All for One

I don't watch a ton of documentaries, but every once in a while I see one worth reviewing. This is one of them. It's all about competitive cycling, however you don't need to be a biking enthusiast to enjoy this entertaining film. I've participated in a couple of bike races, just for the fun of it. I use the term "fun" loosely. Both the "Tour de Troit" and the "Baroudeur" were local events that were grueling experiences for me. And they were only 25 miles. I have nothing but respect and awe for the cyclists on the world tour.

The story begins in 2010, when Gerry Ryan, an Australian businessman noticed there wasn't an Australian flag on any team cars during the Tour de France. He decided to assemble a crew from his home country. Thus, Green EDGE, Australia's first professional cycling team was born. However, as tempting as it was to go out and buy famous cyclists, he and his colleagues decided to assemble a group of home grown athletes, who would work together as a cohesive unit. This film documents the first five years of their remarkable journey.

One of the first moves he made was to hire the filmmaker and director Dan Jones to document the team's progress. He created Backstage Pass, a series of YouTube videos that not only showed the team in action, but the crew goofing off in their spare time. Backstage Pass became hugely popular and helped them gain a worldwide audience of adoring fans. You can tell by watching the videos included in the movie that these were a special bunch of guys. Folks that would be a blast to hang out with.

One of the inspiring stories the movie focuses on is the special relationship that evolved between roommates Esteban Chavez and Matthew Hayman. Chavez was an up and coming cycling superstar from Columbia. He was involved in a catastrophic accident that nearly destroyed his life. He pointed out that after the accident, nine out of ten doctors who examined him concluded that he might never walk again or lead a normal life. However, he had faith in the one doctor and without giving away too much of the story, miraculously fought back and returned to the world of cycling.

His roommate, Matthew Hayman was an aging veteran of the cycling world. Shortly before one of the shorter, but no less grueling races on the tour, he too was involved a horrid accident and broke his arm. Competing in the race was considered pretty much out of the question. Hayman's raw determination and guts made him spend extra time training to help him attain the seemingly impossible feat of competing. You'll have to see this excellent film to find out how he fared. But beyond this couple's achievements, is the close bond that developed between them. Hayman ended up becoming a second father to the young Esteban Chavez.

One for All is pure entertainment from beginning to end. It features some remarkable cycling footage, especially the shots from helmet cams. You really get a sense of what it's like travelling at high speed through rough terrain. I was especially surprised to see one section of a race that traversed ancient cobblestones. I can't imagine how difficult that must be to ride over at a leisurely pace, let alone at racing speeds. Watching this movie made me want to get my bike out of the garage and head out for a spin!