Tricks were for kids, as bikers seemed more like aerialists as the competitors of the Wam Bam Dirt Jump Jam (WBDJJ) launched themselves into the evening. The 4th Annual WBDJJ brought out the crowds as the bikers put on a hypnotic show on Saturday, July 22.
Paul Genovese, Liam Wallace and Derek Vondracek were the top three in the Experts category. Genovese and Vonderacek both grew up riding in Fernie.
“The competition was tough for the Best Trick category with people doing cash rolls, superman front flips and 360 tail whips to bar spins,” said WBDJJ Judge Dylan Siggers. “Not that many best trick contests are that intense.”
When Fernie saw it’s first double back flip landed by Tom Van Steenbergen from Kelowna, the crowd volume soared.
Among the 46 bikers in the Expert category were riders from Whistler and the United States. Thirty bikers entered the Grom and Intermediate category with the youngest competitors riding their pedal-less and brakeless Striders, Flintstone style.
Adam Laurin of Commit Snow and Skate amplified the riders’ accomplishments with his animated and comedic emcee announcing.
Devon White won a Jackal bike frame donated by Straight Line, as decided by the judges. $6000 in cash was handed out to competitors during the heats as well as helmets, hoodies and a brand new bike.
“Wam Bam is growing every year. It’s good to keep biking fun. More spectators are coming out; it’s good for people to see the time and effort the kids put into sharpening their skills,” said Thomas Dunn, Fernie Bike Club president and WBDJJ organizer.
All funds raised at the WBDJJ go to the Fernie Mountain Bike Club. If you ride the trails, become a member and get involved.