Video: Utah Freeride with Jaxson Riddle in 'The Enemy Is In Your Mind'

Jul 16, 2020
by Transition Bikes  


Filming for a freeride segment is no easy task. The finished product may look like a flowing montage of big hits, but behind the scenes, each of those moves comes with a mixture of stress and focus.

Every person has their own way of dealing with these pressures, but this young buck might be one of the most focused riders we have ever met. With a laser focus on pushing himself, sometimes even he needs a release. At one point the stress of trying the same move over and over without success looked like it was going to end our filming for the day. We decided to call it, but 20 minutes later, Jaxson donned a fresh set of sunglasses and saw things through a whole new lens. These internal battles are the biggest feats for any freeride athlete, and once he crested this one, we were able to get our best clips from the trip.

We headed down to Utah this February to help realize a few moves Jaxson had in mind, but not all went as planned. We spent days digging, test riding, and waiting for wind, only to gather a few clips here or there when we could. On our last day of the trip, the wind held off and Jaxson sent the biggest move. A massive step down that was previously built, but had only been attempted once, and ended in a big crash. Unfortunately that would be the same fate for Jaxson on this hit as well. Luckily he wasn't seriously injured, and will be back to give it another go when the time comes.

For now, enjoy these b-roll clips, and get stoked for when we can get back down there and finish this thing off.

Photo Credit Oliver Parish
When you need a little break from the stress, break out the speed dealers.

Photo Credit Skye Schillhammer
Last light over Zion National Park as Jaxson casually lays out this 3.

Photo Credit Oliver Parish
Even when there doesn't appear to be a line, there's a line. Jaxson is a Utah local, and has probably ridden down every face there.

Photo Credit Oliver Parish
One of the many features we built but were unable to film. This one in particular was a 10ft tall lip built into a standalone "nub". It would have made for some incredible imagery, but lack of moisture meant we couldn't get the lip steep enough to work properly.

Photo Credit Oliver Parish
This is the step down that marked the end of our trip. Luckily Jaxson was ok, and hobbled away with just some bruises and a battered body "I need to go as fast as possible" was on his mind when he hit this.


Photo Credit Oliver Parish
Already a legend, Jaxson has big goals, and we are stoked to watch him go after them.


Video: Skye Schillhammer
Addition filming: Gunnar Oliphant, Hannah Bergemann
Photos: Oliver Parish / Skye Schillhammer

Author Info:
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Member since Feb 17, 2009
138 articles

27 Comments
  • 23 0
 kid's clearly so talented. can't wait to see him at rampage when he feels ready
  • 7 0
 i can only relate to the first crash.
  • 8 1
 This kid is on another level.
  • 5 0
 Reminds me of watching Norbs in high school progressing so quickly. Just go for it mentality isn't something you can teach. It's innate.
  • 5 0
 It's gotta be the glasses.
  • 1 0
 This kid is always amazing me! Pushing the limits 110% Reminding of when Jeremy Mcgrath Supercross legend came on the seen with his new and innovative style of riding and tricks.
  • 1 0
 I will never forget the first time I saw Jaxon riding around the old rampage site. He came blasting down the warm-up line gaping things I never thought imaginable. Killing it buddy, keep it up!
  • 5 1
 Robbie Blumpkin glasses for the win! Sup Dawgie!
  • 4 0
 Everything's coming up Milhouse!
  • 4 0
 you gotta love the all-red pyjama look!
  • 3 0
 So.. are we getting a rampage this year?
  • 3 0
 That was more Hi-Def than real life!
  • 1 0
 Very fitting title. Being able to block out negative thoughts, or even thoughts at all, can be so important to progressing.
  • 2 0
 Symphony of Destruction. Nice!
  • 1 0
 so heavy.
  • 1 0
 The world is ready for more Gen Z steeze! Sick riding Jaxson!
  • 1 0
 Awesome shot, but I think he got stomped on that landing at 0:42!
  • 2 0
 Alright I'm impressed
  • 1 0
 SO stoked for this kid's future, so talented!
  • 1 0
 1 minute watching, 20 minutes dreaming, got me high
  • 2 0
 More, please!
  • 1 0
 Whip at 1:03, about as good as they get on a mtb
  • 1 0
 get him a rampage invite now
  • 4 0
 He already got one, pulled out of the 2nd qualifiers run last year in 5th
  • 1 3
 @Curse-of-the-foot-long-sub: does fabio as well??
  • 1 0
 The Riddler is a ripper!







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