Jonesing for Adirondack Skiing

There is so much going on in the neighborhood that I really can't complain about the lack of skiing. This is a big year for top-notch, international winter sports competition here in Lake Placid. The uptick in action is based on the 2010 Olympic Winter Games set to begin this February just over the border in Vancouver, British Columbia. We are able to host many Olympic qualifying events because the State of New York has done a credible job maintaining the "venues" from the 1980 Olympic Winter Games to international competition standards. There are not many Olympic-caliber bobsled runs in the world. Speaking of which, The World Cup Bobsled and Skeleton wrapped up day one today, just down the road at my personal favorite venue, Mount Van Hoevenberg, where the the Olympic Bob/Skeleton/Luge runs are also located. I like the way the announcer's voice bounces off the mountains, echoing and barely audible, over to my place from across the road. The athletes start sliding again tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. These races are something special to see if you are looking for a fun weekend excursion. Tomorrow would be a particularly nice day to visit and watch because admission to see the race is free if you bring a nonperishable food item for the Lake Placid Food Pantry. The sport of Bobsled is incredible to witness. During a typical 60-second run, athletes reach speeds of more than 135 km/h and are subjected to over four times the force of gravity. I think this is why it is called "the champagne of thrills."
Notice I am still not complaining about not being able to ski tomorrow. That is because I plan to take some ski and snow medicine tomorrow evening at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts where Warren Miller's new film, Dynasty, is playing. The movie starts at 7:30 p.m., but a trade show and party of sorts starts at 6:30. There will be vendors and giveaways, and free beer from the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery. Maybe they will bring some famous Ubu Ale! Like his prior work, I am sure Miller's 60th movie has a very intricate and sophisticated plot line, but I have to admit, I'll be there for the visuals.