Video: Riding a motorcycle down a bobsled course

You might remember the run from the Sochi Olympics. At least Rybalko did.

Sanki’s course was toned down in response to the 2010 Vancouver Games tragedy, which took the life of Nodar Kumaritashvili during a luge run. Although Sanki was made safer and slower than Vancouver, it was never designed for ascents, let alone motorcycles. Oh well.

Rybalko topped out around 55 mph, posing no danger to Olympic bobsled and luge athletes who pushed 90 mph back in 2014. The stunter might have posted a better time if he didn’t leave his side stand down, but that didn’t seem to be his biggest concern. “The main problem.” the video description explains, “was [the] frightening distance between clip-on tube and concrete wall.” I’d believe it, going by the video, and I’m not about to claim I could beat his run.

Of course, "what has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Back in 1981, “For Your Eyes Only” sent a motorcycle down a bobsled run, though that XT500 had spiked tires, machine guns, and its side stand up, all of which may have influenced its abilities on the track.

As much fun as bobmoto hillclimbs would be at the Summer Olympics, I see some obstacles to sanctioned acceptance of Rybalko’s sport. But I’m a little worried about your sense of fun if you can look at a deserted bobsled course in summer and not wonder, “What if?”