PINKBIKE PHOTO EPICS

2013 Year Ender Sender With Margus Riga

Dec 27, 2013
by Margus Riga  
With 2013 almost over, and the new year upon us, I wanted to share some of my favourite photos from the past year.

CHILCOTINS BC

The floatplane dock on Tayughton Lake BC. The starting point to so many adventures in the Chilcotins.
  The floatplane dock on Tyaughton Lake BC. The starting point to so many adventures in the Chilcotins.

My first really big ride was in the South Chilcotin mountains over fifteen years ago. Since then I have come back every single year to explore this amazing zone. Rider PJ Hunton.
  My first really big ride was in the Chilcotin mountains seventeen years ago. Since then I have gone back every single year to explore this amazing zone. Rider: PJ Hunton.

After fifteen years of exploring the South Chilcotins I have still not seen every piece of trail in this wonderland. PJ Hunton about to come to terms with the last bit of climbing before reaching the top of Deer Pass one of the more popular routes through these mountains.
  After seventeen years of exploring the South Chilcotins, I have still not seen every piece of trail in this wonderland. PJ Hunton, about to come to terms with the last bit of climbing before reaching the top of Deer Pass (one of the more popular routes through these mountains).

Cowboy camp in the South Chilcotins. One of the many manned camps that pepper the trail networks here. For a small fee you can arrange to have a warm meal and a place to sleep while on a multi-day trip.
  Cowboy camp. One of the many manned camps that pepper the trail networks here. For a small fee, you can arrange to have a warm meal, and a place to sleep while on a multi-day trip.

Brining a guy like Garett Buehler to a place like the Chilcotins is like bringing a machine gun to a knife fight. Nuff said.
  Bringing a guy like Garett Buehler to a place like the Chilcotins is like bringing a machine gun to a knife fight. Nuff said.

Dale Douglas the man behind Tyax Air and the gatekeeper of good times in the Chilcotins.
  Dale Douglas, the man behind Tyax Air, and the gatekeeper of good times in the Chilcotins.

Alpine camp Chilcotins BC.
  Alpine camp.

Cowboy camp Chilcotin BC.
  Cowboy camp.

Nick and Zander Geddes first ride in the Chilcotins. Pretty sure they ll be back.
  Nick and Zander Geddes' first ride in the Chilcotins. Pretty sure they'll be back.

Nick and Zander Geddes Chilcotin BC.
  Nick and Zander Geddes.

Paying to play in the Chilcotins BC.
  Paying to play.

My favourite photo from the Chilcotins. Riders Andreas Hestler and Seamus McGrath.
  My favourite photo from the Chilcotins. Riders: Andreas Hestler and Seamus McGrath.

SQUAMISH BC

The more I ride in Squamish the less I want to ride anywhere else. It just may trump North Vancouver as the loamiest spot to ride in BC. Rider Mike Jones.
  The more I ride in Squamish, the less I want to ride anywhere else. It just may trump North Vancouver as the loamiest spot to ride in BC. Rider: Mike Jones.

Darcy Turenne ten minutes from her home in Squamish BC.
  Darcy Turenne, ten minutes from her home in Squamish BC.

Matt Ryan on Squamish s newest bad-ass trail Treasure Trail.
  Matt Ryan, on Squamish's newest bad-ass trail: Treasure Trail.

PEMBERTON BC

With Mount Currie providing the backdrop for most of the trails in Pemberton BC it s no wonder many Whistler locals have made the move here. Rider Wade Simmons.
  With Mount Currie providing the backdrop for most of the trails in Pemberton BC, it's no wonder many Whistler locals have made the move here. Rider: Wade Simmons.

VANCOUVER ISLAND BC

My favourite photo from the 2013 Rocky Mountain team trip. Mount Tzouhalem Vancouver Island. Riders Thomas Vanderham and Geoff Gullevich.
  My favourite photo from the 2013 Rocky Mountain team trip. Mount Tzouhalem, Vancouver Island. Riders: Thomas Vanderham and Geoff Gullevich.

WHISTLER BC

Whistler is so much more than a bike park. The local trails are some of the gnarliest steepest scariest and fun trails anywhere. Go check out Anal Intruder and Yo Momma two of my favourites. I also happened to have a hand in building them and naming them.
  Whistler is so much more than a bike park. The local trails are some of the gnarliest, steepest, scariest, and fun trails anywhere. Go check out Anal Intruder and Yo Momma; two of my favourites. I also happened to have a hand in building them. Rider: Paul Stevens.

