Imagine racing your mountain bike on a downhill course. Now imagine being legally blind.
Now you're imagining Bobby McMullen's life.
“The Way Bobby Sees It” (check out the trailer at left) is McMullen's story and is one of three feature films that will be presented at the Olympia Bicycle Film Festival later this month.
This film follows the Redding man's 2007 cycling season, which included his desire to ride the Downieville Classic, a 17-mile race on this country's most difficult downhill course.
A Type 1 diabetic since age 12, McMullen lost his eyesight while in law school. Undergoing numerous organ transplants over the years, he skied for many years then took up mountain biking on downhill courses following a guide who calls out the obstacles. He told the Redding Searchlight:
“I can hear (the guide) shift and hear their bike rattle. I don't see any detail, but I can find where they're at. Hearing their voices gives me depth perception and direction better than anything else.”
Don't believe his riding is accident-free. He broken and grazed many limbs and even lost a finger to his pursuit.
The other two documentaries at the matinee event in Olympia are:
“Take It or Leave It” is a documentary of the west coast BMX pool and skate park riding scene and the insane riders that propel the sport into new territories
“Fast Friday,” left, documents the rise of Seattle's fixed gear and young road cycling community.
Doors open for the Olympia Bicycle Film Festival beginning at noon on Oct. 25 at The Capitol Theater. Admission is $10 for club members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are available at most Olympia bike shops.
The event is sponsored by the Capital Bicycling Club. Contact soulbikes@gmail.com for details.
First seen at Urban Velo.
Recent Comments