Maybe the ‘show and tell’ format is too boring for modern audiences? That the National Geographic model is outdated? That without a compelling story filled with tension, drama and conflict resolution, a carefully stitched together collection of high energy visuals from around the world is unworthy of consideration for inclusion as indoor cycling entertainment? Hummmmm the cynic in me wonders as the objective and neutral witness listens to comments with fascination and interest. Maybe the ‘story’ needs a ‘hero’ and the Bruce Brown, Warren Miller, Ken Burns formula is the way to go. Brown had the beach, Miller the mountain and Burns, well, everything else. I have chosen cycling (or it has chosen me) as the subject matter of my creative attention. In 2001 I added the story line of a pair of local (Seattle) triathletes, each winning the Ironman lottery, the prize of which is participation in the most prestigious and internationally respected event in the world of triathlon, to a video montage of action from events shot from the Pacific Northwest to Florida. I did this without a budget and with a two hundred dollar camera. I did ante up to pay an editor for post production. The resulting documentary was shown as a holiday celebration for the Seattle Triathlon Club and warmly, enthusiastically and appreciatively received. After all who doesn’t want to see themselves on the big screen doing the athletically heroic? In 2003 I repeated the formula, this time with upgraded video equipment and an in-house editing system, to produce and present ‘Tips’ to the same audience. In it, the tri-sport protagonist is the recipient of a generous tip from a mysterious older woman wanting to assist his pregnant wife, working nights as a waitress to make ends meet. The detail of their financial struggle gives the story a flavor of the underdog competing against more gifted, or more ‘entitled’ competition.
Did the emotional involvement created by the trajectory of the lead character's journey, from nowhere to somewhere, the proverbial rags to riches tale add a necessary component to the story? Does there need to be an arc, a rainbow of emotion that takes us on a ride across a time-line of drama, adventure or challenge?
The more I consider this the more I believe the right answer to be yes.
In terms of sheer entertainment, mashing together a series of images, no matter the content and regardless of quality will always seem lacking if not bound by a story. That is simply the nature of our species, where there are but two types, those that tell stories and those that listen to them.
My job is to tell a story. The current story is about people riding bikes. For fun, adventure, challenge, sport, social interaction with their peers, as tests for themselves and as transportation. There are professionals whose livelihood depends on results and amateurs who’s only goal is for continual improvement. There are those who climb mountains, jump rocks, use a single gear, never brake, ride gravel, race a circuit, do stunts and self support. There are those who ride indoors seeking better health and fitness. There are those who’s vacations are planned around the geographic proximity to epic rides. People have traversed the entire planet on two wheels. Some on only one. Some seek speed, and others seek the joy of discovery that only a snails pace allows. Some love the freedom of a self propelled pilgrimage through the sights of time and the sounds of space. Others thrive on the thrill of the event and the commitment to its mandated, disciplined training regimen. Many go very specifically to that sacred place we call nowhere. In a rush of endorphin and adrenalin flow we intrepidly seek our higher selves, spinning as salvation and redemption, a true catharsis of the soul. Next to music I have yet to find another activity that so completely satisfies the need for unification of the mind, the body and our human spirit.
Regardless of the reasons why, we all recognize the childlike unabashed joy that cycling brings. Any healthy participatory activity bringing a song to the heart and a smile to the face also contains high spiritual value. It is something to be celebrated and promoted as a universal antidote to fear, anger and depression. It might be the exact antithesis of hate, greed and corruption.
So yes, the story is important. Someone should tell it.
I will try.
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