Pre Race Excitement-Tour Divide-Day 1

This series gives an inside look at what it's like to race the Tour Divide, a 2700 mile bikepacking race from Canada to Mexico. Spoiler, I only make it 600 miles, but it was still an incredible experience.
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[@pedrofernandez8729]

no more racing, amigo. Just do what you and your viewers enjoy, new areas, easy pace, stop and smell the roses, meet great folks and taste the burritos.

[@christopherjacquez8605]

Yea I agree chill pace is the best pace

[@jimspies2775]

@@christopherjacquez8605 Yes. At 52, I have learned my limits. Whether it's running or biking, when asked about my pace I always say "forward is a pace".

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

Exactly! Ryan is a great guy people enjoy talking too! I subscribed because of that.

[@uclaalum88]

Absolutely not! I call nonsense on those who are ok with RVD setting for a DNF. And I call BS on the “your limits,” “your age,” “no more racing,” etc. You can do the TD Ryan! Sure, you had a set back in ‘24 due to a health issue. BFD. What else do you got going that’s so pressing next year (or 2026)?

[@ericramosmd]

Great job Ryan! I care about the journey which creates its own destination which is exactly where you are! Hugs !

[@emusp]

So great with interviews and insights from the trail. It's all about the people and their stories. Hats of to the guy biking to the race. Crazy.

[@duzer]

Meeting people was my favorite part

[@uclaalum88]

Wow, the 15 year kid crushed the 2024 Tour Divide!!! He finished in less than 20 days. That’s a new Tour Divide record.

[@chris_noswe]

"That’s a new Tour Divide record" maybe for his age bracket, sure.

[@ed8212]

@@chris_nosweI think thats exactly what op meant :)

[@rabh6746]

I'm so glad you published this Ryan, that was just spectacular👌Those landscapes were just breathtaking and the people including yourself just so inspring👍

[@duzer]

Thanks, I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

[@Woodsyhikes]

I just returned from Calgary after a backpacking trip to Banff National Park. The Northern Rockies are unparalleled in their beauty and grandeur. Absolutely stunning! My new favorite place. ❤

[@duzer]

It’s special up there

[@jimspies2775]

I have a new hero - that fella that rode 2300miles to GET to the start of the Great Divide.

[@jimspies2775]

And that was before I even saw Crazy Larry. Two new heroes!!

[@resurgem]

What an amazing fellow he was! I wonder how he did in the race

[@duzer]

I LOVED meeting him!! Such a cool guy

[@pamschultz4262]

You inspired me in 2020 to ride the montana portion before I turn 60. As I'm 59 and live in Montana this is the year. I just got back after riding 226 miles of it. I didn't ride as much as I planned due to some uncontrollable circumstances. Another rider I met told me to "ride your own ride". That was a good perspective. I'm hoping to complete some more of the route but maybe not solo. I struggled with fear and isolation in the remote areas. For now I'm happy with my accomplishments since I only started biking 3 years ago. Thanks for sharing and giving much of yourself, it helps people like me.

[@duzer]

That's awesome!! I'm happy that you've gotten to experience a lot of the route! It'll be there when you're ready

[@user-hz6ug6pc9b]

Mothers are always Mothers - they are always worried for us and that's why we truly love them. Let God bless them

[@duzer]

Indeed!! I love my mama

[@Bunny-Power]

Kickstand. The most underrated thing.

[@duzer]

I agree!

[@450Chicago]

Very impressed with the fellow who biked from Memphis to Banff

[@mhernandez4576]

Ikr!

[@duzer]

Me too!! He was one of my favorite riders

[@SummitSeeker546]

Duz, love your attitude. It’s not about winning the race but connecting with people and inspiring them with your positivity! I try to carry that over into my backpack trips. When grinding up the trail it helps to hear some positivity! 👍

[@jthurm402]

Wow, what amazing human beings. So grateful for souls like these throughout our communities.

[@benbuffalobrown4594]

Good seeing you on RAGBAI today. Keep on inspiring others. You are making a huge difference for so many people. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤠

[@duzer]

Thank you so much, loved seeing you out there

[@alejandromada]

We appreciate the effort behind this videos, not only the biking one but the editing and sharing it with us. This is a jewel, thank you so much Ryan!

[@duzer]

Thanks!! I love putting these stories together

[@jr5218]

We would love to know how the folks you met and introduced us to did in the race. Who finished and who didn’t. That would be cool.

[@RonSuchanek]

Man, I love that Canadian section. Great job on the interviews!

