Must Watch: Gee Atherton Rides HUGE, Exposed Jumps in 'The Ridgeline'

Dec 2, 2020 at 7:43
by James Smurthwaite  

Tarren y Gesail looms over Dyfi Bike Park at the South-West frontier of the Snowdonia National Park. A grassy ridge runs down from the 666m trig point where barely 2m from the left of a natural trail the land falls away, dropping hundreds of metres. The views are stunning. It’s the kind of unique and frankly perilous situation that Gee Atherton finds irresistible.

bigquotesI’ve always wanted to film here, it’s so amazingly exposed and totally unique but it was just the germ of an idea, a bit of a daydream. Over summer we were up here on the trials bikes, it was a still, perfect day and I began to see it in a bit more detail with natural doubles, step downs and gaps and I thought how sick it would be to craft in a line.

From the first day up here the build was really hard. It’s so inaccessible and open to the elements. Some days we’d be hiking up here with the generator and a jackhammer on our backs in 30 degrees, others we’d be lashed by storms and soaked to the skin. It became a personal battle.trying to tame this beast, but without the dig crew I’d never have made it.

The Atherton bike was amazing. Going in at these speeds I needed to be 110% confident, it’s just so strong. On the last gap of the last day I overshot and had such a savage landing, it was like dropping off a house to flat...the bike was fine, I’m still riding it.”
Gee Atherton

photo
Photos: Moonhead Media

bigquotesThis is probably the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen Gee do on a bike, absolutely on the very edge of what’s possible. With this type of big film project it’s often high risk but this was next level in terms of how badly it could have gone wrong. I had the medic bag, radios, stretcher all hidden in my truck. It was pretty full on to the point I dreaded every time he was going up to test.Dan Atherton

photo

The Ridgeline was filmed and edited by Wearepeny in partnership with Continental Tyres.

bigquotesThis new, breath-taking film takes mountain bike riding to the next level. Gee continues to inspire the world with his riding and the release of The Ridge line today will be no exception to this. We were excited to be able to partner with Gee and the team on its creation and that he chose to put our Kaiser Project Pro Ltd tyres to the test to tackle the Ridgeline.Oliver Anhuth, Global Head of Marketing Bicycle Tyres, Continental


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232 Comments
  • 659 1
 Does it get any more classic than this?

