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Monday, 18 Feb 08
So I did it. I tried bobsledding, and almost died. I can't believe Utah Olympic Park just lets any Joe Blow take a ride down the 15-turn Olympic track, known to be one of the fastest in the world.
It hurts! Though crumpling, it was exhilarating. Crumpling because the 5 Gs of force (five times the pull of gravity) compressed my neck and back so much that, well, I was dazed when it ended. (Exhilarating for the same reason.) It was the longest minute of my life. Basically even lifting my neck throughout the 54-second ride was impossible. It felt like someone was pushing as hard as he/she could on my head, which caused major pressure on my back, and hence the crumple effect. I'm in training for this dang sport, and felt like a weenie when rich Park City visitors (the ride cost $200 a pop) looked like they were unaffected emerging from the fiber-glass comet.
Upon humiliation, I had to do some more research. It turns out the U.S. Olympic bobsledders had similar first-time experiences: "What am I getting myself into," etc. Then upon examining photos, I learned that the damn pusher (backseat rider) fully bends over at the waist to protect the neck and spine versus trying to fight the Gs. Doh!
Would I do it again. Oh yeah! Planning on it.
For more information on taking the only full-course bobsled ride in North America, visit www.olyparks.com. It's the gnarliest roller coaster ride you will ever go on in your life. (By the way, that's me in that sled pictured above. Thanks photog Grete!)
Utah Olympic Park bobsled challenge
Comment on this PostSo I did it. I tried bobsledding, and almost died. I can't believe Utah Olympic Park just lets any Joe Blow take a ride down the 15-turn Olympic track, known to be one of the fastest in the world.
It hurts! Though crumpling, it was exhilarating. Crumpling because the 5 Gs of force (five times the pull of gravity) compressed my neck and back so much that, well, I was dazed when it ended. (Exhilarating for the same reason.) It was the longest minute of my life. Basically even lifting my neck throughout the 54-second ride was impossible. It felt like someone was pushing as hard as he/she could on my head, which caused major pressure on my back, and hence the crumple effect. I'm in training for this dang sport, and felt like a weenie when rich Park City visitors (the ride cost $200 a pop) looked like they were unaffected emerging from the fiber-glass comet.
Upon humiliation, I had to do some more research. It turns out the U.S. Olympic bobsledders had similar first-time experiences: "What am I getting myself into," etc. Then upon examining photos, I learned that the damn pusher (backseat rider) fully bends over at the waist to protect the neck and spine versus trying to fight the Gs. Doh!
Would I do it again. Oh yeah! Planning on it.
For more information on taking the only full-course bobsled ride in North America, visit www.olyparks.com. It's the gnarliest roller coaster ride you will ever go on in your life. (By the way, that's me in that sled pictured above. Thanks photog Grete!)
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