Why are we willing to accept the bumps and the bruises, the broken ribs and the internal bleeding, the concussions and the dirt eating? How is it they we manage to get up each time and step back onto our board? What is it that we truly crave?
There are many answers to these questions. Every rider has his or her reasons for their commitment to what may appear as insanity, but I believe there is one that sums them all up. One way or another we are all in it for the ride.
So now we ask ourselves what defines the ride? Again, there are many definitions, each one very personal to the individual rider. But today as I climbed the winding dirt road of the canyon, I had a specific element of the ride in mind. It’s what I call “forced commitment to ride.”
My usual MBS F3 Ratchet Bindings and Baseplates were not to accompany me today. I dug an old pair of Universal snowboard bindings out of a box and attached them to my board. The added strap and the highback support would keep me secure to my board no matter what. No matter how hard the wreck or how intense the carve, these bindings would prevent any accidental or intentional detaching from the board. Today I was to experience the forced commitment to ride.
The straps knocked against my board as I continued up the trail, and soon I was pulling on my dusty pads and strapping on my wrist guards and helmet. A twitch of nervousness sent a quick rush of adrenaline through my body as the thought of being trapped to my board came into my mind. I took a big breath. Then I let it out slow, calming myself the best I could. I tried to remind myself of the purpose of the experiment. By forcing myself to be one with the board, I would be able to accomplish what hesitation and fear might otherwise rob.
Finally I traded in my anticipation for excitement as I was strapped in tight and ready to go. My first hill was gentle with a nice run off leading to the next drop. I planned use it to get the feel of the new bindings.
Soon that familiar rumble of the dirt and rocks was vibrating up my legs as I gained speed. I noticed the added stability I had against the vibration that normally would have threatened my footing under a single strap. Carving felt almost effortless and I soon was able to shake my fears and embrace the ride.
Except for a slight discomfort that came from wearing snowboard bindings with shoes, the ride was everything I had hoped for. Many of the sharp curves of the canyon I was able to take at a greater speed that I had previously been able to. Hopping over the occasional rut in the path was no problem as the board simply followed me as I follow it. Twice I came close to catching an edge and going down but somehow managed to keep the flow. It’s amazing what the human body can do when you gently threaten it’s existence.
As I reached the end of my ride I couldn’t help but smile. I detached myself from my board and made the final walk to my car. I don’t know if I’ll make these bindings a permanent addition to my board or not. That doesn’t really matter to me I guess. The important thing is that I was able to enjoy the ride and learn a little more about why I ride. I believe that those lessons are the key to improving ourselves as mountainboarders.