Older brother builds new jumps
Sends younger brother to guinea pig them
  • 158 1
 Gee seems so much happier now not racing. Its like the old Rampage Gee that hit the wallride...sending it with that unique style. Keep smashing mate!
  • 59 1
 @MikeyMT: I was there, in person, when he hit the Wall Ride in Virgin. Stil blows my mind ten years later
  • 5 0
 Datz Frackn Nutz!
  • 11 1
 Hummm.... beginning of a new or revised hard line course for next year?
  • 2 0
 hahah guilty as charged
  • 55 16
 *unscalable ridge
... drives quad to top of ridge.
  • 46 1
 @shredddr: I could be wrong, but I believe they were calling the steep slope (on the riders left side below the ridge) unscalable. Not the ridge itself.
  • 8 0
 @diggerandrider: Those jumps must be big, even drone crash at 2:05
  • 8 0
 @MikeyMT: he raced the Lousã WCs just a month ago, but yeah, he seems happy!
  • 4 0
 still one of the gnarliest to ever do it
  • 18 0
 Gee Atherton is my hero! One man. One mission. If there was one human on earth who we’d have to choose to send the biggest jump and to have to make it into a portal, above the atmosphere, to save the fate of the Universe...I’d send Gee.
  • 2 0
 Think of how fast that camera man is sprinting to get that footage behind him at 3:00
  • 1 0
 Yup. I have 2 sons. The younger one always sends it first.
  • 1 0
 Nuts! The fun type!
  • 1 0
 I am the youngest brother... and the youngest of the group of friends... and yep I was the test dummy on way too many jumps! But it was fun Wink
  • 250 15
 For whatever reason, Gee has lost his racing mojo. Hes only 35, not as old as the GOAT, but its gone for whatever reason. He should focus more on content like this. These are legit Rampage sized hits, but at World Cup race speeds. Few, if any, other riders in the world could hit that line, and man this video will sell more Atherton bikes than his entire last two World Cup seasons. This is one of the most impressive things I've ever seen done on a mountain bike.
  • 81 0
 The size and speed is mind numbing.
  • 33 0
 As yo know...its all mental. He just did not seem to be having fun racing...you can hear the joy in his voice in this video, something that I feel I have not heard from him in a long time.
  • 7 75
flag freerideneverdies (Dec 2, 2020 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)
 I think kade and kaos could hit it, and when they hopefully do there is probably gonna be some mega whips n flips
  • 5 50
flag Ds1234 FL (Dec 2, 2020 at 8:47) (Below Threshold)
 he had a good 2018 season but started riding his own bran of bikes in 2019 and 2020 which leads me to believe that it's the bike that is the issue and perhaps he is still adjusting to it
  • 39 1
 To see how far his bike rag-dolled after he wrecked, and knowing how light their frames are is super impressive. The bike appeared fine. Like I said, edits like this will sell more bikes than world cup racing.
  • 66 3
 Being 35 is not the same for everyone. Gee has taken quite a beating over the years. While someone like Minnar may be older and been racing longer you don't see Greg doing things like Rampage, Hardline, projects like this, etc where you see that Gee gets pretty beat up at times. At this point I'm sure that Gee's body just may not be up to the task anymore of keeping up with the top racing talent.
  • 18 1
 @sino428
I remember Minnaar riding a Haro DHR at Rampage 2003. Just sayin.
  • 5 16
flag betsie (Dec 2, 2020 at 11:13) (Below Threshold)
 @Ninjanulski: +1 Smile
Kade anyway.
The top 20+ WC guys are all great at gaps. Probably because they do mx too where these are standard size (I think).
  • 41 3
 Also Gee is one of the most well spoken interviewer/interviewees I've seen. His interview skills at the bottom of the track during WC were damn good. Racing is just one part of the game, and Gee is extremely well rounded.
  • 19 0
 @hamncheez: The snow crash is completely insane. Jesus.
  • 8 89
flag deco1 FL (Dec 2, 2020 at 13:37) (Below Threshold)
 You can’t seriously think that do you dude; Gees a good rider but his pretty washed up; I would be almost certain that all the rampage field and FEST series regulars could ride this line and most of them for sure a lot better then Gee.
Cmon his not even close to being one of the best riders in the world now.
  • 9 0
 Shoulder injuries ain't no joke. Take 1 year out ez. Look at gwin and so many more.
Same time, young guns a blazing(progression). So once back to where pace was, new pace now further.
  • 8 2
 @Ninjanulski: you can't just throw statements like this, those two are good riders but they haven't proven anything yet. Gee has a massive portfolio. Until they compete in rampage and will multiple world cups and world champs. Then you can say that.
