After a long day on the road, nothing beats coming home, making yourself a brew, putting your feet up and watching some cracking biking DVDs. We’re all fans of the odd biking film, TV series or one-off documentary, so if you were to find yourself stuck on what to select for your Saturday night screening, here are a few of our must-see biking favourites.
TT3D: Closer to the Edge
Closer to the Edge is a film documenting the tense run-up to the 2010 Isle of Man TT race. The film captures the TT event in all its glory, but also highlights the consequences of competing in one of the world’s most dangerous races. We’re shown first-hand footage from the track, interviews with grieving widowers, and racing legends recalling their time racing the TT. The film’s protagonist is none other than Yorkshire lad Guy Martin, whose slightly nutty mannerisms make for an entertaining watch from start to finish. The film tracks Guy and his fellow riders as they prepare for the race, which if you are lucky enough to own a 3D television, is a nail-biting and thrilling climax to the film. (Note: there is a 2D version available as well, just in case you’re wondering).
Easy Rider
Get your popcorn at the ready. Easy Rider is an iconic biking film which follows two hippie bikers, Wyatt and Billy, (played by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper), as they trek across America on a couple of Harleys. During their journey, they experience prejudice and hatred, but also encounter love and appreciation from non-conformists like themselves. And we love any film that Jack Nicholson cameos in.
Easy Rider is a film that touches on societal tensions in the US during the ’60s, those tensions being drug use, the communal lifestyle and the rise of the hippy, of which Wyatt and Billy both perfectly embody.
Long Way Down
The Long Way Down is the unofficial sequel to Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round television series. Split over ten episodes, the show follows Boorman and McGregor as they make their way from John O’Groats, the northernmost point of Scotland, all the way to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.
Their 15,000-mile journey sees the duo encounter treacherous weather and testing riding conditions, which at times puts an enormous strain on the pair’s relationship. But, they also meet inspiring people along the way, while also witnessing some truly awe-inspiring sights – and we get to share that experience.
Each episode brings new trials and tribulations, but ultimately it’s the chemistry between the two and the obstacles they manage to overcome that makes the Long Way Down an unmissable series packed full of adventure. And we admit that we do feel a little jealous.
Moto Vudu: Dark Art of Performance
If you feel like you need some biking inspiration, look no further than MotoGP winner Simon Crafar’s Moto Vudu. In the DVD, Crafar teaches you all you need to know about preparing and riding on the track. He covers things such as braking, cornering and body positioning, as well as providing some professional tips, tricks and advice.
Each biking technique is easy to follow, thanks to the step-by-step format, the in-depth descriptions and the slow motion filming. Moto Vudu also features insight into Crafar’s life and career, along with interviews with several World Championship riders.
For riders wanting to brush up on their skills, nothing beats being taught first-hand by an experienced motorsport champ.
Fastest
And continuing with the MotoGP theme, we have Mark Neale’s Fastest.
The documentary is a follow-up to the 2004 Faster, and explores the MotoGP from every angle – from the events that shaped the race to the personal experiences of individual riders.
We’re treated to behind-the-scenes access to the event and exclusive interviews with GP legends, including Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and many others.