Tracing the Divide

I knew nothing about this trail. It seemed almost absurd that something like this would exist, but surprisingly it does. A better title would have been "There will be blood and mud and... candy. This is a true test of friendship. But so much more. Motivational. A goal oriented pilgrimage with no pot of goal at the end. Just bragging rights. Definitely a bucket list box checker. It makes you question how far you would push yourself. If there was ever a documentary that lived and breathed the slogan - it's not about the destination, but solely about the journey this is it. Buckle up Buttercup - it's up hill all the way.

Friends since childhood, a couple of middle-aged guys named Chris follow through on an epic bucket list item--riding the Continental Divide, from Canada to Mexico, on mountain bikes. Beautifully photographed, both by drone and up and close and personally by the director/editor, this film slowly unspools into much more than a glorious travelogue, which it certainly is.

These are not actors, or over-produced reality show contestants, desperate to get followers-- they are husbands and fathers hoping to test their physical limits and discover something about their character while seeing the country in a unique way.

Mission accomplished. They push themselves hard, and face myriad obstacles along the way-- weather, muddy paths, a wipeout injury and... punctured bear spray canister anyone? Chris and Chris's friendship comes across as solid and dependable, and despite a little occasional friction, they have some charming moments together along the way, including a memorable candy debate (Twizzlers vs. Mike & Ikes). One minor issue on the sightseeing front is that we don't really get to see/interact with local characters on-camera when they pit-stop in towns during their arduous, 24-day trek.

The film is bookend-ed with verite footage and interviews with their families, giving us a sense of just how profound an experience this would be, if we were thusly inspired, and decided to pedal over 2,000 miles.

Thoroughly enjoyable documentary which showcases a longtime friendship, the stunning vistas of the West, the delight of encountering trail angels, and the lessons learned en route which impact the riders lives afterwards. It also never ceases to amaze me what riders will endure to get through the miles and the variety of culinary treats (or not) that are devoured to fuel their ride. A major achievement for the riders and the filmmakers too. It is well worth the time to watch this buddy biking documentary although you feel guilty doing this while wearing clean clothes and enjoying the comforts of home.

While it doesn't carry the heart pounding intensity of the film Free Solo, Tracing the Divide still highlights the drive a select few have to push themselves beyond their limits.

The best friends at the heart of this film are engaging, inspiring and fun the watch as they tackle this 2400 mile trek and all the challenges and emotions that come along with it. Add to that the interviews of both men, separately, and it is a fun ride.

Beyond that, the scenery of the continental divide is breathtaking and captured beautifully.

I really enjoyed this film and it reinforces my belief that some people, in the best way, are just crazy. LOL.

Some stories find you right when you need them most.

Tracing the Divide found me exactly two months to the day of being laid off - still sitting in the tension of what's next. What I didn't expect was to see my own journey reflected so clearly on screen.

The film follows two lifelong friends cycling the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Their physical journey mirrored the inner journey I've been navigating - knocked off course, uncertain of what lies ahead. And yet, this film reminded me that being stuck isn't the same as being stopped.

Visually, the film is stunning - but its deepest beauty lies in how it captures the quiet, vulnerable moments of what it means to keep moving forward when the path isn't clear. Sometimes the muddy muck isn't a detour - it's part of the journey. A place to pause, reflect, and gather strength before moving forward again.

This story found me exactly when I needed it - reminding me that the most important journey isn't the one we take with our feet, but the one we take with our hearts.