~~~~ Gravity ~~~~

Well ... here we are. Seemingly stuck to this rock we call earth, bound by some unknown force called gravity. Now before most of you run away from this post figuring I may be poised to go off on some theoretical rant about the forces of the universe ...hang tight. This is actually a post about my love affair with one lady of my life who has never failed me .... Gravity!

It is usually this time of the year when I walk past my Downhill bike hanging ominously in the garage. I sit and stare remembering all the good times we had, screaming down the mountain together. Carving out turns at breakneck speed, hanging on to the very edges of the path overlooking the cliff side below, all the while seeking out even more speed. Riding so fast (only due to pre-inspection of the race course) that you don't see what is below you, around the next corners, but having to trust that you recall which way the race course turns below when you eventually land after the kicker. Yes people I am talking about DOWNHILL racing on my mountain bike.

Now for those of you who know me, remember that this was a number one passion in my life before I got married, had kids, and moved to the great state of Texas. Amongst all of those reasons, I stoped racing both the provincial and national circuit for DH (Downhill). I cant tell you how many times I have woken up in the middle of the night, dreaming of racing again.

Well now that I am living back here in Canada, I am ready ... wait scratch that prepared... no OBLIGED ... to get back in the saddle and shred up the mountains with reckless abandon. I OWE it to the hills, bumps, jumps, stumps, and drops to come out once again and rip it up with all fear lost at the start gate. But wait ... there is an age old adage in the sport. It is well know that the top racers get significantly slower, even skittish once they have children .... well I can't control that my boy is always in my thoughts, but with some help from a sports physiologist I have come to realize ... it is all about calculated risks. Do nothing you have not prepared for, and are comfortable doing during the race. Prepare for every corner, know every drop, jump, or rock garden, and nothing will seem difficult.

So I have been in the gym for the last 5 months, and will be for the next 5 preparing. Training with the goal in mind. Every bench press, ball balanced squat, set of plyometircs, and even every yoga session will bring me closer to this prepared goal. Winning