[@DJsweetlove]

Hey Ryan, one blessing from not doing the whole thing - I’m really enjoying the detailed daily focus you can have when there are less days to focus on. Hope this makes sense.

[@duzer]

Thanks! It does make sense

[@travissapp4961]

Dude those views of mountains lakes are awesome

[@JaysonBryant]

That damn altitude did nearly kill me. Ended day one with cardiac arrhythmias, so went to the Dr and had to pull the pin. Was great to meet you on day 1. Keep trucking on and bringing smiles to the dials of so many people.

[@resurgem]

I hope your arrhythmia has resolved itself. My husband had Af and had to have ablative surgery.

[@JaysonBryant]

@@resurgem I hope you're both doing well, and his AF responded well to ablation?

[@andyfpt]

Aside from high blood pressure and sleep apnea, engaging in endurance sports is pretty highly correlated to the development of afib. Good luck

[@stephenmarotti5309]

Yay, more videos! You know, I didn’t realize my hair was grey until I was at the barber and looked down to see a pile of grey hair on the black drape. Welcome to middle age. We need an update on Memphis guy. You’re enjoying Ragbrai right now. Have fun!

[@Mark8v29]

Great Day 1 vlog Ryan. Good to see you had a day or two of such fun and joy before the pain.

[@duzer]

haha, me too!

[@nicholkid]

All the people you met in this video are so interesting.

[@ewholland]

I'm rooting for the Memphis guy! You, too, Ryan!

[@hannahzander9541]

Me too. So impressed that he rode up from Memphis.

[@billysbikesbrews7183]

The Canadian Rockies are Absolutely Amazing 💯.. That was a Great First Day 🚴‍♂️😎🌮🌞

[@duzer]

they are indeed!

[@mbigatti]

Loved Jay Hefner’s story! I hope to see more of him in the future! Jay, if you see this, make a KZbin channel! You’ll gain a following!

[@stevencole7331]

I am glad you did this video . I think it was a victory because you did the canadian side which you did not do on the first go around . The people you encountered are just if not more important than the ride itself . Many dont serm to be ultra endurance athletes which is amazing to me as they are more ike regular folk that are making an attempt at this . I like the guy who said i make a challange for myself every year and thats words to live by . It doesnt have to be this extreme but sonething you might normally do . One day out in the natural beauty on this planet is better than a 100 fays of being in a human cteated world . Well done ryan taking a second look at what was accomplishment and once again you ended on a positive note .

[@chrisbailey2861]

I respect that you put yourself out there...in the video world...just a normal human with normal emotions (albeit with a huge amount of ability and a heart as big as they come). I can completely understand getting those emotional waves....it means your human...and care. Thanks for bringing us along!!!!

[@rcboy42]

HEB Refried Beans!! I love those!!

[@duzer]

So tasty!

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Ryan, I get nervous every time I start a bike tour. Funny I thought it was just me…LOL… in a weird way it was nice to see you have similar anxiety the day before. I know you didn’t finish this ride, but I am glad you aren’t shelving the footage. Always a story to tell😊

[@jthurm402]

Smiling cause your spirit is once again blessing our day and making our world that much more beautiful. Big love yaway Duzer!!

[@lahsm5050]

Spectacular! The Canadian Rockies are a gem. Thank you so much for sharing this raw and fun and beautiful footage and those you met along the way.

[@joramvandervorst7715]

Crazy Larry has Indian Larry energy vibes 🙏🏻😊👍🏻

[@tjxpeditionoverland5506]

Soon I will embark adventure like this. Be safe out there!

[@toranmacleod]

Great meeting you and your crew in RAGBRAI! Enjoy the ride!

[@duzer]

Great meeting you too!

[@hibiru6868]

I’m glad you’re putting these out. Success isn’t the only thing worth sharing. We learn from setbacks too. I’m in love with those mountains!

[@goldenstardust]

Thank you for pushing through and crafting these delightful stories for us! We all have a story to share and love to be inspired by others.

[@pmgoodyear]

another ryan video! I always look forward to your videos showing up on my youtube feed on Sundays! Thanks as always!

[@travissapp4961]

That's cool you get to go do that I never got to do anything like that I only ride bmx

[@HuntersCyclingAdventures]

Finally sitting down to catch up on your videos

[@yumyumhungry]

The first day is sneaky hard. It's easy to get too pumped up from the adrenaline and push too hard on the singletrack and blow up on elk pass.

