and white sleeves). Didn't realize it was you.

[@TheVCAdventures]

200 is all the world tour cats now. Getting top 50 would take a lifetime effort for me now. So 24-36 hour races are my sweet spot.

[@GravelRacer1]

They have separate finishing awards for the non pros

[@cjohnson3836]

@@TheVCAdventures 200 may have "prestige" but, as far as I'm concerned, XL is where the real hard cats play. You're a beast

[@Enigma71559]

Dude!! I kept checking on ya into the night. And first thing in the morning when I got up. Thinking about you the whole weekend. I've been so excited for this video and it didn't disappoint. Your heart and grit are unsurpassed! You're amazing!!! And I have to get to this event one of these years to meet you. I live an hour from Empoira, just outside KC. Whenever I'm struggling on a ride, I think of you saying, "Just keep pedaling." Love ya bruh!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Well next year, swing by Emporia and let’s go for a spin.

[@krissche1863]

Anton Krupicka? Was super into ultrarunning and is semi still into it. If it was that Krupicka he is a legend!

[@jonathanazbell9596]

This is better than any movie I’ve ever watched.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

New VC video! I'm hyped. You've given me some major inspiration to do cycling feats of strength for content. I'd love to do a short video chat about bike packing in the future.

[@hartmain5443]

Great video Tyler, one of your best. I’m training for a 440 mile ultra race in October and hearing your mindset throughout the race was really motivational. Hope to see you out there next year!

[@trevorwild195]

Pee while riding? This is the next level stuff man! Salute you! Amazing story!

[@michaelclinch7037]

This story was way better than expected, so so good. Thanks for telling it.

[@gjeccurtis]

Hello - absolutely loved the video; I am home, rehabbing full hip replacement and I can not wait to get back on my bike; really appreciate your efforts here, to document an event like this, but also wanted to commend your storytelling ability. Makes all the footage unify with the narrative so well. Thanks again...

[@tccycling]

Dude these videos are epic and inspiring man. I’ve only done a couple of gravel races so I’m just learning. Watching you kill it for these distances and overcome all this stuff is frickin awesome. Great job dude please keep it up. Appreciate your work!

[@GUNDOGLIFE]

One of the best episodes yet.

[@senditsi]

One of my favourites from you in recent memory, maybe ever. Seriously inspiring me to do something similar.

[@unforgivable15]

I saw you at the finish line when I finished the 100 and was like "that's def that vegan dude" haha. I'm going to brag, I rode that entire straight muddy slippery section (I was on 45 WTB ramblers). Granted you had ridden 300 something miles more at that point!! Insane. Mail was definitely sent! Amazing job, and looking forward to seeing you at next years race.

[@GravelRacer1]

I've been anxiously waiting for your race vlog. Great job on the race. It would be nice to see a video on your kit breakdown for XL

[@bitterbuick]

I've been watching your videos for ages and this one is so great in so many levels. Well done, my friend!

[@Choccytube]

This shows the spirit between cyclists, we all go through good and bad points on any ride, but we support each other because we know what that pain feels like. I think this video shows the real spirit of cycling and you convey it so well....

[@erinohagain9841]

best video ever... I am 10 weeks post knee surgery and your videos have carried me through some of my darkest days. There have been moments during this when I have thought I will never get back on my bike again, but then I watch one of your videos and it motivates me to keep moving forward. One more degree of flexion, one more painful PT exercise, one more excruciating ass pedal. Thanks Tyler xo

[@TheVCAdventures]

That’s awesome to hear Erin! I’ve been following your journey through this process and I try to imagine how I would deal with it. I can say, I wouldn’t be handling it publicly as well as you are. I broke my leg last year and 5 weeks off the bike felt like a career death. So you being 15 total weeks into this, I can’t imagine the mental gymnastics you are doing. But keep moving forward, you will appreciate the bike so very much more after this is behind you. I wish you the speediest of recoveries, see you on the road!

