What’s a 500 MILE Bike Race like? (An Ultra Distance Cycling Story)

[@TheVCAdventures]

So, what do you think? Does this count as a national championship? I know there will be some heat in the comments so let me address a few points. 1: Ultra Distance rules for the OPEN category: Bring as many bikes as you want, you can swap anytime. You can get feed from the crew at anytime as long as they are stopped. 2: Yes, only one other showed up. He started 2 hours before me and I caught him around mile 200. He did finish, his time was 46 hours. 3: Again, yeah, 1 other competitor, but here's the thing, I still have to finish. Riding 502 miles and 38,000ft of climbing in 100+ degree heat is not a GIVEN that you can just noodle it in. The pressure to win/finish was crazy high, but the love i got via text was what pushed me through. 4: This is an official everest roam, wild. 5: I had 3 bikes, a TT bike (speedmax 1x w/ disk wheel and quad spoke front), My road bike was my Ultimate with a 1x 52:11/52. I also had my Aeroroad as a backup 6: I burned 21,000 Calories, but could only take in about 11,000. My stomach wouldn't take anything else after mile 400ish. 7: My crew was INSANE! Shane, Nikky, Danny, and my son and my wife made this very special. 8: The next nats race is in Utah, please show up, lets make Ultra be a thing.

[@berattaner7370]

You are a great person.

[@speedsociety9177]

don't always be so defensive mate, it's an amazing achievement in itself, title or not. You will never please everyone, there will always be haters who shout the loudest but be assured there are also a lot of people like me who are highly inspired! keep on riding!

[@hutchy_4297]

it counts to me, great video:)

[@mickelkobeck7376]

It counts...you can't control whether or not others choose to show up and compete.

[@alphahxr]

Absolutely it counts! Hell, I think it counts even more because you and the other guy were the only ones who were mentally and physically tough enough to even show up. Nice work!

[@lexistential]

the fact that only two people thought they would be able to do it and that you were one of them makes it more impressive to me, not less

[@michaeljohnson254]

nah i could do it...faster...some of us have lives too live....we dont get too fuck off allday everyday

[@hambonelouis]

@@michaeljohnson254yeah, uh huh 👀

[@RunffRunff]

@@michaeljohnson254 clearly a troll comment. The bro can't even commit himself to learning 3rd grade words. It's "to live", not "too live". Before belittling other people's huge achievements maybe you should brush up on elementary school grammar

[@GuilhermeTeixeira]

"But I lay down on the most uncomfortable place I can find. If it's more comfortable than the bike, I'm never getting back on the bike." Dude that was savage. Unbreakable mind. Congrats!

[@1LeggedAdventures]

"how shitty is it gonna be when everyone spent 30 hrs supporting you and you quit." This is what we were talking about. Its one of my biggest drivers bro. I F-ing hate wasting peoples time. nothing pains me more than that. I appreciate you and your vulnerability in these videos and when we chat on IG. It helps me so much.

[@austinrobishaw3940]

VC describing how he self discovered the cognitive behavior (CBT) triangle of thoughts-emotions-behaviors. It’s not hippy, it’s real! Love your videos man.

[@Dadember]

I respect you for your achievements with awe

[@cesarmg4642]

I didn’t know one can go so far in bike. I knew a guy in Mexico. He went from Mexico city to Veracruz. I don’t know the distance, i think he made about 29 hours. Awesome, thanks for sharing. So cool that your family supported you all the time. Congrats 🎉

[@ianbarr4716]

Love love love it! Cheers bruh.

[@irondistance4313]

Crushed it, your fit on the new TT bike looks so much more comfy and control me for long distance events like this❤

[@johannestebbert7221]

such a good video! loved every second of it

[@mikewilliams6086]

As a support person it must be hard to deal with too. Unless they are experienced in these events etc. Love your psychological approach. Thankyou for sharing your experience. Absolute legend.

[@mrwhiteshorts]

Come and have a crack at the NC500 record over here in Scotland. Starts and finishes at Inverness Castle. Cheers. m

[@lexington476]

5:07 oh I've said that riding a bike more than once 'oh oh oh oh...'

