carola@justforfunsledding.com Brand new to justforfunsledding.com Keep checking back as this grows! Carola’s Corner : A Gal’s Perspective 01/04/09 Hello snowmobile fans! It’s me, Air Paquin’s corporate sponsor and pit boss. Also better known as “the wife”. Air Paquin ignited my affection for snowmobiles about 15 years ago. Prior to that my only snowmobile experience was riding my dad’s circa 1972 Arctic Cat. First and current sled of my own is a 1997 Polaris XC 440. Simply love it like a favorite pair of blue jeans and have no desire to upgrade. We did the trail riding and ditch banging thing for a few years before the hub got into racing. Now he’s addicted to racing and I’m his biggest fan. When Air Paquin announced he was switching from Sno-X to USCC in 2007, I told him “Great, ride clean and have fun…I’m not interested in journeying near and far for the races”. As it turned out, I joined him on all of the events except the first one and had a blast. While the 440 only ran 200 miles last season (sigh), it’s painless to admit that it was fun to camp out in the deluxe Coachman and share the hub’s enthusiasm for the sport. Check out Carola’s Corner for insight on the enjoyment of snowmobiling from a corporate sponsor, pit boss and “the wife’s” perspective. Until next time, get out there and ride clean! |
| 2/1/09 Carola’s Corner : Who said this was fun? Air Paquin had the fortune of having a two person pit crew at the Ada race as our friend and fellow snowmobile fanatic, Ski-doo’n Janice, joined us on the adventure. Our duties consisted of fueling the Phazer and taking pictures. We were instructed to take pictures of interesting things. My idea of “interesting” is different than Air Paquin’s. Still trying to figure out what that means in his terms?!?! If you have any ideas, please send them my way. The day after the Ada race the three of us ventured back and rode the track; all 43 miles of whooped out ditches, woods and river. The 440 hasn’t had that brutal of a ride or experienced that much brake application during our 12 year partnership. Pretty sure the 440 actually liked it. As for myself, couldn’t help and wonder: Is this fun? Had one scary moment just after hitting an approach and going airborne as there was a whoop approximately 10 feet from the far side of the approach. Thought it was all over with and closed my eyes waiting for the impact when the mighty 440 and I would case it. Miraculously we cleared the whoop, landed effortlessly and were on our way. It was a great training event for the Grand Forks race where we will make our debut on February 21. |
| 2/21/09 Carola’s Corner : The First Race Grand Forks, ND - After months of preparation and anticipation the day for our first race has arrived. The stock 440 is race ready. What about Carola? To my surprise, there’s a sense of calm while getting geared up, riding the parade lap and waiting in the staging area for the actual race. This all changes when we pass the green flag and begin whirling through the tight wooded trail. Pounding heart. Dry mouth. Tunnel vision. Limp arms which don’t obey the urgent command “Turn sharp to the left, NOW!”. We blow past a corner into a stand of small saplings. Get back on track and keep on trucking. Welcome a wave of joy upon exiting the woods and getting on the river section where the 440 and I feel at home running 80+ MPH. Sweet relief upon crossing the checkered flag. Whew, made it out alive! Getting back to my question from the previous entry, what is fun about racing? There are multiple things. The sense of accomplishment. Training for an event. Sharing a common interest with Air Paquin…my coach, corporate sponsor and pit boss. Honey, you’re the best! Will we race again? Oh yeah! |