The “Endless Summer” on Mountain Bikes
Cast & Crew
- Actors: James Hong, Ot Pi Isern, Patty Mooney, Mark Schulze
- Directors: Mark Schulze
- Studio: New & Unique Videos
- VHS Release Date: September 19, 1995
- Run Time: 120 minutes
- Wikipedia Article
- IMDb
Awards
- Aegis Award
- Crystal Jade Communicator Award
- Chicago International Film & Video Festival – Silver Hugo
- Charleston International Film Festival – Silver Award
- New York International Festivals Award
- International Cindy Awards – Two Bronze, three Blue Ribbons
- Video Pro Am Award
Where You Can Watch It
Introduction
Full Cycle: A World Odyssey is an iconic mountain bike documentary that took the world by storm at the end of the last century. Produced by Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney, this adventure-packed film captured the essence of mountain biking, exploring nine countries and earning critical acclaim. Now a part of our collective history, it continues to embody the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of the ultimate mountain bike ride.
The Global Journey
Embarking on an epic around-the-world adventure, Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney, along with a minimal crew, set out to capture the best mountain bike trails in Canada, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Wales, Greece, Australia, Tahiti, India, and the United States. Lugging 900 pounds of equipment, including mountain bikes, clothing, and video production gear, their tireless efforts led to extraordinary encounters and unforgettable experiences.
Thrilling Encounters
The crew’s escapades included being the first underwater mountain bikers off the coast of Costa Rica and riding alongside World Trials Champion Ot Pi in Athens, Greece. They even had the pleasure of meeting the hilarious James Hong and his family for a memorable ride in the Hollywood Hills. These encounters added an extra layer of excitement to their already incredible journey.
A Challenging Production
With only three core crew members—Mark Schulze, Patty Mooney, and a rotating team of skilled camera operators—producing this documentary was no easy feat. Their dedication and perseverance were put to the test as they navigated airports, trains, taxis, and mountains, ensuring that every shot was captured with precision and creativity.
Mark Schulze, an award-winning Director of Photography, filmed many of the stunning scenic clips. At different stages of the production, various camera operators contributed their expertise: Jimmy Gareri captured breathtaking aerial footage in San Diego; Marko Eveslage, a National Geographic Director of Photography, filmed in the U.S., Costa Rica, the South Pacific, and India; Dick Crow, who also operated a Steadicam for many of his shots, covered the European locations; and Ralph Chaney brought the landscapes of Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, to life.
Over the course of two years, Schulze and Mooney amassed 75 hours of footage, which was then skillfully edited into a two-hour, broadcast-quality documentary by their friend and trusted editor, Steve Langius.
Enduring Legacy
Today, it is a challenge for reality show producers to replicate the sheer adventure and authenticity of Full Cycle: A World Odyssey. The film’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to transport viewers to breathtaking landscapes, showcase gravity-defying stunts, and introduce them to mountain-biking pioneers Charles Kelly, Gary Fisher and Jacquie Phelan, and celebrities like James Hong, and Ot Pi of Spain.
Original Musical Soundtrack
As viewers embark on this mountain bike adventure, they are transported not only visually but also sonically, with Buzz Barnaba’s compositions and Archie Thompson’s saxophone stylings serving as the perfect accompaniment to the awe-inspiring landscapes and adrenaline-fueled action. The original musical soundtrack of Full Cycle: A World Odyssey becomes an integral part of the storytelling, enhancing the emotions and capturing the essence of the remarkable journey undertaken by Mark Schulze, Patty Mooney, and their crew.
With the fusion of Buzz Barnaba’s compositional prowess and Archie Thompson’s expressive saxophone artistry, the soundtrack of Full Cycle: A World Odyssey becomes a vibrant and unforgettable element of this classic mountain bike documentary, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
Full Cycle: A World Odyssey remains an exceptional mountain bike documentary that pushed boundaries and captured the hearts of adventure enthusiasts worldwide. Through stunning cinematography, thrilling encounters, and a cast of remarkable individuals, it has left an indelible mark on the history of mountain biking. Visit the Wikipedia article to delve deeper into this remarkable journey and immerse yourself in the spirit of exploration and the quest for the ultimate mountain bike ride.
