Klunkerz - The Movie

[BrahMa]

I am not affiliated with this movie at all, but if you have not seen it, it is a must see for any mountain biker. It is so well done, that even non-mountain bikers enjoy it.

If you're not familiar with it, it goes through the history of the scene in Marin (documentary style), when Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Tom Ritchey, etc., first started riding and building mountain bikes. Incredible story, and very well done.

It's a nice break from the hucking stunt driven films of today, to get a glimpse into the history behind the pioneers of our sport.

You can buy your own copy here:

http://www.amazon.com/Klunkerz-Bike-...8143068&sr=8-1

Again, I am not affiliated, just want everyone to know about this great film. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[VinceM]

Thanks. I've seen it a couple of times. It's a great flick. It was good to learn the history behind mtb.


V

[art23rockpile]

Thanks for reminding me about this movie. I haven't seen it yet, but want to buy a copy of the DVD.

In 1984, I began MTBing in San Francisco/Marin on a converted Schwinn beach-cruiser. Although I never rode with Tom Ritchey, Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, Charlie Cunningham, Steve Potts, and the others, I rode many of the same trails they did and at a time when you could still buy bikes hand-made by them personally.

Aside from it's historical value, i'm sure the movie will be quite nostalgic as well.

[quazi]

I really enjoyed the movie at the Newport Beach Film Festival and the met the filmaker Billy Savage (I think that was his name) a real authentic guy who put alot of work in this project.

[giantfro]

I forgot about this movie. I was kind of debating whether to buy it or not when it first came out. i think you just sold me on it.

[klunkerbill]

Hey All,

Thanks very much for the support. I really appreciate the kind words about the film. Hey Quazi, it's changed significantly since the Newport Beach Film Festival. I was given access to some more historical footage from Marin and Crested Butte, I re-scored, re-cut, re-narrated, and re-mixed it, too. The disc has some interesting bonus features, as well.

One of the subjects of the film, John Finley Scott, was murdered not long after my interview with him. He's being inducted into the MTB Hall of Fame at InterBike this year and I'm cutting a short film for that event currently. Maybe I'll see some of you guys out in Vegas.

Caution: Shameless plug: If you've seen the film and liked it, please post (positive) reviews on places like IMDB.com, Amazon.com, RottenTomatoes.com, etc. I ran out of $$$ for the film before I could ever buy an ad in a magazine, so those positive 'customer reviews' really spread the word. Films like this have to 'find' the audience, and word-of-mouth is what makes that happen. Thanks again for all the support and I hope to see you out on the trails.

Ride on,
Billy Savage
www.klunkerz.com

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by klunkerbill

One of the subjects of the film, John Finley Scott, was murdered not long after my interview with him. He's being inducted into the MTB Hall of Fame at InterBike this year

wow, wasnt aware. RIP. wasnt he well into his 70's??? murder - he's an old boy, who would do such a thing?

the woodsie (sp?) sits along side the snurfer as one of the worlds greatest old skool inventions!!!!

best of luck with continued success of klunkerz

[klunkerbill]

Ol' Finley was quite a character. He is missed by a great many people. If it wasn't for him, who knows who would have made the first production MTBs? Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly, and Tom Ritchey really needed that loan to get them rolling with the MountainBikes company.

He really promoted the bikes by purchasing the Cupertino Bike Shop as an outlet. He also had an amazing English double-decker bus that he outfitted for holding 20 cyclists, bikes, and gear. He dropped a HUGE Cummings diesel engine in it so it would haul ass.

It was a fairly random act of violence. His assailant had stolen from him, and was a 3-strike loser. He was worried Finley was going to go to the cops, so he killed him instead of going back to prison for 25-life. It was quite a trail, with no body and no forensics. The DA did an excellent job making their case and the guy was convicted.

The dispute started over a stolen $300.00 check. After he killed Finley and disposed of the body, he went back and stole his vehicles, guns, and other personal effects. These pieces of evidence were found on his girlfriend's property shortly after his arrest. After the trial a jailhouse informant who shared a cell with the murderer, led to the recovery of the body in a shallow grave in the olive orchards of Davis, CA. Two years after he went missing, the family finally put him to rest.

His Woodsie in '53 was amazing, but, after his death, some very interesting photographs and drawings were found on his property. It seems he had completely designed a 'fibreglass' (read Carbon), framed, multi-geared, fat-tire bike in ...1950! Flat bars, big brakes, wide-ratios, the whole deal. I've seen the drawing and will be using it in the induction film. It really gives you an idea of how obsessed the man was with off-road cycling and where it could go.

Drink light...roll heavy!
Billy

[Stray_Bullit]

Wow, what a story. I was going to borrow a copy from someone, now I think I will pony up and buy one. Just to support the cause.

[Diamondback]

Again, I am not affiliated, just want everyone to know about this great film. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
welcome to 2007