The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: January twenty-fourth, on a luge at Lake Placid.

This year's Winter Olympics may be happening in Utah, but here's news for East Coasters who get captivated by the speed and thrill of Olympic luge and bobsled races. Up in Lake Placid, New York, you can experience the adrenalin rush of hurtling down a mile-long tunnel of ice firsthand.

The U.S. Olympic Sports Complex bobsled and luge runs carved on the flanks of Mt. Van Hoevenberg rank among the world's most challenging courses. Once available only to elite athletes, now paying passengers can sample a sip of what is called the champagne of thrills.

Accompanied by experienced bobsled drivers and brakemen, mere mortals can rocket down a half mile chute of zig- zags and straight-aways in 40 seconds, at speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Self-directed, one-person luges allow more adventurous thrill-seekers to safely take solo rides. Experienced riders can register for the mile run.

And during those warmer months of tough-sledding, both bobsleds and luges are out-fitted with special rubber wheels, bearings and brakes, so that the thrill is there year round.

Mount Van Hoevenberg's half-mile luge and bobsled rides run $30 a person, and mile-rides $125, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Olympic program. Winter rides are run Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting. Wheeled rides begin in mid-April and are offered Saturday through Wednesday. No reservations are necessary for the half mile runs, but if you're interested in experiencing a full mile of pure adrenalin, it's wise to call ahead.

FMI For Lake Placid's U.S. Olympic Sports Complex information, call 518-523-4436 or www.orda.org

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