Yes …
Close to the end of the first hour, we are introduced to
side-car racing. It is described as a sport so specialised
that “only 200 people do it in the United States.” Given
that Google says USA had a population of 207.7 million
people in 1971, that means approximately 0.0000007 % of
the American people did this sport. That statistic is so as-
tounding, it could be ‘fake news’. In less than 5 minutes
from this point, we are exposed to a phenomenon called
racing on ice. We are told that there are some racers that
race on ice and stay alive 10 degrees below zero weather.
The footage we see of this so-called ice, is slushie waters,
frosty and grey. There are humans so passionate and have
a thirst for danger, they race on these frosty waters. It’s at
this point, where I place the documentary on pause, as I
feel like I need an alcoholic beverage to continue.
The start of the 2nd hour takes us to Sacramento, Cali-
fornia. It is said to be the last race of the season. A rider
named Jim Rice was so enthusiastic about this race, that
after an unbelievable crash, he got on the track in an hour.
They show him with a bandanna covering his nose, and
we are told he is in a lot of pain. The race begins and we
are exposed to some remarkable footage. Some that will
make you gasp. Most, however, are filmed with a tech-
nique that will have you on the edge of your seat. The race
ends and we find that Jim Rice came last and nearly died
in the race. But his passion made him go through with it.
The documentary concludes with the world of racing
across other parts of USA: the best bit of the documen-
tary. A location known as Widow Maker is introduced
to us – it’s 600ft and angled at 45 degrees. Over the years
this has become a challenge to try and ride over the top
of the hill. At this stage, we see approximately 2 minutes
of failed attempts. I am guessing they call it Widow Mak-
er, ‘cause it kills men? A honky tonk type tune plays in
the background to enhance its comical effect. While it’s
easy to laugh at what you are seeing, you can’t help wonder
how painful it must be. Speaking of pain, the next bunch
of people we meet are the names Trails Riders: described
as the bike magicians of the world. They pick an obsta-
cle that cannot be ridden over and attempt to ride over it.
At this stage, my wine glass is half empty, and I shake my
head in disbelief.
Desert racers are the next bunch – long distance des-
ert racing, described as a cross between a race and a war.
I
E
What I loved about this bit is that we have the first men-
tion of female motorcycle riders known as the Desert Dai-
sies who also engage in this activity. The scenes are direct-
ed extraordinarily in this sequence. Filmed from above,
the bikes look like little bugs traipsing through the desert.
Brown tells us that Desert riders are good people. We do
not know what criteria he has used to assess this, but I will
take his word for it. To be honest, no one looks like ass-
holes at this stage. They all look like good people.
The final bit shows the power and enjoyment of riding
with your friends. It was a pleasant way of ending quite an
intense documentary that had ample scenes of mishaps
and injury. Three friends are shown riding on a path.
They remind me of being kids, innocent and free. The end
credits begin, and a song starts to play. The artist sounds a
lot like Barbara Streisand. As I very enthusiastically Goo-
gle this, I am left disappointed. It is by an unknown Dom-
inic Frontiere –this was the only disappointing moment of
the film.
As someone who is not an enthusiast, I had so much to
take from this film, and a lot of respect I owe to bikers. I
had always asked, “Why do they do this? They are mad!”
and this documentary answered that question. The an-
swer is they do this to get that sense satisfaction that they
know they have done it. The recommendation came from
our editor Leigh. He was initially very skeptical about how
well I would receive this, given my little knowledge of the
subject matter. However, what I got was a fantastic insight
to people who have this incredible passion and the risk
they take. I recommend this documentary to everyone.
You do not need to be an enthusiast to show this produc-
tion some love and respect.
W
S
Released in 1971, On Any Sunday introduced the world
of motorcycle racing (and riding) to a wider public, be-
coming critically acclaimed, and scoring an Academy
Award nomination.
On Any Sunday is often regarded as the best motorcycle
movie ever made. You be the judge. We had a complete
novice to motorcycling (Saj) write this review as a tribute
to Bruce Brown who passed away just before issue 03 of
Traverse aged 80.
To see more of Saj's reviews visit www.sajlovesfilm.com
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