#SPEED DEMONS FLAMES LONGBOARD SERIES#

Once at the starting line a gong is sounded and the racers are off! Nothing much has changed in over 150 years. “That can be a feat in itself but is all part of the fun,” says Sheehan. As in the original races, men and women ski separately, and participants must climb the hill on foot to reach the starting line. The racers must dress in period clothing, only dope from authentic recipes can be applied and “one pole only” still applies.

#SPEED DEMONS FLAMES LONGBOARD SERIES#

Building on tradition, three races make a series and are held annually at the Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl in Johnsville. In the early 1930s there was a small revival of the sport and another one in the 1950s. The sport of longboard races ran until the last race in 1917. But be warned, no modern fluorocarbons are allowed! Were Back! The speeds the dope produced led to slogans such as “Sierra Lightning” and “dope is King.” We will advise you that finding these ingredients today might be a challenge. “Some materials used to hopefully make a winning batch include spermaceti, a waxy substance from the brow of a sperm whale, oil of cedar, Venice turpentine, oil of tar, wintergreen, soapstone, balsam of fir, pine pitch, and even one batch maker used melted Edison cylindrical records. Some recipes have been handed down over many generations and are still a “secret. The recipes for dope were closely guarded as they are today.

So popular there were skiers who did the “circuit” just as they do today though the circuit has such descriptive names as La Porte, Johnsville, Jamison City, Poker Flats, Sierra City, Monte Cristo, and such.Įquipment is essential, but the all-important “dope” applied to the base of the skis was just as much a factor in winning a race as was the skier’s ability and the skis.

It continued for 20 years with organized meets of 50 or more participants, 500 spectators, and purses of $500 to $1000. It wasn’t until 1877 similar downhill events were held in Norway. For the next 12 years, races were held between various mining camps. Though not glamorous, it worked! Whether Plumas County has these bragging rights or not, Longboard Races were here to stay. A second “claim to fame” was the first “ski lift.” To get to the top of the mountains, racers hitched a ride in ore buckets. From China to Norway, but in 1861 the first organized ski races with prizes were held in the mining area of Plumas at Onion Valley between Quincy and La Porte. Skiing and going downhill fast has been around for 1,000’s of years. One Pole and a Rooster Tail Downhill Racing Was Born

Speed demons flames longboard