Videos and Movies:

Cycling on film.

So here's our collection of cycling themed videos and movies we've run across through our travels. As we come across more, they will be added, so check back often for new ones and not-so-new ones.

**All films are the property of their respective production companies. Any opinions expressed here are soley that of Get-Into-Cycling.com _________________________________________________________________

Instructional: Cycling for Success with the 7-11 Cycling Team

Here's a classic from back in 1987. This instructional video presented by the folks at Tropicana features cycling legends Eric Heiden (Yes, of Olympic speedskating fame. He was also a cyclist.), Jeff Pierce and many others from the long defunct 7-11 Cycling Team (The premier American Team. The forerunner to the Motorola Team that produced Lance Armstrong.). It's actually a very informative video that shows proper training, bike handling, equipment adjustments and a whole lot more, albeit a little dated (c'mon folks it's from 1987).

If you can get over the 80's music and clothing (we actually like this stuff since we grew up during that decade, not to mention, got into cycling during that time), then what you have here is a truly informative, useful video, that's also very entertaining. If you're lucky enough to find this video (and we really mean video, because we've never seen it produced on DVD), then grab it, because you have a true and very useful classic in your hands.

Here's a snippet of this great video that we found on YouTube. Enjoy!

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Movies: American Flyers

Here's a Kevin Costner classic that we credit for us "getting into cycling." Yes, American Flyers, a true cycling cult classic from 1985......back when index shifting, aero brake levers and clipless pedals were considered exotic and every bike had less than 12 speeds and was made of steel. A very motivational, humorous and emotional film about two brothers and a fictional race called the "Hell of the West," which was based on a true stage race called the "Coors Classic," in Colorado.

For its time, the camera work and action are incredible. And you can't help but feel that you're in the movie yourself. Plus there is the added bonus of more 1980's cheese (Yes, we love cheese.)! Aside from that, it's a true cycling classic that every cyclist should watch at lease once....or more. It's still available and now on DVD!

Here's a cool music video we found on YouTube of the soundtrack from American Flyers that condenses scenes from the movie into a 4 minute song. Enjoy! _________________________________________________________________

Movies: RAD

For you BMXer's out there, this was the ultimate BMX flick back in the 80's. RAD. Where Top Gun and Karate Kid meet the bicycle. It's all out war on the dirt track with this cycling classic starring of all people, Olympic gymnist Bart Conner. You'll be cheering the underdog all the way in this flick. "Wax on, wax off." Oh wait, wrong movie. Good luck trying to find it, even on VHS, Laserdisc or BETA (yes BETA, remember that?).

But aside from the obvious 80's cheese, the one cool thing about this movie was its "RAD" soundtrack. Great work out music and definitely very 80's. So get your Vans shoes, put your Wayfarers on your mullet and jump on your old G.T. for a RAD time.

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Documentary Drama: Hell on Wheels

Every wonder what the life of a professional cyclist was like? Well look no further than this classic docu-drama called appropriately Hell on Wheels. This film follows Eric Zabel and several others as they compete in the 2004 Tour De France. It's a very intimate look at the life of a pro cyclist. From dawn to dusk.

Lots of great footage and spectacular scenery from a perspective totally different from what you see on sports television. And of course there is the drama that is cycling, both on and off the bike. So if you've ever dreamed of becoming the next Lance or Greg, check out this great film. It will put things in perspective. It's available on DVD.

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Documentary: Crash

Here's a great film to watch on those rare, rainy days you just don't feel like riding: Crash. A documentary and collection of cycling footage featurning of all things: crashing. Hosted by legendary cyclist Bob Roll of 7-11 and Motorola fame, Bob takes you on a visual journey of the dangers that competative road cyclist must face. Some footage is very humorous, some very graphic. But all are the reality of cycling. Aren't you glad you stayed in to watch it?

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Sports Documentary: Greg Lemond, America's First

Here's a great four disc set that show some of the greatest feats of one of the most legendary cyclist to ever race: Greg Lemond. He truly was America's first superstar cyclist. Not only was his races legendary, but his influence in cycling in general can be seen in these videos. From the use of aero bars for time trials, to full length zippered jerseys, Greg Lemond was an innovator in the sport of cycling.

The races shown are truly the purest form of road cycling that you'll ever see. No two-way radio communications, no super exotic materials, no doping (at least it wasn't widely used, we hope), just plain raw strength, talent and drama, played out on the race course. Of particular interest is the 1989 Tour de France and World Championships. Truly a great set worth owning.

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Sports Documentary: 1999 Tour De France

Here's a great video of the 1999 Tour De France when Lance Armstrong not only beats cancer, but beats out the worlds best cyclist to become the second American to claim the Tour De France title. Lots of great footage and action in this video with great commentaries and play-by-play from the legendary Phil Liggett. _________________________________________________________________

Movies: Breaking Away

If you really want to see a cycling classic of the silver screen, look no further than this great classic from 1979 called "Breaking Away." Starring a young Dennis Quaid and a host of others, this Academy Award winning movie will not only motivate you, but bring you back to a simpler time of cycling and life in general.

Based on an actual track race called "The Little 500," this movie will keep you cheering for the underdog all the time. No cheese here, just a classic movie.

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Movies: Quicksilver

The speed. The thrills. Quicksilver. Another cycling cult classic starring Kevin Bacon, gives you another look at cycling: From the perspective of the bike messenger. But it doesn't stop there as our hero gets caught up in a major crime ring and with his girlfriend's life on the line, it's up to him to bring it to a dramatic end.

So the message here is if you decide to become a bike messenger, you too will fall in love and break a crime syndicate.....well probably not. Check it out!

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Sports Documentary: 2003 Tour De France

This is the Tour that put Lance among the legends. The 2003 Tour De France was Lance Armstrong's 5th consecutive victory in that race, which firmly established him as a dominating force in the world of professional cycling. This video showcases that race and each stage. From the flats to the mountains. From the open road races to the time trials. See all the excitement that is the 2003 Tour De France. _________________________________________________________________

Movies: Pee Wee's Big Adventure

Who can forget this comedy classic. As cheesy as it is, who can deny Pee Wee's love for his bicycle? Shouldn't we all have this kind of devotion for our bikes? Well......maybe not, but it was still a fun film, especially in the beginning when Pee Wee smokes all the riders in the peloton on their sleek road bikes while riding his red cruiser. Gotta love it.

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Movies: Mr. Bean's Holiday

Then there is the quirky Mr. Bean played by Rowan Atkinson of British T.V. comedy fame in Mr. Bean's Holiday. While vacationing in France, we find our character trying to make his way across the French countryside, by bicycle of course, to get to Cannes. While in the process, Mr. Bean manages to beat the pants off of some cyclist who happen to be in a road race of some sort (Tour de France maybe? Who knows....). Of particular note is the look of panic that the rider in the yellow jersey has. Very funny indeed. However, it makes ya wonder if the writers of the movie took a hint from Pee Wee Herman. Hmmmmmm......

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