News
"Ride the Divide" to Premiere on the Documentary Channel
September 7, 2010
Nashville, Tenn. (August 26, 2010) - The award-winning feature-length documentary “Ride The Divide,” following three courageous cyclists as they take on the world’s toughest mountain bike race, will make its exclusive U.S. television premiere on Documentary Channel® (DOC) on Wednesday, September 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Directed by Hunter Weeks, the 80-minute film follows the trio day and night throughout the demanding two-wheel journey as they negotiate more than 2,700 miles of rugged terrain from Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide in North America’s Rocky Mountains.
Executive produced by Mike Dion and Documentary Channel’s James Ackerman and Kate Pearson, “Ride The Divide” supports the efforts of LIVESTRONG Foundation, founded and inspired by Lance Armstrong, to help raise funds to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
“We wanted to capture the adventure and challenges of those cyclists participating in The Great Divide Mountain Bike Race and tell their heroic stories,” explains Weeks, regarding the grueling mountain bike race that has had fewer than 100 attempts and less than 40 finishers. “In the end, we see how they attempt to defy great odds and battle unbelievable obstacles to try and complete their journey.”
“While the documentary captures many incredibly breathtaking and spectacular scenic views throughout, it is really a story about strength of character,” adds Ackerman, president and CEO of Documentary Channel. “Truly an inspiring and provocative film, it shows the genuine testament of the human spirit.”
Winner of “Best Adventure Film” at the 2010 Vail (Colo.) Film Festival, “Ride The Divide” weaves the story of three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. Mike Dion, a 40-year-old family man who uses this challenge to chart a new course in life; Matthew Lee, a leader in extreme endurance racing who is competing for his fifth time; and Mary Metcalf-Collier, the first female rider to race this route and finish, will set out to accomplish what very few have been able to. Over the course of a few weeks, they will attempt to climb over 200,000 vertical feet over the Rocky Mountains, which is the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest from sea level seven times. They will experience mental breakdowns, treacherous snow, hellacious blisters, and total fatigue, but above all, they will race with no support, at times in total isolation. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout the film will prompt viewers to reflect on their inner desires to live life to the fullest.
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