Tracing the Divide

Right from the start I was so interested in the two characters and their journey. As I watched I loved the way the characters became more and more vulnerable each and everyday with the various challenges they faced. The playfulness of becoming a kid again laughing and joking and being able to enjoy nature living in the now. As a society we are so connected to our phones and the digital age we forget how to enjoy life. Having a family of my own I get lost and forget about the important things in life. This movie helped me want to reconnect with family and friends. The cinematography was simply breathtaking. Really enjoyed it from start to finish.

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.

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.

This movie was an unexpected surprise. Labeled as a sports documentary, TRACING THE DIVIDE shows the endurance, grit, and tenacity of two athletes as they transcend the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico. Hidden behind the cycling and spectacular views, however, is really a heartwarming story on male friendship and what it means to be vulnerable in the moment. The two Chrises force themselves to get comfortable with the uncomfortable throughout this film, but through it all there are moments of humor and light and playfulness that the men keep finding during this ride of their lives - which ultimately keeps the viewer captivated and rooting them on during the 1hr 24 minute runtime.

Pop some popcorn, grab some Mike & Ikes, and get ready to sit back for a really enjoyable movie.

This beautifully shot and well-crafted film is exactly what you'd hope for-a heartfelt story of two lifelong buddies pushing themselves to the limit, testing their friendship through both physical and emotional challenges. It's got all the makings of a great adventure: stunning mountain trails, grueling climbs, heart-pounding descents, and just enough campfire wisdom to make you want to grab a bike and hit the road yourself.

At its core, this isn't just a film about mountain biking-it's about the kind of friendship that's been through the wringer and still holds strong. The journey takes these two pals deep into the wilderness and even deeper into their own thoughts. And, as you might expect when two stubborn folks spend that much time together, tensions bubble up. There's some good-natured ribbing, a few honest (and maybe overdue) conversations, and a couple of moments where you wonder if they'll make it out still speaking to each other. But through all the sweat, scrapes, and scenic overlooks, they come away with a clearer sense of who they are and why they've stuck by each other all these years.

It's an easy, enjoyable watch, full of sweeping vistas, raw moments of frustration and triumph, and the kind of natural humor that happens when two old friends know each other a little too well. The breathtaking cinematography pulls you right into the ride, and the soundtrack sets the perfect tone.

Recommended!