Men's Downhill

The Downhill course was radical.

I balance on the steep wooded slope preparing to try to freeze this high speed action. The first indication of a rider on course is the distant ringing of cowbells and cheers from the crowd up mountain. As the din rises, it is joined by the hammering sound of the bike's suspensions bottoming out, and the racer flashes into view through the trees. He hurdles by heavily, on the edge of control, tires thumping over rocks and roots, grinding into the mud. I am close enough to feel the ground shake. Sights and sounds recede quickly below, a dust cloud hangs in the dappled sun.