Where was Rad filmed?
1986
City Locations
Cochrane, Calgary, Alberta (Canada); Upland, CA (USA)
Location Types
Home, Riverside, School, Storefront
Location Styles
Craftsman, Building Dated/Retro, Modern Building, School, Retreat
About Rad
Rad, which delves into the lively and thrilling world of BMX racing, is a sports film that has left an indelible impression on cinematic history. This 1986 blockbuster, directed by the brilliant Hal Needham, brought an innovative blend of sportsmanship, action, and drama that has been popular ever since. Bill Allen, Lori Loughlin, Talia Shire, Jack Weston, and Ray Walston are among the film's outstanding cast members who elevate the story with their brilliant turns.
Rad introduces the audience to Cru Jones (Bill Allen), a teen BMX racer at a crossroads in his life, as an example of a young man's pursuit of his passion. Jones has to make a hard decision: follow his aspirations no matter the hazards or take the safe route to college. The film became a cult favorite despite receiving poor reviews upon its debut and failing to meet expectations at the box office, earning only $2 million against a budget of $3 million. As an uplifting, cross-generational underdog story, Rad is now widely praised.
Rad did not win any major prizes at the time of its release; however, its popularity and appeal have only grown over the years. However, it remains a champion in the hearts and minds of its viewers, especially those who enjoy underdog stories.
Rad Locations
Rad is a film that has captured audiences with its exhilarating BMX scenes and iconic music. It was primarily shot in the scenic locations of Cochrane, Alberta, a charming suburb west of Calgary. Bowness High School in Calgary served as the location for the realistic school scenes, while the picturesque Bowness Park hosted the qualification races.
However, the film's scope went beyond Canada; footage from Upland, California's The Pipeline was included in the opening titles. Fans will never forget the renowned skatepark owing to its memorable appearance in the film, even if it was eventually destroyed.
Furthermore, Cochrane High School provided the setting for a fantastic gymnasium scene, complete with dancing, clapping, and the catchy song "Send Me An Angel" playing in the background. In addition, the crucial Helltrack race was filmed in a vast expanse of open grass at Bowness Park, close to an amusement park, but was later removed.
Filming took place at iconic spots, including Parkway Elementary and Cochrane's McKay's Ice Cream Shop, where viewers will remember scenes like the pink elephant sprinkler scene and the shared ice cream cone moment. Even though several of the original landmarks are no longer in existence, a visit to these areas would still be a fulfilling experience for any Rad fan, allowing them to relive the film's charm amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bowness and Cochrane.
The skatepark scene in Rad
Memorial Skate Park, 1299 San Bernardino Rd, Upland, CA 91786, USA
The opening scene is a display of young energy and daring feats, with teenagers on motorcycles performing stunning tricks at a skatepark. Set to the pulsating score of "Break the Ice" by John Farnham, this sequence aptly encapsulates the film's prevailing themes of liberation and defiance.
Although most of the movie was filmed in Canada, this iconic intro was shot at The Pipeline in Upland, California. Known for its pool scenes and the infamous pipe, The Pipeline was a renowned vertical park and a popular hub for skaters since its establishment in 1977. However, due to structural problems, it was closed in 1988.
In 2002, the skatepark experienced a revival, equipped with a freshly poured concrete base, enhanced security measures, night lighting, and an expanded street-style ramp area. It is now recognized as Memorial Skate Park, located within the serene Upland Memorial Park. The globally acclaimed skater Steve Alba led the park's redesign, which brought an additional touch of distinction to this historically significant location.
To reach this legendary location, start from the I10 near Ontario Airport and take the Euclid Ave exit. Proceed northwards briefly before taking a right turn onto Arrow Highway. Follow this road and veer left onto San Bernardino Rd when the road splits. The park is just beyond the hospital on the street's northern side. If you're starting from the city center, a leisurely 23-minute stroll will bring you to the park.
The Cru's prom scene in Rad
Cochrane High School, 529 Fourth Ave N, Cochrane, AB T4C 1Y6, Canada
The standout scene takes place during Cru's (Bill Allen) senior prom. Against a backdrop of music and applause, Cru and Christian (Lori Loughlin) seize the spotlight on the dance floor, performing awe-inspiring freestyle bike stunts. In another memorable moment, Cru and Christian are surrounded by dancing and clapping peers in a gymnasium. The song "Send Me An Angel" echoes in the background, enhancing the scene's atmosphere.
These scenes were shot at Cochrane High School, portrayed in the movie as before its renovation. The Cobra logo on the gym wall is an authentic feature of Cochrane High. Post-filming, the school underwent significant changes, converting the gym into a library and music room and constructing a new gym on the opposite side of the building.
Fans should contact the school's administration to visit this iconic film location for permission and information. Cochrane High School is located in the town of Cochrane, Alberta, about a 30-minute drive west of Calgary. You can take the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 W from Calgary to Cochrane, then follow Griffin Road to reach the school.
