Long-term residents are fond of saying that Second Life is like Real Life, but faster. In the case of snails, that is certainly true. At Montmartre on Saturday, 11/17/07, Giant Snails raced for trophies and cash prizes. Kiwi Alpha, an experienced racer, said knowing the course and knowing how to do a ‘flipturn’ are keys to winning. The event was quite a spectacle with Snails six to eight times the size of a normal avatars. Spectators seated on bleachers seemingly attached to racers, follow the snail of their choice through acrobatic maneuvers. The course is a series of switch back turns, ‘flingers’ that catapult contestants and sprints. Race host, RacerX Gullwing is putting on his third anniversary race next Saturday. He promises a new course for the anniversary that may include cannons and water landing features. Random Cole, a master Second Life builder will help him realize the vision still in his head. News outlet Second Life Cable Network is adding $L5,000 of prize money for the occasion. According to avid fan Awenbunny Lisle, at least once a race someone cheers — as she did Saturday, “lookit that escargot!” Indeed, Awenbunny, lookit. The third anniversary race is set for Saturday 11/24/07 at 11:00 am SLT, 2:00PM Eastern. Montmartre (53,202,151) For iReports CNN this is Jim Sella.
Submitted by Jim Sella