The day started super early, 3:30 a.m. to be exact. The sky was still filled with stars and our Citizen Pictures film crew was filled with adrenaline. We were in Leadville, Colorado filming the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race. The race started at 6 am and as the riders lined up at the starting line; the cameramen and camera assistants took their places on the course waiting to catch the unstoppable athletes coming their way. The race is 100 miles and 12 hours of intense biking conditions. As I watched from the starting line as the riders took off on their 100-mile excursion, all I could do was imagine what they were about to go through as they climbed the mountain peaks in front of me. It was around 11:45am when the first rider crossed the finish line and slowly one by one the riders started returning. As I stood there watching these incredible athletes I was filled with so many emotions.  I was filled with joy after watching the smiles on the riders’ muddy, sweaty faces as they saw their families.  It made my heart break to watch the riders that were suffering with pain and exhaustion as they finished. As I stood there overcome by what I was witnessing, I have never been more amazed and proud of complete strangers in my life.  I was also very proud of the film crew that captured the riders during their triumphs and struggles. Without the crew we wouldn’t be able to have Race Across the Sky 2010 in theaters on November 4^th. So, thank you riders and thank you Citizen Pictures film crew; you have inspired me! 

Nicole Klingensmith
 

Race Across The Sky 2010 from Citizen Pictures on Vimeo.