"Disclaimer: I received a special preview of GODSPEED - The Race Across America as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
Captivating.
That's the word I would use to describe this documentary, absolutely captivating.
I have never been so moved by a documentary before. I really wasn't aware of what I was getting myself into so I cuddled up on my couch and went in with an open mind.
From the start I fully grasped the idea of what these two men, Jerry Schemmel, noted author, speaker and sportscaster for the Colorado Rockies and Brad Cooper, a four-time Iron Man triathlete (source), were doing. They had formed a 2 man team to bike across America to raise money for the orphans of Haiti. I'm so passionate about running or doing any endurance sport in the name of a great cause and this absolutely took the cake in my opinion.
This journey, covering 3,000 miles of deserts, pedaling 168 hours non-stop across 12 states from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans (source), is no small feat. These men are superheros in my opinion, embarking on this journey for someone other than themselves is beyond admirable and touching!
I was immediately entranced in their journey, the hardships that they had to overcome in order to complete this race was astounding, from the heat to severe storms across the country it's incredible what the human body is capable to withstanding.
Not only were these two men competing in this race they also had their crews along for the ride the entire time. Their team, Enduring Hope, rode in vans and cars following these men, picking them up after they switched riders, making sure they were properly fueled and rested the entire seven day journey. Their team also made sure to communicate among each other and make the best decisions when it came to the well being of their riders. The dedication these individuals had was inspiring to say the absolute least.
I had no idea the history of the Race Across America until this documentary, I had no idea that not only was it a thing but that it is also such a huge deal every year for the past 36 years! Starting in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, RAAM spans 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states and finishes at City Dock in Annapolis, Maryland, the east coast sailing mecca. (source)
This race is open to both professionals and amateur racers on relay teams of 2, 4 or 8 riders and has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. Racers have raised over $2 million per year over the past 5 years. (source)
So now that I have talked your ear off about how incredible this documentary is, it's time to share how YOU can go see it on the big screen like I will be, this Tuesday, May 22nd!
CLICK HERE and find a theater near you that is showing this movie FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, MAY 22nd!
My mom and I are all set and ready to see this movie tomorrow night, yes I am SUPER PUMPED to see this movie again on the big screen (I was not sponsored or paid to go see the movie in theaters, it's just really THAT great of a documentary that it wasn't even a question as to whether or not I was going to go see it!)
PLEASE consider going to see this film tomorrow night and let me know if you do, I'd love to start a conversation surrounding this documentary!
*CHEERS*
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Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Having ridden across America on a tandem with my wife (took over two months!) seeing this team do it (over some of the same roads we had traveled) in 7 days is simply mind blowing. I too was totally spellbound by the movie. Would really like to purchase the movie but I don't see that it's available at this time.
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