All right, stop! Collaborate and listen.
Ice is back with a brand new invention. Something, grabs a hold of me tightly.
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly. Will it ever stop, yo, I don’t know.
Turn off the lights, and I’ll glow!
Ice is back with a brand new invention. Something, grabs a hold of me tightly.
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly. Will it ever stop, yo, I don’t know.
Turn off the lights, and I’ll glow!
… Okay, that’s about as much 90’s rap
as anyone can endure; let’s get onto the real ice:
as anyone can endure; let’s get onto the real ice:
If you haven’t already heard, the
2011/12 sliding season is officially underway. Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park
sent the first sleds hurling down its track Tuesday, October 4th.
That morning, also marked the day I became the proud owner of my very own
Wilfried “Willi” Schneider
Skeleton sled. The shipment from Germany was released by customs
late Monday evening.
2011/12 sliding season is officially underway. Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park
sent the first sleds hurling down its track Tuesday, October 4th.
That morning, also marked the day I became the proud owner of my very own
Wilfried “Willi” Schneider
Skeleton sled. The shipment from Germany was released by customs
late Monday evening.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to get
the opportunity to practice and race on three-time World Champion & Olympic
silver medalist Jeff Pain‘s Wili sled – it was an
instant fit and I knew I had to have one. Now, I do.
the opportunity to practice and race on three-time World Champion & Olympic
silver medalist Jeff Pain‘s Wili sled – it was an
instant fit and I knew I had to have one. Now, I do.
While I instantly began deciphering it’sunique nuances on the track, off the ice – this sled required a bit of
customization before I could formally announce it’s existence to the world.
As every slider’s body is unique – the saddle(where I lay on the sled) should fit, quite literally, like a glove. So,
being made of steel – some power tools, welding heat and ingenuity are
required. Thankfully, my life is full of amazing, talented people and by the
end of the week all the adjustments had been made.
Today, I was able to put the finishingtouches on his assembly. ‘His’, because I have decided to name him
‘Phrixus’. From the Greek Φριξος (Phrixos) which
meant “thrilling, causing shivers”, derived from φριξ (phrix) “ripple,
shiver”. All of which is very fitting – I assure you.
Sled work aside, this first week was
quite the success. Not only did Phrixus and I push our way to 5.34 in the Ice
House claiming the title of 2011 ASA Women’s Push Champion – it allowed us 16
runs. The drastic weather changes however, gave us an 11 second swing in
downtimes (from 70 to 59 seconds), which made for some very interesting
adjustments in timing, steer strength and general awareness.
quite the success. Not only did Phrixus and I push our way to 5.34 in the Ice
House claiming the title of 2011 ASA Women’s Push Champion – it allowed us 16
runs. The drastic weather changes however, gave us an 11 second swing in
downtimes (from 70 to 59 seconds), which made for some very interesting
adjustments in timing, steer strength and general awareness.
I’ve always compared driving down the trackto learning and executing an intricate choreographed dance. The correct steps and
movements are right there for you to take, but in the pursuit of perfection – barriers
and hurdles appear. Regardless, with the interest of success you take one foot
in front of the other and relentlessly attack the rhythm. That’s what I do as I
take as many runs as my brain and body will allow – over and over; chasing
perfection (and the clock).
There are a mere 10 days until our first Canadian Selection Race – beginning at
8 AM here in YYC Thursday, October 20th. If you aren’t already
planning to be there, I’d be more than happy to write you a note to miss the
morning of school or work. No excuses – I can’t wait to hear all of your
cheering voices!!
Check out the hook, as the DJ revolves
it.
it.
