DVD #5 Released and News for Bicycling Through History

Bicycling Through History, the DVD publisher featuring videos of famous cycling trails with period music and explanations, has recently released the fifth disc in the series, entitled, "Revolutionary Period - Across the Appalachians." Unlike previous editions of the series, which followed the trails of George Washington, this latest release follows the trails of Daniel Boone. It also explains how Boone and Washington both served together during the French and Indian War. Visits are made to the birthplace of Daniel Boone in Pennsylvania and then along some of the very same trails that exist today which were the routes taken to Kentucky by early settlers.

The Virginia Creeper Trail is the featured cycling ride of DVD #5. This popular trip is a favorite because it is all downhill. People usually drive to Abingdon or Damascus, Virginia and then take a shuttle to the top of the mountain. Bicycles are also available for rent from the shuttle services. Once headed downhill, it is easy to pick up speed, so riders must be careful not to go too fast. The culmination of the ride is reaching the bottom of the 16 mile trail and stopping for either ice cream, a cool drink or other refreshments. Cyclists typically then recount their exciting experience.

This DVD documents the ride, so that others may see what the experience might be like. It also provides authentic period music that is unique to this part of the country. Featured musicians are none other than Wayne Henderson and Don Pedi.

Battles of the Revolutionary War are explained like no textbook can possibly duplicate. The vivid images of Native Americans struggling against the encroachment of European settlers is decribed along with the gallant efforts of those in frontier forts. History can very fascinating when you see it unfold across the very landscape where thousands of cyclists ride every week.

We Still Love Librarians.

The main intent of releasing DVD #5 at this time was to introduce it to the American Library Association Annual Conference in Orlando. It seems that librarians want this type of media for their collections. Libraries have become our main customer base and we love it. Rather than having to pay high rates to rent at large commercial video stores, people can either sign out the DVDs to watch at home or pay a smaller nominal fee. This series provides information not only about history, but also about geography, culture and folk music. The best part about libraries is that they catalog the data so that if, for example, someone wants to see what the forts are like in Kentucky or roads are like in Barbados, they can watch these DVDs and get an excellent view.

The next edition of the series will continue with the Revolutionary War. It will chronicle the many battles for independence while describing popular cycling trails that offer unique perspectives on these historic events. The Long Road to Yorktown will feature numerous reenactments with interviews, period music and little known insights about the strategies and logistics of the Continental Army. Although the War lasted from 1775 until 1781 and beyond, DVD #6 will attempt to condense the action and adventure into an entertaining digital video experience.

Pirates, or privateers as they preferred to be called, actually played an important role in the War for Independence. That, along with other strange facts, will be presented in the subsequent DVD of the series. No pirate video would be complete without sea battles, sword fights and seaching for buried treasure. The "Special Pirate Edition" will have all of that and more.

Beyond the American Revolution people generally expect to hear about the journey of Lewis and Clark. Although not as well known, there were many European explorers who crossed the North American continent before 1803. Bicycling Through History will endeavor to follow the trails of these long lost explorers and explain the significance of their adventures. That will be the focus of subsequent editions of the series.

When will the next DVD be released?

"We are planning for November 2004." said producer Robert Weber. "We have yet to meet our schedule for releases, so don't hold your breath. We do try to publish a better DVD with each new release. Occasionally, that slows us down because we have to push our limits to produce significant improvements. I wish we could do more and I wish we could produce faster, but it simply is not happening. The biggest factor in our schedule right now is filling orders. We are very pleased that sales have continued to grow, so instead of going on long trips to ride new trails, we chose to stay close and fill orders. We do have some new travel plans, but sales are very important to business." During the holiday season of 2002, there was a significant increase in sales when an article was published about the DVD series in the Detroit Free Press. Details of that are described in our third press release. "We have a very good public relations plan," says Robert Weber. " it is just that some days are better for business than others. Some days are better for cycling, too. We certainly try to do it all."

"What is next after the explorers ?"

"We will cross that bridge when we get there," says the producer.

There are plenty more trails to ride and stories to tell.

"If you need more quotes, I can send them via email." says Robert Weber, producer.

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