Local movie recreates iconic ride

In July 1968 a mentally insecure philosophy teacher began a motorcycle ride across the US with his not-yet 12-year-old son. His name was Robert Pirsig and the journey from St Paul across to San Francisco was immortalised in his subsequent best-selling book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. His focus on the metaphysics of quality and the deep philosophical musings have led the book to be referenced as required reading across a broad spectrum of university degrees ranging from engineering through English to sociology, physics, psychology and philosophy.

With daughter Kitty, and friend Myles, well-known Golden Bay motorcycle adventurer Des Molloy recreated Pirsig’s ride. On a 1965 BMW similar to that of Pirsig’s riding friends the Sutherlands and a small Honda like Pirsig and son Chris rode, they followed the back-country roads of 1960s northern America in the wheel-tracks of the bestselling philosopher. Des reflects on their use of correct period motorcycles:

“We’ve completed what is probably the only ‘almost’ reenactment of the original journey. We’re proud of that. There have been many Pirsig pilgrims and pilgrimages, but we’ll always feel that we did it the right way – the only way that could fully capture the spirit of the Chautauqua. There could never be the ‘feel’ of the journey on anything other than those two motorbikes. An air-conditioned motor-home or 1300cc Harley Davidson is not ever going to give the same feedback as the little 305cc Honda Superhawk. It would never even be close to being the same journey. The hills and headwinds would never be the same... the level of discomfort would be different, only the vistas would be constant – and they can be bought on a postcard.“

Renowned Nelson film-maker Peter Blasdale has brought

Motorcycle adventurer Des Molloy. Photo: Supplied. their ride to the big screen. Consolidating 28 hours of footage into one, was a major challenge for Peter and he notes this as his most difficult edit. The result is a vivid portrayal of the humble backroads that Pirsig so enjoyed. Pirsig chose well and Peter’s film captures life away from the freeways and hotspots of frenzied consumerism that many associate with a road trip across the US. The film features an evocative sound track from Stoke guitar maker Russ Mattsen. A pre-release screening of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Touring is happening at Tākaka’s Village Theatre on 5 March at 2pm. Des, Peter and Kitty will be there for a Q & A session after the movie has played. To add to the ambiance of the afternoon, Des’s R69S BMW will be present along with a 1965 Honda Superhawk. Des’s books The Last Hurrah, No One Said It Would Be Easy and Zen and the Last Hurrah will also be available for purchase.