Movie Review - Why We Ride - A Cinematic MRI of the People and Sport

Memories - Visiting with My Off-Road Hero, Malcolm Smith

After experiencing the new movie – Why We Ride – yesterday at its Sacramento debut, I did not get much sleep last night because I was so pumped up by the film and was looking forward to sharing my thoughts about it with you today.

Memories - Riding with my son, Jonathan, and his friend, Robby Edwards

I don’t want to give away too much of the movie.  However I can tell you that for us motorcyclists, the film explores, explains, and captures the very essence of what it means to be a member of the motorcycle family.  It takes the viewer on a journey through time.  From the sport’s humble beginnings where racers competed on wooden tracks in 1905 to family motorcycle campouts at OHV areas, the movie delves into the people of the sport.   It is cinematic MRI that unveils the passion we feel for the sport.

Memories - Riding with my wife, Ellen, last summer

Who should see this movie?

Motorcyclists – It is preaching to the choir.  Bring some Kleenex for those warm tears of joy and happiness.

Future Motorcyclists – It provides the elements needed to germinate that dormant “motorcycle gene” that might be part of your DNA.

Land Agencies – It is a must see for agency recreation staff, line officers, and specialists who are involved in managing OHV recreation.  It will help you understand the people who enjoy off-road motorcycles.

Stakeholder groups – For environmental organizations, conservation groups, outdoor industry, and media, it will help you better understand (and maybe even appreciate) the passion  we feel when riding on trails, carving canyons, touring, camping with the family, or participating in a permitted event.

Memories - Exploring the Backcountry

Here is a link to the movie trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxGNI4jpzL4

Find out where it is playing and see it live (or get it for a club or org. viewing)

http://whyweridefilm.com/screenings-videos.html

Purchase DVD Here (it will also be avail. at MC shops)
http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Ride-Kenny-Roberts/dp/B00GHYIQ18/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A3LQ2KBQZVPHG4

Memories - Cooling off after death trail ride in 113 degree heat

Please feel free to post a comment after you have seen the film.

Thanks,

Don

THANK YOU AMA DIST 36 FOR YOUR KINDNESS

I wanted to take a short break today away from posting info about land-use fights and thank AMA Dist. 36 for the kindness shown to me the other night at their 32nd Annual Awards Banquet. I was sitting at one of the tables visiting with Daphne Greene (OHMVR Dep. Dir.) and her staff and also Perry King (member, AMA Board of Directors) when Dave Pickett called me up on the stage.


It was a real surprise. I was afraid it was going to be some sort of prank (several years ago they gave me a “taco award” – yes, a stale taco) like they did on a previous occasion.

However, much to my surprise it was a very cool award recognizing my 20 years of service to the off-road community as a land-use advocate.

I am also thankful to BRC and other news outlets for running the story.

BRC News Release on 20 Years of Service Award
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=723&filter=media

And

Don Emde’s Partsmag
http://www.partsmag.com/01_10_D36_AMADOR_AWARD.html

Stockton Record Article on Award
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110115/A_INTERACT/101150306/-1/A_INTERACT02

Being a “Quiet Warrior” for the sport is no easy task. It requires you to ride quietly on public roads and trails but speak loudly and effectively in the legislative, administrative, and legal processes so that riders don’t get screwed by overzealous bureaucrats, left-wing eco-groups, and closure-oriented polices.

Thanks again D36 for your generosity it is greatly appreciated. Also, thanks to many of you who have sent PMs. It means more than you will ever know.

I salute you!