Racers tackle the hill in front of the crowd. More pictures on page 5.
JOHNSVILLE — The annual Longboard Historic Revival Series World Championships, presented by the Plumas Ski Club, were held on Sunday. A sunny day and perfect conditions led hundreds to visit Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl just outside Graeagle and watch competitors attempt to make it down the hill on traditional 9-foot-or-longer wooden skis. Many chose to wear 1800s-appropriate garb featuring plenty of fur and leather.
Although getting to the finish line was a challenge in itself, a few exceptional racers managed to stay on their skis and beat the competition. Here are the final results.
Women
1. World Champion Gina “Hot knife thru butter” Luciano
2. Rachel “The Rascal” Bauer
3. Sarah “The Farmer” Johnstone
Men
1. World Champion Adam “The Interloper” Henriques
2. Ryan “Johnsville” Murray
3. Brandon Beck
A three-man heat pushes off from the start line.
The longboards require a stable squatted position; their weight can easily pull a longboarder off-balance.
A participant hikes back to the top of the slope after winning her first race.
Things did not often go as planned.
An E Clampus Vitus member rings the starting “gong.”