The thought of actually accomplishing some items on my bucket list scares me to my very core. One of them is bobsledding. In Sigulda, Latvia the track is 1420 m; it features 16 curves and allows for a maximum speed of 125 km/h. That’s insane. Who says, “I want to get into an open-aired vehicle and zoom down an ice track at 125km/h?” I couldn’t leave it to the unknown though. I had to give it a try and see how intense it was for myself. Now I can say with firsthand experience it actually is insane. What a rush!
We arrived in Sigulda and toured the Sigulda castle ruins and I was promised a fun surprise even before bobsledding. Needless to say, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve. I was already crossing one item off of my list that day and now a surprise; heck yes! I love Latvia!
At the castle, I was able to try on medieval armor worn for battle in Sigulda. Then, we practiced warfare. Archery, axe throwing, and spear throwing were all part of the program. I beamed with delight. I love interactive experiences. What a treat to learn how to throw a spear and an axe properly. Not that I use those skills on a daily basis, but learning anything new is a great way to spend the day. The archery was my favorite; I could have practiced for hours, but my frozen hands disagreed.
When we left the castle, we passed the bobsledding track and I wasn’t sure where we were going. We came around a turn and I noticed a massive climbing structure and I couldn’t stop smiling. The castle warfare wasn’t even part of the surprise, although I was totally impressed with it. The 120 m tower was set up like an obstacle course with different routes to the top. I chose the easy route, only climbed half way, and was still proud of my accomplishment. It was quite difficult for an inexperienced climber like myself, but if Darren had of been there to encourage and push me, I would have most definitely gone to the top. It’s amazing when we can do with our partner’s support. I’d realized just how much I missed him.
By the time I got to the bobsledding track, I was already overly pleased with the day. Smiling, I jumped in the bobsled and listened carefully. We were given instructions, with the basic gist of hold on and try to keep your head up rather than haphazardly flopping about, and off we went. Our ice rollercoaster took off like a flash and zipped down the track at unbelievable speeds. Just when I thought, “This can’t possibly get any more intense,” we were thrust into another turn. Turn after turn, my head and body shifted from side to side. The G-force was incredible. Keeping control of my head was no longer an option. It was being pulled down as if an elephant was standing on my neck. I noticed my helmet was against the girl’s back in front of me but I couldn’t lift it up. It was a whirlwind. Insane. Complete loss of control.
How do they manage to keep their heads up? How do they manage to be in control of their body movements? How? How? Please any true bobsledders out there I’d love to hear from you. You are a God with impressive talent and skill.
Yet another surprise, I was given the chance to try it again. This time I had even less control. I was exhausted in the end. Running a marathon would be the equivalent.
I got in the car and rested my head against the seat. Filled with adrenaline and excitement over my adventure, I was ready to eat. It had given me a new appreciation for the sport. I’ll look at bobsledders with awe every time I see them.
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You go girl!!! Congratulations on your perfectly wonderful accomplishments. As my husband says,…”just do it!”
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Thank you! It was an awesome day that I will remember forever.
What’s your next adventure?
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Still, beats walking…
Congratulations on a day well spent!
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Thank you! I feel like I’m on the Amazing Race this week. Bobsledding, the Baltic Sea, archery, USA, Latvia, Austria… the adventures continue.
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Cool, you really love that place 😀
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It’s so amazing. I can’t believe how much they have to offer. I want to go back with my family.
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2 Kewl Lady… NOw Dat waz fun 🙂 …Q
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Wow! A rush indeed! I’ve always thought I’d like to try it–not at 125 mph though!!!
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What an exciting day for you! I was excited just reading about your day. I loved it all. You wrote about it with such passion and excitement. I’m so happy for you!!! 🙂
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Even two days later, I’m still in shock that I was able to experience so much in Latvia. It was a dream 🙂
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You have MAIL! That is one awesome day.
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Scared me just READING about your day!!
