The inception of this project began when Chris Schmidt, an anesthesiologist and avid cyclist, approached me with the proposition of documenting him with fellow cyclist and engineer Chris Hiebert as they ride the renowned Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, an arduous off-road bicycle tour that follows the Continental Divide from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Intrigued by the challenge, especially as a former cyclist, I embraced the opportunity, despite my lack of experience in documentary filmmaking.

Armed with only a mirrorless camera, a drone, a microphone, and a bit of luck, I embarked on this venture. For nearly a month, I immersed myself in the unique experience of living out of my 2010 Toyota Tacoma, meticulously shadowing Chris and Chris as they traversed the Western United States. I was unprepared for the magnitude of what lay ahead — the emotional and physical challenges of navigating 2,500 miles through remote, rugged mountains across the American West as a solo filmmaker.

As a one-man band, the magic of the route itself became my ally – from awe-inspiring landscapes to nuanced human interactions. The intricate nature of the route unfolded stories organically, and my role was to be present in those pivotal moments. Balancing the use of a drone to showcase the breathtaking scenery and relying on Go-Pros for more intimate moments, I aimed for a stark contrast that would resonate with audiences. Each day presented new challenges, conflicts, and triumphs.

Upon joining forces with Lunar Door, I am confident that we have crafted a film that captures the grandeur of the ride but also authentically portrays the realities of life and the distinctive personalities involved. "Tracing The Divide" stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the allure of pushing one’s boundaries in the pursuit of personal enlightenment.