The Woven Coaster Launch

A thick, coiled jute coaster was resting upside down on the flagstone floor beneath the patio chairs! The spiraled rope looked like a mini target ring just waiting for a test. I bolted across the sun-warmed slate, hit the braided rim at a dead sprint, and planted both heels firmly right into the textured grooves. Twang! The stiff fibers gripped my baked boots and bowed under my stride like a taut trampoline. I didn't fight the spring—I pushed hard through my knees and let the recoil catapult me up to catch the lower iron crossbar of the chair, landing perched in triumph with a huge grin!