Superpark 6 - Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
by Jamey Voss
Superrain 6. Superslush 6. The rain hit hard again on day two of Superpark 6 at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon and all the obvious jokes flew from the mouths of athletes and filmmakers alike. Although Mother Nature, who has blessed all the previous Superparks with good weather, has been less than cooperative; Superpark 6 got off to a productive start.
Rain and wet flakes early on Tuesday closed the park for day one so the snow could set up overnight. Most riders spent the day relaxing, which they haven't had much time to do throughout the season. Sarah Burke and Kristi Leskinen took the opportunity in between rain showers to kick around a soccer ball on the lawn at the resort. A few athletes and photographers even got in a round of golf.
Fully rested, the best skiers in the world hit the Superpark hard on Wednesday. Most riders spun laps on the course to check out the terrain features and rails. The jumps down low were the most popular. The rhythm section, with five 60-foot tables, took a while to figure out; but Oregon rider Tommy Ellingson found the right speed and other followed suit. Just before the rain came most skiers gravitated towards the "Excitebike" hit. Featuring two curved takeoffs, floaty grabbed spins were the order of the day as the athletes got their jumping legs back under them.
Superpark 6 has only begun to rumble and Thursday is slated for an early morning sunrise shoot on the gigantic hip on the top of the course. The really big features have only been looked at so far, but with a little help from the lady in the sky this years event will once again separate the good from the great. Check back on POWDERmag.com for continued updates of Superpark 6.
