The term "breaking away," in cycling refers to a cyclist in a race who is leaving a pack of other racers behind and pulling ahead in the competition. In everyday life, "breaking away" also refers to separating yourself from a situation that is keeping you in one place, whether it's a family or a job or other obligations. The term was used in the beloved 1979 movie "Breaking Away." The movie, which made the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time," has inspired cycling enthusiasts to name cycling-related businesses after the film. Fans associate this feel-good movie with the film's message of perseverance and love.
The Phrase
The phrase "breaking away" refers to one cyclist pulling out in front of a pack of racers, which is what the movie's lead character Dave Stoller tries to do, both when he's racing with the Italian team and at the end when he's racing in the race at the University. Of course, to "break away" also means to leave the confines of your situation, and metaphorically, that's what Dave and his young friends are seeking to do in their own way in the story.
The Movie
"Breaking Away" opened in the summer of 1979 without much hoopla. The film had no major stars and told a simple coming-of-age story about a young man wrestling with his passion for cycling and the expectations of his tradition-bound father. But it became a sleeper hit and wound up being nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Steve Tesich's screenplay did win for Best Screenplay. Fans could identify with Dave's struggle to be understood by his father and his dad's bewilderment at the the younger generation's desire for a different life. And like all great underdog movies, "Breaking Away" had a thrilling competition at the end of the movie to prove the worthiness of the hard-luck heroes.
The Touring Company
Just six years after the film's release, the California-based Breaking Away Bicycle Tours opened for business in 1985. The company, which sponsors multiple European tours, as well as California adventures, has been highlighted by "Bicycling Magazine," "Outside" and "Men's Journal" as one of the top cycling tour companies for serious bicycling enthusiasts. "Bicycling" also hailed "Breaking Away" as one of "9 cycling movies you can't miss." Others on the list included the French animated film "The Triplets of Belleville," "American Flyers," and the classic Italian film, "The Bicycle Thief."
The Shop
Breaking Away Bicycles opened in Fairfax, California in July 2006. The shop features road and mountain cycles. The shop also supports the efforts of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, which is active in promoting the expansion and maintenance of bike and hiking trails, as well as other bike-related activities and causes.
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