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Wow- how exciting! I always thought trying the bobsled would be fun, but listening to your experience, I had no idea that it would be hard! They make it look so easy- next time I watch Olympic bobsled, it will be with a new appreciation for how hard it is.
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awesome!
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You seem to live a http://www.OptimisticVibe.com lifestyle?
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Excellent way to live! The bobsled would freak me out! Great post!
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Lesley,
You’re like my husband—you have the Thrill-seeker gene in your DNA. He likes to have fun and go on adventures. We spend a lot of time in Ghana, West Africa doing ministry, which is another kind of adventure altogether.
Blessings and safe travels,
Kelly
Your daughter is a cutie. What a life she’s gonna have, rich with experiences and optimism:)
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That is so awesome! The whole experience! I would have passed out after so much stimulation myself. Kudos to you for really living your life and not just going through the mundane motions. I love your stories and adventures and hope someday SOON, I will have another to share too ♥️
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Very cool! How do I get adopted by you?
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I have my husband a bobsledding run for a birthday. Like you we was exhilarated and exhausted. I must give it a try!
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I’ve always wanted to go bobsledding! What an adventure! On the Olympics, it looks so smooth and effortless, and I thought if I were to ever be a Winter Olympian, I’d be a bobsledder. After reading your post, maybe not! I don’t think my neck could take all the jostling about! But it’s still something I want to cross off my list 😉
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Sign me up for the sled lol !!
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What a great experience! Thanks for sharing.
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I can’t get my head around that kind of speed but you DID it. Wow. Congratulations. You rock, Leslie. You DO. 😀
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What an amazing set of experiences you’ve just added to your repertoire! I never considered Latvia as a tourist destination really before, but I sure am adding it to my list now! Way to go, Leslie!
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For some reason, I’ve never heard the term “*extreme* bucket list” until now, but now that I have…I love the idea! Call it my all-or-nothing personality, but I think if you’re going to even bother having a bucket list, why not make it as daring and crazy as possible? If you’re going to dive, why use the baby spring board?
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WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!! One of my favorites of yours!
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Wow, I’ve always wanted to try it, but never had the guts to! Way to live life to the fullest…and fastest!
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Absolute fun! I’ve never done this, but oh wow! I would, given the opportunity. I really like your blog! 😄
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What fun! Cool Runnings! 🙂
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W O W!!!
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Wow, so envious of ALL the things you did that day!! So great!
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Wow that sounds like a great day.
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I enjoy watching bobsledding on the Olympics and after reading about your experience, I think I’ll just continue to watch it on TV. You have the courage I don’t have. You go girl!
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Now that is something I want to try, what a rush!
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Wow!!
Amazing experience! 😀
I want that too, and Luge too! 😀
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That bobsledding does seem utterly lunatic. It’s a wonder control isn’t lost of natural functions!
Archery is great fun. I have my own recurve bow, but don’t get to shoot with it often enough.
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Wow, That is definitely something that I would love to try.
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What a great adventure Lesley. I never really thought about the amount of G force the bobsledders were dealing with in addition to controlling how to move while sliding down an icy hill. You are so brave. 🙂
The castle and the history are amazing to behold. Great shots. Keep up the good work, you inspire me.
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Ohh! So you’ve been participating in the Sochi Winter Olympics! How cool 😉 No doubt you went for the gold with a vengeance!! lol 😉
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Fantastic!!
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Wow this is amazing!! I found a place in Alberta, CA that will let you do this so I’m trying to make a trip up there! Glad you had so much fun!
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Wow. Now that I know you can do this without actually being a bobsledder, I’m adding this to my bucket list!
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OMG what an amazing day! The archery and axe and spear throwing lessons sound great and that climb looks so high! I can’t believe where the bobsleigh track is – yikes! You are much braver than I, although I’ve always wanted to have a go.
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awesome. looks so much fun. i especially want to learn archery.
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I wasn’t great at it but it was a fun experience. I bet younger, school-age, boys would really enjoy the archery as well. (And girls. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.)
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