Words: Temple Cummins
Photos: Matt Gadsby

 

Adam Haynes, the artist for the last two Billygoat graphics, came north to visit the GNU factory and do a little snowboarding with Matt Gadsby and myself.

We lucked out with some deep snow. Adam is an incredible artist with the ability to transform ideas to paper that become better than the ideas in your head. It was the first time I had the opportunity to ride with Adam. Splitboarding can be slow, usually because of the change over process. Not with Adam, he’s won the splitboard race at the Dirksen Derby twice.

Our first stop was Stanny’s Pillows. We were pleasantly surprised to get in four laps as we had planned to just sneak in a quick lap and be on our way. We then headed back to our packs to start the trip to our overnight accommodations. When we arrived we noticed the top zipper to Adam’s pack had been opened. Ravens had gotten in and sampled the two Hungry Hiker meals, yogurt, apples, oatmeal and punjaby inside. Those birds are incredible! Thankfully Stanny was kind enough to give half his sandwich and take out the trash the bird had left behind.

We finally arrived at our sleep zone around sunset, did a little relaxing and then headed out for a moonlight mission. One of the greatest things about splitboarding is the freedom you have with your day. You’re able to utilizing every waking hour to explore. The following day we where able to work our way up the hill having a completely open slate to hit hips, ditches, cliffs, pillows and a bunch of tree runs.

As the weather heated up the following day we finished off our food, drank some weak coffee, packed up and made our way home. Adam was able to stop by the GNU factory on the way out. Thankfully it was Sunday giving us the ability to meander around and not get in anybodies way.

Good art in snowboarding is crucial and Adam is a believer in both.

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