weekend on ice

[Bubba1]

finally unpacked from a very fun weekend at a winter driving school in northern New Hampshire. Beautiful country up there. You know you're pretty far north when you see lotsa "moose crossing" signs. It was 50 and sunny when I left Philly with my buddy in his 1985 Audi URquattro. (Think Audi Coupe GT with more power). very nice car. It's mostly stock except for upgraded brakes.

I was concerned there would be enough snow but my fears were calmed when we ran smack into a blizzard on i-91 about 100 miles from the hotel. It was mid evening with near zero visibility, and mid 20's temps, so everything was slick, but the old quattro skated thru fine.

The temps stayed below freezing making conditions nearly perfect at the school, held at Team O'Neil's rally school's north course. Since we were a few instructors short, my friend (also an intructor) and I did a lotta seat jumping, spending time in a variety of cars on a gigantic ice skid pad (with some fresh snow on top to give you some nice rooster tails when you hit the throttle). There were a wide variety of vehicles with all configurations. I finally got a ride in brand new Mini Countryman. I was amazed how roomy it was. The name Mini seems wrong. Some of the other cars included a few different Bimmers, including a 135i, a few 5 series, several 3 series, a Mercury mountaineer, a few subies, an old Mercury Sable, a chevy avalanche. Most of the driving I did was in the urq, which was delightful on ice, very easy to rotate (once I locked the center diff), and very torquey. I wouldn't mind owning one.

the school involved time on an ice skid pad, slaloming/braking/emergency avoidance exercises all on ice, plus some time trials. It was a total hoot. I only took a few pics, but I'm expecting a short video and more shots to come over shortly. If any of you are tentative about driving on snow/ice, this kinda course is well worth the trip.

Most of these pics were of my friend in the urq. He's emailing me some as well.nd:

on the skid pad on the first morning, getting rid of fresh powder on top of the ice....




on the slalom course:



random skid pad shot:



sliding with an old Audi 90 in the foreground


a FWD diesel VW (or should I say one-wheel drive - open diff) extremely quiet car for a diesel.




example of the dirt roads enroute to Team O'Neils. It was just beautiful up there.



more sliding:



whoda thunk an Avalanche can be a blast to drift?

[numbnuts240]

once again, joel rides through new england and fails to alert the locals. for shame.

[skydragoness]

Looks like so much fun! I doubt my Miata could make it up there with the snow tires I have (although the ipikes can be studded); not enough ride clearance. :P

Do they have cars you can drive?

[MinisterofDOOM]

This course should be mandatory for all drivers to get a license.

I just drove home through less than 1'' of snow and witnessed more stupid than my brain can accept.

[Bubba1]

Do they have cars you can drive?

Just the student/instructor's own cars. O'Neil has a bunch a rally prepped fiestas but for this event they only supplied the facility itself (it's an enormous property).

once again, joel rides through new england and fails to alert the locals. for shame.

Sorry. If I was alone I would have planned to stop.

[NolimitZ32]

That looks like so much fun, and I am so jealous, 1) of the snow and 2) I want the quattro!!!! I am in love with those cars.

[Jesda]

Escalades are usually so-so in bad weather. I guess when they're losing traction on purpose they do pretty well!

That's a hot Audi.

[frapjap]

I thought this thread was going to be about a cooler full of beer.

[Bubba1]

I thought this thread was going to be about a cooler full of beer.

that came after the sessions were over.

Here are a few more pics that were just emailed to me.

taking off on the snow covered massive skid pad. my job: uncover the ice by sliding around. (Twist my arm....ok)



nice profile shot finishing up from sliding. Got the wheels filled with snow and the side windows.



Random shot of me, this was on sunday about 30 minutes after we left for home. The snenic views from i-91 were spectacular.

[Bubba1]

someone got an action shot of me clearing the skidpad....

[numbnuts240]

The snenic views from i-91 were spectacular.

i was about to call shens, but i forget that the northern parts if 91 are nice. i could spit on 91 from my house and let me tell you, nothing about that highway is spectacular in my neck of the woods.

[nissangirl74]

someone got an action shot of me clearing the skidpad....

Would love to take a winter driving course. It's unlikely that I would ever need it, I just think it would be fun.

[4cefed]

I thought this thread was going to be about a cooler full of beer.

Actually Tim has a fridge full of Guinness. If you do well enough, you are invited to have one.

Tim O'Neil is one of the best drivers this country has next to John Buffum. I've had a chance to work with him at a few of the rallies. Two of my friends have been instructors at the school. He has an amazing skill set and is generous enough to share.

That winter driving class is one of the best bargains out there especially if you bring your own car. It's a deal because he doesn't have to repair his cars or re-grade the roads. Hope you had fun a learned a lot.

"The two times I've crashed the hardest, the driver began with 'Watch this' and 'Hold my beer' " - Tim O'Neil