Barries Ski and Sport host rail jam, Online Exclusive

David Ludkin guest reporter

 Barrie’s Ski and Sport in Pocatello hosted a rail jam on Oct. 22 to commemorate the opening of their new board shop.

 Participants climbed a ladder to the top of a scaffold where they strapped on their boards or skis. From there they rode down a slope constructed of Astroturf, wood and a layer of Utah-imported snow.

 At the bottom of the slope were two ramps. One ramp led to a long box. The other ramp led to two short boxes in a line, a rail and then the two boxes side-by-side. Those who were skilled enough to make it to the end of the boxes and rails were able to land on more imported snow; those who didn’t were greeted with cardboard and pieces of carpet.

 The idea for the event came from Grant Conrad, who is employed by, and rides for the shop.

 “I saw [a rail jam] at a shop in Utah and told Barrie about it. He like the idea and put me in charge of it,” Conrad said.

 Barrie’s would like to make it an annual event, Conrad said.

 “[Next year] I want to make it more organized and more fun,” Conrad said.

 In addition to planning the event, Conrad also participated. Atomic Snowboards, Allyance Clothing and Barrie’s Ski and Sport sponsored him.

 Also participating in the event were shop riders from Rexburg and Idaho Falls.

 “We got a special invite from Barrie’s to bring our team down,” said Mark Beck, a senior from Idaho Falls.

 Beck rides with the Neon Warriors and co-owns Five-O Skate Shop in Idaho Falls.

 Although various teams were invited to take part, things weren’t too competitive.

 “The relationship between all the local shops is good. It’s all about riding anyway. Everyone has fun; it’s not about who’s better,” Beck said.

 Rexburg’s own Sled Shed also brought their team, which includes some BYU-Idaho students.

 “It’s really fun to hit a rail for the first time this year when there’s no snow yet. It’s just good to get on a board,” said Sled Shed team rider Jedd Mumm, a junior from Rexburg.   

 “[BYU-I] should put something like this on. It would broaden people’s perspective on sports; it’s not just about basketball,” said Sled Shed team rider Scott Cramer, a junior from Idaho Falls.   

 Matt McHargue, the manager of Barrie’s Ski and Sport’s new board shop, declared the event a success.

 “We put it on to promote our new board shop and show people that we support free-ride sports. There were lots of smiles. Everyone had a good time and that’s what it’s all about,” McHargue said.

 According to Sled Shed team rider and BYU-I student Tim Woodward, the Sled Shed is planning a similar event in Rexburg for November.

 Brooke Flint, a senior from Idaho Falls, was a spectator at the event.  

 “[The Rail Jam] is spectacular. It’s getting me stoked for the season,” Flint said.