Posted: October 12, 2008

We cycle the same loop on the Mt bikes day after day. It takes ten minutes to do a circuit I do three circuits per group. I could ride the circuit blindfolded I have done it so many times.

This time I am pushing it. I am getting huge air on every bump. Everything is perfect, I have achieved cycling Zen.

I take a sharp banked turn, there is a huge drop off coming up in front of me. I have the perfect line and I am poised to make record air.I might even try something fancy while I am up there.

The dessert has pig type creatures in it. They are called Havolina. I have never seen one during the day so have never thought about them when cycling.

I complete the final turn and hit the drop off hard. I have perfect air. I look at the landing and there is a giant pig ten feet behind where I will land. I panic. I fail to pull the handle bar high. I am going down and going down hard. I try to bail from the bike, but I am unable to get free. The inevitable happens. I eat shit and I eat it hard.

I don’t remember hitting the ground, but I am on it. I am in pain. The pain reminds me I am alive, but I hurt so bad I wish I had died. I am blind from the dust in my eyes. I have desert in my mouth I don’t like the taste. I can feel my feet and my hands but I am scared to move them. I am convinced my spine is broken. My ears are ringing, they too seem broken. I am very aware that there is a giant pig in the vicinity, and that there are 5, some what inept bikers and a staff following quickly behind me.  I don’t care about any of this.

I just lie there trying to collect myself. Imagining a life in a wheel chair.

“Is he alright?” I hear a kid. My ears work, that’s a start.

“I don’t know, he is not moving.” It is Vic the other staff member.

“What should we do?” The kid asks.

“I don’t know I am trying to think.” Vic responds

I am worried by this conversation.

“Should I get a stick?” A new kid asks.

What are they going to do with a stick? Vic is my friend I have nothing to fear about the stick.

“Yes get a stick.” Vic replies. WTF. A Stick? I hate Vic.

“Don’t touch me with any sticks” I find the strength to talk. “I’m fine I just want to lie here for a minute.”

“Take you time man.” He sounds very relieved.

I thank the stupid idiot. My hate is immense. Our friendship tentative.