The 25th Annual Easy Rider Cup

Apr 2, 2012

Author: words and photos by Steph Van de Kemp

Four hundred and forty three riders from Fernie to Edmonton (and beyond) made the pilgrimage to Panorama Mountain Village this weekend for the 25thAnniversary Easy Rider Snowboard Cup. Located just outside of Invermere, B.C., Panorama has a strong community of local riders and some of the best staff in the biz, making it the choice venue for this weekend-long event. 

The main event, of course, is the infamous banked slalom race, which takes place on both the Saturday and Sunday and is open to snowboarders of all ages and ability level. Along with the main event, the Easy Rider crew hosted a Big Air contest followed up with an après performance by Juno Award winner, Lester Quitzau and Billy Hicks.

Warren Currie, owner of The Easy Rider shop in Edmonton, AB, and his brother Scott founded the Snowboard Cup 25 years ago. Not to be taken lightly, the 25th Anniversary event was a landmark for the Easy Rider, who took an already impressive occasion to a whole new level, adding more prizes, giveaways and entertainment than ever before.

When we say giveaways and prizes, we’re not talking lanyards and Hanes t-shirts. An unprecedented 300 registrants received "goodie bags" which included  custom 25th Anniversary co-lab items such as: a  Nixon Rubber Player Watch, custom Electric Goggles, a custom Celtek Bandana,  a custom Volcom Hoodie and it was all stuffed into a custom Burton back pack - Cha-ching!

Panorama local, Mackenzie Brush, struck gold when his name was drawn for the Ride golden snowboard (just imagine Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for snowboarders). Ride will be flying Mackenzie and a friend to Seattle for an exclusive tour of the Ride Snowboard Factory. Mackenzie, who claims he never wins a draw prize, will then get to go into the prototype factory and, with assistance, be able to make his very own board. Even Willy Wonka would be jealous. 

In addition to the Ride Golden Ticket board there were an additional 14 boards given away by draw including a 2013 team signed DC board and two of next years Burton boards.Rider’s Aid turned on the tap again this year, raising over $2000 for clean drinking water in Africa, Asia and Latina America with a successful charity raffle.  

Tent and Lineup of Riders Reflection.

Gates are lifted, riders inspect the course.

Lining up to be the fastest.

Event founder Warren Currie looking serious in the start gate.

Outta the gate.

Pre-race pound me out.

Racer Ready? Warren running one of over 300 racers through the start gate.

Rider's Aid raising over $2000 for clean drinking water in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Grom taking the corner hard.

Event founder Warren Currie lookin' fast.

Puppy dog eyes.

Enjoying drinks and prizes on the deck.

Local grom winning a board.

Mackenzie Brush with his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory board.

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