[@timtaylor9590]

i thought for long endurance its better to do less carbs and more fat. seems like fast burning fuel can burn you out much faster compared to a more even sustained energy output.

[@TheVCAdventures]

I use Ketones for the fat, I’ve worked on my fueling since this and have added in more protein and fats during the efforts which helps settle my stomach.

[@mikekobylasz3490]

The fk’n champ 🫡

[@brandonnielsen694]

So if you finish you’re guaranteed either National Champ or Runner up national champ 😂

[@kain12343]

100% legit. Everyone else didn't prepare for the circumstances. You showed up and performed. Awesome accomplishment my dude!

[@timfarhaven9647]

You simply are the national champ man. You gotta be in it to win it. Other people could do the race, but they decided not to. You decided to show up and race. You were the fastest of the day. National champ. Period.

[@briangrissom9115]

Does it count? Of course it counts! And I get it that there was only 1 other person, but that shouldn’t be a caveat. A hundred other cyclist could have shown up. And they didn’t. You did. You put in the work, you showed up on the day, you were the first to cross the finish line. Sounds like a legit win to me. Congrats man! Keep inspiring.

[@EMBIKES]

the eagles were literally americas founding fathers giving you the coronation of the US ultra distance champ

[@willieperry958]

“I showed up, if you wanna beat me.. show up” 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@BearCubTV]

it makes me jealous that your family is so supportive of your crazy adventures like this. you're a lucky man.

[@2011hwalker]

I mean its ridiculously obsessive behavior. I wonder if he will look back at this later in his life and regret the sheer amount of time he was away from them.

[@BearCubTV]

@@2011hwalker I wouldn’t say it’s obsessive behavior because content creation is the way he makes a living. What I ment was that his family showing up to these events and giving their full support is amazing.

[@davide5129]

He really is lucky

[@TheVCAdventures]

Dude, my family was literally with me this whole trip. I always repay the effort they put into me. The day after this we drove the Oregon coast all the way home and I spent a week doing nothing but being with my family. I post it all on instagram and I guarantee I spend more quality time with my family than you could ever imagine. Before the Bolivia trip I spent 12 days straight with my son on a massive road trip. There’s plenty of flaws I have, a family is not one of them.

[@richard7059]

Well said. Your job actually gives you more ability than what the average 9-5 punter will ever understand

[@mikehylton4950]

I recently completed a 430 mile bike. It took me 31 hours to complete. You went 70 miles further in the same amount of time. Very few people can comprehend what an amazing achievement that is. I have a little bit better understanding now after my ride. You go to some dark and painful places on a ride like this. I was 270 miles and 18 hours into my ride when something tore in my knee. The 2nd half of the ride was pure torture every stroke. I probably should have stopped but I was too far and too stubborn to give up. I honestly think that’s one of the most important aspects of a ride like this, straight up mental toughness and stubbornness. Well done on your ride. It’s an incredible accomplishment!

[@torr-michaelbennetta9785]

I've won races where turnout hasn't been great. You definitely have emotions that you want 50 other people to show up so you can beat them, to kind of further validate your win, I get that. But a win is a win is a win. EVERYONE had equal opportunity to prepare and show up, and if they chose not to, that's on them. Weather, sickness, etc., if they didn't participate, that's on them. Your win is legit, enjoy it.

[@bike_fish]

And here I am planning to ride my 400 mile ride over a whole week ha

[@michaelevans797]

Incredible race/challenge. Does not matter what others want to call it. Doesn't matter if they don’t accept it, it's your challenge and you smashed it. Flying man, on fire 🔥

[@FlyingGravelMan]

I think it doesn't matter how many people line up at the start of such events. You always only have one opponent to beat and that is yourself. Great video man and congrats!

[@johnwpotter]

The finish line does not care how many people are in the event.

