This documentary is the product of an extraordinary collective effort, featuring contributions from more than 60 individuals across a wide range of backgrounds, organizations, and experiences.
From leading medical experts, historians, and policy advocates to everyday riders, veterans, and community cycling groups, each person brings a unique perspective to the story of e-biking.
Their voices—captured through interviews, on-the-road encounters, and personal testimonies—create a rich, multi-layered narrative that blends expertise with lived experience, making the film both deeply personal and universally relevant.
Dr. Gregory F. Maassen – Dutch-born documentary filmmaker, producer, director, and e-cyclist. After a severe infection in Africa left him bedridden for over a year, Gregory turned to e-biking as part of his recovery, later riding 4,685 miles across the United States to raise $178,000 for peripheral neuropathy research. His journey anchors the film’s narrative.
Janet Katz – A lawyer and longtime spouse of Gregory, appears throughout the film as a pragmatic, supportive, and sometimes skeptical voice—helping Gregory navigate hurdles and meeting him at key points along his cross-country ride.
Experts
Ambassador Michael Owen – Co-producer of the film and author and producer of "After Ike," a book and documentary about a historic military convoy that followed the Lincoln Highway in 1919, the same route Gregory follows in the documentary in the footsteps of Ike Eisenhower.
Dr. Ahmet Hoke – (Right in the image) World-renowned Johns Hopkins neurologist and professor who diagnosed Gregory with post-infectious small fiber neuropathy and stresses exercise as a known method to promote nerve regeneration.
Dr. Harold Glickman – (Left in the image) Physician who validates the seriousness of Gregory’s illness and credits e-biking, exercise, and fitness as vital to his recovery.
Dr. Ashley Lovell – PeopleForBikes policy expert who explains the e-bike classification system and its role in improving safety and regulatory clarity.
Dr. Gary W. Sanderson – Historian and high-wheel cyclist who draws parallels between 19th-century resistance to bicycles and modern skepticism toward e-bikes.
Dr. Gillen D. Wood – Historian who links the invention of the velocipede to the global climatic crisis following the 1815 Tambora eruption, drawing a throughline to today’s e-bikes.
Amy Meyer – Longtime parks advocate and plaintiff in a lawsuit over e-bike use in national parks, concerned about environmental impact and visitor conflicts.
Larry Black – Veteran bike shop owner and e-bike historian. Discusses the evolution of e-bikes and safety concerns.
Eddy Rach – Bike shop professional advising riders to purchase e-bikes from local shops for safety, service, and warranty support.
Crystal Musik – Natural resource manager who initially opposed e-bikes but changed her mind after seeing their positive impact on friends with physical limitations.
Matthew Larson – (Left in the image) Bike fitting specialist who ensures Gregory’s comfort and efficiency for his cross-country ride.
Inspiring Stories
Richard and Nancy Friedman – Former charter yacht captain who survived a cardiac arrest in remote Alaska, Richard became an avid e-biker, riding 400–600 miles a month, often to medical appointments, and honing bike mechanic skills. Nancy, Richard’s wife and former yacht chef shares how e-biking transformed both their lives.
Bay to Brooklyn - A team of firefighters and military veterans rode from San Francisco to Brooklyn in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Dedicated to public safety, the military, and medical providers, they timed their arrival to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on September 9 for memorial events in New York City.
Frank Walsh – Retired Santa Clara firefighter who rode cross-country with the Bay to Brooklyn team on an e-bike, commemorating 9/11.
Darrell Sales – Bay to Brooklyn rider marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at Ground Zero.
Antonio Maffei – Bay to Brooklyn ride coordinator.
Aaron Ray – Paramedic with Bay to Brooklyn who explains the health benefits of both e-bikes and traditional bikes.
Travis Mills – Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, quadruple amputee, and founder of the Travis Mills Foundation. Advocates for e-bikes as tools for restoring independence and joy to veterans with physical limitations.
Craig Buck – (Left in the image) Chief Strategy Officer at the Travis Mills Foundation, Travis Mills’ father-in-law and best friend.
Daniel Burgess – First-time e-bike rider at the Travis Mills Foundation who speaks about the confidence boost e-bikes provide.
Marrie. Josh, Miles, and June Goodwin – Use a cargo e-bike for family transport, errands, and reducing fossil fuel use, proving that bikes can replace cars for many daily needs. They values the cargo e-bike for making family trips possible and fun, often bringing the kids to museums and around DC.
