Into the Thunder Dragon

While “It’s not the unicycle, it’s where it takes you” may be the tagline for Kris Holm’s 2009 Capture the Moment photo contest,  it could just as well apply to Into the Thunder Dragon, shot in 2002.

Into the Thunder Dragon is a unicycling adventure film following Kris Holm and Nathan Hoover as they travel across the Kingdom of Bhutan in the heart of the Himalayas. You might have seen the trailer for it on Youtube:

Unlike unicycle films which focus solely on the rider and their tricks, ITTD tells a compelling adventure story with the spotlight ultimately shared by the dramatic landscape, local people and Kris and Nathan’s adventure in a country where it seems no-one has seen a unicycle before!

Into the Thunder Dragon

Kris and Nathan set out to cross the Kingdom of Bhutan, in a small bus, on unicycles, and trekking on foot. The film follows on from their adventures in Unizaba, One Tired Guy.

Adventure Route

Like Unizaba, Into the Thunder Dragon features some evocative imagery that really captures the spirit of the adventure.

Unicycling through Prayer Flags

A feature of Into the Thunder Dragon is the interaction of Kris and Nathan with the local people.

Guys, check out my tricycle mod!

Giving unicycling a go

Kid Frenzy

One of my favorite segments in the video is Kris attempting a trials line, up the steps of shepherd’s hut. After many failed attemps he finally makes it and suggests that

‘”It’s worth the effort,I don’t know why but it is…. it’s just cool”

To me that sums up unicycling perfectly.

Shepherds Hut Trials

Into the Thunder Dragon also includes some great unicycling footage.

Cool Gliding

The DVD also includes excellent extras, including ‘Behind the Action’ where Kris explains several of the riding techniques in the film — large drops, hops, pedal grabs and rolling hops.

KH descending Rodang La Stairway

There are also some good laughs -a mysterious gambling game, a school archery event and a local who gears up and suspiciously blasts off on a unicycle

Thumbs Up!

Even though it was shot in 2002 Into the Thunder Dragon remains fresh and captivating — only the low resolution video hints at its age. A good adventure story produced well is always compelling viewing. Highly recommended.

Into the Thunder Dragon can be purchased through unicycle.com.

Related posts:

1. One Tired Guy One Tired Guy featuring Kris Holm is a classic collection of four short unicycle action and adventure films — Skilletto, Whitetrax, Unizaba and Fat Tire Fury. Produced in 2001, One Tired Guy still packs a punch with each short film chocked full of great riding, interesting locations and iconic shots....
2. Bullarto’s Wheel Appeal Students at Bullarto Primary School make the front page of the district newspaper… unicycling! Congratulations guys, you’ve all worked so hard. From assembling the unicycles in early May, to using the training rail and then unicycling out into the open, it’s been great fun and a great adventure with more...