“American Flyers” Turns 40: Colorado Screenings & Ride Celebrate Cycling Legacy
It’s not every day a beloved film gets a second life, but the 40th anniversary of American Flyers is sure to be a significant moment for cyclists and film enthusiasts alike. As I explored in a blog post earlier this year, this cycling classic movie remains a powerful touchstone for the sport, capturing the spirit of competitive cycling with its stunning Colorado backdrops and compelling narrative—even four decades later!
My post resonated with a true icon of American cycling: Bob Shaver. With a career spanning decades and over 200,000 miles in the saddle, Bob helped shape Colorado’s cycling scene. He founded ShaverSport Cycle Wear—the first U.S. brand to use Lycra in cycling apparel—and supplied gear directly to Warner Bros. In the film, ShaverSport was the principal sponsor of the protagonists, played by Kevin Costner and David Marshall Grant, cementing Shaver’s place in cycling cinema history.
After being forwarded my article, Bob reached out to me with a desire to share something deeply personal and meaningful: a portrait of the late Steve Tesich, the screenwriter of American Flyers (and also the 1979 Academy Award-winning movie, Breaking Away). Tesich, who passed away from a heart attack at age 53 in 1996, was a profound influence on Shaver.
“When Steve died, I was virtually in shock,” Bob wrote. “No death had such a profound sadness. Here’s the guy that got me started in bike racing and who remained a best friend.”
The 40th anniversary screenings, therefore, are not only a celebration of the seminal film, but also a tribute to Bob’s dear friend and arguably the world’s most accomplished cycling screenwriter.
A Legacy of Art and Advocacy
Bob Shaver commissioned the unique portrait of Steve Tesich in 1997, created by artist Kent Talmage Bowers. A limited edition of strike-offs were made, with one framed AP (Artist Proof) in Shaver’s possession. He plans to donate all income from the sale of his remaining numbered print (#6) and an unsigned “developmental” print to the Forever Cyclists Memorial Fund that he established through Bicycle Colorado. This fund aims to support life-saving programs and promote cycling safety across Colorado.
This initiative is particularly poignant as it coincides with a “Ride of Awareness” that Shaver is organizing. Departing from Washington Park in Denver on September 8th, this ride will have four riders including 1984 Tour de France Féminin champion Marianne Martin, cyclist-lawyer Andrew Phillips, Bob’s friend Greg Holm, and Bob himself. The quartet will arrive in Grand Junction on September 11th, one day before the first American Flyers 40th-anniversary screening.
Along the way, the riders will engage with communities to raise awareness about injuries and deaths to cyclists and other vulnerable road users. They will also pass by notable places such as the Easter Seals Handicamp in Empire, Colorado, which Bob had raised $6000 for back in 1975 to pave paths at the camp to make wheelchair access easier. Gary Robinson from avidcyclist.com will be at the start and will conduct live interviews at the end of each day.
Shaver’s personal connection to cycling safety is deeply rooted. He was present during a hit-and-run incident involving cyclist Greg Johnson, an event that profoundly impacted him. This experience, coupled with the alarming rise in VRU (Vulnerable Road User) fatalities in Colorado, fueled his determination to create the Forever Cyclists Memorial Fund. The fund is dedicated to educating drivers and promoting a culture of safety on the roads.
The Screenings and Special Guests
The American Flyers 40th-anniversary screenings will be held in two key locations:
- Grand Junction, Colorado: The “Ride of Awareness” participants will be present for the screening on September 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction Convention Center.
- Denver, Colorado: One week later on September 19th at 7:00 p.m., the historic Elitch Theatre will host a screening, with a special dedication to Christopher Kirkland, a theater director and producer who was a close friend of Steve Tesich and Bob Shaver. Kirkland, who has Parkinson’s, will be honored at this event.
Beyond the film itself, these events promise to be a celebration of Colorado’s rich cycling history. Attendees can expect:
- Special pre-show feature: A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the Hell of the West stage race.
- Special guests: A lineup of distinguished guests, including two-time Tour de France stage winner Davis Phinney and Olympic gold-medal cyclist Connie Carpenter-Phinney, who will be riding in the annual Tour of the Moon the day after the Denver screening. Marianne Martin—winner of the 1984 Tour de France Féminin—will also be present.
- 19 exact replicas of Eddy Merckx bicycles: A stunning display of cycling history.
- Steve Tesich’s 1973 Colnago: A bike gifted to Bob Shaver by Steve’s wife, Becky, which Shaver is preparing for the shows.
Photo: Bob ShaverThis 1973 Colnago was Steve Tesich's and gifted to Bob Shaver by Steve's wife. - Chris Kirkland’s 1971 Colnago: A bike belonging to the friend being honored at the Denver screening.
Photo: Bob ShaverChris Kirkland’s 1973 Colnago, featuring bolt-on brake cable housing clips mounted on the bottle cage. The high-flange hubs reflect the style commonly imported into the U.S. during the early 1970s. - A Warner Bros. Executive Vice-President: Attending the Grand Junction show and riding in the Tour of the Moon.
- The numbered and developmental print of a portrait of Steve Tesich, as mentioned above. These are both limited editions; after the sixth signed one was made, Bob had the artist, Kent Talmage Bowers, destroy the copper plate he etched. Sadly, Bowers passed away a few years ago.
Photo: Bob ShaverAn unsigned developmental print of Steve Tesich. - Presumably, there will be some 40th-anniversary American Flyers (recently designed by Bob) for sale as well. Proceeds from the jerseys will benefit Bicycle Colorado and the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.
Canva
The film’s director, John Badham, expressed his excitement about the film finally being recognized by the people it was made for, stating in an email, “Well, it only took 40 years but finally this film is being recognized by the people we made it for… I’m so excited to hear about how the screenings go and the fact that the film lives on in so many cyclists’ hearts.”
A Call to Support
These 40th-anniversary screenings are more than just a chance to watch a classic film; they are an opportunity to celebrate cycling, honor an award-winning screenwriter and dear friend of Bob’s, and support a crucial cause. All income from ticket sales for the screenings will go to the Forever Cyclists Memorial Fund, Bicycle Colorado, and the Davis Phinney Foundation.
For those interested in supporting the “Ride of Awareness” or purchasing the commemorative jerseys, more information is available through Bicycle Colorado and the organizers.
This is a remarkable moment for the cycling community, bringing together a beloved film, a legendary cyclist, and a vital mission for road safety. I encourage everyone to learn more, attend a screening if possible, and support Bob Shaver’s inspiring efforts.
I, for one, am particularly excited for this event, and am planning to be at the Grand Junction screening on September 12!
Learn More
- American Flyers 40th Anniversary Screenings, Events, and Movie Tickets
- Forever Cyclists Memorial Fund: A memorial initiative established by Bob through Bicycle Colorado to honor the lives of bicyclists tragically lost due to impaired or distracted driving while riding. You can even become a founding member! (I have done so in memory of my friend and “Legend of Mt. Diablo,” the late Joseph Shami.)
- Ride of Awareness (article by Kate Agathon)
- Pez Cycling news article about Steve Tesich, his Colnago, and his friendship with Bob
- Tour of the Moon: A ride on September 13th through the Colorado Monument and Fruta, with 41- and 64-Mile options
