Margus Riga

The Zone

Oct 3, 2011 at 15:21

Some riders have one. Many riders wish they had one. This is about one.

  The search for a riding area to call your own is constantly on the minds of riders. Some are lucky enough to be able to create a zone for themselves in their own backyards, while others travel the world over searching for the perfect place to express their riding style.

  For James Doerfling and Garret Buehler, their zone was a long time in the making. Mainly because of logistical concerns; It was really difficult to get there, and the terrain was rugged, dangerous, vast, and a bitch to work with.

  The desert is a desolate and deadly place. In the summer the heat of the day is enough to suck out every ounce of water from your body, and the wildlife consists of spiders, snakes and other animals that want nothing to do with humans.


  The other logistical concern in their zone was getting shot by crazed, high on meth rednecks who may or may not mistake them for a target.
  Out there it's still the wild west, and there are no laws in the wild west.

  Every day was a battle just being there, and every night they had to leave. Believe me, you wouldn't want to camp out there.

  But it was all worth it when it was time to send it.

  Steaks of their labour.



  Even Freeride Entertainment came in to highlight the boys' efforts. Look for the edit coming soon to a laptop near you.

  Doerfling, high and dry.

  The zone is divided into two separate areas by a canyon. The only way from one area to the other is a forty-minute trek along CN's highway of rail.


  The other side of their zone is all big-mountain ridge lines. James managed to clean up a couple of ridges for us, but there is a lifetime of lines and possibilities still to be had.

  This feature is all natural. No digging required.

  Beer and trucks...tools of the trade.

  Now get out there and pioneer a zone of your own.




43 Comments

  • + 55
flag chaseman167 (Oct 7, 2011 at 2:26)
 So many of these photographs deserve POD
[Reply]
  • + 21
flag bretttippie (Oct 7, 2011 at 9:04)
 I shot here with Matt Hunter 10 years ago. Such a cool spot! Never seen shots as deadly as Riga's though! Nice work!
There are Rattlesnakes around there that are taller than Richie Schley and like to curl up with sleeping mtb'ers for warmth!!
  • + 3
flag scott-townes (Oct 9, 2011 at 8:39)
 The snakes are taller than Richie? Well that doesn't sound too bad... Wink
[Reply]
  • + 13
flag Skottovod (Oct 7, 2011 at 0:19)
 one of the best photographers i know
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag mikeserafin (Oct 7, 2011 at 7:27)
 Amazing work Margus- love the spread with different sized images showing detail shots of the landscape. PD widescreen should be here to stay too.
  • + 2
flag lightningskull (Oct 8, 2011 at 21:44)
 agreed, PB widescreen for all!
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag despar66 (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:20)
 that was fantastic... hope no one got shot by meth crazed red necks...
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag shishka (Oct 7, 2011 at 21:16)
 You guys know you can shoot back at the tweakers out there right? Chances are they too high to aim. Those are bs low brass target rounds by the looks of that first pic, no real stopping power. You need some real anti-meth head loads for the "wild west".
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bikermaniac101 (Oct 8, 2011 at 12:49)
 Man.... True story, we have a zone, we have access to 700 acres of private land with 1000 vertical ft and enough features to choke a horse.... Aaaaand all ya have to do is sign a waiver and pay $10...... Its beautiful, rugged, and our place to build!!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Geodood (Oct 7, 2011 at 7:17)
 Beautiful photos, amazing terrain. Why is it no good for camping? Just drink a few luckys, recline the truck seat and hopefully your headache/backache doesn't keep you from shredding the next day!
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag davinpena (Oct 3, 2011 at 18:13)
 wow
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mikelevy Mod Plus (Oct 7, 2011 at 10:12)
 Margus, you are the man. These photos are simply amazing.. so much feeling to each and every one. Great riding and great shooting all around.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Doule (Oct 7, 2011 at 19:33)
 I work for the railway,and I see sooooo many lines...most are a long way from any public road,good thing I have keys..Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RideTheHorizion (Oct 7, 2011 at 18:00)
 your pictures are AMAZING!.....over here we are getting ready for winter, but seeing that, makes me want to shred some!!! nice work
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mtb91 (Oct 7, 2011 at 8:21)
 i love half these pictures, i like your guys ambition to get out and freeride. finding and discovering the back country by boat, truck and foot. nicely done.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag suicidedownhiller (Oct 7, 2011 at 8:13)
 Get out there, buy a boat and a truck, and pioneer your own zone! Oh wait, I'm not rich. Nor do I have anything remotely close to me that isn't covered with houses...hmmm..
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag virtumedia (Oct 3, 2011 at 19:30)
 Awesome work!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Oct 8, 2011 at 5:06)
 Very heavy / dark photos. Never been a fan of that, but all the rest makes up for that, more than enough! Good job, Margus!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Lorien (Oct 8, 2011 at 7:35)
 it does a mind good to saturate it with photos such as these.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag johnparkhurst (Oct 7, 2011 at 16:14)
 Well Done!! you captured the nature's bueaty very well with you're photography skills! 1+
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MathiasWensveen (Oct 7, 2011 at 16:14)
 Margus Riga pumps out stunning photo after stunning photo. Thanks for the awesome article!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Riders-Club (Oct 4, 2011 at 1:42)
 epic!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DBomberMan (Oct 7, 2011 at 13:17)
 currently in the process of building my own "zone". though im sure it wont be nearly as epic as this.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TAridingMTB (Oct 7, 2011 at 9:44)
 every photo is just brillant, awesome scenery and riding.. wish i could have something like that in my back yard!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag superdanu (Oct 7, 2011 at 7:05)
 10 PODs in a row over here! I wish Riga picked PODs more often (No offense to Hylands)
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag SHARK555 Plus (Oct 7, 2011 at 0:30)
 too much lucky lager, makes my gunt hurt
  • + 1
flag Waldon83 (Oct 7, 2011 at 0:35)
 Baaaahahahahaha, havent heard that joke in eons
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag fraserbritton Plus (Oct 8, 2011 at 9:22)
 Margus, you KILLED it buddy! Let's go for a shred soon!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag TheLongMan (Oct 8, 2011 at 9:45)
 Absolute masterpiece photography!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bebemonk4ever (Oct 8, 2011 at 6:33)
 nice shots Wink loool those photos are all EPIC love it Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag strain Plus (Oct 12, 2011 at 21:30)
  "Steaks of their labour." ... Amen.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag shredde (Oct 7, 2011 at 12:31)
 theese boys kill it! such unique zones that James always in!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Joebohobo (Oct 7, 2011 at 8:52)
 So many POD's in this Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Ridingtilldawn (Oct 7, 2011 at 4:29)
 All pics are POD. This makes me go ride in rain with broken finger..
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag przyb (Oct 7, 2011 at 1:46)
 Magnificent photos!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gibsonc (Oct 7, 2011 at 14:30)
 Amazing Smile What an amazing landscape!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tinroos (Oct 7, 2011 at 10:03)
 Esto boy does good. Head pildid!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag pslide (Oct 7, 2011 at 13:50)
 Absolutely stunning location and photography! Long live stills!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mdiederichs (Oct 7, 2011 at 13:20)
 Lucky Lager: The official fuel of BC MTB.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ButtonPusher (Oct 7, 2011 at 13:46)
 Geez Knolly make SICK bikes, i want a Podium..!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag baftijari (Oct 8, 2011 at 5:48)
 talent photographer!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag droppindown Plus (Oct 8, 2011 at 10:20)
 POD's-enders
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag keeganquiroz (Oct 8, 2011 at 10:28)
 really cool
[Reply]

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