The 2nd Annual Fuse Derby took place on February 2, 2013. This was the first snowskate event I attended this year, and it was a great way to kick off contest season! I said it last year, and I’ll say it again: if you’re a top level snowskater, like beer, cool dudes, and free stuff you gotta be at the FUSE DERBY!
Competitors got discounted tickets on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of February so there was plenty of time for practice and free riding. Mt Crested Butte proved once again to be a great, snowskate friendly host mountain conveniently located a short walk or bus ride from Fuse headquarters.
Josh Jackson
Contest day was sunny and warm-ish. The Derby followed the golf inspired format of last year where each feature was a “hole”. There were wide and narrow ride-on boxes, Ollie-on rails, and jumps with and without stump bonks. Each rider scored themselves on each feature using the scorecards provided. Lowest scores advanced to the Finals.
Stump Bonk for the Win
The Fuse Team turned out in full force and was ripping! Ultimately, the Finals included Josh Jackson (not this guy) and Paul Elkins on Fuses, Sean Davis and Matt Quam on Lib Techs, Pat Bonser on a Ralston. Josh had the gnarly skater skills, Paul was solid and creative, Sean was getting technical as usual, Quam was versatile, and Pat had the style.
Pat Bonser, Sean Davis, Matt Quam.
The Finals were judged. After each rider had hit a “hole” three times, a winner of that hole would be announced. Then, they’d move on to the next hole and whoever was the first to win two holes, was the winner of the contest. First up was the jump line. Pat took the win with steezy tweaks. The next hole was a box line that included a down box, a flat-down box, and an up box. Sean took this hole with his dialed box maneuvers. The next hole was a stump jump. According to the rules, if Sean or Pat took this hole, the contest would be over. And, this one was close! Pat nailed a solid bonk that chipped the wood and cracked loud. Sean (and Paul) planted a foot on it. The contest was called, and we all rode down to the awards ceremony for free beer and to find out the winner.
Fuse Prize Packages!
All contestants received as many Bud Lights as they could drink before they froze to death or fell over drunk. Then, the winners were announced and prize packages revealed. Matt Quam took 3rd place and a swag bag including tees, beanies, leashes, stickers, and tons more. Sean took 2nd place, a swag bag and a Fuse Sub Deck (he won the complete for placing first last year!!). Pat Bonser took first place and a MTN Approach Backpack full of swag and MTN Approach Skis!
Giveaway Table!!
Then the prize table was opened up to all contestants, and no one left empty handed. Thanks to all the sponsers of the event including Predog Snowskates, Bud Light, MTN Approach, FUSE, Spacecraft, Rocker Trucks, Ungi Bungi, Marley Audio Systems, and many more!!
Then we still had the whole next day to ride and party on!
Bottom line: Get to the Fuse Derby next year.
Were is the footage?