STOP, DROP AND ROLL
My first ever big wipeout happened today, and all I can say is I’m glad it was dark and no one saw!
Lately, I’ve been practising various skills on my bike in preparation for some upcoming races (which I’m new to). On this particular ride, I figured I’d head to a small fort near where I live. It’s surrounded by small hills, rocky areas and one steep slope. Perfect for practising on, right? I soon got used to riding up and down the smaller hills, and decided to head over towards the biggest and steepest slope, which I remember wanting to ride as a kid, but didn’t have the guts.
The approach was a little tricky, over loose stones, but that wasn’t the problem. I stopped at the top, got my line figured out and finally decided to commit. After a small runup I rolled over the top – and realised I was riding the wrong line. Stupidly, I slammed on the brakes. Before I knew it, the back wheel was lifting up, I was out of control and realised I was going to have to bail.
I got thrown straight over the handlebar. A good few rolls later I stopped at the bottom of the hill, looking up at the dark sky, taking in what had just happened and waiting for any pain that would follow. Surprisingly, there was next to none. I soon got up and went to grab my bike and check for any damage. Again, nothing.
The hill had beaten me once, but I’m no quitter, so I rode back to the top of the slope and hit my original line perfectly. Success! I now realise that falling o isn’t as bad as I once thought. Sam Le Poidevin, viaemail Crashing isn’ t always as painful as you expect( although sometimes it can be a lot worse–just look at our That’ s Gotta Hurt section !) and sometimes it’ s worth the risk, because rising to the challenge is a great feeling. Don’ t get cocky, mind –we don’ t want to be printing apic of you with a bent arm or sliced skin!