[@TheIllaman]

Honestly man, when we do these things, we primarily compete against ourselves. Against what we think we are capable of achieving. Thus, I think that even if you’d have competed alone, it would still count. Because, as you said, you fought with your darkest thoughts and you overcame them. So inspiring, really. This is living to one’s fullest potential. This is prime living. Hats off

[@JohnMikeBikes]

What an insane ride. Thanks for sharing how you pushed through all the valleys. What an epic effort. Your family and crew were absolutely dialed. Way to go! 🇺🇸🦅🍾

[@ryux]

I felt like shit after doing 300km. Can't imagine doing almost triple of that. What did you use so that your buttocks didn't hurt and get sore ?

[@Hambonebodi]

Hardcore man , super human, just finishing 500 miles in one setting is astonishing ❤❤❤

[@travisreed5965]

The Wife Kicks A$$ - Amazing Crew - The Triangle Is So Spot On Well Done 2x Champ , Cheers

[@marcbuchel4873]

Regarding your positive feedback loop, it's really cool to hear somebody else explain their strategy. I personally couldn't bring myself out of a hole with a "not wanting to be weak" internal conversation. One of my strategies is feeding the positive feedback loop with a positive thought from the beginning. It always sounds so cheesy but I start to reflect on how much distance I've already covered and put it in relation to "normal" rides and then come to the conclusion that what I'm doing is absolutely massive and something to should be proud of. Usually this puts me back into a happy headspace quite quickly. But then again there are situations, when I can't deal with psychological triggers anymore, in those cases I have to live through the negative feelings that surface, believing they'll be making me stronger. How is that for you Tyler? What other strategies do you have to cope with those extreme lows?

[@davidsvelch3753]

It counts

[@claudiolima224]

Congrats! Would love to see your storytelling video on a 3-5 day ultra unsupported gravel event. It would be a great hybrid of your racing and impossible route videos, not to mention a good chance of a podium place!

[@maxwellsage7422]

I second this! The perfect commbination

[@baronvonhoughton]

I find riding for 3 hours immensely hard. Can't imagine doing over ten times that! Epic work VC, and absolutely legit national champ!

[@johnlschmidt1117]

Dude! The same thing happened to me. On a group ride I got out aways and a bald eagle soared down and flew in the lane next to me, then soared up and away. Unf'n believable. Ride on VC!

[@DeanJohnson67]

National Titles aside! Your super power is story telling! Always has been! Now regarding your amazing will on that bike ! Wow!

[@davidp7414]

This, natural story teller and weirdly inspirational creator

[@BikePappy]

A wise man once said, “When you think that you’re done, you’re not even close.” Chapeau brah. 🎩

[@Ultegra10SPD]

That was me in August. Nervous TT bike @ 30mph. Crosswind got me. into a soybean field. My R-Cbone and Sternum will never again meet. Be careful out there. -U10

[@silverburn55]

Youre really killing the content these days, VC - awesome. Real. Compelling.

[@Ultegra10SPD]

00:25 - The salt...just...wow...lost for words. Haven't even watched 30sec and already speechless. -U10

[@Cosmo-kk8un]

Congratulation! I always enjoy watching your videos. I´ve just started riding bikes and got a lot of inspiration by watching your videos.

[@davidp7414]

Honestly, I would pay for this content. (I do indirectly with YT premium, hope that helps.) VC sees into my head

[@ik6030]

500miles is 500 miles. Why should anyone say anything negative about that. Good job man. Congrats and big respect 💪💪

[@victormartinez5133]

Dude! Amazing work, Thank you for always inspiring us 🔥💪🏾🫡✌🏾🚴🏾‍♂️

[@mikebayless4268]

At a Boxing or UFC match there's only two fighters!!! ONLY ONE WILL BE THE CHAMP! 🏆

[@justinl487]

Impossible Route: Ultra Nationals. Mission accomplished.

[@kristinrc]

The fact that one other person showed up just shows how hard this race is and how legit it is that you won that, don’t down play winning it.

[@ellerybice3787]

Did you say you were having dreams of a Bottom bracket burger with of oiled silkened spokes? 🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼

[@troycollett8540]

Anytime a VC video drops you know it’s going to be epic content

[@DavidtheDoom]

Amazing effort, getting to the race is half the battle. You and your team did not back down. Congrats on the title, it is valid regardless of the number of participants. Then again, I understand you might want more of a race! Kudos to the other guy as well, which had a much smaller team, as you said on the podcast.

[@vothry]

18:42 Someone's been hitting up the CBT Thought Record! 👏🏼👏🏼 He's driving like an ass. (Mental Filter, Blame) He's doing that to me intentionally (personalizing) He's gonna f*ck everything up for me (fortune telling, catastrophizing)...an amazing job putting the thought challenge & replacement into practice. We could all benefit from a conversation on this as athletes, and how considerable an impact it can have on top of fitness, mechanicals, weather, etc.

[@AceMBP]

That interesting about your Triangle thought/feeling/action technique. Would be iinteresting to learn about Tylers mobility and core exercises. BJJ influenced no doubt.

[@mikesima9396]

Is a title and a jersey what it’s really about ? You earned it but I think you and the rest of us watching got a lot more out of it, so thank you for sharing. Look forward to whatever you are up to next. Cheers

[@SugarShane13]

Grateful to be a part of this. You absolutely crushed. Love all the memories this brings back. Love you bro.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Love you 😘

[@robferguson3351]

100% legit. You can only race the people that turn up.

[@vaccinatedanti-vaxxer]

No 10 million dollar sponsorship, no national broadcast, no world press, no celebrity athletes… just love of the sport. Cyclist are the most impressive, most humble athletes (at least in USA). No sport in the world class level is easy, but I rather throw a basketball or swing a golf club than ride a bike for 30 plus hours.

[@jbp4532]

DOOD! You're an inspiration, I hope I meet you one day because you're one of the people who fueled my love for bike to what it is now. But mostly, the mentality of pushing yourself, breaking the barriers and the mental battle it requires. o7 VC

[@silolojose]

What saddle do you use on Ultras? Thanks

[@arielcontreras5362]

Bro, you are such an inspirational person. When you win, a part of me feels like I win, like I can win at the things that I value the most in life too. Thanks for showing us, that our dreams can be realized. Thanks for getting me into this magical sport, yaaaaah! (That yah, was in your voice with the dual hand gesture) 🙂❤️💪🏽

[@FelipeSalum]

A win is a win, no matter what. If nobody showed up it is because they were not up to the challenge. You showed up, you did it. Even if you were the only rider, you still need to finish to win.

[@KelvinSuddith]

1vs1 or a group of 75, doesn’t matter! If the others didn’t even show up, they conceded the race before it even began; they didn’t have the strength to do it. You earned that jersey

[@reblo111]

Shit, I just completed 100km without stopping and without getting cramps, you are telling me people ride 500 miles? Wtf

[@kacy750]

hearing you talk about your wife after she picked those blackberries reminded me of a whitesnake song called " judgement day". give it a listen if you don't already know it.

[@claytonblunt]

Ultra is truly the one sport where physical training is almost secondary to mental strength. You have to maintain a top tier physical state, but that mental side cannot break. Having said that, after getting to know about the legend of Scott Jurek, and knowing of you, I think there is a huge case to be made for a Vegan diet. It may be the ultimate sports diet.

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

I get why most people didn't show up. They enjoy having kidneys. You are super human.

[@mikebayless4268]

Hey, if there were 3 riders you'd at least finish 2nd! 😂

[@toshman696969]

The disc wheel actually stabilizes the bike fyi...it's the front wheel that is the issue the deeper the more difficult...also since you never ride a tT that is another issue...

[@keithbrown9512]

Keith Brown, Cantonment FL on strava. I did 400 in 19h 42m. If I was there I would have had a awesome jersey. I wasn't so congratulations I definitely knew exactly how you described your feelings were and yes, that experience stays with you for the rest of your life.

[@bryanglover1272]

Can only race those who are tough enough to show up! Congrats natty champ 🇺🇸

[@massimocaradonna3857]

Part of being a champion is showing up ! Others decided they couldn't be champions

[@Nahhnope]

Any more vlogs coming this month?

[@antoniocasablancasvilanova2207]

You're the champ! You showed up and you dit it!! And with it you keep motivating to the likes of me. GRACIAS!!!

[@donaldpell4543]

I am enjoying your vlogs! Thanks for the inspiration and insight into persevering. Keep rolling. Great to watch while on the winter trainer.

