Race for the Border

The 2,711-mile Tour Divide mountain-bike race from Banff, Canada, to the Mexican border is a feat that fewer than forty cyclists have ever completed. Without the support systems, teams and sponsors that make its French-speaking cousin even marginally realistic, the Tour Divide is (by most people's estimations) simply insane. And there are no monetary prizes for the winner, either — just bragging rights.

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More About

• Denverite Mike Dion
• Banff (Alberta)
• Tivoli

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But at least people are starting to recognize that this mountain-man endurance race is worth bragging about, thanks to a new documentary, Ride the Divide, which follows a handful of Tour riders determined to make it to Mexico. "Underneath, it's about human spirit, human endurance and the raw fascination of the Wild West," says Denverite Mike Dion, the film’s executive producer and himself a race participant. Surprisingly touching and emotionally resonant, Ride the Divide captures the psychological challenges that accompany almost 3,000 miles of introspection. "One thing that comes out is humans needing a support system," says Dion. "It becomes less and less physical and more mental. Being alone is really difficult."

The film opens this evening at 7 p.m. at the Starz FilmCenter, in the Tivoli building on the Auraria campus; a Q&A with Dion will follow the screening. Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 members and students; for more information, call 303-595-3456 extension 250 or go to www.denverfilm.org. There will also be a Boulder premiere, complete with live music and demos, beginning at 6 p.m. May 22 at the Boulder Theater; for tickets, $18, visit www.bouldertheater.com or call 303-786-7030.
May 28-June 10, 2010