When you're out on the trails, fear can be an incredibly debilitating thing.

I had no idea what was wrong with me yesterday, but half my ride was terrible. It all started when I was about to leave the house when I realised that my biking shoes were over at Andrew's. Ended up driving over to get them before rushing back down to BT. Thankfully, Hubba had gotten to there on time and I didn't leave Angie and Wayne waiting high and dry. Had prata for breakfast before we got to the trail for a spin.

On the very first slope entering the trail, I pulled a boo boo and picked the wrong line. Didn't make it up and had to turn round and have another go. Obviously, I made it the second time. But the boo boo didn't do much for my mental being. Suddenly, I felt a mess. I had this jittery feeling lodged inside my chest and every single up or down was weird. I was afraid. I started to pick the wrong lines, mess with my shifters and think about endo-ing. On one particularly challenging bit which I usually absolutely love, I did something I've never done before.

I stopped.

Angie was tearing up the trail and leaving us way behind. She bombed down the segment with Wayne hot on her heels. Andrew, on his single speed, tried to catch up whilst half waiting for his wife. I rode down half of the segment when my arms locked up and jammed on the brakes. I walked down the rest of the rest of the segment and wondered what on earth was going on with me that day. I was absolutely appalling.

My three ride companions were extremely supportive and encouraging. Perhaps I was having a bad day, perhaps it was all a mental thing, yada yada yada. I was so mad with myself at one point that I decided to just ride the heck out of the second bit.

And I did.

It felt really good. I cranked up the ups without stopping and let Shadow carry me through the downs, with some additional pedalling to pick up some speed. Channelling anger to the right place can really be so effective. The rest of the ride was great - Did some stairs without hesitation and a technical bit riddled by roots as well. I'd gotten over the fear.

I was back.

Meanwhile, Hubba is super duper impressed with Angela's 'newbie' skills. He says I wasn't exaggerating when I said she was a natural and he has never seen a newbie ride down the technical bits in BT ever before! He has thus delivered a message from the Jedi council that she is to become a padwan under my care, and it is now my responsibilty to ensure her continuance in the sport. I think Wayne's going to key in that since they're going again today anyway! What a pair! 'You've created a monster, you know,' said Andrew. And Wayne only knows this too well.

What fun!


she doesn't like her helmet


andrew and shadow


having a rest at echo valley


ok i look tiny


on orangela


sigh, i need height


droo giving angie some tips


*pant pant*


cycling up rifle range road


andrew and angela up front


angela and wayne


better than last week!


me and andrew