Chapter 1: Falling Flat
By Jake Maddox
Jonah stood up on his mountain bike. He pumped his legs hard, building up speed. The wind blew through his hair as he sped down the dirt road. He liked the fresh air in the country, even if it smelled like manure.
“Hey, wait up!” his younger brother, Shawn, called. Shawn was riding behind Jonah. He was four years younger and four years slower.
I’m always waiting for him, Jonah thought. He slowed down to let Shawn catch up. “It’s really flat out here,” Jonah said as Shawn pedaled toward him. “I guess that must be why they call this place Flatte County.”
“It all looks the same,” Shawn said, a bit out of breath. He looked around at the endless fields of corn and soybeans. “Just farm after farm.”
Jonah liked spending weekends at Grandpa’s farm. It was fun to help with chores and visit. Even so, he was glad Grandpa let them bring their bikes. Out in the country, the best thing to do was spend lots of time outside. Gravel popped under their bike tires as they rode. A tractor’s engine rumbled in the distance. Jonah did a wheelie for a few feet before setting the front wheel back down. “I’d give anything for some hills,” Jonah said. “Anything.”
Back home there were parks with winding paved trails. Some paths led riders down steep slopes and through small woods. Out in Flatte County, Jonah could see for miles, but there was nothing to see. It was completely flat.
“Hey, Jonah,” Shawn said, smiling his goofy smile. “Race you back!” He took off, riding as fast as he could.
Jonah shook his head. Little brothers, he thought. He waited until Shawn was farther down the road and then sped after him.
As he rode, Jonah turned and looked at the trail of dust they left behind. It was fun to ride fast, but he wanted to find a place where there were bumps, curves, and hills. Jonah wanted to really test out his mountain bike.
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Adapted from Mountain Bike Hero, by Jake Maddox, ©️ by Capstone. Reprinted with permission.
Chapter 2: The Search Begins
Jonah and Shawn arrived back at Grandpa's farm, panting and sweaty after their race. Grandpa was sitting on the porch, a smile on his weathered face.
"Looks like you boys had some fun," he said, taking a sip of lemonade.
"Yeah, but it's so flat out here," Jonah replied, slumping down on the porch steps. "I wish we could find some real hills to ride on, like back home."
Grandpa chuckled. "Well, Flatte County may not have hills, but that doesn't mean there aren't any good spots to ride. You just have to know where to look."
Jonah's eyes lit up. "Really? Where should we look, Grandpa?"
Grandpa leaned back in his rocking chair, deep in thought. "Let me think," he said. "There's the old quarry on the outskirts of town. It's got some rough trails and small jumps. And there's also the old abandoned railroad tracks."
"The quarry sounds awesome!" Jonah exclaimed. "How do we get there?"
"It's just a few miles north of here," Grandpa replied. "I can draw you a map if you'd like."
Jonah nodded eagerly, and Grandpa went inside to fetch a piece of paper and a pencil. He sat down at the kitchen table and quickly sketched out the directions to the quarry.
"Remember, boys," Grandpa said as he handed them the map. "Stay safe and watch out for any loose rocks or obstacles on the trails. And always wear your helmets."
"We will, Grandpa," Shawn promised. "Thanks for the map!"
With the map in hand, Jonah and Shawn hopped back on their bikes, their excitement building. They knew their search for hills and challenges was finally about to begin.
As they rode along the country roads, following Grandpa's directions, Jonah couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. The wind whipped through his hair, and he could almost taste the adventure that awaited them at the quarry.
After what seemed like forever, they finally reached their destination. The old quarry stood before them, a giant rocky landscape full of possibilities. Jonah and Shawn parked their bikes at the entrance and took a moment to catch their breath.
"Ready, Shawn?" Jonah asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Shawn nodded, his younger face filled with determination. "Let's do this, Jonah. Let's conquer these trails!"
With a shared grin, the two brothers stepped onto the first trail, their bikes rumbling beneath them. They were finally about to experience the thrill they had been searching for.
Little did they know that their journey at the quarry would be far from smooth. Challenges and surprises awaited them, pushing their skills and courage to the limit. But Jonah and Shawn were ready for anything. They were determined to become the mountain bike heroes they had always dreamt of being.
To be continued...
Who is telling this story?
Jonah
Shawn
A narrator who is not in the story
Grandpa
The story is being told by a narrator who is not in the story.
Do Jonah and the narrator feel the same way about the country bike trails?
No, Jonah thinks they are too steep and the narrator thinks they are too flat.
No, Jonah thinks they are too flat and the narrator thinks they are too steep.
No, Jonah prefers more bumpy and curvy trails, but the narrator does not share their own opinion.
Yes, Jonah and the narrator think they are too flat.