Last weekend Nitro and Raiden Team riders, Austin Smith, Bryan Fox, Knut Eliassen, Sam Taxwood, Griffin Siebert, Blake Geis, Johnny Brady and Curtis Ciszek made the trek up to the annual Dirksen Derby at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. The event is similar to what the Baker Banked Slalom used to be like: low key, good vibes, free clam chowder at the top, lots of screaming, fast riding, beers and hotdawgs, pretty much the perfect snowboarding contest. Everyone who is there is there to have a good time and support Tyler Eklund (a snowboarder who got seriously injured during a contest 5 years ago).

The Dirksen Derby is a banked slalom event. There are two different courses and the combination of your two times through each course is your final time. The goal is to have the fastest time. There where many legends at this event, Terje Håkonsen, Josh Dirksen, Jason McCalister, Jerry Lopez, and Jake Blauvelt. It was really special riding with all of these guys.

The Nitro and Raiden team killed it. Knut Eliassen won the open class, beating Terje Håkonsen and Jake Blauvelt. He is now a lifetime member of the Dirksen Derby. Raiden rider Curtis Ciszek won the Elite division, beating out Austin Smith in 2nd and Scotty Whittlake in 3rd. Bryan got top 5 as well.

All in all it was an amazing event and we are going to go back every year. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

After the event we all went winter camping for 1 night. That was cold!