Thank you, thank you, thank you! My heart is filled with gratitude for every person who has contributed and publicized The Long Bike Back.  We didn't quite make our goal, but we are forever indebted to you for your generosity and support.  I don't have the words to express how much each tweet, facebook post, G+ mention, blog post, email, and kind word means to me.

The official fundraising campaign is over, but there are still perks up for grabs, so we are unofficially extending the period for contributions and perks until July 15th.  If you know someone who would still like to pick up a DVD, CD, photo book, poster, etc have them email me julia *at* ailujon *dot* com and/ or make a contribution via PayPal Please spread the word.

THE LONG BIKE BACK

Pearson Constantino was preparing to fulfill his lifelong dream of bicycling across the United States when he was hit from behind by an SUV.  Despite his helmet, Pearson suffered serious and permanent injuries including a shattered femur, a crushed vertebra, and a head injury.  The Long Bike Back, a feature length documentary, follows his grueling recovery and his inspiring ride across America with his brother, Pete, advocating for road sharing and improved bicycle infrastructure and legislation. 

Pearson was motivated by his pain and serious injuries to campaign for safer roads and to get more people on bicycles by riding his bike across the country.  Hearing this, I began filming his recovery and a few years ago still photographer, Meghan Sheridan, and I accompanied and documented Pearson and his brother Pete on their cross-country adventure.  Since then, I’ve been editing the film about Pearson’s recovery, journey, and safer roads for cyclists.  The Long Bike Back is now fully edited and with your help can be ready for public release in June!  

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

In order to release The Long Bike Back in theaters and on DVD, there are a few (pricy) technical processes that we need to do.

Color Correction: The Long Bike Back crossed 12 glorious states, a color correction will make the most of these beautiful landscapes and help transport you along on Pearson and Pete’s ride.

Sound Design & Mix: Giving you a full 5.1 surround sound listening experience of the wind in your hair and gravel under your tires.

Conform & Master: ‘Up-Res’ old, standard definition video to match the high definition footage and create HD masters of The Long Bike Back. 

In addition, this campaign will allow us to hire a graphic designer to create a poster, packaging for the DVD and soundtrack, and other publicity materials.

WHAT YOU GET

In return for your contribution to The Long Bike Back you receive some cool perks—like exclusive outtakes, a DVD signed by Pearson, Pete, and myself, or an event screening for your community or organization.  Check out all the perks available on the right of the page.

THE IMPACT

With your help we will release The Long Bike Back this summer and travel to screenings to promote the film and campaign for safer, bike friendly roads and expanded use of bicycling and walking as transportation.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Please help us spread the word about this campaign and the film by sharing this page on facebook, twitter, by email, and on any and all other networks!  

You can also help us arrange a screening in your area, put in a good word with film festivals, request that your library purchase a copy, and/or publicize the The Long Bike Back and its road sharing message any way you can.

We are so grateful to all the fantastic people who made it possible to get The Long Bike Back into production and everyone who worked with us through post-production. Now we are so close to completion that with one last push from all of you The Long Bike Back will be out in the world! 

Thank you!

Photos by Meghan Sheridan