Somethings just go hand-in-hand: peanut butter and jelly, cowboys and Stetsons, movies and popcorn. For adrenaline junkies across the Pacific Northwest there’s a fourth combo: motorcycles and road racing. On February 25, 2025 at 6 p.m. the public is invited to join local documentary filmmakers for a screening of their movie “Blurred Lines.”
The showing takes place at Saint Martin’s University, Harned Hall room 110, and includes interviews with riders, thrilling race footage and explains how the sport has changed over the years. There will also be a Q&A session with the film’s director and one of its featured racers after the presentation.
Weekend Warriors No More: Motorcycle Enthusiasts Race in ‘Blurred Lines’ Documentary
“Blurred Lines” director and co-creator David Crawford explains that their feature examines the sport of Pacific Northwest motorcycle club road racing, the safety precautions their industry has taken and the tragic injuries or even deaths that occasionally follow.
Filmed at Seattle’s Pacific Raceways and Oregon’s Portland International Raceway, the documentary features one-on-one interviews with more than 30 motorcycle riders, vendors and raceway coordinators. Each reflects on the risk that comes every time they put on the helmet. This film explores the issue of whether competitive attitudes have ever crossed a line beyond their control, putting their lives and their fellow riders unnecessarily at risk for the sport they love.
Crawford and fellow creator Troy Kirby worked with the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA) and Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) and were deeply impressed by this enthusiastic, motivated racing family.
Documentary Film Showing and Q&A Examines the Evolution of Road Racing in the Pacific Northwest
“These are your weekend warriors putting their lives on the line,” says Crawford. “It’s such a great community and we wanted to raise awareness and especially to focus on the safety components. We talked to people about safety, race preparation, equipment and track details and let them tell their stories about who they are and why they do what they do.”
The resulting film is informative and explains the start-to-finish process of becoming an active participant. “We talk about the training done, equipment needed, evolution of safety precautions and bike requirements,” says Crawford, “with the takeaway of helping folks appreciate and understand motorcycle racing.”
A large portion of the documentary showcases racing safety. They explain race control and tour the on-site crash truck that helps riders immediately following an accident. Crawford and Kirby hope the film is a way to discuss safety and the impact of collisions on the racing community. There are even interviews with racers mere days after hospitalization. As riders across the board say, when it comes to crashes, it’s not if, it’s when.
Saint Martin’s University Welcomes Film Buffs, Motorcycle Enthusiasts, and the Racing Community
Tickets to the event are $10 for those outside of Saint Martin’s University faculty, staff and students and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Crawford used to work for Saint Martin’s as Director of Recreation Services and Kirby is a current professor in their School of Business. At the event, Crawford will be joined by documentary interviewee and Saint Martin’s alum Matt Staples for a question-and-answer period with the audience.
Crawford, who had been doing motorcycle photography, was excited for this opportunity because he passionately loves storytelling. Once the team started talking to people and recording their experiences during the summer and fall of 2024, he realized it would make a compelling documentary.
PNW motorcycle club road racing is often limited to one of three tracks across both Washington and Oregon. The WMRRA and OMRA work together to facilitate and host safe events for participants of all levels.
You can watch the trailer for “Blurred Lines” on Vimeo then come enjoy this fast-paced, intense look into a sport that’s both beloved and dangerously addicting. For more of Crawfords photography and video work, check out CRAW Media. They can handle photography, videography, graphic design, social media and website management.
Whether you prefer blood/sweat/tears or pajamas/popcorn/movies, ‘Blurred Lines’ is not to be missed. Come support – or be inspired by – our region’s wildest, wheel-spinning weekend warriors as they race into the history books.
