The 2nd Annual AM Thrash Spring Jam on Saturday, May 16th is a day to remember. The Midwest’s best snowboarders and skiers came to Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard Area with the hopes of fulfilling dreams of riding on snow. Everyone’s dreams came true.
The last thing on the general public’s mind in mid May is snow. Wild Mountain had conserved a vast amount of wet heavy snow to host a Spring Rail Jam. A “Jam” is like open gym at a basketball court. It is not a serious contest, but rather a fun gathering of individuals that enjoy riding as much as you do.
With the dedication and determination to host a magical event the AM Thrash staff and Wild Mountain Park Crew was able to create an amazing terrain park full of rails, bars, and boxes. Threes sets of features with two features on each set was the main goal, with a total of six features for riders to showcase their tricks on. Facing down hill and from left to right; first set 20’ Flat Cylinder & an8’ Flat Box, second set 10’ T-Box & a 15’ Trapezoid bar, and the third set 20’ Flat Down Bar & a 10’ Flat Box. The course design was able to capture the best riding from every ability level.
The sun’s rays felt perfect as the riders performed their best. The Ralles brothers Erik and Christer chose to ride with extreme speed and technical grabs. Brandon Kirkland’s birthday couldn’t have been any better after getting a chance to snowboard & slide his way through every feature on the park. Austin Young’s jib trickery was second to none, and Sam Bakken’s Tail Press’s had perfect form. If there was anyone to do a 450 degree spin onto a box it was none other than Skier Steve. Although there was not a structured contest, the day was full of fun mini comps that consisted of highest ollie, most spins on a box, best crash, and longest grass ride. Will Santogold walked away with highest ollie, most spins on a box was won by Jack Taylor, and longest grass ride and best crash was given to Grant Parker.
All riders will be anticipating another great AM Thrash Spring Jam next year. For more information about AM Thrash vist www.amthrash.com.
Ralles Jr.
