KlunkerzThe 2008 Kenda BikeFest presented by Dirt Rag Magazine kicks off on Friday, July 25th with a screening of the mountain biking movie Klunkerz, which traces the Marin roots of mountain biking. The film features archival footage and interviews with the pioneers of off-road riding who built their bikes—the so-called “klunkerz” of the title—from scavenged frames and parts they adapted to the demands of what was then an entirely new cycling discipline.

The screening will include a special guest appearance by film cast member and contributor, Charlie Kelly—one of the “Originals” of Marin, who is credited with being the creator and promoter of the legendary Repack time trial races down Pine Mountain. Kelly also started the The Fat Tire Flyer, the first magazine devoted to mountain biking.

Filmmaker Billy Savage says, “I’m thrilled that Dirt Rag and the Kenda BikeFest have decided to screen Klunkerz at this year’s festival. Both Dirt Rag and the Kenda BikeFest are focused on the grass-roots of the sport, and that’s what Klunkerz is all about.” Savage added, “It’s amazing what the kids are doing these days on the big travel machines, but that’s a pretty small part of the whole thing. I made Klunkerz as a little bit of counter-cultural programming to all that stuff. In the beginning it was all about getting together with friends and having some fun out in the woods. That’s the essence of what motivated the pioneers of the sport, and I wanted to share that with the audience.”

The 14th annual Kenda BikeFest presented by Dirt Rag will be held July 25th – 27th in Hancock, MA. Set in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, this non-competitive cycling event offers three days of camping and outdoor activities for cyclists of all ages, skill levels and styles. The Festival also features live music, outdoor movies, kid’s activities, food, bike expo and family fun. For more information visit www.bicyclefest.com.

–Karl Rosengarth