Life and a Mountain Bike

Would you rather die from being dragged along the bottom of the ocean or from flying off a mountain bike?  Can't decide? ...

Last weekend I was in Sedona and went mountain biking with some friends.  We had a guide named Simon, from Africa - sweet, calm voice (think Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting).  I wasn't too nervous - I mean I am comfortable riding on those green painted bike lanes in NY, how much harder can a mountain be?  At least there aren't crazy taxis on a mountain.

"As you're riding, keep looking far ahead, don't focus on what's in front of you - just like in life.  Keep your eyes at the end of the trail and only glance at the path for obstacles."  Ok Simon, I'll try that.

Next thing you know, my bike is slipping and sliding around the loose rocks and I feel myself flying through the air, landing on my shoulder and ribs, squeezing the breath out of me.  My head bangs the floor and I see a flash of white.  (looks a lot more graceful in my head, but I'm sure that would have ended up on America's Funniest Home Videos)

Simon said that it was the worst accident he'd seen.  He said I was riding really well, then when I started going fast downhill, I got scared.  That's when my bike swerved and I lost control of it and flew off.  As Simon said, "Fear is what throws people off course... though you must have a go-for-it personality because not many people will run full speed, jump and dive into a bunch of gravel"

So kids, the lesson learned from all this...

1.  Focus on where you want to be, not on all of the details in front of you;

2.  Don't let fear throw you off course; and

3.  It's ok to use your brakes.

Now that I've lived through being dragged along the bottom of the ocean while surfing and flying off a mountain bike, I'd rather die on a bike.  Drowning is not the way to go.  xoxo

PS. Thankfully, no jeweler hands were injured from this accident and yes, I have insurance.