A Conversation with James Beatty
James Beatty dreamed of riding the 5,000-mile Trans-America Trail across America. In the summer of 2006 that became a reality, and came together as a tribute, a motorcycle adventure and a film project. Growing up with a father that encouraged motorcycling adventures and living life to its fullest, James researched an adventure that would be a tribute to his deceased father, Skip Beatty. James and his brother, Steven, planned a ride on the Trans America Trail from Tennessee to the Pacific Coast in Oregon and to document the adventure in film.
As a film maker, James pulled in others to help in the project. Individual schedules forced the team to complete the 5,000-mile ride in just 35 days. That’s 35 days of dirt and gravel roads, and off road riding.
Photo courtesy the Road Less Traveled Movie.
With more than 170 hours of video footage (digital capture, actually), Beatty started to organize, edit and pitch proposals to TV networks and others. After nearly two years of post production, the documentary is on track for a two-hour feature film that the producer hopes to enter into film festivals in the Fall. He discusses the project as well as the grueling ride.
 James Beatty |
Additional InformationThe Road Less Traveled Movie
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And now, a Conversation with James Beatty.
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Brent, this is indeed an interesting and exciting interview. But, frankly, it did not inspire me to take that ride. It sounds clearly like something a wise person wouldn’t do alone. Quicksand?! Even Beatty leaves one thinking that were it not for the desire to honor their father, he and his brother probably wouldn’t take that trip either. Rural America is one thing, rural backwoods, isolated, in the woods America, is a place I’ll never venture alone. Too many bad stories. I read about a woman who did a similar ride and was successful (I think) but the guy who created the route mentored her a lot and I think even rode part of it with her. I read it a long time ago and now want to go back and re-read it in light of your interview with Beatty.
Heavens. The thought of being caught in the woods, in “the middle of nowhere…” Still, excellent interview! Thanks.
Editor’s Note: Sharon followed up with this info: Anke Irmscher, is the name of the woman whose report I read several years back. http://www.transamtrail.com/reports/2003/2003-08-womanonthetrail/