Split Second - by B.H.

Split Second

                                by B.H.

The sun beat down hard on our backs as we sat facing the boys on bikes.

Wheels spun and glistened in the sun like flashes of silver, temporary blindness making for some confusion.

Then the tricks began: slamming, spinning, off and up ramps, jumps high and low. Landing on two small wheels made for quick but precise decisions.

Smiles on faces and the crowd gathered to watch. All of which spurred the showmen on to demonstrate new and well rehearsed moves.

As Jeff gathered momentum on his scooter he made a couple of practice runs. Then he tried it for the first time.

Faster. Faster. Hurtling toward a massive concrete hill. Speed got him up and onto the hill. Then with a final push he flung himself on board this fragile looking home-made scooter.

Up and over; down the other side of a 13 metre ramp – not designed for scooters or skaters of course.

The crowd held their breath as they realised the guts it took the eight year old to even attempt this.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Too late!

Flying down at excessive speed, Jeff appeared to be airborne.

To Jeff the bottom seemed a long way off. His heart was in his throat, his hands stuck like glue to the bars. Wheels seemed invisible to the onlookers.

Once in the middle of the track he had no choice but to see it through.

Some faces looked worried now. Murmurs rippled through the audience. Nobody said anything but everyone thought it: could he do it?

Jeff’s face was white and intense. His focus was absolute.

Thank God he wore his helmet. The end was in sight. He knew he’d have to see the run off through.

Then a pebble – one sole small speckled pebble! It lay in the middle of the track. Jeff knew any fast movement left or right at this speed could be serious. So he decided to jump it at top speed.

Split second. He did it! The crowd was elated. They’d hoped for the best – and it came true.