Golden Hour
The First Mt. Everest Mountain Bike Rally
Cast & Crew
Actors: Patty Mooney, Mark Schulze
Videographer: Marco Eveslage
Producer: Patty Mooney
Studio: New & Unique Videos
Digital Release Date: 2022
Run Time: 31 minutes
National Gold Aurora Award
Synopsis
Golden Hour: First Mt. Everest Mountain Bike Rally 1993 transports viewers to the foothills of the Himalayas, capturing the grit, beauty, and exhilaration of this groundbreaking mountain bike rally set against the world’s tallest peak. The documentary centers on two trailblazing mountain bikers, Patty Mooney and Mark Schulze, as they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey with Everest looming majestically in the background. Filmed through the lens of National Geographic camera operator Marco Eveslage, Golden Hour offers an intimate and dynamic portrayal of this high-altitude adventure.
As they navigate some of the world’s most rugged terrain, Mooney’s poetic reflections bring viewers deeper into the riders’ experiences—the thrill of descending rocky paths, the bone-chilling winds, and the challenge of adapting to the high-altitude environment. Mooney’s poems, written and spoken in her own voice, weave a lyrical narrative throughout the film, capturing moments of wonder, fear, and camaraderie. Her words are punctuated by sweeping visuals of golden light spilling over snow-capped peaks, creating a sense of reverence for the natural world that is as much a character in the film as the riders themselves.
While the mountain serves as a constant and imposing presence in the background, the story focuses on the intense personal journey shared by Mooney, Schulze, and the supporting lens of Eveslage. The trio’s interactions reveal the power of resilience and the unspoken bonds formed in pursuit of adventure, where each pedal stroke is both a physical feat and a testament to the pioneering spirit that defines mountain biking. Eveslage’s skilled camera work brings viewers along for every thrilling moment, from adrenaline-fueled descents to quiet pauses under the watchful gaze of Everest.
By showcasing the resilience and sheer joy of riding in such a stunning yet unforgiving landscape, Golden Hour is not only a celebration of human endurance and exploration but also a homage to the timeless beauty of the Himalayas. This documentary transports audiences to a world of breathtaking heights and heartfelt reflections, leaving a lasting impression of what it means to chase the extraordinary with the mountain as both companion and challenge.