Unsung hero of the day. Well played.

I switched to metric because the distance numbers are bigger.

Thanks but we know how to do math....

@@fairweathertube yep, but better when you don't have to

@@wallacedavidg LOL. When we cross into Canada we're always saying, "there are SOOO many KMS", "But they go by so much quicker!"

Well done, Chris! Thanks for letting us know, we didn't know about your fundraising.

Hey Chris, thank you for letting us share part of your story in the film and joining us for the screening in Tucson. I really wish you would have mentioned this idea after you had watched it so we could include it. Congrats on your fundraising! That's huge.

@@rugilekaladyte9741 while you're listening ... I emailed you and Lael directly after your earlier article to clarify that the Tour Divide Facebook group discussion was a minor topic amongst hundreds of posts, with approx. 60 people (from 8.5k members) commenting on the film crew with a rough split of 25% "it's within the rules" / 25% "on the fence" / 50% "it's breaching the rules", and that the discussion was respectful and thought-out, and that 3 winners of the Tour Divide felt it was pushing the rules too much. Some of this mini movie is presented somewhat misleadingly - there was not Facebook group attacking the"media project" ... it was a valid discussion about the support/visitation rule and in particular whether a crew "following" one rider is "support" and in addition that one of the crew is Lael's partner. No-one was "yelling" at Lael, no-one was saying that her previous TD rides didn't count (it wasn't mentioned), no-one mentioned her Trans-am ride. Most of those commenting had raced the Tour Divide and included 2019 racers. We are a small community of people with a common interest in bikepacking and the TD - Lael is as close to a celebrity that you can get in an underground sport plus a pro bikepacker with lots of respect and fans amongst TD fans and racers - it seems jarring that the film goes out of her way to mislead about people in the community having an open discussion about the spirit and rules of bikepack racing the TD. You had a wonderful chance to document Alexandera Houchin's amazing ride once Lael scratched - it would have really captured so much of the spirit of bikepack racing. The front end story of Sofi / Josh / Chris / Nate / Steve / Peter / Tony and Josh could've been so beautifully told. Maybe you plan to do this with your footage later, would be awesome. (Note: As background to the FB "film conversation" ..... there is a specific rule for the Tour Divide which prohibits visitation by any friends/family : Visitation: Out-of-town visitation to the GDMBR mid-race from challengers' family or friends-even if only a 'loosely-planned', remote possibility for rider rendezvous-is prohibited.)

I take it by your suggestion that the film crew document Alexandera, that you were on the "within the rules" side, which is great. But "quit' isn't the word I'd have picked for what Lael did.

@@kiwidavecz It's not often you see a sore winner, but here we are. The controversy was large enough that people like myself, who aren't in your community, heard about it through mainstream cycling media. And it was large enough that a sponsorship was lost and Salsa had to make a press release essentially apologizing for the behavior of one of their previously sponsored athletes. To ignore it in this film, especially when it's surrounding the existence of the film, would be even more dishonest than you claim the film was. I mean, congrats on your win, but frankly the entire controversy over this film, the FB reactions, and your reactions here lead me to not want to associate with your "community" at all. Even if it's, as you put it, a "minor" part, it's loud enough and apparently popular enough to drive people away. So congrats on that too, I guess.

Get Lost Photo Club Without a doubt, total inspiration. She seems so chilled too, no ego or attitude.

You can feel her energy, be consumed by her mild manners yet intense concentration, and admire her intense focus on her end result. That's my opinion if her, she'd be a great spokesperson for ANY brand.

if she would stop the gasoline into the already burning fire.

@@eivissastef I just learned of this controversy, but I believe this is her way of being passive-aggressive in this situation -- just like you. I don't blame her one bit.

I agree and she is riding away from her male competitors as she would be on a sunday morning ride. I also like her voice, so soft and calming!

This. Can you be any more pure as an athlete? There's so little reward for so much effort. She's driven just by the desire to pedal and adventure. How can anyone hate on Lael?

I missed out on the original controversy and was a surprised at how much this movie just stokes the hate. So much for forgive and forget....

haters gonna hate, and others take more wood to the already uncontrolled fire.

Haters can Hate all they want. It's so easy to criticize from a warm comfortable chair. Don't waste your time listening to social media. You are so impressive. / if friends ride together, is that support? BTW best divide video yet!

they hate us cos they aint us, hahaha

Whoa, thanks for sharing. Keep pedaling out there!

Do it Duzer!!!

Now that would be awesome of you Duzer! You are a huge inspiration and positive influence on so many adventure seekers. I hope you make this trip a reality one day.

Jake MC77 thanks Jake! It’ll for sure happen someday...not sure when cause my list is long;) happy trails!

Ryan Van Duzer Duzer TV.. at its best.. Drone Video..

just make sure you meet someone else's completely man-made standards, there buck-o! (kidding)

Jonathan Poon Absolutely, whatever the field of endeavour there are always bitter idiots in their mum’s basement spouting bile

Exactly why social media sucks !!

There's an infinite supply of idiots in FB. It is best to ignore them.

It is hard BUT race to the rock is way harder. Look how isolated you are in the R2R race.

and Pearl Izumi like this comment. LOL

What's crazy is that she may have ridden this while sick with COVID.

100% and dont worry about your English :-)

Love that. I'm stealing it. ;)

It's the sad reality of modern social media life that there'll always be negativity from wet blankets and naysayers. Just ignore them, like Lael ignored the FB group, and you'll be better for it.

@@benzzoy 100%. Our own doubts & misgivings reflected, that's all.

I wish I did also. In my sixties now and I am going to do it anyway... I might die while I am trying but I'm going to die anyway... This girl has inspired me to do it...

Well...greetings from April 2020. Once this is over I’ll be back out there.

Corona virus isn't as dangerous as the idiots in cars texting and checking Facebook.

never been on facebook :D

AMEN!

Facebook ruined our local trail community. I don't go to the site anymore

Me too! Was watching stuff about bikepacking and stumbled upon this. Inspiring! Thanks Lael!

Me three, love the video.... Makes want to do it.

Thumbs up for the grammar. Too many would have said "on accident," although it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Cheers!

Agreed. I almost want to not race it though and just do it as a massive ride. Group ride (without the race part) anyone?!

LOL...this film takes me to "I want nothing to do with the BS politics, I want to ride this ride and tell no-one...100% for myself"

What bike is she using?

Indeed.

You will ride yourself fit automatically 😏 just eat food and push those pedal. Bears though ...

The male cyclist, Jay Petervary, was dropped by Salsa after they investigated this incident.

@@prime8nate Jay is not the male cyclist being referred to in this film just fyi.

@@WildOutdoorLiving Yeah it is. Should have been DQed.

@@WildOutdoorLiving “Dear Adventure Community, Some of you may be aware of the public debate of rules surrounding this year’s Tour Divide. While we appreciate a healthy discussion, we were disappointed by the behavior of Salsa Cycles sponsored athlete Jay Petervary. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to end our sponsorship agreement with Jay. We would like to make clear that our decision was not based on the Tour Divide rules, nor the interpretation of those rules. During the conflict that surrounded this year’s Tour Divide, Jay’s conduct simply did not align with our brand values of empathy, community, and positivity. Over the years, Jay has been an important partner for Salsa Cycles in supporting and growing Adventure By Bike. We wish him the best in his next adventure. Sincerely, Salsa Cycles”

Jonathan Poon Gonna be amazing..good luck Mr Poon

I spent two weeks in NZ, and it was so difficult to come home. I almost stayed. Enjoy the ride. Enjoy the food.

Thanks for sharing and watching the film.

Sounds like a bunch of dorks who are mad that a chick is faster than them lol