Cycling Across The USA With My Dad - A Bikepacking Adventure Film 

As a father and a cyclist I watched this movie on my son’s birthday he passed away this year of heart failure . This was an extra special video for me we loved each other but had unfinished business as some fathers and sons do, I wished my son and a could have done taken on such an epic adventure god bless you both I wish you both the best

Let me tell ya... If you have a dad willing to this with you, you are a lucky son. If you have a son willing to do this with you, you are a lucky dad.

I hardly ever comment on RU-vid, but this blew me away. Being 53 and and a father of a 19-year-old, I could completely identify. What a wonderful experience to share with your son, I am utterly envious. And Josh, your video- and storytelling skills is stunning at your young age. At any age, frankly. This made my day.

In 2007, my Dad and I biked across the US. We took the Northern Tier route with some modifications. Started at the Pacific Ocean at Cape Flattery, WA, and ended at the Atlantic at Eastport, ME. Like you, there was a significant fitness gap (I was 27 coming off an Ironman; he was 57 and hadn't cycled in years since I was a kid). And also like you, a mental toughness gap (I got beaten down more easily; he trudged on without saying much). My Dad was not a cyclist before or after the trip, but somehow he found the strength and fortitude to push on. We took 58 days to complete the 4350 miles (with 5 days off in the middle for a wedding), and on the days we rode, we averaged 90+ miles. We were fortunate to go west to east as the hills, while shorter, are much steeper on the east coast. My Dad initially struggled with the 5 mountain passes in WA state as they had long, steady climbs typically around 6% grade. But 6 weeks later, he was able to climb the 12%, 14%, and 20% hills found in VT, NH, and ME - though he did push the bike just a little on the 22% hill in ME!. My Dad had no idea what he had signed up for when he agreed to my idea. He had just overcome prostate cancer and I was feeling an urge to connect with him. In the years that followed our trip, I encouraged him to join me on an easier one down the Pacific Coast, but it wasn't to be. Our bike trip sapped the drive out of him. I think had I known more going into the trip, it would have helped prepare us better (less gear, more time) and perhaps that would have allowed him to enjoy it more. I was also immature and very fitness driven at that point in life, so I had sadly little empathy for whatever struggles my elder was having. Notwithstanding, my trip with him was for sure a pinnacle event of my life, and his too. He talked about the trip non-stop with friends and family for a decade. I have stared at pictures from our trip for more time than I can imagine, and long for those days again. My Dad passed away in January 2023 and my biggest regret was not finding a way to get him to do another trip with me. Cherish what you can, when you can. We both pulled a lot of strings to get time off of work and we certainly had hard times on the trip. But like you, we found not only immense beauty on our trip, and great and welcoming people along the way, but a true sense of connection when all was said and done. There is a lot to be said about going through a tough mental and physical battle with someone and how that can really connect you in ways traditional relationships cannot.

So happy we were able to host you guys in Greenville IL. We share the experience with everyone, people who ask about bicycle touring and those we host through Warmshowers. Great job on the video!

Christoper Nolan been real quiet since this dropped

19:05 - the whole ride is encapsulated in that one sentence: "If I was on my own I'd be miles down the road". Our dads could have said that when we were kids and vice versa we could say that of ourselves now our dads are much older. The point is that's what ultimately makes you slow down, knowing what family means.

beautiful video my dude

This hit home for me.I've done many cycling adventures with my son over the years. From local mountain bike trails to epic trips toe Moab, UT, 20 years apart and I have loved every minute of them. All fathers need to spend as much time as possible with their kids. This times are precious and will never come back. Thank you, Josh, for this amazing film.

So many emotions. As a cyclist and a father of two young ones I hope to do this one. Your very lucky to have a father like this. Stay blessed

Bikepacking across the US alone is already a feat of its own but getting to do it with your dad is truly EPIC. You are both lucky to have each other. Those watching this, dont ever underestimate the days you spend with your parents and/or your children, how simple they may be, because at the end of the day, ALL YOU WILL HAVE BEFORE YOUR LIFE ENDS ARE MEMORIES. Say Hi to your dad for me Josh, will ya?

