Private Project

The Tear of Europe

Bikerafting is a combination of biking and packrafting that is not often practiced in whitewater. Xaver Frieser and Gerhard Czerner experience this fascinating sport on an impressive tour in Montenegro. For three days they pedal across the Piva Plateau and through the alpine landscapes of the Durmitor National Park. At the entrance to the Tara, Europe's deepest canyon at 1300 meters, the boats are inflated and the extensive luggage, including bikes, is stowed on them. The next 70 scenic kilometers await the paddlers with whitewater difficulties up to class 3. Steering the heavily loaded boats through the rapids will be a challenge. The days in Montenegro will be unforgettable moments for you. Bikerafting is the key to experiences and impressions that can only be gained by exchanging pedals for paddles.

  • Gerhard Czerner
    Director
  • Gerhard Czerner
    Producer
  • Martin Bissig
    Videograph
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Sport, Outdoor, Whitewater, Paddling, Montenegro, Gravelbiking, Biking
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 16, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Montenegro
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • BOFF Outdoor film festival
    Munich
    Germany
    August 27, 2024
Director Biography - Gerhard Czerner

Gerhard has been on the road as a bicycle travel journalist for many years, making his travel dreams come true. His exciting travel stories have been published in magazines all over the world. More and more he can be found behind the camera and in the editing room. His travels are more about the experience than the journey. For him, being on the road always comes before athletic performance, and the end of his competitive career is far in the past. As a cycling technique coach and tour guide, he travels the globe. As a public speaker, he inspires thousands of people every year. Gerhard prefers to be on his bike than in his car or office. In addition to biking, Gerhard is an avid mountain climber. His experience in both areas makes many of his cycling expeditions possible.

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Director Statement

The water level was challenging and could not have been higher for us in our small boats with heavy luggage. It was an indescribable experience to encounter two worlds—the mountains and the water—on one trip.