Descent to the Rubber Tread

The fender curve gave out just above the wheel arch. I lowered myself over the sheet metal lip, planting both boots into the deep channel of the front tire's tread. The rubber was cold, ridged with heavy sipes that offered solid traction. Between two central blocks, a small gray pea gravel was lodged tight. I tested its stability with my heel. It did not budge. Crouching low within the groove, I used the raised lug as a steady chest-high parapet, looking down across the remaining span of concrete floor.