Wood, moments before impact.

When Ryan Wood’s head started leaning just a bit too far over the handle bars of his bike, most onlookers were prepared for the inevitable. What followed, though, may have been more than they bargained for.

The 15-year-old Martinez local’s late night crash at the Folsom Fam Jam in Cummings Park wasn’t the first of the night, though it certainly garnered the most attention as onlookers and riders crowded around to see Wood’s condition.

It was a night filled with big airs and huge tricks from local and professional riders including Greg Watts, Andrew Taylor and Tyler McCall. Amateur riders went big on the jumps impressing the fans. Folsom local, Ryan Shine, 17, won the Big Air contest and $300, clearing 21 feet on his hard tail Santa Cruz mountain bike.

Ryan Shine on his winning jump in the Big Air competition.

Families, friends and passers-by reveling in the good times and spectacle had been there most of night; some had even been there since 2 PM when the festivities began. It was getting close to 10:30 PM and the event had technically finished more than an hour-and-a-half ago, according to the flyer. There were talks of Chipotle runs but more than likely Taco Bell, given the time. People were getting tired and they wanted to eat.

In the end,  it all came down to six riders – three BMX and three hard tail mountain bike riders, including Wood – competing for best trick.

When Wood came speeding down the racetrack, the throngs of people packing into the empty spots in and around the race track had already seen the kid throw down more than one huge stylized trick.

As Wood entered the air off the 20-foot jump ramp he immediately went into a “no-hands” front flip. Without his hands to hold onto the handlebars the flip carrying enough inertia jettisoned Wood’s bike out from underneath him.

“It was a huge trick to be doing anyway,” said Shine. “With the dirt, too, it’s completely different from jumping into a foam pit.”

Without his bike, Wood went hurtling toward the ground, slamming down on his tail bone, sliding and rolling to a stop.

“I thought he was going to land on his head,” said Shine. “He did the right thing, though, rolling onto his back.”

He didn’t move. And as his bike came down after him, some were immediately concerned it would careen directly into the injured rider. Though, it seems Wood had some luck left as the bike narrowly avoided impact with his crumpled body.

It didn’t take long for people to rush to his aid, surrounding him and evaluating his injuries. Wood still wasn’t moving, but it was evident he was still conscious amidst the emitting moans of pain. Race track first-aid technicians didn’t move the 15-year-old rider, but stabilized his neck in a brace and waited for emergency medical aid to arrive.

They wouldn’t wait long as EMTs arrived about five minutes later. After about 30 minutes EMTs managed to get Wood onto a gurney. Riders and fans followed alongside Wood’s gurney cheering him on and applauding as he was lifted into the ambulance. He was then rushed to Mercy Hospital of Folsom less than two miles away.

After sustaining minor scrapes and cuts to his back, arms and posterior, Wood was released under his own strength the same night with undoubtedly a sore back to boot. Fam Jam also awarded Wood first-place in the Best Trick competition and $500.

The Folsom Fam Jam is presented by The Hub and is Folsom Bike Park’s third annual freeride/dirt jump jam. The park featured all-new jumps and transitions which will be accessible from now on for all riders.