The flag came down and suddenly everyone around me exploded into motion - everyone except me. I sat there for a split second, confused and panicked, watching as seven other motorcycles shot forward like rockets while I remained frozen at the starting line.

Move! my brain screamed. Why aren't you moving?

I twisted the throttle, but nothing happened. The engine sputtered and died, leaving me sitting on a silent bike while the roar of the other racers faded into the ...