Olympic Hopefuls

While watching the Winter Olympics I've often wondered how people get into bobsledding. It seems like a high barrier to entry in that sport. Sure, the sled's expensive, but the track is a real killer. It's not like there are a bunch of bobsled clubs around the country feeding the Olympic program. Luge is also odd, but that you only use a small sled seems at least a tiny bit more manageable, though tandem luge is a tough one. Where do people find partners for that event, and what's the appeal to competing in tandem instead of solo luge? Being the bottom guy on that sled isn't the marquee spot people dream of when they talk about being an Olympic hopeful.