What a fantastic achievement George and Josh. Dad George was a classmate of my daughters, and I got to know George as an army cadet when I was an army recruiter, helping out at our local ACF detachment. I then saw him pass out of Welbeck College as a Commissioned officer in the REME., attended his wedding, and followed his career in awe of his achievements. George went on to serve a full career, ending up as a Lt Colonel. To take on a task such as this, 4,000 miles of cycling for four months is an outstanding achievement of which I feel sure will benefit the RBL immensely. Son Josh is a credit to his father and mother, thank you both for an enjoyable and thrilling share in your journey and adventure. Bruce.

AWESOME!

Brilliant you have inspired me to ride the length of the uk next year with my 10 yr old son. Can’t wait

Congratulations! Wonderful achievement and to see that you did it with your father is something you'll never forget or regret.

I wish I do this with my son.

Hello, I want to say congratulations on accomplishing your crossing...tremendous feat in every way. I did this crossing in 2020 from Vancouver WA to Portland , Maine and I can understand all that goes into getting across...the monies, the routine, the perseverance the strength in physicality and the emotional roller coaster...so , what I am so jealous of your both and that you got to do this as father and son....my father has been gone 15 years and not a day did not go by in the 102 days and 4203 miles that took me to go across, I would had given the rest of my existence to had what you both had....I miss mine everyday and I will think of him until my last breath...so happy to see you both getting across...this collective journey is both of yours and only you both know it like no one and it will always be like that and young man, perhaps you will keep the tradition going if your son or daughter is to be convinced. Thank you for posting it , it brings so many amazing moments , from dipping my back wheel in the pacific in Tillamook Oregon , to riding through Tetons and looking at those spectacular peaks, to the Moose who ran across the road, stoped , looked at me and ran across, to meeting the cowboys in South Dakota who let me camp in their barn and let me stay for several days and took horse back riding in the Black Hills in Deadwood, to a man pulling me over and giving me two sandwiches , a bag of oranges and a couple of dollars and refused plead of no, to the fellow in Pennsylvania who let me stay in his home for several days and I got to go to work with him replacing windshields, to the total strangers in Lebanon Maine who let me stay in their home on a very cold autumn night...my father had mentioned many times to me to have faith in people and that humanity was more good than bad, I always took his advice and wisdom at heart and this crossing solidified his wisdom to me. Glad to witness your amazing journey, filming it is so much work and it is very much appreciate it. Cheers.

Tears, just tears. My husband and I drove 10k miles in over 90 days this summer with our e-bikes on a rack. We rode together he 74 and myself 62 a total of 1000 miles over various trails in twenty two states. The highlight of our summer was the entire Katy Trail. We also live in Modesto, a town on your WarmShowers list. This movie was so touching and a true bonding of two loves. I saw your Mum was instrumental in the journey too. May the memories and the lifelong stories brings joy to yourselves and others. Awesome that Trek sponsored the ride. We found the various trek stores so helpful to us nationwide. Congratulations again on this huge achievement.

Father and son. Son and father! Perfect union. Exciting! Splendid! Wonderful! It brings tears to tears....

Utahn here, glad you enjoyed our state! Byway 12 which i see you rode is the greatest road ever on a bike!

Congratulation son and father. Well done! Thank you.

Fantastic. Names of roads would be a nice plus.

EPIC journey! The way you've documented this mate is unreal! inspiring stuff! The next journey awaits!

wow very interesting experience friend

Just started this and will have to view the rest later. Looks like a great adventure

That’s some ride! You made it! 🙂👊🏻

16:53 welcome to America. Land of the Ghost Bikes. On a lighter note, you guys picked probably the best bike possible. I too ride a 2019 Trek 920. I changed my gearing to a triple front (44,33,22) & an 11-42 rear. Rode it up the Pacific coast & in 2021 rode from California to Missouri. I love my 920. It's the best do-it-all bike, hands down.

Wonderful video. Takes so much guts to make any journey like this in this country, most Americans wouldn't. Having to travel ON highways within inches of blazing fast traffic for so much of the country is just too much.

Shared this with one of my 27 year old twins. We are going on a few overnight Gravel Bikepacking, I am considering minimum Rail to trail outings with my wife, and even a cross country. prefer with sons as wife has limits she is willing to do. Thank you both for sharing this.

Nothing better than this father and son riding together in a long and incredible journey.Your edited is outstading thank for sharing every moment. Fr. Bkk. Thailand.

