While boardercross doesn’t typically share the spotlight with today’s modern snowboarding, the 27th annual Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom proved once again that tradition, friendly competition and a crazy banked race in the NW can still attract an all-time reunion of the world’s best riders. Last weekend’s competition was a fast and furious dash around what became a treacherous natural half-pipe, which is finely sculpted each year into Baker’s praised banked slalom course. Riders were offered qualifying runs on the first and second days, and the final list got an additional two shots at the course on Sunday. Though the chance to better their time with a second lap might have left riders hopeful, the course quickly became a difficult mixture of deep ruts and ice.
Travis Parker rounding the first turn. Photo: Jake Hanson
We’re proud to announce that six Washington locals took home the gold duct tape, including Barrett Christy (Pro Women Masters), Gorio Bustamante (Mid Masters), Jacob Krugmire (Juniors), Milo Malkoski (Next Gen.), Danielle Davis (Women’s Ams), and Randy Haugen (Grand Masters). Northwest riders nearly swept the pro men’s category with Josh Dirksen and the legendary Temple Cummins coming in second and third behind King Terje of Norway(1:25!!). Blair Habenicht followed so closely in fifth and Baker’s own Lucas DeBari came through in sixth, still only two seconds behind the first place time. Travis Rice held strong on the first two days with some of the fastest times on the board, but managed to DQ on both of his final runs. On the women’s side, Maelle Ricker took home her sixth straight golden roll with Laura Hadar w/team Fried Rats and Maria Debari finishing 4 and 5 seconds later for second and third.
Aside from the timeliest riders, there was plenty of other excitement throughout the weekend. Kevin Pierce strapped up and took on the course a mere two years after one of the most serious injuries our industry has seen, earning himself a lifetime invite to the race along with the Andernewski (Billy Anderson + Dave Sypniewski) Award. Mount Baker Hard Core (MBHC) founder Jeff Fulton walked home with a coveted Craig Kelly Thunderbird Award, an honor given to those who have impacted the snowboarding community through outstanding support and action. The Northwest extends its gracious thanks to Jeff for initially turning Craig Kelly on to snowboarding.
As tradition would have it, Baker held their mouthwatering salmon feed and bonfire on Saturday Night. Oh and did we mention there was a handplant competition!? For more, check out the photos below.
An eager crowd awaits the course clean up. Photo: Jake Hanson
Terje burning the first turn on his winning run. Photo: Jake Hanson
Terje around midway looking pressed. Photo: Jake Hanson
Terje and the rest of the guys were happy to sign plenty of autographs all day to some super stoked kids. Photo: Jake Hanson
T. Rice taking his waxing seriously…kind-of. Photo: Michael Cohen
Temple in the gate, Travis on deck. Photo: Jake Hanson
T.Rice making his first turn of the course on day 2. Photo: Jake Hanson
Josh Dirksen dragging paw to stay low. Photo: Jake Hanson
Austin Sweetin dropping his qualifying run on day 2. Photo: Jake Hanson
Sweetin rounding turn number 3 for his first year in the Pro Men’s category. Photo: Jake Hanson
Lost in a sea of familiar faces. Photo: Jake Hanson
Kevin Pierce throwing up some jets! Photo: Michael Cohen
Extended and ready: Laura Hadar. Photo: Jake Hanson
Eyeing the course from above. Photo: Jake Hanson
Shuksan made the occasional appearance. Photo: Jake Hanson
A quick jump out the gate can make all the difference; that and not crashing. Photo: Jake Hanson
The boneyard. Photo: Michael Cohen
Methods always prevail in the NW, even at handplant competitions. Photo: Michael Cohen
That’s more like it. Photo: Jake Hanson
That’s more like it. Photo: Jake Hanson
Everybody gathered nicely for my group shot – thanks guys. Photo: Jake Hanson
Dropline. Photo: Jake Hanson
Oh, the prestige and honor. Photo: Jake Hanson
2012 Legendary Mt. Baker Banked Slalom Results
Pro Men Terje Haakonsen 1:25.66
Pro Women Maelle Ricker 1:31.81
Pro Masters – Mark Fawcett 1:31.56
Pro Women Masters – Barrett Christy 1:39.43
Next Generation – Milo Malkoski 1:44.70
Juniors – Jacob Krugmire 1:36.63
Younger Amateurs – Ryan Roemer 1:34.33
Women Amateurs – Danielle Davis 1:49.19
Older Amateurs – Nate Kewin 1:33.19
Masters – Adam Haynes 1:31.72
Mid Masters – Gorio Bustamante 1:37.79
Grand Masters – Randy Haugen 1:57.53
That’s all for now folks – if you weren’t able to make it up to Baker this year, I’d suggest pinning it on the calendar early for next year.
