This seemingly low-key gathering of female backcountry freestylers riders is happening at Whitewater Resort. What is R&D is a question a lot of been asking since the media takeover happened. 

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT's mission is simple: to improve the ratio of women to men in backcountry riding, specifically the Natural Selection Tour. Robin Van Gyn has been behind the scenes working to create a freestyle event and contest for a group of up and coming riders who have the potential to compete and film at a high level. How can we prepare the new crop of riders to be able to level up and content with the stronger field of experienced riders? Give them a platform! 

A 7 day window of riding and competing where 8 - 10 riders will be selected to roll with 4 veterans of the NST. During the window, smaller groups of riders will be paired with “coaches” to practice, and film leading up to a competition day at the end of the window. Riders will compete in jam format on the contest day and winners will be awarded based on overall performance and contest day results. The top spot will be pre-qualified for the NST in 2025, and podium placement will also receive 5k in cash awards. 

THE RIDERS