Our Story
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“What started as a documentary about the legendary racer “Iron Man” Ed Kretz become a 15-month long production studying the “two-wheeled perspective” of the passion of life — told through anecdotes of those who live and breath it everyday. This was one of the most transformative filmmaking journeys our crew had ever embarked on.”
It all started with the “Iron Man.”
In the brutally-violent and dangerous early days of motorcycle racing, one man rode harder and faster than anyone else. Ed Kretz was so tough and seemingly invincible, his jealous rivals dubbed him "Iron Man." None of them could beat him and nothing could stop him. Kretz lived to wrestle his metal war-horse around any track, from the mountains of Depression-stricken California, to the beaches of Daytona. He would later be an inspiration and friend to the likes of James Dean and Steve McQueen; and he won more national championships than anyone else in history.
We began this documentary journey the a singular mission, to tell the history of this legendary “Iron Man”. However, it quickly became evident that Kretz’s story of passion and persistence was shared among all motorcyclists, young and old, male and female, competitive racer and leisure rider alike. This film wasn’t going to be about the “who”, “what”, or “where”, it was going to be about the “WE” — and hence it was fitting the title of this evolving cinematic journey be WHY WE RIDE.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM.
Remembering Joe Northrup, ed kretz, jr., and Kyle Clack.
Our film and its success would not have been possible without the contributions of Joe Northrup, Ed Kretz, Jr., and Kyle Clack. Their spirit lives on in the millions of lives touched by this film, and the many more we’re able to help through the charitable foundation MOTOvational, Inc.
(Left to Right) Ryan Wise, Joe Northrup, Chris Hampel, and guest at the red-carpet premiere of Why We Ride. Joe was one of the film’s s assistant editors and sadly passed away of brain cancer shortly after the completion of production.
Ed Kretz Jr. on the Indian Scout that his father (“Iron Man” Ed Kretz Sr.) rode to win the first Daytona 200 in 1937. Ed Jr.’s passion to tell the stories of facing folklore inspired us to produce Why We Ride. Sadly, he passed away about a month before the premiere.
Motorcycle Industry veteran Kyle Clack was an instrumental advisor who helped our producers with key industry connections. Kyle passed away of brain cancer shortly after the release of the film.
