Tales from the Trails
I dove into the jagged and rocky descent. Bombing over large obstacles and cleaning the some sketchy switchbacks. I stopped to make sure they were following. One rider caught up but we didn't see the second rider until we looked up and saw him face down on the rocks. Then, he got up but bent over reeling in pain. Finally, he yells that he'll need help as he held his hand. The first thing that went through my mind was that we would not be out until dark.
On one of the last sweeping corners, Brad's Panaracer Smoke tire slid off some wet roots, dumping him off the downhill side of the trail. I only saw his arms extend as he flew a short distance. I laughed at the irony of him crashing so close to the bottom, but Brad wasn’t getting up so fast. As I approached, Brad raised himself up slowly. His face had...
I stood for a moment in the sunshine, heart slamming against each individual rib as I tried to get myself back under control.
My senses abnormally sharp with adrenaline, I slowly came back to the present moment. The creek splashed merrily at my side, fiery paintbrush and wild tiger lilies leaning over the sparkling water. Trilling birdsong from the forest laid a comforting hand on my cheek.
It was hot and dusty and I was out of water at this point. The one thing I will remember from this ride is that Nason keeps going, and going, and going, and going. Then it keeps going again.
A contest to tell the best mountain bike story from the PNW High Country. Your tale must be based on an actual experience, but we encourage creativity. Submissions due by May 15, 2024.
Here we go for the last round of Tales from the Trails for the year, this time for the ultimate winter riding spot, Tokul Creek. Get your tale in to us by November 19 to enter.