Katrina Strand drops in on The Green Monster in Whistler BC. Not in the bike park.
  Katrina Strand drops in on The Green Monster in Whistler BC. Not in the bike park.

This was one of my test shots for the POY this year. I almost like this one better than the shot I submitted. Tippie still the man .
  This was one of my test shots for the Pinkbike POY contest this year. I almost like this one better than the shot I submitted. Tippie, still the man.

YUKON

When we told people that we were going to attempt riding to the Tombstone range in the Yukon people thought we were crazy. You can t ride there the terrain is un-ridable was a typical response when we told people where we were going. Riley McIntosh riding along the many un-ridable sections on the way to the Tombstones.
  When we told people that we were going to attempt riding to the Tombstone range in the Yukon, people thought we were crazy. "You can't ride there, the terrain is un-rideable", was a typical response when we told people where we were going. Riley McIntosh riding along the many un-rideable sections on the way to the Tombstones.

This shot was taken on our way back from a two-day ride hike-a-bike in the remote Tombstone range Yukon. James Doerfling and Kenny Smith were also part of our group but they were about ten minutes ahead. It was raining and the temps were near zero. Stopping to take a photo was the last thing on anyone s mind. Riley McIntosh suffering out one more photo before yet another life-draining hike-a-bike section before the final descent to our vehicle and dry clothes.
  This shot was taken on our way back from a two-day ride/hike-a-bike in the remote Tombstone range Yukon. James Doerfling and Kenny Smith were also part of our group, but they were about ten minutes ahead. It was raining and the temps were near zero. Stopping to take a photo was the last thing on anyone's mind. Riley McIntosh suffering out one more photo before yet another life-draining hike-a-bike section before the final descent to our vehicle and dry clothes.

Riley McIntosh James Doerfling and Kenny Smith. Somewhere off the Dempster Highway Yukon Canada.
  Riley McIntosh, James Doerfling, and Kenny Smith. Somewhere off the Dempster Highway.

Kenny Smith James Doerfling and Riley McIntosh making their way to the Tombstone mountains Yukon. Kenny s excuse for not wearing a helmet I can either be warm or protected just in case I fall. I choose to be warm because I m not going to fall. Again BMF
  Kenny Smith, James Doerfling, and Riley McIntosh making their way to the Tombstone mountains. Kenny's excuse for not wearing a helmet -- "I can either be warm, or protected just in case I fall. I choose to be warm because I'm not going to fall."

Fall colours Yukon Canada. Rider James Doerfling.
  Fall colours, Yukon Canada. Rider: James Doerfling.

NORTH VANCOUVER BC

Winter in North Vancouver is my favourite time of year. You can get in a couple of ski runs in the morning on Cypress mountain then head lower down the mountain and go riding. Rider Geoff Gullevich.
  Winter in North Vancouver is my favourite time of year. You can get in a couple of ski runs in the morning on Cypress mountain, then head lower down the mountain and go riding. Rider: Geoff Gullevich.

Brendan Howey Raceface ad shoot on Mount Seymour North Vancouver.
  Brandon Howey, Raceface ad shoot on Mount Seymour.

Vancouver s North Shore. As hauntingly beautiful as ever. Rider Andreas Hestler.
  Vancouver's North Shore. As hauntingly beautiful as ever. Rider: Andreas Hestler.

Brett Tippie has become a good friend to me these last few years. If everyone had half the positive energy and drive of Brett this world would be a lot better place and way more rad. Thanks for everything bro.
  Brett Tippie has become a good friend to me these last few years. If everyone had even half the positive energy and drive of Brett, this world would be a lot better place, and way more rad. Thanks for everything bro.

The new and improved Espresso trail on Vancouver s North Shore. Seems in the last few years many of The Shore s old-school zero flow trails are getting much-needed modern facelifts. Good for boys and their girlfriends. Riders Ryan and Caran Leech.
  The new and improved Espresso trail on Vancouver's North Shore. Seems in the last few years many of The Shore's old-school, zero flow trails are getting much-needed modern facelifts. Good for boys and their girlfriends. Riders: Ryan and Caran Leech.


Thomas Vanderham and Brett Tippie blasting down one of a few un-official trails on the Darkside of Mount Seymour North Vancouver. Yes there are still secret trails on the Shore. No I can t tell you where they are.
  Thomas Vanderham and Brett Tippie blasting down one of a few un-official trails on the Darkside of Mount Seymour. Yes, there are still secret trails on the Shore. No, I can't tell you where they are.

