2 brothers… 2 bicycles… 1 dream…
A story of hit-and-run, recovery and the triumph of the human spirit.
Lifelong cyclist Pearson Constantino battles back from a crippling hit-and-run accident and attempts, with his brother Peter, to ride across America to raise awareness for safety on the roads.
To make a tax deductible donation please visit: LongBikeBack.com or FilmForum.org and choose Julia Wrona/ The Long Bike Back.
Synopsis:
The sun is setting over the tree lined Main Street somewhere in America's heartland. Two men on bicycles ride along the shoulder of the road. They began their trek in Newport, Oregon and will end more than 3400 miles away in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. They've already traveled through Yellowstone National Park and many iconic American towns, viewing the majesty of the country. What is not visible is that the cyclist in front is plagued by constant pain in his back, knee and hip; this ride is his labor of love. This is his ride to recapture the spirit, innocence, joy and freedom of riding a bicycle.
Pearson and Peter Constantino grew up by transcontinental US Route 20 in the New York Finger Lakes. Like most kids their bikes were their freedom, their mode of transportation and a great source of fun. But unlike other kids cycling remained their passion even as they grew older. One summer as teenagers Pearson and Peter, along with their father, cycled Route 20 from their home in Skaneateles to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This ride inspired their dream of riding across America on Route 20. As adults, the still avid cyclists were preparing for their cross country trip when, on a warm morning in late June 2006, their plans were derailed.
Pearson, cycling to work, turned off a trail and onto a busy suburban road, just as he had countless times before. This time was different; 300 yards later he was struck on his left side by an SUV. He landed, unconscious, under a parked car suffering a shattered hip, a broken back and a severe concussion. The driver fled the scene, leaving Pearson to die if not for the help of a passerby.
After two surgeries and nine days in the hospital Pearson, broken but unbowed, resolved not only to get back on his bike, but to fulfill his dream of riding across the country. In the Fall of 2008 Pearson and Peter will ride across historic Route 20 not only for themselves but for all the cyclists who had their rides cut short. In their mission they are working to raise awareness for safety on the roads and to quell the epidemic of hit-and-run drivers.
Pearson and Peter’s journey will cover all of Route 20, the longest and one of the oldest transcontinental roads in the United States. This Main Street America includes 12 diverse states, many cities and towns, both large and small and the history of the US. They will ride on the sometimes dangerous, narrow road, through all weather conditions, enduring hecklers and traffic. This ride will illustrate the history and culture of America, of cyclists and of the Constantino family, as they ride through their hometown of Skaneateles, New York.
The film, The Long Bike Back, will document Pearson’s heroic odyssey from the hit-and-run accident through his recovery and his quest with Peter to ride across the United States. Not only will the film be about Pearson’s personal journey but about the greatness of America from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, from the natural wonders of Yellowstone to the big cities of Chicago and Boston, from mighty Mississippi River to the calm of the Finger Lakes. The Long Bike Back will showcase the spirit of resilience and overcoming of obstacles, the true spirit of America.
For more information please visit LongBikeBack.com
