The cycling world is reeling today as word spreads of a tragic collision that claimed the lives of a UK-based couple that was touring the world by bicycle together. Peter Root and Mary Thompson were riding their bikes in Thailand when someone driving a pick-up truck drove into their path. The couple had been on global biking adventure that started in July 2011.
Peter and Mary had also just recently learned that a film based on their biking adventures was chosen for the 2013 Filmed by Bike festival slated for Portland this April.
Festival Director Ayleen Crotty confirmed today that the couple’s film, Cycling Central Asia, was chosen by a panel of judges to be part of the event. Crotty said this morning that they plan to do a video tribute to Peter and Mary when their film is shown. “Filmed by Bike is producing a short piece to honor the love Peter and Mary had for each other and the adventures they shared.”
Here’s more from a statement made by Crotty about the tragedy this morning:
“In the last two years, Filmed by Bike has seen a huge surge in travel-by-bike movies. I don’t know if more people are adventuring by bike, or it is just that more people are bringing cameras along for the ride. These submissions are a fantastic glimpse into the very special experiences of the cyclists. Perhaps something about that made it extra sad to learn of Peter and Mary’s passing. As previewers of their piece, we saw how happy they were adventuring, and that is what they were doing when they passed away.”
Ayleen also shared an email sent to her from Peter and Mary upon learning their film had been chosen. “Greetings from Cambodia,” it read, “Thanks for the great news! We’re over the moon that our film was chosen.”
Below is a clip of the film they had uploaded to Vimeo:
Cycling Central Asia from twoonfourwheels.com on Vimeo.
The 11th annual Filmed by Bike will be held in Portland on April 20-23rd.
Extremely sad loss here. This is why I abhor riding on the road… always at the mercy of others. Only trails for me.
are you actually arguing that its safer to drive? tourists are slaughtered by the tens of thousands motoring about less developed nations.
It shouldn’t be said that they died doing what they loved, because no one wants to be hit by a truck, but I admire their courage to venture off into the unknown and their strength of character to go all-in to follow their passion. RIP brave adventurers
Very sad…
You could tell in the film that their adventures with each other will surely continue, but we just won’t be able to experience it with them. RIP
RIP Peter and Mary from another cyclist who loved his tour through SE Asia. It’s not always easy or safe to share the road there, and I feel lucky to have completed my trip without any serious incidents (though there were a few close calls). My condolences to your friends and family.
RIP Bike friends