Andreas Hestler starting up to the trails on a perfect fall day on Vancouver s North Shore.
  Andreas Hestler starting up to the trails on a perfect fall day.

When I think of the North Shore this is what I picture. Andreas Hestler on a spur-of-the moment ride late this fall. Luckily I brought my camera and one lens just in case.
  When I think of the North Shore, this is what I picture. Andreas Hestler, on a spur-of-the-moment ride late this fall. Luckily I brought my camera and one lens, just in case.

Chris Johnston of the Nomads Enduro team doing some experimenting with me on a foggy night on the Shore.
  Chris Johnston of the Nomads Enduro team, doing some experimenting with me on a foggy night on the Shore.

One of my favourite people to shoot with Wade Simmons. He just plain looks better than anyone else riding a bike.
  One of my favourite people to shoot with: Wade Simmons. He just plain looks better than anyone else riding a bike.

Andrew Baker North Vancouver BC. The shirt says it all...
  Andrew Baker, North Vancouver BC. The shirt says it all...

THE CHAMP

2013 was the year Stevie Smith won the World Cup DH title. Here he is with Andrew Shandro and friends watching his winning run at the Red Bull Media house in Vancouver BC.
  2013 was the year Stevie Smith won the World Cup DH title. Here he is with Andrew Shandro and friends, watching his winning run at the Red Bull Media house in Vancouver BC.

JAMES DOERFLING


James Doerfling Spences Bridge BC.
  James Doerfling, Spences Bridge BC.

James Doerfling has quietly been sending it harder than most for many years but he has only come into the spotlight the last couple of years. With balls as big as his it was only a matter of time before more people noticed. Here he is on an early season photo video shoot in Spences Bridge BC. What you can t see in this shot is how steep this chute is I had my camera pointed pretty much straight up in the air . Full control full speed.
  James Doerfling has quietly been sending it harder than most for many years, but he has only come into the spotlight the last couple of years. With balls as big as his, it was only a matter of time before more people noticed. Here he is on an early season photo/video shoot in Spences Bridge BC. What you can't see in this shot is how steep this chute is (I had my camera pointed pretty much straight up in the air). Full control, full speed.

KENNY SMITH

Kenny Smith is one BMF and that s why I like him so much Angel Fire resort New Mexico USA.
  Kenny Smith is one BMF, and that's why I like him so much! Angel Fire resort, New Mexico USA.

BMX

BMX the bad boy brother to MTB. I wish I could shoot more of this. James Van DeKamp East Vancouver BC.
  BMX is the bad boy brother to MTB. I wish I could shoot more of this. James Van DeKamp, East Vancouver BC.

MIKE KINRADE

Mike Kinrade still sending it after all these years. Mike is now the head of trail building and guiding at Retallack Lodge. Seems like a good fit.
  Mike Kinrade, still sending it after all these years. Mike is now the head of trail building and guiding at Retallack Lodge. Seems like a good fit.

Mike Kinrade dropping into Elephantitis overlooking Nelson BC.
  Mike Kinrade dropping into Elephantitis, overlooking Nelson BC.

CRANKWORX WHISTLER

Taking cover from the pouring rain while shooting the Dual Slalom finals at Crankworx Whistler with a couple of old Whistler friends Paddy Kaye and Gray Rodier.
  Taking cover from the pouring rain while shooting the Dual Slalom finals at Crankworx Whistler, with a couple of old Whistler friends, Paddy Kaye and Gray Rodier.

Aggy at this years Crankworx whip off world championships. Aggy is a rider I ve never had the pleasure of working with but I hope to change that next year. Get well soon buddy.
  Aggy at this years' Crankworx whip off world championships. Aggy is a rider I've never had the pleasure of working with, but I hope to change that next year. Get well soon buddy.

The last air of Crankowrx Whistler 2013. Martin Soderstrom laid it all on the line with this attempt at a 360 double tail whip. Sadly he crashed hard and broke his leg. This marks two years in a row where he has crashed off the last stunt. Let s see if he can pull it together this coming year. My money s on Martin.
  The last air of Crankowrx Whistler 2013. Martin Soderstrom laid it all on the line with this attempt at a 360 double tail whip. Sadly, he crashed hard and broke his leg. This marks two years in a row where he has crashed off the last stunt. Let's see if he can pull it together this coming year. My money's on Martin.

