Dear Editor,

I always figured that if you lived in this town long enough, you would eventually get to write one of these letters and since my number has finally come up, here goes.

Last Loonie Race I was settled into my usual, comfortable spot of around 86th place in the field when I made what I initially thought was a minor pilot error. As I swan-dived into space, the view afforded to me quickly led me to believe that this would not be another typical over-the-bars tumble. The stump encountered halfway down the very steep embankment confirmed my concern. Before I had even skidded to a stop, I was carping for oxygen and a helicopter while being serenaded at full volume by a young lady with a very good set of pipes.

After that it got a little blurry. What I do remember was having three people by my side while we waited. I also remember it hurt a lot and it was hard to breathe, so I may have been a little panicky. To Leanne, maybe Amber and a third girl, whose name I repeatedly asked her for, but have forgotten anyway, thanks literally for the support while we waited for the backboard. To Councillor Grant “Dangerfield,” thanks for keeping me distracted for, like an hour with your wit and commentary. Even though the laughter hurt like hell, it helped pass the time a little more quickly. Thanks to the bucket brigade, the ambulance attendants and fire department as well as a significant number of others who deferred their dinner and beer to help haul me up the slope.

At the end of the day I came to realize that not only do these folks do this stuff every day, but that my little experience will in no way stand out as being particularly exceptional or difficult. Still, hats off to everyone involved because it made a huge difference to me. Loonie Races and care of the wounded are two things that Whistler does very well and should be proud of.

Dave Williamson

Whistler