Take the high road on introducing ATV and dirtbike riding to kids: safety always comes first and practice makes perfect.
As a family, we have always enjoyed the adventure sports of speed—skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, jet skiing, go-karting. So, when Kawasaki Motors Corp. offered an opportunity to test ride some of their new line of dirt bikes and ATVs (collectively known as OHVs, or Off-Highway Vehicles) in Montana, we jumped at the chance.
The venue was the spectacular 14,000-acre Bull Run Ranch in the hills west of Great Falls. That’s a lot of land, about 20 square miles worth of rolling hills leading down to tree-lined valleys, with mountain streams flowing into the Missouri River, in an area where the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery once camped. There are miles and miles of well-kept roads and trails leading through this extraordinary environment, which, over three wonderful days, we would traverse on a variety of vehicles.
Our hosts were the affable Joe Tripp and his lovely wife Leslie, who is part of the family which has owned the land for the past 60 years. Joe is a certified instructor for the Motorcycle Safety Institute, and was a calm, thorough teacher. (He has since relocated to become a Senior Editor for SPEEDtv.com.)
Getting the Family Started On OHVs
Both my wife and I had ridden motorcycles before, but we definitely needed a refresher in bike handling. Our son Regan (age 11) had never ridden a motorbike. None of us had experience on ATVs (the popular 4-wheeled all-terrain vehicles sometimes called quads).
In a grassy meadow by the ranch house, Joe carefully led us all through the learning curve, first on dirt bikes, then on the muscular Kawasaki ATVs. Joe likes to start kids (and adults) on dirt bikes (under 12 years on a 50 cubic centimeter (cc) model; under 16 years on a 90cc model) before letting beginners try ATVs, which have similar age/size restrictions. He recommends learning on the simpler vehicles to master gear changes and braking, and, most importantly, to learn respect for the dangers of the sport. My wife and I rode the 125cc bikes. Since there were no child-size ATVs at the ranch, our 90-pound son stayed on the dirt bike or in the Mule, Kawasaki’s industrial-strength, two-passenger, golf-cart-like utility vehicle, which he loved driving.
After we were comfortable on the bikes, and had surpassed Joe’s minimum standards for control and safety, he let us slowly test our chops, first in the driveways around the house and barns, then on the hard-packed dirt roads of the ranch. We then graduated to the thrilling Kawasaki 650 Brute Force ATVs which are powerful, stable, and well designed for the rugged Montana terrain. Regan happily followed along in the Mule, which never met a trail it couldn’t handle.
The Bull Run Ranch operation has now been taken over by another group of local folks interested in preserving access to the land and enabling OHV riding. However, due to astronomical liability insurance costs, as of 2009, the guest ranch operation only provides access—no ATV rentals, instruction or guidance. For more information, call Russ Ehnes (406/452-8815; monaehnes@bresnan.net).
Understanding OHV Safety
Having regaled you with how much fun we had, I now feel compelled to advise you against attempting to ride ATVs and dirt bikes unless you can get instruction in their use. The sports of dirt bike and ATV riding have a significant potential for danger. The ATVs are the most deceptive because they seem easy to drive, the four-wheel configuration seems stable, and the steering involves bicycle-like handlebars.
However, if improperly operated, these machines carry a serious risk of injury or death. According to the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute, almost 90 percent of youth ATV-related injury incidents occur when a youth is operating an adult-sized ATV (engine size greater than 90cc). Every child under the age of 16 should be supervised and should never be permitted to ride an adult-sized ATV.
Joe Tripp's Guidelines for Safe ATV Use:
· Suit up! Always wear a helmet, eye protection, long pants & shirt, and over-the-ankle boots. Dress for the crash, not the ride.
· Check it out! Perform a pre-ride inspection of your machine. Use the owner’s manual. If you will be riding in an unfamiliar place, obtain maps, regulations, and other pertinent information before you go.
· Prepare! Keep first aid, water, and repair supplies on your ATV at all times.
· Saddle up! Only ride an ATV that is right for your age, size, and maturity.
· Supervise! Children at all times, provide a controlled environment in which they can learn before allowing them out on their own.
· Slow down! ATV’s become less stable as speed increases and the chance of a serious accident is greatly increased.
· Park it! Never leave an ATV unattended unless it is in neutral with the parking brake set.
· Double Up! Only ride double on ATVs designed for it – besides, two machines are better than one – use the buddy system.
· Load it up! Avoid riding on public roads. If you have far to go, haul the ATV or take a trail and enjoy the ride!
