This is a beloved film for me. I remember seeing it when I was very, very young.

It details the motorcycle scene in the united states back in the days when:

1. To be the AMA champ, you had to race both tracks (paved courses) and flat-track (dirt tracks.)

2. Harley Davidsons were capable of winning races.

3. Trials bicycles looked like motorcycles not two-wheeled pogo sticks.

A lot has changed since then, but some things remain the same: motorcycles are something you do because you love them.

Steve McQueen, a very competent motorcycle racer in his own right, financed this film for Bruce Brown who had just completed "the Endless Summer".

What "the Endless Summer" does for surfing, this movie does for bikes.

He does an absolutely amazing job of peeking into every corner of the motorcycling world of the time. From the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, to the Reliability trials overseas, to flat-track racing, to hard-track racing.

It is, frankly, a very thorough education in what motorcycles were doing in the early 70s.

Clearly, the documentary is a bit dated today.

Harley's are giant chrome display devices and no longer race anybody.

The AMA has divided the flat-track and hard-track racing circuits. Flat-track remains only as a sort of odd anomaly in the states.

For the true die-hard fan of motorcycles, this is a great time-capsule.

For others, frankly, it'll be as entertaining as watching a national geographic special about something you're only somewhat knowledgeable on.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4