It does nothing to help or hurt us. It only provides the means by which we may do these things to ourselves. The top is the transformation point. This is when killer climber becomes bombardier boy. This is when the seat of our pants meets the roof of our mouths.
Contemplation is for hikers.
Bikers don't need brains. Mountain biking is a Jekyll and Hyde sport, with one personality dominating while climbing, then giving way to another while descending. While climbing we are plodding, granny-gearing gentlemen and women. When we reach the top of the mountain and descend we are transformed into wild-eyed, slobbering beasts. For Dr. Jekyll, this split personality was a problem.