Park City Adventures

This is the first year in a long time that I have not had a season pass to one of the many resorts that surround us in this great state. Snowboarding/skiing has always been a huge part of my life, and always will, but this year it needed to be put aside as other responsibilities took it's place. However, when opportunities present themselves, you can always find me on the slopes. This month I had the opportunity of riding Park City Mountain Resort with my brother Robby and his girlfriend Amy...It was a blast!

Yes, I did survive a full day on the mountain with these two Artichokes (both attending Scottsdale Community College, home of the Artichokes)!

On January 10th a unique opportunity came my way. My little bother ran into an old family friend of ours who's son was currently working at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I was on one of 4 Olympic Bobsled tracks in North America.

This is the consent form that I signed releasing the park of all liability even if I were to suffer an injury due to their own negligence. Becky got quite nervous after this...

This is Becky being scared for my life.

Robby and I prepared to experience what was going to be one of the greatest thrills of our lifetime.

After getting situated in the sled at the top of the course I told the others that I wanted to get the best time of all the sleds in our group (5 sleds). The employees pushing us away accepted that request and pushed with all their might launching us onto the track. The first hundred feet or so the sled steadily increased speed. The first two turns were great as I was tucked in the bobsled position embracing my neck with my shoulders and grasping onto my handles. As time continued I soon found myself grasping the handles harder and harder. Turns came so quickly that my knees were thrust from side to side of the sled. The force was so powerful that every turn caused my head to be thrown down into my lap. After ten turns or so I remember wishing that the finish line was the next thing in our path. Four more turns later the driver pulled on the brake and we made it safely to the bottom...and yes, we were the fastest sled that night with 52.35 seconds. I will never forget this experience as we reached speeds of up to 80 mph. My neck mas sore for several days (from trying to resist the force) and my knees were banged up a little, but this ride was definitely worth it!