You had several choices for sledding in the Belmont Homes (
Luxor Gardens my eye). Kegg Ave. was steep and fast, but there was always the risk of cars. The alley behind Kegg was slightly shallower, but slightly longer. And then there was Suicide Hill (Duff Boulevard).
The more enterprising among us would start at the top of Kegg or the alley and make the swing onto Suicide. It was difficult to keep up enough momentum from Kegg into Suicide, so most trips went down the alley. The safest and easiest Suicide run was to bank right up The Old Dirt Road at the bottom of the straight. It was a shorter walk back up and afforded more runs through the evening. (As mentioned in another thread, we didn't get many school closures back then, so most of our sledding took place in the evening.)
If you were determined to shoot the hill, after passing the Dirt Road, you had to negotiate a broad 90 degree turn or risk flying off into space. I remember at least 2 kids who disappeared over that bank and were never heard from again. Finally, approaching the bottom of Suicide, you had to pray you could stop or risk gliding into traffic coming up or down Hogback Road. (Right-click to enlarge)
Kegg Avenue from the bottom:
Kegg from the top:
From the bottom of the alley:
From the top:
From the top of Suicide Hill:
The bottom of Suicide Hill:
Watch Out!! Somebdy's coming up Hogback!
I never sledded behind 'Binders, but I did get my first drunk back there on Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill. Course, it was still the Belmont Gardens back then.
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