| Skiing
In Lithuania
18 January 2004
I've never seen anything like it.
A couple dozen cars parked along side the road, a small building
housing the generator for the "lift", police tape marking
the "finish", and through a group of people, I could see
the last gates of the course. It was the narrowest slalom hill I've
ever seen. Well forget slalom hill, it was like a couloir coming
through the trees. Every turn was banked, it was like skiing through
one of those obstacle courses for kids where they use the hill to
help them learn parallel turns.
But there it was, my first slalom race in Lithuania. It was to commemorate
the death two years ago of a young skier who had hit a tree on that
hill. And frankly no wonder! I was scared to death at the start,
which by the way you have to hike through the forest to get to,
that I would hit a tree! The third gate was in fact, right in-between
two trees no more than 4 meters apart.
But, they had the timing equipment that I got from Richard Rokos,
CU ski team coach, all set up, finish banners, and don't forget
the police tape! There were time keepers and an announcer and everything.
We even had bibs, brand new ones, that were ordered especially large
because most people wear them over their jackets instead of over
GS suits. In between runs, the wives got out sandwiches, tea and
of course, Starka! I was a second faster on my second run, I think
it was thanks to the shot of Starka Kepizinis (president of the
ski fed) gave me.
In the end, I was second again to Angelica. I have to learn to ski
old school. It's apparently faster!
The "lift"... I am not even sure what to say about that!
There is a cable going through the trees that you have to have this
piece of wood attached to a rope, attached to a hook to ride. You
go over the cable, put the wood between your legs, hold the rope
tight in one hand and with the other, grab the cable with the hook
and... away you go!
I was SO scared! I thought for sure I would never make it, but I
did! I think this is one of the most dangerous things I've ever
seen! I felt like it was 1948 and Stalin was president again. Apparently
there are plans to expand this hill. It's fairly high, fairly steep,
not bad really if you cut down some trees. Investors are wanted!
In the end, I think this is one of the most fun races I've ever
been to! There was definitely a time or two, when I looked around
at all the people, smelling the wet wood and the snow... I thought,
I love this.
Next weekend we go to Ignalina, where I am promised there is a real
lift and more than one narrow, scary run! Angelica I don't think
will be there, but my old rival, Diana, will be. Tomorrow I'm tuning
my skis! |
