Rider Resilience - The Film

'Rider Resilience - The Film' follows the powerful stories of Nils Amelinckx, Rachael Walker, and Sam Rice as they navigate the highs and lows of their journey through life and mountain biking. Each rider faces unique challenges, demonstrating strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Narrated by the legendary Martyn Ashton, this film offers a raw and emotional insight into the sport, showing how cycling isn't just about turning pedals —it's about overcoming obstacles, mental fortitude, and finding community. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the sport, Rider Resilience will inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter what comes your way.

[Iso_]

Thirteen years ago, I lost 50% of my ability to walk due to severe lesions in two different areas of my spinal cord. No clear diagnosis was ever made. Sometimes, walking feels like torture. Two weeks ago, I bought an electric bicycle. So far, I've ridden a total of 50 km over six rides. Even in the last six days, I can feel myself changing. I feel stronger both mentally and physically. I believe the bicycle will work a miracle for me. This film has also inspired me. Thank you all!

[camperp]

I have battled depression and alcoholism for years, i just used to ride locally on my e mtb, then two years ago, i went to wales on my own, discovered my mojo for riding again, and more importantly, met some great people, i now travel to wales every 6 weeks, to see friends, and more importantly to ride, i have done so many new trails, rode with mountain bike clubs, and just absolutely adore it to the point that i want to move there permanently, for me, riding my bike has helped my mental heath, the fight within me to beat alcohol is strong, and iam winning it, so thank you for this film, and to the new friends i have made that are helping me, without even knowing it ❤
and watching this film is going to help me, i know it, so thank you sam, Rachel and importantly nils, RIP SIR ❤️

[mtb_unselected]

I've never been into comments on social networks, but I decided to write a few words.

Thank you, Rider Resilience, for creating such a powerful (life) reminder for all of us riders (new or old). This 20 minutes, besides tears, brought back that feeling of wonder that I started to lose because I forgot that any bike ride is a good bike ride.
All of YOU who created this beautiful motion picture have my sincere gratitude and respect!

Peace and wheelies✌️

[AspectMedia]

Thanks to everyone for watching, to RR and Nils for trusting me with helping tell these important stories. Now... time for a bike ride. RIP Pal.

[RoryHitchens]

Proud to be a small part in helping spread the Rider Resilience name and help publicise the film. We all need a reminder how taking a ride on our bike can be a help in so many ways. Thankyou everyone at Rider Resilience, Sam, Rachel and to Nils' family. Thankyou to Martyn Ashton for supporting the message. Please share this film. 🙏

[zubayrbhyat]

Cycling changed my life too. This year I did:
1. Just under 4000kms rode.
2. Completed a 342km tour and helped to build 100 bikes for kids.
3. Completed a race this year 5 minutes faster than my previous.
4. Met more friends than I've done in the last 5 years.
5. The mindset cycling gave me allowed me to get a promotion at work.
6. Beat my best distance in a day by 16km to 128kms.

[mathieusimoneau]

I was moved by this short film. I am currently going through a difficult period in my life; depression and I have just learned that I am bipolar type 2. And ADHD. I often had dark thoughts and no longer had any desires. But without really knowing why, I managed to go cycling, sometimes for 15 minutes or sometimes for 2 hours. Now I know that am not alone! Thank you.

[GuyKesTV]

This is such an important message, superbly delivered. Thanks to everyone who played a part in creating it ❤

[AspectMedia]

Reading everyone's comments and personal stories is so amazing. So heart warming to see that Nils was 100% on the right track with Rider Resilience and it's mission, and the film has found the right people 🙌❤️🚲

[lukesolomon]

bike have kept me going through my darkest times. one of my favorite things is doing bike events and just having a shared experiance with someone and just having random conversations with other people on bikes

[Eddie_Hasbullah]

I am almost at the lowest point of my anxiety and depression condition, and this short video is truly inspiring, hopefully tomorrow can be the begining of something that has been left behind for quite a while for me. Thank you so much for this beautiful short story telling!

[Rusty]

Adaptive Riders Collective was, I believe, the first recipient of grant funds from Riders Resilience in 2022 and that money helped us purchase two off-road adaptive cycles that help people with disabilities get out into nature in Scotland and allows them to ride with friends, family and become totally immersed and included in the MTB world. Nil’s vision for bikes helping people experience the freedom, joy and healing power of getting out cycling is brought to life every time the cranks on those handcycles turn. Thank you Nils for all that you did and how you paved the way for so many others to get to enjoy the same things you did.

[jevgeniardassov]

That hit me like a bus. Lost my father like this 5 years ago. One day the man is there and in 10 months he is eaten up by cancer. Gut wrenching experience. Right after that my Godmother went th same way but in 4 months. I was struggling. My family and ride buddies really helped a lot.

[brewster]

I can't say how happy I was to stumble across this video. This speaks volumes to many of us who have turned to cycling as not just a sport, but a grounding mechanism to battle the challenges life throws our way, myself included. I have always found that no matter how difficult things become, getting out and turning the pedals always seems to bring some clarity, even if for a moment, or until the next ride.

Thank you Rider Resilience for this touching video. RIP Nils.

[hallstewart]

Riding away from pain is not running away from life. The respite it gives you is a lifesaver.

[peteh]

What a brilliant movie! I could feel every single word said in these 20 minutes!
Great story, great shots, great music !

[kimweincek]

Beautiful, honest, real people facing real hard things and how biking in nature with fellow people helps. I recently had a health scare and this event had an impact on me. Been struggling to put myself back out there on the bike and opening myself up to meet people. My health is good and I’m going to slowly get myself out there again. Thanks for reminding me it’s worth it!

[raysmith]

I'm another one who either changed their life through cycling or cycling changed my life. Twenty-five years ago, my life fell apart through drinking, and a part of that was losing my driver's licence. I bought a bike for transport, but something strange happened. Every time I rode the bike, I would finish the ride feeling euphoric. Tired, but euphoric. Twenty five years later I have a drivers licence back but I still keep riding because it makes me feel good and helps me deal with my problems. BTW: I don't need to drink any more.

[marnikdeswaef]

As a Belgian, bikes our very important in our lives, I feel very sad for Nils that he past away but what a strong short film with a huge and clear message ! Thank you rider resilience keep up the good work and keep riding bikes good for health and mind ! Greatings from flanders.

[sinombe]

I suffered acute clinical depression and still am but once I got on my first bike ride 20years ago I felt much much better to manage my condition.I am at peace now because of cycling .This video I can identify with any day thanks