[@erinohagain9841]

@@TheVCAdventures Thank you so much… I actually followed that entire journey of yours as well and I’ve gone back and re-watched those videos numerous times. The mental part of this entire experience has been the most challenging, and wrapping my mind around the fact that I am going to have to start at the beginning rebuilding back up my cycling fitness and strength. I’m going in for another revision procedure tomorrow so I can try to get some more flexion in my knee as I still cannot stand and pedal and I still have not been able to ride off-road yet. Anyway, thanks again for sending your reply… Your videos keep me stoked, motivated and laughing and sometimes that’s the best medicine of all xo

[@ryanashleywaterman]

Unbelievable. A storyteller. Freakin love it dude. Congrats. Breaking boundaries one vegan at a time 🌱🌏❤️

[@panjiprivan7134]

I think all theories of cycling are thrown out the window in unbound XL. It's just you & your wits. Thanks for sharing your extra ordinary experience 👍🏻

[@jjnapper77]

Holy crap - Ann Arbor Velo Club represent at 10:28ish! Nice work AAVC!

[@alexlenker8332]

HUGE respect, Jesus Christ. This is the defintion of peak peformance in a human body. greets from germany!

[@myfrequencies1912]

So many of your videos have absolutely inspired me. Here's another one. Kudos!

[@alanhill7965]

You have been entertaining and inspiring this vegan cyclist for years , so glad you do what you do many thanks !

[@KwadSkwad]

so epic!!! the weather was nuts and finishing 200 was crazy enough, I was happy as a lark to make it. you absolutely killed the 350!

[@robertosantander5236]

Proud of you man 👊🏽

[@renemendoza2386]

On top of all these world class athletes and your normal Joe, going beyond and above there capabilities is extraordinary. What really catches me and gets to me is the brotherhood shown within each other! We live in a world that’s full of hate but to see this type of professionalism and love is beyond! Thank you Mr Vegan! Keep doing it! Thank you

[@moelvin]

Amazing Film, not only a Video. I loved every minute. Emotional up and downs in only 24 hrs. Was so much fun to watch! 563 km wow. That´s way to much for me. Great efford an greetings from germany! :)

[@cxspokes]

I’ve secretly wanted to do the 200 for about 10 years now. In December 2021, I watched your two previous 200 videos. They gave me the nudge I needed to enter the lottery. Was picked for this year, raced it, Finished it! All smiles now.

[@panterita1177]

I absolutely love your videos. I love that you take us on these journeys with you. Also, it made me very happy to see Anton Krupicka out there. He is such an awesome guy.

[@GoldenRIFT]

Such a dope video by far my favorite So Far of 2022. This ride was Packed with endless stories and epic riding. You are a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing you life adventures and journey with the world.

[@chasethelen4577]

Thank you for posting this video. I watch these as I ride my peloton. Motivates me to do better for longer

[@nc7812]

Thanks for posting. You are such an inspiration for me as a hobby cyclist

[@skylarhebert5258]

always love when pure things like this happen to us as people....just living

[@cassandrafahey3745]

Another incredible video 🤗 people are kind to you because you are SO GENEROUS with what you do for the sport and the entertainment you provide for us viewers. 🦋🙏🏽🐄 Namaste amigo

[@bobspatta2179]

See you next year on the XL. Thanks for inspiring me once again Tyler. Awesomeness!

[@michaellangfitt2077]

I knew when I checked you in at registration this was going to be an epic video. 10/10 did not disappoint.

[@wykydgt]

I'm two rides into the Kentucky Century Challenge(skipped the first of 5 rides due to ridiculous weather) and I just keep telling myself, "It's only another mile and a half" when my mind says I'm done. Something else that helps motivate me is the support I get when other riders realize I'm an adaptive cyclist. When another rider pulls alongside and tells me how inspiring it is to them that a guy with a partially paralyzed leg has the motivation to ride 60-100 miles, just because, it kicks me into overdrive and the will to finish comes back in loads. Much bro-love, Tyler and keep inspiring those around you.

[@macdaddy1617]

The Biking community (riders & supporters) is an amazing thing! Ppl reaching for there best of whom they are that day and days to come.

[@steck222]

Beautiful, just beautiful. The pain, the suffering, the revival, the comeback and seeing it all through to the finish. Love to see it!

[@simonlynch4204]

Sign up. Send it. Well put. Just ried our first local gravel race (SO and I) and we didn't manage to finish. The climbing and the almost reezing temps got the best of us. It had more climbing in the 60km than the 100mile route... We loved it.

[@cuinnbrogan4993]

man, just love what you do. thanks for putting these incredible videos together for us tyler!

