I got back on my snowboard for the first time in two years. Like riding a bike, my brain and body remembered the skills after a few runs. I didn’t feel comfortable, though, and nearly caught an edge multiple times. After three or four runs, I still wasn’t really having fun. If it had been a powder day, or warmer temperatures, that might have changed things, but the snow was crunchy (thankfully not icy) and the weather was quite cold.
Then I put in my earbuds and turned on Dave Matthews ‘Live at Redrocks’ album. I guess it was just enough distraction – I could no longer hear the snow crunching beneath my board, and a portion of my brain was keyed into the music – that it took the edge off. Each run after that was far more relaxed, which of course improved my riding, which of course made everything more fun.
Sometimes a distraction is just the thing.
By the way, the NB bus from Boulder to Eldora is my new preferred method for getting up there. No concerns with parking, no hiking across parking lots carrying gear. The bus drops off and picks up right in front of the Alpenglow lift, and it was super easy and comfortable. Buses every 2 hours each direction. If you’re headed to Eldora, definitely check it out.
johnny88keys 