  • 2 0
 @hamncheez: I was there when he had the crash in tignes...
  • 3 1
 @deco1: i’d have to agree with you, sounds harsh but its true, a lot of people neg propping you probably never hit big jumps themselves so can’t really comment
  • 3 10
flag CM999 (Dec 3, 2020 at 14:36) (Below Threshold)
 @sino428: gee has to pay the drinks company back somehow. One of these years he might actually win his own race
  • 8 0
 @CM999: He won Hardline in 2018.
  • 1 0
 I’m with you brother! If this doesn’t put Gee and those bikes firmly on the map then nothing will. So impressive!
  • 2 0
 @danielstutt: too true. It's the first video I've seen where my heart was in my mouth just considering those speeds
  • 175 1
 That hit my Gee spot.
  • 4 4
 same
  • 10 1
 Crash was a Gee out...
  • 128 1
 Fake. The sun doesn't come out in Wales, ever.
  • 87 0
 On June 16th 1984 Wales saw bright sunshine for over 2 whole hours continuously.
  • 8 0
 @Dropthedebt: Video doesn't seem that old. It is fake.
  • 41 0
 @Dropthedebt: The Great Scorch of '84. There was a hosepipe ban announced by the Mayor of Fishguard, Mr Kenny Twat, and traffic came to a standstill as there were rumours some of the trendier boutiques in Cardiff had imported sunglasses - like what we'd seen in films like.
  • 11 0
 @DidNotSendIt: it was a couple of hours we will never forget up here in Snowdonia. We weren't really bothered about those heretics in the south though, especially after Fishguard's Mayor Kenny held water hostage and photographed his wife Mary. Good summer that day...
  • 64 0
 The shit Dan makes his little brother do.
  • 50 0
 Epic. Honestly makes me think there should be more rampage style events in a wider variety of landscapes. Don't get me wrong Utah is sick but it would be cool too see many riders building lines in a variety of areas.
  • 3 0
 It would be interesting to see a redbull competition were; a team of six with 2 riders build a freeride line within 7 days and film a top to bottom runs. No big or heavy machines used for building. Judged by anonymous industry insiders, like ex freeriders, pb and vital editors, et al.
  • 2 0
 I just don’t think here are many places out there where this could actually be done. The landscape in Utah where they hold rampage is very unique in the way that a relatively small condensed zone could hold 20 or so pretty unique lines. Most places that would require moving a lot of earth, cutting down trees, etc.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: believe it or not, there is a place in china that looks EXACTLY like southern UT. I do agree with you though, places like UT where rampage is done comes a dime a dozen
  • 1 0
 @phuley94: Of course, 'm sure there are other places that have the landscape. I was thinking more about places that it could be done, where is would also be at least somewhat feasible to have a contest.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: aah I gotcha, yeah your right in that aspect for sure.
  • 50 0
 you know he's fully pinned when the drone propellers sound like my PS4 playing COD
  • 1 0
 Notice it all go wrong drone wise, at 2:05?
  • 2 0
 @pbuser2299: Maybe 'follow' mode goes too far-- if you crash your follow drone also crashes Big Grin
  • 38 0
 Question: How much speed did you need to clear those jumps?
Answer: All of it, he needed all of the speed!
  • 3 0
 was thinking it's either total speed with commitment, or total commitment with speed
  • 11 0
 Approximately 69,420,666 km/h.
  • 40 4
 666m trig point. Hail Satan.
  • 23 0
 You know the gaps are huge and sketchy when Gee isn't throwing a whip and instead is just laser-focused on getting the distance.
  • 22 0
 wow massive jumps. We need to see POV from this run
  • 3 0
 Absolutely.
  • 22 0
 I think this deserves a "must watch" title.
  • 2 23
flag Curse-of-the-foot-long-sub (Dec 2, 2020 at 21:42) (Below Threshold)
 i dont its insane skill and some mean shots but not a must watch
  • 9 0
 I am right there with ya ones and zeros, not sure who sees this, rides mtb aggressively, and doesn’t feel the same.
  • 22 0
 Geeeeeeeeezus!
  • 17 0
 First video in a long time that I got physically scared watching. That was absolutely incredible. Rampage-sized gaps with Rampage-level exposure. Gee is one hell of a bike rider.
  • 17 2
 This is super impressive because of the closeness of the jumps from it being a more "natural" line as well as the fact that the takeoffs/landings aren't that wide... but I'm curious how the size of these compares to jumps at Nines or a Fest series event.

