RR: Stair Steps - the Ride of my life!

[OMR]

I woke up Sat morning, looked at the rain coming down here in Laguna Niguel and said to my wife, “What the hell… today is the day I’m riding Stair Steps!” This would be a day to remember. This would be a day that I would finally get this monkey off my back. She looked at me in disbelief, looked at the rain coming down outside then back at me for a long moment, and finally said quietly, “You need to do what you have to do. I’ll be there for you.” … What a woman!!!!

Nancy then decided to join me and take pictures to record this momentous occasion… I’d even thought about taking our faithful dog along on the ride. But this journey down Stair Steps would be mine alone to make. The push to the top of Stair Steps was uneventful and I soon found myself staring downwards. My stomach seemed to tighten up and do flip flops. I wanted to run and hide. But I was too committed to back out now. I slipped on my leg and arm shields for extra protection. My wife had positioned herself out of the way, camera ready. It was now up to me. I was ready.

Whipping the sweat from my face with the back of my glove, I took an obligatory Allison “over the handle bar” photo shot. Just before pushing off, I blew a goodbye kiss to Nancy. I could taste victory waiting below. This time Stair Steps was mine! Down I plunged… only my cat-like reflexes saved me several times as I jockeyed for position in anticipation of the fast approaching left hand switch back. Calling on all my San Juan Trail switchback experiences, I was able to kick the bike around and pull that it off and laughed out loud at my victory…. The bike was a wild animal beneath me now. I could hear the camera clicking off shot after shot. This would be my finest hour. I wildly thought that this shot should be in the upcoming STR calendar for all to see. I laughed again…. all too soon….

Unfortunately, my front tire dug for purchase coming to the bottom. I had made the rooky mistake of relaxing too soon. Lights flashed before my eyes and I realized that my wife had snapped a picture just as the bike landed on top of me. I tasted bitter defeat and knew that Stairs Steps had won again… but I would be back the next rainy day.

Stair Steps will soon be mine!

[allison]

That is HILARIOUS!!!

Way to lighten up the mood around here. That truly made me LOL. You da man, Gregg.

[Shannon]

You have a very understanding wife.

[Wrecker]

I love the glass vase in the shots--REAL understanding, loving and trusting wife

[foofighter]

bhahaahahaha I LOVE IT... i was getting ready to give one of those "grasshopper...you know better than to ride that trail during the rain...you of all people" LOL that's a great story Gregg!

[Dino Brown]

Much respect for (even) attempting the DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND "Stair Drop".
I knew you were a freerider... I knew it!

See you in MAMMOTH

[el_d00der1n0]

Don't you know better than riding indoors without your full-face helmet?

[mtnbikerfred]

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU KIDS!?!? NO DOWNHILLING IN THE HOUSE!!!!

[station]

HAHAHA!! That was amazing! I've never been down Stair Steps in Laguna so I was really fooled! Nice one!

[pinoiryder]

hope you didn't brake the any base.. But i salute your wife.. very supporting..

[Kid A]

nice, I think we found the next ST(ai)Rs newbie ride!!!!! so did u shuttle or ride it up

wondering - is it too late to add a pic to the str calendar???

[Pain Freak]

Loved it!!!

Can any of us try it?

[J_Sims]

That is good stuff right there....

Next time try the FUll SUSSER...