0 MPH
I mount my bike.
Both feet hit the pedals at once
as I launch myself forward
and shoot down the steep hill.
5 MPH
Lean forward.
Pedal harder.
15 MPH
Wind hits my face,
and my eyes blur.
25 MPH
Then 30.
I hit the first jump.
My wheels leave the ground behind
as I fly through the air
for two seconds
before I'm jolted
by a rough landing
back to Earth.
The excitement ends
when I stand on the brakes
and skid to a stop.
0 MPH
