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

[@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.

[@kain12343]

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

[@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” 🐐🐐🐐🐐

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@Hambonebodi]

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

[@troycollett8540]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🔥

[@SugarShane13]

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

[@TheVCAdventures]

Love you 😘

[@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!

[@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! 🇺🇸🦅🍾

[@yules_3000]

So happy that you've got the direct support going on so I can finally show some appreciation. Thanks for everything.

[@antoniocasablancasvilanova2207]

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

[@cocogonzo1168]

Don’t doubt for one second that you won this race. First you beat everyone who decided to opt out because the conditions were too daunting, then you beat the only other person who dared to try it, then you prevailed over your doubts and demons and the unique difficulties of this race on this day. You WON in every way. Congratulations 🍾 🥦

[@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) 🙂❤️💪🏽

[@BikePappy]

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

[@IDT-007]

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

[@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.

[@victormartinez5133]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BenyBenator]

This is amazing storytelling. From your words, to the videography, to editing, music etc... It's incredible to hear your inner toughts on how you faced the struggles and turned them around to accomplish this. Inspiring. Thank you

[@n8torious309]

Love that you still have that Ultimate CF SLX. One of my favorite bikes I've owned.

[@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.

[@Jhawk_2k]

Your hype video worked last year, watching this on my final indoor ride of the year to round out 6k miles, including the RAW (didn't rain this year fortunately lol). I speak for all that watch but don't comment, thanks for the hard work and inspiration

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks for the love ❤️

[@David-cc3un]

Congratulations on number 2! You deserve it. I love how you talk about the internal battles that goes on in your head throughout the race. Ride on dude!

[@speedsociety9177]

It's an amazing achievement to ride that kind of distance with that kind of speed in those conditions, no questions asked. I probably wouldn't go around shouting "Hey I am a national champion in Ultra Distance Cycling" since it was not really a competition, but you are not doing that anyway. The achievement itself stands on it's own and deserves the highest respect.

[@MajorDenisBloodnok]

Congratulations Tyler, another beautiful jersey! Bravo to your wonderful crew too! And there is a saying in my country : the absents are always wrong...

[@CraigHarrison]

Love the insights and honesty on this video - definitely going to use them on my longer events. Not like I'm doing 30+ hours, but it's my equivalent! Also, "if I lay down somewhere comfortable, I'm never getting back on the bike again" was one of the most relatable things I've ever heard 🤣

[@Ciupremo]

You still had to put the work in. Who doesn't show up has no word in it. Respect

[@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

[@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!

[@donaldpell4543]

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

[@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

[@RGCastro7]

Spectacular! You rock, Tyler. That story was awesome.

[@troyboone4893]

So proud of you and your crew/fam Hermano! You put so much heart and soul into every adventure. Thank you for bring us along and sharing not just the glory, but the real emotion and internal dialogue that happens as well 🙏🏽

[@troyboone4893]

PS- You just showed up to a job interview requiring a Ph.D and 20 years of experience in cycling, fam/friend community organizing, pro level videography, and most of all… balls in… the heat. And, you wonder why only one other person showed up? Brother please?! You earned your victory snd title👊🏽

[@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.

[@massimocaradonna3857]

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

[@CyclingJournals]

Wow, what you've accomplished is nothing short of an inspiring and epic milestone. Huge congrats, dude! The way you've shared your story, especially how you handle negative thoughts in a difficult situation and your thought process, is beyond words man. Way to go, champ!

[@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

[@nononsense2688]

Youre amazing man. My biggest inspiration lately. The way you explain every aspect of this stuff is incredible, and extremely relatable. Your family is fucking amazing. Your best friend is amazing. I dont think i could ever live this hard, im trying. And its a privilege to get to watch your videos. Im praying for you every day VC. Keeping killing this shit you beast.

[@mathieugrenier27]

Amazing video as usual ! I always thought that you have kind of a propensity for anxious thoughts like me, but you are able to overcome it and that's inspiring. I trained 8 months for a first marathon and I got injured before the event. I still showed up and it went pretty well at the start, but after 3 hours of running I was 2/3 of the race. I hit a wall and started spiralling into anxious thoughts and stopped. I don't regret stopping, as I had legitimate reasons to be worried but I still admire those who just keep pushing until it's done.

[@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

[@hondas562]

I’m absolutely putting some of those pearls in my brain for unbound XL this month. Fantastic. Thank you for sharing this

[@jimdelong987]

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

[@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 🎉

[@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.

[@lazlo2511]

Dude, your raw Account of events was stellar! The eagles, the wind, the need to stay grounded (literally) and crew respect, makes this an achievement beyond measure. I see personal growth prevail here. I honestly think you need to take this mindset to “Badlands”, listen to me bro. You can win it.

[@daniels.2720]

Individual Endurance Cycling, supported or not, is pretty honest = you have to do the deed. Congrats dude + Inspirational to say the least.

