I was searching for the definition of "instantaneous" (in Spanish) and found two results:
a) Adjective: That only lasts an instant.
- momentary, ephemeral, brief, fleeting, short.
b) Adjective: That occurs immediately.
- immediate, sudden, automatic, fast.
I was looking up these definitions to see if my idea had any logic behind it. Now, it seems more accurate than I imagined when I started the project.
I’m usually part of the construction team for the “Downhill Urbano Guanajuato” event, which has taken place for over 15 years in the geographical heart of Mexico. I’ve been a part of this event for more than a decade. Typically, we begin “trail building” at least a month in advance, leaving the three days leading up to the event for creating the obstacles at the finish line area, which is located in the bustling historic center of the city.
Trailbuilding is something I really enjoy, Urban downhill racing is extremely stimulating for me, and the combination of these two activities is what drives me to be part of all this weird project. That’s why I agreed to create the track for the December 1st edition, which was also the national final of the downhill series. Even though there were only two weeks left before the event and I would have only half of my usual construction team, I decided to proceed. Yes, half the people, half the tools, and half the time.
Now, creating content is something that I find more natural every day, and I’ve come to enjoy it. I think showing how we bring to life a "puzzle" that will become a bike track is almost as important as the ride itself. However, in this case, with the pressure and the tight schedule, I didn’t want to waste time on making a timelapse, editing a video, or vlogging. I didn’t want it to distract from the project, but at the same time, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to document the process. That’s when I thought about using an instant camera, which made perfect sense for the endeavor.
If it’s not obvious yet, let’s remember that urban downhill tracks are ephemeral, existing only for a weekend during very specific events. The trails are alleyways, a drop can be from the roof of a souvenir shop, berms merge with the walls of houses or hotels, and in order for an event like this to even be allowed by the government, very particular conditions must be met. For example, when the last rider finishes their run, all the obstacles on public roads must be dismantled. Just as a side note, if the destruction team (before construction) is slow in their task, several unwanted situations can occur: inexperienced riders and pedestrians can get injured by the obstacles once the event ends, or the obstacles can be vandalized or stolen. Wood is highly valued in this town, and in a matter of minutes, what were once track structures are gone.
Returning to the idea of the "instantaneous," this track is built faster than it is used, and even faster, it is destroyed. This is part of the charm of this type of construction.
Anyway, here you will see the snapshots taken during these 15 days of activities, in which I traced, built, tested, failed, fixed, finished, shared, and dismantled a downhill track. This event is a reference for the national cycling scene, and the responsibility it entails motivates me to improve the track and myself in every edition. My friends and family were definitely the driving force behind these two weeks, and I don’t think I could have completed this mission with a smile without them.
The impact drill, which had been used in the past two editions, decided to retire on the first day of construction, which added more challenges. Additionally, the organizing committee asked me to reuse some screws from previous editions, which made the mission legendary.
We usually use portable power plants for tools that still use cords, but as mentioned earlier, fewer tools meant more problems. So, we had to use several meters of extension cords throughout the construction.
On the second-to-last day, with the finish line literally in sight, I had a fall that nearly ended the project. But it’s not over until it’s over. In this photo, I was smiling because I was almost finished, but the pain from the fall I had just taken moments before was still there. It still hurts as I write this, two weeks after that incident.
Even while coming from out of the border and just getting second at the pro class my friend Cody was ready to give a hand or two for the teardown chores.
