127 days left

Ever since first posting the "mock trailer"... I've wanted to cut a new trailer that actually represented the project. Since the mock' gives a strong impression of a documentary that is centered around a loan rider, which is not the case.

Now, I do have over 8 hours of footage from Amanda and I's Pacific ride, and I could cut that into a new trailer, but that would really be just as misrepresenting.

However, the other night, Amanda suggested an idea that fits perfectly: it would be simple, tight shots of people's faces - young, old, male, female - and while filming, we would have them go through a long list of reasons and motivations for a long-distance bike trip, then when editing, we would inter-cut the list, jumping from person to person - and that's it, that's the idea. Hopefully we could end up with a group of 20-25 people to pick from, to aviod coming back to the same person more than twice.

This is a rough start for our hypothetical-reasons list, in no particular order: Because I can, because it scares me, to be stronger, to get to the other side, to see the world, to push myself further, to find myself, for my mother, enlightenment, because if I could do this - what couldn't I do, to feel alive, to raise money for cancer, because I need a vacation, endurance, for the experience, to see if I'll make it, to prove to myself I can do it, to make my parents proud, to show my boyfriend/ girlfriend I'll never give up, to see the country, to be one with the Earth, to get away, to reconnect with myself, to find my place in the Universe, to find the moment, to fall in love, to wake up in a new place everyday, to see how far my legs will take me, because you only live once, for the adventure, to see new places, to go where I've never been, to meet new people, to feel the wind in my hair, because I can do anything, because its rewarding, for all the people who can't, to inspire others, to get away, to be free, to sleep under the stars, to ride off into the sunset, to stay young, because you're never too old...

Anyone out there have anything else to add?

129 days left

We've been having a lot of success in our "casting call", many bike-enthusiasts have shown interest - but I seem to be seeing a pattern of people finding information on 'Pedal' through a number of bicycling forums, and then following the projectpedal dot com link here, but not reading up on information outside of the main page. So, to help clear up the rules and interest of our search - I'm reposting the 'casting call' information here. Also, please be patient in my response to your emails - I am doing my best to reply with-in two days time. Thank you.

What we are doing: Beginning on May 26, '06 - the film crew for 'Pedal' will leave the Pacific ocean, near Astoria, Oregon, and head east, heavily following the Adventure Cycling Association's Northern Tier Route, ending at in Acadia National Park.


What we are looking for: We are in the early stages of two separate searches - first, we are forming a network of people that the documentary, and it's main travelers, can cross paths with somewhere in between the Pacific and Atlantic.

Whether you're 19, just out of high school, and are looking to see the world - or you're 73 and have done this bi-annually for the last 17 years - or you're 40, leaving on your first bike trip, one that you've been planning since you were 20. We are looking for people of all ages, of all backgrounds, from all corners of the world, who are currently planning on a bike trip along the northern tier during the months of production. You, or your group, must be prepared to give interviews and even be followed for a short number of days.


The second search is for a tight group of three to four friends that are currently in serious preparation for a coast to coast bike trip in the northern US during June & July of '06 - this group would serve as the main focal point and anchor of the documentary.

Again, I must stress, this group must not be made of strangers - this is not 'Road Rules', we are not out to see the disastrous results of "what happens when four total strangers try to cross the country via bicycles- stop being polite and get real". This is a serious and internal look at the inspirations and personal after-effects of a 4,000 mile bike ride.

It is preferred that the group be experienced in previous long-distance rides, but for example, if two of the three have experience and the third has none, but is in excellent physical condition - then it would be something we would consider.

We are looking for a group of people that are somewhat outgoing - as each of you will be on camera for the duration of the 4,000-some mile trip, in situations that fall anywhere in-between a) the best-carefree-day of your life along a beautiful, clear-skied road in North Dakota - and b) a four day stretch of never-ending up and down cliffs, winding through a mountainous dessert that pushes you physically and mentally past any point of exhaustion/ hopelessness that you could possibly imagine. Having said that...


What do you do next: If you are interested, simply contact Mike and express your interest. If you prefer you can go into great detail about your reasons or inspirations for riding, or your biking history, if any. You can share any information you feel might better spark our interest.

We look forward to hearing from you.

I almost forgot - the meeting, with Matt, that I mentioned in the last post, went extremely well. I don't feel I should go into the details at this point in time, but I didn't want to leave all of you in suspense... for the three of you who have been wondering.

139 days left

In about twenty minutes I'll be sitting down with Matt, the producer, at the 'backlot cafe' in Universal - I keep shifting from feeling anxious, to un-prepared, to clear-minded and anywhere in-between.

This is my first face to face with a producer, let alone a producer who has shown high interest in 'Pedal' - to be perfectly honest, I've been a bit uneasy the last several days. Going over different scenarios and conversations in my mind. People seem to keep giving the advice, "just be confident - don't look unsure", but I'm torn between: knowing exactly what I want for 'Pedal', and trying to figure exactly what I need to keep Matt's interest.

If I'm lucky they'll be one in the same.


At the moment - while I'm typing this - I feel 100% comfortable... maybe 90% comfortable, all the same I'm excited to shake Matt's hand and hear what he has to say about the film. I'm, inside my head, jumping up and down at the thought of spilling my guts on every idea and expectation I have for 'Pedal'.


A part of me wishes I could just type in 'project pedal dot com' and read the next several posts ahead of this one. Peek ahead; to the outcome of our meeting, will it go smoothly? Will it end abruptly before either of us gets a full chance to go into the things we hoped to go into? Will this be the start of a strong and healthy working-friendship? Or simply a business opportunity?

It's time for me to leave. Wish me luck.

146 days left

At first... I assumed it was the holidays keeping the DR Group from getting back in touch with me. So I gave them a few days, and then a few more days, by now I believe it's been over a week.

Although, just as I was writing this, it did occur to me that in coming back from a long, and probably, well-deserved break, they might have a lot of catching up do - and maybe I should cut them some slack. But still - I was looking to buy about 30 minutes / 1,000 feet of 16mm 400-500 asa stock. But Bono film doesn't sell recans or short ends... and I'm simply curious how much I might save in finding someone who does. And the suspense is killing me.

147 days left

I just felt like sharing this beautiful flickr slideshow - a couple's bicycle tour through Rome, Umbria, and Tuscany in 2001.

Of course there are hundreds & hundreds of other photos you can find under the search "bicycle tour"... looking at them makes me very, very anxious.