Festival rides into Geelong for 10th year

The Big Bike Film Night is coming to Geelong for its 10th year. (Fuego-JB Liautard Commencal)

The Big Bike Film Night is back in Geelong for its 10th year of celebrating cycling in its many shapes and forms through short films.

The film festival’s Australian Tour launches at the Village Cinemas Geelong on Monday, August 5, at 6.30pm and runs until October 3, visiting 31 locations across the country.

Curator Brett Cotter said the night would showcase “10 mesmerising films” that brought a love of cycling to the region.

“This collection is awe-inspiring and celebrates the fun, the adventure, and inspiration that bikes enable,” he said.

“Each year, I set out with just one goal: to bring together the best cycling short films from around the world for our audiences.

“This global programme contains a fabulous Australian film, alongside an incredible assortment of international movies making their premiere in Australia.”

Mr Cotter said the festival featured the film Double Everest, which followed rider Ben Hildred, who repeatedly tackles a hill in a single ride to climb 17,696 metres, the equivalent height of two Mount Everests.

“For Ben, it’s just another mountain bike ride, but for us mere mortals, it’s utterly bonkers and brilliant; that’s why I love it,” he said.

“We’re here to connect communities with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all, inspire us to get out and ride.

“The power of storytelling is at the forefront of what we offer and the belief that the humble bicycle can improve our health, inspire, and uplift people with where it can take us.”

Visit bigbikefilmnight.nz for more information and to purchase tickets.