'Snowmobiles across the pond' to return

Not all of the snowmobilers successfully traverse the 660 feet of Othmer's pond in Coudersport!

Neal Klimek is planning a return running of the rollicking "Fastest Snowmobile Across the Pond" event on the former Othmer's Pond in Coudersport.

The competition is set for Saturday, Sept. 22, starting at 2 p.m. at the large pond off Park Avenue, near the Coudersport High School.

Klimek, a heating and cooling contractor, modeled his event after "extreme sledding" contests that he had seen on DVDs. Klimek arranged to use Greg Gooch's pond at the former Dr. Donald Othmer estate.

With word-of-mouth promotion, he attracted more than 300 spectators and about a dozen competitors to the inaugural dash on July 22.

Many snowmobile enthusiasts who attended the event as spectators, skeptical that a sled could stay above the water's surface on a voyage of more than 200 yards, told Klimek they plan to compete themselves this time around.

Snowmobilers must get a fast start on dry land in order to gain the momentum needed to stay afloat across the 660-foot-long pond, which is about 12 feet at its deepest point. Four-member pit crews stand by for each racer, prepared to retrieve drivers and their sleds if they fail to reach the finish line at the pond's opposite shore.

After about 15 minutes of draining the exhaust and carburetor, an immersed snowmobile is typically up and running again.

Registration will start at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $20. Each racer will be given three attempts to traverse the pond. Whoever finishes with the fastest time will win a cash prize. Spectators can attend for $3.00 each. There wil be live music.

Additional information is available by calling 274-8744.