What could be better than figure skating with an Olympic champion and touring the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center? Bobsledding and Ski Jumping, of course! I need to stop right here and tell you that we did NOT ski jump…but we did bobsled.
As we drove up the mountain to the bobsled track, I did feel a bit anxious. Similar to how you feel when you ride a roller coaster the first time. It gets easier once you know what to expect. However, I knew that I had to be in the first sled back down the mountain. That way I wouldn’t freak out and change my mind.
After being properly fitted with stunning helmets and goggles, we were ready to head out to our sled.
Our sled consisted of a {rookie} driver, me, Nicole, Kristi Yamaguchi, and our brakeman.
We were snug in our seats. No safety belts, just a fabric handle to hang on too {yikes!}! The driver and the brakeman pushed the sled, jumped in, and we were soaring down the mountain – just like you’ve been watching the athletes on television! And under a minute later, we were at the bottom. I was ready to do it again.
The bobsled is not a smooth ride, you’re vibrating down the track. With each curve, the g-forces slam your body into the side of the sled. I had bruises on my arm for nearly two weeks afterwards. I feel both envious and amazed at the athletes that train as bobsledders.
If you’d like to see what it is like to soar down the mountain in a bobsled, check out this video courtesy of the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience. Sadly, there is no video of our journey down:
From the bobsled track, we toured the Jumping Complex. WOW! I thought the bob sled was impressive. The ramp that the ski jumpers hurl themselves off of is jaw dropping. We rode 27 or stories up in an elevator and enjoyed the beautiful panoramic views before mustering up enough courage to go outside and see the ramp.
Scary, eh?
Less scary when you turn around and take a selfie.
After riding back down the ski jump via elevator, I made my way to the podium. I had a blast pretending I was an Olympian and waving to all of my fans.
It was amazing to experience the bobsled and see the ski jump from the athlete’s perspective; it’s given me a new appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice of the athletes.
As you watch the 2014 Olympic games, know that regardless of where they finish, the athletes work hard and their training is made possible through sponsors. While you’re shopping, be sure to show your support by purchasing items from companies look for companies that are sponsors of Team USA, like Smucker’s.
Hahahha.. selfies are always good when you don’t want to see where you are going. How fun for you to get to do this.
Ok, I am honestly so jewlouse right now! I would love to have went bobsledding! Such a neat experience.
Oh my goodness, what an incredible experience! I don’t know if I’d have the guts to go on a bobsled like that, but WOW! That is so cool!
That’s why I needed to go first – I feared that I would back out and regret it later. It was so fun – I’d do it again.
I would have DIED. Honestly, there is no way I would have done it. I went snow tubing down a tot hill with my little guy last weekend and almost wet my pants. I am a wimp.
Robin it was CRAZY! But so much fun. As soon as we got to the bottom, I asked to go again! Such an adrenaline rush with the g-forces!
oh wow. I would love to do some bobsledding. How cool you got to give Bobsledding a try.
Wow that looks like fun but honestly i am to much of a wimp to have a go lol.
SERIOUSLY????? That is a lifetime experience to be sure. I would LOVE that. So, so cool.
Wow, looks like you had a great time! I really would like to try bobsledding, but not sure if I would like to try ski jumping 😀
Oh my gosh, what a fun experience. I’d do the bobsled in an instant, bruises or not. 🙂
I would definitely be too chicken to go on a bobsled ride like you did! I would probably go up and LOOK at the ski jump-but stand WAY BACK!! You do have to admire these Olympian hopefuls and those who made it who practice these sports. I do love Smucker’s Jams and will be sure to look for the support Team USA on their label plus look for other brands that do as well.
Riding in a bobsled sounds like such a cool experience! It’s so cool that you got to do that.
i’m jealous i would love to go do this it looks like amazing fun. yep i’m jealous of you
Wow, this must have been an amazing experience. I’m glad you were able to take such beautiful photos of your experience.
Hey, really cool pictures! Looks like you had an amazing time. And seriously, what an incredible experience!
Wow what an amazing experience that must have been! I quite fancy trying out the bobsleigh 🙂 x
Oh my goodness, that looks like so much fun! And looks like you had a good time.
I would’ve peed my pants going down! How cool though to do it with Kristi Yamaguchi! 😀
That thought crossed my mind too, Annie!
That is amazing!! I would die. Seriously, I am deathly afraid of heights. In that situation I would force myself to go down though.
You are just living it up there! Awesome! I would love to have this experience!
Wowee, what an AWESOME experience! Bobsledding is one of my favorite Winter Olympic events. I don’t watch much of the Olympics anymore, with 3 daredevil and unpredictable sons, sledding itself is a nerve-wracking experience. I don’t need to give them any more dangerous ideas 🙂 Just kidding, honestly, we just don’t watch too much regular TV.
What an amazingly cool experience! I think I’d be scared, though. I’m a chicken, lol.
What great fun!! I never been bobsledding before! Would love to take my son and my hubby one day!
How fun!