Editor’s Note: From time to timewe recieve press releases and we will pass them along if they are pertinent to this site. Today we wanted to point out that “Klunkerz”, the film by Billy Savage about the early days of the modern era of mountain biking, would make a great film for your cycling library. The history contained within makes the price of admission worthwhile in our opinion.

KLUNKERZ WINS THE 2009 ‘CYCLING FILM OF THE YEAR’ AT THE ENDURANCE SPORTS AWARDS

They Re-Invented the Wheel

San Diego, CA., February 12, 2009 — As a very physically fit crowd of nearly 600 of the world’s best endurance athletes, sports filmmakers, and their fans looked on, ‘KLUNKERZ’ won the 2009 ‘Cycling Film of the Year’ award at the 17th Annual Competitor Magazine Endurance Sports Awards. The film chronicles the birth of the off-road bicycle in the 1960s and 1970s, and the unique athletes and artisans credited with inventing the world-wide phenomenon. The black-tie gala was held in the Nautilus Pavilion at Sea World in San Diego, CA. This was the inaugural year for the Competitor Film Festival, which played in conjunction with the ESAs.

Billy Savage and actor Dennis Christopher

Cycling legends and subjects of the film, Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly, were on-hand to support the film's writer/producer/director, Billy Savage, who accepted the award. The award was presented by Dennis Christopher, star of the groundbreaking 1979 cycling film 'Breaking Away'. The slightly underdressed Savage was overhead saying "I'm honored and humbled to be the recipient of this award. This award is for all of us, the cycling pioneers who trusted me to tell their story, and for my amazing crew who worked so hard on this film."

Kaiser Permanente was the presenting sponsor of this year's event. The ESAs are a benefit for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which has raised over $8,000,000.00 to cover expenses for disabled athletes. DVDs can be purchased at www.klunkerz.com. and better bike shops everywhere. Klunkerz is distributed by VAS Entertainment.