Wonderful journey, great music 🎶, thanks for this story ❤

Very nicely presented…photography, editing, music, content all 👍🏻.

Congrats on Conquering the cross- America Bike ride! Bravo Zulu and Always Cherish each other! I hope to do this one day soon with my Son and Daughter! Semper Fi and Can Do OORAH

There’s a reason most folks go east across the US-tailwinds are awesome. Your way ends with the best views though.

awesome 👏

Lovely Video... Excellent effort at Photography. Great Job. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

congratulations Lads! Now it's time for that European Trek.

Great video , one that warms the heart , well done and congratulations on completing the journey , respect to you both , and mum for the final filming scenes 🙏👍🙌👏👏👏👏

Thank you so much for sharing your adventure! The video was well done and I imagine a great transformation in each of your lives and your relationship between father and son! BRAVO ":-)

Josh. This is simply incredible. An insane achievement and I think even more poignant that you did it alongside your dad. Time spent you’ll never forget! Congratulations and thank you for sharing it with us. ❤

You both are very fortunate!

ابطال تحملتم واصريتو على انجاز ما تسعون اليه ❤💪

Keep peace, you only have one Dad... Love your video, keep safe...

I immediately felt as if I was part of the family when dad piss off was the first thing that came on.

This was absolutely amazing to watch. I got emotional because my dad is getting older together with limitations and we haven't done anything like this, maybe next year we can go on a motorcycle trip together. Feel blessed for having done this while both of you still could

father n son journey, salute u guys amazing thank you for sharing this video 4,000 miles of cycling wish i could do that too.with my son oustanding life achievment.

*opening shot of Hogback on Utah 12* - grabs popcorn

You blokes are flaming mad but congratulations on conquering such an adventure 👌💪🍻

I'm amaze the stamina both of you how could they survive it's a very very far bike journey

Lucky to have dad like yours

Just started watching and boy I am already looking forward to the journey. Well that didn't disappoint me. The cinematography was great as was your narration. I expected it to be longer but it was just the right length to maintain my interest. Congratulations to you both and as you said your have those memories of being together and later with Mum forever. Somehow think there will be many more to come as well.

My gosh, I love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! God bless you both!❤

Awesome

Must be one of the best things to be doing along with your dad and with your son. Your son will remember it for the rest of his life. Wish I could be doing something like this with my son. Unfortunately he passed away too soon.

Thanks for the video, this is a great way to catch up.

Fantastischer Bericht, super Kameraführung, tolle Musik, amüsante Kommentare - Respekt 👍👏✌️👌😀😀😀

How beautiful, and how beautifully documented. Wish I could do this with my dad, but that is not possible anymore.

Boys you will bond and become a lot closer than ever before😊❤👊👊🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧good luck. I've always said America is one amazing country.. Well done guys

Wonderful Journey!

Epic! That's all I've got. Update description with bike info and the gear yall used and your camera gear

I did this ride at 55 solo...would have soooo much better with my son (but that nutter hates cycling! 😉)

What for a amazing cycling adventure and what for a deep father son expirience , wow 👍😅🌪️🌧️🌨️🌦️🌞❤️

That was completely epic mate, I wish I had a chance for an adventure like this with my dad. Hope you will cherish those memories forever. Kudos to you both!

I wana do this !!!

Wow! I'm gonna try to persuade my son to do the same.

Congrats to you both, that is one amazing accomplishment one that not many have accomplished. Thanks for sharing this with the world.

What an incredible journey. Me and my son are riding together, a week, a couple of weeks at a time, and it's always an amazing experience for both of us, but this is on a different level. I wish we could do something as epic one day!

Wow..father and son.....Father....you have done what every dad dreams of doing. And you son,....you will only understand what your dad is feeling when one day you will do it with your son ..INSHALLAH..GOD WILLING. I ran 5 km with My son...and I was in tears... Bless you both xx

Great! Reminds me of a Motorbike-Week with my lovely father, at Lake Como. It was so special. Now he is dead, died too early. So, go and write memories❤, things can change fast.

oh wow...BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! its really amazing and the best part is Father & Son adventure where all the good, bad & ugly will come out but at the end...it's all worth it and treasured forever!!! Not forgetting the biggest and strongest supporter, the MUM!!!!!! U R simply the best and the BEST ever.....this cannot happen without U...Kudos to all the MUMs out there...like me, hehehehe....sending this to my 2 kids now (1 in Vancouver & 1 in US) and see whether they are game to do this with me when I go over 1 good day......after my recent half Ironman.....think I can do it ???? or maybe not...its look like being Ironman for 3 mths...hehehehe...well done again the Amazing Kohler Duo...wohoooooo

Well done! Inspiring. Great you showed highs and lows. Reality.

