Watch Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story

Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story is a sports documentary film that follows the life of Scottish amateur cyclist, Graeme Obree, and his dream of breaking the human-powered land speed record on a hand-built bicycle in Battle Mountain, Nevada. The film starts off with Graeme Obree's early years in Scotland, where he grew up in a small village without much exposure to cycling. However, after winning a race on a borrowed bike, he discovered his passion for the sport and started competing. Throughout his early years, Obree struggled with mental health issues and financial difficulties, but he pushed through the obstacles and went on to become a world-class cyclist.

The movie takes us on a journey through Obree’s life, from his breaking of the hour record in 1993, to his unorthodox riding position, which led to him being banned by the International Cycling Union. Obree was determined to break the world record for a human-powered vehicle but, on his own with no funding, he was unable to make the necessary modifications to his bike. This is where the story of Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story gets really interesting.

Obree met with an eccentric engineering professor, who, despite the astronomically low odds, agreed to make Obree's dream a reality. A new hand-built bike was developed, and Obree trained for months on the machine in preparation for his attempt at the record. The movie showcases the trials and tribulations that the team went through, including a crash during a trial run on the vehicle.

As the big day approached, the tension was high, and the pressure was immense. The scene shifts to the barren landscape of Battle Mountain, Nevada, where the team would try to beat the 17-year-old record. The watching crowds were stunned as Obree took to the mountain on his extraordinary bike ... And then the film reaches its nail-biting climax. Did Obree succeed, and claim the world record title?

One of the best things about Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story is the way it presents Obree's journey. The film is not just about a man wanting to break a record; it's about the journey of an underdog, whose sheer determination and perseverance helped him achieve his dream against all odds. It was his positive outlook and unrelenting spirit that kept him going through the most challenging times.

Another aspect of the movie that stood out was the incredible development and construction of the hand-built bicycle. Graeme and his team had to come up with innovative ways to make a bike that had never been made before - but the film highlights the passion and grit that they had to make the impossible possible.

Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story is also about the passion for cycling, the sport that Graeme Obree was dedicated to. Throughout the film, we see how Obree found solace in cycling, no matter what other problems he faced. It is an inspirational reminder of how sport can help us cope with personal issues, and a testament to how hard work and dedication can make dreams come true.

The documentary features interviews with Graeme Obree, his family and friends, as well as other cycling legends, such as Chris Hoy and Charlie Milarvie. These interviews give the film a personal touch, adding to the viewer's understanding of Obree's character and his indomitable spirit.

Overall, Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story is a riveting documentary that captures the spirit of one of Scotland's most beloved athletes. The film serves as an inspiration to all who have a dream, and who are willing to work hard to achieve it. With incredible cinematography and an engaging storyline, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in cycling, sports or dreaming big in general.

Battle Mountain: Graeme Obree's Story is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.