Like I said; apples and oranges, because they create from a blank canvas at those events, and the Athertons worked with a natural ridgeline here, but I'd still love to see some actual metrics comparing them.

For the geeks out there who follow Star Wars or Star Trek, I'm thinking like a diagram where they compare the scale of various ships to each other. It would be a scaled diagram comparing various famous jumps/features to each other.
  • 11 0
 Exactly this. The precision needed to land these, just wow
  • 8 0
 @weeksy59: Yep, the narrowness, the very short distance from landing to another take off, so much about this line is very very impressive!
  • 8 0
 Seems like a very different type of thing than the jumps you’d see at a freestyle comp like fest. Those are huge but more meant to just launch the rider. This ridge line is more technical as its very narrow and looks like you need to go full speed the entire time, needing to land each jump perfectly to flow into the next.
  • 3 4
 Hitting a 3 ft lip at that speed, vs a 10-15 ft smooth lip seems like your more just along for the ride bouncing off these jumps.
  • 2 0
 I guess London busses or Olympic swimming pools would be a better SI unit of measure for these, gonna need a lot of bananas end to end to visualise the length of those jumps!
  • 18 0
 That last step-down is, uh, lengthy....
  • 16 0
 Best part is Gee getting up from that crash, saying... cased it.. going back up and pulling harder to clear it. The old boy has some balls.
  • 15 0
 how far does that bike fall after the crash!
  • 15 0
 Very many millimetres.
  • 3 0
 No kidding - the bike just kept on going, not sure if he ever even got it back. I guess that line is even steeper than it looks on camera.
  • 17 0
 Apparently a paperboy caught it at the bottom, and he's now using it to reach remote rural residencies.
  • 2 0
 Go watch Megavalanche segment from Earthed 4 and you might be shocked.
  • 3 0
 Some say, the bike is still stepping down, beyond where the sea meets the land.
  • 12 0
 The bike world needs more Atherton freeride edits. Dan and Gee both have a unique mixture of speed, strength, and willingness to send absolutely anything that is truly awesome to watch.
  • 12 0
 This is more flying than riding
  • 2 0
 Flyding tings.
  • 9 0
 I've always liked Gee, even if people think he's a moody mo-fo.

Rider, racer & general bad ass. Can't say fairer than that. keep on sending dude.
  • 8 1
 The UK is a secret trail heaven. Our known legit trail centres are generally pretty lame with a few exceptions. Our underground trail scene is pretty epic though. Easily some of the best loamy dirt anywhere on the planet.
  • 4 0
 Trail centres I've been too are awesome.
  • 2 0
 @sidekicksjn: You've not been to Dalby have you
  • 1 0
 Probably got permission to do a days filming and then put all the dirt back. Hardline is only open to ride for the event and that’s it .
  • 10 0
 Go Athertons!! Awesome vid!!
  • 7 0
 Absolutely amazing! No words needed. And the view at the sunrise is just stunning!
  • 7 0
 Sat and watched all way through which is not something in normally do... “great stuff Gee...!” (and the team...)
  • 5 0
 Absolutely Breathtaking. The combination of speed, size and risk. The most effective video I have seen in a long time. For some reason it just seemed very real and incredibly dangerous
  • 8 0
 WAHHH!!!! THAT WAS SOOO SICK.
  • 9 0
 Da iawn Gee bach!
  • 1 0
