The Story
“Beyond the Ashes" is a compelling documentary that takes viewers on a cinematic exploration of adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) in Northwest Arkansas. The film focuses on Trailblazers, a trail development organization integral to the acclaimed OZ Trails network, recognized as a premier cycling destination. Offering an insightful retrospective on the organization's and individuals' accomplishments, the documentary invites audiences to witness an unprecedented journey towards inclusivity, accessibility, and innovation. The narrative centers around the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the challenging terrain and break barriers in the world of mountain biking.
Trailblazers, with a 20-year legacy, has been instrumental in developing over 500 miles of trails in Northwest Arkansas.Collaborating with influential adaptive riders such as Jeremy McGhee and Annijke Wade, as well as local champion Brian Carlson, Trailblazers has been a driving force in evolving trail standards to enhance accessibility.
The project's highlights include the introduction of aMTB ratings on signage and trail apps, the implementation of new standards for building drops and jumps accommodating longer wheel-base adaptive bikes, and collaboration with world-class adaptive riders to establish groundbreaking trail development standards.
The overarching vision of Trailblazers and Spoke & Wheel is to capture this extraordinary journey in the documentary "Beyond the Ashes," showcasing the innovative strides made in Northwest Arkansas and redefining possibilities in adaptive mountain biking.
"Beyond the Ashes" promises to immerse viewers in the captivating landscape of Northwest Arkansas, blending on-trail action shots with in-person interviews featuring Trailblazers, adaptive riders, and key figures in the biking community. The film aims to highlight the exceptional efforts of these athletes and the trail development standards that make the OZ Trails network a groundbreaking hub for adaptive mountain biking.
Embracing and championing this documentary signifies more than just a celebration; it involves breaking down barriers and witnessing the transformative potential of adaptive mountain biking. As it challenges preconceived notions, the film opens doors to new opportunities for adaptive users, showcasing the profound impact of this inclusive and empowering sport.