Josh Dirksen hurt my feelings. For those of you who don’t know who he is, Josh is a snowboarder and he appeared in my favorite snow film of all time- Robot Food’s Afterlame. If I’m remembering correctly he gives a little speech about how he doesn’t “spin the 900” anymore, unless sponsors are watching or there’s some contest. What a ridiculously cool guy. He couldn’t be among the ski-hating snomophobes that seem to be hiding behind every blog these days, could he?
Well he recently put on a banked slalom event at Mt. Bachelor to benefit an injured friend. You can read a description of the event here, and let me tell you it’s a real honest feel good story. Just the kind of thing I’d expect from one of my snow heroes. But, then I asked if I could run a couple photos of Eric Pollard and Chris Benchetler, who competed in the event, and I was told that Josh specifically requested I mention that it was a snowboard event with a “token skier division.” That’s just hurtful. Haven’t all these years of bigotry taught us anything?
Well here are the pics of Eric and Chris supporting a great cause, and I have a dream, brothers and sisters, that Josh Dirksen and I will slide down the hill on our respective snow devices holding hands in perfect harmony. In fact, I have that dream quite often. Call me.
Photos brought to you by Abe Blair- Blindman Photos
EP on his way to being the first token skier to finish.
Benchetler, just another token in the crowd.
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Silly skiers. One honest request and you get your panties all in a bunch. Josh is actually quite a ski fan and (shameless plug) I asked him about it in his YoBeat interview. here’s what he said:
“Well, one of my best friends, Trevor Baker, is a skier so I can’t really talk shit about it, I guess. I think it’s pretty funny. It’s just one of those all things that everyone thinks is still a big deal, but it’s all the same to me. It’s fun going out with skiers. They don’t do the same tricks, it’s fun and interesting to watch, it’s not like you are just copying each other. I like going out with skiers, but I like going out with anyone who’s stoked and having fun.”
So see, your dream of holding hands might come true after all.
Since I am totally making your site better, here’s a link to the sweet interview.
http://www.yobeat.com/2009/05/13/josh-dirksen-one-foots-all-over-hump-day/
^^^ spammer!!! spreading snowboard propaganda! Whats youbeat? MMA Fighting Website? ha, jk, lol, omgz. Way to go Eric!! Winning one for the team! BTW Eric’s a good snowboarder too. Nice skis and pointy sticks! Basically 2 snowboards and well..pointy sticks.
The Derby is a good cause that shouldn’t be overshadowed by self conscious shredders and their labels of the ‘lesser’ snowsliders. When any ignorance is mumbled, just smile and try and refrain from blogging about it to fuel the fire. It will eventually go away, maybe.
god everyone is so serious. the internet is no fun anymore. ps. jk. lol. etc.
^^^You’re too busy worrying about sharks vs. jets battles. the internet is SO fun.