Gee Atherton is the former downhill world champion who, for several years now, has been producing films that make viewers’ blood run cold. The series is called “Ridgeline,” which translates to “mountain ridge.” In each episode, the British rider tackles the narrowest ridges in high-alpine terrain, where even the slightest mistake can be fatal. All episodes can be found on the Athertons’ YouTube channel.

After having to overcome several hard crashes and serious injuries as a racer, he crashed in 2021 while filming the clip “The Knife Edge” (need I say more?) down a rocky slope over 30 meters. For 15 months, he battled through physical and mental therapy to return to a professional level. His crash at the 2023 Red Bull Rampage also remains a nightmarish memory for many. The drop was over 20 meters high.

His subsequent films show that, since then, his willingness to ride and jump life-threatening lines hasn’t diminished. On the contrary. Not even at age 41.

 

 

 

 

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Gee just can’t stop

His latest crash happened in Bolivia; he writes from the hospital that filming there surpassed all his previous experiences. He gives a sneak peek of what to expect from the film in an Instagram video. Very few people would walk this route, let alone ride a bike. One photo shows his bike with a broken rear wheel. Judging by the position of the front wheel and the fork, the frame is at least dented. Was it perhaps the makeshift-looking road gap in the middle of a city? He doesn’t reveal exactly what happened or what broke on his bike this time. He’s probably saving that for the film’s premiere.

Some commenters wonder how Gee Atherton can still be insurable, while others ask if he’ll ever stop risking his life before it’s too late. Since 2024, there’s been an online petition asking him to take it easy. They say he’s achieved everything and no longer has to prove anything to anyone. The petition has gained a few more signatures in recent days—including mine.