SFM Rail Jam 2025 at Woods Valley

Across New York park jams have been firing. The venerated Scott Delforte jam at Bristol went off for the 20th year in a row. North of there at the Northampton Rope Tow Park the boys built a gnarly rail jam course with the Flower Skate Shop and hosted the Tell a Friend Tour. Out west the Boardroom hosted the 7th annual Boardroom Banked.

Unfortunately, my season is over, a fractured foot. Still, I wasn’t content to miss out on all the action, especially not the 2nd Annual SFM Rail Jam at Woods Valley. The Stone Mercurio Foundation honors the legacy of a Rome native, by building a much needed city skatepark in his name.

The project has been wildly successful, raising over a million dollars to date. Phase 1 of construction has been approved. Last year the jam was a blast and this year would prove to be even better.

When I arrived at the mountain a little after noon, there was already a stream of riders filtering through Stone’s Park. It was also Family Fun day, I had just missed the cardboard sled derby but I could smell the BBQ chicken from the parking lot.

I quickly located the Flower Shop guys and Woods locals who have blended into one large group. After hanging out and rehydrating, we headed up to the hike park for the first round of qualifiers. The skiers were up first at 1 o’clock.

Woods has a lot of young rippers and they tend to be skiers. They showed no fear and started throwing themselves at the steel. Aiden and the park crew definitely brought the street vibe.

Up top riders could choose between a close-out to down rail or battleship rail. On the lower deck was a double kink elbow rail and gnarly up rail. Along the side were two smaller features for the groms and newcomers. A little something for everyone.

Soon enough the skiers were done and the boarders were making their way to the top. As usual John from Flower and I hovered around the features snagging vids and pics. It is also a great spot to hype up the riders and egg them on.

We got big Bobby from Woods to try and clear a 10 foot gap, only to watch him get turned and slam on his side. He bounced up like he’s one of the young guns.

All around him the riders were going just as big and stomping the landings. The crowd was just as hype, cheering for the makes and gasping at the falls. It was 15 degrees and the wind was gusting, brutal for the riders and the spectators. When it was all said and done, 6 riders from each sport were chosen for the final.

No one held back in the final round. There were big crashes and even bigger makes.

Last year’s ski winner Bence would repeat, sealing the deal with a misty flip off the up rail. On the snowboarders side local rider Max Smith took home the win. Before the winners were announced a few of those involved gave speeches as the crowd gathered on the sun deck.

Like last year, the event is cathartic for those who knew Stone. He would have loved every minute of the jam. They were also honoring Brenda McMonagle, a close friend of the Mercurio’s and Woods Valley employee who tragically passed away this year from cancer. The crowd was over 100 deep but it seemed no one was a stranger.

When we were done with announcements, we gave a moment of noise for Stone. Check out the SFM website. Make a donation or come out to the ground breaking ceremony May 23rd at Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome. Stone would say “Nothing Boring.”