Klunkerz, a film about mountain bikes

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s San Francisco was the vortex of America’s Counter Culture movement. It’s been said that the mountain bike wasn’t invented at any one time in any one place, but the small towns in Northern California’s Marin County are widely accepted as the epicenter of the worldwide mountain bike movement.

Long before the mountain bike entered our global consciousness, the cycling enthusiasts of Marin rode modified pre-WWII bicycles down the slopes of Mount Tamalpais. They developed their bikes through rigorous field-testing, often risking life and limb to do so. Only the strongest, heaviest parts could withstand the abuse that Mount Tam dished out. The pioneer’s bikes were scavenged from dumpsters and junkyards, sometimes adapting motorcycle parts to suit their needs. It was from these humble beginnings that a billion dollar industry, a new form of recreation for the masses, and an Olympic event, were born. These hefty steeds were affectionately known as Klunkerz.

Using archival footage, still photographs, and interviews, Klunkerz tells the story of the earliest days of the sport from those who were there. Some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as some more obscure characters, recount the events that shaped the sport we all know and love.

www.klunkerz.com