When it comes to snowboarding for the masses, much of this year has been mainly focused around the Olympics and all the contests leading up to it. For core snowboarders who don't believe the hype, there are other priorities. What's a better way to escape all the noise from the O-Games than to go to Mt.Baker and watch or compete in the finals of one of the most legendary, iconic events in the history of snowboarding and get lost in the zone with a bunch of good friends?
The LBS (Legendary Banked Slalom) was definitely a different kettle of fish this year. With a less-than-ideal snowpack, Mt. Baker decided to push the course up to a new location with a bit more elevation. This leveled the playing field out and set forth a whole new leader board. Times were still fast with a difference of only 2 seconds between first and tenth but there was a decisive winner and it was Harry Kearney, who got to the bottom the fastest and took the title home.
For me, one of the best things about this event is that everyone has to compete on the same course. From little groms to the older legends, they all brave the same conditions and can compare their times to each other. One of the standouts was Pat Abramson, an LBS veteran of 17 years who came out blasting and landed first on the podium of the Pro Masters category.
At the end of the day, none of the riders are really too fussed about their times or who won. This event really is about the good vibes and great friends, for real!