My first trip to Lincoln’s Rhode Island Karting complex was to drive one of the racing cars around a challenging course. The huge complex has now added axe throwing, a sport that is catching on around the country.

When I compared it to darts, a popular pub activity, I was reminded that darts are for sissies. Axe throwing was the real thing.

CEO Pieter Martens assured me that safety was the primary concern at the Axe Bar.

“The sport is for people 16 and over who must sign a waiver and receive instructions from qualified experts,” he said. “And the ten throwing lanes are well protected.”

The cost is $25 for 30 minutes for groups of 2-16. There are special rates for larger groups and tournaments, and you can book a spot up to three weeks in advance.

We enjoyed watching young couples compete, concluding that the women did better than the men. They were more patient, listened to their instructors, and threw with more finesse.

Axe Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m., Friday from 5 to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

You can watch the Karts spin around the track from wall to wall windows and enjoy pizza and chicken wings from the Fuel restaurant upstairs.

Axe Bar is located at RI Indoor Karting, 100 Higginson Ave. in Lincoln. Call 721-5534 for reservations. Check them out online at www.RIindoorkarting.com.