So I was watching ESPN the other night and they showed video of something called Cheese Rolling. Trust me, you need to google this or search it on YouTube. It's crazy!! I'm always amazed at the things people will do for money, fame or sheer boredom.
The premise is people line up at Cooper's Hill in Gloucester England to chase a round block of cheese down and insanely steep and bumpy slope. The cheese itself can reach speeds of 70mph! The first one to reach the bottom of the hill wins. Because of the number of participants they actually have to hold the race in 4-5 stages, kind of like the playoffs.
The tradition is at least 200 years old and grows more popular every year. Injuries range from sprained ankles to broken bones and concussions. No deaths yet that I'm aware of, which is amazing considering that this has been going on so long. Seriously, you have to watch the video to appreciate how dangerous this looks and how pumped up (or bored) these guys have to be to do it.
Oh, I forgot to mention - if you're fortunate enough to be on your feet when you reach the bottom of the hill there are people waiting for you to help slow your momentum...by tackling you!! I'm sure this started as necessary convenience but if you watch the video you'll see a couple of people basically getting pile driven into the earth after narrowly escaping death coming down the hill. Hilarious!
Now, I must say that there are definitely people who have developed this into a skill. They alternate between running and going into a controlled roll or slide. Then when they hit a nice bump they use the momentum to pop right back onto their feet. Everybody else just kind of free falls into an entanglement of limbs and other body parts.
If any of you have done this or seen it in person...I need to hear from you firsthand - why would anyone do this? What would drive you to say "hey, I think I'll roll 200 yards down a cliff for a piece of cheese"? I'm not knocking it, after all the entertainment value is pretty high, I'm just trying to understand. I mean, I see perfect logic in chasing an orb of pigskin and ramming your body into anyone who gets in your way and then celebrating like crazy when you run over a little white line...but I'm not too sure about this cheese rolling thing.
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I completely agree with this commentary. What is the point of risking your body for a round of cheese that you can go to the grocery market and purchase?
ReplyDeleteHowever, on the flip side I look at it this way...why do people spend their life learning how to hit a little white ball into a little hole on the green in 4 shots or less?
Why do people spend their whole life learning how to drive fast in a left turning circle -- or learn how to change that tire in seconds?
Why do people ride a horse while bending down to hit a ball with a crooked stick?
Why do people see how many Nathan's Hot Dogs they can eat in 3 minutes?
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Let me guess...NOTHING was on TV, the wife was out, the kids were asleep, and you had no DVD's to watch? Oh, and the "Ghost of the Packers" came in and chained you to the couch with this 'cheesy' stuff on the tube? Geez - you're killing me. Thank God football season is back!
ReplyDeleteEveready06...yes, yes, yes, yes and no. The 'ghost of the packers' was too busy playing truth or dare with Brett Favre and Brad Childress. People do strange stuff. Amen to football being back...amen brother!
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