two riders DID nearly kill themself, wilson went 190ft to flat......
the jump was the same size as the other one, around 100ft....
"Looming large during this time was the infamous opposing jump, fully symmetrical as the current jump, and a slightly better landing. After Derek had finished up with an impressive morning shoot he, Mike, AJ (de Saint Falle), and Alex Dillard went to the other side, the "2nd" jump, to begin speed checks. The in run for this jump was longer, with more flat bottom towards the lip. This meant there had to be more speed from the top, which we all thought existed due to the length being double and the pitch steeper. The three brave soles tested speed for a while, Alex stating, "I am going so fast my skis are barely staying on the ground." The other three soldiers felt confident with their speed, but opted not to hit the jump due to poor light. Some of the riders agreed to show back up the following morning to session the "2nd" jump; it would be a session that lasted only one hit.
The following morning Derek was up and eager to get the 2nd jump underway. We prepared the jump by raking, grooming, slipping, digging, and salting. Derek speed checked numerous times, each time looking as though he had the speed needed to carry the distance. After his final speed check we all agreed Derek had enough speed.
Derek made his final ascent to the top. He began his march down the in run, to the lip, and off. Derek was in the air. He came towards the knuckle. He did not have the distance. He came up five feet short. He would be life flighted to the Redding hospital, have multiple broken ribs and broken discs in his back, a partially torn spleen, and two layers torn in his aorta. Derek is making incredible progress and should be fine.
The day was done.
After receiving news that Derek's surgeries went well and he would live, the crew of skier's were mildly hungry to get back to jibbin' the following day.
Another beautiful morning was underway and Mike was ready to try his hand at the infamous 2nd jump. Again the in run was prepped and Mike decided to have assistance via snowmobile. Although he did not witness the horrendous accident the day before, he has had his experience's coming up short; he would make every effort possible to not have that happen on this jump. Mike decided to add more pop to the jump and tow in as fast as the sled could go; a 100+ MPH to be exact.
Mike made numerous speed checks and decided it was time. He made his ascent to the top, turned around, and made his march down the in run. He hit the lip at 85 MPH, blasted off the lip, and was way the fuck in the air. He cleared the knuckle by a ton and landed in the bottom of the tranny. He traveled 190 ft., his skis stayed on, and he had enough for one day. Biggest air I have ever seen. "
taken from the rage site...should answer some questions
