If someone believes they are limited by their gender, race or background, they will become more limited. –Carly Fiorina
What does professional cycling, an enthusiastic sports journalist and an inspirational film all have in common?
You are about to find out!
As you know, Wheelbrothers are truly passionate about the sport of cycling for both men AND women. Professional and hobbyist, beginner to expert. Regardless of where you’re at, we are here to be your rock and support you in your journey – wherever it may take you.
One woman in particular is a true inspiration for not just women, but everyone in this sport. We have followed her for a while and she has accomplished remarkable things, both as an athlete and as an advocate.
That woman is none other than Kathryn Bertine.
Kathryn is a professional cyclist. And she is also the director of the documentary, Half the Road. Kathryn has an incredible story and the Wheelbrothers recently had the opportunity to interview Kathryn about the movie, her journey and what it means to be a woman in the world of professional cycling.
Her words are filled with determination, innovation and ultimately, the quest to prove an age old assumption in women’s sports, wrong.
Here is Kathryn, on cycling, equality and filmmaking…
So Kathryn tell us a little about your background? Have you always been a cyclist?
No, actually, not at all. I mean I was always into sports, but not specifically cycling. I’ve been cycling for about 7 years. What actually started me down the path to cycling was my job at ESPN. I was a sports journalist, writing a column there [titled So You Wanna Be an Olympian?] which started me down the path to becoming an Olympic athlete in the sport of cycling.
Now I know you have the movie out, but didn’t you write a book also?
I have written 2 books, All the Sundays Yet to Come and As Good As Gold – both are sports memoirs.
So the movie just opened right? How was the premier?
Yes, it just opened January 29 in Tucson, AZ. It was a great premier – we had about 500 people attend. Everyone from cyclists to non-cyclists. I had people who were not even athletes telling me that they loved the film. One of the most inspiring things was the fact that people felt like the film was more about equality and not just cycling. The feedback was so uplifting that this film truly does appeal to a wide audience.
And about the movie itself… what was your inspiration for taking something like this on?
The idea really came from being in the sport – my firsthand knowledge of the obvious imbalance in women’s sports. Because I am a part of women’s professional sports, I figured I can tell the story best, myself. Any filmmaker needs to educate themselves about their subject matter – and for years I wondered ‘why doesn’t someone make a film about it?’
What were some challenges that you faced with directing your own film?
Biggest challenge = being basically a 2 person show! It was me and my cameraman. The first hurdle was a budget. We built a budget thru crowdfunding on indie go-go. We put it out there and were completely blown away by the demand. We had donations coming in from across the world – which showed us that people wanted to make this happen.
Even though the budgeting was challenging, it was also a truly outstanding feeling when the support came pouring in like it did.
Well we are very excited to see the film… what take-aways would you like to tell our readers?
First, I believe any successful film would be teaching people about something – a great film would make people truly feel that journey. This journey started out as a documentary on women’s cycling – but it quickly morphed into a statement on where we are in regards to fairness and equality.
So I’d like to think that this film achieves a larger picture – how women are treated in general.
It’s definitely a niche we need to improve.
So this film is a way to get into the past, present and future of women’s cycling.
And also, second, we will be doing a theatre run between now and July – after July, it will be available for purchase on DVD.
Thank you so much for your time Kathryn!
We are proud to support you and your movement empowering women and women’s sports!
Follow Kathryn online at http://kathrynbertine.com/ and on twitter at @kathrynbertine.