Learning How To Ride Together
Proper instruction and careful handling are vital for safe riding. No one should attempt to operate a motorcycle or ATV without specialized training. No one should attempt o operate a motorcycle or ATV without specialized training. Courses are offered all over the country at sites sponsored by the ATV Safety Institute (800/887-2887) for ATVs and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (800/446-9227) for motorbikes.
If you or your kids want to ride motorbikes or ATVs, start near home. Take a beginner course near where you live and where rental equipment is available. Remember: size does matter with these machines, and there are smaller models built specifically for smaller bodies. Helmets and full-cover clothing are mandatory.
Your Off-Road Adventure Vacation
When you’re ready to take an OHV vacation, you will find several vendors around the country who rent these vehicles. Some will try to send you out with minimal instruction and safety training. Adults who have little or no prior training, however, should not go out without a guide.
One of the most popular areas for OHV riding is on the Oregon coast near Florence. There is a unique and dramatic dune structure that runs several miles inland and many miles along the coast. At Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, there are miles of ATV trails and several vendors who rent ATVs. My wife and I rode ATVs, while our son, Regan, then 12, was given his own mini-dune buggy, something like a large go-kart with a protective roll cage and governor/limiter on the engine to contain his speed. All of us wore helmets and goggles.
The dune area was full of other ATV riders; sight lines were limited and many riders in their late teens and early twenties were riding fast. Our family stayed together, and we imposed the ATV Safety Institute standard of safe riding. We had a truly great time, but we would never let a novice teenager ride unsupervised in this environment. (To read a full article on ATV riding at Sand Dunes National Recreation Area.
The South is big ATV country and the Durhamtown Off Road Park (706/486-4603) is an epicenter of Georgia ATV activity. Located about 75 miles southeast of Atlanta, Durhamtown offers ATV rentals for all ages (no limits), over 100 miles of trails, plus flat tracks, a Pee Wee Track ,and beginner trails. Safety equipment is recommended, mandatory for children, and is available for rent. If you want to settle in, there are cabins and stationery RVs available for rent. You can even rent Helmet Cams and Family Radio Systems for staying in touch on the trail. There are frequent races on the nine tracks, so you can see how the big boys do it.
Way out west on the California coast just south of San Luis Obispo, you'll find some serious ATV dune riding at Pismo Beach. Arnie's ATV Rentals (800/213-1590) offers a wide range of rentals for cruising the large expanse of beach and dunes (8.5×2.5 miles). Riding age starts at 6 (with appropriately sized vehicles), but children under 18 must, by California State Law, be accompanied by an adult with a Safety Certificate issued by California or another state. Most tourists will not have these, but an Oregon Safety certificate can be had by completing an online course. It takes about two hours and is a very good training exercise for the whole family in the safe use of these vehicles. To take this course, go to www.rideatvoregon.org, certificate valid for 30 days. The other alternative is take the whole family to a full class on riding, available nationwide through the ATV Safety Institute or 1/800/887-2887. Failing all of this, Artie's can provide a rider to escort you on the dunes, for a fee.
In southeastern Utah, you can go on guided tours through the Hurricane Sands wilderness on ATVs with ATV & Jeep Wilderness Tours (888/656-2887). Tours range from 2 to 6 hours and cost $105 to $250 per person, including equipment, helmets, and guides. Wilderness Tours is very cautious about untrained riders, particularly kids, and will only allow them to drive their own vehicles if they weigh 110 pounds, have prior training, and are at least 14. They do accommodate younger children as passengers on parental machines ($50/rider surcharge), or as drivers on a guide's ATV, for the full adult fee.
As with several sports (jet skis, zip lines, moped tours), ATVs are something unusual that might tempt you as a shore excursion on a Caribbean or Mexican cruise. An organized half-day tour is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to decide whether or not your family is interested in the sport, and they are widely available.
In Cozumel, Mexico for example, you must be 16 to ride solo with Cozumel Cruise Excursions on their ATV Jungle Tour. Royal Caribbean offers an ATV Four-Wheeling Adventure from Denali in Alaska with a minimum age of 16 as well, and requires a valid driver's license. Both are guided trips, with brief introductions to vehicle operation and safety, and safety gear provided.
Again, I cannot vouch for the quality of instruction or equipment, particularly because the Cozumel tour operators work outside of US safety regulations; use extreme caution on all of these rides. If you’re planning a cruise, explore these options before you go and do your homework – have all family members take an OHV beginner’s course locally if you can.
You can Google “ATV rentals” and find hundreds of listings. If approached with proper instruction and attention to safety, the rewards of riding OHVs — whether ATVs or dirt bikes — are substantial, and they offer an awesome family bonding opportunity.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.