FRASER VALLEY

Wade Simmons Sumas BC. This photo was taken for the new guidebook that Wade and his business partner Sharon Bader are producing. It s the follow up to the highly successful Locals Guide to the North Shore called Locals Guide to the Fraser Valley.
  Wade Simmons, Sumas BC. This photo was taken for the new guidebook that Wade and his business partner, Sharon Bader are producing. It's the follow up to the highly successful "Locals Guide to the North Shore", called: "Locals Guide to the Fraser Valley."

SHOTGUN RIGA

I have a little ritual at the end of all my shoots where I like to do shotguns. Kenny Smith even made up a nickname for me Shotgun Riga . I like it. Beth Parsons showing us how it s done. Atta girl.
  Sometimes there's a lot of positive energy flailing about after a really good shoot, and in my opinion the best way to celebrate that is a shotgun. Kenny Smith even made up a nickname for me: "Shotgun Riga". I like it. Beth Parsons, showing us how it's done. Atta' girl.

GARETT BUEHLER

Buehler Red Bull Rampage rain delay day evening dirt jump session at the old site.
  Garett, Red Bull Rampage rain delay day, evening dirt jump session at the old site.

Garett Buehler warms up on the morning of this years Red Bull Rampage finals. Easily the gnarliest event I was at all year.
  Garett warms up on the morning of this years' Red Bull Rampage finals. Easily the gnarliest event I was at all year.

In contention for my favourite shot of 2013. Garett Buehler fifty-footer alpine booter. Retallack BC.
  In contention for my favourite shot of 2013. Garett Buehler, fifty-footer, alpine booter. Retallack BC.

The run in to this drop was shitty. Rough rocky uneven ground led to the edge and the landing was flat onto more rough rocks with a super steep runnout with no room for error. Needless to say I made Garett Buehler do it more than once. Retallack BC.
  The run in to this drop was shitty. Rough, rocky, uneven ground led to the edge of the takeoff, and the landing was flat onto more rough rocks, with a super steep runnout, and no room for error. Needless to say, I made Garett do it more than once. Sorry bro. Retallack Lodge BC.

RETALLACK LODGE BC

Retallack Lodge BC is in my opinion the next frontier in big-mountain riding in Canada. With a vast network of decommissioned mining roads leading to the alpine. This place is a goldmine waiting to be tapped.
  Retallack Lodge BC is in my opinion the next frontier in big-mountain riding in Canada. With a vast network of decommissioned mining roads leading to the alpine. This place is a goldmine waiting to be tapped.


Must Read This Week
Final Results and Replay: Slopestyle - Crankworx Innsbruck 2019
82090 views
Review: 2019 Santa Cruz Megatower - Stiff & Solid, But Not That Sensitive
73749 views
First Ride: Orbea's 2020 Occam Trail Bike is Light, Fast & Fun
58274 views
Behind the Numbers: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO 29 Suspension Analysis
55606 views
Behind the Numbers: Marin Mount Vision Suspension Analysis
53722 views
Enter the Return To Earth 30-Day Trailforks Ride Challenge
49431 views
Final Results and Replay: Downhill - Crankworx Innsbruck 2019
45579 views
6 Key Facts From the EWS Health Study
41269 views

71 Comments

  • + 151
 all I can say is wow ...
  • + 27
 so wow such amaze
  • - 10
flag pjfisch (Dec 27, 2013 at 12:23) (Below Threshold)
 such wow
  • + 6
 that doerfling shot for POY 2014
  • - 17
flag medievalbiking (Dec 27, 2013 at 12:43) (Below Threshold)
 such overused, much bore, very photo, so amaze
  • + 5
 The "Vancouver's North Shore. As hauntingly beautiful as ever. " shot was completly insane. Margus, you should have sent that one in for POY.
  • + 12
 ^ You could have said that to just about every shot. Incredible. We need a photographer of the year contest... maybe one of the Pinkbike awards?
  • + 1
 The dude.
  • + 2
 Margus Riga = Best photographer ever
  • + 1
 towards the end there, add to favorite rampage ha
  • + 1
 WOWx1000
  • + 1
 Every shot looked like it was part of the POY contest... Can't believe this was all one photographer.
  • + 1
 Incredible!!!!! So creative.
  • + 12
 Amazing dude! SO amazing. Looking forward to seeing the photographs 2014 brings! Hope you and the fam had a great Christmas!
  • + 12
 I was pinching my nipples while looking at these photos.
  • + 10
 Well done Margus. Expected nothing less from you now as you set expectations so high
  • + 7
 every single picture = POD
  • + 2
 Seriously beautiful shots! You capture the spirit of adventure in the South Chilcotin just perfectly.
Short sidebar - 'cowboy camp' as you called it is actually our Bear Paw camp located along Tyaughton Creek, not to be confused with the "cowboy camp" in the Gun Meadows.
  • + 2
 a Fan of your work.
I really would like to know more about editing on these pictures.

