Blind Takeoffs

"Probably one of the gnarliest parts about what we do in mountain biking is the blind takeoffs..."
--Cameron Zink and Kyle Strait, G-Shock "The Descent" Part II

The moment before dropping a new line in any action sport- whether it be a jagged cliff, backcountry kicker, stairway jib or frothing reef- is a maniacal infusion of blissful terror and excitement. You've committed to the approach and there is no turning back. There are only two outcomes: touch down and ride out unscathed, or crash and hope for the best.

When we succumb to the whims of gravity, more often then not, we end up in the later scenario. With our brains as advanced as we believe them to be, one would think the first huck junkies would have weighed their odds and humans would have abandoned this ill fated practice all-together. However, there is nothing like the feeling of sticking a drop.

You're airborne, the world pauses and things seem to come into focus- frame by frame.  You see your natural environment, you recognize your bodily self in a state of suspension, a quick breath rushes through your pipes and into your lungs, your heart beats once.. maybe twice...

Then, all at once, you find your feet firmly planted on the board, pedals or otherwise. With a fresh infusion of adrenaline surging from your eyes, ears and nose, you realize that you made it.

These are the moments that remind us that we are alive.