[@austynhughes134]

This is the type of video that makes me want to go out and ride my bike. And that is exactly why I subscribed to this channel years ago!

[@randykrause670]

Bruh!!!!! I have nothing to add that has not already been stated; TRULY BRILLIANT. What is awesome to watch evolve is the community that you give so much to through your amazing ability to share your stories constantly supporting and giving back to you. VERY COOL

[@justluvit1000]

Just finished watching the race. I am so glad that you pulled through. Even if you didn't win the race, you beat the inner monster that would have made you quit the race. You woke up feeling terrible but at the end of the of the day you were on top of the world. You met awesome people that helped you out, $40,- (big shout out to the anonymous donator) doesn't sound like much, but for that day it was enough to get you through it. The camaraderie you experienced riding through the night is hard to describe. Thanks for finishing the ride and uploading the experience.

[@SD-ec5ge]

The image of the blue sky when your go pro fell down, with a plane passing by, that was pure gold. Epic ride man! Congrats

[@JoeCincotta307]

Broski, the first vid i saw of yours you reviewed a green wheel on trainer in your living. I think the rock n roll kinetic or something… and been with you ever since. The way you tell your story makes me feel like we are long time homies. Which is what all your fans feel, and makes it easy for them to show love when your around. Stay true, stay cool, and always 1 more !

[@TheVCAdventures]

Dang, that was an old video. Appreciate the love Joe!

[@keirinmaster]

Love your message at 40:05. So true. People have so much more in them, that they're capable of, if they just TRULY push themselves. You're awesome Ty.

[@SuperJohnnyO]

Of course, the story and cycling content is awesome (per usual), but I gotta say - the shots from the hot air balloon at the end looked AMAZING! Something I never considered doing, but now is on my list! Thanks, VC!

[@martins3993]

Never seen your channel before but this got me so inspired and pumped. Tomorrow i am fixing up my old bike that i haven't touched for 10 years (since i got my kids). And then i'm goin riding.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Dude! Best comment I’ve ever been given! Enjoy the ride my guy!

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

Epic video for an Epic race, great job VC 🙌 The highs, the lows... One of the best so far

[@user-mn3kl7bx9l]

Watched your review explaining the return a newly purchased bike probably 10 years ago and have been w you ever since. As I am turning 50 this year I have w few events lined up and that included this year's 100 miler - you have been a source of inspiration to me and so many "weekend warriors". You excel, but also struggle, victory and defeat side by side as things somethimes dont go as planned - a reflection of all of us amateurs athletes and adventure lovers. When it was raining at the Flint Hills I kept my spirit high and grateful for the blessing - the way it should be. Keep pushing and thanks for the inspiration. ps: surprised you didnt carry a mud stick.

[@claytman75]

One more... keep it up VC... Would love to see you in Lincoln for Gravel Worlds in Aug. Glad to host you if you are looking for another great plains crash pad.

[@MichaelSchneiderTexas]

Awesome, congrats!. I rode the midnight massacre gravel in Texas before gravel got real big. Darkness, loneliness, dirt, dust, random strangers, farm dogs, deer, lights, rain, soaked, water, hungry . I feel you.

[@areonser]

Duude, i love all your race videos, but maan this is the best so far! Keep up the great work!

[@jayjames100]

You are one special kind of fellow VC. Crazy. Well done 👏👏👏

[@patrickc4984]

Another amazing journey. Thanks for taking us along with you. I had your voice in my head at BWR Asheville this year when I was at my lowest point ever. I just kept going and I was able to rally back from multiple hard crashes and finish a ride I had no business finishing. You are the best dude!

[@speedypablo5530]

Danke!

[@timwestgate1577]

Thanks

[@edramos1515]

Too much dedication for being away from your family just to make videos. Good job Tyler 👏🏼🙏🏼👌🏼👍🏼💪🏼

[@kamael1125]

Congatualtions!!!! I watched few vlogs like this but this one is by far most entertaining and...wholesome. Congratulations for that too! And wish you all the best on your next adventure!

[@milescolescott844]

endurance athletes are such a bizarre group of people. in the moment, it’s so hard, brutal and oh so difficult, there is just no way it would, or should, be considered fun. but at the end, all you can say, as tyler perfectly described it, is “wow, that was so much fun.” congrats on a stellar day on the bike!

