Over the previous few years I’ve been fortunate to cowl some wonderful occasions and faucet into the tradition, the group and the park vibe in upstate NY. Just a few stand out as true zeitgeists like the primary Berms, Bruises and Beers at Hunt Hole. In Rome NY one motion is touring with such velocity that it can’t be ignored.
The SFM Skatepark Challenge was born from the tragic passing of Stone Mercurio final April and since then has grown into one of the crucial “prolific grassroots actions in Rome.” Household and mates rapidly organized to honor Stone, a local Roman who cherished to shred and cherished his metropolis.
Their process is straightforward however daunting, assemble a destination-class skatepark downtown. Their efforts in lower than a 12 months have amounted to $561,000 out of the $1.5 million wanted for Part 1. I’ve been driving at Woods Valley for over 10 years now, I’ve met a whole lot of Stone’s mates, household and people concerned with the Skatepark.
It’s clear how passionate they’re for this challenge. Once I noticed the announcement for a Rail Jam at Woods, I knew I wanted to get entangled and hit up Cam who’s on the skate brigade. Cam had already donated a Capita DOA for snowboard division and a pair of Line skis have been on the desk for the skiers. To not be out down NYSkiBlog picked up an entire skateboard from Flower and threw it on the already stacked prized pool.
The phrase was unfold early within the week that Friday was the construct day. Led by Aiden and Jack — with steerage from the previous heads like Justin and Matty B — a small group labored by the evening and set the options. Earlier than they have been finished the decision was made to maneuver the jam to Sunday to keep away from the Saturday rain.
On Sunday morning the options had weathered the storm and have been good to go. Up prime a single road rail occupied the deck. Within the center there was an up-down rail, flat to down rail and the problem rail: 3 rails related in zig zag vogue. To complete off the course there was an up-flat rail, the spherical rail and a grom rail off to the aspect. The options have been gnarly however the riders got here ready. At midday the course was opened for observe and riders descended.
After the observe session there have been two qualifier rounds, one for skiers and the opposite for snowboarders. By now the viewers had grown, with a large crowd alongside the fence and a much bigger one on the patio beneath. The skiers have been up first and the competitors was fierce. There have been solely six spots open within the finals for every sport and the youngsters weren’t holding again.
At 2pm the snowboarders have been up, so I grabbed my board and began climbing. No shock that when the session began Matty B led the pack setting the tone. The remainder of the riders got here right and I noticed various riders pushing their consolation zone going large. The children have been flying excessive and I used to be simply questioning after I received so previous.
With each of the qualifiers completed the highest six riders have been introduced and headed up for the ultimate session at 3pm. The depth drastically elevated, the hearth was lit however now it was burning shiny. The riders have been throwing down with no regard to their our bodies and these giant options lent themselves to some wild crashes.
The stoke was simply as excessive, the gang roared at every stomped trick and gasped at every gnarly crash. I recall some big sends from the snowboarders Sam, Landon and Brandon. To not be out finished the 2 plankers additionally placed on a present with the likes of Hayden and Jackson throwing down some significantly clean runs. On the finish everybody was gassed. A variety of blood and sweat was misplaced however gained again two fold in stoke and smiles.
Because the solar began to set over Woods Valley, the gang on the patio grew to listen to the outcomes. About two weeks earlier than the competitors Matty B informed me he was going to win the first place snowboard after which give it again. When his title was introduced it was prophetic. He walked up daughter in hand, obtained his prize and gave it proper again.
On the skier aspect Bence took house the gold and a pair of recent skies. Sam ended up taking house the skateboard deck for greatest trick and Brandon received one of the best crash award. The ultimate announcement of the day got here from Tim Woods. The Decrease Park the place the jam was held can be renamed Stone’s Park.
I caught up with Christian Mercurio, Stone’s father, after the occasion. He was excited for the turnout, the participation and the stoke. He mentioned that is every part Stone would have wished. For individuals who knew Stone, these occasions are cathartic, a solution to honor him and launch the ache of his passing. Stone’s legacy will reside on on the skatepark, on the slopes and within the folks whose lives he continues to impression. As Stone at all times mentioned nothing boring!
Examine their web site for future occasions and are available throwdown at subsequent 12 months’s jam.
