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Doom & Despair: An Arkansas Bikepacking Documentary (Film)
Doom & Despair is a new film documenting Zach Gass’ attempt at the 2024 Doom and Despair bikepacking event in Arkansas. Over 100 riders participated in the 400 or 200-mile event, challenged by unpredictable weather, limited services, and challenging terrain… many of them did not finish. Watch the 20-minute film here…
Photos by Kai Caddy
Flat ground is rare at Doom, replaced by relentless climbs and sudden descents. Technical riding, unpredictable weather, and long, remote miles amplify every challenge. With resupplies unreliable, at best, riders must dig deep to endure the harsh reality of the event. On the very first day, rider Zach Gass faces those truths head-on, where determination meets an unforgiving landscape. In the new film, Doom & Despair, director Jonathan Childs follows Zach as he heads into the Ozark backcountry to take on the 200-mile Despair route in the 2024 Doom bikepacking event. Watch it below and find photos and details further down.
Whether you take 24-hours to finish or an entire week, he’s (Andrew Onermaa) is going to celebrate you and how you did it.
Doom & Despair, an official selection at 13 film festivals, is both a story of endurance and a testament to the bikepacking community. It shows that the camaraderie, support, and shared spirit of adventure make it all worthwhile. Learn more about the film and the filmmaker here.
Further Reading
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