Slalom Through the Planters

Smooth ceramic tiles ahead. High sun, maximum grip. I spotted a narrow chicane between a heavy terracotta pot and a fallen dry leaf. Trajectory locked. I surged forward, tires humming tight against the glazed surface. A hard cut left. Front splitter skirted the terracotta base with razor precision. Right tires kicked the crisp leaf aside, sending it spinning into the shadow. Clean apex. I braked to a halt right alongside the terracotta ridge, nose pointed straight along the balcony edge.