[@liamfinnegan8085]

So glad I found your channel! What an awesome video and amazing finish! Woooo!

[@jimmckinney1685]

Most fun I’ve ever had watching a cycling video. So inspiring. I did 35 miles today and I’m kinda spent. This is a great, positive push toward a first century. Thank you.

[@michaeloneill5824]

Youre unreal at doing this movie stuff man. That was really enjoyable. THank you

[@corbinfranklin6109]

Man I’ve always enjoyed your stuff. Before I found your channel I really enjoyed cycling. After following you for the last couple years, I’ve found some serious cycling about me. The impossible route playlist really inspired me, I’m doing my own this year. I can’t wait to do my ‘one more’ at RAGBRAI this year!!

[@ranxxerox6407]

Just the fact you get a free mud facial is worth buying a Gravel bike for! Great vid, to have the strength to record even at your lowest is spectacular.

[@markr6962]

Thanks for sharing this experience! It looked like a bucket list type of event. Very entertaining, you could have made this into a movie. You had me laughing in some parts.

[@airforceones25]

UK Andy is a legend! I did a pre ride with him and dude was all class. Gave me one of his special gels for the 200!

[@Remmidemmialex]

Tylor I would like to thank you so much for this inspirational and motivating video. I feel with you all 350 miles and can understand your thougts. The "ONE MORE" pylosophy. I had an discussion with my good friend if I should start my training in the heavy rain or not and during our discussion I found the answear by myself: It had never a bad time on the bike. Even in the worst conditions, there was also some kind of fun and confidence. Keep on riding. Kind regards, Alex (team coffeeandchainrings) #puremountainbiking

[@OGillo2001]

Massive, massive. Well done my friend!

[@marcosmallmann9770]

What a race! Congrats on your ride and wisdom shared!

[@kimrice394]

“Gonna be hard just to exist today!” Felt that! Hard hitting statement!

[@joangregg4378]

It's fun suffering together. Your experience reminds me of a ride I did that should have taken me 5 hours becoming a 12 hour suffer fest. I was determined to not double back. I survived. Now you got me hooked. I have to try a gravel race. Thanks for taking us with you💖

[@CatherineandRob]

One of the very best cycling videos.

[@jeffvaughnmedia]

Great vid, Tyler. I loved watching the backroads of my home state, Kansas.

[@therondc]

Btw, I love your "one more" philosophy. I learned something similar while training for the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb (a race you would love, btw) in 2019, when my father passed away 3 months before the race. The common thread between dealing with loss/grief and an impossible climb (I don't have a climber's build) was that you couldn't view it just as something to get through. You had to find peace in the moment rather than looking forward to the end. As you say - you can always turn the pedal one more time, and you can always make it through one more day. If you view it as something to just get through, it will seem impossible, but if you live in that moment, you'll get there.

[@SteveBrill]

Superb film Tyler and so many life lessons to be had in that one ride. You are super human. 👏💪

[@chuckvossler9010]

Amazing. So proud of you. To start that w/o any food or $ is crazy and how U overcame. Just amazing. “The deep connection you make with random strangers for such a short period of time.” Such poetry - I did the 50 mile Unbound - finished exhausted/frozen/filthy but your description of just one more and the bonds you make are why I am so glad to be getting back into cycling - gravel brought me back out. Love your vlogs

[@danucul]

Your work here on YT is highly underrated. Great result too, you rocked that race.

[@bryancardo497]

Killer riding &dedication the bike and filming!

[@fastlx13]

I started watching your videos during the pandemic. One of the videos that got me watching more was your review of helmets. You've come along way with these epic amazing series of videos. Thank you Tyler for inspiring us.

[@rodrigocastro9323]

THIS is the only video about that race that matters. What an experience.

[@marcelleclerc690]

Beautifully told story, as always. You only get more inspirational with time, it's such a pleasure !

[@seancleary9127]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing your feeling. Makes be feel like I’m normal when I struggle. I just attempted the Lutsen 99 and was destroyed by it. I will be better prepared next year.

[@GhyslainBrazeau]

Thanks!

[@libretto1]

Awesome video dude. I think you caught the first Colorado bro @ 29:28!