Cru and Christian share the ice cream cone scene in Rad
MacKay's Ice Cream, 220 1 St W, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E7, Canada
An endearing scene occurs when Cru Jones (Bill Allen) and Christian Hollings (Lori Loughlin) discover a romantic spark. When they share a single cone, their date at the ice cream parlor will be cherished by moviegoers as a tender scene representing their developing romance.
MacKay's Ice Cream Shop was the setting for this scene. With a history spanning more than half a century, MacKay's has become one of Calgary's most famous ice cream parlors, consistently ranking among the greatest in the area. Their success is due to a potent blend of family dedication and a mouth-watering recipe handed down through many generations.
To visit MacKay's Ice Cream shop from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 W towards Cochrane. Once in Cochrane, follow 1st Street W to 3rd Avenue, where you'll find the shop. The site is located downtown, so enjoy a scoop or two of their delicious ice cream, and you might just feel a bit of the magic Cru and Christian experienced on their memorable date.
The pink elephant sprinkler home scene in Rad
4631 85 St NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2R8, Canada
Cru (Bill Allen) and his sister (Laura Jacoby) cross a pink elephant sprinkler as they ride their bikes across it. Located next to Parkway Elementary School, this scenario takes place at a house off Bowness Road. The iconic pink elephant sprinkler may be gone, but the house's spectacular Christmas light show never fails to turn heads.
Bowness was home to the film's endearing pink elephant sprinkler until 1995; those living there might not have understood the gravity of their yard decoration. Margaret Nemeth passed the sprinkler on to Jerry Kendall in the late 1980s. It now serves as a customer service beacon at Calgary's Crossroads Market. The house where the sprinkler was once located supposedly belonged to a former Bowness mayor. The privacy of the existing residents should be respected if you decide to visit.
Take Bowness Road in Calgary to reach this spot. Since the precise location is not provided, it might be necessary to take a leisurely walk down the street to discover the exact residence. You can get to Bowness Road from the heart of Calgary by taking Bow Trl SW and Sarcee Trail SW. In addition, if you prefer to take the bus, the nearest stop in Calgary is the Eb Sunalta CTrain Station, the road will take approximately 43 minutes.
The Helltrack scene in Rad
Bowness Park, 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2B2, Canada
During Helltrack, Duke (Jack Weston) resorts to underhanded tactics and bribes the Reynolds twins (Chad and Carey Hayes) to sabotage Cru (Bill Allen), but they fail. In the final moments of the race, Taylor and Cru go head-to-head. Despite the pressure, Cru emerges victorious, while Taylor (Bart Conner) gets dismissed from Mongoose Racing. Following this, the entire Mongoose team quits in response to Duke's deceitful nature. Cru graciously offers Taylor a spot in Rad Racing, and Duke is asked to step down from FAB.
Helltrack, the location of this climactic scene, was constructed in Bowness Park, Calgary, specifically for the film. This large, open grassy area was transformed into a thrilling race track, only to be removed after filming. Bowness Park is a 30-hectare urban park situated on the Bow River in Bowness, a neighborhood in Calgary.
Today, Bowness Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. In the summer, it's buzzing with people enjoying picnics and boating. During winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland where visitors can ice skate on the lagoon and the canal feeds into it. The lagoon is a hub for skating in winter, while in summer, the picnic sites, open spaces for ball games, and mini-golf draw crowds.
To get to Bowness Park from downtown Calgary, take the Bow Trl SW and Sarcee Trail SW (the road will take 20 minutes). Once you reach the Bowness community, follow signs to Bowness Park. If you're using public transportation, the Route 1 bus from downtown Calgary will take you to Bowness Park.
Conclusion
Rad starts with an adrenaline-pumping opening sequence that sets the bar high for the rest of the movie. The story centers around a hometown BMX rider who takes on arrogant and corrupt outsiders in a thrilling race, providing an engaging narrative that keeps the audience hooked.
The young cast, reminiscent of California beach models, delivers commendable performances that contribute to the movie's charm. Their portrayal of characters adds depth to the narrative, making the film more than just about BMX racing. The film's soundtrack is another highlight, adding to its appeal and enhancing the viewing experience.
Shot primarily in the picturesque locales of Cochrane, Alberta, and Calgary, Rad leverages its stunning locations to create visually appealing scenes. From the scenic Bowness Park to the authentic school scenes at Bowness High School, the vast range of locations adds a unique dimension to the film.
Despite being a low-budget film, Rad has become a cult favorite, mainly due to its relatable storyline, commendable performances, and memorable soundtrack. It has made a mark in the movie industry by proving that a film can captivate audiences without relying on a big budget.
Rad is worth watching for its engaging narrative, impressive performances, and stunning visuals. A trip to its filming locations would be a rewarding experience for fans, providing an opportunity to relive the magic of the film amidst the serene landscapes of Cochrane and Calgary.