Sparkstötting!
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In Sweden, little old ladies do
it. It keeps them in shape and helps them get their errands
done. As a matter of fact, in Sweden, little old ladies really get
around! It can be done alone, but Sparkstötting
is a lot more fun to do with someone else and on special occasions, even
get the dogs involved.
Shame on you! I heard that! It's nothing like that.
Kicki Stecher, a Swedish maiden herself, decided a year ago that
American men and women should try it, so she opened Nordic
Kicksleds, and arranged to introduce the sport in snow country,
where people on vacation are always looking for something new and
different to try.
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| It's our lucky day, because her sister and husband, Gunilla and Carl
Curman, are visiting from Stockholm, so we'll have good tutors to get us
started. |
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Kicki, Gunilla and
Carl
Use the controls to
stop, or change the direction of the pano |
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Did I mention
it's our anniversary today?
What a ride we're I'm having! |
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Sparkstötting
is actually a sled with runners, and requires the skills you might use
to play on a scooter, a sled, and a pair of skis.
Commonly referred to as a Kicksled, the sleek
little toy gets it's momentum when the "driver" kicks off to
get it going. One foot rests on the runner, until it really gets
going, especially downhill, then it's a ride in the park.
As a rider, I felt sort of like a baby in a car
seat, but Dub insisted it was easier to push with me in it. What a
guy! |
| In reality, the weight of
cargo gives the Kicksled more balance and provides traction, especially
when fresh snow has fallen and is still fluffy and light. The best
place to play is on ice with a light covering of snow, although special,
wide runners can be attached to make it easier to get through the white
stuff.
All sorts of accessories are available for the sleds, including a
plow (!), warning bell, light for night escapes, a basket to carry your
groceries, and a child seat. You think this is just for
snow? Think again. It can easily be converted to a summer
toy with the simple addition of wheels! |
Use the controls to stop, go backwards,
forward, up or down
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Gunilla and Carl are right at home with their sister's
product. They grew up using it for fun, although many Swedes still
use it for transportation to do light shopping and visit their
neighbors. Nor would it be unusual to see a few of the little
machines tied up in front of the local bar.
Kicki has six models, all similar with the exception of
a new one she's introduced, the Monomed. Even Carl hasn't seen it
before. It looks more like a machete with a single blade, and
takes a lot more balancing skills than the traditional sleds.
Popular in Sweden for 90 plus years it's just starting
to catch on here. Skiers at Creste Butte, a ski area 'up the road'
is already embracing it as an aprčs ski activity. At the last
trade show, the monomed was most popular with snowboarders.
For us, it's an exhilarating way to spend a day in
Colorado's spectacular back country with a brilliant blue sky, sparkling
fresh snow and the cleanest air you will ever inhale.
And in case you're wondering, I did my share of kicking
too! It's an incredible workout.
If you get a chance, try it. It's a kick in the
park!
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Keystone is just over the hill
with some "icy" adventures. That's what's up tomorrow! |
 Go!
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