 Yeah that was sick , man I really have to have a bike next time I’m back home in North Wales (not to ride that though!)
  • 7 0
 I felt the same sense of achievement when I bossed a meter jump "up the woods" the other day and never fell off.
  • 6 0
 Unreal....Gee proving what a machine he is getting up from that off too.....that woulda put me in traction for a year!! Kudos!
  • 4 0
 You know i always say to myself live a good life and build a legacy. So when i'm 75 i can sit back and talk about the things i've done. Be ace to be sat with Gee, Rach and Dan listening to the things they have done....sure this would rack up high for Gee....what a legend!
  • 6 0
 An overused term nowadays...but this video defines 'send it' in the most pure and beautiful way. Cheers Gee and Dan
  • 5 0
 Those are some big rampage sized gaps, especially that last step down. Sketch exposure too! So sick Gee! Those bikes can clearly take the impacts too
  • 5 0
 Fucking A. I dig Gee, he may not be as fast in between the tape as he once was, but I definitely enjoy everything he puts out there
  • 4 0
 What's the music? The whole composure of this has a bit of the Inception hairs on the back of your neck tingle with the combo of the right music/epic visuals/stunning cinematogrphy/mind blowing action.
  • 2 0
 Gee makes it look so cool and calm that you think anyone could do it. Then you realise how far his bike tumbled when he fell, and you realise he is moving rather swiftly! Finally, he does that chilled drop at the end. Which the side shot reveals to be the size of a house!
  • 2 0
 Man, I feel like this video had such great potential only to leave me feeling a bit wanting, the cuts are placed too close together and I can’t tell if this track was four jumps or ten, you know? Would have loved to see a single top to bottom of this from the drone. I don’t mind bringing the story in at all, it makes it feel much more real, but at the end I still feel I’ve only seen a preview.
  • 6 0
 That was way too short.
  • 4 0
 PinkBike Says "Gee hits HUGE gaps" Ginormous would be a more apt adjective. That was special.
  • 9 0
 Geenormous..?
  • 3 0
 Most bike MTB edits are kind of underwhelming, even when they're videos of the world's top riders riding at their limit. This though. Whoa.
  • 4 0
 Man I love this! Little documentary style, good camera work, genuine stoke. Good for Gee!
  • 4 0
 The first shot (before the crash) really reminded me of Shawn Palmer in Chainsmoke. Classic vibe.
  • 5 0
 Gee's got lugs made of titanium, dayum...
  • 4 0
 Like it is not dangerous enough jumping gigantic jumps, but let's put them on an edge of a cliff.
  • 2 0
 Amazing! Always been one of the best riders so I love seeing content like this that showcases how good he is. Scenery was stunning, those hits were massive, and Gee still sends with the best of them.
  • 1 0
 Say what you will, the ONLY way this could have been any better would have been if Rob W. was commentating it. In a quiet whisper like voice, not the overly amped up voice we all know and love.. Jokes and wishes aside, outstanding ride, landscape and Lads!! Cheers boys!!
  • 3 0
 Those atherton bikes must be really good, Gee's bike is all "don't worry man you just lay there ima get up and givr another go!"
  • 5 0
 That was insane
  • 4 0
 HOLY F***, even getting up and doing it again after that crash, wow
  • 2 0
 It’s abit like watching a jump’n’run game. Awesome!

