Volly Days 11-12 - Finally a Race !!

Hurray, we finally got a race off today, much to the joy and relief of all involved. What a great experience. For those of you who watched, carefully, you could see me almost every time a racer came into the Weasel. I know Jonah and Roanne saw me (They had un unfair advantage as I called them 15 minutes before race time to let them know where I would be standing).

Yesterday was a repeat of previous day, lots of fresh snow to shovel, rake, remove, lots of nets to raise, clean. Finally got off mountain at about 6 PM, but just as we were walking away from gondola base, we were called back to put in some B nets that are usually put up in AM, but FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski, governing body of alpine (and other) skiing worldwide) delegate wanted them up last night so they would get frozen into snow with overnight temperature fall. Also late PM there was a huge water injection program, to ensure hard surface for race.

This morning we uploaded at 5:30 AM, but had little to do except wait, watch inspection, make sure all equipment we might need was available, etc. And even during the race I had little to do (except watch!!), just one foray onto Weasel to fix the flag on the gate. Then cleanup and prep for tomorrow, got off hill at 4, so a mere 10+ hours on skis. As of now, plan is for 4:30 AM upload tomorrow for men's super combined (one run of downhill, one run of slalom, best total time wins), so bedtime is soon. Also I may get to work on slalom portion, which would be anice change.

Despite BC Labor laws, I have now worked 12 days straight, and although tiring, still going strong. More details with pics below.

Sunset from top of Men's Downhill (and still at work on skis!)

Water injection system. Fireman's hose coming from left delivers water under pressure to solid tubes (yellow). At bottom of tube are multiple nozzles. The red handles are to hold on to. Depending how much water needs to be injected, yellow tubes are help in one place for certain # of seconds, then quickly moved  a few inches at a time, down the slope. Yellow tubes can be connected in series to cover larger width of the slope. Result: concrete surface which racers prefer, assuming temperature falls overnight.

Night-time B-net installaton and adjustment

Most of crew at 8:15 PM or so after night-time B-net installation (I am second from left). The Olympic rings are just above finish line for alpine races, I am sure you have or will see them when alpine vents are televised.

Night-time view from hill looking down to finish line and finish area

View from top of Weasel (where I was stationed) looking down to large crowd of very noisy and enthusiastic fans. This was one of 4 or 5 areas where people on the mountain could watch the downhill, even without having purschased tickets. Limitations of pocket digital cameras is likely cause of digitized image (after all, it can't be the photographer).

A much needed rest at end of a long day, just waiting for instructions on our next job!! Luckily there was no more to do !