Tahoe Daily Tribune February 2013 – Originally, the word banzai meant “may you live 10,000 years.” In the case of the Daron Rahlves race series of the same name, that sentiment might not apply. This past Sunday, over 80 zealous skiers and snowboarders gathered at Kirkwood, attempting to last a minute-and-a-half on a hair-raising, four-at-a-time competition down the infamous Wall.
“This is the first year we’ve had enough snow to run this from the top,” reported Rahlves, who as a four-time Olympian, knows snow. “I’ve always wanted to run it this way. Starting right at the CEP compression is some of the best natural terrain anywhere. And the gully is pretty interesting too.”
This is a small understatement, since most DNFs were a result of that same gully. And to explain, tour sponsor CEP compression socks had a large banner at a key set-up turn leading into Snowsnake Gully. As the soothing tones of “ParadiseCity” wafted over the speakers, race day got underway.
Multi-Banzai winner, John Bochenek, once again took the top prize in the men’s skier category, tidily winning all four of his heats and earning the nick-name ‘Johnny Banzai.’
The twenty-two year-old Truckee local said, “This is a great competition, I like the new course; it was a lot more open, fast and fun. Kirkwood’s like a second home for me now – three times here and now three times, I’ve won!”
Earning second place was Kyle Coxon, who along with women’s winner, Tara Hines, drove out from Salt Lake City just for the event. And in third, long-time local Kyle Smaine finally got to run the Kirkwood Banzai.
“I’d always been out of town for the Kirkwood race,” said Smaine, a winner of last year’s tour stop at Alpine Meadows. “The course was super smooth, great conditions, beautiful weather. You couldn’t ask for much more; everyone skied great and it was an awesome event.”
Smaine then added something about stealing Lindsay Vonn from Tiger Woods, but that’s another story…
In the women’s ski division, former US Ski Team member, Shelly Robertson, continued her regular podium-spot swap with Shannon Rahlves (yes, his sister). This year, though, Tara Hines added her skills to the mix; moving up from her 4th place Kirkwood finish last year to claim the winner’s title.
While the top skiers generally use stiff race skis, the Banzai course can be tougher on snowboarders, especially when the snow is rockin’ firm. Representing South Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood, Adam DeVargas parlayed his North Face Masters and World Heli Challenge experience into first place. And since someone in Bode Miller’s family needed some race results this season – his little brother, Chelone, drove up from Mammoth to grab second place; Matt Clark rounded out the podium in third.
For a time, south shore favorite and Team Kirkwood rider, Abe Greenspan, held the winning position; then Miller pointed out a missed gate, which the judging panel upheld – dropping a disappointed Greenspan to fourth.
In the smallest field of the day, the women’s snowboarding crown went to Casey Lucas, just off the Freeride World Tour in Chamonix. Some fresh podium faces were added with Marissa Krawczak in second (despite a gate panel making its impact on her chin) and Zephyr Cove resident, Brithany Thomson taking third.
The official Pop Chips award went to 8th place skier, ‘B’ Devine, explained by Grand Master Rahlves: “We judge the biggest or most impressive air off the road at Chair 11, which we call the Pop Chips jump.” The winner gets a month’s supply of the tasty snack.
To help imagine what a lap on this course feels like, start with The Wall chair. That’s the one with a skull and crossbones at the loading area. Aim straight off the top, drop about 15 feet and start doing super-G turns. Then launch – at speed – over the road at Chair 11 before aiming into Snowsnake Gully.
Now, narrow the run to about 20 feet wide, throw in some moguls, a little ice, plus trees and boulders jumping in front of you. Finally, add in three people you may or may not know and trust, none of whom are invested in your crossing the finish line. Then time it. On the other hand, there aren’t many legal ways to earn a couple grand for a few hours in this nice an office.
Speaking of money, Rahlves has a new lead sponsor. Kevin LeVezu, regional business banking manager said, “Bank of the West is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Tour this year. We recognize that visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the Tahoe area, so we’re pleased to support the people and businesses that make this region a great place to live and work.”
In all, the south shore of Tahoe was well represented, with locals like Chris Heinzle, Ray Sidney and Rose Marie Daiek making it to qualifiers. And it’s a terrific event, not just as a hairball challenge for competitors. Spectators can mosey up from the base, hang in the finish and easily follow the format, while cheering for friends. In VendorVillage, radio station101.5 streamed live, while Sierra Nevada brewery was well represented.
As they say in Nascar, and as was said often enough on Sunday, if it’s not rubbing, it’s not racing! Stay tuned for the next Banzai events at Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley and Sugar Bowl.