The short was the fabulous Inspired Bicycles, the amazing YouTube sensation (currently nearly 7M hits) shot by Dave Sowerby featuring the ‘unbelievable’ skills of Danny MacAskill. Just before the show started it was announced that (unexpectedly) he would be turning up.

After the films, Chris Ball of Dirtschool (he appeared in Home) went on stage to talk about encouraging more people to ride and improving their skills – and therefore enjoyment. He was joined by the remarkably modest Danny Macaskill who described how he mostly rode around in Edinburgh without getting into trouble – unlike in his native Skye where he was reported to the Children’s Panel twice for his cycling activities!

In answer to a question from the audience, Dave Sowerby (also in the audience) said he had no plans to make his film available other than by YouTube. “Who would buy a 5 minute DVD?”

Perhaps some of the people who saw the quality and detail displayed on the big screen and many around the world who want something better than YouTube quality on their big screen TVs…

Less than two weeks to go to the start of Edinburgh’s FOURTH Bike Week Film Festival.

Opening on June 11th with a double bill of wonderful films about aspects of cycling in Scotland. Home (pictured above) by Mark Huskisson, mixes landscapes and Mountain Biking and Dave Sowerby’s impressive capture of the art and craft of Danny MacAskill (Inspired Bicycles). 

You may have seen one or both at home but seeing them on a large screen in a cozy cinema with great sound will be even better.