Summer Rail Jam Benefits Injured Team Rider

by Matt Holihan

Mt. Hood, Oregon is one of the most unique places America has to offer. An endless winter is made possible for riders all over the planet by providing a special retreat for summer jibbing, pipe riding, and jumping. One rider in particular, who calls Mt. Hood her summer home, is Randa Shahin. Randa, an evo team rider, has been a part of the Mt. Hood community for the past 5 years. She is recognized by many as not only a driven and talented snowboarder, but as a caring and loving friend. However, her boarding skills have recently been put on hold. While taking her first lap through the Timberline Park this year Randa overshot a jump, which resulted in a horrific accident. Randa suffered a double fracture in her neck, which is clearly evident by the halo she currently wears. Randa is presently at home in Virginia recuperating, and learning that the road to recovery is not an easy one. However, the community of Mt. Hood, after becoming instantly aware and distraught regarding Randa’s injury, has been proactive in providing the support she needs.

Mt. Hood and the good people of Timberline Lodge are a close community of skiers and snowboarders who dedicate their summers to playing in the snow. When one of their own is in need of assistance, they join together to show their full support. An example of this camaraderie is apparent in the circumstances surrounding Randa’s accident and subsequent healing. To help Randa, the Timberline Lodge, and the society of riders from Mt. Hood quickly came together to host a fundraising event for their fallen friend. The “Rail Rendezvous,” a rail-jam competition, was put together by Randa’s close friend Megan Ginter and Timberline Lodge Event and Promotional Manager Jenny Johnson to raise money for Randa during her recovery period. The funds will help Randa financially, allowing her to make payments on her Mt. Hood home, which she is currently struggling to keep up with, among other expenses.

This event took place on July 12th at the base of Timberline Ski Area’s Magic Mile Ski Lift and registered just over 60 participants. The competition was in jam format and was called by rider’s choice judges. Based on participation there were three categories: 1st-5th male snowboard, 1st-5th female snowboard, and 1st-5th male ski. The judges helped draw attention to those riders who threw down on the three obstacles, a down rail with a donkey kick, a flat bar to step-down rail, and a wall ride. Towards the end of the comp the judges called out a handful of noteworthy riders to stand in front of the crowd, where the riders themselves voted (by shouting) who they thought should place.

Lake Tahoe resident and snowboarder Andrew Brewer took first for the men, and earned his spot rightly by throwing down back lips, back side 180’s to pretzel out - all around nasty moves. Everyone else who placed received a hefty supply of prizes including snowboards, complete setups of outerwear, gloves, boots, shoes, and certificates such as Burton’s “free wax for life”. There was also a sizeable swag toss, which gave everyone a little something to go home with.

The Rail Rendezvous brought in a total amount of $3,340 which is going directly to Ronda to help out with her current situation. Randa’s sponsor Betty Rides donated $2,500 while $840 was accumulated through entry fees. The event couldn’t have been done without the great people of this unique Mt. Hood community. Randa will soon be back shredding with the best of them, and her friends at Timberline have clearly shown that they are looking forward to that day.

Evo would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful people at Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, along with friends of their community, for allowing us to take part in the event, and experience a weekend to remember and share. Tre Dauenhauer (evo Photographer), Matt Holihan (evo Intern Creative Writer), and Chris Shalbot (evo Team/Shop Manager) covered The Rail Rendezvous, inherited their own experiences while traveling down to Mt. Hood, and were welcomed into this unique and supportive community formed by those sharing a similar passion for snow sports.

Evo also thanks: The 7-11 guy for turning down Matt, Tre, and Chris’ request for free slurpees on 7/11, Graham Hiemstra for letting the trio crash at your house for the weekend, evo team rider, Austen Sweetin, for letting us bring down your abundance of camping stuff in a tightly packed Honda Civic to end up not even using it, Seth Kitzke for falling in the tree-trunk hole, Timberline Lodge and Ski Area Promotional manager, Jenny Johnson, and Megan Ginter for keeping The Rail Rendezvous organized and successful, and thank you to Marketing Manager, Brian Reed.

Timberline Ski Area is still covered with tons of snow left over from last winter’s record breaking season. The conditions are amazing, and without the people of Timberline Lodge and Ski Area we wouldn’t have been able to cover the event or enjoy the excellent conditions. Thank You Everyone!