The buzzing of the power lines on the hillside were the only noise that accompanied me as I made my way up the dusty maintenance road. Not a single person would be seen for the entire day of riding and although mountainboarding is often enjoyed with friends or fellow riders, this time it was just me.

I took advantage of the quiet hike to think about a few things. I thought of my riding, of areas where I wanted to improve and specific portions of the road where I could attempt something new. From time to time I would stop and look down the winding dirt path and try to dream up how I would ride that spot when I came to it.

I took my time getting to the top but was soon as high as I could get. I set down my mountainboard and pulled my water bottle from my pack. Taking a seat between my bindings I took sips from my water while checking out my new view of the valley below. Although I was planning a fast and aggressive descent, the quiet moment was relaxing and soothing.

Soon however, the excitement of the ride began to creep in and overtake me and the still and the quiet were no longer what I was in the mood for. With anticipation of an awesome ride I strapped on my gear and threw my pack on my back. After pushing my feet into my bindings to that familiar “sweet spot” I ratcheted my bindings down a couple clicks, not to loose but not to tight- just how I like it.

With a sudden rush of energy I begin my descent. The quiet of the hillside was shattered by the sound of my wheels carving hard against the dirt below. The side of the road was lined with a steep embankment that was perfect for slashing. Huge clouds of dust hovered in the windless air marking my trail behind me.

Caught up in the flow of the ride, the long windy road seemed to come quickly to an end and soon I was power sliding to a stop at the end of the run. As the dust cloud settled and I stood back up from my crouched position, I reflected on the ride for a moment. It’s strange how sometimes the ride just sort of happens and it’s not until after it’s over that you’re actually able to think about what happened. That moment of reflection is what tops off the ride for me. It connect me with the sport in a way.

While we all love a good day of riding with friends, sometimes an epic solo slash session just seems to hit the spot. Taking time to reflect on what makes you mountainboard and what you most enjoy about it has away of defining you as a rider. It makes the ride all the more meaningful.