Watch Godspeed: The Race Across America

Godspeed: The Race Across America is a 2016 documentary-style film that follows the journey of two cyclists, Brad and Ashley Cooper, as they attempt to complete the Race Across America (RAAM) - a grueling 3,000-mile cycling race that spans coast to coast in the United States. The film is directed by Jonathon Narducci and produced by Brittany Huckabee.

The movie opens with Brad and Ashley setting off on their journey in Oceanside, California. The two of them are joined by a support crew, consisting of Brad's brother, a nurse, and a masseuse, among others. The support crew is responsible for managing logistics, providing medical aid, and ensuring that the cyclists have everything they need to complete the race. The cyclists have a strict timeline to follow, and they aim to complete the race in just under 7 days.

From the start, it's clear that this race is no ordinary cycling event. The cyclists are forced to navigate through extreme weather conditions, with temperatures rising to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and dropping to near freezing temperatures during the night. The team must also deal with fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and injuries along the way.

As the cyclists traverse the country, we are introduced to a range of individuals who share their own unique relationship with the race. There are former champions who have completed the race numerous times, support crew members who have been with the race for decades, and even a racer who is completing the race with his father who has Alzheimer's disease. Each individual shares their own perspectives on the race, with some describing it as a pilgrimage, and others referencing it as a personal journey of self-discovery.

The film features stunning visuals of the American countryside, from the desolate deserts of Arizona to the lush green hills of Pennsylvania. The cycling footage is shot with incredible detail, and the filmmakers have captured the visceral energy of each moment, whether it be the cyclists struggling to climb hills or the moments of camaraderie between support crew members.

Throughout the film, we see Brad and Ashley's resilience tested time and time again as they push through physical and emotional barriers. There are moments of triumph, where they are elated to have made it through another leg of the race, and moments of despair when they are struggling to make it up a steep hill or battling through injuries.

The film's score is a standout, featuring a mix of energizing electronic beats and more melodic, emotional compositions. The music adds another layer of intensity to the already high-stakes race and complements the stunning imagery perfectly.

As the cyclists approach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland, the filmmakers capture the raw emotion of the moment, with family members and support crew members cheering them on. Godspeed: The Race Across America captures the essence of why this race is so special - it's not just about winning, but about the journey and the challenges faced along the way.

Overall, Godspeed: The Race Across America is a gripping and emotional film that captures the spirit of one of the most grueling endurance races in the world. It's a testament to the human spirit and the power of determination and perseverance. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or not, this film is sure to inspire and leave you in awe of the incredible achievement of these dedicated athletes.

Godspeed: The Race Across America is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.