Images by: Garth Milan/Red Bull

Sammy Mercado: “I started riding when I was young, but just random — no real riding or doing tricks. I just rode to cruise around … I never saw anyone doing tricks”.

Building jumps with the intention of sending them on his dirt bike, Sammy didn’t start shredding on a push bike till around 5 years ago, when he first heard about downhill bikes.

He spends the majority of his time digging and riding at his spot, working solo, his dedication to the sport is clear; “Every time I’m out there, and by myself, I’m just doing my own thing. I can get my ideas, build it, try it and try it again if it doesn’t work”.

Mercado invited Darren Berrecloth and Carson Storch to try out his zone, way out in the the hidden hills of Southern California.