July 31, 2019, 11:25 a.m. -  Luix

Talk about timing! I was discussing this with my shrink last week, how you both have to let the trail surprise you, and let yourself surprise... Well, yourself.  I found myself throwing my first six-feet-plus drop, and let's say it wasn't voluntary. I ran too fast into a blind corner on a trail I didn't know at the time, and upon realizing I couldn't stop in time to avoid the drop, I opted to mash on the pedals and throw it. I managed to complete a decent landing, and ultimately I found myself with a deeper confidence on my skills. The second run on that trail implied taking that drop with a lot more confidence and style. I turned 43 a couple of days after that episode, and even when I can't allow myself any downtime derived from crashing -you know, because of work, family and mortgage- I still need to venture into that territory where you know a mishap means a lot of nasty consequences. The key is to allow yourself the necessary room for improvement, while recognizing your actual state and limitations.