Trent Riverside Railjam 2012

Mar 28, 2012

Author: Words and photos by Matt Stetson

Trent Riverside Rail Jam 2012

Trent University held their 4^th annual Rail Jam on Saturday. After several days of balmy weather it was looking like even the half dozen arenas in town would not be able to support the amount of snow needed. Luckily there was a hockey tournament in town over the weekend, so organizers could take advantage of the extra snow produced. After many hours of shoveling and multiple truck runs the setup was ready to go.

The event drew a good contingent of riders. A field of about 30 riders took to the setup in several jam style heats before it was narrowed down to a smaller number for finals. Even though it was the flatbar seeing most of the action some riders ignited the crowd using the box as a kicker and boosting. A small number of riders decided to tackle the tricky Red Bull feature. Only a few could muscle down the kinks. They where rewarded with a trip to the finals.

After some course maintenance, things where set for finals. With the live music blasting in the background Hot tub full of people, and the beer garden pumping things started to heat up. Most riders stuck to the flatbar where things where getting tech. The day saw some pretty epic bails as well. The lack of snow made the features quite high off the ground. Local Peterborough rider Tyler Jakins took a few spectacular bails no one thought he would walk away from, before locking his back three to fifty. Not to be outdone Matt Preston put down a front 3 back one out, to take the best trick title.

By the end of the finals riders where sliding across a giant grass gap and landing in what was now brown slush. Geoff Bowler didn’t seem to mind getting dirty. His consistency and style put him atop the podium claiming his second Rail Jam victory. Big thanks go out to all the volunteers who helped shovel and sponsors, Wild Rock Outfitters, Red Bull, Union Bindings, Forum, Roto Spa, and Trent University for hosting yet another great end of season Rail Jam.