While professional cycling has mired itself in controversy, at the grassroots level the sport in the USA could hardly be healthier.
A new documentary about the remarkable impact of a growing high school cycling movement features in-depth profiles of students in the Northern California High School Cycling League, and has its national premiere in Mill Valley, February 6, 2013.
Singletrack High follows a diverse group of individuals through a mountain bike racing series for high school students only.
Students at these events report a social dynamic that is fundamentally different to bicycle races provided primarily for adults, and it seems they can't get enough of them.
High school mountain biking events have become so popular in northern California that more than 500 students regularly show up to races and the 12 year-old league is now having to break into two to accommodate demand at overflowing venues. League sources state that Marin county now has a mountain bike team in every high school.
The 67-minute documentary explores a range of positive outcomes of keeping kids active on bikes at the age when many trade would trade in two wheels for four and may be attracted to more sedentary indoor activities.
It is produced by two young filmmakers, Jacob and Isaac Seigel-Boettner, two high school cycling league graduates who have formed a company called Pedal Born Pictures.
Vanessa Hauswald, director of the NorCal League, said, “Working with Pedal Born Pictures all through last season made me look at the League with a whole different perspective, it was really inspiring. They really captured the essence of what the League is all about.”
Filmmaker Jacob Seigel-Boettner, who produced the film with his brother Isaac, said, "Even as former high school and collegiate cyclists, it was an eye-opener for us to see the impact that racing in the NorCal League has had on these kids. Being part of a high school mountain bike team has helped them find acceptance, learn about themselves, and expand their worlds. We are very grateful to all of the student-athletes and their families for opening up their lives to us, both on and off the bike."
More information: http://www.norcalmtb.org/
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