Initially unaware he has even left his own time, Swann thinks he has just stumbled upon a particularly committed historical commune or a local Mexican conflict. The conflict intensifies when he encounters a gang of outlaws, led by the ruthless Porter Reese (Peter Coyote), who become obsessed with stealing Swann's "mechanical horse". Why It’s a Cult Classic
Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann Before Marty McFly ever hit 88 mph in a DeLorean, a motocross racer named Lyle Swann was accidentally shredding through the year 1877. Released in 1982, Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann is a cult-classic hybrid of science fiction and Western that remains one of the more unique "fish-out-of-water" tales of its era. The Plot: Dirt Bikes vs. Desperados subtitle Timerider:.The.Adventure.of.Lyle.Swann...
Unlike many time travelers, Swann isn't a scientist; he's a racer who remains largely oblivious to the gravity of his situation, often relying on his bike and his wits to survive. Initially unaware he has even left his own
The film stars Fred Ward as Lyle Swann, a champion off-road racer competing in a Baja 1000-style race across the Mexican desert. Unbeknownst to Swann, a nearby scientific team is conducting a time-travel experiment intended to send a monkey back a century. Swann accidentally rides through the energy field and is transported to the Old West of 1877. Released in 1982, Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle
Fans of '80s tech love the film's fixation on Swann’s high-tech setup, including a bright orange jumpsuit and a helmet with a computerized HUD.
The film was produced, co-written, and scored by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, giving it a distinct, unpretentious creative energy.