COUNTRY WESTERN JIB & RAIL SHOWDOWN
Saturday, March 8, 2008

DODGE RIDGE WINTERSPORTS AREA – This mild-mannered family Wintersports area was the scene of an Old West face-off Saturday as a gang of young desperadoes rode into town on skis and snowboards to compete in the Dodge Ridge Country Western Jib & Rail Showdown.

21 freestyle athletes converged on the Competition Park at High Noon to demonstrate technical mastery while riding over various jibs, rails, and boxes, with an occasional aerial stunt. Dodge Ridge used the competition to debut a brand new terrain park feature, a large metal dome 7 feet high and 16 feet in diameter protruding from the snow to provide a unique platform for freestyle stunts.

The quick and the dead:

Wild Bill Hickok Ski division
1. Robby Earle
2. Evan Graham
3. Casey Earle

Billy the Kid Snowboard division
1. Nate Gorham
2. Johnny Verceles
3. Thomas Gomez

Many athletes dressed in western attire and competed to the sounds of classic country music. BBQ bacon burgers were available for athletes and spectators in the “DR Corral” at the base of the terrain park, which was visible from any lodge in the base area. Adding to the atmosphere, many Dodge Ridge employees donned western clothing, including Hal & Cindy Denton, who brought their horses to ride around the parking lot and promote the day’s event.

Dodge Ridge will play host to other freestyle competitions and family events this spring:

March 21 - Quarter Pipe Competition
March 22 - Grind Locals
March 23 - Easter Egg Hunt
March 29 - Toyota Sick n' Twisted Freestyle Tour
April 5 - Pond Skim

Snowboard winner Tech Nate glides off the A-Rail.