The Zone

Oct 7, 2011
by Margus Riga  
Some riders have one. Many riders wish they had one. This is about one.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.
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  Out there it's still the wild west, and there are no laws in the wild west.

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  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.

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

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  Steaks of their labour.

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

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  Doerfling, high and dry.

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  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.

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  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.

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  This feature is all natural. No digging required.

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  Beer and trucks...tools of the trade.

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

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Member since Aug 4, 2009
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43 Comments
  • 57 2
 So many of these photographs deserve POD
  • 21 0
 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 0
 The snakes are taller than Richie? Well that doesn't sound too bad... Wink
  • 13 0
 one of the best photographers i know
  • 7 0
 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 0
 agreed, PB widescreen for all!
  • 8 0
 that was fantastic... hope no one got shot by meth crazed red necks...
  • 2 0
 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".
  • 2 0
 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!
  • 6 0
 wow
  • 1 0
 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!!
  • 3 0
 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
  • 2 0
 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.
  • 1 0
 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.
  • 4 0
 Awesome work!
  • 2 1
 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..
  • 1 0
 your pictures are AMAZING!.....over here we are getting ready for winter, but seeing that, makes me want to shred some!!! nice work
  • 3 0
 epic!!!
  • 1 0
 Margus Riga pumps out stunning photo after stunning photo. Thanks for the awesome article!
  • 2 0
 it does a mind good to saturate it with photos such as these.
  • 2 0
 too much lucky lager, makes my gunt hurt
  • 1 0
 Baaaahahahahaha, havent heard that joke in eons
  • 1 0
 10 PODs in a row over here! I wish Riga picked PODs more often (No offense to Hylands)
  • 1 0
 every photo is just brillant, awesome scenery and riding.. wish i could have something like that in my back yard!
  • 1 0
 currently in the process of building my own "zone". though im sure it wont be nearly as epic as this.
  • 1 0
 Well Done!! you captured the nature's bueaty very well with you're photography skills! 1+
  • 1 0
 Very heavy / dark photos. Never been a fan of that, but all the rest makes up for that, more than enough! Good job, Margus!
  • 2 0
 Margus, you KILLED it buddy! Let's go for a shred soon!
  • 2 0
 Magnificent photos!
  • 1 0
 Esto boy does good. Head pildid!
  • 1 0
 Amazing Smile What an amazing landscape!
  • 1 0
 All pics are POD. This makes me go ride in rain with broken finger..
  • 2 0
 So many POD's in this Big Grin
  • 1 0
 theese boys kill it! such unique zones that James always in!
  • 1 0
 Lucky Lager: The official fuel of BC MTB.
  • 1 0
 Geez Knolly make SICK bikes, i want a Podium..!
  • 1 0
 Absolutely stunning location and photography! Long live stills!
  • 1 0
 nice shots Wink loool those photos are all EPIC love it Wink
  • 1 0
 Absolute masterpiece photography!
  • 1 0
  "Steaks of their labour." ... Amen.
  • 1 0
 really cool
  • 1 0
 talent photographer!!!
  • 1 0
 POD's-enders







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