The Race Across America, or RAAM, is an event that takes place every year in which cyclists from around the world compete in a race of epic proportions. Beginning in Oceanside, California, competing cyclists ride over three-thousand miles to Annapolis, Maryland–and the cyclists have a maximum of nine days to finish the course. John Tarlton has competed before, but once is not enough. As he and his crew, consisting of his family and closest friends, traverse the difficult, cross-country course, John is prepared to ride Until the Wheel Come Off.
The fact there are people at all that are willing to ride their bicycles more than three-thousand miles is insane; it’s commendable the fact that they are able to do this, but it’s insane nonetheless. This documentary is full of heart and passion, and it’s driven by love and camaraderie. Without John’s family and friends, completing the RAAM would literally be impossible. As a result of these themes, viewers will certainly be pulled into John’s narrative and be able to appreciate all that he does. On an emotional level Until the Wheels Come Off reaches viewers throughout its entirety.
Until the Wheels Come Off reminds viewers of the good things that they have in their lives, the people that care about them, and their potential in life. There are a number of reasons that Until the Wheels Come Off appeals to its viewers, but the emotional aspect is the most prominent. It’s moving and touching, and the film as a whole remains relevant and heartfelt throughout its entirety.
Sports appeal to a great number of people, and there’s certainly a potential that Until the Wheels Come Off reaches this group of viewers. Cycling is an interesting space in the world of sport, however. Without a doubt it’s competitive, it's grueling, and it’s incredibly difficult–but for fans of football, basketball, etc., watching cycling can feel cumbersome and uninteresting. I find myself among a group that enjoys high-speed and more sedentary sports. I love football and I enjoy watching golf–and cycling falls somewhere in the middle of the two. For viewers like me, Until the Wheels Come Off is interesting, and I appreciate the intricacies of the sport, but for others, and I fully understand, they may struggle to appreciate the long, drawn out process of the RAAM.
Until the Wheels Come Off exists in this place where some will find it enamoring while others will find the journey far too harrowing to remain focused. There are moments when the documentary runs slowly, and keeps pace with John and his journey. These moments can certainly be off putting, and it takes a certain type of person to buy into and remain engaged in this story.
There’s a lot going on throughout Until the Wheels Come Off, some that will appeal to all viewers, some that will appeal to fans of sports, and some that will cause viewers to turn away. Until the Wheels Come Off knows what it is, it’s a testimony of the good will of people and their ability to work together to accomplish incredible things as a result of their hard work and tenacity. There is certainly a divide created throughout the film, and viewers will likely fall on one side or the other of the hypothetical fence, but again–the film knows what it wants to be and it becomes just that. The film is developed well, and it informs the world of an incredibly tenacious individual and his journey toward success; in reality, the fanbase doesn't matter.
Directed by Matt Dearborn & Rick Weis.
Starring John Tarlton, Jenny Dearborn, Jack Tarlton, Cooke Tarlton, Cloe Tarlton, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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