Outdoor Adventure Time!, Tuesday, period 1

[vdistinctive]

Class met at the Portalocity office, today, where Eliot and Parker waited.

"So we're gonna do somethin' slightly different, today," Eliot said, bouncing ever so slightly on his toes. God, but he loved having two functional legs. "Basically a field trip."

“We’ll be grabbing water, sunscreen, snacks and so on when we get there,” Parker added, looking pretty buzzed. “Hurry up! Last one through winds up in Budapest!”

"That's not true." Eliot really hoped it wasn't true, he was going to take the end of the line and he never much liked Budapest. "Parker, no sending anyone to Budapest!"

Parker snickered. Eliot, you just stay easy.

When they got through the portal, they’d find themselves at the beginning of the Virginia Creeper Trail, with mountain bikes, safety equipment, and extra supplies waiting.

"Welcome to the Virginia Creeper Trail," Eliot said. "One of the longest continuous biking trails around. It's got somethin' for everyone, nice scenery, historic railroad bridges, some easy rides -- and some sharp downhills for you speed demons."

“Okay! Whoever has never ridden a bike before, stick with Eliot. He’ll help you out.” She gave them her most manic grin. “If you have, super. Get set up!”

"That includes helmets!" Eliot noted, giving Parker a pointed look. "For everyone, regardless of skill level. Trust me, you don't want a concussion. They suck a lot."

“If they crack their skull open, they’ll learn,” Parker said with a snort.

"Or they'll die and you'll be sad." They should maybe not talk about students dying. "Which is way less likely to happen if you all follow directions and wear a goddamn bike helmet. It ain't dorky if everyone's doin' it."

Comments

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[spin_kick_snap]

That was a lot of enthusiasm! But, if there was one thing Kathy was used to, it was bouncing. And also bright sweaters of questionable tastes. In fact, she'd thrown several away that Mabel might have really appreciated.

"Hi," she said, giving the a girl a small wave. "Mabel, right?" Because of course Kathy had memorized the roster. She was a TA! "And no, I never learned. We didn't have any growing up and wouldn't really have had a place to ride them even if we had. Is it hard?"

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[rhymeswithtable.livejournal.com]

"That's me! And it's super easy," Mabel replied. "The trick is mostly just to move fast, but turn slow."

Mostly. 'Don't fall off' would be another good pointer!

"Or start slow, until you feel comfortable with going fast. Both work. If you want, I can jog beside your bike until you get going? Just in case you start to tip?"

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[spin_kick_snap]

"Aww, thank you," Kathy said, giving Mabel a smile. "But you don't have to do all that. You should ride and have fun. I'm not afraid of a little falling."

It would be kind of novel by this point.

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[rhymeswithtable.livejournal.com]

"Well, if you're sure..." Mabel reached into her pocket (because of course her skirt had a pocket at right that very moment, okay?) and pulled out a sticker. (http://d1nr5wevwcuzuv.cloudfront.net/product_photos/14615446/shark_20grey_20white_original.png) Which she then proceeded to slap onto Kathy's shoulder. "Bop! I believe in you!"

Mabel would be totally in your corner, Kathy. You could do it!

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[spin_kick_snap]

There was only one proper way to respond to that. And Kathy was entirely on top of that. She flashed Mabel a bright grin and a V-sign. "Thanks, Mabel. I'm feeling more empowered already."

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[rhymeswithtable.livejournal.com]

"Then my work here is done! But if you need anything at all, you know where to find me!"

She'd be the Mabel-shaped one. And apparently one of maybe two students in the class who knew how to ride a bike.

Re: Listen to the lecture/talk amongst yourselves

[spin_kick_snap]

Show off! You and your fancy, pre-existing bike riding skills. Kathy couldn't stop smiling at her. She would have liked to be half as outgoing and willing to talk to people at Mabel's age.

...That distant age, three years ago.

"Thanks, Mabel," she said. "I will."