Did Not Sink by George Mahood

Author:George Mahood [Mahood, George]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-12T20:00:00+00:00

After a couple of fun miles winding through thick woodland, we found ourselves out on the open moor once again. It was a stunning day to be out on Dartmoor, and a complete contrast to the relentless rain during the Dartmoor Classic a month earlier. The open moor felt a lot more forgiving for a beginner mountain biker than the rocky, woodland trails. There were far fewer obstacles, the ground was soft and peaty and wrist-breaking and nut-cracking seemed less likely. That was until we passed a sign warning of the danger of hidden mineshafts.

Despite the easier terrain, that didn't stop me from injuring myself again. We were on a fast and winding downhill section and came to a bit where Nick had stopped to wait for me. He had a smile on his face, which seemed to be an indication I was in for a nasty surprise. The grassy trail was bordered on either side by thick gorse bushes, and the path was blocked ahead by a patch of mud and a small, steep mossy mound. I had to make a split-second decision about whether to go through the mud or over the mound.

I chose wrong.

The mound was higher than it first appeared and when my front wheel hit it, almost all of my momentum vanished, and my feet slipped from the pedals. My bike came to a complete standstill, but, with the front wheel halfway up the mound, I could not touch the ground with my feet, my toes dangling aimlessly in mid-air. I toppled slowly sideways and face-planted full on into a gorse bush.

‘AGGHHH, SHITTY FUCKING FUCK FUCK!’

I emerged to see Nick doubled over with laughter again.

‘I'm sorry,’ he said. ‘But that was so brilliant to watch. I had a feeling that might happen. Are you ok?’

‘Yes, I'm fine thanks. You didn't think to warn me?’

‘Sorry.’

‘I don't think I'm cut out to be a mountain biker.’

‘You're doing fine. I want you to come mountain biking with me every time. It's hilarious watching you.’

‘Thanks. I'm glad I'm providing you with entertainment.’

‘Seriously, though, I've been mountain biking for years. It does take a bit of practice to get used to handling a bike on this sort of terrain.’

‘No shit.’

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