“Since the first hour of the first build for the original Ridgeline film, it’s been the dream to take this concept to the most amazing places around the world. The potential to find awesome, remote mountain ranges where we can test ourselves to the limit…to really explore what’s possible on a bike and how to film the most stunning footage … it’s been like a running commentary throughout the entire project” Gee Atherton
This film differs from its predecessors in that the team “didn’t move a rock.” It was about exploring with friends, an adventure into the mountains, where Gee would ride whatever they found, including some of the most unforgiving terrain of the series so far. And there’s pedaling, even if it’s at racing speed and inches from a ravine …
Work started back in June with a site recce where it quickly became apparent to the team that they were “out mountained.” There was no way to shortcut long hikes up the mountain that may or may not lead to discovering a cool little section of singletrack with the kind of surrounding aspect that would make for a great shot. Long days in knee-deep snow were followed by nights poring over IGM maps and trying to fit in as much sleep and fuel as possible before another dawn rendez-vous.
Filming took place this August in noticeably less hostile weather conditions, but access to riding spots involved four-hour hikes, roped climbs, ladders, and abseils. The team was burdened with camera equipment, drones, food supplies, and Gee’s bike, broken down to frame, bars, and wheels in order to share the load. It was physically and mentally the most demanding week of the series so far, where a sense of adventure and genuine concern for their own survival drove the team onwards in search of some of the most incredible scenes they have ever filmed.
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