a 150-year time interval, further underscores the logic of conventional cycling wisdom. When everything is on the line, clipped in is the fastest way to pedal a bicycle.Riding styles evolve in the same manner that bicycles do, with longer periods of stable improvement, marked by short periods of rapid change. Downhill racing has been relatively stable for nearly a decade, but presently there seems to be a fresh wind blowing through the sport. Those who refuse to believe that there is a possibility for significant improvements in DH riding technique are asleep at the wheel. Where and how far today's developing skillsets will take the sport is up to the imagination and drive of the emerging crop of new-school athletes. As far as flats vs. clips go, therecalled his friendship with Nate fondly. He smiled, and the spark returned as snippets of adventures shared, close calls--involving both women and enemies--and drunken shore leaves dammed his surging fear.

He'd trusted Nate with his life dozens of times in the past, and he'd never been let down. Time erased the friendship, but the loyalty remained.

He wavered.

"Can I think it over?"

"Sure. I need to stretch my legs anyway." Nate stood. "I'll be back in twenty minutes."

"Twenty minutes?"

"I'd prefer only five, but I'm trying to be understanding of your situation." Nate wrapped his thick hands around the door frame. "I'll be back in twenty. Think fast."

* * * *

John paced his office. He licked his dry lips and tried to ignore the tight ball of fear in his stomach.

He didn't