Into Thin Air

by Sebastian Doerk
Nov 17, 2011 at 11:25

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It gives you a tremendous feeling of security if you’re all roped up with a guide while hiking through the rugged cliffs and icy deserts of the Ortler massif. Well at least that’s one of my thoughts when crossing the path with other maximum-equipped mountaineers. I’ll never find out how it feels... When travelling with Harald & Martin our bikes become the ice pick, a rain jacket transforms into a sled and riding skills is the only thread our health depends on.

Cevedale First Descent


Cevedale First Descent

For me that’s the ultimate freedom, crawling out of the tent early in the morning just to see the milky way and the stars disappear into the sunrise, it gives you a feeling of being invincible. On a hike & bike day there’s many possibilities to prove whether that’s true or not…



First descending a mountain is a weird thing, at first you have to find a white spot on the map where nobody else was crazy enough to climb a massive rock just to carve some virgin lines into snow & dust. Even if you plan it for months and forever read maps nobody can actually tell whether the mountain you're looking at is ridable. When we finally arrived at Monte Cevedale our jaws dropped quite a bit as the mountain hut owner told us that an italian trials biker had been side hopping up the glacier just two weeks ago. Different approach, I guess... I mean how can you hop up somewhere and not enjoy the downhill?

Cevedale First Descent

Awesome Singletrails on World War I tracks reward greatly for the exhaustion higher up, no trialers to be seen here!

Singletrail at Pizzini Mountain hut
Must Read This Week

108 Comments

  • + 73
flag mike-gamble (Nov 18, 2011 at 0:37)
 People who say anything negative about this video should really think first before posting.

This is beautiful. The attitude, the respect, the shots, the riding, the music. I was hooked and didn't want it to end. Pure emotion trapped into a short 8 minutes. Respect for the first descent guys. I love it.
  • - 33
flag GoAnDRiDe (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:07) (Below Threshold) show comment
 Yeah greatvideo,well from what i watched..the music made me fall asleep!
  • + 39
flag Steezysix (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:24)
 The only negative thing I have to say is that this article makes me want to buy a new bike and go to the Alps, which I really can't afford to do right now!
  • + 8
flag TrueLies (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:05)
 Thumbs up for putting the adventure back in mountainbiking. Im just a tad bit confused about the song choice, I was under the impression that since the way back home video everyone and their mother associates that song with Danny Mac...but it certainly is a great song...
  • + 11
flag hardtailpride25 (Nov 18, 2011 at 4:35)
 Whoa. One of the best, most artistic videos I've ever seen. Gives 'technical' riding a whole new meaning.
  • + 3
flag mikeserafin (Nov 18, 2011 at 7:40)
 Unbelievable.
  • + 1
flag feardabeast (Nov 18, 2011 at 7:46)
 This would be a great VOD. The beauty of riding there simply, wow.
  • + 4
flag dwdw (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:38)
 Agreed. This is the best video I've watched in a while. I think this type of riding is about to explode. I wish we had more access in this part of the world.
  • + 3
flag juanhead (Nov 18, 2011 at 10:16)
 Absolutely fantastic video and article. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while. Not necessarily a first decent, but just something adventurous and out of the ordinary that inspires people to get outside and enjoy what our world has to offer. This type of riding and adventure has a profound appeal to me and in the future I really hope to be able to have a similar experience to these gentlemen. Thank you for the inspiration and the desire to do something extraordinary.
  • + 2
flag infinitetrails (Nov 18, 2011 at 12:53)
 Stoked guys, thanks for the comments.
  • + 1
flag Isolated-T-Storms (Nov 18, 2011 at 13:30)
 Some of that was so sketchy. Great riding and vid.
  • + 1
flag johnny-compton (Nov 18, 2011 at 14:46)
 thats probably the freshest water you will ever drink!! Big Grin
  • + 2
flag BLIPDH (Nov 18, 2011 at 16:39)
 this is literally the best thing i have ever seen...ever...I have always wanted to do something like this and have dreamed about it ever since i was 10...well done guys that was simply amazing
  • + 0
flag HenryR (Nov 18, 2011 at 22:51)
 i think the vid is awsome too, but i think its lame that you are trying to tell people not to say anything negative about something, they have every right to say it sucks that you do to say it's awesome.
  • + 1
flag mtnbker395 (Nov 19, 2011 at 12:02)
 un. real.
  • + 1
flag GoAnDRiDe (Nov 20, 2011 at 10:21)
 I actually got neg propped cus i watched this video at like 1 am and fell asleep to the music...pinkbike yer so dope
  • + 2
flag eastcoastryder93 (Nov 21, 2011 at 14:08)
 I wanna see a video of the trials rider hopping up the side of the mountain. THATS nuts.
  • + 1
flag infinitetrails (Nov 22, 2011 at 0:10)
 A PB user just send me this last night, it's hilarious: http://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/videoextra.shtml?13846
[Reply]
  • + 16
flag trickn0l0gy (Nov 17, 2011 at 12:18)
 Hell yeah, this is what mountainbiking is all about. Danke schön!
  • + 2
flag VR46 (Nov 17, 2011 at 22:17)
 thats right Wink
  • + 3
flag Eyon (Nov 18, 2011 at 14:35)
 This world is an amazing place! I'm happy to think, as mountain bikers, we are the few who get to see and appreciate it so much! Great video!
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 21, 2011 at 5:28)
 Very few who call themselves mountain bikers are fortunate to experience such places. It's where you live, will you go to such remote place from your comfy school/office? Do you have what it takes in terms of skill, fitness, equpiment and experience? When you get there, will the trail be accessible? even if it is, will the weather allow you to go?

