Pumped with adrenaline and dizzy from deep breathing, it's hard to concentrate. The brakes have to be tested. Riders are disappearing over a ridge. Since there is no passing room, you trail behind the slower bikes using the few moments to catch a little wind and to look ahead to a switchback . You have to pedal fast, kick up the gears.
Trees zoom by and leaves flutter.
The tires and shock absorber take in the bumpy roots and rocks. Brakes come on in short bursts for a steep drop then have to be jammed on for a right angle left at two big trees. There are three arrows nailed to the tree. Three means most difficult. Black is for down, red for up.