Cyclists & Riders
John Shaffer – A steadfast member of the Friday Cycling Group in Washington, DC, riding weekly with friends who often cover 30 miles at brisk speeds. Represents the camaraderie and support that fuel group cycling.
Vera Schneider – Brings warm energy and inclusivity to the Friday Cycling Group’s rides, embodying the spirit of community and shared adventure.
Susan Roberts – Lives with a condition that makes walking difficult, yet rides long distances thanks to her e-bike.
James Heilig – Physical therapist and Friday Cycling Group rider who logged 700 miles in his first three months of e-biking.
David Winer – One of two octogenarian cyclists Gregory meets early in the film. His stamina and dedication challenge the stereotype that cycling is only for the young.
Karin and Thomas Lawson – Enthusiastic e-bikers at E-bike Lovers who love riding into nature and tackling hills with ease.
Winston – The Lawson’s dog and unofficial group mascot of E-bike Lovers, known for riding in style with eye protection.
Robin Hinson-Jones – A passionate e-biker who values the ability to stay active, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends.
Olive Allen – E-bikes to manage her health condition, finding it the perfect way to keep riding.
Alphonso Tate – Finds e-biking “the funniest thing they have invented,” crediting the motor for making longer rides possible.
Special Appearances
Paul Kennedy – (Right in the image) New York City resident critical of reckless e-bike riders in urban areas, while acknowledging their benefits for delivery workers.
John Marsh – (Left in the image) shares Paul Kennedy’s concerns about e-bike safety in New York City, citing speed and kinetic energy risks.
Andrew McCaskey – Tesla owner since 2017 who compares his car’s energy consumption to Gregory’s e-bike, illustrating the e-bike’s efficiency advantage.
James Reilly – Warmshowers host who offered Gregory hospitality during his cross-country ride, embodying the generosity and camaraderie of the long-distance cycling community.
Tanya and Rick McFerrin – Featured alongside Tanya, Rick adds to the portrait of e-biking as a shared activity, demonstrating its appeal across ages and experience levels.
Christopher Lehmann – First-time e-bike tester whose candid reactions add a note of skepticism to the film. Initially calling the assist “too much power” and “cheating,” Chris admits he’d welcome an e-bike in steep or high-altitude conditions.
Terri Scadron – An ultra long-distance runner, appears in the documentary during the start of the cross-country e-bike tour. Her presence reinforces the film’s theme that e-biking draws people from diverse backgrounds into a shared space of fitness, exploration, and friendship.
Brian McCotter – Creative Director for the documentary and part of its filming team, including location work in South Africa. He comments on the history of e-bikes.
Special Thanks
IT SUPPORT
Ryan Julien: IT Field Technician
ANIMATIONS
Alfarialcreator
ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE COURTESY OF
Library of Congress, Fox Washington DC, Fox Fort Wayne,
Wandel Guides Multimedia, E-bike Lovers
HISTORIC PRINTS
Courtesy of The Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University
MUSIC
Opening Sequence: “The Open Desert” - Composed and produced
by Gregory Maassen, Courtesy of Wandel Guides Multimedia
Vocal samples by Cinematic Vocals: Untold Stories - Montage by Splice
Closing Credits: “E-Bike Redemption” Composed and produced
by Gregory Maassen, Courtesy of Wandel Guides Multimedia
Sounds by UVI, Native Instruments, PluginGuru,
The Crow Hill Company, EastWest Sounds, Arturia,
Splice, Somerville Sounds, Jameson Nathan Jones
BITWIG TRAINING
Morningdew Media Productions
OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO
Van Salmans
Lou Mazawey
Michael Ainslie
Dr. Ahmet Hoke, MD
Dr. Gary M. Koritzinsky, MD
Dr. Harold Glickman, MD
BAY TO BROOKLYN
Darrell L. Sales - Rider, Organizer, Originator
Stephanie Sales - Logistics support
Frank Walsh - Rider, Planner
Jeff Provancher - Rider, Planner
David Lombardo - Rider
Darrell D. Sales - Rider
Gary Wiley - Rider
Linda Wiley - Support
John Byrne - Rider
Mike Deleo - Rider
Jeremy Provancher - Rider
Dewey Ray - Rider
Aaron Ray - Rider
Pat Howard - Support Driver, Photographer, Rider
Aurelio Perez - Support Driver
Kent Clerk - Support Driver
Tony Maffei - Logistics, PIO
Stan Maupin - Support Driver
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MERKIN PNNR CENTER
Dr. Ahmet Hoke, Lale Akca, Gina Scalise
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
MERKIN PNNR CENTER PATIENT BOARD
Van Salmans, Lou Mazawey, Gregory Maassen,
Daniel Alpert, Carolyn Moisson, Kathryn Kissam,
Dick Delbello
FOUNDATION FOR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Van Salmans, Lou Mazaway,
Nancy Frohman, Tanya Zivin, Lindsay Colbert
SUPPORTERS
Nathan Merris, Jane Mahoney, Ambassador Michael Owen,
Annerieke Owen, Prof. Randall Blair, George Troutman,
Janet Katz, Linda Geiser, Linda Stelzleni,
Ann Hyslop, Bernie Parody, Pam Nasham,
Daniela and Rene Snijder, Esther Smit Maassen,
Marin Smit, Ed Kissinger, Jeffrey Holler, Leah Montesano,
Matt McNevin, Olivia Foster
WARMSHOWER HOSTS
David Lohnes - Wooster, Marieke Wagner - Berlin, James Reilly - Fort Wayne,
Andy McCaskey - Elkhart, Van Salmans - Wheaton, Phil - Marshalltown,
Howard Kutler - Omaha, Sherry and Steve Jones - Grand Island,
Patricia, aka the Trail Boss - Baker, Jered Sneesby - Sacramento,
John and Chris Davis - Vallejo
TV AND PRINTED MEDIA
Lerita Carter and Steve Chenevey, FOX News - Washington D.C.
Jessica Garcia, Nevada Appeal
Jake Bolster, Brain & Life
Madora Pennington, Pain News Network
New Wheel, Jason Ford
Briana Byus, Fox 55 - Fort Wayne
Yitzi Weiner| Authority Magazine
Job Vigil, The North Platte Telegraph
Dani Messick, Goshen News
Mike Konz, Kearney Hub
Sara McCoy, News Channel Nebraska
Susan Thompson, Lake Panorama Times
Forrest Hershberger, Sun-Telegraph
Bill Jones, Chicago Tribune
David Amelotti, CBS2IOWA
Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record
Eileen O'Gorman, Patch - Times Bulletin
Robin Pennell , Van Wert - Times Bulletin
Joanne Klimovich Harrop - Darik News
Lindsay Renner-Wood, Cumberland - Times News
Skyler Sales, WDVM - Washington, DC
E-BIKE LOVERS
Joshua Masters, Clifford Staten, Wendell Seace, Alphonso Tate,
John Delgado, Ali Castro, Nathan Merris, Paul Herreven, Stanley Sulak,
Jon Tarres, Boris Barrios, Robin Hinson-Jones,
Simon Hinson-Jones, Winston, Karin Lawson, Thomas Lawson,
Jonathan Cam,
Wilbert Wills, Luke Wills, Olive Allen
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY CYCLING GROUPS
Susan Roberts, David Winer, John Shaffer,
Vera Schneider, Lori Cohen, James Heilig,
John Gruehl, L. Bogart, Suzanne Hughes,
John Newman, Geane Schubert,
Bill Murmon
E-BIKE TOUR VOLUNTEERS
Ali Stone, Bruce Soloway, Michael Wright,
Pat Gualtieri, Sarah Strickland,
Stacey Udell, Terry Orlando
JUICED E-BIKES
Kerri Kauffman
TRAVIS MILLS FOUNDATION
Kelly Roseberry, Travis Mills,
Craig Buck, Molly Lovell-Keely
PEOPLE FOR BIKES
Dr. Ashley Lovell, Larry Pizzi
NATIONAL BIKE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
Heather Mason, Rachelle Schouten
HUMAN POWERED SOLUTION
Jay Townley
PROPEL BIKE COACHING AND FITTING
Matthew Larson
PROTEUS BIKESHOP
John Huntzinger, Laurie Lemieux
GOLDEN BEAR BIKESHOP
Eddie Rach, Sharmaine Rach
PROPEL BIKES
Chris Nolte
TERRAPIN BICYCLES
Kevin Strumwasser
RIESE AND MULLER
Erich Fuhrmann
BUTTONWOODSFILMS
Heather Gustafson
DOCS IN PROGRESS
Barbara Valentino, Adele Schmidt,
Jeffrey Holler
FRANK’s RECYCLING