I stumbled on a delightful movie last night on Netflix, without knowing a thing about it beforehand. It was just one of those lucky finds while browsing around the Documentaries category.
I’d heard of the Trans Am Bike Race (TABR) before and we mentioned it in a blog article last year. It’s a 4400 mile, 10 state cross-US race on the Trans America touring route across the country. This race only started in 2014, so this year will only be the third time it has run. The route stretches from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia.
Unlike another cross-country ultra event, RAAM, TABR is entirely unsupported. You’re on your own for food and water and accommodation, it’s all up to you. No teams, no support vehicles, no prize money.
Well, last night I watched the film, “Inspired to Ride” by Mike Dion, about the inaugural 2014 race and its participants. It follows them from west coast to east, traveling along with them as they battle injuries, competition and sleep deprivation. It really is a wonderful film and I can’t recommend it enough.
As well as the human stories woven together through the competitors, the route presents a beautiful backdrop to their endeavors - the Rocky Mountains early on, the plains, the Appalachians towards the end - just stunning. As well as the riders themselves, you also get a sense of the people who cross the route of the race as it proceeds; providing sustenance, providing bike services or just providing encouragement and friendship. It’s touching and exhilarating and inspiring.
Go watch it, you won’t regret it. You might want to go for a ride after, though.
TABR is in our Events Calendar, it starts on June 4 this year. You can find out more about the event itself at their website: https://transambikerace.com/
You can also find out more about the film at its own website: https://watch.inspiredtoride.it/
