Being Careful!

T'was a dark and dreary day at Bear Mountain. Even at noon, clouds blocked out the sun as unrelenting droplets of cold rain pelted all that lay beneath. Despite all the gloom, one hero lay standing. Mr. McCraig stood atop a hill looking down at the 20 foot ramp awaiting his launch.

When all hope was almost lost, McCraig dropped in. Leaving a straight line in the snow behind him, he traveled towards the menacing ramp. 10...20...30...40...Traveling at 40 miles per hour, McCraig left the lip.

McCraig was unstoppable. Equipped with a helmet and kneepads, the rest of the world didn't stand a chance. It was an attempt at a backside 360 w/ tailgrab. The execution seemed almost perfect. Traveling into to the clouds, McCraig disappeared. A terrifying moment.

When he reappeared, hope was completely lost. McCraig could no longer see the landing. Still spinning in the air,  he was left with no choice but to tuck in and brace for impact.

PFFFFOOOOSSSSSSHHHH.

Even from 50 feet away, spectators could feel the impact. Like a rubber ball, McCraig bounced in the snow a couple of times before coming to a stop. Face down in the snow, McCraig lay beneath the ramp. There was a pause to see if McCraig would get up...but...nothing...

When help finally arrived, they found McCraig with a dislocated shoulder and a concussion.

THE END.

That is the story of what happened to my friend this past weekend. Unfortunately, that probably isn't how people saw it. People just saw it as "OOOOO...AAAHHH....OUUUCHHH!!!!...Should have taken it slower, kid..."

I've seen a lot of injuries related to snowboarding and stuff, so I just wanted to remind everyone that even when we protect ourselves with the latest gear, it doesn't make us indestructible. It's about having fun. And rarely is it fun to get hurt.

When we went up to Big Bear for the weekend, McCraig had just bought a new toy: a butt pad.

 

I remember him constantly telling me: Nothing can hurt me now!

Before McCraig's concluding performance, I definitely noticed a bigger ego.
Only occasionally could he land 180s off the ramp, but when he told me he was going to try a 360, I should have done something. But you know kids... "If you don't make it, you're paying for my dinner." It's a shame he couldn't remember we had that bet...

so, moral of the story: if you protect your butt, you'll still fall on your face...take it easy and stay within your ability.