A Peloton of One

Directors John Bernardo and Steven E. Mallorca said of this film, "Sexually abused at 12 years old by a priest in his New Jersey parish, Dave Ohlmuller set out on a sprawling solo bicycle ride from Chicago to New York to inspire other survivors to come forward and tell their own stories, as well as educate the masses (and himself) on the impacts of this scourge. Along this 700-mile journey, Dave meets other survivors abused by coaches, teachers, family members, and like Dave himself, Catholic priests. Through these interactions and common stories, Dave tries to find a way to connect and heal, mile by mile, as he heads back east towards his childhood home. A "peloton" is a cycling term that simply means a group of riders. But Dave Ohlmuller started his journey as a peloton of one. Like so many sexual abuse victims, he believed he was alone in his despair. At the end of this journey, he realized he is now part of a much greater whole, a true Peleton of One, dedicated to helping the millions of survivors of childhood sexual abuse in this country and across the globe." On his two-week and nearly three-hundred-mile journey, Dave seeks to meet others wile seeking to find some answers for himself. As he connects with activists, politicans and others who have been through the same issues that he's faced, Dave continues to make his own path through life, no matter how painful it is. This movie inspired me and showed that even if someone faces major trauma, they can still work toward finding a better path in their lives as well as enlightening the lives of others. It's not an easy watch, but an essential one.