Me prior to hopping in the bobsled
I had a couple of adventurous days in Park City last week that included a ride on the bobsled run at the Utah Olympic Park and a zippy trip on the Alpine Coaster at the Park City Mountain Resort.
First, the Comet bobsled.
I didn’t have any expectations for this ride and therefore wasn’t really scared. I did have to watch a video beforehand that talked about the dangers and thrills of the ride and I then had to sign a waiver in case I ended up getting tossed out of the ride. Hmmm. I paused a little, but Katie had dropped me off at the ride’s starting point and wouldn’t be back for an hour so what else was I to do with myself? Onward to the bobsled…
In the sled itself there’s one “professional” driver and then three people sit behind him. The last person in the sled feels the most force. Luckily I hopped in with two teenage gals who were more than happy to take the back seats to feel the full affect. I squeezed in behind the driver, belted myself in and grabbed the handles tucked deep inside the sled.
A couple of bystanders are recruited to push the bobsled off.
Off the sled goes…
Off we went in the wheeled bobsled. My first thought was, “This is nothing…”, until we started speeding up and hit our first turn. Yowza. At nearly 4 G’s, I could barely keep my head up as we flew downward at 68 MPH.
Afterwards, I felt like I had been in a car accident… in a good way of course. It was bone-jarring and teeth-chattering as the wheels hit every bump and dip on the slide. It’s something everyone should try but I’m not quite sure I’d do it again. I was assured that the winter sled, while about 10 miles faster, is actually smoother, so perhaps I’ll have to return for that one ๐
After my bone jarring ride!
After recovering nicely from that little adventure, the next day I road the Alpine Coaster with my escort for the day, Bev. This one was a bit scarier to me because I was in my own coaster and in full control of how fast or slow I’d be going.
The teenage boy who was instructing me at the start said I should just go full blast down the track since there was no way I could fall out or off the track. I didn’t want to be a wimp and pull the breaks on the way down so it was full steam ahead!
Alpine coaster ride – heading s t r a i g h t up.
I slowly road up the track all the while listening to others screaming on the way down. I was soon part of that screaming crowd as I pushed the lever forward (which completely releases the brake) and sped away in a wild fashion. It was indeed a thrill – not bone jarring, not teeth chattering – it was actually pretty awesome.
Anyone who thinks Park City is only for winter sports should check out these amazing rides. I know I’ll be back.
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Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
You go girl – I had no idea you could do that – I was in Park City a few years ago and would have done that in a minute. This is worth a special trip back just to try!! What a ride!!
Jean Schroy says
Some people are nuts!!!
Glad yoou are enjoying it Jean
Jim says
I love visiting Park City in the summer. I lived in Salt Lake City as teenager and enjoyed all the summer activities in the mountains. And when in Park City as an adult, with class. Glad you had fun too. Hope your lodgings and food was ok too.
Brad Stewart says
I’ve ridden both the summer and winter bobsleds and can vouch for the winter ones being more smooth, off course 80mph and 5g’s does make it more intense. ๐