My chance had finally come. I'd decided early not to let my fear over come me. The mountainous pile of dirt, clay and rocks before me will either become the site of my ultimate triumph, or a natural monument that will forever remind me of my epic failure.
I approach the ravenous peak of raised earth, all the while taking careful note of the bikes speed and position. My body is moving with the bike, shifting my weight to where it's required, when it's required. It's crucial that everything is perfect. I make my way up the side of this colossus natural formation exactly as I wanted and the next thing I know the earth drops out from under me and I'm flying through the air. Being responsible for a piece of machinery at this sort of altitude. This must be what aircraft pilots feel like. I feel like a god. With one hand I could reach up and carve a path through the clouds above.
But there's no time for shenanigans now. It's time to bring this baby down. I focus on my point of re-entry and gently place my aluminium and plastic steed on the ground as gently as an autumn leaf falling onto a grassy field. Spectacular.
I approach the ravenous peak of raised earth, all the while taking careful note of the bikes speed and position. My body is moving with the bike, shifting my weight to where it's required, when it's required. It's crucial that everything is perfect. I make my way up the side of this colossus natural formation exactly as I wanted and the next thing I know the earth drops out from under me and I'm flying through the air. Being responsible for a piece of machinery at this sort of altitude. This must be what aircraft pilots feel like. I feel like a god. With one hand I could reach up and carve a path through the clouds above.
But there's no time for shenanigans now. It's time to bring this baby down. I focus on my point of re-entry and gently place my aluminium and plastic steed on the ground as gently as an autumn leaf falling onto a grassy field. Spectacular.
So I may have talked it up a bit. It was good ride none the less. My brother, another friend and myself all headed out to our super secret riding location and I got access to some tracks that were good enough to stretch the 450's legs on. I had a couple of wins and a few failures. My first "off" came at low speed trying to follow another bike which successfully launched over a bit of a ditch. I launched fairly well too .......... probably too well. I had to ditch the bike as it started flipping over and I commando rolled off the side. Low speed, no injury, and apparently I looked pretty good doing it. The second "off" came when we were heading home. Wide open dirt tracks with the occasional puddle. I had tried to lift the front wheel up going through the puddles more and more. On my last attempt I gave it too much and the bike flipped over on me again.
This one was a bit faster. Maybe came off at about 50 - 60 kph. I was smart enough to ensure I was wearing all my gear so although I am a bit sore and sorry for myself I came out pretty unscathed. Again, despite coming off it was a great ride. At least I'm trying and not just plodding around like a wimpysookylalaman. You've got to learn somehow.
This one was a bit faster. Maybe came off at about 50 - 60 kph. I was smart enough to ensure I was wearing all my gear so although I am a bit sore and sorry for myself I came out pretty unscathed. Again, despite coming off it was a great ride. At least I'm trying and not just plodding around like a wimpysookylalaman. You've got to learn somehow.
© 2013 Dutchy's Stuff
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Here's a quick reminder that'll appear at the bottom of all my little diddys. If you like it, hit the like button on this page and feel free to share it on the Interwebs with the Facebooks. If you've got a comment, question, or something you'd like me to have a crack at let me know. Cheers, Dutchy.
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