----------FAQS----------
What is “Start 2 Finish” a documentary about?
The thesis of Start 2 Finish is to show what it takes to race a bike. By taking its audience from the beginning of the necessary training (hence, “Start”) to the completion (“Finish”) of at least one race.
What is the production plan for “Start 2 Finish?”
The plan is to follow a selection of riders through their training and eventually their racing year. Through the experiences of these athletes, not just one person, we will create a picture about what it takes to race a bike at the amateur level .
Why focus on a group of people and not just one?
Each athlete responds differently to taking on a commitment like racing a bike. Thus, to capture as many aspects of this process as possible, a group was selected. This will allow for better representation of the training process overall. To put the pressure of this project and racing onto one person is not a realistic thing to ask. Furthermore, there are many great stories in the racing community.
What If I’m Not An Initial Cast Member in “Start 2 Finish?”
This project will include a cast of hundreds. Some will be followed more closely than others, some will appear in training and racing, while others will come into view as mentors and key players in the journey to competitive cycling. It all really depends on how the year pans out. Who knows, you could be the hero who fixes a flat for a new rider!
If Selected, How do I fit-in to “Start 2 Finish?”
As stated above this is a large cast and to truly follow each one of you is not practical. Not too mention more than what is necessary to tell the story. With that said, here’s what we’ll be aiming to shoot:
>Interviews – Some will be sit down sessions, some will be on the fly. As we have
spoken about before, the idea is to give a real account of what’s going on in your life
as you take on this challenge. We will shoot different cast members at different times
of the year. There’s also a good chance we’ll want to talk to your family members and
maybe even bosses and co-workers and if it’s important to that story line, possibly
your family doctor too.
>On the Bike – Shots of subjects riding and any other training regiments in their plan. And of course, race preparation and racing will be key!
>Off the Bike – we will want to get shots of subjects living their life beyond the bike. At work and or home, we want to see what other responsibilities and priorities one has before the bike even enters the picture.
How often will the crew be shooting with “Start 2 Finish?”
We will shoot different cast members at different times throughout the year.
Is taking part in “Start 2 Finish” a blessing or a curse?
Being in Start 2 Finish can be a good motivator, but it can be a burden too. Please do not put added pressure on yourself. Don’t tell yourself, “I have to do this because I’m in this documentary.” In fact, that’s the worst thing to do to yourself and your competitive aspirations. Added stress can impact your training and overall well being.
REMEMBER: the outcome of the project is not incumbent on any one person. Even if everybody has to bow out, we can still complete Start2Finish based on the experiences you have had and the decisions you have needed to make
Don’t worry about being the first to pass, we’ve already had one drop out because his life off the bike is too hectic. It was a tough but necessary choice.
What if I can’t continue or decide that racing isn’t for me?
At some point in the coming weeks or months, some of you may have to pass on racing for any of a number of reasons. More often than not it’s a tough decision, and that’s part of the story.
For some the training process takes the joy out of riding. For others prioritizing life beyond the bike and the bike is a part of this story and we all have our priorities. Achieving balance between work, home, and other responsibilities is near impossible nowadays, that’s before you even get on the bike.. There is a lot of rationale for not racing so, for any reason, if you have to step aside, that’s understandable, even admirable.
Bike racing is a big challenge and a great sport, but in the end it’s only bike racing. There are far more important things in life. Remember, Start 2 Finish is a story that will be told through the experiences of many not just one.
Do I need to win to be in “Start 2 Finish?”
Everyone wins just by taking part and taking on the training and commitment of bike racing. First place finishes aren’t necessary; however Start 2 Finish is about the journey to and through competitive cycling and it’s impact on your life.
How is this going to work?
The most important thing is communication. So we will use two of today’s main forms of conversation, the phone and email.
What is your email address and phone number?
Email – eric@lillmonster.net
Cell – 206/355.4409
What will we talk about?
Basically anything that is connected to your training/racing and the impact on your life off the bike is what is important. The goal is to talk at regular intervals or when something has changed with your goals or training. Depending on what it is, we may find a time so we can discuss it on camera.
That’s a wide range of things to talk about. What are some examples?
It could be anything from deciding not to race, to an illness or a crash, to changes in training or tools to your program. There will be other moments we will want to get shot too. For instance, we might want you to wait to open your USCF/OBRA license until we can get it on camera. Another moment is the first time you pin your race # on your jersey. There are many moments to catch, these are just a couple of examples.
What Do I Do Now?
The next thing to do is start the communication. So email me at eric@lillmonster.net and confirm with me that you are still interested in participating. Then we can set-up interview times for each of you. From there the journey begins.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
For starters, we will need to have you sign the proper releases. There will initially be two forms. One is a talent release for us to use your image in Start 2 Finish and the other is a hold-harmless in case you are injured or worse while shooting/training/racing.
About the hold-harmless, it’s basically the same release that USCF racers sign prior to each race they participate in. It’s a basic form in event of getting hurt. Serious injuries are very rare in racing, though they occasionally do happen. Training involves road riding and we all know what hazards our roads can bring.
The talent release form is for permission to use your image in the movie, for promotion, etc. I wish I could say Start 2 Finish” is going to make millions, but the truth is Start 2 Finish is a labor of love. Therefore, there will be no compensation.
Some thoughts for the coming year:
As race distances differ between men and women, the training regimen varies between genders, especially in the 4/5 categories.
In the Seattle area, for the men, on average about one out of five riders who join a cycling team is around long enough to make it to their first USCF race. For women, it’s about two out of four.
For the male racers-to-be who do not train/race with a team, the success rate varies considerably. Though the “independents” tend do fine in the weekday races, the more competitive weekend events are generally the domain of the teams. For the few women who train individually, unless they have prior competitive experience (i.e. triathlon, marathon), their likelihood of racing beyond their first race is negligible at best.
It may sound like I’m trying to talk you out of racing but the opposite is true. Bike racing is a difficult undertaking. It’s also one of the coolest games ever invented. But even just to finish a race or become “pack fodder,” is a lofty goal.
Remember, since there is generally a small success rate we have pursued a large cast. All with the knowledge that some racers-to-be will not make it this season. I know the personal pressure of adjusting your life and putting training time in is hard enough. Then add having a documentary hanging over your head. This is more pressure than I’m willing to put anyone under. So enjoy the journey regardless of where it takes you.