AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Hillclimbing is not for wussiesOne of the toughest things about RMSHA racing is that there is no practice on course. The only way to learn the course is to walk it. The standard procedure is that the racers hitch a ride up the backside of the hill to the top and then walk back to the bottom, taking mental notes of every bump and line.
The Pro classes qualify and then race, but our class only got one run, so it had to be good. Finally my number was called and I lined up between the flags waiting on the light to go green. As I waited I said a quick prayer, asking for help… and maybe some protection, if needed. When the light turned it was all go.
I rode quickly through the flat section before beginning the hill's ascent. It was late in the day and after so many sleds grinding up the hill the snow was becoming sparse. My first encounter with the muddy ice was a shocker, I grabbed some throttle only to feel the sled go sideways as the track spun and struggled for traction. There was much less traction than I imagined. I quickly realized that the key to getting to the top would be to stay off the mud and in the snow whenever possible. I remembered Nate's advice to always look ahead and made relatively quick progress up the hill.
A couple of turns from the top had to lean over the bars to make a sharp turn, somehow in the process I bumped the kill switch and the machine died. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten to tape the kill switch like everyone else does. What a rookie mistake! Nevertheless I was determined to still make it over the top, I started the machine and tried to keep going but I was on an icy spot and there was no traction. So I reversed a bit to get onto snow, grabbed a bunch of throttle and rocked the sled with all my might. Thankfully the sled got going again and I made swift progress up and over the top.
It was disappointing to kill the sled mid-run and because I backed up I didn't get a time, only a high mark at the gate where I stopped. A few racers in the class didn't make it this high, so I ended up placing 12th. Definitely not the result I hoped for, but I achieved my two main goals -get over the top and not damage the sled.
Just do it!The result wasn't really what mattered, what mattered was getting the once in a lifetime experience of racing with a top RMSHA team.
For those in the West who have racing aspirations - go for it. It's much easier and affordable than you might think. All you need is a sled with a tether, riding gear, knee guards and a chest protector.
Most RMSHA races have an Amateur or Locals class that is inexpensive to enter. Entry at Bear Lake was only $30. Racing these entry-level classes is the first step to getting over the top at Jackson.
See you at the top!