DRIVEN TO RIDE '05 - BEAR MOUNTAIN

Having picked up some aimless drifters at Mountain High, the drive up to Big Bear was nice, mainly because Marty drove and I slept. What I awoke to in the morning was more snow than I have ever seen here. These recent Pacific storms have, in addition to reeking havoc upon the lowlands (mudslides, car wrecks, wet socks), piled the snow high up here in the mountains. This means that the already world-famous terrain park at Bear Mountain is better than it has been in years. I threw down some of my standard hot slashes on the snake run before claiming an even more standard switch backside 900 on the largest jump ever made--I am soooo good. In reality, I was going for a 1080 but all the camera flashes kind of cramped my steeze. After my heroics in The Park, it was back to the RV for an intense autograph signing session.

" One per person, please."

In addition to my incredible talent on a snowboard I also enjoy llama wrestling, Mexican dentistry, taxidermy, and compulsive lying. I did see a 900 once, but that was on TV. The thing is I can do two tricks, neither of which involve a snowboard. However, I do enjoy riding at a place that so obviously has committed itself to the progression of our sport. Bear Mountain (bearmtn.com) is and always has been a leader in taking freestyle snowboarding to the next level. Hips, lips, and dips; terms that not only apply to my prefered style of apres action, but better describe the maddening array of obstacles that litter the slopes of this place. Check it out!

Note to readers: The California cougar is known to prowl the dicier sections of Big Bear under cover of the night. If approached, stay calm, do not make eye contact, and under no circumstances show any signs of fear--it only intensifies their appetite. If you are as unfortunate to encounter an alfa female, quite likely you will not have the will to retreat. My advice:

Pony up and give 'er all you got!