Jungle Mountain Biking

 Downhill Mountain biking in the Jungles of Guatamala with the ‘GLOWPUNK’ crew.

After the full day high altitude volcano climb the day before (see previous edition) there was only one man left standing from the ‘GLOWPUNK’ crew that still had energy to burn. Lieutenant Diarmaid Collins is as fit as the Irish military makes, and so was the perfect man for the day’s adrenaline filled adventures. We strapped a HD camera to my bike helmet with some duct tape that we got from a local Antiguan mechanic signed a legal disclaimer and jumped in the back of the pickup truck with our specialized off road mountain bikes and our local guide.

The pickup truck wound its way high into the volcanic jungles that surround the small town of Antigua, Guatamala.  We received waves and friendly salutations from locals all along the way. Our friendly driver stopped the truck at a small vista point high above what seemed like endless jungle. We dismounted, checked the camera and followed our guide along some simple trails to get used to the bikes.  When the guide was confident that we were comfortable on the bikes he cycled ahead of us as fast as he could pump his legs and  shouted over his shoulder. “Follow me,if you don’t fall off you aren’t cycling fast enough.”

Within seconds we were hurtling down the jungle tracks, dodging crevasses left by the recent heavy rains and roots revealed by temporary jungle streams. When you are moving at such speed your adrenaline begins to pump like crazy. You become super aware. Your mind is making calculations so fast so you don’t hit the tree or rock that nature has put in your way. I was feeling super alive and I was keeping up with our guide and Diarmaid.I relaxed for a split second and 'Bang!!!' I hit a rock.

Everything was instantly processed in slow motion. I remembered the legal disclaimer that I had signed just before we left base. I hit the ground hard and skidded towards the cliff edge. I thought about my epic holiday to date and the girl I had planned to meet for dinner that night. I was slowed by some jungle growth and managed to keep the camera that was strapped to my head from hitting the ground. The edge was close but I was still on 'Terra Firma.' I was alive, buzzing from fear and adrenaline and hungry for life.                              

       The cuts on my legs were more like good drinking stories than injuries. I pulled my bike from the dense jungle growth and made my way back to the track. There I met Diarmaid and our guide laughing.

       I guessed they had seen it all before and accepted my near death experience as part of the adventure, part of the sport. I noticed that they too had some scrapes and cuts from the day's adventures.

With a nod and some energetic pumping of legs our guide led the way again. Again he shouted his crazy mantra as he dissappeared into the jungle;  "If you don't fall off you aren't cycling fast enough."......

For video on You Tube enter "glowpunk jungle posh magazine"
or just click this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mojOVFjNnmc
There are lots of cool videos on there under the channel "glowpunk"

by

glowpunk