KLUNKERZ wins award

KLUNKERZ won the 2009 "Cycling Film of the Year" honor at the 17th Annual Competitor Magazine Endurance Sports Awards. The film chronicles the birth of the off-road bicycle in the 1960s and 1970s, and the unique athletes and artisans credited with inventing the world-wide phenomenon. The black-tie gala was held last Saturday night in San Diego, California.

Cycling legends and subjects of the film, Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly, were on-hand to support the film's writer/producer/director, Billy Savage, who accepted the award, which was presented by Dennis Christopher, star of the groundbreaking 1979 cycling film Breaking Away.

"I'm honored and humbled to be the recipient of this award. This award is for all of us, the cycling pioneers who trusted me to tell their story, and for my amazing crew who worked so hard on this film," said the slightly underdressed Savage.

The event raised funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

(Additional editorial assistance by Susan Westemeyer)