FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Germany, Wok Racing

Mar 1, 2013
2013 / March 2013

I never bonded with my childhood sled. Unlike Charles Foster Kane, I didn’t give it a name, nor did I carefully preserve it as a memento of lost youth. For decades, it languished in a succession of dusty garden sheds until, last summer, I used it to drag a heavy load of turf across my lawn and broke it.

After 40 years of service, my erstwhile winter mode of transport was unceremoniously incinerated on a fall bonfire. Any similarity with the famous final scene of Citizen Kane was coincidental. My sled smoldered to ash under piles of leaves and miscellaneous junk.

So, this winter, I am sledless. And although it is many years since I last slid down one of the steep, snowy slopes near my home, the urge to recapture that simple thrill is beginning to stir. When the snow comes, I will probably gaze with envy at the neighborhood kids careening down the hillsides.

But wait. All is not lost. From Germany there comes news there is more than one way to get from top to bottom of a slick slope. It transpires that the perfect sledding vehicle languishes in a kitchen cupboard among my pots and pans — a Chinese wok.

The official history of wok racing begins in 2003, when a German TV channel had the wacky idea of sending various celebrities down a bobsled track in the eponymous kitchen tool. (Unofficially, it is likely there were earlier outbreaks of the sport wherever frat boys, woks and snow converged.)

The first televised wok racing championship was a surprise ratings success, not least because of the genuine undercurrent of risk each time a has-been or wannabe celebrity set off down the track. There were spills as well as thrills, ultimately resulting in a broken arm for the lead singer of a German techno band.

The following year saw the first of eight world championships (and counting) for legendary luge star Georg Hackl, who sped down the fearsome bobsled track at Innsbruck with a degree of serious intent that transcended the absurdity of his means of conveyance. Suddenly, wok racing was a proper sport.

The annual Wok World Championship now attracts sponsors and competitors from across Europe. The latest edition is being held on the Olympic training run at Oberhof. Most of the competitors have dedicated racing woks, smoothly fashioned from aluminum and obsessively polished to minimize friction on the ice.

Although conceived as a joke, the laughing ends when the races begin. Bobsled tracks are notoriously dangerous. Competitors must judge their line and balance to perfection. Disaster is always just a split second away.

In 2009, on the track at Winterberg, Georg Hackl recorded a speed of 65 mph. At that velocity, it doesn’t matter if your transport is a sled, a luge or a cooking pan. It is the only thing separating your backside from the ice.

Convinced a wok is a worthy replacement for my sled, I took mine out of the cupboard in preparation for the snow season. But there was a problem.

Over the past few years, I employed the wok in its primary purpose once or twice a week. The base is blackened from the heat of the cooker — though a bit of washing followed by a good polish would sort that out. The inside is stained from the oil of a thousand stir-fries — but that, too, can be cleaned.

The accumulated calories of those stir-fries are the real obstacle. Yes, I have a wok. Unfortunately, as a direct result, I can’t fit in it.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jan 31, 2025

This Greek Island Has All the Culture and History without the Crowds

Have you ever fallen asleep wondering where the 19th-century musical tradition of Rebetika — the Greek version of the Blues — originated? Just in case you have, the answer is the Greek island of Syros. Music isn’t the only reason to visit, though; Syros, capital of the Cyclades, escaped the rampant development defining many destinations, retaining an aura of tranquility and a rich landscape reflected in historic churches, eclectic museums, ancient sites, a collection of neoclassical mansions and enchanting fishing villages with traditional white-washed buildings.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Jan 31, 2025

8 Restaurants Redefining Hotel Dining

Gone are the days of sad hotel dining options. Hotel restaurants are increasingly becoming hot spots worth traveling for. Add these eight hotel restaurants to your must-dine list.

Daily
Jan 31, 2025

New Gin Distillery Opens in Edinburgh, Scotland

Last December, Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches officially opened to the public, inviting visitors into its state-of-the-art distillery. Located right off the Scottish city’s Royal Mile, this new distillery blends history with modern innovation, offering four unique experiences.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

Daily
Jan 30, 2025

Hotel Lilou is More Than Just a French Countryside Hotel

Hotel Lilou, with an exterior in shades of peach and pale blue, is a local heritage site. Originally called The Hotel des Etrangers, this property existed in the 1800s before eventually being renamed to Hôtel du Parc. When the site was put up for sale in 2020, French entrepreneur David Pirone bought it, with the renovation taking three years. Redesigned by Paris-based Haddou Dufourcq, the property opened last year with four floors and 37 rooms, and immediately became popular with locals and international travelers.

eFlyer News
Jan 29, 2025

HX Debuts First-Ever Greenland Cruises

HX launches first-ever cruises from New York to Greenland, complete with round-trip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport. The new voyage departs June 21, Greenland’s National Day, with itineraries featuring dedicated flight allocations on United Airlines’ direct route to Nuuk (GOH).

Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems

Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.

eFlyer Reviews
Jan 29, 2025

AVA Resort Cancun Review

There’s something to be said for choosing a resort located close to the airport and starting your vacation quicker instead of spending an hour in a taxi or shuttle bus. As soon as my driver left the terminal, we could see the massive AVA Resort Cancun in the distance; after a mere 15-minute drive, we arrived in front of the resort’s curvy white, wave-like buildings. The all-inclusive property opened last June with 1,622 rooms in 13 categories.