ROAM: a film by the Collective.

ROAM was shot and produced by the Collective, an award winning Canadian group dedicated to exploring, “the possibilities of riding bikes, shooting film, and taking pictures.”

Sounds simple enough, until you realize this project carried them all over the world in search of world class terrain. North Africa, the Czech Republic, Whistler, Moab, and Vancouver’s amazing North Shore are just a few of the acclaimed locations.

The opening scene is a showstopper, and silenced a room full of scrappy riders who had gathered to watch. The remaining minuets are just as eager to please. Some of the footage is so remarkable, I could not imagine how it was captured, and was hopping a few shooting secretes would be revealed in the bonus footage. I was not so lucky. However, the crash footage and air shots should not be missed. And the tech minded will appreciate the making and breaking of rear suspension at Specialized’s head quarters.

The only criticism came after the second viewing, when one take no prisoners rider remarked, “It should be longer.” Simply put, ROAM is an essential additional to any video collection and is best appreciated on a high definition, widescreen tv.

Retail: $28

www.thecollectivefilm.com