And that's not a bad thing... I think many who have been there agree with me. These places are for the narrow elite and let it stay that way even if it means that I am not "invited" either
[Reply]
  • + 7
flag luis-beri (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:47)
 one of the best video seen on pinkbike
amazing adventure
  • + 4
flag bradwalton Plus (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:30)
 agreed, probably my all-time favorite on pinkbike. So inspiring! Great filming as well.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag feds (Nov 18, 2011 at 0:23)
 that's the journey of a lifetime. the idea of sitting on top of the highest point as far as you can see, eating a simple meal of bread, cheese, and coffee with that kind of view is absolutely amazing.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag brucs (Nov 18, 2011 at 7:22)
 If that video doesn't want to make you drop everything and live life to the fullest... well... I don't know what to tell ya. Truly inspirational.
  • + 1
flag troysks (Nov 19, 2011 at 13:07)
 meant to +ve prop not -ve sorry
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Mitch78 (Nov 18, 2011 at 8:25)
 What an amazing video, truely captured the soul of Mountainbiking... going out and discovering the mountains with your bike and a buddy... VOD? No, VOAT (Video of all times)! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag genericmk (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:32)
 This is the soul of the sport. I was a bit apprehensive at first as I was taken aback by the idea of hiking up snowy peaks with a bike on the back but I got what they were after. This is very inspirational. I can't wait to get back up to the high country here in Colorado.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mosco (Nov 18, 2011 at 22:33)
 HERE IN TOLUCA, MEXICO, WE RODE AT 4,300 Meters over the sea level. Yo can drive your car at 3,700mts, and then push your bike into the volcano crater at 4,300mts and then go Downhill to Coatepec town at 1,900mts. Awesome. See my Album, ando also Haitman´s Album
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag UncleGroOve (Nov 20, 2011 at 9:53)
 These guys are literally carving out The Golden Standard of Mountain Biking... they pwn Europe's mountains :-))
Between Sebastian Doersk and Colin Stewart there's also some awfully awesome filming talent being deployed as well.

Paul
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag TheBlazer (Nov 18, 2011 at 7:19)
 Awesome to see that other people blending mountaineering and biking. I always stash the bike, never thought of carrying it up the glacier... this just opened my mind to so many new adventures!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag tdogg (Nov 18, 2011 at 8:45)
 Dream vacation right there. Screw beaches. Mountaineering is something so different, so exciting, and (IMO) the best way to relax... if you don't count the physical strain lol. Those views are simply amazing!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mguim (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:12)
 Probably my favorite mtb video ever, so inspiring and beautiful. Too bad it's not an hour long! (Future project, guys?) THIS is mountain biking, and it makes me want to go bike and live in the rockies like never before.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bluemonkeywrench (Nov 18, 2011 at 15:06)
 My two favorite hobbies combined, mountain biking and mountaineering. I loved every second of it. I wish it were a full length video. Thank you guys, you have inspired us all.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Brenmaster (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:14)
 Transfixed to the screen for 8 minutes. That is the source, what it's all about. Mountains, mountaineers and mountain bikes. Those boyo's are keeping it real. More of this ! Much more !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RGonz (Nov 18, 2011 at 21:59)
 Oh I get it THIN air like hard to breath... also like vanishing up and not being seen anymore.
Take note that extremely high levels of sarcasm are involved here. but in all seriousness: this is awesome
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag Dirt-Gash (Nov 19, 2011 at 7:44)
 Who the hell actually rides their bikes in the mountains? I mean what do they thing they are? Skiers, snowboarders? Everyone knows mountain biking has evolved into bike parks with chair lifts....this is just plain silly...where is my pass I need to go ride.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bog1dan (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:32)
 Thumbs UP ! Great trail !
Can I download the movie from somewhere ? I'd like to play it in my car when going to ride my bike .
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag oqqy (Nov 18, 2011 at 8:07)
 to go on an adventure like that would be the greatest experience of my life for sure!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag shreddatlip (Nov 18, 2011 at 0:35)
 wow.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SHARK555 Plus (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:20)
 Harald - hey, i got another flat can you pass me another spare tube?
Martin - um... that was the last spare tube.