> www.pinkbike.com/photo/10448731
> www.pinkbike.com/photo/10448685
  • + 1
 I'd love to hear about the processing as well. Definitely pulling blacks.
  • + 1
 First shot is a very low shutter speed, blurring the clouds and the fire's light. Second shot is just a bit de-saturated, maybe pumped up the contrast a bit.
  • + 4
 Astonishing pictures, mate.
  • + 3
 Thank you man! was just running out of new material when I refreshed my page and BAM there it was. RIDE ON
  • + 2
 This is a good reminder of how much better lives mountain bikers have than everyone else on the planet.
  • + 1
 Well done! beautiful shots. I know how much dedication and effort can be behind any one of those shots... and getting so many awesome ones is remarkable.
  • + 2
 Photo EPIC seems like a very fitting description for this post. outstanding work Margus !
  • + 2
 Nice Pics!That one picture from Wade in the Fraser Valley in Sumas isn't that the backside of Ledgeview.
  • + 1
 Correct
  • + 2
 i want to live in a world that looks the way margus makes it look. unbefuckinglievable
  • + 2
 Is this the most spectacular biking photo epic ever placed on the internet? Wow.
  • + 2
 Bicycles in stills! Nuff said
  • + 2
 Great shots to summarize a great year!
  • + 2
 Nothing depicts this sport better than those photos! Just stellar images!
  • + 1
 And the Green Monster isn't even the gnarliest rock face on that trail!!! Such good photos Margus, fantastic work.
  • + 1
 Chingon! On top of taking sick photos he is a pretty freakin rad dude as well..
  • + 3
 You are my hero
  • + 3
 Amazing shots! tup
  • + 1
 Always the best Margus. That shot of Hestler on the Shore is amazing. So dark. My type of shot.
  • + 1
 Awesome Margus great job love it all ! props to the yukon section ... happy trails cheers buddy
  • + 1
 Thank you so much for ending the year on an amazing note for all of us. Such good shots. Margus Rocks!
  • + 2
 Give me one reason not to move to Vancouver...
  • + 2
 Muneemuneemunee mahkneeeee ... MONEY! Van outer is a beautiful place, but if you are gonna dodge the draft, I'd look at the okanagan before I committed to Van.
  • + 2
 beauties Margus!
  • + 1
 Set my desktop background whit Margus foto s! Smile
  • + 1
 Mind-blowing beauty in your pictures! I just can't get enough...
  • + 1
 my eyes are now full of beautiful sceneries! Oo Thanks!
  • + 1
 awsome pics man! Nice work!
  • + 1
 That's the POD right there!
  • + 1
 Dam, Now all im thinking about is how I want to go back to Canada!
  • + 2
 speechless
  • + 2
 ....added to Favorites!
  • + 2
 Beautiful photos.
  • + 1
 wow, thanks for all the amazing images.
  • + 0
 This is really good work, you should consider becoming a professional photographer!
  • + 1
 Yup.. I'm fully erect now
  • + 1
 Talent - with a capital "T". Sweet work Margus. :-)
  • + 1
 Tha shirt, may the forest be with you!
  • + 1
 Yep.
  • + 1
 Mind blowing
  • + 1
 Awesome photo's
  • + 1
 Thankyou!
  • + 1
 Will my comment submit?
  • + 1
 It did! I can't post a comment on a video though, anyone got any ideas what the issue is? Also can't 'unfollow' someone, buttons click but nothing happens.
  • + 1
 Badass photography
  • + 1
 Amazing photos Margus!
  • + 1
 Realy nice pics, WOW
  • + 1
 :')
  • + 0
 what happened to Aggy?
  • + 2
 spinal/neck injury i believe in early September if i remember correctly...
  • + 2
 Dan told us Aggy got hurt during the shooting of a film/short film. Hope he will get well soon!
  • + 0
 malade les photos!

Post a Comment



Copyright © 2000 - 2019. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.059875
Mobile Version of Website