[@HeadPack]

Saddle sores are terrible. Hope Ryan can get to the bottom of his, and perhaps give this another shot. Sure, he said he won't race anymore, but he has raced and seemed to enjoy it.

[@paulwerner3150]

Yeeeaaahhhh, bro!!! Love ur energy, friend! Keep it up!!

[@duzer]

Appreciate it!!

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

Just did 270 miles in four days with a fully loaded touring bicycle. Now I have a greater respect you! Seeing you haul that 100lb bike as far as you do! Wow.. That added weight makes a huge difference!

[@duzer]

Congrats on your adventure

[@JohnsVintageRoadBikeGarage]

@@duzer I did the Ohio and Erie trail on a 198 0 Jack Taylor custom touring bike. That added to the adventure LOL

[@DD-xx8wh]

wow! spectacular scenery and enjoying the trail and sharing the ride with friends...good times, thanks for taking us along !

[@mogulmayhem]

Absolutely stunning scenery.

[@harrygrimley4352]

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing this with us. Every failed adventure is still an ADVENTURE. I have many.

[@duzer]

I agree!

[@AdamKalbasz]

Your scared emotions I can relate to. These were the same I had just before RAGBRAI 51. Although that was far less scary than what you were facing I think the emotions are the same.

[@duzer]

I hope that you had a great time at Ragbrai. It quite an event

[@user-mo2nn1ov8m]

Love me some Duzer!

[@cdmiller51]

The mountain views are insanely beautiful!

[@SamWestby]

Awesome meeting you! You're a master at these interviews. So cool seeing so many people's stories

[@loamtrailer805]

You are an inspiration to a lot of folks, including myself, I always tell my amigos about your channel. Soon to be a resident of NM, family lives in Silver City NM. Currently in NC , but from cali

[@duzer]

I love Silver City!!!

[@tomschuler4181]

Despite your experience this year, I sense a return trip next year. Btw, it’s just the lighting, your hair is not that gray 😅😊

[@tomschuler4181]

Btw, hope you are enjoying ragbri as of this writing.

[@Huneidu]

Inside Out 3, Tour Divide, “All the Emotions!” ❤

[@samcampbell850]

Thanks for sharing the Canadian section! It’s truly spectacular! 👍🏻👊🏻

[@johannafunnell]

Oh I loved this! Was so great to see the people beyond their ‘dots’ - there’s not so much coverage of mid/back of packers in other media. And your drone shots were epic.

[@BobbyWomack-tb8wd]

Good job Ryan

[@realist451]

That was the best video of the tour dividend so far. It’s hard to imagine how you went from on top of the world to quitting so quickly. I guess rain and saddle sores does that. I’ve never had saddle sores and rarely ride in the rain The longest ride I’ve ever done was 106km in a day and that was on an EBike. 😂

[@andyfpt]

Ryan great job as usual! We need more info on the guy that rode from TN to Bannf to start a 2700mi race! Also try not to feel bad about not finishing. It's just not what you do. I can't imagine racing through beautiful country without stopping to enjoy it. That's what cars and airplanes are for 😁

[@christopherjacquez8605]

Cant wait till i start bike packing 🍻

[@andrewj4752]

Once you feel ready, could you please do the TD NOBO from a touring perspective? Thats what my wife and i want to do, but there arent many videos of people doing it heading north.

[@OldBrownDog]

I'm thinking the Colorado trail next year, I'm be 65 . 😆

[@chiparooo]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@hannahzander9541]

Awesome people, awesome scenery.

[@ktowntraceur]

Loved it, man! Just missed you this day. Glad you got to enjoy our amazing scenery and wildlife! One thing I was a little disappointed in was your lack of shouting out place names in Canada. I find it really easy to track your journeys because in general your pretty good at that but felt a little sad to not hear Calgary, Banff, or the two provinces you crossed mentioned by name so others could follow as you passed through my home turf. Loved the video though, and glad this day was so enjoyable for you!

[@kenyates7269]

I want to get an update from Jay Hefner!

[@pedrofernandez8729]

You have an opportunity to make some changes to your channel. Do more of a bike packing treveling and review of different trails and place to enjoy the activity, you will end up with more subscribers and sponsors.