(still a sick vid and would love to do it.)
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:47)
 Amazing, inspiring, I absolutely love it. True big-mountain biking at it's best - It seems that Germans are the world leaders in bicycle mountaineering Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag grimlock (Nov 18, 2011 at 11:14)
 If you liked this, check out Harald Philip's blog... http://www.summitride.com/ he was one of the riders in the film and has been making films like this for ages
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag billy-bike-club (Nov 19, 2011 at 11:15)
 when people talk big mountain riders i usually laugh.. great to see you guys represent what a real big mountain rider looks like...respect boys!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag veggiecyclist (Nov 18, 2011 at 4:08)
 Loved this video! Beautiful scenery.The climb and decent requires incredible strength and skills. I am very impressed!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Bassonsteroids (Nov 19, 2011 at 7:16)
 If I could put this under exclusive favorite's it sure as heck would be there...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Liteville-fan (Nov 18, 2011 at 7:51)
 richtig geiles video. und die typen fahren auch noch solche traumbikes von Liteville. echt cool.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rafhat (Nov 21, 2011 at 22:23)
 No words enough to describe what they felt. The only way to do it yourself!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JSP23 (Nov 20, 2011 at 9:57)
 Proper gnarly video right , the only thing that would make this trip more extreme would be to ride UP the mountain XP
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag swylier (Nov 20, 2011 at 10:17)
 great video but what up with "the sounds of children laughing makes my eyes bleed"??
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag vilarichard (Nov 18, 2011 at 10:37)
 Your bike, that view!. A good coffee, a piece of bread and jamón serrano! Can life get any closer to heaven?... Big Grin
  • + 2
flag UncleGroOve (Nov 20, 2011 at 9:56)
 LOL LOL LOL - that was NOT Jamon Serrano, hombre...
That most probably was air dried and smoked Speck (a lean ham cut typical of the Tirol region).
Another very good reason to visit the region is excellent food, besides the epic trails :-))

Hasta...

Paul
  • + 1
flag vilarichard (Dec 1, 2011 at 17:54)
 Oh!... It wasn't?... Then I don't like that %^& video anymore!!!... LOL!!!...
I'll love to visit the region... It's a long way from here... But absolutely worth it!...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JnorcoD (Nov 18, 2011 at 3:43)
 That was incredible! I liked how they were carving in the snow with their bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag murphyl (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:16)
 the best vid ive ever seen, I can only envy you breakfast in this place Smile vod!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Luke-VTT (Nov 18, 2011 at 0:30)
 Hell yeah again. Great piece oft art.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag erdadh (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:13)
 oh man,it's great..for me it's video of the year Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag clemson (Nov 18, 2011 at 0:26)
 amazing.....great work and sick scenery
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stcolin (Nov 18, 2011 at 3:13)
 This has given me the confidence to ride in the snow this year! Fantastic video, sums up pure mountain biking!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag HTNDave (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:36)
 VOD..........my favourite video....ever...i want to go ride and climb that route before i die Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag eeeasy (Nov 19, 2011 at 8:08)
 Very similer to Big-Col videos,Just Awesome!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag vannucci2 (Nov 18, 2011 at 2:24)
 such an amazing video! amazing places! and amazing footages!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mackienz (Nov 19, 2011 at 1:10)
 Awesome... balls, skills and passion.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag anastaputra (Nov 18, 2011 at 19:15)
 stunning.....stunning....stunning......epic ride
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ilovefreeride (Nov 19, 2011 at 6:25)
 wow that was EPIC blow my mind, nice job...... i am doin that sometime
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag gooleycm (Nov 19, 2011 at 20:19)
 wax on wire. awesome addition.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag querbeetfahrer (Nov 21, 2011 at 12:10)
 Awesome pictures from a mountain adventure in his best form.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag raniek (Nov 22, 2011 at 2:34)
 EPIC.... PURE MTB and excellent adventure !!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag MonsterD (Nov 23, 2011 at 20:55)
 I think this captures most aspects of mountain biking perfectly.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Ninja72 (Jan 1, 2012 at 19:04)
 I have no words for this video except >> This is a WAY OF LIFE !!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag machuqueiro (Nov 21, 2011 at 7:29)
 beautiful, wonderful, fantastic!, deserved a grammy award
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag JNS33 (Nov 20, 2011 at 23:14)
 Beautiful film.

