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    ‘GP-1200’ – Girona to Portugal Cycling Challenge



    From the East coast of Spain to the Western shores of Portugal, in October 2019, Jack decided he needed a challenge and so set about riding the route non stop…

    A journey of 1,200 kilometers with 11,910m of elevation gain, Jack finished the ride in 56 hours, fresh and relatively unscathed.

    As part of this challenge, Jack was eager to raise awareness about mental health, in particular the stigma that is often associated with such conditions. Talking open and candidly about his own struggles with drug use and depression and how the bike has allowed him to overcome these difficult times, ‘GP-1200’ looks to turn a chapter in what can only be described as ‘a silent killer that affects us all,’ be it directly or indirectly.

    “Riding my bike from Girona to Portugal is nothing compared to my early teenage years and my struggles with mental health. I just hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to go about pushing their own limits in search of happiness.”

    #itsoknottobeok

    IG: @jackultracyclist
    Web: jackultracyclit.com

    Director & DP – @sauriproductions

    Fixer – Dave Smith

    Music –
    Moments
    Performed by Last Heroes
    Courtesy of Ophelia Records and Involved Publishing

    Do Androids Dream Part 3
    Performed by Andrew Bayer
    Courtesy of Anjunabeats and Involved Publishing

    Third Evangelist
    Performed by Khåen
    Courtesy of Involved Publishing

    Stella (Ryan Davis Rethink)
    Performed by Lycoriscoris
    Courtesy of Anjunadeep and Involved Publishing

    Picking Up my Girlfriend
    Performed by Russ Davies
    Courtesy of Involved Publishing

    Lifetime
    Performed by A Year On Earth
    Courtesy of Involved Publishing

    Related

    View 38 Comments

    38 Comments

    3. Felix Jackson on

      Been cycling many many years. In good times and less good. I have NEVER got back from a ride,whether sunny or wet,cold or hot feeling regret for having gone out or worse mentally than when I went out.Often had to push through great resistance in order to get out,but once out that dissolves immediately…

    4. Scott M on

      I’m hearing you man. My psychologist suggested I try cycling and slowly reduce medication. 11 years later I’m still cycling almost everyday. I’m fit, smiling and don’t need medication (or anything else). Going into your mind are the best days, you go through and come back stronger.

    7. A. on

      I hope there will be more! The quality, feels like I'm watching a TV show, or a great documentary from netflix or smth.
      So much respect. Feels hard to believe that you live with people like this.
      One day I will get my stuff ready and will get those kilometers also under my belt. And maybe then I will meet people like you on the road, also trying to enjoy the best of life.

    11. Romain Baettig on

      I loved that video! Amazing landscapes, amazing message… Sport in all its versions is really helping me mentally when I'm stressed or anxious. I can definitely relate to the motivation & satisfaction of pushing your mental barriers with physical efforts. Next challenge for me, participating in my first half ironman to celebrate my 25th birthday. I'm going to keep your message in mind when I'm going to lack the motivation to train. Thank's a lot for the inspiration…

    12. pongrratz on

      Wow.. 15 may is my birthday. My entire life was a struggle since I can remember..physically and mentally also. Never really admitted depression..never had suicidal thoughts… in my case ismore a post traumatic stress typ of thing. Then 5-6 years ago I've had a hard time when panic attacks scared the shit out of me. I've lost so much weight barely could walk..was in very bad shape. Then I''ve decided to do some changes in my diet and was looking for a healthy hobby. Restored old bikes as a therapy..I was putting them back on the road again. Today I ride a gravel bike.. my 5th bike since then. Did around 6500km in a year, slowly expanding my comfort zone. The everyday struggle is still there, but I think my body started beeing healthier…. and my mind cleaner.

    13. Ben Rostand on

      True inspiration my man! I’ve been through similar things in the past. You never completely get over it, but I’ve found pushing myself on and off the bike massively improved my mental state. Great to see other like minded people. Keep up the great content!

    14. JUANQUIROGAH on

      I´m so happy to see that I´m not the one looks like a mad man, I ride a #1000kchallenge in Colombia, 70 hours non stop, alone, whitout support, just a 10 litres backpack, congratulations for your rides "Buen viento y buen pavimento"

    20. Greg on

      Thanks for the video and your thoughts on suffering. Suffering is, perhaps, the common human condition. While people are sympathetic to suffering they are less understanding of the effects it has on someone's life. People feel bad for you if you experienced trauma but quickly become judgmental if that trauma has resulted in any maladaptive coping techniques. For example, if you were sexually assaulted as a child people will feel bad for you. But if that trauma led you to take drugs to numb the pain or you became a prostitute to live the narrative the sexual assault spoke into your life people quickly move from understanding to judgment. Suffering is real and the effects of suffering are difficult and long to deal with.

    25. Joel Bruner on

      Amazing footage, you captured it all so well in just a short YouTube video (very difficult to do!), and you injected every bit of it with a meaningful story, very relatable… this is a genius video. I know people will love this, and come back to it for years! Youre awesome Jack, only seen you in a few videos, but youre already inspiring me. Much love man! – Joel

    26. SDA Tumut Pastor 2023 on

      Thank you for giving us a voice, mental health awareness is so important and you inspire me. I suffer from debilitating mental health issues and its the one place I find I can challenge the thoughts in my head, the bike is my saviour.

    32. Max C on

      Quality cinematics, very motivational. Very glad I found your channel, keep going! I also found that training too much took the fun out of just cycling. Been getting back to the right place now. Nothing can beat the feeling when you are in sync with your bike and just forget about everything else.

    34. HuntyChunks on

      Love what you are doing and the message. Inspired by it and thanks for sharing. Cycling for me is that cathartic happy place. You, the road, the sounds of life going by mixed with your own thoughts…keep peddling and looking forward to witnessing more incredible feats!

    36. Alain Pryt on

      Félicitations j adore tes vidéo super bien filmer merci de nous faire partager tes super périple et encore bravo et merci 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

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