In an attempt to assert my male dominance, I decided that I needed to be the fastest person down the mountain during the Google News Ski trip to Squaw valley last week. This was a mistake. Powder and testosterone got the best of me.
The group of most advanced news-team skiers started the day on KT22. Bombing down was fun, and (temporarily) care free as the mountain was covered in feet of powder.
During the morning, Granite Chief was closed due to avalanche warning. Come 11AM, after copious amounts of dynamite, the powers at be decided to open the lift. My cohorts and I managed to get on one of the first chairs up and were treated with large amounts of untouched powder. Curse and a blessing.
Blessing: The first 90% of the run was the most fun I have ever had on a snowboard.
Curse: I did a faceplant going way to fast towards the bottom, bruised a few ribs, sprained my MCL, and tore some cartilage in my left knee.
Nearing the end of the trail, I needed to turn in order to dump off some speed. Leaning a bit too far forward, my board began to angle downwards, and quickly shot deep into the powder. I took a dive (second one of the day). As I went down, my knee twisted left on impact, and my face made sweet nothings with the snow. The rest was a doctors visit.
Two days later: I was on crutches, painkillers, wearing a knee brace, and was checking into American Airlines in Reno Nevada. I was about to fly to New York via a brief stopover in LA.
Being unable to walk in the airport is awesome. You are chauffeured in a wheelchair from checkin to baggage claim. Airline attendants give you free upgrades, and flight attendants baby you. The ultimate in style. It was so enjoyable that next time I fly, I might just fake an injury to get preferential treatment.
A worthwhile experience because I didn't need surgery. Phew!
No comments:
Post a Comment