When All Hope is Lost

It's true, 'Empire' is the superior film. Fawned over by cinephiles - ie.. people who like to use the word film - as the best of the original trilogy, 'Jedi' gets cast as the automatic. The Corvette of the series. Who wouldn't like it? It's got everything Lucas always wanted, his three distinct worlds, great chase scenes, lovable characters to package and merchandise to every child within earshot, and presented in a much more audience-friendly format than Episodes IV and V.

And while yes I count myself as one who believes the hype re: Empire, it's this scene in the Emperor's throne room that elevates Return of The Jedi, in my opinion, this scene that EVERYONE wanted to see take place. What will happen when Luke not only has nowhere to run from Darth Vader, but when he is finally capable of destroying him?

Before we get to the final beautiful moment in this classic hero's journey, the Emperor demands some screen time, and reminds us of one of the more timeless lessons of all time. And yes I've written about this before.

The Emperor actually IS telling the truth. All hope IS lost - from his view. The alliance IS on the brink of destruction. There IS a trap for them and what's more they're being led by hot-head Han Solo - so really anything could happen.

That's the thing about believing when there's reason not to - many times there's GOOD reason not to! In fact most great films have this built into the character's arc - pressing on when either no one believes or when there's every reason under the sun to quit.

Did someone actually say that?

Yes they did.

But I've been in sales and I've heard my share of harsh criticism. I don't know if it was the dollar amount they were referring to or the number of backers but...

That's why non-profits sometimes actually offer decent salaries to a director. A director with friends and associates with deep pockets. The idea that someone else will do the dirty work - anyone really - frees the workers to get a street team together, a bake sale organized, a rally planned, protest, etc..

Brownies. Poster making. Outrage.

Those things are fun.

Fundraising is not fun.

Finding bikes is fun.

Here's a few more:

• Meeting people who won races on a Homestead is fun
• Meeting girls who rode Homesteads is fun
• Finding bikes I forgot about selling is fun
• Meeting Bob Haro is fun
• Meeting Eddie Fiola and Martin Aparijo is fun
• Riding Martin Aparijo's bike is fun
• Meeting kids at Sheep Hills Bike track is fun
• Meeting Bill Allen from Rad is fun
• Thinking of relaunching Homestead Bicycles is fun
• Shooting a movie is FUN

Let's get back to Hopeless Luke.

And what about me? Will I raise my support goal by this time tomorrow? Probably not. Will I have enough $ to make two trips to Northern California and one trip to Tennessee? Maybe, maybe not. Will I be able to finish the movie as quickly as I'd liked? It sure doesn't look like it.

But wait -

But I thought Luke was the star? Luke would overcome? Luke was to take over from Vader and lead, not have to saved by his DAD of all people -

But we all need help.

We all need friends.

We all need cheerleaders.

We all need a team.

1. I'm closer to finishing than when I started.
2. I can't do it alone.
3. I don't want to do it alone.
4. The film will absolutely get made.

I don't know exactly how. I don't know exactly by when. But I know it will get made. I believe it. I have a team. I have a meeting with an associate producer next week. I've met my heros and mentors from BMX days past and they're into the project. I'm riding again. I'm having fun. There's at least one more Homestead, buried in the back of a storage unit in San Jose and I've GOTTA film that.

Help if you can. Jump on board this crazy train and let's ride it together. Click this link and give what you're able. https://igg.me/at/30bikesfilm/x/1491750

Or just follow along and enjoy the ride. I already know what's gonna happen.

This story, this film,

is for you.

Me? I'm already in.