The third annual Rail Jam will return to downtown Birmingham, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24. Held in the median between Woodward Avenue and Old Woodward, spectators are invited to come out and see ski, snowboard and skateboard demos by pro riders and a rail jam competition for skiers and snowboarders.
The 2011 Birmingham Rail Jam is sponsored by Saab, the Otsego Ski Club, a private ski club in Gaylord, and presented by terrain park designer Ryan Neptune from Planet Snow Design of Boise. Event organizers include Middle Earth Snow Series, the host of annual events intended to promote snowboarding. The event is hosted by Don Thomas Sporthaus (690 S. Old Woodward), a retailer of winter sports equipment and apparel.
On the day of the event, registration begins at 11 a.m., with demo and practices for the USASA sanctioned competition, beginning at noon. The approximately 60 amateur competitors will test their skills, beginning at 12:30 p.m., on a 10-foot high ramp designed by Neptune. Heats will run every 45 minutes until 3:30 p.m. In attendance will be Line Ski Team Rider Ian Compton and Armada Team Rider and Michigan native Spencer Millbocker. The two athletes are on the forefront of progressive rail riding and will demo their moves and act as competition judges.
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A skate bowl will be available for the kids to drop in and vendors will be on hand to display the newest in winter sports gear from 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., including Don Thomas Sporthaus. Food, prizes, giveaways and entertainment will be available.
Limited competitor opportunities available. Competitors must register in advance. To pre-register, please visit Don Thomas Sporthaus or contact Monique “Mo” Shorr at moshorr@aol.com.
