In the summer of 1982, 31 teenagers attempted a daunting coast-to-coast 3,600 mile bicycle journey across the United States to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. They experienced a coming of age summer filled with intense challenges, humor, mishaps, personal discovery and tragedy. This poignant and powerful story, encapsulates the era, the adventure and life itself.

The summer of 1982 was transformational for Director Paul Bonesteel. It inspired him toward a path of creating films where service and passion are central to the story.

Paul has directed more than a dozen documentary films including an award winning film for PBS’ American Masters on Carl Sandburg and the 2021 film Muni telling the story of Black golfers and desegregation on a public course. From Alaska to the Soviet Union to Africa and to the mountains of North Carolina where he grew up, Paul’s storytelling is both local and global, but always filled with the enthusiasm and commitment of 1982’s bicycling adventure.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Pisgah Area SORBA and The Bicycle Thrift Shop.

Pisgah Area SORBA – A local nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving mountain biking opportunities by maintaining and improving the trail systems in and around the Pisgah Ranger District. This mission is completed through education, advocacy, and environmental stewardship on behalf of the mountain biking community.”

The Bicycle Thrift Shop – Our Mission: We provide access to cycling for youth families and individuals who would not otherwise have that opportunity! We do this by refurbishing donated bikes, parts and gear and selling to the general public at costs lower than (almost) anywhere else.