Scott Vine flossin’ his skills for the win. Katsuyoshi Photo.

Words: Tawnya Schultz

This year’s Hot Dawgs and Handrails event at Bear Mountain was literally hotter than ever. The day prior an illegal campfire approximately 10 miles away from the resort quickly spread flames throughout the valley. Wind luckily pushed the smoke in the opposite direction and peeps flocked to the hill in droves making HDHR the largest pre season gathering yet. The deck looked like it would on a busy holiday- packed with people, beers in hand, and smiling faces. Holding it down on the forefront were familiar faces jibbing it up on the many features Bear’s park staff set up. The media circus was also in full effect with a line of photogs along both runs and video cameras to capture all the action. Vendors stacked to the left of the comp gave kids much to cheer about with plenty of free schwag.

Melissa Evans and her many fans.

The massive smoke cloud on the drive up.

As the finals got underway it was an all out jam battle to impress the judges. Boys, girls, old, young, they all went for it simultaneously and practically on top of one another. Competitors stepped their game up with judge JP Walker who could school anyone on the features gazing on. In the end it was Simon Chamberlain’s counterpart Scott Vine heading to the bank five G’s richer. Tahoe gal Iris Lazzareschi represented for the chicas. As the sun went down many were already feeling a buzz as the fashion show and video premieres took center stage. Later that evening all the legal drinkers made their way to B’s Backyard Barbeque and the rest is history.

Jonas Michilot. Don’t call him a rookie.

Joe Sexton hitting on of the wall ride features. Katsuyoshi photo.

Bradshaw on his home turf. Katsuyoshi photo.

Mike Burton matching his skills with the rail colors. Katsuyoshi photo.

The men’s podium.

MFM is definitely in the walk of fame.

Bear’s finest handing out some cold ones.

The freshest gear display.

Big props to Nam Tran for putting the event together…and for the sno cones.

Snowboard party=packed bar and not enough bartenders.

The hottest ladies I could find for a shot.

And of course there were drunk dancers.

Creeps and MFM always doing it real big.

Slipmat holding it down on the turntables.

The homies in a few deep.

There was some great entertainment too.

Mike Burton, his padre, and Katsu- one of Japan’s finest.

Grillz are a necessity nowadays.

1st Place winner- Scott Vine
2nd Place winner- Nick Dirks
3rd Place winner- Scott Stevens
Best Trick went to Joe Sexton with a 270 on off down rail!

1st Place winner- Iris Lazzareschi
2nd Place winner- Melissa Evans