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.
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.
LLBF hosts a variety of events including golf tournaments, marathons and of course snowboarding. Standing Sideways — hosted at Plattekill Mountain — is unique in that it is a snowboarder only event. My friend Cam had gone the last 2 years and had a blast. The sell was easy; private mountain, loads of equipment demos and support a great cause. Sign me up.
Cam planned to pick me up at 6:30am Wednesday morning en route to Roxbury. The night before I found myself in a big box store shopping for a rain poncho. The weather is what it is, and I was determined to be prepared. We pulled into the lot a little before 9 and donned our rain gear. The Never Summer and Snowvibes folks had already set their tents up with swag and board demos.
Inside the lodge we found Nicole Posey the event’s coordinator, getting people signed in and selling raffle tickets. They had a lot of sweet gear on raffle including Libtech and Never Summer snowboards. On the far wall Donek and Libtech had laid out a plethora of boards for demo. First come, first serve, just throw your bindings on and go for a rip.
Cam and I headed up the triple for a few warm up runs. My board is a directional cruiser that is super playful in slush conditions, it’s like surfing a big wave. Cam’s board wants to get on edge and stay there, and as a result doesn’t play nice in the rain. After the first runs I was determined to get him on something a little more playful knowing he would enjoy it more. The Never Summer guys put him on a Proto Synthesis, still a wide board but significantly less stiff and without the full camber. It was evident from the first turn that Cam was already enjoying it. We took some laps off the double enjoying the spring conditions before it was time for lunch.
At 1pm everyone assembled in front of the triple for the group picture and a quick announcement. The 101 riders packed it in for the shot and gave their applause to Nicole as she thanked everyone for braving the elements. After that everyone made their way to the top for a Mob Run down the face. It was a thing of beauty as the “Mob” waded through the fog and slush, carving, slashing and jumping the whole way down. At the bottom high fives and fist bumps were on tap as the hype reached an all time high.
Next on the itinerary everyone was invited to grab a snowskate and join the group lesson at bunny hill before a group ride down Powder Puff. The skates were provided by other riders at the event, pretty awesome people wanted to share their equipment just to fuel the passion. Cam and I immediately hopped on some skates and after a few runs down the magic carpet, we felt we were ready to take it to the big hill. The first challenge was getting off the lift but we both stuck the landing to a round of cheers from the group forming at the top.
The next thing you know 25 or so riders were bombing the green, dodging ice patches and dirt as well as each other. For the first portion of the run Cam and I were leading the pack but by the first switchback I was gassed. Without bindings it is much more difficult. Cam and the majority of the pack continued on.
I followed but caught a few edges and took some hard slams. I was determined to ride it out and eventually met Cam at the bottom. He was ready for more runs and I was beat up, ready for a beer. We made a plan to meet in the lodge. Despite getting my ass kicked, the snow skate was my favorite part of the day.
To finish off the day, Nicole began raffling off the awesome prizes and thanking everyone again. Standing Sideways was a resounding success and proof that East Coast riders are built differently. Come rain or shine they show up, ride and support the causes they believe in. I had a blast and I’m already looking at Snow Skates to buy. Tickets are already on sale for next year. Hope to see you there!
I’m impressed how many ways of sliding you can do. Mega kudos!!! Keep the stoke up.
The snow skates were the highlight! Always great stoke for this event. Can wait for next year!
Definitely looking forward to next year!
Rainy but still worth the drive and the day off of work! Lol
Hopefully conditions will be better next year!!
Sounds like a great time. Love “The Mob” photo. It’s perfect.
The group picture is beyond wholesome!! This event is proof that riding is always fun regardless of the weather, and especially if it is for a great cause. Count me in for next year.
All good stuff here, Robert. Plattekill is actually a great hill for boarders; minimal traversing, no flat spots to speak of except maybe one little section of Buckle Up, no run outs at all. I can’t think of anywhere you would have to unbuckle except to actually load the lift. I hope you guys all keep this event going for many years to come.