pool , it is easy to convince yourself that it isn ’ t fear that is holding you back , but instead the rational , logical part of yourself convincing you to stay safe in the shallow waters . I am very fortunate to have a handful of people in my life that will encourage me to take the more “ risky ” option . The encouragement of even just one trusted soul is often all that we need in order to dive into the unknown and have faith that you will , safely , find your way back to air .
This last weekend was an example of that ; a little bit of pressure from the right person and I found myself alone on a trial motorcycle for the first time . I HATE not being proficient at something , which can keep me from crossing over into unchartered territory . I have stealthily , quietly , avoided finding myself alone on a moto-trials bike for the last few years – despite my boyfriend being a professional moto-trials rider . As fate would have it though , the stars aligned in Tennessee and an electric Oset bike was kindly made available for my use . No more avoidance .
“ Are you excited ?” Daniel questioned as I slinked toward him , decked out in his GasGas practice gear .
“ Yes … but also a bit nervous ” I replied with a small smile .
Within the first five minutes of being on the bike , I whiskey-throttled several times and managed to narrowly miss going head first into a log . But with time , practice and expert coaching , I began to get the hang of it . By the end of our fortyfive minute training session , Daniel declared me ready for my first Trial Competition which would take place in two days . The part of me that thrives off competition , and quite honestly , recognition , agreed .
That is how , after just two hours of time spent practicing maneuvering and rolling over logs , I found myself picking up a scorecard , ready to go head to head with some seven year olds on the four line ( the easiest competition line ).
“ You are riding in the youth nationals ? The YOUTH nationals ?” a little girl with curly brown hair peered up through her helmet , inquiring of me .
“ Yes , but trust me , you don ’ t have to worry about me ”, I assured her with a conspiring smile .
That was made quite clear as she cleaned her first section seamlessly , and I … Well , I didn ’ t . The name of the game in trials is to make it through a set of obstacles without needing to put a foot down on the course – this is considered a “ clean ” ride . As the first day progressed and I became more accustomed to how much power to give when weaving between trees or bumping over rocks , I began to find a sense of flow . I even started to have a lot of fun , beginning to see just how addicting
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 124