[@jasonwills6694]

I really enjoyed this video. The interviews were great. Thanks Ryan

[@dawnsvitak6045]

Im really enjoying this Ryan Thank you for doing this recap video!!! Its so fun for people like me that are curious about what it would be like to be out there but will never attempt it !!! I am glad i know the ending and that your ok and put your self care first!! And now your at Ragbrai xo Dawn

[@EverydayAdventurerDan]

Ryan the idea of putting a filter directly on your hydration packs straw is genius. What model filter is that? I don’t see it on your pack list.

[@chris_noswe]

Holy shit, that Jay Hefner dude is awesome. Need to find him on social

[@Kushmode420]

[@elijahkraatz9700]

Love that ride out of Banff! Think I made it to Coco on day 4:-) Enjoyed the video!

[@sedricmalonejr]

Dana!!! 😊

[@duzer]

The one and only!

[@jasonm4695]

You manage to somehow have the freshest looking face (selfie a.m. tent videos notwithstanding).

[@eddiesedventures...3106]

Good stuff as always amigo!

[@jonmeek3879]

Amazing video

[@domkuliasa4409]

Such a good video awesome to see

[@chucklist3074]

Hey Duzer, did you get the name of the guy from Memphis? I am there all the time and it would be really cool to connect with him.

[@Alex_Riddles]

No videos for 6 days. Looking forward to the RAGBRAI videos.

[@Incorruptus1]

Dear Duzer, what about a midlife crisis? Not knowing how to go forward, not knowing how hard the past actually was, how to go forward better. Understanding you are not the flexible Ryan, you once was, but still so much kicking spirit. Makes your body tell you to relax for a moment. Maybe visit a professional, you know what I mean. And simply, take it as it comes. Why not, do a sabbatical, take some time off. And plan things, do not do nothing, but work on you. Just take a ride around your home town, see some friends. Visit the pro mental help. And than work well, you are smart enough to find out, what can serve you. Do some easy things, before you demand too much. What about meeting John and Mira? Even if it is for a day of some or the day. :) Cook some nice meals, invite some friends. Don't be scared, it will be fine. Give yourself some time. Maybe it is time for a small in between book? "When you meet Yourself" - kind of book...? ♥

[@Davis2001r6]

Did you find a new saddle that works better for you?

[@theskillets]

Great video, Ryan. How did you secure your food at night? Bear bag in a tree or something else?

[@sarahbaethge6790]

Sorry you had to leave early. Cool video.

[@axlent123]

My bikes been gathering my dust for the most part since ragbrai 23.. I need to get it out and ride.. the dude from Tennessee kinda gives me no excuses not to… “I’ll ride to Canada”.. seriously??? Currently interested in looking into the John Wayne trail in Washington…(some day?)

[@Eric_Tennant]

If I join a race I plan to win by being last. Onward and forth!

[@duzer]

I’m jumping on that train 😂

[@JordanVegBike]

yooo does Jay have socials? Seems like a rad dude.

[@Final_D-]

What bell are you using? Been looking for great sounding bells like that.

[@machineofrage]

I'd say it's more silver than gray Ryan 😅

[@user-ek4ks5be3d]

👍👍👍

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

Trust a Brit to sail there with his bike 😂 hardcore exploration 😂

[@ellerybice3787]

🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼

[@lesliepalmer4269]

You are so funny, cute and lovable!!

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

Hey Ryan. I hope that you read this. My friend and I want to do an around the world cycling tour and we want to use the pinion priority bike. Getting her bike is not gonna be hard, me on the other hand I’m 6’11” and they don’t make a frame my size. If you see fit, can you please help me convince them to make one my size. Thank you either way.

[@duzer]

I wish that we could make your size, but Priority is a small company and can’t make xxl sized bikes because there just isn’t a big enough market for them. You’re gonna have to find a good custom builder. Good luck on your journey

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

@@duzer okie dokie. It was worth a try. Thank you sir!!

[@mellissabgarden1549]

Hey Ryan I'm planning on buying my first bike and train for ragbrai. What would you suggest for a beginner bike?

[@sapinva]

Switzerland has nothing on Banff.

[@Papi-power]

What was the Tally on your fundraiser

[@DK5ONV]

💥FANTASTIC > > > No Flatties, No Chrashies & No Whammies 💯🙏

[@Ghost-w9m]

To bad you give up on the trip

[@livingourdestiny9075]

Anyone wondering about the math.(how many ltr's of water Ryan drank) Ryan gets approx 61mpg(US) or 73.5mpg(UK) or 3.85ltr/100km(rest of world)

[@stevenutepass7671]

Too bad you didn't go farther but thanks, didn't have to empty cooler of water and snacks and save for real riders.