Words and video: Johan Malkoski
The formula is simple…first you need a NorthWest mountain willing to spend a week building a uniquely different style contest course. Then add in one part Banked Slalom, mix in two parts slope style and pull out any sort of of FIS/USASA/Olympic style stagnation rules and you have the fourth annual Rhythm and Bruise contest. After three years of being held at White Pass, the two day venue was moved to Stevens Pass WA. Entries were limited to the first 240 entrants, making this a sold out event.
Saturday was an all-day practice session and Sunday was the judged runs. Age classes from 9 and under, up to 40 and over, got 35 minutes to rip the course as many times as riders could make it thru. Judges scored riders on fluidity and style, giving out BMX handlebars to the top three in each age category as well as more than 20G in cash and prizes.
Here’s what you missed by not being at Rhythm N’ Bruise 4 at Stevens Pass April 27-28, in no particular order: 1 pill, 4 berms, 6 straightaways, 12 jumps, April snow, Northwest weather, Northwest Legends like: Jamie Lynn, Matt Cummins, Temple Cummins, Barrett Christy, Russell Winfield, Wes Makepeace, Todd Schlosser, Jake Blattner, Forest Burki and Pat McCarthy, Titty Fish, Manny Diaz getting knocked out in the parking lot, parking lot beers, Ninkasi beer garden free beers, bbq’s, RV’s and kids from age 5-to 50 flowing thru the course.
In the end, Matt Wainhouse won the Pro Men, Kris Melton Experts, Phil Thomas Older Ams, Milo Malkoski Younger Ams, Mac Malkoski Groms, Wyatt Cline Young Guns, Livia Molodyn Pro Women and Isabella Gomez Am Women.
A huge thanks goes out to Zak Basher, Ashley Basher, Matt Cummins, Nate Escalona, One Ball Jay, Northwest Snowboards, Stevens Pass, Top Phlite Park Crew, Lib Tech, Gnu, CAPITA, COAL, Union, Arbor, Ninkasi, Arbor, Flux, Casual Industrees, POW, Slash, YES, Rome, Skullcandy, Burton, Anon, Analog, Protect, and SnoCon for the supporting the event.