Enjoy these experiences with your dad while you can. I lost my dad a few days before Christmas of ‘21, I still ride with him just in my heart and my memories.

For being 'so' young you really nailed that dad joke "Cross traffic ahead" haha.

Great video, congrats to the both of you

I always feel my dad follows me from heaven ... RIP Dad.. 🥲. i do go on sub 100 milers around town. Hope to do a cross country one day. Love you dad ❤.

Awesome. Thanks m8

absolutely brilliant film and achievement guys… as a keen solo touring cyclist I can see the pain and highs and lows you went through and euphoria at the end…. amazing achievement

This is absolutely amazing. What an adventure. Give George and Jane all our love. You must be soooooooo proud. Incredible. Loved the video. Steve & Ali.

Great adventure and video! Thanks for sharing your story fellas.

This video came across my feed as I was researching bike packing. What a fantastic experience you’ve had with your father, and what a beautifully crafted film to share it. Please keep creating (and biking!)

You are very lucky Josh to have such a cool dad! I wish every family could have such a special bond between father and son.

awesome trip. people usually start from west believing wind blows west to east. it's beautiful and most unique country in the world.

Amazing. Absolutely Amazing! Congratulations on this EPIC journey across the USA!

Brilliant ❤ what an incredible experience. Looking forward to seeing more of your content

Merci pour ce partage exceptionnel , tres émouvant cette aventure , père et fils , une grande leçon de vie , et a vélo ;quoi de plus beau . Merci

If you two plan on doing another long bike journey here are some camp gear you may look into; Bike Cover (for those rainy and snowy days when you are camping to keep your bike dry), water shoes (some are also titled as lightweight hikers), a compact air compressor (to fill up your flat tires after repair with ease), fore those long boring rides; there are compact blue tooth speakers that work with your cell phone that also have devices that can be attached to your bike handlebars. French style sun hats are good for those very sunny days; they cover your neck area and have a tad longer sun shade brim for your eyes and face. They also come in a wide range of colors. Eating good food and snacks, drinking regularly even before you are thirsty, and keeping your core cool or warm. Survival 101. Someday for myself; a tour of some sort. I've been hoping for an opportunity of this ever since 2016.

Watching this I miss my dad. He taught me to ride, but cycling wasn't his thing.

Congratulations!! This was amazing to watch!

watching this as a father of 2 boys who are young makes me really want to stay healthy and maybe 1 day make the same journey with my boys!

So much courage and love you both have among each other.. enjoy your time together.. it’s just an amazing adventure you both shared with us.. thank you

Excellent film mate! I aspire to make a film as good as this one day!! I have cycled 1800 miles from PA to FL and another 500in Taiwan. I have filmed both journeys but have been struggling to put together an edit. This film is my inspiration and guidance for editing these films!

Wonderful experience, excellent filming and editing, do things with your parents whilst you can ;-) Thanks

Wow, you can really see your fitness as time goes on!

Absolutely awe-inspiring Josh. Your video skills are immense and to do it while cycling as well is amazing. What a journey you two went on!

This is a great watch. Very well shot, framed, paced. A+ work here. Looks like y’all had the whole range of emotions. Thanks for sharing this!

WoW what an incredible journey and amazing achievement Chapeau to you both thank you for sharing your adventure it was awesome and so inspiring 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️😎👍

What an awesome adventure and experience as a Dad and son make these unforgettable memories together. Great content, high-quality video, and beautiful scenery. Congratulations on your accomplishments.

Touched my mind, heart and soul. 🙏 The video quality is incredible.

Good afternoon. You and your father are great! Keep it up. I wish you smooth roads and fair winds.👏🚴🚴

Go Haley. Love your enthusiasm and energy