Discover PCF

In this episode - A Controlled Fall . . .

Summer is here; as you hit the hiking trails, let me suggest a technique you might find helpful or at least a challenge to try. I call it the PCF technique "Patrick's Controlled Fall."

If you live near any large hills, I challenge you to at least try this technique. I stumbled upon this during my adventures wilderness backpacking in the Sierras a few years ago. Of course, this is not for everyone; falling gracefully takes coordination and skill. Me, I'm able to practice the technique when hiking Daley Ranch in Escondido, CA.

During a recent Saturday morning hike, my conversation with Lori went something like this, "This may sound crazy to you, but training for this year's High Sierra trip, I'm going to practice my controlled fall technique to improve my decent pace; on the mountain trails."

Her response was, "I'll see you back at the truck."

"I'll wait for you at the bottom of the hill; we're not in a hurry."

Here's the procedure.

First, you will need a pair of easily adjustable; I prefer aluminum (or fiberglass) quality Trekking poles. A superb set of poles will have Quick Locks vs. Twist Locks and ruled markings, usually in centimeters (cm).

With a pole in each hand, hold them about shoulder-width apart to determine your correct length before descending, be sure to have the wrist straps attached. Adjust the height, so your arms are parallel to the ground, wrists straight, at about waist level. This is the recommended height for hiking flat terrain. For my height (about 5 ft. 7 inches), my preferred shaft length is about 130 cm. Now extend each rod another 20 cm. from that position.

As you begin your descent, lengthen your stride; (you will feel like you're falling at first). As each foot comes forward, pump your arms; the hand with the corresponding pole has extended in front of you at a 45-degree angle. You will develop a rhythm. It's essential to keep your feet straight and avoid pronation. This allows you to take full advantage of the non-slip tread design of your hiking boots. Using the wrist strap as your support, hold the poles loosely as you jab them directly to the ground. Keep your wrists straight and pivot the opposite pole into position as you stride.

There will be times that you will slip, don't panic; your hiking poles will prevent you from falling. This cadence allows you to descend rather steep trails at a fantastic pace. With practice, you will get into the "flow" of the exercise and make great time.

Now, I know what you're thinking; WHAT? This sounds crazy! Hah ha, Yes, Lori's sentiment exactly. If you are brave and just a bit crazy, give Patrick's Controlled Fall a try!

Disclaimer: The participant hereby warrants that they are physically fit and able to participate in (Patrick's Controlled Fall) without any undue risk. We are not responsible for accidents.

On second thought, maybe it's best not to try this ridiculous maneuver.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

The Who Was - Series

In this episode, the Who Was? - Series . . . With over 250 titles, Penguin Random House Books Who Was? - Series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Are you a bibliophile, an individual who loves and frequently reads books (a bookworm)? What is it that compels you to pick up a book? Is it the cover, is it the title, how about an interest in a specialized subject, or just - perhaps it's a whim? One of my ultimate goals with these podcasts is to reach a young audience. I've found that reading children's books is a gratifying and educational experience. Yes, even grown-ups can understand difficult concepts. To my surprise, both children and adults seem to appreciate the experience. With education such a hot topic in the news right now, we need to be reminded that whether it's going to school, visiting a museum, or online learning, the goal of education (both young and old) is to nurture an interest in learning. William Butler Ye

Big Apple, Big Charge

In this episode – Big Apple, Big Charge . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, your weekly dose of quirky observations and unexpected trends. Today, we're fresh off a trip to the Scaffolding/Plywood jungle, where we witnessed a phenomenon that will make you rethink your relationship with the humble wall socket. That's right, we're talking about New York City, and it's . . . wait for it — Free, ubiquitous electric outlets! New York constantly buzzes with traffic, jackhammers, honking horns, and helicopters. But what struck me most was the sheer volume of people glued to their devices while commuting and navigating the streets with hundreds of construction obstacles. It's like everyone's “plugged into” some invisible grid—phones, tablets, watches, headphones, earbuds, e-bikes—you name it. And that's where things get interesting. But, unlike our quiet suburban life, free outlets in NYC aren't exactly abundant. So, how do these New Yorkers keep their gadgets

What Time Is It

In this episode – What Time Is It . . . In the era before smartphones, let’s say we’re on a telephone call, and you ask me, “What time is it?” As a five-year-old, my reply is, "The big hand is on the two (2) and the little hand on the eight (8).” You would then say, "Alright, it's ten minutes after eight o’clock or eight-ten, right?" This is how we learned to tell time as children–remember? Well, what happened . . . During dinner last week in Westfield, NJ, a retired high school teacher told our group, “Did you know that children today cannot read the time on a traditional watch with an analog face?” “Why not?” we asked. “Because of smartphones and the proliferation of digital clocks.” “Wow! That’s hard to believe.” Welcome to this week's episode of "On the Fly." Today, we'll compare classic mechanical watches to modern quartz watches and explore an unexpected social shift. To begin with, let me take you back a few days. I’m a traditionalist and pre

It Runs on Steam

In this episode – It Runs on Steam . . . If you’ve seen Back to The Future III, you may remember Doc Brown's line, “It Runs on Steam !” Recently, I visited my good friend Billy in Westfield, New Jersey. Among his many other hobbies, Billy is a steam engine enthusiast. He proudly fired up his miniature steam engine and confidently explained its workings, which got me thinking . . . (Sound effect of Billy's steam engine whistle) Have you ever considered how environmentally friendly a steam engine powered by renewable energy could be? There would be no need for gasoline, batteries, diesel fuel, or Uranium-234. Imagine an engine powered by water—yes, water. I can hear the naysayers: "But . . .” Welcome back to On the Fly, where we dive into one of history's most fascinating inventions. Today, we're firing up a revolution – the Industrial Revolution, that is – with the mighty steam engine! For centuries, people relied on muscle, wind, and waterpower to get things do

On The Fly

Search This Blog