When it comes to tempting fate, I am consistently inconsistent. If snow is involved, I will never ever speak of blower pow to come, even if every weather forecaster on the planet is predicting it. I will never say, “It’s gonna be epic” unless I’m including the possibility it could be AN epic. Yet, 60 miles into a 100 mile ride, I’m more than willing to say, “How cool is it no one’s mechanicaled yet?” while my comrades throw water bottles and pumps before the dangerous words can escape my lips.
I tempt fate a lot, too, at least when it comes to mountain biking. I haven’t carried a pump in months (and haven’t needed it, either), but that’s another poll.
There may be no more superstitious group of athletes than those who play team sports, but outdoor geeks aren’t too far behind. We have our Ullr sacrifices and we pray for surf. We carry mojos and wear St. Bernard medals. But mostly, I think, we abide by the rule that talking about it — conditions, performance, equipment, or luck — jinxes it. Predicting evening glassoff means it won’t. Citing a blueby weather forecast guarantees greybird. Spraying about faceshots leads to windslab and rime. Mechanicals? What are ya, boy, daft? Shut yer pie hole before all our bikes break.
For this week’s poll, though, there’s no middle ground. You either are superstitious or you aren’t. In the end, I realize I’m not. My hesitancy around snow comes from experience more than trying to avoid bad juju — I know that no matter what anyone says or thinks, Mother Nature does what she wants, so why set yourself up? And when you realize you aren’t superstitious, it’s hell of a lot of fun pimping those who are.
It’s gonna be epic!
WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING!
This week, one poll participant will receive Smith Optic’s Tactic sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) — all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, October 28, at midnight PST.
Congratulations to @Chuck, winner of the Tactics!
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{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }
Not as much as I was when I was playing organized sports in high school but yes.
Just a little and mostly because it is fun. I do love the (related) frustration of when people get really mad about other people hoping for some type of weather. My city-slicker friends all get mad at me when I’m telling everybody how much I’m itching for snow. As it turns out, the weather doesn’t give a damn what we want. (But seriously, I want snow.)
Maybe if I become superstitious I can control Mother Nature. Doubt it. But one can always try.
Like the author, I will tempt fate just to annoy my friends by saying how awesome it’s going to be or saying we really lucked out that….. when we’re only midway through.
I’m big on the idea that the Universe general will level all things out without my “luck” and also big into the Indian saying that everything works out in the end. if it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end.
That said, I carry two four leaf clovers that are laminated, picked within seconds of looking at the ground after the challenge to find them was issued to two good Irish friends (I guess the luck of the Irish is a true thing), everywhere. For bigger events I take them out of my wallet and give them a bit of a rub like a monk with a rosary.
And to quote the new Bud Light ads targeted at the NFL, “It’s only weird if it doesn’t work.”
i wouldn’t say superstitious more like heavy into rituals, routine orientated
No
Not superstitious in the least. I appreciate those rituals but I always forget to engage in them!
Not at all superstitious. I did have to put my left sock on first then my right sock before I felt I could vote though.
It kills me that I am superstitious (likely due to the many years playing team sports), but I can’t help it…otherwise, the not-to-be-mentioned epic winter ahead won’t materialize.
never say “last run”
I am, basically the same sports stuff.
I keep my eye on the weather until the very last minute, but try not to get my hopes up. Probably why a lot of my planning gets done a day or two before the trip.
I would say slightly so, more out of fu than anything.
no “last run”, but we might grab a beer after this one
I was slightly nervous to click no. Does that make me superstitious?
moderately so. Definitely try to not jinx chances of success.
if the universe wants your range tent to fill with rain, that rabbit’s foot wont keep you dry.
Is climbing a crack similar to stepping on it? And does it matter if you are leading or following?
No, not supersitious, but there seems to be alot of praying for good pow days on the weekends.
I’m all about rituals. A good day cycling and whatever I’m wearing becomes my new “Lucky Kit”.
Nope.
First rule of being superstitious, don’t talk about being superstitious.
yup.
only on the third Wednesday of months that start with J.
nah
No, but I hear superstitions are true whether you believe in them or not.
Rabbits feet aren’t so licky for rabbits.
Lucky.
only when it matters…
It is prevalent in team sports. but, I don’t feel I have picked it up over the years. Karma on the other hand is a different story.
the swell pushing in this weekend is going to be epic
a good song and dance won’t cure to fix the weather? strange…
i like to defy superstitions
I’m completely superstitious & I don’t want to be.
yeah.
I have a set of prayer flags that I take to every summit that I reach. Nothing bad has happened yet, and the flags are doing just fine. I also take one completely ridiculous item on each climb. I brought a snow disc up Mt. St. Helens once. My friend Sam went off a cornice but he was fine. It’s the prayer flags!
I’m not really superstitious, but sometimes I act superstitious just for kicks. Not outwardly, my for my own entertainment.
Every now and than it catches me
Definitely not superstitious, but I do put a lot of faith on my gut instincts. If I look up at a long runout and feel dark thoughts, I listen to them and go down.
I grew up with the superstition to never call ‘last run’ and that still sticks with me today.
superstition clouds the mind
Unfortunately, I am not able to influence the weather with the dumb things that leak out of my mind.
No, but I can see dead people.
nope. if it happens; it happens…
I’m definitely into my rituals. Maybe a little superstitious because of it but not too much.
Not superstitious
Heck no… There is enough to worry about.
…only if something goes wrong
Black cat…what black cat!
I don’t know if I’d call it superstition, or just a belief that what we think can effect what happens in the world. If you have faith that your prayers actually reach your god, then I’d argue you’re superstitious too.
Just alittle
Not as bad as I used to be.
Haha my buddies and I call it the “Jostens”. That feeling you get when things are running on fate!
Haha my buddies and I call it the “Jostens”. That feeling you get when things are running on fate! Dude I’ve got the Jostens, 10 mintutes later one of us has got a flat, a loose binding, or a loose gear.
I superstitiously respond to every poll about superstition in order to win the drawing. Yes, though, in sport, I am ritualistically superstitious.
I am also selectively superstitious.
After a 30 minute approach turned into a 3 hour bushwhack climbing trees over cliffs epic disaster and we finally arrived at the base of the wall my partner said, “Wow we made it here in one piece!” and I said, “The day isn’t over yet.” His face blanced with disbelief that the words had come out of my mouth and even considered going home. He is, I’m not.
I have routines and strange habits but not superstitions.
Hell yes. I’m worried something bad will happen just from taking this poll!!
yes, almost unconsciously i spit when i see a black cat……. thats about it, but its a carry over from childhood. p.s. i love cats
definitely not … although I went out of my way to not walk under a ladder last week …
when we’re feeling particularly romantic we are superstitious…
important things should be done outside…