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

IMDb

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.

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.

The day of the first Mt. Everest Mountain Bike Rally in 1993 dawned crisp and bright, with the morning air sharp and thin at high altitude. Set against the towering Himalayas and under the watchful presence of Mount Everest in the background, ten intrepid mountain bikers, including two women, gathered to embark on this unprecedented journey. Excitement and anticipation rippled through the group as they prepared their bikes and exchanged final words of encouragement, each participant fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead in one of the world’s most rugged terrains.