Yesterday was the big show-down, I entered the trails area and headed straight for "The Hill". Like a Boxer heading down the aisle to the ring, I was both nervous and excited. On the way I was pondering the advice given and had my ascent planed out from bottom to top. I circled the base reving and thinking, again staring down my opponent. With very little approach I new I was going to have to hit it hard to get into 2nd gear. A few last revs and off I went. The back tire spun madly and w/in the lower 1/4 of the hill I had not gained the speed I thought I would need, so I made a u-turn around a big oak where many others before me chickened out or failed an attempt. With a slight adjustment of my helmet, removal of my goggles,(getting sweaty), I started up again. This time I got into 2nd earlier, and to my surprise, no bogging, hesitation, nothing; I was into the higher rpms, over my handlebars, and face to face w/ "my hill". I past the "u-turn" much faster than before, and could not belive how fast I was going, dodging roots and rocks, I flew to the slight turn on the hill. I made the turn in 2nd but soon lost rpms fast - I was going down - literally. I broke from my state of fear long enough to downshift and headed for the top. Unfortunately I still had to cross the "bump" at the top with the almost vertical finish. Still in 1st, I went for the K.O.. At the bump, I started to loop my front tire!!! It was over, so I thought; from the darkest recess of my brain I heard a voice" feather the clutch" and I listened - and tractored my way over the top. After a much needed rest at the top, I headed down - which I never considered - this was the scariest part of the experience. Thanks to all.
Last edited:
