A Drive?

The engine’s screams were deafening, but I needed the extra rpms for what I was about to do next. The rpms were way above the recommended shift point, but I waited just a second longer. With van Dyk’s “Namistai” pounding into my skull from the speakers that surrounded me, I smoothly stepped on the clutch while shifting from 5th gear into 3rd, all the while tapping the accelerator to maintain the high rpms. Letting go of the clutch, I smiled as I had shifted from 5th gear into 3rd, without the slightest chirp or howl from the engine.

Sliding around the corner at over 80mph in 3rd gear was no easy task. Although its not exactly how you’re supposed to take “The Hill”, it can be done. When taking the hill at those speeds, you have to be unwavering in your decisions because some choices can cost you your life.

Rounding the bend, I could feel the suspension give a bit underneath me, due to the centrifugal force that was threatening to throw the car into the concrete divider. The 4 foot high divider ran right up the center of the highway, separating the northbound cars from the southbound cars. The tires hopped, but held onto the asphalt below me, as I flew around the bend way beyond the posted 40mph speed limit.

Coming out of the corner, I shifted up into 4th, then 5th gear again. The short stretch of highway before me could scarcely be considered a break because of the multiple 40mph corners that lay ahead. Over and over again, I double-clutched and held on as I slid through each subsequent turn.

Coming out of the 15 miles worth of twists and turns, I had made the run on “The Hill” in record time.

I shook my head and looked up to see a car full of high school kids hooting and hollering. As the light turned green, the driver stomped on the gas and they sped off. Crossing the street, I sighed and slowly pedaled my way home.