Why We Ride

If you are looking for a documentary about outlaw motorcycle gangs and all things associated with that side of motorcycling, then this documentary is not for you. What this it is, is a look at the wide variety of ordinary folk who happen to ride bikes. From two year old kids to folk approaching old age. Off roaders, hillclimbers, track racers, drag racers, land speed racers and people who just hit the highway and ride. Beautifully shot motorcycling scenes, intersected with comments and anecdotes from a broad range of riders. I ride a bike, so this movie just fortified my thoughts on why I choose to ride. If you do not ride a motorcycle, but are just a slight bit curious as to what all the fuss is about and as to why there are so many bikes out there, then watch this movie.. it will broaden your horizons and, quite possibly, convert you. One thing is for certain, there are several characters in this movie that you won't soon forget. In particular, a double amputee, who, instead of giving up, decided to ride a converted Harley Davidson on a tour of the World. Truly amazing. This is a nicely put together documentary and well worth a look.

Motorcycling came late to me, but after only a couple of years it's an important part of who I am. The makers of this movie (like a lot of other bikers) seem to feel the same way. They've tried to capture it and got close. The problem is that just like a photo of great scenery never captures the way it feels to be there, and the movie adaptation of your favourite book always disappoints, that feeling is difficult to nail down in a documentary, especially as it's not the same feeling for each of us.

They did a great job of representing those for whom riding is something emotional, philosophical, and meaningful. Some of it was really touching. What it perhaps needed were some moments of comedy to provide balance; maybe some people for whom motorcycling is just about being wild or getting crazy with your buddies, who make you laugh, but that clearly isn't the voice of those who made this fillm. They love the flow state of being out on the road and the cameraderie amongst their fellow bikers.

This is one of the single prettiest films a gear-head can watch. The shots, the lighting, the composure... I don't think I've ever seen another movie that can justify so much slow-motion, but it really is well done here to allow the viewer to take in everything about the shot. My only complaint is that it's strictly about motorcycling in America. There are a few shots of BMWs, Ducatis, Triumphs, and Vincents, but that's about it. MotoGP only gets talked about very briefly, as if the filmmakers knew they had to acknowledge it, but couldn't get anybody from MotoGP to participate or didn't care to. They also didn't talk about World Superbike. It's almost all dirt bikes and big, gaudy, chromed cruisers. I almost turned it off during some of the cruiser parts, but the interviewees had good stories, the editing kept me interested, and the parts focused on Bonneville and kids riding was really great. Recommended viewing for American motorcyclists, but there's a whole wide world of riders out there that may find this to be take-it-or-leave-it.

I just saw the 2nd ever screening of Why We Ride at the 2013 AIMExpo in Orlando, FL. Been riding motorcycles since 1988 and this film captured the varied reasons, emotions and images that have made me a 2-wheel fanatic/addict. The film covers the unique American experience of moto- culture and its history. The interview excerpts, historic images/footage and bespoke footage are edited so well that the stories are riveting. Truly historic figures and events in the evolution of motorcycling are featured and watching it on the big screen with an almost IMAX-grade sound system made you feel as if you were on and in the rides and races.

I was so glad that I rode my 1199 Panigale to the event, because I wanted to ride so badly after seeing this! If you have even a passing interest in motorcycles, you owe it to yourself to watch this film. Bring a non- believer with you, the film is so strong it just might make them a convert!

Been riding my bike for about 15 years, and still it´s kinda hard to tell people why i like it so much, you really have to ride to understand because everyone is so different, is two wheels for almost all of us, but also something deeply personal and it has to do a lot with the freedom sensation you get while riding your bike, it's meditation, adventure, freedom, a sense of wonder and discovery and this film does a lot putting what we all feel into words and beautiful images, i watch this one as white noise sometimes while i work or do chores, and then i have to ride! hahahaha love this! go out and ride!