Winter XGames 14 Jan 28, 2009

Last night on the treacherous drive from Denver to Aspen, I really needed an energy drink to keep me alert while driving in the snowy & slick conditions. My energy drink need was answered this morning as I arrived at Buttermilk in Aspen for Winter X Games 14 in one piece with plenty of energy drinks on site. This morning Aspen was blessed with clear blue skies and a great venue. Snow Park Technologies have really got building phenomenal snow obstacles down to a science as the Butermilk landscape has been masterfully altered by Chris Gunnarson & his crew. The first day at X is always full of anticipation & frustration. The anticipation of what you'll witness & the frustration of what exact credential you'll need in order to do your job. It seems you even need a credential to go to the proper restroom here! Since today was the first day, it was a good time to just cruise around & do a little recon of where you need to be and what you can and can't do. I met up today with Porters Team riders Nate Holland, Chas Guldemond and Errol Kerr. Nate is going for a 5-peat gold medal in boardercross, Chas is trying to get a medal in snowboard slopestyle, & Errol is trying to medal in skiercross. Nate & Errol will be attending the Olympics in Vancouver soon. Nate & Errol have both commented on how nice the course is and are both looking forward to competition. All the guys had practice today figuring out their lines. Tomorrow is qualifying for these guys and thye are all excited to get to business.