Brewer Purity back in the saddle with new mountain biking film
BIKING mad Purity Brewing Co. has teamed up with Blue Hippo Media to sponsor its latest film ‘Mountain Biking: The Untold British Story’.
Since launching its biking inspired beer Saddle Black in 2013, Warwickshire-based Purity has continued to strengthen its links with the cycling community, including the creation of a partnership with saddle maker Brooks England, sponsoring the Cure Leukemia’s London to Paris ride and getting involved with Blue Hippo Media’s 2014 film ‘Bicycle: A Great British Movement’.
Purity brews two award-winning beers borne out of the joy of cycling and being part of the cycling community; the aforementioned Saddle Black, an International Beer Challenge winning 5.8% hoppy black beer, and Gnarly, a limited edition, 6.5% whisky barrel-aged black beer, inspired by the adrenaline raising twists and turns of the mountain path.
‘Mountain Biking – The Untold British Story’, which premieres on Saturday, documents the evolution of off-road cycling in the UK from its beginnings in the likes of the Rough Stuff Fellowship, right through to current UK world champions in the sport, innovations in technology and contemporary trends such as the fat bike.
It features well known mountain bikers Steve Peat, Rachel Atherton, Tracy Moseley, Rob Warner, Martyn Ashton, Geoff Apps, Jason Miles and others.
The new feature film follows on from ‘Bicycle: A Great British Movement’, a film that told the story of cycling in the UK and played in more than 100 cinemas following its launch at the Tour de France 2014.
Like Bicycle, Mountain Biking will feature a mix of previously unseen archive footage and interviews from both well-known and unsung heroes, combining human drama, key events and contemporary stories.
The film also celebrates the great British landscape – perhaps the reason why mountain biking is so popular in the UK.
Pip Piper, co-director and producer, said: “As a filmmaker, it has been really encouraging to have the support of Purity in the films I have been making. This one I knew connected with the managing director (Paul Halsey) as he is a passionate mountain biker.
“Great films and fine beer – a well-made match.”
‘Mountain Biking – The Untold British Story’ gets its premiere in Hebden Bridge, where Saddle Black and the brewery’s other award-winning beers Lawless Lager and Longhorn IPA will be served to the cycling glitterati.
Mr Halsey said: “Purity is fully committed to the cycling community and we are extremely proud to support Blue Hippo’s new project. When I stopped playing competitive sport, I needed to find something to replace the buzz. Then I discovered Mountain Biking.
“After being taken to Morzine some years ago, I have never looked back. The thrill of the downhill combined with the high level of technical skill required to tackle the most challenging routes makes mountain biking the perfect activity for people who love to push themselves. Not only this, but after those long rides the beer tastes better – because you’ve earned it.”
