I recently spent a week at Malmstrom AFB training new SKIDCAR instructors. It was -17 degrees in Montana and upon arrival I was trying to stay warm in the HumVee as best I could (“What do you mean there are no seat heaters?”) which was keeping me very busy… Busy stuffing heat packs in my shoes and back pants pockets, busy whining about all the holes in the roof and floorboard, and busy trying to duct tape those holes to stop the incessant cold air and snow from coming in.
But if you ever think today’s young Air Force personnel are not committed to training the younger generation coming into the service, I am here to tell you these kids are full of the “Right Stuff”! I was absolutely humbled by their energy and commitment to absorb the correct thing to do. They just wanted to learn how to use the SKIDCAR equipment to save lives. Concern over my impending hypothermia was quickly overshadowed by my excitement about the younger generation and their desire for driver training.
After a brilliant week with the new instructors at Malmstrom I headed for Lewiston, ID and another customer, Lewis Clark State College. The drive between the two was more than 200 miles in snow, ice, and ever-changing conditions. As I drove the Jeep without the SKIDCAR, I went through the same ESC on-and-off driving scenarios I use when we are in sunny conditions, a dry parking lot, and using the SKIDCAR. And I proved again that the SKIDCAR duplicates those conditions with amazing clarity.
Most importantly, I spent hours in practice of what we preach: that if you can concentrate on being technically correct, you can drive quickly, have a blast, and not endanger any other human being.
I utilized the techniques we as instructors are all trying to pass on; use of thought process, use of vision, technically correct use of the steering, brakes, and gas, stable platform, and not relying on ESC but rather trying to drive so that you don't activate it. Only going as fast as you would be able to stop within your line of sight as a speedometer. No over the perceived center line was allowed. No leaning on the snow banks as you passed startled drivers was encountered; only one solo, multi-hour stint behind the wheel, practicing the craft of driving, with passion, and without mistake.
With the help of Joe Bonamassa (Black Rock) and Joe Satriani (Crystal Planet) I cut 22 minutes off of the GPS arrival time. Seriously, no human or animal life was sacrificed in this drive. Given that the GPS estimate was based on dry, perfect roadways, the outcome was simple: drive with good thought process, using what we teach, and your performance will be more than adequate to get you where you need to be as fast as is practically possible. Plus, more safety and less risk is the reward.
The opportunity to drive "99 Miles of Uninterrupted Winding Road" in snow and ice-covered blacktop is something that is very hard to find. Over the years I’ve gotten to do a lot of winter driving in the North of Sweden. But this year on Lolo pass is unquestionably the finest and longest uninterrupted, long-distance, technically correct drive I have had in a long time, if ever.
I wish you all could have been there. Even the screamers.
~Dane
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