[@tednruth453]

Long time baby! Lots of ultra events around these days, which to choose though? Supported/ unsupported, on road/off road mixed, solo/ team. The choice is endless!

[@duncanholman9034]

Can't believe there aren't more competitors even during a hot year.

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

That is bananas 🍌🍌🍌🍌🍌 Gret job Bro! 👏💪 You're the national champion bro. It's like a time trial now. Someone needs to beat your time for them to be the new national champion 🏆 I don't understand why you wouldn't be.

[@Zyzzyx42]

So bummed I missed ya on that one. I've been involved with RAO every year since 2009, either crewing or as race official. Obviously didn't need to be there this year with just two riders. :( I've seen so many riders (and teams!) absolutely suffer out there on RAO, I think it is a very underestimated course and event. And I'm also very sad that the number of riders has been dropping for many years now. Seems like so many folks only want the 'easy' stuff. I say you covered this event amazingly well, thank you. Not just the camera work for the scenery and the personal bits, but the discussion of the championship too.

[@rubricalchunk1831]

Such an achievement. Great content. I guess this was the thing that turned the love off cycling for a bit. Seems justified as seems some of the value is it it being proven to beat others but I don't think that matters. That was huge. Also, love the hoodie!

[@evilrslade]

Absolutely brutal. No wonder only one other dude had a crack at it.

[@jimdelong987]

Saturday morning, cup of coffee and your video...thank you!

[@paulr3613]

The Legend is born 💪👍😊👏👏👏👏👏👏 The People’s Champion!!!!!

[@eamonn9882]

Making it to the starting line is half the battle, well earned and well deserved, 3 in a row in 2024?

[@kristinrc]

“My bad” still Makes me laugh

[@ulrichgloeckl6072]

Great effort! Of course that counts! Will you also make a video on the 24h World Champs in Borrego?

[@RadicalNetrunner]

Most inspiring channel on KZbin. For real. Wasn't keen on riding today, but I think I'll definitely get on the bike now. If you can do 500 miles, I can at least do 20. Awesome job VC!

[@cooperk4]

Turn off the signals... and just ride. Getting that tattoo for sure lol

[@timw4369]

Being able to overcome yourself is the hardest challenge of all

[@JBuchmann]

You did great and it totally counts. I wonder how the other guy feels though... He can brag about "2nd" place, but he's also in last place!

[@jayobannon5359]

You do not want to think about being cold, so has does winter in Bass Lake fit in with that mantra?

[@NeonGrayEdits]

Totally tot TL y get it. I’d feel the same way. BUT ya gotta show up. You are inspirational! Yut

[@troycollett8540]

Would love to see you go to Arizona and do a bike workout with Lionel sanders

[@m1les7]

Absolutely ace!! Amazing ❤️💪💪🏁🏁🚴‍♀️

[@whip113]

Tyler, when will we see you in the Tour Divide Grand Depart?

[@richardvaughn168]

Awesome effort, you continue to inspire me to test my limits. When you spoke of thoughts, feeling and actions it made me think of this quote: "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." Viktor E. Frankl

[@daniels.2720]

@richardvaug > Thanks for sharing this !!

[@tednruth453]

Thought i was the only one that had an eagle fly along with me, awesome isn't it!

[@fpeter01]

If the tempreature reaches 37 celsius (100 f) the cooling system of human body shuts down. Not racing is the only viable option here.

[@TheVCAdventures]

There’s a crazy a long story behind this, but I was apart of study on overheating and cold water vs hydration intervention. It was proper scientific study and out of 50 participants, I was an extreme outlier on that I dissipated heat so fast my data messed everything up. I FREEZE easily but 40c is no issue for me whatsoever, so with this event being so hot was right up my alley.

[@larrylem3582]

Does Open category mean you can swap to a recumbent bike for part of the ride? It's great to switch back and forth between upright and recumbent. Are you allowed to walk? Sometimes, it's great to walk your bike for 10 minutes in normal shoes and then get back on.

[@TheVCAdventures]

No recumbent, that’s its own class. There’s rules on the bikes, and yea, you can walk.