In HD if anyone is interested - http://vimeo.com/32143140
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag haitman (Nov 18, 2011 at 18:03)
 perfect job, and a good way to explain mountain bike
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag qazasd00 (Nov 19, 2011 at 22:12)
 wow,its seem to trip of my dream ,if possible!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag andymcrod (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:13)
 ...Danke schön!!! Smile
  • + 1
flag SouthSide-Sportsbikes (Nov 18, 2011 at 5:47)
 One of the best movie ever! Awesome!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Bikealldamnday11 (Nov 19, 2011 at 20:10)
 Some one hug me..... its so beautiful!!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag eurospek (Nov 18, 2011 at 21:47)
 All-Mountain at its core.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag konafelix (Nov 18, 2011 at 5:00)
 looks like the perfect mtb-adventure! :-)
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mcations58 (Nov 18, 2011 at 16:44)
 this makes me want to ride so bad
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag harry-markham (Nov 18, 2011 at 12:04)
 I was scared just watching this if you mess up once your dead!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ManuelMTB (Nov 18, 2011 at 5:18)
 Absollutely beautiful & inspiring video! Thanks!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jedras (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:04)
 my VOW (video of the weekend) 'm astonished !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jiuop (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:27)
 ok now i go ride a bike like this two guys

but only in my dreams
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag OBLewis (Nov 18, 2011 at 8:39)
 amazing, makes me want to go on an epic adventure with my bike.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PackMule (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:11)
 Spectacular! Vielen Dank!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ridestuff (Nov 18, 2011 at 12:05)
 You said it audioshnoll! "just wow"!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag singletrailrider (Nov 18, 2011 at 3:52)
 I thought getting stoked was banned?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag macmalk (Nov 18, 2011 at 14:49)
 Pure adventure! Unfortunately very rare video. Hope more will follow...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag 10feetover (Nov 18, 2011 at 15:22)
 that's what I want to start doing next year outside racing.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag baggybikes (Nov 18, 2011 at 15:49)
 This is one of the greatest things I've seen in a while. Truly inspiring!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BigMountain (Nov 18, 2011 at 13:41)
 Fantastic video, what an adventure!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Minimalwyte (Nov 19, 2011 at 0:05)
 Sick. Mega respect.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag audioshnoll (Nov 18, 2011 at 8:47)
 just wow
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bmxer72 (Nov 18, 2011 at 16:07)
 Awesome Video !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag wee-ry (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:40)
 2nd that
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag yspelipe (Nov 18, 2011 at 16:11)
 8 minutes of epic
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag JackStephen (Nov 18, 2011 at 6:46)
 This is what life is all about...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freesoul (Nov 20, 2011 at 10:53)
 einfach gut.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rapplez (Nov 18, 2011 at 9:15)
 8:02 Amazing shot!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SintraFreeride (Nov 19, 2011 at 12:02)
 Ser geil!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dvp8 (Nov 18, 2011 at 11:46)
 amazing
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SlatOfCarlisle (Nov 18, 2011 at 5:16)
 Inspirational!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Ridingtilldawn (Nov 18, 2011 at 4:26)
 I wish I could be there.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dobdobby (Nov 18, 2011 at 1:25)
 Awesome!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag julien (Nov 19, 2011 at 21:02)
 WOW !!
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag joepatzyfume (Nov 19, 2011 at 15:40)
 music sucked.
[Reply]

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