That sound though - what hubs is he riding? First thought it’s the drones but doesn’t seem to be the case.
  • 2 0
 I think it's the FPV drone. It was flying pretty close and they are loud as all get out with a more aggressive sound if that makes sense. I could be totally wrong though.
  • 4 0
 I haven't gotten chills like that in a long time. That was special.
  • 5 0
 that was beautiful
  • 4 0
 That was probably the coolest clip of the year. So far.
  • 3 0
 I rally want to see him back in top 10. He is fast, as someone said earlier...is just a mental game.
  • 3 0
 If that bike had hit someone when he rag dolled it, that would no have been a good time. Insane
  • 2 0
 Next time my beloved asks "what does it feel like when you jump your bike?" 1:18, that's what it feels like.

Breathtaking video.
  • 1 0
 That is amazing! I really want to see Gee continue in this direction of riding and more of the Redbull hardline! To be fair Dyfi bike park itself is pretty mental! Top bunch up there! Wales 3
  • 1 0
 I guess they used good quality glue to bond those lugs after all... Sick riding! Maybe the most incredible thing is that they got a sunny day with no wind at all in a ridge in the middle of Wales...
  • 2 0
 That was honestly the most brutally impressive natural riding I’ve seen in any edit this year. Gee is an absolute best as always.
  • 1 0
 And here was me thinking last weeks vid was the best! You know its concentration central when there arn't any whips goin down. Well done sirs
  • 4 0
 'Be more Gee'.
  • 4 0
 Rampage in the U.K.
  • 4 0
 Masive!
  • 2 0
 Dan will need one hell of a catch net to intergrate this into the bike park. Hell yeah Gee!!
  • 2 0
 By ek....I was watching and kept saying to myself 'don't look over the edge'. Mint
  • 3 0
 my goodness, I was white knuckling it for him
  • 2 0
 Absolutely stunning and insane. Man I am so glad you didn't hit to the left in that crash!
  • 3 0
 Really, really good. Beautiful edit also. Nice one.
  • 3 0
 I hope no one else tries to rode this
  • 4 0
 Reckon Dan will have a go sooner or later mate
  • 1 0
 could be a fest serious course next year
  • 2 0
 that was beautiful. hats off to all involved and to Gee for executing. wow. epic, man. just epic
  • 2 0
 I now have an irregular heart beat and sweaty palms, time to hit the oxygen....
  • 2 0
 Simply bonkers! And that ghost rider was also epic.....Need some POV on that!
  • 2 0
 What about Atherton bikes? When will they finally start sell them? Any pinkbike review?
  • 2 0
 Insanely enjoyable to watch, well done to Gee and everyone involved with the build/production!
  • 2 0
 This line is pure gold Gaps and lips and gaps some more. Reality redefined
  • 3 0
 Insane video. Would love to see a full drone shot from top to bottom.
  • 3 0
 The G forces are strong in this one
  • 3 0
 Phenomenal. The Athertons are hard AF.
  • 4 0
 Gee=Classy
  • 1 0
 Can we get a longer edit with fewer cuts and riding longer shots please? Really epic backdrop plus the amazing riding deserves more time time to savour!
  • 3 0
 amazing Gee!!! so rad
  • 2 0
 Savage!!! Always going it Gee!
  • 2 0
 rampage 2020 : cancelled
Gee atherton : hold my beer Beer
  • 1 0
 Sorry gee...rampage is off No worries....will build my own!!! Just amazing...but what we've come to expect from Geeman
  • 2 0
 Maybe not one for a windy day!
  • 3 0
 holy.............shit
  • 3 0
 Wow...
  • 3 0
 cool stuff
  • 2 0
 I could feel that all the way down to my plumss. Insane
  • 3 0
 Geezus!
  • 2 0
 Just the Athertons doing Atherton things.
  • 2 0
 Think Gee was on an old Trek session?
  • 1 0
 @Jptothetree

Ive got Dyfi booked up for next friday if wales doesn't close down before....i hope to meet them all there!
  • 1 0
 Got to make a race out of it. Not sure how many times a year it'll be rideable I mean Wales gets its fair share of wind
  • 1 0
 That would be cool to see, but I think that it would be a track of less than probably 1 minute, max.
  • 2 0
 Beautyfull trail building BTW Geesus send it properly
  • 3 0
 Proper Gee out there
  • 2 0
 One of the best edits this year! Thanks, that was inspiring
  • 2 0
 Jesus those are huge gaps! Literally no room for error Eek
  • 1 0
 Just in time to release a big hitter 27.5 bike. Atherton bikes may be i the field test
  • 1 0
 Great to see some incredible riding with no whips or bar spins in sight. More like this thanks Gee
  • 2 0
 Seems like an odd comment to make given your username
  • 1 0
 The real question is, are the Athertons sponsored by Just for Men or is it just a personal sponsor for Gee?
  • 2 0
 The scenery is epic!
  • 2 0
 That's savage
  • 2 0
 THAT. IS. SIC
  • 2 0
 New type of rampage?
  • 2 0
 Absolute Class -
  • 2 0
 LEGEND
  • 1 0
 Does the drone go for a rag doll at 2.05?
  • 2 0
 Madness.-
  • 2 0
 Typical Gee behaviour...
  • 2 0
 Serial killer !
  • 1 0
 Awesome! He’s come a looooojng way since the DH race at Downton Abbey
  • 2 0
 SAVAGE!
  • 2 0
 Huhhuh Smile
  • 2 0
 Real life Line Rider!
  • 1 0
 So did he do a full run ? Or he skipped the jump he crashed?
  • 2 0
 i love this movie
  • 1 0
 Geeeesus!!! that's some pinned riding.
  • 1 1
 Wait a MTB edit without gangsta rap, what is this?!

Love the soundtrack, fits the mood and the location perfectly.
  • 1 0
 What a beast ! Well done, Gee ! Still as impressive !
  • 1 0
 insane !!!
  • 1 1
 Hopefully that's the warm up section for next year's Hardline.
  • 1 0
 Insane!
  • 1 0
 I love him
  • 1 0
 Wow that was epic!
  • 1 0
 Heck yeah, Gee!
  • 2 1
 Redbull Straightline.
  • 1 0
 Legendary
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