Rodger Bivens
The first adventure of the season, Go Karting at Muscleman Honda Race Course, was held on Thursday, November 20, 2014. Sixteen club members participated and all sixteen returned home unscathed. Racing in groups of eight, club members zipped around the race track three separate times. Each race was 12 minutes in duration and involved navigating several hairpin turns and S curves and then blasting down a long straightaway which provided passing opportunities.
A number of first time racers, both guys and gals, made the attempt and the pre-race briefing by the course instructor made everyone feel comfortable in taking on the challenge. Only one competitor (the Group Leader!) didn’t quite follow the instructions and added an extra loop to the normal route. The go karts are close to the ground and handle very well, although steering requires some muscle—no power steering here. The karts are also limited in their maximum speed, so technique and handling ability are just as important.
Every race was a spirited event in which racers displayed talented driving ability, great tenacity and nerves of steel. Although karts were sometimes nose to tail or side by side, there were no spinouts or mishaps and everyone remained on the track. It was great fun and a successful adventure.
The SaddleBrooke Adventure Club has a number of other upcoming adventures planned to include paintballing, bowling, zipline/rope climbing, ski trip and sky diving/wind tunnel to name a few. If you would like to become a member of the club (dues are $10) please contact Len Kershaw at [email protected].