5 Seconds on a Mountain Pass

John Pelster and Dana Albert descending

“I’m sure part of our love of descending swiftly is the pleasure anybody takes in being proficient at something difficult. But I think the most compelling reason is that whatever else a fast downhill provides, it’s a release from preoccupation. Hugging the curves of a steep mountain road, we’re “in the zone” - completely focused on the matter at hand. The stressors that hang forever over us - work, family life, global warming - simply get pushed out of our minds.”

Read the entire 5 Seconds on a Mountain Pass story here.

Read all of Dana's stories:

Riding La Marmotte
Team Time Trial
T-Mobile Int'l: A Spectator's Eye View
Confessions of an Un-Doper (in three parts)
   Part 1
   Part 2
   Part 3
Return to La Marmotte (in three parts)
   Part 1 Preparation
   Part 2 Race Day
   Part 3 Notes and Climb Profiles
Interview with Michael Aisner (in two parts)
   Part 1
   Part 2
5 Seconds on a Mountain Pass
Red Zinger/Coors Classic DVD Release Party
Punish Me, Young Man!
Nevada City Classic - A Closer Look
Riding the Everest Challenge (in two parts)
   Part 1
   Part 2