I grew up in a rural part of Eastern Kentucky. Where I am from, the question is not, “Do you live on a hill?” It’s “Which hill so you live on?”
On my bike, I was golden. I lived at the top of a hill, and the local convenience store was at the bottom. Got some good speed flying down that hill.
One year, some of my friends got skateboards. Eventually, I got a skateboard. I rode it from time to time. Never tried many tricks, but was able to get around my driveway ok.
One day I was feeling particularly bold, and I tried to hang ten down my hill. I stepped on the tail, kicked the front of the board into the air, put my front foot on, and proceeded to force the front down to enlist gravity’s propulsive aid. The board launched out from under me and I caboose-planted on the pavement. My skating days were at an end.
Was I on my way to a career on the X-Games circuit? Probably not. But I probably missed out on some fun times with my friends. I gave up after one bad experience. (more…)
