For someone who has brazenly leaped off of a number of high bridges, attached by a bungee cord, or maybe via a static line on a rope swing, there is one bridge encounter that I will likely never forget. That once in a lifetime event may never be replaced at the top of my scary zone list.
While I take on challenges, largely, because I have type 1 diabetes, these random moments of madness can cause some temporary havoc with my blood sugars. Yes, zigging nerves can surge the system and raise blood sugars while anticipation can cause a serious lack of sleep the night before your irrational event the next day.
I have gotten better at planning extreme moments. They are golden times and so worth it.
The bridge set up is revealed in the photo above. A line is actually hooked on the opposite side of the bridge while the jumpers jimmy onto the concrete pedestal on the upper left of the photo. The ropes are strung under the bridge and hoisted up to the side where you would be testing gravity.
Matt doing the upside down
The Idaho Statesman would do an article on our type 1 diabetes adventure group (No Limits) with a story “Pushing the Limits”. Another excuse to jump off the Highway 21 bridge (Boise, Idaho).
This particular jump was more on the edgy side as it was not a bungee jump, which I was quite accustomed to.
It was not set up by the crew that I bungee jump with. It was a good friend devising a jump with static line (we did not have bungee cord)
If you do not leap with some gusto there will be slack in the rope and you will deal with that slack as you reach the point where you begin your swing to the other side of the bridge.
If you knock out a strong leap into space the swing is smooth as silk.
This is the lowest bridge that I have jumped off, which is more intimidating than higher bridges as you can see the river and objects below appearing much closer and more of a distraction.