Inaugural toboggan time trials at Pokagon State Park, Dec. 1

[TSUenviroscigirl]

Bundle up, get a team, and head to Pokagon State Park for opening weekend of the Pokagon Toboggan Run for a new time trials event, Dec. 1.

The special event, which features the state's only twin-track, refrigerated toboggan run, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Teams will compete against a radar gun and time clock. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest in each division.

There will be four team divisions: (1) men's team, up to four people, (2) women's team, up to four people, and (3) family team (immediate family members, up to four people). (4) Prizes will also be awarded to the best, most creatively dressed team. This can be a team of up to four people of any gender or relation.

As with all tobogganing on the Pokagon run, all participants must use the state park's toboggans. Toboggan fees are $10 per hour, per toboggan. A driver's license is required for renting up to four toboggans. Each toboggan holds up to four people.

Participation in the time trials is free and voluntary. People are permitted to toboggan without participating in the time trials.

Prior registration is not needed. Teams may register after renting their sled. Toboggans may not be altered in any way. Time trial teams will have their choice of which track to ride once they get to the top of the tower.

Pokagon features one of just three known refrigerated toboggan runs in the Midwest. Since the mid-1930s this site has been home to a toboggan run that has been remodeled and improved over the years to provide an experience duplicated nowhere else.

Reservations are not necessary. Sleds are available first come, first served. For further information, please call (260) 833-2012. For further Pokagon toboggan run information, visit http://www.tobogganrun.com/.

The normal park entrance fee of $5 for in-state vehicles or $7 for out-of-state vehicles will be charged, or visitors can use their annual entrance pass. Each method of entry is available at the park's front gate.

Link to this event: http://www.in.gov/newsroom.htm?detai...=113_12784.htm

[james_t]

Mike Marturello from the Herald-Republican is planning to shoot video and photos of this event, and has been invited to take video while riding down the toboggan run. If all goes according to plan, we'll post the video sometime Monday afternoon.

[LuciusBeebe]

Oh man, give him the Scott Player style single-bar football helmet for his ride down.

[james_t]

I dunno...

mikehelmet.jpg

[LuciusBeebe]

Aw yeah, that's the stuff.

[LuciusBeebe]

When looking for a good image for an animated gif, came across:

http://www.visualeditors.com/apple/2...rk-marturello/

The resemblance is something else, no?

[james_t]

I believe that's Mike's brother.

[mikem]

I believe that's Mike's brother.

I believe you are correct, Mr. Tew!

If you do check the link about my brother, you will notice that he is A. Talented, and B. Not follicularly challenged.

BTW: The quarterback on my eighth-grade, Catholic league football team had a single-bar face mask. I must be getting really old.

[LuciusBeebe]

Not follicularly challenged.

I dunno... that Rick Springfield look could be construed as such.

[james_t]

I dunno... that Rick Springfield look could be construed as such.

The poor guy doesn't even live around here and he's getting drug into this!

[Hawk-64]

If Mike goes fast enough, when he takes his helmet off, do you think his face will be pulled back like the guys in the movie Spies like us?

[james_t]

Video from the time trials - including Mike's ride down - is now live:

http://www.fwdailynews.com/articles/...o/toboggan.txt