The Park City Dirt Jam took place September 17, 2011 this year. One month earlier than normal. The idea was to hope for better weather than the past few years when it was held in October. Well, Mother Nature didn't treat us any better this year. Friday, the day before the event, it rained heavily late in the afternoon, only to create some frustrated people who have worked tremendously hard to revamp the entire Dirt Jump Park.
I met my brother Tate at the Dirt Jumps early Saturday morning along with some other friends to help get things set up for the event. Well, the rain had left more water than we all wished, but we worked hard to drain puddles, shovel, rake, and dry out as much of the park as possible.
The event was a little late starting, and the kids were cooperative but chomping at the bit to ride the newly revamped park. Tate opened the park around 12:30 or so, and the conditions were as good as could be expected given all the rain the day before.
The Dirt Jump Park has come a long way in a few years. Many hours of hard work have gone into creating a fantastic park. I'm really proud of Tate for all the work he has put forth and accomplished surrounding this Park City owned Dirt Jump Park. I am also grateful for Derek Thompson, Bryce Sacks, and many others for the many hours of work they have put in to make the Dirt Jump Park what is has become. Thanks guys, we are all very appreciative.
The sunshine started to slip through the early morning cloud cover and the event began. Red Bull, Silver Star Ski, Slim & Knobbys Bike Shop, White Pine Touring, Bern Helmets, Park City Mountain Trails, and several other sponsors through down swag, and plenty of give aways. Everyone got something to take home.
The Expert/Pro level riders began riding the upper set and were killing it. Mad style, and skills. BMX & Dirt Jump Mountain bikes were the bikes of choice.
Pro riders Kelly McGarry, Eric Porter, Mitch Ropelato, Nick Van Dine, Derek Thompson, Bryce Sacks, & a few others were there. The coolest thing about these guys is that they were just having a good time just like everyone else including the little kids 4+ years old. I suppose in a way, none of us there really want to grow up!
As the Jam continued & the dirt dried out more the pro line was in full session. These jumps are so big that when designed they put in a technical section called the "Squirrel Catcher" to prevent riders without the skills to hit these jumps.
Nick Van Dine showing some courage and sending it huge off the Pro line. Very impressive to watch!
Daniel Riley is a local teenager in Park City. During the past two summers he has been a Park City Employee and helped coach kids during the dirt jump clinics. Aside from being a good rider himself, he is a very creative cinematographer/editor. Some of the following video is filmed by him while flying a helicopter like device that he connects a camera to and flies via remote control. To top it off, he build it himself! Someday we will be sitting in theaters watching adventure sports where he contributes his skills & creativity to production.
Park City TV also did a segment on the Dirt Jam. Great interview with Tate Shaw & Bryce Sacks giving some history behind the park itself.
I really find it incredibly cool that a municipality will step up, support, and allow such a fun place to recreate. To all those responsible for the creation, maintenance, and continuation to the Park City Dirt Jump Park
THANK YOU!!!!!
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