Words by Temple Cummins, Photos by Matt Gadsby Adam Haynes, the artist for the last two Billygoats graphics came north to visit the GNU factory and do a little snowboarding with myself and Matt Gadsby.
We lucked out with some deep snow. Adam is an incredible artist, with the ability to transform ideas to paper that become better than your ideas in your head. It was the first time I had the opportunity to ride with Adam. Splitboarding can be slow, usually because the change over process. Not with Adam, he has won the splitboard race at the Dirksen Derby twice.
Our first stop was Stanny’s Pillows, thinking we would just do a quick lap and be on our way I was pleasantly surprised when we Busted out four short runs. Then we headed back to our packs to start our trip to our Overnight accommodations. Ravens are incredible. They had opened up the top zipper to Adam’s pack and sampled two HungryHiker meals, yogurt, apples, oatmeal and a punjaby.
Stanny was kind enough to give up his half sandwich and take out the trash the bird left us with. We arrived at our sleep zone around sunset, did a little relaxing, then headed out for a little moonlight mission. One of the greatest things about splitboarding is the freedom you have with your day using your every waking hour to explore. The following day we where able to work our way up the hill having a completely open slate to hit hips, ditches, cliffs, pillows and a bunch of tree runs. As the weather heated up the next day we ate our last food, and drank some weak coffee, packed up and made our way home. Adam was able to go to the GNU factory on a Sunday which was nice because we could meander around and not get in anybodies way.
Good art in snowboarding is crucial. Adam is a believer in both.
The 2012 Legendary Banked Slalom went off again for the 27th year in a row! The GNU team showed up and kicked some ass on the course bringing home at least 4 duct tape trophies! Thanks to the Howats, all of the LBS crew, racers and spectators.
Photo Gallery:
“This year’s course was a little rough, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen worse at the LBS! There was a little of everything from top to bottom… from blue ice to sloppy slush, and it was snowing by the time we took our final runs. I felt pretty lucky to make it down without getting chewed up by any of those turns, and it was nice to finally get some more duct tape, it’s been a while.”-Barrett Christy
Video:
Gnu Team Results: Women’s Pro Masters:
1st Place! Barrett Christy (1.39.43)
Gnu Snowboards Club Weird TV Episode 5 Season Finale welcomes the original Billy Goat, Temple Cummins with host Captain Weirdo and the Wheel of Weird! Although Temple is not a Mayan, he has been split boarding in the Olympics^^ Expand your mind… stay tuned next season for Season 2 of Club Weird.
Temple Cummins has been exploring some new terrain with his brand new Splitboard Pro Model.
Just over the last year split boarding popularity has grown tremendously opening millions of acres and countless powder lines to the masses. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty out there for you and your friends. With the new Temple Cummins Billy Goat Split Board you’ll be geared up and hiking in no time.
Check Temp in the latest issue of Backcountry Snowboarding Magazine – Kronicle
The Legendary LBS went off this year! With one of the best courses in LBS history, times were smoking. The whole Mervin Crew dominated the course with BTX and C2-BTX technology under their feet.
A special congratulations goes out the the Eric and Cody Warble, the first father and son to both win the coveted Golden Duct Tape Trophies. Bend Oregon’s Gus Warbington won the Juniors for a second year in a row, and his bother Max took Silver in Mens Younger Ams, also Maria Debari took Silver in the Pro Women’s Category Congratulations to all of the racers! And special thanks to the Mt Baker Crew!
PHOTO GALLERY BY TIM ZIMMERMAN
VIDEO BY TIM STANFORD
Congratulations to all of the racers! MERVIN LBS PODIUMS:
It has been nearly 15 years since the train jumping stunt was conceived by Temple Cummins and Andy Hetzel. California’s Trevor Jacob retraced their steps up Donner Summit and decided to hop the hobo highway in tribute to their pioneering efforts. Trevor’s favorite board is the GNU Riders Choice
Mervin photographer Tim Zimmerman was in the Deep Winter Photo Shoot Out with Blair, Temple and Forrest, check out the behind the scenes vid from push.ca, and check out photos and story from ESPN.
Featuring Patrick McCarthy, Forrest Burki, Nick Ennen, Andy Stern, Andy Bergin-Sperry, Shaun McKay, Tarek Husevold, Scotty Wittllake, Temple Cummins, and more.
