REVELSTOKE, B.C. Revving up family fun A physical disability couldn't stop this youngster from having a blast in Revelstoke with his friends and family on March 4, 2007 by CAL RAKACH
SLED HEADS: Thunderstruck 5 riders Dan Davidoff (L) and Randy Swenson (R) met Liam Francis (centre) at last year's Snowmobile and ATV Show in Calgary, AB; riding with these sledding stars was a dream come true for Liam, who suffers from general dystonia and is confined to a wheelchair. —photo courtesy Cal Rakach
It all started at the 2006 Alberta Snowmobile Association’s (ASA) Snowmobile and ATV Show in Calgary, Alberta, with a charming little nine-year-old doing what guys like most—checking out new machines.
Liam Francis has been a regular at all the powersport shows that have passed through town. Liam, afflicted with general dystonia from birth and confined to a wheelchair, caught the hearts of Randy Swenson of Yamaha Canada and Dan Davidoff (the Krazy Canadian), both stars of Thunderstruck 5. A promise to take Liam out sledding on March 4, 2007, was made and plans put in motion.
The fun starts here
Something Swenson and Davidoff didn’t realize was if you get one Francis, you get them all. I’ve known Liam’s dad, Dave, his uncle Ken and aunties Denise and Val for some 30 years and knew this is the case. I also knew that with the Francis clan around, there would be nothing but smiles, sunshine and fun to be had.
Armed with sleds provided by Yamaha Canada, the infectious spirit of Davidoff, the whole Francis clan and a sky full of early March sunshine, we all descended on Revelstoke and headed up to Boulder Mountain for a family sled ride. The fun part of this day was not only taking Liam and his three-year-old cousin, Jordie, but also having the rest of the family, who have not had any experience on snowmobiles, let alone a ride into one of B.C.’s most spectacular riding destinations.
After the initial sorting out of machines and passengers and a quick safety talk on the operation of the sleds, we started up the mountain.
I was given the responsibility of Liam’s care and with the ample ergonomics of the big touring Venture sled, Liam settled into my lap like it was a comfy armchair. On the way up, we took the Veiderman Trail, which provided a spectacular vista of the Columbia River Valley and the city of Revelstoke.
Thanks to the grooming done by the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club, the ride was luxurious. This gave Liam the opportunity to relax and help the machine make its way up the mountain by spreading his arms out like wings, providing the extra boost we needed for the hills.
It’s play time
When we reached Boulder Cabin, we were treated to barbecue burgers and a chance for the new riders to try out the sleds in an open area. Liam got to drive the sled around and have the time of his life, and my son, Matt, was asked by Swenson and Davidkoff to accompany them into the alpine to check out the trail for the rest of the crew. A personal ride with his Thunderstruck heroes gave Matt bragging rights for back home in Sundre, Alberta.
Since the trail was groomed into the alpine areas, our group was escorted further up the mountain. Swenson and Davidoff did some hillclimbing and deep snow displays to the delight of the crowd.
Addicted to sledding
Liam, concerned about his cousin Jordie who was sacked out and snoozing back in the cabin, felt it was important that I take him back down to keep Jordie company—what a thoughtful guy. Well, not quite; Liam had figured out that he can drive the sled down at the cabin meadow and after we did that, then we would keep Jordie company.
After the crew arrived at the cabin from the alpine and took some group pictures, it was time to head back to the parking lot. The day was a total success and the smiles continued into the night around the evening campfire.
Lots of memories made
Thanks go out to Yamaha Canada and Randy Swenson, Dan Davidoff and Tom Dickson, as well as the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club for this family event that will not be forgotten. Tune in next sledding season to Snowmobiler TV for coverage of this fun family day with Liam. The sleds were provided by Yamaha Motor Canada, RST Snowmobile Rentals and Big Eddy Sales, the latter both in Revelstoke.
On a sad note, soon after this weekend, we received news that during a medical checkup, it was discovered that Liam had suffered several hip dislocations—some that could have happened on our ride. He underwent surgery in May to correct this and will spend several months in a full body cast. If he had any discomfort during the trip, he sure didn’t let on. Our hearts are with you, little brother.
SOAKING UP THE RAYS: Ken and and Jordie Francis sport some slick shades due to the bright sun that reflected off the snow on Boulder Mountain throughout the day. —photo by Ken Francis
SLEDDING BUDDIES: Liam and his cousin Jordie couldn't get enough sledding. The minute the machine was stopped they were eager to go again. —photo by Denise Francis
PLENTY OF SNOW: Cal Rakach's son Matt and Ken Francis stopped playing in the powder long enough to get their picture taken. —photo
by Cal Rakach
HAPPY TRAILS: Dan Davidoff, Debbie Merklin and Cal Rakach, with Liam and Randy Swenson, take a rest on the trails. —photo
by Matt Rakach
THE CLAN: (Back row) Denise Francis, Jerry Wolton, Ken Francis, Cal Rakach, Dan Davidoff and Randy Swenson; and (Front row) Val Francis, Jordie Francis, Matt Rakach, Karen Hunt, Dave Francis and Liam were all smiles after their ride in Revelstoke.
SNOW MUCH FUN: Liam and his cousin Jordie had a blast snowmobiling in Revelstoke. —photo by Denise Francis