[@stephenlaffoon6680]

Been watching you’re videos for a few months I retired in December from driving a truck and was horrible physical shape. Went out bought a Gravel Bike hitting the Katie trail is in my bucket list. Getting ready to have knee replacement surgery but in a year I’m hitting the Katie trail 237 miles already getting some old high school Cross Country guys to go with me. Getting better shape every week. Thanks for motivating me.

[@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 !!

[@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?

[@liorb1318]

Your videos have been exciting me to take cycling to the next level, thank you so much for being a great rider and an incredible story teller

[@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

[@richards4422]

SO DOMINANT that you scared all the competition away !!!!!! Great Job and a Great support team.

[@Mr.Fantastic]

Always inspiring. Hope you enjoyed Oregon lots of great gravel out there as well

[@TheVCAdventures]

We really like the west side, highway of waterfalls, the dunes, the beach, we drove down the coast and it was amazing. The east side of Oregon… yikes.

[@TheMuscleDocMethod]

Congrats brotha!! Youre truly an inspiration.Your introspection and they way you articulate how you overcome the mental challanges you face is so helpful as a guide for all of us to over come those same hurdles. To you, your family, and your entire support team..STAY BLESSED!

[@travisreed5965]

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

[@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.

[@1luckyleppy]

You are a machine fella. Congrats on the win but it’s more than that, you completed something more than most could ever imagine. 🔥⚡️

[@crbondur]

This is awesome! Congratulations! This makes me want to ride more and DO more. Thank you for showing me what's possible.

[@52daytripper]

you are a champ, chapeau , great crew helping you

[@DJ_Franky_Velli]

Wow, a big respect Tyler. Unbelievable. You are a true legend, an inspirator for many people who love bike riding.

[@dominofuel8050]

Incredible job dude! I'm super unfamiliar with the world of ultra distance cycling but I respect the hell out of any other ultra-endurance athlete, running being my poison. Rest up and best of luck on your next adventure.

[@Dadember]

I respect you for your achievements with awe

[@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.

[@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!

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

Beast Mode -- This kind of stuff is what got me into a whole new level of biking ... not just a commute or a thing here but man vs himself stuff -- You're feeling the connection to something bigger than yourself, when you're out there first real event I finished after multiple failed attempts... Totally was there...

[@craigsmith5134]

Insane story dude. No reason to downplay that win, and just completing such an event is an achievement. I think 200km is my max fun distance, I can't even fathom 500 miles. Maybe I'll plan a 200 mile ride this coming year because of this video. Thanks!!

[@Ultegra10SPD]

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

[@jeremyfontenot496]

You showed up! I’m sure the race wasn’t a secret! You’re totally right, if you think it’s not legit, then show up and beat him! Awesome work VC!

[@AnythingTwoWheels]

VC bro you are such an inspiration.

[@beefeekeefee]

Can't believe you completed the distance during that heat wave. We live in S Oregon and it was brutal for a couple of weeks. Lucky for you the air was clear as the rest of the state was pretty much on fire. Congrat's.

[@joemewes1811]

Incredible story. Thanks for the message and inspiration. 👏🙏

[@irondistance4313]

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

[@jeremybennett6880]

Gotta show up to win, doesn't matter how many do. Great job, love it!

[@allemyr]

Yea!! And the temperature of 41degree Celsius is eeuw! No wonder so many canceled! Very impressive performence!!

[@MrWAZZUPJoey]

Insane content output in the last couple of days and weeks. Keep going!

[@bradpeterson6894]

Love the video! Mad props on the national championship!

[@dwahearn]

Thanks for the Holiday Vlogs VC. Wish there was more but what we got this year is priceless. Love the new name VC Adventures. I found you trying out Vegetarian life and converted to Vegan shortly after while watching guys like you and DR. Different worlds I know but I like you both for different reasons. Merry Christmas to you and yours. You da man Champ. Make 2025 the year to 3peat with or without competition. The lack of competition just shows how hard this discipline is and how deserving you are because nobody even wants to show up and try it so hard. Even if they did I know you would give it 💯. ❤

[@kooyar1069]

Congratulations! Awesome effort!

[@richard7059]

Both you and your competitor are superstars ! U won he finished it too. So proud of you both and please if you know him pass it on ! Just remember the size of the field is enormous because so many think they could do it and yet the first battle with the mind was lost before the start line by the majority and only two monsters of men broke the first battle

[@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.

[@JaysonBryant]

Such a great video. Awesome, bro. You're just on the start of your journey. Keep the videos coming.

[@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!

[@jasonmiles1127]

Such an inspiration! Congrats & thank you!

[@bike_fish]

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

[@m1les7]

Absolutely ace!! Amazing ❤️💪💪🏁🏁🚴‍♀️

[@silverburn55]

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

[@ambition_vs_talent]

Watching you do events like this does inspire me to do my own big challenges

[@damianocalderari875]

Wow Tyler that's inspiring man..... Especially the Hunter/Gatherer part of the story. Natural blackberries. The eagles made you win. You would have lost if it were not for those soaring eagles! You received a gift from God!