im - 6/20/2007 07:29:00 AM

We Invented The Mountain Bike! Actually, we didn't. But some folks claim they did. And, that's OK, if it makes them feel better. (Nevermind that I was riding on dirt trails on my sister's Schwinn Breeze in 1974, so take that!). The rest of us can simply bask in their glory. Literally. You can, because Saturday June 30th marks the Hollywood Premiere of the new cut of the film, KLUNKERZ, at the 600 seat Vine Street Theater on Saturday, June 30th at 5:00pm near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. That's Hollywood, Caleeforniya kids. It's in Lost Angaleez I hear. Here is what Director Billy Savage sent me about it: The film is a feature-length documentary about the birth of the sport of mountain biking. What started out as a way to cross-train for some hippie/athletes in Northern California became a multi-billion dollar industry, a form of recreation for the masses, and an Olympic event. The film includes interviews with most everyone involved in the genesis of the sport, and lots of archival photographs and footage. The screening is in conjunction with The Bicycle Film Festival (see below) and it should be quite a gas (pun intended). Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Charlie Kelly, Alan Bonds, The Larkspur Canyon Gang and other legends of the cycling industry will be on hand to answer questions. Check out the Bicycle Film Festival website for ticket info. Sounds like it's gonna be a hoot. And for that matter, Surly is sponsoring the Minneapolis leg of this fine event again this year. So, while none of us will be making it out the the Premiere, it is likely that you'll see some of us at the Minneapolis Premeire in September. Can't hardly wait. Just for the record, it really doesn't matter who invented the mountain bike, but it is interesting to track the history of the sport. The significance of the contributions of the "founders" of mountain biking has more to do with them providing a tipping point so that the rest of us could discover it in our own way. I, for one, am genuinely excited about this film. I had the pleasure of meeting Billy by chance when we were at Sea Otter this year, and I can honestly say that a nicer guy there is not. So, if you can, please get out and support Bicycle Film Fest, Billy and his Klunkerz film, and all the other fine films that are being shown. -----