Trail builders everywhere should watch Best Day Ever.

There is plenty for able-bodied athletes to learn from those in the adaptive community. One thing that stuck out for me is how most mountain bike trails are off-limits to non-able bodied riders. The good news is that trails are now being designed with all riders in mind.

Just like able-bodied riders, the adaptive skill level runs the gamut—beginner to those hurling down black diamond routes.

Best Day Ever is one of the films on the Banff Film Festival tour that came through Chico last week. It brought tears and laughter.

The festival describes the film this way: “Best Day Ever follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities with humor and attitude. Along the way, they embrace the tremendous support, friendship and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community.”

The Hive Architect also resonated with me.

“For the last 14 years Matt Somerville has spent the winters creating his log hives before driving around all of England in the summer, erecting them as non-intervention habitats for wild honey bees,” the description reads.

His story is worth knowing.

Somerville isn’t in the bee business to make honey or money. He creates habitat for bees so the animals can thrive.

Each show has six to eight films. They vary from location to location. Be sure to check out the Banff Film Festival when it comes to a city near you.

The actual festival is in the fall each year, with 2025 marking its 50th year.