The February 2014 issue of Thrasher dives headfirst into the chaotic mayhem of King of the Road, the legendary skate contest where teams battle through outrageous challenges while on the road. The mag breaks down how it works with insight into the brutal format where “the ace trumps the king.”

The Enjoi team gets spotlighted as they endure “a world of pain,” pushing themselves to the limit across cities and challenges, while Chocolate brings a “mini bar with Weeman” and a “mistit road crew” vibe, marking a fresh take on the usual grind. The team features are raw and wild—Ben Raybourn burns through the competition with a sizzling backside boneless that shifts him from the frying pan straight to victory.

Cities like Sacramento make the cut with stories of “lesbian hairdos” and “extended scoldings,” keeping the tone equal parts punk and playful. Real skaters are featured engaging in antics like “piss chug for days,” perfectly capturing the gritty, unfiltered energy of KOTR.

Birdhouse redefines focus by “riding a longboard” with precision, reminding readers that in the world of points, “points are points”—no matter the style or deck. The issue also revisits the fine tradition of heavy skating “down 34 Portland,” delivering plenty of bangers and crashes.

Overall, this issue is a brutal, funny, and uncut look at Thrasher’s iconic King of the Road contest, where skating, mayhem, and camaraderie collide in the most spectacular ways.

Some creases to the cover.