Standing Sideways Plattekill Takeover

The chance of precipitation was almost as high as the stoke on Saturday at the Standing Sideways Plattekill Takeover. For the fifth year in a row riders all across the North East came together to share their passion for snowboarding and support an awesome cause in the Live Like Brent Foundation (LLBF). LLBF was started by Brent Evans during his fight with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Never Summer demo

Cancer is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy. LLBF works to raise awareness and funds for those going through blood cancer treatment. Brent was an avid rider and what started as Carve4Cancer has blossomed into a larger organization.

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Catskill Cherries in the Snow

To anyone who knows me, it’s pretty obvious: I like my traditions. If something makes me happy, there’s a good chance I’ll do it over and over again. I’m comfortable with repetition.

plattekill-early-am

Twelve years ago, on my birthday, I was at Plattekill having the time of my life. I decided to pay it forward and buy a round for the house. It was my present to the mountain and myself. I talked to people about Plattekill and skiing, and why they were there. Why we were all there. Yes, it became a tradition; I’ve skied at Plattekill on my birthday every year since.

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Plattekill Opening Day 2023

If you’re following me this year, get ready to hear more about how hard it is to respond to the alarm, and head north to the Catskills. It’s always been hard, but now somehow, it feels even harder.  I’m retiring next year so there’s also light at the end of the tunnel thing going on.  Bear with me, for now.

Route 28
Route 28 along the Esopus

I’ve always hated the expression “at the end of the day.” If something is true at the end of the day, isn’t it true all day long? In this case it actually makes sense to use it. At the end of the day, the reward for that early morning drive — a ski day — makes it worthwhile.  It’s the beginning of the day that gives me pause.

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